Itchy Fingers

Time for something new

2011-03-30T01:31:00.000-07:00

As you've probably noticed, I'm not blogging here much anymore. My life has moved to a different season and the knitting and spinning is playing a lesser role.

In light of that I decided to start a new blog. This one will include the knitting and spinning but also the other things in my head and heart that I would like to share. There is no real aim, or theme, but I enjoy writing, and I enjoy sharing the things I learn and live. If you'd like to join me, please come on over!

http://ihaveitchyfingers.blogspot.com/

I've enjoyed meeting new people through this blog and am thankful that you indulged me all this time. Onward!

Tour Wrap Up

2010-07-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

So, here is what I got done during the Tour de Fleece 2010. My goal was not speed or to spin massive amounts. I had two goals... to spin enough for the charity auction. Check. And to try some new fibers/techniques. Semi-check.

I started out strong, teaching myself to navajo ply with some leftover singles. New technique, check.

Then I spun like mad for the charity event. Check.

Next I made an attempt to spin a sock yarn. It didn't end well. The drafting technique I tried was pretty much... daft. I completely over spun my singles. It was my first traditional 3-ply. Which was interesting. I found a couple mistakes in the plying. Who knew adding one more tiny strand would junk up the works so much? Anyhow, that poor BFL is bulletproof. It ended up with the thickness of a sport to dk weight but the yardage of worsted. Someone with small feet is going to get a nice pair of footies that will last forever. It's the center yarn, Bijou from the Zen String Fiber of the month club... a while ago.

Then I got distracted. A couple of people from the team I was spinning with mentioned their opinions on drafting Targhee. It was not favorable. Now, I was shocked. I think drafting Targhee is a dream. But I've only done it once. So I thought... well maybe it was a fluke? So I pulled the only bump of Targhee I had out and spun it. It was even dreamier than the first time. To each their own! The finished product is a completely lovely 2 ply worsted weight... the blue/black/purple number up there. It's delicious. It's Midnight View from the Selah fiber of the month club.

I have one item incomplete from the tour... Becoming Art, Gypsy Love, on Superwash Merino. This one I think will actually be a heavy fingering weight. Maybe a light sport. This is progress. I ditched the daft drafting and found some brain cells again so my singles are looking good. My plan is to navajo ply this so that the colors will pool. I've been dividing up the fiber in color chunks. Some are a little more mixed than the two showing on the bobbin there. I think it should be pretty neat. This will be my first whole skein navajo plied. So you see... I didn't quite complete this challenge. But I got close.

By the way... who thought flesh colored tile would look good in front of a fireplace? Do you see it there? Ick.

While we're talking about opinions on fiber... Merino, not my favorite. It's popular because of it's softness and availability. But it's not that fun to spin. I feel like my fingers have to inch their way along crawling on top of each other. No long drafting with this stuff. It's high maintenance. It makes a lovely finished product though so I'm not going to throw it out completely.

While spinning thin I learned more about my wheel. It has a proclivity to grab at the fiber every now and then. When I was spinning thicker I really didn't notice that. But spinning thin... it jerks it out of my hand and often breaks off my work. Annoying. I've been told I can troubleshoot this by replacing the nylon tension string with some crochet cotton. We shall see.

I also spent part of an afternoon giving a Lendrum DT a test drive. It was a learning experience. The thing I enjoyed about it was that the wheel had more inertia and therefore the spinning felt smoother. The biggest downside? My feet are so long they don't even remotely fit on the treadles. It was not comfortable. And I missed my delta orifice. Having to use a threading hook seemed tedious. I'm not used to it. My conclusions after this are that I may want to upgrade my wheel to one with more enertia, but I'll probably stick to a Majacraft... unless I fall in love with Bill's new wheel.

Bill down at Paradise Fibers has his own wheel in the final stages. He took me all through the Lendrum and told me it's advantages and disadvantages. Then he took me through what their new wheel will be like and it's advantages. He didn't have one in the shop so I didn't see or spin on it. It sounds very interesting so I'm definitely going to keep stopping by there until I get to try one. I definitely think it's hard to choose a wheel when you're a beginner. You really don't know what you like or dislike or how you like to spin. Now that I have a couple years of spinning behind me I do. My initial instinct on what type of wheel I'd like was pretty right on. But I think I got lucky. For the price, my Pioneer is a dream.

Tour de Fleece

2010-07-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, you read that correctly. We fiber enthusiasts will take any occasion for creating a knit or spin along. Oddly enough it's gotten me to actually watch some of the Tour de France for the first time. It's rather interesting. Of course the tom boy in me can become a fan of pretty much any sport. Four brothers will do that to any girl.

So far I've spun up a few items for another charity auction, and one dud.

Woodland in Spring by Mosaic Moon... is a gorgeous single ply merino. The colors told me that's what they wanted to be. When fiber speaks, it's best to listen.

I also spun a 2 ply BFL, Blooming by Mosaic Moon. It has the loveliest sheen to it. BFL is like that. So soft and fluffy too. Yum. The colors ended up pooling in the skeins... one is heavy on the green, the other heavy on the pink. Not sure why. It certainly wouldn't stop me from bidding on it!

The third is a superwash BFL, Bijou by Zen String (now Wildflower Whimsy). For my birthday Hub got me a tensioned lazy kate. Oh the luxury! I thought it was time to attempt a 3-ply. This is where the learning curve enters into play. I totally overspun this fiber. The yardage is worsted, but the WPI make it more of a heavy sport weight. It also has some issues in the plying. Managing 3 singles apparently was also in the learning curve. Ah well... they can't all turn out right! It's still lovely and should make a nice pair of footies for someone.

And last, but certainly not least is this pair of mittens. I knit them from the Neverland I spun up a few months ago. I have to say I think this may be one of my favorite things I've ever made. Lovely yarn, lovely product. They fit me perfectly. Which is generally the case when you're winging it and designing your own. However, I will be putting them in the charity auction. So people had better bid high on these! They are gorgeous!

The charity auction goes live on July 26th. It is to benefit Kim, of Green Strings by SugarBubbie. After already enduring a difficult year financially her son was recently diagnosed with a Wilms Tumor. Items are being listed daily so keep checking back! Lovely yarns, fibers, and hand made items available.

You Spin Me Right Round Baby... Right Round...

2010-05-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Miss E recently had surgery to switch from an exterior port to an interior port. That's the best way I can describe it quickly. The "prize" she chose afterwords was the soundtrack to Alvin and the Chipmunks "The Squeakquel". That song has been running around in my head for two weeks... and coincidentally... I was spinning! I'd like to introduce you to my new friends...

This is Aquatic Dreams dyed (and donated) by Tina of Sugar Bubbie... my first spin with targhee... it won't be my last. She was so well behaved I'd like to have her for tea everyday!

This is Jack... he was dyed by Three Irish Girls on Superfine Merino. He didn't behave quite as well as I'd have liked him to, but he was first on the wheel and it had been a long winter without spinning... so it's not all his fault. He had a rough upbringing. We're just going to call him "rustic".

This here is my shiny friend... Lazy Day. She was dyed by Julie at Selah. She's a lovely 50/50 blend of Superwash Merino and Tencel. She's my first "I'm proud of it soft spun single". She's a little shy for the camera though... always trying to hide in the shadows.

And here is the showoff... Neverland dyed by Lisa at Becoming Art on Superfine Merino. She was a little high maintenance... the skeins didn't turn out very even. I think my stress level showed here with my inconsistency. Therefore, one skein must stay home with me... the "bad" one. Darn!

You know what the best part is? You, yes, YOU could take home any one of my friends for yourself! They are all going up for auction next week! A woman from a group I've been a part of since Miss N was born has fallen on tragic times. She needs our help. You can read part of her story and see the auction items that are being added every moment at Western Sky Knits. These lovely gals are the gracious hostesses for A Whole Latte Love. Previews are going up every day and the auctions go live on May 14th! Don't miss out!

Completely non-depressing post!

2010-04-16T08:07:00.001-07:00

I know, I've been a serious downer... meaningful, but downer posts! I'm going parade some pretty knits around and cheer you this time. I've been busy since I last blogged... meant to blog... but didn't. This seems to have turned into a chronic problem.

First... there was the knitting Olympics! I struggled a bit in the beginning because I had a project I wanted to finish, but it didn't count. So I was late to start. Both efforts are worth mentioning. Both knit with Hazel Knits Artisan Sock... the Olympics team I was on 'Hazel Knuts'. What can I say? Love her yarn! Gift socks in Sailors Delight. Hard to give away, but I had some more red waiting to be cast on so that helped. Akimbo for me. Oh Akimbo... I do love you. Your silky softness is so nice up against my neck... and your colors make me look alive on the dreariest of winter days when I am worn down and exhausted. Both things make you dear to me.

Next comes some adorableness so cute it might hurt your teeth. Easter sweaters for a family of our friends. I've never understood all the sundresses in the stores at Easter. I have never lived far enough south to even dare to hope to wear such a thing in early April! The yarn is Amy March by Yarn Love. A new yarn that I love...

At this point I looked over at a whole stack of projects including cabling that I had started this winter but not gotten very far on. Cables... so gorgeous, but often they make my hands sore. I have resisted the plea "Mommy will you knit ME a sweater" (There is guilt involved here but I'm still holding strong.) and am working towards rectifying this UFCO situation. (UnFinished Cabled Objects) You may recall I tried this pattern before (BFF Socks), and ran out of yarn for my big feet. So that pair turned into a gift for someone with significantly shorter feet. This time, enough yarn... barely. Yarn is Beckon Super Merino from Three Irish Girls. They were not the most fun to knit (sore hands), but they are lovely. And they enjoyed playing for the camera. Blues hardly ever play nice with the camera. They've earned more adoration from me for that.

And now I'm dutifully working away on Koolhaas Hat number two for Hub. A seriously SLOW knit. The first one I knit him with dk weight yarn ended up too small. This time I'm knitting with worsted but am wondering if I should have gone up a needle size. We shall see! After that I think I'll allow myself to knit something without cables... or my fingers might fall off.

Sweet Samuel

2010-02-22T13:18:00.001-08:00

There seem to be phases of life that are just heavy. They are full of problems, belonging both to you and the ones you love. Obviously for us the past 15 months have been extremely heavy. And it has opened the door for others to walk into our lives who are also carrying heavy loads tagged 'childhood cancer'. But this particular burden came from both inside and outside of our cancer world. You see, one of the nurses in the pediatric oncology department also goes to our church. Before Miss E was diagnosed we only knew each other by name. Our husbands were quite familiar and friendly with one another, but somehow our paths had yet to intersect. Well, as you can imagine, living in the hospital, in her department, parked us at an intersection. She always did a really fantastic job at being professional. She avoided having direct care of us in order to maintain a good amount of professionalism. But she always found time on her break... or lunch... or at the end of her day to check on us. A slow sweet friendship was sprouting. Seven months ago we got out of the "living in the hospital" part of treatment and we have been able to form a much more normal friendship... time one on one and also time with our families together.

I have always felt like she was a blessing to us. A special gift that God placed right in the hospital just for us! Little did I know he brought us together for our mutual benefit at hard places in both of our lives.

Four weeks ago my friend, radiant and beautiful, 28 weeks pregnant with her second son... went from excitement and trepidation over having two rowdy boys in the house, to fear that her son would not live another day. Because of multiple serious health issues with the baby, the doctors decided it would be best for this sweet boy to be born at 28 weeks gestation. Most people know that is far too early for a baby to be born. Normal gestation is 40 weeks give or take a couple of weeks. But they knew if they did not get him out, he wouldn't have a chance. So out he came. His chance at life was slim. He fought hard and he made it past those first few fragile days. Life became upside down for his family. They had a baby... but he wasn't at home. Since it was a second boy they hadn't really bought anything new... he would get big brothers hand me downs. With Samuel remaining in the NICU, at home it was almost as if he didn't exist. It was a very strange reality.

As I fervently prayed for this family, I also spent a week frantically knitting. Samuel needed something that was his. Something made special just for him. The Bible says that children are a blessing. Samuel is a blessing. No matter what the circumstances are, he is beautiful, he is important, his life has meaning, and he is a blessing. I made him a "Sammy size blankie". A small, pretty, log cabin blanket. It was made with so much love. And as I knit it, it was a reminder to be continually in prayer for him. I was a little nervous in giving it... you never know how people are feeling in these situations. But I need not fear, it was perfect. It touched his mothers heart in just the right way.

Yesterday, at precisely four weeks old, Sammy went home to the arms of his Heavenly Father. He only got to bless our lives for four short weeks. He will be greatly missed.

If only there was a way that my hands could knit away the pain in his parents hearts now...

2009 - The Year of Gifts

2010-01-01T11:41:00.001-08:00

For the first half of the year I spent endless hours, days, weeks in the hospital with Miss E. Just sitting. Much of the time she was in isolation and unable to even leave her room. Which meant I wasn't going anywhere either. Just sitting... unable to take care of Miss N... unable to take care of my home... my husband... etc... Just sitting. Knitting kept me company. Knitting kept me busy. Knitting kept me from jumping out the window from sheer boredom and uselessness. I found a mission.

There were amazing people who stepped into our lives this year. The kind of people who come over to your house at 3am so that both Hub and I could take Miss E in to the ER when she was in severe pain and we were scared sick. The kind of people who come over and clean your house for you after wood floors have been refinished. That's a particularly nasty kind of messy there. The kind of people who care for your child as if she were there own. The kind of people who let you live in their home for three months while your house is being renovated to make it safe for your sick child. The kind of people who bring you Christmas dinner in the hospital and spend time with you in the place no one wants to be on a holiday. The kind of people who organize teams of people to bring you food and care for your healthy child. People who step into your everyday hospital life because it's their job... and then become your very dear friend. People who come and babysit and send you off on dates with your husband. Amazing people. Absolutely amazing.

I felt so helpless. I FEEL so helpless still. There is so much I can't do. We continue to need other people everyday. There is absolutely nothing I could possibly do to thank these people who have come into our lives in such an amazing way. Nothing could equal what they have done for us and are continuing to do for us as we walk through this nightmare called childhood cancer. But what I could do... was knit. I knit love and thankfulness and prayers for blessing into every stitch I made. I hope that these very small tokens of my love and effort touched them in even just a small way. Because they have all touched our lives in a very big way. I couldn't possibly make something for every person who has helped us along the way. I don't even know every person who has! These gifts were for the people who have been involved with us every day. They haven't fizzled out. They haven't forgotten us. They're still here, always supporting, helping, encouraging and loving us. It is truly a priceless gift we have been given.

Moms Cabled Mitts Pattern

2009-12-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Sheri at The Loopy Ewe, this pattern is in hot demand. Many people not on Ravelry have been wanting to get their hands on it. This isn't the tidiest way to get it out there, but it is quick! Sheri has also created a row counting worksheet to help everyone out. Enjoy! (And please excuse the bizarre text editing... apparently blogger does not enjoy text being copied and pasted!)

Mom’s Cabled Mitt’s

Size Large modeled by me.

Materials: 130ish yards of a heavy worsted weight. Examples were knit in Karabella Aurora 8, Black & Lorna’s Laces Shepherds Worsted, Red Rover.

Needles: US size 5 (3.75mm)

Gauge: 11 stitches and 14 rows per 2 inches

Size: Womens S/M (M/L) – The M/L is longer, but no bigger around. The pattern stretches plenty to cover both sizes.

Notes: This pattern was knit in the round on double pointed needles.

K1 – knit one

P1 – purl one

M1 – make one

PM – place marker

SM – slip marker

Ribbing Row

P1, (K3, P2 - 3x), K8, (P2, K3 - 3x), P1

Cable Row

P1, (K3, P2 3x), Cable Twist, (P2, K3 3x), P1

Cable Twist

Slip 4 stitches to cable needle, hold to front or back, knit 4 stitches from needle, knit 4 stitches from cable needle, continue in pattern around.

**I made these with mirrored cables. You can do this easily by holding the cable stitches to the back on one mitten and the front on the other. Or if you just want them the same hold to the same (front or back) on both.

Directions:

Cast on 40 stitches. (I use long tail cast on – you want it to be stretchy)

Join to begin knitting in the round.

Knit 5(6) rows of Ribbing Row

Knit Cable Row

**Knit Ribbing Row 8x(9x)

**Knit Cable Row

**Repeat these 9(10) rows for 18(20) rows, it’s time to start the thumb shaping.

Thumb Shaping:

For this pattern you will have an “assigned” mitt for each hand because you want the cable on top of each hand. So you will be putting a thumb on opposite sides of the cable for each mitt.

Right Mitten:

Prep Round: P1, (K3, P2 - 3x), K8, P2, K3, P2, K1, PM, K1, PM, continue in pattern to end.

**Rnd 1: Knit in pattern to marker, SM, M1, Knit to marker, M1, SM, knit in pattern to end.

**Rnd 2 & 3: Knit in pattern

Left Mitten:

PrepRound: P1, K3, P2, K1, PM, K1, PM, Continue in pattern around.

**Rnd 1: Knit in pattern to marker, SM, M1, Knit to marker, M1, SM, knit in pattern to end.

**Rnd 2 & 3: Knit in pattern

**Repeat these three rows until you have 13 stitches between your markers for the thumb.

Knit 2 more rows in pattern.

Knit around in pattern, when you get to the thumb stitches, place them on some waste yarn and cast on one stitch in it’s place. (I used backwards loop method, do as you choose!)

Knit 7(11) more rows in pattern. (There should be 5(6) rows of ribbing at beg & end of mitts bef/after the cable at either end of the mitt – in other words they should mirror one another)

Cast off loosely in pattern!

Now you need to go back and pick up the thumb stitches that you have on waste yarn. You will also want to pick up 3 stitches in the gap at the top of the thumb. (This could be more or less… just make sure there are no gaps.)

Knit 4(5) rows.

Cast off loosely!

Viola, gorgeous mitt’s!

This pattern is copyright protected

http://artistjess.blogspot.com/

This pattern is for your personal, non-commercial use only.

You are not allowed to make garments from this pattern for sale anywhere.

You are not allowed to mass produce this pattern or garments made from it.

A Link

2009-11-18T14:34:00.001-08:00

For me, there has always been a link between my hands and my heart. And in this difficult year the connection has been deep and apparent to me. For most of the year I was literally locked up in the hospital with Miss E. Away from Hub, away from Miss N. We were a family split in half.

During this time I tried to find ways to connect with Miss N. I tried to keep a connection between us. I tried to let her know I was still here... still thinking about her and loving her. It was hard. It was bitterly hard. She hurt. I hurt. We all hurt. We have been free of hospital stays for four months now. But the scars are there. After our initial stay (34 days/nights) I would leave a card, a note, a drawing... a little present for Miss N at home in my dresser. If we ended up in the hospital more than a few days Hub would sneak it out onto her pillow while she was brushing her teeth. It was a way for me to be at home with her. For the first eight months Miss E was inpatient over 50% of the time. That is a lot of time to live apart. Miss N now carries every single one of these notes and drawings with her every time she parts from me even if only for a few hours. On one hand, I love that she does this. I totally get it. The small gifts are forgotten, but the things made with my hands, the words written from my heart, are treasured by her. On the other hand... it is heart wrenching. I know the scars she has. I know the fears she has. And the fact that she clings to these things so dearly exposes them.

During much of this time I would have her blanket with me. I started it before Miss E was diagnosed... but it proved to be the perfect timing. Most nights after work Hub would pick up Miss N and they would come up to visit at the hospital. If I had been working on the blanket, she noticed. She would light up. She would go home for the night with a smile on her face and say "Now don't forget to work more on my blanket!". It was a connection between the two of us even when we were apart.

Now, it's certainly not as flashy as the new Nintendo DS she got spoiled with today. But I know that she will treasure it. I know that it spoke love into her heart far more than any other gift can.

She has had quite a fifth year our Miss N. Just ten days in she became a sibling survivor. In her 5th year she faced issues most adults have yet to face. She grew an astounding 4-1/4 inches! (and is in the midst of another fierce growth spurt) She ate a ton... there were many comedic moments when we'd be offering ANYTHING to Miss E... begging her to eat... and in the background you could hear Miss N "I'll eat it! Can I have some?! Please?!". She learned to read. And she made us so very proud. Life handed her a lot. But she handled most of it with more grace and understanding than most adults do. On this her sixth birthday... my hope and prayer is for a year entirely different from the last. For her to have a year of just being a kid! I love you Miss N!

What I CAN do

2009-11-16T09:50:00.001-08:00

We are fast approaching the year mark from the date of Miss E's diagnosis. From the first moment I knew her life was entirely out of my hands. I've done my best to walk along side her, to comfort her, to assess her constantly and get her help when she needs it. But there is always that desire to do more. And yet, most of the time it feels like my hands are tied. I can't simply eliminate bad foods from her diet or from something she is allergic to. She needs help that is so big and complicated I don't even understand most of it. That's a hard place for a parent. You want to be the one to fix everything, to make everything ok, to protect and shelter your child from any and everything that could harm them. And in this circumstance I really can not. I must place her firmly in Gods hands and pray that he would let us keep her just a little longer. I know in my head that that is really the case with both of my children. They are His, not mine. They are only mine to care for for a little while. Living with a child with cancer really makes you face the reality of that.

A little over a week ago I became obsessed with knitting her a pair of socks for her to wear to her procedures last week. Procedure day isn't fun. Miss E hates being sedated and I hate to watch. There is something so utterly unnatural about it... it just goes against the grain of my being. Unfortunately it's a regular part of her treatment. So much so that I have lost count of the number of times we've been in that room. At a certain point I realized I'd sort of crossed the lines of sanity with the sock obsession. It doesn't take long to knit her a pair of socks, she has tiny feet. But my desire to have them done before procedure day was a little too fiery. I then realized that something inside of me felt like if I could do this, it would make us both feel better. That somehow having these socks on her feet would make me feel like I was able to do something to make her feel more at ease. And she adores her 'mommy socks'. She's always gotten cold but now is much more likely to do so. I think she loves her 'mommy socks' because they're all made of wool and keep her chilly feet warm. (Miss N on the other hand... strips off all her clothes any chance she gets. She is seriously hot blooded!) So knit away I did... and when I mentioned my crazy thinking that somehow these socks would make procedure day better for both of us my husband said "It will.". God bless him. He gets it.

I've finished up several other knits... much more interesting knitting-wise, but less attached to my heart... lace ribbon scarf for me, handspun baby sweater with some of my very earliest yarn, more socks for E, and another Nancy Bush pattern - this time for Hub. Miss N's blanket is also done... just two more days until I can give it to her! That project and it's recipient deserve their own post.

Knit Candy

2009-10-25T10:16:00.001-07:00

Miss E in her new Handspun Pixie Hat!

Sometimes, you just need some quick projects to come off the needles. Lately it seems like I've been slogging away on some bigger projects and I needed a break. Enter three really adorable kid knits!

Miss E in her new Flamingo Ruffle Scarf.
If you ask me it looks like it belongs to Cindy Lou Hou! And look at how long and thick her hair is getting!

This yarn was leftover from the girls Flamingo Hats that I knit last year. I don't think I ever blogged about them. A friend sent the yarn with solids dyed to fit my girls personalities... matching, but not quite matching. It was in my cabinet with my patterns and it kept falling out. Finally I'd had it with the yarn falling out on me and decided to just knit the darn scarf I'd been thinking of! I don't know why I waited so long!

And last but not least, Miss E modeling Issac's Hat knit with Handspun.

Issac is the son of a good friend. Not only does this friend go to our church, she is also a nurse in the peds oncology unit where we have literally lived for almost a year. Her son turned two this week and he has a nice big round head... this kind of hat looks completely adorable on such a boy!

I knit Miss E her new Pixie hat after Issac's hat. I used her head to base the sizing on and she really liked the hat. She wanted one with "piggy tails" too!

Two of these projects are knit with my own handspun. I learned that it's important to do that because you really don't know the quality of yarn you are getting until you actually knit some. Lately I've been thinking I was getting great yarn... it turns out I've actually been over spinning my singles a bit. There are rough spots in the yarn where it's got too much twist in it. Lesson learned: Knit your yarn!

Fresh off the wheel...

2009-10-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is Selah, Over Coffee on Superwash Merino. She's very beautiful. I wound her into this crazy unruly hank though so she isn't shown to her full beauty.

There are things good and bad about this spin. Good... I got the yardage I wanted - 7.5oz, 438yds. After many tries I CAN get something near a 2 ply worsted weight! Bad... this fiber was just plain weird. It wasn't combed smoothly... or something. Drafting was tricky and I really had to pay attention. As a result it's not nearly as even as the last yarn I spun. I'm not sure yet if I'll try to use it for the project I had intended. I think the uneven qualities might make it more suitable for something else. That's always the gamble with spinning your own yarn. And quite honestly, isn't the unknown part of the fun?!

Psst... I FINISHED Miss N's blanket! And yes... over a month before her birthday! I have to weave in ends and then sneak it out for some pictures. And... I bought a zipper for my sweater. I just have to get up the guts to sew it in. Nothing like a nip in the air to motivate you to finish long languishing projects!

The Way to Miss N's Heart

2009-09-20T11:23:00.001-07:00

Make it pink.

Make it girly.

Make it by hand.

Put these three together and you get a very happy, giddy, silly little girl who feels loved.

I forced her to wear the blue pants today. She wanted to wear hot pink. Pink, from head to toe... everyday...

Pattern: Old Shale Scarf
Yarn: PlumKnit 80/20 Merino Cashmere
I only used about 40g of yarn, gave it a serious blocking and it ended up just the right length.

Bad Blogger hearts Nancy Bush

2009-09-16T14:39:00.000-07:00

I'm not really getting back into the groove of blogging yet. Caring for the special needs and getting to all the appointments of a child fighting cancer plus tackling the new project of homeschooling a kindergartner (and surprise a preschooler wants in on the fun too!)... plus just regular life stuff... equals a very busy and overwhelmed me.

However... I just finished a project I want to share. I started out trying a simple sock, a popular new pattern, but it just wasn't doing it for me. RIP! So then... I searched my patterns for one that matched the cast on stitches and ribbing so I didn't have to fully rip out because that 1x1 twisted rib was looking sharp! What came from all this was a challenging project that I am very proud of! I love Nancy Bush. I think I need to own all of her books. While Knitting Vintage Socks is not the flashiest of books, of the sock books I own it gets used the most. Nancy knows how to put together both beautiful and practical patterns. This was a very enjoyable knit that turned out fantastic! And now... I actually own a pair of socks that won't be the brightest pair in the room.

Pattern: Childs First Sock in Shell Pattern by Nancy Bush
Yarn: The Woolen Rabbit, Sock, Ebony or Raven... can't remember... but it's gorgeous!

It's been said...

2009-08-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

... that knitters are some of the best people around. And I have to agree. While I have met the occasional non-friendly one, the good seeds FAR outweigh the bad!

So there's this knitter, Sarah, who's blog I've read for the past few years. We've exchanged a few messages back and forth now and then... nothing big really. Recently she started working on a blanket made from sock yarn scraps. She was in need of more purple. Well, if there is something I have an abundance of... it's sock yarn scraps! And I really have a thing for the purple socks. Last winter I realized I had I think four pair of purple socks... and one purple shirt. A little out of balance. Anyway... I knew I had a bunch and no plans for them so I offered them to her. No biggie. While I was at it I threw in a skein of purple yarn because... well... do I really need another pair of purple socks? Not for a while. Plus, she's an avid sock knitter and this is one of my favorite sock yarns and I don't believe she'd tried it yet. Must get her addicted too right?

First off, she heartily thanked me several times on her blog. For scraps! No big deal, really! And then... over the weekend something very special arrived in my mailbox. An absolutely gorgeous Swallowtail Shawl in none other than the Hazel Knits yarn I had sent her! And it has beads. Hematite even. (The shiny gray ones that remind you of gray purls, one of my favorites.) It's perfect! It's as if she knew me intimately. I never thought I'd fall for such a thing but I'm in love. It's gorgeous. I keep petting it... especially the beaded part. I can't wait to find an occasion to show it off! Candlelighters Christmas Party perhaps? Go take a look on her blog!

But mostly, I'm blown away by her kindness to a stranger. I mean really, that is what we are. It was extremely thoughtful and kind and it really touched me. Unbeknown to me until just yesterday, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. (I've been too busy fighting childhood cancer to know what month to bring awareness!) What a fitting time to receive such a kind gift from someone I hardly know. Sarah, thank you so much.

Knit Parade

2009-07-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Getting back into the habit of blogging... how about a knit parade? The past couple of months I've had lots of time to knit, but none to block or take pictures. (ie I've been locked in the hospital) Here's a few knits I managed to block and wash this week besides the troublesome sweater. More are awaiting their turn later this week.

Basic Socks - But I dyed the yarn! Thrilled with the outcome!

Helena in Hazel Knits Artisan Lively, Lime Granita

Sweet Mama Small Sugar Seamless Infant Kimono, Sugar Bubbie Gaia Worsted in Bodie

SO... grosgrain ribbon may help my puckering sweater you say? How does that work on the button hole side? Maybe I can find my info if I google...

Help!

2009-07-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

I finally completed a sweater that fits me and it's cute too! Problem... the button pucker. As you can see it's even puckering when laying flat. I tried to straighten it out before I took the picture but I couldn't! You can imagine how the problem compounds when I put it on. What's up with this?! Do I need the buttons that stand up off the fabric? I tried sewing them on somewhat loosely but that doesn't seem to have helped these buttons. Also, they pop out regularly when it's on.

I haven't seen this happen except on sweaters that were just too tight. And although I have put no 10 pounds since I started knitting it (Darn that sleep deprivation, hospital food and all that sitting around on my arse!) it's still loose enough that it should be behaving this way.

So this is for those of you with experience here... HELP PLEASE! :)

ETA: I have already washed and blocked the sweater. Nice thought though Hattie! I already tried getting bigger buttons. Maybe I need even bigger. The button holes seem really stretchy though. Maybe the problem is in the stretch of the yarn?

Charlotte May

2009-07-05T16:40:00.001-07:00

For the past seven or so months I've mostly been knitting socks... plain old stockinette. Boring things not worth blogging about. My brain is too exhausted to deal with much outside of my daughters treatment and care. The plain knitting is soothing. However, my grandmother, Charlotte May, has her 80th birthday tomorrow. This is an occasion to commemorate.

This grandmother can sew, paint, knit, crochet, embroider... she can do anything. And it's always perfect. She's the little voice in my head when I'm working on a project and am tempted to leave a mistake. 'Grandma wouldn't do that... she'd start tisking me if she saw that.' And when I was a kid my mom left us at her house a lot... until the wee hours of the morning many times. My brothers would be put to bed in her bed while I was put on the couch behind her cutting board for sewing. She'd sit there in her rocking chair sewing, crocheting or knitting... watching late night news and then Johnny Carson... "patiently" waiting for my mom to come get us after whatever unsavory late night activities kept her out. What my mom was doing was not lovely and those were hard times. But I have been thinking about them a lot lately. I've been thinking about my Grandmother and how she sat there working with her hands while enduring hard times for much of her life. And that's what I've been doing... sitting and watching over my daughter who is named in part for her. Watching, waiting, enduring... working simple projects with my hands to soothe away the anxiety and fears... giving me SOMETHING I could do while I watch and wait. It is a gift I feel she passed down to me. Another thing that makes me think of her... my hands. I have her hands. So as I watch my own hands I can see hers.

I wanted to make her something special. Something that would stretch my skills. I decided upon a lace scarf. This was a definite challenge given that I am exhausted in every way possible and I've never knit lace! But I wanted to make that effort for her. Given the circumstances I am amazed I was able to accomplish this. As far as my exhausted self can tell... there are no mistakes. And that is exactly what I was striving for. She would not leave a mistake... and I wanted to make something flawless for her.

So as life takes it's up's, down's and turns... I have this gift from her. And I hope this small gift will show her what a special gift she's given to me.

Miss E today wearing a new pair of those boring socks I mentioned... she loves them.

There is knitting in Leukemia Land

2009-03-09T22:03:00.000-07:00

My sweet girl helping me knit Grammy some birthday socks during yet another week in the hospital. Knitting... goes everywhere!

My Sweet Girl

2008-12-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

I am very sad to to let you all know that there won't be much knitting here for a while. On Friday November 28 my 2 year old daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. There are no words to express how we are feeling. If you would like to follow our journey we have set up a website for her at Caringbridge.

More Spinning!

2008-11-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

I started up this fun fiber last night. I could not stop. It was so fun playing with the colors in the fiber! It's Pigeonroof Studios South African Fine in Hydrangea. It was a getting started gift from Hattie! Thanks Hattie! I sure wish you were here to play with me!

This fiber was really squished into it's braid. So I've been playing with it, trying to figure out the best way to fluff it back out and pre-draft it a bit. Any tips? I'm really just making this all up as I go along. lol!

And... here is the second 4oz of my "practice fiber". This one turned out really well. 328 yards/3.5oz, half an ounce was left on the second bobbin... guess I got a little more fine on that second bobbin. Oops! I am thrilled with my consistency for it being only my second skein!

We've got a busy week ahead... Miss N is turning FIVE tomorrow! FIVE?! How did that happen?!

Enchanted

2008-11-14T14:56:00.001-08:00

Yarn: Radiant Twist, Fluff, Enchanted
Pattern: Itchy Fingers Longies

I think it's safe to say I've been "enchanted" of late. First off... these lovely longies knit up cooperating with me every step of the way. No worries about strange color streaks or pooling. Nope, they just knit up lovely. And... they are a perfect fit.

And then... the wheel!

I am in LOVE with my new Pioneer. It's just lovely. It's the perfect size to fit into my little corner of the living room. It spins like a dream. I love the engineering of it. That probably sounds weird, but I am an architect... if things aren't designed well it bugs the snot out of me!

Here are my first 4oz of fiber... it was on clearance so I got it for something like $5 a pound. The perfect price for your first few spins! I ended up with 110 yards of bulky weight. It's got some serious over spinning issues on at least one of the singles. But I've quickly gotten past that issue... I think.

And here are the singles for the second 4oz. They are much more even and thinner. We'll see how they ply up. I have a feeling some parts may be under spun. And I really need to be better about moving my guide to get the yarn on the bobbin evenly. On the standing up bobbin I was really forgetful and it shows!

I've also been battling a nasty cold. Isn't it a little early in the year for such nastiness to be going around?! Yuck. So there hasn't been much progress on anything around here for the last week. A little knitting, a little spinning, a little reading and lots of lying about. Hopefully I can get well so that I can really get going with the new wheel!

I just bought my first wheel!

2008-11-03T08:58:00.001-08:00

I've been shopping... and saving up... but really I didn't mean to go so fast! For a while I've been reading up... getting to know them and their reputations etc... All weekend I was engrossed (driving my Hub crazy), on Saturday I tried out several at Paradise Fibers and got a feel for what I like...

Then yesterday I was reading the thread on the new Pioneer in the Majacraft group on Ravelry... well someone linked to a store in Oregon that had a USED Pioneer for only $375!!! I called just now and I guess the "owner" won it in a contest, gave it a test and then decided "Nah... I've got 5 other wheels, I don't want it." How lucky is that?! I can't believe it! The wheel was only released in September... finding a used one is just SO lucky!
I'm a little nervous since I haven't tried the Majacrafts but... I haven't read one person not liking them, so I went for it. I should have tried Hattie's Little Gem before she left us! It's just such a great deal. I'm sure if I totally hate it I could sell it in a heartbeat. She said if she can sweet talk them it'll ship today, if not tomorrow. YAY! It's coming from Woodland Woolworks in the Portland, OR area so it should be here pretty fast!

HERE is a nice thorough review of the wheel with pic's in case you're interested.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a little excited. I guess I need some fiber now...

Fall Knits

2008-10-31T14:36:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but I've got myself a backyard FULL of leaves. My kids are loving it... they jump into the leaf pile as if it were a swimming pool!

Since finishing the set for the auction I've finished off a couple things for myself. First up... the socks I've been toting about for the last month. My official 'Socktoberfest' socks.

Yarn: Vesper 100% Merino, Mocha

Pattern: Plain Janes

Now, if you have a good memory you might remember me not loving this yarn once before. Since then she's started dying on a new base yarn and it is quite lovely. The nylon blend base I will still avoid, but this lovely 100% merino. Yum. I couldn't quite get the stripes to end the same. I have a feeling it's because I knit most of the second foot while we were at the hospital for Miss N's eye surgery earlier this week. I just may have been feeling a little extra tension. However, the patient and the socks both came out looking great. And, now Miss N and I both have stripey frizzle socks.

With fall being all around me, this yarn called me from the stash. It's the yarn Hub picked up for me at Knitty Gritty Yarn down in the Tri-Cities. I was not sure what I was going to do with it as it was only 50g, but fall inspired me to knit up a thin scarf. More of a pretty acessory than something to keep warm. But really perfect for fall.

Yarn: Manos del Uruguay, Manos Silk Blend, only 50g!
Pattern: Drop Stitch Scarf

Don't forget to check out the fundraiser, Celebrating Colleen goes until Tuesday!

Choclate and Cream Set for Colleen

2008-10-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

Patterns: Seamless Infant Kimono, Itchy Fingers Longies
Yarn: 100purewool, 3 ply merino, chocolate & creama

I'm having trouble doing the usual oohing and ahhing over these items. They are lovely. They are very soft and yummy. But for me, they signify that something tragic has happened. A wife was lost, a mother was lost, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, and a friend... lost. It seems so insufficient to show how much she was worth on this earth. She was such a unique fun and caring friend. She posessed such a lightness of spirit. She was so silly and fun. I miss her. And I know her family misses her more than I can even imagine.

So go, visit the fundriaser at Tiny Lady Cooperative. All funds will go towards her childrens college fund. She wanted us to look out for their future for her. Go, buy, bid and bid often! It all oficially starts on Tuesday October 28th and will run until November 4th. There is something for everyone!

Auction Update

2008-10-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

I've finished the sweater! Whew! That is a big relief. I know how fast I can get the longies done, so I'm not too stressed about the deadline now. The kimono sweater pattern is just awesome. One of the best written patterns I've seen. And it has the best pattern support I've seen. All the tutorials for each skill are fantastic and she also offers email support. I used a couple of the tutorials myself. I finally know the correct way to make a button loop! Mine were always a big wonky before with the little knots twisting around the loop. If you are at all interesting in this pattern, go for it. You won't regret it at all! It's available from Sweet Mama Small Sugar.

I did get someone wanting to contribute to the effort in the comments. If anyone else would like to contribute there is a Ravelry Group Here, and the Yahoo group Here. The Yahoo group is the official organizational site for this event. Thank you so much for your generosity!

I have just learned that Colleen passed this morning. Even more my thoughts are with her family.

Celebrating a Friend

2008-10-14T21:05:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about the knitting community is we know how to get together and make things happen when one of our own is in need. Right now a Knitter, Indie Dyer, and friend is dying of a very aggressive form of cancer. It hits close to home as she has two children the same ages as my own. They are so very young and about to lose their mother. There are many of us feeling helpless right now. We've decided to turn that around and use our time and energy to help in what ways we can. Tiny Lady Cooperative is hosting a fund raising effort for the family. When we asked Colleen what she would like the funds to go towards, she always the mother, said her children. All proceeds from this event will go into college funds for her children. We're going to give her a little bit of peace about her childrens futures before she goes.

For my part I volunteered to knit a matching set, sweater and longies. The time line here is a little crazy. I think my emotions might have volunteered me to do that. BUT, I am determined. That is part of why I've been scarce. I have to get this D-O-N-E! Carina from Sweet Mama Small Sugar donated her pattern to my effort. Since then I've been knitting, knitting, knitting. It's going well, but it seems so slooooow. Deadlines are always like that. Here is the current state of the sweater. A little lumpy and sleeveless, but looking good none the less.

When I haven't been working on that I've been dragging this sock around. The color scheme here is really kind of funny. Not purposeful. I needed more neutral colors in my sock wardrobe.

I'm going back to the knitting now... I'll emerge in about 10 days. Be sure to stop by TLC for the event on October 28th! Don't worry... I'll be back to remind you!

I can't keep up!

2008-10-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

Life seems to be moving faster than I am right now! No time to blog. It's become nothing but an FO parade around here. Oh well, I'm sure you can't blame me too much for watching an overabundance of news lately. And lots of TV equals lots of knitting!

Fall is here... time for some more woolies for Miss E. A pair of Capri's. These are super handy in the fall and spring when it's just too cold for a soaker and too warm for full wool pants. I used my pattern for these, but I played with the short rows a bit. I used 2 sets of zig zag short rows in the middle and 1 regular each on top and bottom. They really do give the perfect shape for a cloth diaper booty!

This was my first time trying Corriedale yarn. I rather liked it. It looks like it's a longer fiber sort of like BFL, but it's more rugged. So I think it will hold up nicely as longies. And it was still really plesant to knit. My favorite yarn for longies is Montana Targhee... but it's not my favorite to knit!

Miss E seems pretty happy with them! I was happy that at 11:30pm when I ran out of the main yarn that I had some of that yellow on hand to finish them up! It probably wouldn't be my first choice for color to go with this colorway, but it was here and it worked!

Even if they do look a little goofy sitting flat, you can see they fit like a glove!

Pattern: Itchy Fingers Longies
Yarn: Corriedale from Tykie Knits, color Marisol

Now... where is that mail person with my new Norah Gaughn pattern book?! I've been patiently waiting all week! I though for sure today was the day. Sigh...

Denim Monkeys

2008-09-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Monkey Socks
Yarn: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, Denim Blues

Well, thanks to our trip to Seattle last weekend (read: sitting in traffic a lot) I got my second Monkey completed pretty fast! We had a really wonderful time. We were flown over by Hub's company for a big party. We got to stay at the new Tulalip Hotel. It was really nice. We got MIL an adjoining room and she and the girls partied all night... swimming, eating licorice and staying up WAY too late! Meanwhile Hub and I got gussied up and went to the party... and after everyone else headed to the casino we snuck away to one of the cafes and had ourselves a little date. The next day after a scrumptious brunch we started heading back south... stopping at our best friends for lunch and a nap for Miss E. Then later we headed further south to my Grandparents house to help Great Grandpa celebrate his 83rd birthday. And the next morning we flew home again. It was a great trip. Unfortunatly, since we've been home I've been having vertigo off and on all week. So... I'm not doing much. Wishing it away! I've had this happen once before after flying. I can't remember how long it lasted. Seeing as this is day five, I'm getting downright tired of it. So, I will end it at that because I'm sitting here swaying like a sailor!

Tag I'm It!

2008-09-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

Meghann got me.

6 Random Things about Me Meme

Here are the rules:

Link to the person who tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog.
Write six random things about yourself.
Tag six people at the end of your post.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Let the tagger know your entry is up

1. Even though I'm fairly crunchy/organic-ish and insist on things like leech free water bottles... I drink diet Barq's Root Beer and diet Dr. Pepper. I know, liquid poison.

2. I never once had anything but a cut done to my hair until I turned 30. Coincidentally my second child was born 12 days before I turned 30. After that one... I had more gray hair than I was comfortable sporting.

3. I have kept my toenails painted pretty much my whole life... my theory... it makes my giant feet look feminine.

4. I get to go to Seattle this weekend and pick up an exclusive colorway of my favorite sock yarn at Hilltop Yarn!

5. I can physically get up anytime in the morning. But I'm not awake until noon. People have tried to tell me I need to go to bed earlier and that would solve it. Unfortunately, these are morning people. They just don't seem to understand it's biology. No matter what my sleep is doing... not awake in the brain until noon.

6. I'm slightly phone phobic for some reason. I'll email you 20x but never return your call...

Whew. That was hard.

Ok, six people... do six people even read my blog?! If you're reading this, then you're tagged! How's that? I know... I cheated.

Miss N's Stripey Socks

2008-09-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

As you know... we're big fans of stripes here in this household. And as you know... Miss N is a fan of all things pink and girly. To be fair a mama has to make socks for each child. Since Miss N will wear Knit Picks Swish Superwash, I thought she would also be ok with the Essential and Felici lines. Turns out, I was right. This stuff is buttery soft and passes the "itchy" test. It may not the most durable, but she'll outgrow them before she has a chance to wear them out. Plus when the catalog came with this line in it... she followed me around with it pointing out that this yarn was 'her colors'. Obviously, I don't need much encouraging.

I under estimated the size of this poor child's foot. I thought I could easily get her a pair from one ball of yarn. Ha! She got her mama's feet. My poor little 4 year old with eight inch long feet. I had to dig a little stash yarn out to finish the toes. I wish I'd used it earlier in the sock so I could have added another 1/4 inch or so for more growing room without messing up the striping pattern. Ah well... live and learn.

She calls the picot edge "frizzles".

I have worked dilligently on another gift project. It's finished now and will be revealed in a few weeks. I promise... some actual bloggable projects soon!

The Curious Monkey Returns...

2008-09-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

Remember last summer... I thought it would be SO CUTE to make Miss N some Monkey Socks in Curious George colors? Remember how she refused to wear them and freaked out saying they were soooooooooo itchy?! I was sad. But thankfully God gave me two daughters, the youngest of which isn't so picky. On a long shot I tried the single monkey on her and it nearly fit. So I decided to knit the mate. Even though I tried to brush it off, it has long bothered me to have a single sock sitting around.

I've detailed what I did to get this size sock on my Ravelry project page. Here last time I said I don't do that... hmm... guess I do on ocassion. ;) It might also be in my posts from last year on the project. The only problem... after a year, my gauge has changed. The new sock is a tiny bit looser than the original.

Miss E is in love with them. "Monkey socks Mommy, monkey socks!" Ah... such balm to my ears after the reaction of her sister last year. They have lots of growing room left in them so they should last her through the winter. And just so you don't think I have a cooperative 2 year old foot model I give you one of the 'good' bad shots. Her feet are actually in this one. That Lorna's Laces... it can take a beating. lol!

One more little thing. A few evenings ago I opened my knitting cabinet and found this. One of Miss N's flashcards. Apparently she thought it should go here.

Cycad and Baby Feet

2008-08-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Monsoon Designs Twisty Sock, Cycad

Since I've been happily wearing these socks during the summer when the AC has our floor freezing cold, I felt a little guilty. I had this lovely sport weight in the stash and figured it was time it saw the light of day! Vanessa does such a lovely job with the dyeing. I really like how subtle it is. Of course this week feels like fall already.

I have a thing for baby feet. And a two year old is pushing the 'baby' limits, but still... irresistible fresh from a bath no?

I had to photograph them too. They are so much cuter than Hub's feet. Yummy little piggie toes to eat!

So much fun!

2008-08-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

As you already know, I love to knit. I also love to give gifts... not just gifts, but thoughtful ones that I know people are going to really love you know? Not just a "well I need to get a gift... hmm... gift card" type of thing. I like to tuck away bits of information and save them for a while until I can put them to good use.

Well, I've been a busy little elf. Since the packages have now landed I have lots of little secrets and fun things to share!

There are two ladies I know who have had a rough year. They've both had repeated miscarriages. And now they are both about to have healthy babies! Praise God! I've had them both in my prayers for the last year. I haven't experienced that pain or loss, and I just can't imagine it. I look at my girls and I think 'what if...?'. It breaks my heart. SO. To mark this joyous time and the journey they have been through I wanted to make them something they could hold in their hands. Something tangible.

For my friend L and her baby girl 'Harvest'.

I also gave L the cowl I made from the same yarn. At the time I hadn't decided for sure, but it just kept screaming at me... 'give me to L!'. So I did.

Then there's baby 'Lime'. These mama's both give their in-utero babies fun names. This mama has colors for each of her kids for things like toothbrushes etc... 'Lime' is the sixth arrival to the household, so I can see how this comes in handy. 'Lime's' color is purple. But as you noticed... 'Lime's' name is green. This was irresistible. I couldn't not do it... I mean... I HAD the yarn in the stash already and you know I love stripes!

Don't you just LOVE those buttons?!

We won't know what flavor baby 'Lime' is until birth. But I think a tart little boy or girl baby will be quite irresistible in this.

And there is one more. I told you I had a lot of secrets!

This is friend R. R really wanted this item when she saw the new issue of Knitty come out. But R doesn't knit. It looked like it would be really fun to make. Definitely a diversion from my usual fare. And all I needed was sock yarn scraps. I mean really... How could I not?! I have loads of scraps! It turned out far and above my expectations. I really love how it turned out. I think the engineering of the piece is good too. The corsage is attached to the band by a button so that you can move it around to wherever you think it looks best. And the holes in the lace are the buttonholes for the band. So if it gets stretched out or the wearer shrinks or swells, it's adjustable. Neat!

Again, button love. Button shopping is so fun!

Isn't R gorgeous?! AND a great photographer too!

She also constantly fawns over Calorimetry's. Which are SO easy. I couldn't deprive her of that! After I finished Hub's hat I knocked this out real quick from the remainder of that yarn. Looks pretty good on her!

Whew! No more tricks up my sleeve. At least yet...

All details can be found on my Ravelry projects page. I'm not normally lazy like that but... this is a LOT!

Peppermint Mocha

2008-08-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yarn: Claudia Handpainted Yarns, Peppermint Mocha - exclusive color to The Loopy Ewe
Pattern: Plain Janes

Yummy. I think that about sums it up.

How to get Hand Knits from the Mommy

2008-08-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Freckle Soaker and Skirty
Yarn: Rodeo BFL from Western Sky Knits, At The Zoo

Ack, I just went there to grab the link... look at this new colorway! SO cute! I really loved the Rodeo BFL. Just the right weight for a soaker and super soft. Loved every minute of it! The departure from all things girly was refreshing. Plus... I feel like I live in a Zoo so the name fit!

Miss E loves it. She got up in the morning and saw it on the coffee table. She started babbling on and about it... oh soaker... cute soaker... I yike it, I yike it... Then she proceeded to put it on herself backwards. Could you resist this kind of 2 year old cuteness?

Here she is mid-twirl!

And, in more Miss E knit news, she's bonded with her blankie. I was out running errands one night last week and after Hub laid her down for bed she said "Mommy blankie, Mommy blankie." So he gave it to her and she snuggled it up to her face and told him "I yike Mommy blankie.". She had just started putting together sentences and this was one of the first. It MUST have been important to her no? Seriously... with cuteness like that if she requested a house cozy I just might say yes!

Finally... Hub gets a Hat

2008-08-16T20:42:00.001-07:00

Pattern: A Hat Fit for a Boyfriend
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted, Vaa

This hat is really simple in it's construction, which is what makes it so man friendly. But the way the decreases are done at the top are a neat detail. Even though it's still manly... this color is very pretty. :)

BTW, Hub modeled this in 98 degree heat. Our neighbors surely think we are crazy. Give the man a hand!

He's still asking where his Koolhaas hat is... maybe in another two and a half years...

My 100th Project

2008-08-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

100. I saw on my Ravelry projects page that I had project number 100 coming up. I knew it had to be good. I mean... that's a big number. Technically it's not really number 100. I have several things doubled up on there... some little things that didn't seem to need their very own project page. But for all intensive purposes... number 100. Yep, I've got everything I've ever knit on Ravelry. Even the really embarrassing first things I knit. At first I didn't do this but then I sucked it up. How neat to see the progression. And maybe it will inspire a newer knitter to keep going. Because there are some sad looking things down there on the bottom. Oy.

Ever since I started Miss E's blanket Miss N wanted one. Of course. She's got what seems like a million small girlish blankets. I've thought up a bunch of ideas... mostly things *I* liked. I had a really nice color palette picked out that she would enjoy into adulthood... but no.

As you all know Miss N was born with her own opinions and quite the ability to share them. She sees my color ideas and tosses them out. The ONLY color she likes that I chose was yellow. So, this blanket represents a compromise. She, being the ultimate girly girl loves pink. But she will also tell you that light yellow and purple are in her "color palette". I kid you not. What other 4 year old do you know with her own "color palette"?! Oy. I wanted to do the blanket in just the bright pink and yellow. She was really trying for the light pink, but I only have a couple balls left and I told her it's discontinued and I needed them to make her mittens to match her kitty hat. She concedes that point and starts in on how purple is in her color palette and needs to be in her stripey blanket! Ok, I concede... a 3 color blanket. I really wanted the pop of two colors, but ok it is for her after all... So then she starts to insist that light blue (notice the emphasis on light... not dark, not bright... JUST light blue) is now in her "color palette" and MUST be in the blanket too. I shut her down there. That color is also discontinued and I don't have enough I tell her. She's still bummed about that one, but I say she'll get over it. I'm hoping with these colors she'll at least like it into high school... one can hope right?

This one looks like it will be done faster than Miss E's. For one, it's not garter stitch and there is no casting off or picking up stitches. Just knit and purl and a few yarn overs. And... I've got the slave driver after me. I took pictures of it this morning on the DPN's so you could see it's squareness... then I moved it onto a circular and knit a couple rows and then proceeded to put the needles all away and the blanket and moved on... well she came back and saw I wasn't working on it any longer she was quite bothered that I wasn't working on her blanket. This one is trouble folks... serious trouble.

I've been busy I promise... but I have several gifts in the works so I'm keeping hushed for now. Soon... a deluge of projects! Plus I need to get Hub to pose with his new hat for me. You know... because everyone wants to model a wool hat in mid-90's heat. Stay tuned... sweaty man hat pictures coming soon...

Sweet Summer

2008-08-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

My girls melting their artist mommy's heart!
Miss N was practicing her color mixing.
Miss E was just trying to figure out this whole easel painting thing...

This past weekend was the Art on the Green event over in Couer d'Alene. We took the girls Sunday afternoon. It was a huge event. They also had the big food event in the neighboring park. The girls had reached meltdown by then so we didn't get to go over there. We had a fun time.

I also managed to make this over the weekend.

Pattern: Freckle Soaker & Skirty Pattern
Yarn: Selah, Aran BFL, Sweet Summer

Since Miss E isn't taking to using the potty at all, I caved in and realized I needed to do some more knitting for her bottom. I haven't been a fan of soakers in the past because most just aren't a very good fit in my opinion (I'm super picky!). For some reason though I really wanted to try this pattern. The fit is awesome! The pattern is very well written and includes an optional skirty. AND... included in the price is cottage licensing for a certain number of items. Which I thought might be handy to have. Occasionally I knit for others and it would be nice to be able to offer soakers as an option. I picked up the yarn from Lisa on Thursday and got to knitting on Friday. It was fresh from her dye and wash pots and it smelled wonderful. It was a really enjoyable knit.

Miss E's Modern Log Cabin Blanket

2008-07-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Modern Log Cabin Baby Blanket, Mason Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Swish Superwash from Knit Picks in Aloe, Bubblegum, Ballerina (all discontinued) and Sunshine.
Needles: US 7
Notes: Edging was changed to an applied I-Cord. Instructions for this can be found at The Purl Bee.

It's finally finished! I feel happy and giddy, it's such a big thing, but also a little sad about it. I started this just before Miss E turned 1. And now she's over 2. And lately, she's been growing more and more into a girl... and not my baby any longer. She tells me she loves me, can sing songs on her own and has even used the potty a few times. (Not as much as I'd like!) I feel like this blanket is the same. I knit it while she was a baby, and now both have grown up. :( Sappy Mommy Moment.

I will admit there were times that I was not liking this project. Any big project becomes a slog-fest at times right? After reading the passion for log cabin knitting in the book, I wanted to feel that way. It sounded sooooo charming. I was not charmed. Why? Because I could not stand all the casting off and picking up of stitches. I have seen where someone has done it by putting the stitches on holders and holding them for later. If I log cabin again, I will definitely be doing that! I do love the look of log cabin's so I am sure this is not my last. With that modification I suspect I'll get along with it's charming ways just fine.

There are two things I'd do differently here. I should have used a size 6 needle. The 7 is just a little looser than I'd like. And secondly, I'd find a better way to weave in the ends in garter stitch. They really show on the front. I thought washing it would help alleviate that, but instead, it made it even more obvious. Oh, and I might even do it the way the pattern has it laid out and not the mirror image I did here. (snicker) That was an accident on block 3 and I just rolled with it.

So how does the recipient feel about it? Well, lets just say it's hot out and she's far more interested in Daddy calling her to the swimming pool. But come fall, I'm sure it'll see some love.

Off she goes!

Too much laundry!

2008-07-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no blanket pictures yet. I'm blaming the mountain of laundry I've been doing. No room to fit the blanket into the rotation yet.

Soooo... here's some things I'm working on...

Peppermint Mocha Socks... oohhh... ahh... so very ME. I love them. And that's my first little picot edge up there too! Last night I finally got to go to knit night. I think it's been months, literally! Apparently this yarn is very Bridgit too. I was a little scared she might try to steal mine. :)

Hub's Horseshoe Socks. These are S L O W going. My wrists have been bothering me some. I was afraid at first it was due to the knitting, but have since figured out I've been sleeping really strangely on top of my folded wrists. I'm trying really hard not to do that. It's helping, but I keep catching myself doing it. It also bothers them to work on these socks. So I don't much. They were for a KAL and there's no way I'll make the deadline. A bit of a bummer.

Hub's Hat. Yup, it's an actual hat for Hub. Something weird happened with the picture file there... sorry about that. I have no idea. And no time to go take another so it will have to do. I might move this onto a longer needle and magic loop it. The 16" circ is also bothering my wrists... sigh. If only I wasn't quite such a spaz...

And, take two on that baby sweater. This is a whole different look I know. I just happened to have just enough of these two colors in the stash and decided to go with it.

So there ya go! WIP's on Friday. Never conforming to the schedule am I?

Attached I-Cord

2008-07-23T14:22:00.000-07:00

You know what all that attached i-cord means right? Miss E's blanket is FINALLY done! Nearly 16 months in the making. Once I clean my bathtub and give it a dunk I'll have a real photoshoot! I can't wait!

BTW, the attached i-cord is THE way to go if you ask me. All that garter stitch can be heavy and super stretchy. The i-cord gives it some stability around the edges. It was easy to do, and, pretty quick too!

Catch Up

2008-07-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Stacked Eyelet Cowl Recipe
Yarn: Dashing Dach's Dach Sox: Sport, Anniversary

Is it possible to keep up with knitting, blogging and life in the summertime? I've got TWO FO's here in this post that I don't know that I've mentioned. I tried this yarn as socks last month, but they wanted to pool horribly. Blotchy, non swirling type. Not ok. When I saw this idea on Ami's blog I decided to give it a try. It worked out beautifully. I have no idea who it's for as it doesn't go with my winter coat, but hey... gifts on hand are always good right?!

Pattern: Elongated Corded Rib, Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Panda Cotton, Caribbean Blue

These were the gift socks I was keeping hushed. MIL was here this weekend for Miss E's dedication at church and she got her very late birthday present. She loved them. They are actually the only pair of socks I've knit this summer that actually qualify for SOS 08. Thus far none of the 5 pair I knit met the requirements. Oh well. My OWN SOS I've knit 6 pair. :)

Now back to that crazy summer...

Sweet Little Socks

2008-07-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Lacy Baby Socks
Yarn: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, Beach Glass

Pattern: Better Than Booties Baby Socks
Yarn: Louet Gems Fingering, Fern

Pattern: "Little 16" Newborn Socks
Yarn: Dream In Color Smooshy, Deep Seaflower

Did I not promise cute? I made these over the 4th of July weekend. Much of them in the car going to and from the parade... bbq... etc... New little babies need new little socks!

The problem with gift knitting...

2008-07-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

Is that you can't blog about it! I have some things, wee bitty baby things so cute they'll make your teeth hurt, that I finished over the weekend. I sent them off yesterday so perhaps by the weekend you'll get to see them. And I started another project yesterday... even took pictures, but realized I can't blog it either. If you are on Ravelry you can go peek there. The gift is for a non-knitter so I'm safe there.

I DO have some lovely things to show you though!

First up... prizes! Last month the Knitspot Fan Group on Ravelry had a contest to create a new button and banner. The group all voted on them and I won! The funny thing is I actually voted for and liked the second place banner better. Ah well. I won't complain! The prize was a gift certificate to the Knitspot Pattern Shop and the group owner sent some goodies my way as well.

Rosi G, The Soapy Knitter, makes her own bath products. The little picture of herself on the label totally cracks me up! And that scrub, Mango Lassi, smells SO good! The yarn is a fingering weight lace yarn. Miss N thinks it's hers since it's pink. (eyeroll) It may well be... it's the perfect amount for a wee little girl scarf. We shall see...

Also... last weekend Hub (again trying to beat out all other husbands for wonderfulness) took us all over to Coeur d'Alene. He dropped me off at a LYS I had not visited yet... and he took the girls and did our shopping at Costco. I told you, wonderful! Harmony Yarn was delightful. The owner was so hospitable and friendly and the yarn selection quite varied from the other stores I've been to in the area. Miss N came inside to get me and managed to leave with Hershey's kisses in several different flavors. I left with this Malabrigo...

I'm not sure what my thing with green is lately, but I like it. I don't wear it... I look like I'm about to toss my cookies when I do. But I like it. Go figure. The darker one is destined to be a hat for Hub... you know... one of those hats I've been promising him since I started knitting... And the brighter, I don't know. I just liked it. I was thinking I might be able to talk Hub into wearing it. He's trying to talk me out of it. lol! Now I've set my sights on my crazy younger brother Max... or maybe even my Mother-In-Law if she likes it. What do you think Mrs J?

I never do these things...

2008-07-05T09:36:00.000-07:00

But this one I've been reading everywhere it seems and I actually find it interesting... so here goes...

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?
It was the summer after my "senior" year of college. But I stayed two more. SO... I was in Moscow, Idaho working... although I can't tell you what I was doing. I can't remember. TOO many summer jobs along the way. It could be that I was living in Boise, Idaho. Actually I think I was. I was to spend the next semester down there doing a special study on city planning. I was majoring in Architecture. So, living in Boise and working at McGrath's Fish House. Hardest job I ever had (besides motherhood). Tip your waitress well! Especially if she's carrying big heavy plates all day and night!

2) What are five things on my to-do list for today?
1. Go to Credit Union and Post Office
2. Go to Costco to restock now that scary holiday crowds are gone
3. Find something fun to do! Maybe head over to Coeur d'Alene to check out one of their LYS.

3) Snacks I enjoy:
1. Cereal
2. All things chocolate
3. Popcorn

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Pay off everything! Be free!
2. Move to Alaska and build a beautiful house on the water where I can see my Dad and Brother coming and going in their fishing boats. Well, actually I think I'd make my Dad retire. ;) So perhaps I'd just watch him pass by on his way down to his cabin.
3. Buy my MIL a house and a gardener and a housekeeper so she could rest for once!

5) Places I have lived:
1. Seattle, Washington
2. Petersburg, Alaska
3. Moscow, Idaho
4. Boise, Idaho
5. Lake Stevens, Washington
6. Spokane Valley, Washington

6) Jobs I have had:
1. Waitress
2. Concessions Supervisor for U of Idaho and WSU
3. Accounting Assistant (I have no idea how this came about... this is SO not me!)
4. Architect
5. Mommy

2&3 were pretty easy... the others, not so much. lol!

So... what about you?

Time for SOS 08

2008-07-03T10:40:00.000-07:00

To kick things off I knit up a couple pair of real quick ankle socks in STR Heavyweight, Knitty Rocks.

I also cast on a pair I designed for Hub. I'm down to the heel now, but you get the idea here. These are Horseshoe cables. Hub has fond memories of playing horseshoes with his Grandpa Frank. The yarn is Dream In Color Smooshy in Chinatown Apple. This color is so pretty... when the light hits it just right you see green in it too. They named it perfectly!

I hope everyone has a Happy 4th of July!

Claret Baby Cardigan

2008-07-01T11:19:00.000-07:00

A little surprise for you. I didn't intentionally not blog about this in progress. It's just that it only took about four days to knit. So fast. So fun! So totally not the size I intended! lol!

Pattern: Knitting Pure and Simple Easy Baby Cardigan
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash
Needles: US size 6

So... once again, the whole sweater gauge thing bit me in the butt. I am starting to think I have a curse. I have regularly gotten the right gauge with this yarn and needle combo. I have no idea what happened here. Seriously annoying. I was making it for a baby to wear this winter, but... that won't work. So I suppose I'll be making another soon so I'll still have a gift to give! And unfortunately it is too small for Miss E. It would have fit this past winter, but it's a little too small now and will be way too small by the coming winter.

Lets ignore the issue of it not having an obvious owner. Lets talk about how happy I am with how every other aspect turned out shall we?

The color... so pretty. Not screaming baby girl!, but with the details I added still feminine I believe. I heavily debated it but am glad some knitter friends pushed me to go ahead with it. The pattern was for a plain sweater. I added the garter stitch eyelet detail in the collar and hem and then flowery pewter toggle buttons. I think it's really lovely. Just not the right size for anyone...

Hats for Summer!

2008-06-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

For the Hello Kitty Fan...

Pattern: Official Kittyville Hat, Stitch N' Bitch Book
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Worsted, Ballerina (Color discontinued to Miss N's heartbreak! This is the only wool yarn I've gotten her to wear and her very favorite color.)
Mod's: I eliminated the plain rounds in the decreases to make it a bit shallower. My kids seem to have big heads, but they're shorter than an adults. I also eliminated the pom pom's on the ends of the ties. That just didn't seem practical, plus I don't like them!

And for the goofball!

Pattern: Umbilical Cord Hat, Stitch N' Bitch Book
Yarn: Daching Dach's Stallion Organic Merino, Framboise
Mod's: The yarn is a bulky weight so I was able to work the pattern on the same number of stitches but made it a little bit deeper. Size is 19" circumference.

Remember her first one? My baby is growing up!

We're ready for winter! ha ha!

Cami Chic Spirals

2008-06-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Spiral Eyelet Socks
Yarn: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock, Cami Chic
Mod's: I had to reduce it to a 56st pattern to get a 7-1/2" unstretched sock. Those eyelets add a LOT of room.

These socks were for my Mom. I took a finished photo of them on the blockers, but it just didn't do them justice. And, since Hub was heading to Alaska I charged him to take photos of them on Moms feet. I think for two non-knitters they did a really great job!

The yarn is of course, Hazel Knits. This was another KAL that the Ravelry Group decided to do. This time we're all knitting this colorway, Cami Chic in different patterns. It's pretty interesting! I'm really really REALLY happy with how they turned out!

And, while they were at it Mom brought out the Lilac Socklets and they got a photo of them too. Much cuter on a foot than a blocker!

Moms Cabled Mitt's

2008-06-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

Miss N wanted to help so she's modeling them here. Cute little chubby fingers!

Pattern: Moms Cabled Mitt's - by me! Size M/L
Yarn: Karabella Aurora 8

Pattern: Mom's Cabled Mitt's, size S/M
Yarn: Dream In Color Classy, Some Summer Sky
Notes: The gauge I got with this yarn was a little looser than I like, but it's sooo pretty...

Nope, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. I've been busy FINALLY getting this pattern ready for release! I know, June... who wants mittens in June?! BUT, there really is nothing better than knitting small little nothings in the summertime! The pattern is now available in the Itchy Fingers Store on Ravelry! So go, cast on! Have fun!

It took me so long because although I had a WONDERFUL tester (thanks Christy!) I didn't have a tester for the M/L size. So finally I just did it myself. I mean... hello... don't you think I needed a pair anyway?! I did make a few tweaks to the pattern in both sizes so I knit the blue pair up for my aunt who had previously requested some. But would you believe... I still owe a pair to my MIL for her sister?! I'm so bad. For some reason this last pair for my MIL is a hurdle I can't seem to jump. I have yarn. I have patterns. I just need to do it.

But instead I cast on a baby hat last night. I do not know what baby it is for. I just wanted to knit the yarn. So I am. ha! Such reckless behavior isn't it?!

I've also done some frogging. I frogged the Lace Ribbon Scarf. Not because it wasn't turning out lovely, I just decided I wanted to use a different yarn. Same for the Shifty Socks. Although I'm not even sure if I blogged about them yet. So I'm killing time until the start of Summer Of Socks 08 on the 21st by knitting quickies. I'm loving it! Stash busting galore!

I also have some Alaska news for you all. Hub got home last night from his trip up there for an in-person interview. They let him know before he left that they decided to go with the other guy. It's a little disappointing. But at the same time, I'm really at peace with it. We have prayed over the issue extensively as have our friends and many members of our church. We asked for it to be very clear what we are to do with regards to this opportunity. Well, I think it's clear! We weren't sure if the job would pay enough for us to live there anyway. At least with it ending this way we don't have to make that decision or take the risk. SO... we'll keep our eyes and ears open. We're still hoping to move. This just wasn't the right time. Onward...

Summer Goals

2008-06-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

Ali over at Skeins Her Way likes to challenge us all to set actual GOALS for summer knitting. Maybe because it's hot and no one feels motivated??? Not sure. But she also lures us in with prizes so who are we to resist?!

She put out her list today... lands sakes it's detailed! I'm going to be a bit, no, a lot more vague.

I have a few goals...

1 (a&b). Socks.
I have joined Summer of Socks once again. My goal for this is to knit Hub enough socks for a week. I myself have enough for a little over a week now, although they don't always match what I'm wearing. But this knitter would rather wear comfy socks than match. I'll keep working on that too... so two goals... make a couple more pair for myself so I don't look quite as dorky (ie neutrals), AND make at least 4 more for Hub. He has 4 fingering weight pairs now. Two are mountain colors bearfoot and while at first he really liked them, now he claims the mohair is rather tickly on the toes. That strikes me as really funny.

2. Knit another sweater.
Several of you have rightly requested that I model the recently completed Wicked. I've been meaning to get Hub and some sunshine and get some decent pictures, but... the weather in particular is not cooperating! A late season cold also made an appearance here and stepped in to further hinder picture progress. And, sadly, after it's washing and blocking the sweater is WAY too big for me. That Classy grows quite a bit. Which I knew from my swatch, but my gauge also grew when I worked on the project vs. the swatch. And all that growing together became more than the thing can overcome I believe. Ack! I've seen where several other people have put theirs in the dryer and gotten it to shrink up... but mine was a teensy bit big to begin with... so I'm not really believing that will fix all my problems. And I am not about to risk ruining the yarn so that I can't rip it out and reknit it. So, I'm waiting for pictures to show you all, and then I'm going to ask for advice, and then I'm going to reknit it... either with a smaller needle, or a smaller size, or possibly both. Not sure. Hence, advice asking. The one avenue I am not going to take is gaining 20lbs so it will fit as is. Sorry folks. Just not up for that. I pulled it tight from the back and it's super cute... fitted... so I really DO want to get it right.

While I want to reknit that one right now... it's sheepy-ness might be irritating in summer. It gets hot here. Even with the AC blowing on me it's a little odd to have a pile of wool in your hands. So I'm thinking I might finally knit up Something Red... in toffee. I've got the blue sky cotton already and I think it would be a nice summer knit. Plus it's another top down sweater which will help me really learn this method.

So that's it. It's not much. But since sweater knitting is at present a learning process... who knows how much time that will suck up! I probably should get started on a few gifts for the holidays... we shall see.

I am officially jealous of the members of the Socks that Rock sock club. This month's installment is AWESOME! None of the others have made me feel like I was missing out, but this one did. Speaking of sock clubs, I joined one. I never thought I would but Sock Yarnist a seems like it will be really fun. I think it was the choice of a semi-solid or handpainted each month really won me over. I just signed up for 3 months... we'll see how I feel after that.

I do have a bit of news on the Alaska front. We finally got a call and they want Hub to fly up for an extensive in person interview now. It is a city government job so the process is moving very slowly. We're totally new to this. It seems VERY slow to us. So the wait continues... I'll be very jealous that he gets to go for a visit without us. I'll console myself in the usual way... yarn. :)

Here is a fun little quiz I found on Ali's blog. I have a recent obsession with all things Jane Austen.

Take the Quiz here!

The Lilac City

2008-06-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

The city I live in is called The Lilac City. This Indie dyer is a local and thus this colorway was inspired by our city. So of course I had to try some!

Pattern: Basic 72 st sock, Eye Of Partridge Heel
Needles: 2.0mm, 2.25mm needles
Yarn: Selah BFL Sock, Lilac City

This yarn was a little strange to me. I've worked with BFL before several times. But this BFL felt nothing like those at all. It was even slightly scratchy whereas the BFL I've used before has been nothing but soft. So that was a little surprising. Then the colorway acted really strangely at the top of the second sock. No idea what happened there. And my gauge changed too as the second sock was a full 1/4 inch shorter than the first. I ripped the toe out and added some rows to fix that but can tell that one sock is tighter than the other. Usually my second sock ends up a little bit looser. These socks were just strange. Perhaps they took direction from my 4YO on how to act, I don't know. lol! While I love their Parvana sock, I don't think I'll use the BFL again.

Now that these are off my needles, I'm back down to my regular two socks going. It's kind of a relief. :)

BTW, the Plain Janes pattern has been released now!

Plain Jane

2008-06-03T10:03:00.001-07:00

There is a lot to be said for a plain sock. In truth they are the ones I pull out of the drawer and onto my feet first. They are comfy and reliable. Meghann has written up a new pattern and asked me to test it. The pattern is Plain Jane Socks. I think it's great. I have yet to see one out there that has this much information. It's got a huge variety of sizes, and information on different heel types and cuffs. It's great for a beginner, or... even a lazy experienced sock knitter like myself. See, I rarely look at a pattern for a plain sock anymore. But I reinvent the heel turn every time because I can't remember the number of stitches to knit over and purl back etc... It is written for 8 stitches to the inch, but if you know your foot and your gauge you can easily use the instructions for different stitch counts to make your size in a different gauge. She's still in the process of getting it ready for release right now. But when it comes out snatch it up! It's a good one!

I also used her yarn for this sock in the spirit of promoting all good things from her. :) It is the same yarn base as I used for my Lotus Socks last year which were a favorite on my feet last winter. I really love the colors and the way it knit up. I can see these being next winters favorite!

Pattern: Plain Jane Socks by Meghann Holcomb
Yarn: Illusion Yarns Premium Superwash Merino, Royal Plum
Needle: US 1.5, 2.5mm

With Wild Abandon...

2008-05-29T12:05:00.001-07:00

Can't

stop

casting on.

One would think with Summer of Socks starting in 3 weeks I'd take a sock break... finish up any socks in progress... clean the slate and be ready. That was the plan. But... it's just not happening.

As for news... I have none. It's all starting to take so long I'm thinking I might not care the answer as long as this waiting period ends!

Sneak Peek

2008-05-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

It's done! I need to block it and then we'll have a real shoot. These photos are just to tide you over. And yes, I alternated 4 skeins which means... I really did "stripes" and wove in a million ends. I don't mind really. I appreciate the evenness of the yarn.

No news yet... but my little sis graduated from high school last night! Congrats Kenz!

Waiting...

2008-05-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate waiting... waiting, waiting... that's what I'm doing this week. Waiting to see if there will be a major life change, or if life will go on the same. It's a bit nerve wracking. Good for the knitting though as I can't seem to be still. I also can't seem to have a coherent thought pattern, so simple knitting has been the activity of choice.

Don't pass out or anything, but it's an actual WIP post on Wednesday. Should I be cleaning my house? Yes, but I don't wanna! I've been working this week mostly on my Wicked and the Lilac City socks. Both have a deadline of sorts. The KAL for the sweater is ending June 1 and the Lilacs are starting to bloom here in the Lilac City and I was really hoping to be able to have a flowery photo session with the socks.

As you can see, I finished the body of the sweater and have picked up the sleeves. I decided to do them on magic loop so I didn't have to take notes and repeat myself. The other perk of doing the ML instead of switching to DPN's is that I have no worries about a gauge change. Same needles. I think the longer I knit the more enamored of the magic loop I become.

Yesterday I finished up the first Lilac City sock and got the second off to a good start. The patterning is changing up quite a bit in the second sock so it should be interesting to see how it turns out. I used to think it was my fault when the pattern changed. Now I've come to realize, duh!, that it's in the nature of hand painted yarn. I'm not sure why it took me so long to figure that out. Sometimes I wonder how I function at all...

So, I continue to wait... more knitting will be done. But I really should run the vacuum at least...

Lace

2008-05-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Hey look, it's lace! I can knit lace. Veronik Avery's Lace Ribbon Scarf Bandwagon drove by and picked me up. Up until recently I haven't been tempted into this realm of knitting. I am far too practical. I want something I will wear. A big triangular lace shawl, is not going to get worn around here. A stole... same thing. But little scarves... I can see myself or family members wearing. Anne Hanson has been tempting me with her new "little nothings" line, but this one caught my eye because I could clearly SEE the pattern. I felt like I wouldn't get lost. It seemed like a really good place to start. Some Smooshy raised it's hand and volunteered and we got moving.

I've been working on my sweater a lot. It's down to the waist now. It's moving pretty quickly at this point. It's nice and soothing.

Sadly, I got some very bad news yesterday. I've been trying to think of a way to mention it without making this a horribly depressing post, but there just isn't any cute way around it. My 17 year old cousin died in a horrible accident on Mothers Day. My heart is breaking for my aunt who will never again enjoy that day. It breaks for my brothers who grew up with him as their neighbor and best friend. It breaks for the boy who saw it happen. It breaks for the whole town that is grieving. I once again feel so far from my family. I wish I could be there right this moment to help them through this. I may be going for the memorial, but we have to attend to some details and see if it's at all possible. Everything is just up in the air right now. If I disappear for a while you'll know I've gone to be with them. So sad. It seems so unfair.

Embossed Leaves

2008-05-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Embossed Leaves, Favorite Socks
Yarn: Hazel Knits Artisian Sock, Chocolatier
Needles: 2.25mm, 2.5mm
Mod's: Many. Shortened cuff to save yarn, added a slipped stitch on the sides of the heel flap for my own knitting comfort, added repeats for length and used a regular toe for my rather square toes.

See, as promised, finished socks. My lily white skin comes in handy for modeling lace... ha ha. I am continuing to have a love affair with this yarn. I placed my first order at Woolgirl when I found out she'd stocked there. And rumor is soon to The Loopy Ewe too! This is all good news for me because when I buy direct from her I have to pay shipping and state sales tax. Boo! Hiss! I'd much rather just pay shipping. And I have a Loopy gift certificate that I'm saving up for when it stocks... I can't wait!

In more good news, I tried on the sweater again and I believe it fits. To convince myself fully I pulled out a really nice fitting sweater from the closet and made a comparison. It's right on. Yay! The KAL deadline is June 1. Guess I better get to work!

WIP Friday Edition

2008-05-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

I know, the THING TO DO is the WIP Wednesday. I did take these pictures in time for that, but it just didn't happen. I'd act shocked, however, it's not shocking. I can pretend to be "all together" all I want, but honestly, I'm not. So lets not pretend.

First up... Wicked. It's at the point I can try it on. I did so at about 1am one night... this is not a good gauge of fit. So... I need to try on again in daylight... I'm a little scared it's on the bigish side. And I know that my swatches grew when I blocked them... so... little scared. We shall see.

And I started my next no brainer sock. It's cute and springy don't you think? The colorway is 'Lilac City'. The dyer is a local and our city is "The Lilac City". I should be able to get some sock pictures with the Lilacs when they bloom. Yum. I love Lilac's!

I DO have a picture of one Embossed Leaves sock done, however, now that I'm finally posting... the second only needs a toe so... you'll just have to wait for an FO post on those!

Good non-knitting news... Hub has been interviewing for a job up in Alaska this week and today we found out he's one of two finalists! It was so heartbreaking to leave that we decided we must try to move there. Our kids deserve to have some grandparents around for pete's sake yk?! Not to mention we could use a support system ourselves. I can't even remember the last time Hub and I went out on a date! It's so hard being here all on our own. We decided to try knowing it could take years or might not even happen. After all, it's a town of only 3000 people on an island. But... a great job just happened to be open that fits Hub's skill set and here we are... they're calling references today! My head is spinning. I'm trying not to let my heart get involved, but how could it not?! On one hand, I'm excited... on the other... freaking out! Our lives will totally be turned upside down on a moments notice. So fast... happening so fast... We shall see!

Hub, the amazing wonder spinner

2008-05-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

My "girls" got me a drop spindle for my birthday. It's amazing the shopping they manage to do for being toddlers... ;)

So yesterday at the EW Knits Ravelry meet up Kim showed me how to get started. She's been dying for me to spin. She loves it and is definitely a spinning missionary. Everyone at the meet up said I was off to a fantastic start. They actually made me blush. So I felt pretty good about myself.

Then I came home... with a spindle and some fiber for Hub. He has talked about how he thinks it would be fun to spin ever since I started knitting. I took all my stuff out the the car went to climb in and just couldn't do it. I ran back in and picked up a spindle and some fiber for Hub. The girls were napping when I got home so I got to show him how right away. Here's his first yarn...

Hmm... not feeling quite as good about myself now. lol! I KNEW he'd be meticulous and just perfect. That's just his way. He's really wanted to do this for a while, so we'll see. I think he wants something to do while I sit and knit in the evenings. He says spinning looks very relaxing. I sure wouldn't mind!

I'm off to enjoy the sunshine. It really is spring now!

My Birthday Gift

2008-04-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature got me exactly what I wanted for my birthday... I have leaves budding on my backyard tree and tulips budding in my front yard. Perhaps spring has finally come!

More good news... block 10 is complete! Now I just need to figure out what type of edging to do. I think I want to do applied I-cord. It seems like the Mason-Dixon edging of choice right now. And it seems neat and tidy. I looked at the edging from the book and it just doesn't seem right for this blanket. I need to do a bit of net searching on the best way to do the I-cord. So get out your forks... this one is almost done!

Bad lighting... despite the lovely weekend weather, it's now cold and rainy again. Bah!

I do have an FO for you... it's not the most gorgeous ever, but it's done. Behold... the first sock. Looks pretty good...

The problems began with the second...

See what I mean? But still... any handknit pair is far and above better than store bought. And since spring is coming so slowly to these parts this year, I'll wear them several times before they're put away for the summer.

Pattern: Basic Sock Recipie - 72st
Yarn: Regia Bamboo Color
Needles: 2.0mm/US size 0

On to more beautiful projects right!? I joined a KAL for the Hazel Knits Artisians Ravelry group. We're all knitting the Embossed Leaves sock in different colors from Hazel Knits. They are all totally gorgeous. I'm using my Chocolatier. It's turning out quite lovely. It's slow going though because with the wide stitch pattern I haven't been able to memorize it. I'm almost there, but need to peek from time to time. Especially since I get interrupted so much! Occupational hazard. I'm down through the heel now, but here's a peek at the beginning.

I'm off to make brownies with Miss N. Because no birthday is complete without chocolate!

Block 9

2008-04-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is block 9 complete! It actually appears to be two blocks because it's worked in two colors. And better yet, 10 is picked up and started. I can taste the end of this beast!

What prompted this frenzy of garter stitch? I've had house guests ever since returning home and good old garter is always your friend when you're carrying on conversations. And... Last week, Miss E turned 2. If you remember I started this before her first birthday. A year later... here it is, still an UFO. My brother who was visiting along with Hub gave me much guilt over it. So I picked it up and charged through block 9. It was a biggie. Block 10 is long, but not very wide. Only 18 garter ridges. Last night I calculated and figured if I was paying attention... it would take me 4 hours to complete. However, I tend to knit while watching movies and such so... probably longer. I'm so excited to be nearing completion! I actually want to work on it again. I love the finish you know... that adrenalin kicks in and pushes you through. Maybe I get carried away. :)

I am so jealous of all the pretty pictures of spring I'm seeing around the blogosphere. Here, we have nothing but more cold and we've even had a couple inches of snow. Ugh. We're now a mere inch and a bit away from the all time record for snow in a winter... 93.some odd inches. That's a lot of snow folks. I'm kind of rooting for another inch just for the bragging rights for having such a crappy long winter. But the other side of me can't wait to see what that predicted 60 is going to feel like this weekend. Maybe spring found her way to us... just maybe... hopefully I finish that blanket by then!

Scenic Socks and More!

2008-04-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Broken Cable Rib by Ann Budd

Yarn: Dream In Color Smooshy, Deep Seaflower

Really, there's not much to say here. They are gorgeous! I am so happy with them. I knit nearly all of them while in Alaska with my family. Then Hub and I escaped one afternoon to give them a special Alaska photo shoot. I was freezing. Did I mention that in the chaos of getting us all out the door at 3am for the airport I forgot my coat?! Ugh. Not smart! A day or two after this I took possession of one of my brothers wrestling team jackets. I was SO fashionable... but warm.

I did make a few simple modifications which I detailed out in Ravelry if you are interested.

I also started this pair while I was there... and finished them up here at home. It's so odd to say that because Alaska IS my home. Just not right now. So I'm home from going home. Strange but true! I thought my Mama deserved a little something for having 10 people in her house for over two weeks!

Pattern: Citrine Socklets from IK, Holiday 2007
Yarn: Louet Gems Sport, Lilac

These are a LOT cuter on feet. But Mom has tiny feet so I couldn't stuff my big 'un's in to show them off.

I have a house guest this week! It's one of my brothers from Alaska! His twin to got go to Arizona with a friend for spring break. So he got to come here, hang with us and go snowboarding with Hub. Then this weekend MIL arrives to celebrate Miss E's 2nd birthday! All this business is keeping me from crashing into depression about being home and away from family again. So it's good. I'll sort through the gross amount of pictures that were taken and get you a little taste of Alaska soon!

WIP's

2008-04-10T13:17:00.000-07:00

Well, since I don't have pictures for you from the trip yet I thought I'd share some of the things I worked on while I was there. And for the record... I used every bit of sock yarn I took with me! Good planning I say. I also took some yarn for hats, but then decided I didn't want to use that yarn for the hats... so I stuck with the socks.

First up... the traveling sock. I knit this on the airplane. Now, I almost didn't pack any knitting in my carry on. I was traveling with a 2YO and a 4Yo. I didn't expect to get anything done. But... the plane was packed and they couldn't sit us all together and Hub VERY graciously took the kids and I sat ALONE! So I knit the cuff on one of the flights up. I knit the heel while there and then about an inch of foot on the way home when we were all sitting together the entire time. The yarn is Regia's Bamboo Color. It's interesting. It's got a lot of drape. It's silky soft too. Hub declared it too girly, so it's for me. I'm not complaining.

Next up, Lilac Socklets. This is a quick little knit for my Mom. I would have finished them while we were there, but the last few days I put down the knitting to really spend every last moment with family.

And THIS... UGH! I have been wanting to do the Roza pattern by Grumperina again. I devised a plan to make them fit me as the original was a bit too small. (working on 66st instead of 60st) Well, it didn't work! GRRR! They are too tight in the instep. I'm totally mad so they've been in time out. I am fighting off the urge to rip the whole thing out. I believe that the problem lies with the stitch pattern itself... where there is lace, it's stretchy and bigger. But with the heel and bottom of foot being all stockinette... it's too small there. I'm considering ripping out the heel only, increasing by several stitches and giving it another go. But like I said... that urge to rip the whole thing out is also there. We'll see. I could also gift these... but the right recipient hasn't come to mind. For various reasons, this one won't work for my usuals... I even for a moment thought about just chucking the whole thing. I never thought I'd feel that way about any yarn, but... I'm mad at this one!

OH! Rereading this I just had an idea... what if I ripped the heel and redid it in plain stockinette instead of slip stitch... and maybe added an extra 2 stitches say... that way it wouldn't be drastically different from the stitch count on the top and I think the heel would have a little more give... Feedback appreciated!

Hub has promised me a disc full of pictures tonight, so trip photos and an FO coming soon!

Home

2008-04-09T14:39:00.000-07:00

We're back! I have no pictures yet. I have an FO, many WIP's, and lots of family and scenery for you. However, all is on Hub's laptop. And I have no idea how to get them onto this computer... So... you'll have to wait...

I also have 213 unread posts in bloglines. That could take a while...

More soon!

The Long Awaited Surprise!

2008-03-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Childs Cabled Jumper, by Anne Hanson

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease, Lime

Needles: US 7
Notes: This was a dream project. The pattern is very well written. I had no modifications, and no problems at all... not a bit of ripping back. It was amazing! It's exactly the dimensions it's supposed to be too! A dream. Yummy!

Front

Back

Miss T got her "baby shower in a box" today! Meghann of Radiant Twist and I have been scheming for several months on a way to really treat Miss T. She's kind of had a rough go of it and we just wanted to make sure she got to celebrate this joyous occasion! Meghann is lucky enough to live near Miss T so she got the honors of giving the gifts to her. She's blogged about it with some cute pictures here!

I myself have been sitting here on the west coast dying of anticipation! Of course I had to be done first so I could ship the gifts back east. It's just no fun to hold it all in!

Look! Mama and Baby Socks that Rock!

Aww...

Sooooo cute! And so fun!

Pattern: Priscilla's Dream Socks from Favorite Socks.
Yarn: Socks that Rock Heavyweight in Chapman Springs, and Mediumweight in Fairgrounds, both from leftovers stash! They both have tiny feet. :)
Notes: What's not to love? Miss T needed some labor socks. And we must impart good taste to the baby right away so she needed a pair too. I love the look of the zig zag bind off. I'm not sure if it would be comfy in a pair of shoes, but these are so thick I don't think they'll go in shoes. It's sure pretty to look at!

Womans Heart, 2001

The knitting was all really fun and cute. But this was really the heart of the gifts I sent. I created this piece about 8 years ago just after I'd gone through a very surprising divorce. I started thinking about my future children and how they wouldn't even know about this part of my life until they were possibly quite a bit older, or maybe never. It sparked a train of thought about the depth of a womans heart. How it holds so many treasures and secrets, hurts and loves. But looking at her face, you'd never know. Miss T and I have talked about this piece quite a bit. She's had some high's and some low's in the past year or so. All little treasures to be tucked away in her heart. And perhaps when she looks at this piece on her wall it might remind her of things she has forgotten about. Or maybe it will just remind her of the depth and beauty that she holds within her very own self. Because that is certainly something to celebrate!

I love you Miss T. I am so happy for you and this upcoming adventure. Another beautiful memory to tuck away in your heart.

Crazy Socks

2008-03-16T11:15:00.001-07:00

Pattern: Basic 60 stitch Sock with a Dutch Heel from Knitting Vintage Socks

Yarn: Selah Parvana Sock

Needles: US 1.5, 2
Notes: I can't help but think of Easter candy when I look at them. Maybe it's just the time of year, I'm not sure. I need to rave on this yarn. I reknit the heel on the first sock 2 or 4 times and you can't tell. This yarn is tough! The Dutch Heel... not sure I like it. I have a narrow heel, and yet it's still kind of puckery. I'm hoping it will relax a bit when I wash them. Thank you Julie for this yarn! It was a second that she gave to me. It has been the most fun yarn!

We're leaving town next week and heading north to Alaska for a couple of weeks to visit my family. To cope with the stress of traveling with two toddlers and all that entails I've been doing three things... winding yarn, spending extra time at the gym and freaking out. The freaking out is followed by a trip to the gym or a session winding sock yarn. Now I know I don't NEED to take enough yarn for half a dozen socks with me. But it's calming. So shush! I'm not sure if I'll be taking anything besides socks with me. Baggage space is at a premium when traveling with toddlers and all their stuff. Not to mention dragging two carseats with us. Miss E is also sick right now... hoping that doesn't pass it's way around the house. Did I tell you yet that our flight leaves here at 5am?! Pray for me. lol!

Heavenly

2008-03-14T13:33:00.001-07:00

I finally cast on some of my Dream In Color Smooshy sock yarn. Oh my. I only meant to start this and put it away for later. But... it was soooo yummy. If I were a cat I'd have purred the whole time.

Go ahead, laugh at me. Then buy yourself some and see for yourself!

The Curse is Broken!

2008-03-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

Fancy socks for me!

Pattern: Primavera Socks
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino, Wild Cherry
Needles: 2.25mm, 2.5mm

I really love how these turned out. They are just gorgeous! I did not however really enjoy knitting them. The yarn is another one of those "little bit sticky" ones. So it felt slow even if it wasn't. And the pattern... there are a lot of M1's and they're a bit fiddly. I felt like I was fighting my way along. I am glad I saw it through as they are lovely but I won't be repeating it.

I feel like I haven't had anything to blog in forever! Secret projects don't lend themselves as blog fodder. The secret project is finished and will be revealed sometime in the next few weeks. It's really just an internet secret... lots of locals got to take a peek already. :)

Last February I took a sock class... and it certainly has been a year of socks! Well it's time for something new again (probably overdue, but lets not talk about that...) I started my first adult sweater! Sheri at The Loopy Ewe wanted to knit herself a sweater out of Dream In Color's Classy and in order to make sure she completed it... invited everyone to join her. She further enticed us with a promise of 20% off on the yarn to do it! I had a credit at her store already and I love Classy, so... I didn't need much arm twisting. There are quite a few people knitting the same sweater as myself as well as a few other newbies. I feel like I have some backup should any problems arise. So I feel a bit "safe" in my choice for my first. And not guilty for ignoring the sweater yarns I've already purchased because now I'll have some experience under my belt and can jump off on my own!

The pattern itself is pretty simple. It's Wicked. You've probably seen a million out there. The construction seems simple enough to be manageable and quick! The yarn is Classy by Dream In Color in Ruby River. So here I go! Perhaps this will be the year of the sweater!

Yes, I have a thing for reds and purples and especially together. That's probably fairly obvious in this post eh? lol!

Chugging Along

2008-03-03T16:48:00.000-08:00

The secret project is in full swing now. I managed to clock quite a bit of time with it over the weekend and got the majority of the knitting done. Now come the fiddly parts. I have really enjoyed knitting this and it's gone so fast I can hardly believe it. I was thinking about the yardage I've knit versus the yardage in a sock... this has gone SO much faster. Bigger may be faster. (You won't hear me say better!) I love little teaser pictures. Miss T is getting very squirmy. Muw ah ah! That baby ticker she has is freaking me out! 29 days?! Better get back to it!

I also finished a pair of socks... last week I think. I suppose I should knit them mates and not go out like this. Both second cuffs are a bit over halfway done already. That crazy sock goes really fast. That's what I'm calling it now. That wild and crazy patterning makes me giggle a bit. I've said a million times I am not a fan of pooling or spiraling or any of that. But this one is just SO out there crazy that I love it. I'm not sure what that says about me and I'm not sure I care! lol!

One MORE reason to love my Hub

2008-02-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

He brings me nice treats now and then. :) Hub has been traveling a lot lately and was in fact gone most of last week. He was gone again yesterday, but only for a quick day trip. He stopped in at a yarn store and picked this out for me. It's Manos del Uruguay's newest yarn, a Merino and Silk blend. It's very pretty. Hub choose the colors because they would go with both my plum and red coats. When I got my new plum colored winter coat I tried to find something to match to make some mittens and a scarf out of, but it's proved to be difficult. He remembered. How's that for thoughtful?! And he picked up some handmade dark chocolate covered raisins at a country store he always stops by. I have no resistance to these. They are already gone.

With Hub being away knitting hasn't been moving very fast. That and I've been experimenting. February's SKA challenge was to try new heels. Well... that means they don't always fit. For some reason or another I really want to find a short row heel that will fit me. I had the idea if I added in an extra 10% of stitches to the heel that it might work. Often people say to work the heel on 60% of the stitches dividing it 40-60, but this wasn't enough for me. So I thought why not work it 50-60? That way the instep wouldn't be robbed of any stitches. It was a good idea and I think it would work for a lot of people, but it was still a bit too snug for me. Darn! I think you have to be more in proportion for this to work. I just have a thicker ankle and a narrow foot. And my poor heel is right in the middle. It's just a little hard to work.

So here it is looking lovely... on my second try... first was too pointy. Second, too small.

Then this weekend I came down with a bit of a cold. It doesn't seem to be hitting me full on. First I was achy and tired. Now I have congestion. But not enough to be really sick... just enough to be annoying. I keep thinking 'am I sick or not?!'. Anyway... I wanted comfort knitting and something that would work. So I turned to good old Nancy Bush. First I attempted the Welsh Heel. But it's just plain weird. It has yarn overs in the heel turn. So there are these little holes. I didn't like it. Rip! Then I turned to the Dutch or Horseshoe Heel. Ah... yes, here we go. It's a little different in the construction and I'll admit at first I tried to alter it a bit because I didn't think it would work the way I wanted it to. Um, yes, I had to rip it out. The second time I actually followed the directions. And guess what... it turned out perfectly. That Nancy does actually know what she's doing. (ha ha, snort)

I've lost count of how many times I have ripped and knit this heel. All I have to say is that this yarn is VERY forgiving! It's held up just fine and you can't even tell I've abused it so much.

The Dutch heel is very square. The flap is a little longer than a usual flap. I was thinking it would be too big even on me, but after I turned the heel I saw the reason... you need it for this sturdy square little heel turn.

You know how you usually have a k1 or a p1 after the dec stitch in the heel turn. Well you don't have that here. So all the decrease stitches line up and form a sturdy little square.

This also makes for less stitches when you pick up the gusset and start going round again. So the gusset decreases are spaced out between two plain rows. I kind of liked that part... the less decreasing that is.

So anyway... the socks and I are at peace again.

I've been swatching for some exciting new projects! And no, they are not socks! I've been strong armed into a KAL. Well, maybe not strong armed... but coerced. lol!

Shh...

2008-02-21T14:39:00.000-08:00

No, you don't need to adjust your screens. I just can't give Miss T any hints!

I started swatching for the secret project. Swatch #1 isn't quite right... going for #2. Things with gauge scare me. Gauge never REALLY matches!

I started a new sock this morning too. I needed something plain. I have been working on the Primavera's, but honestly, I needed to put them down for a bit. The M1's are driving me bonkers. They aren't fun to make. They are gorgeous, but no fun. The sock only needs a toe so I might suck it up and finish it off tonight if I get some time. But I can't really start the second because I stole the needle for the new socks. lol! I did place an order with Knit Picks for a couple more. Two sets of both size 1's are necessary I think. I'll probably finish this darn sock before they get here though... sigh... so slow with the shipping!

So the new sock... it's knitting up pretty wild at the moment. I just went down to the smaller needle size so it should change up. (You know... my 'cheaters calf shaping', knit the top half of the cuff up a needle size) We'll see what happens. I am really liking the base. She calls this her Parvana sock yarn. It's yummy. Julie of Selah fame gave this to me. It was a second. This was a new yarn and she was playing with it a bit. There are great benefits to having an Indie dyer in your knit group!

I have several testers ready for the mitten patterns. Thank you for volunteering! I will have the files out to you ASAP... speaking of which I should get back to that...

Mitten Pattern Testers

2008-02-17T16:51:00.001-08:00

I need a couple of testers for my mitten patterns. I wrote part of each with my very chatty 4Yo in the room. I am SURE there are mistakes! One for the 220 ribbed mittens and one for the cabled mitts. Anyone game? I need you to be fairly quick with this. I know it's the end of winter, but hey... your hands need to be warm next year!

OOPS! Forgot to tell you... you've got to email me! Most people who reply here have a "noreply@blogger..." address, so I can not contact you!

Email to artistjess AT gmail DOT com (You know what to do with that!)

Quick Sunday Post

2008-02-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely time at the Ravelry meet-up yesterday. Paradise Fibers generously hosts us twice a month for the entire afternoon! They even provide some snacks and door prizes! (I actually won yesterday! Never win a thing! I got some SOAK samples and some cute labels they make to put into your hand knit garments.) Unlike other knit groups in the area there is room for spinners to set up their wheels. So it adds an interesting dynamic to the room! Fun fun. Yesterday I sat between two spinners. It was so relaxing to just listen to their wheels hum. I was practically napping!

I finished up the Crunch Socks this morning. I could have finished them last night, but I was watching a movie and didn't want to stop and inspect the first toe so I could copy it. So I did it this morning.

Pattern: Basic Sock, Used Heel and Toe instructions from this article by Lucy Neatby.
Yarn: Socks That Rock, Heavyweight, Chapman Springs
Needle: US 3
Notes: I am really glad I tried this heel. I tried a short row heel last summer, but it didn't work out for my foot. It was too tight. This lovely one does fit on my foot. So it's great to know I've got an option when it comes to heels. It might be a bit odd to walk on. Not sure. Guess I'll have to make myself a pair! I was pushed into trying it by the February Sockdown challenge!

I did manage to jam my long foot into it. This was made for a US size 9, my feet, 11's. The garter stitch really has a lot of give!

Well, this again puts me down to 2 WIP's. I guess I need to go wind some yarn and do some casting on eh? I've got a secret project I need to start working on. Sigh... not good for blog, but I'm excited to do it! Hint... it's baby knitting. Not for me! I'm still not sure what to do with the Chocolatier. I'm thinking maybe Anne's new design might be a good choice. Just have to wait on her to finish it up!

What are you up to this lazy Sunday afternoon?

Pretty Valentine Sock

2008-02-15T15:24:00.001-08:00

I got the Primavera going and I couldn't put it down. Isn't it pretty?! It fits really well too! Yay!

And don't forget... if you're part of the EW Knits Ravelry group... we've got a meet up tomorrow! See you there!

Indecision

2008-02-12T14:47:00.000-08:00

I seem to have taken on indecision as a post-child attribute. Maybe I had it before... I just can't remember that far back into my life perhaps??

Anyway... Since I cast off the Seahawk Socks I've only got two projects on my needles... last night I finished up the first of this pair. Don't freak out. It's Socks That Rock Heavyweight. It's super fast for anyone! I'm making these for someone to give to another someone. How confusing is that? I guess you could call them a commission since I am getting rewarded for this work.

I wanted to play around with it a bit... the yarn did not lend itself to any stitch patterns I came up with. It wanted to be plain and show off it's amazing colors. This picture does not show the amazing-ness... I need sunshine! So I played with the heel and toe. I used Lucy Neatby's article on the Garter Stitch Heel and Toe. It was fun to do and... it actually even fits me! It's nice to know I have an option to the extra long flap's I usually do.

The other one left is Miss E's blankie. I know... it's been a WIP for nearly a year now. You don't have to remind me of that. I've gotten to the last BIG hunk of knitting. It's blocks 9. Two blocks are worked side by side. The instructions say to just twist the colors around each other at the join. I'm pretty certain I'm not doing it right. But I'm also pretty certain that it's good enough. This blanket has been a learning experience! It is far from perfect... why get picky now?!

It is looking awfully pretty though.

Ok, and because it makes me twitchy to only have one sock available to work on, I quickly cast on another pair this morning. I only had time to work two rows and then it was off to my hefty to-do list for the day, but it makes me feel good knowing I could grab them and run out the door. You know... in case the house was on fire or something it's best to be prepared!

The yarn is the Cherry Tree Hill that I tried to make into Monkey's but they didn't work out. This pattern has a couple more stitches and I believe the stitch pattern to be more stretchy as well. So should be fine. It's a pattern called Primavera. I have trouble not thinking of pasta when I think or say it...

Now, I know that STR sock is going to be done really quickly... so I started thinking about the next sock to start. I have yarn I want to use but I'm at a loss as to what to knit with it. It's more Hazel Knits in the lovely Chocolatier color. I had to have some for myself right?! I originally was going to make myself some Chocolate Monkey's after seeing Claudia's. (She's finished them now!) But, after watching January's Sockdown on Ravelry, I'm a little Monkied out. (Cookie A. was the designer of the month) It would still be gorgeous... but, there is also this simple spiral eyelet that seems to be calling me. I also thought about Socks for Veronik, but I did buy another yarn for that that would probably be better... and I was eyeing this one, Artichoke Socks. The picture there does it no justice. Check out this one! There are just SO MANY patterns out there. I can't seem to decide. My brain has come to a gear crunching halt on this one. Any thoughts? I do tend towards the simple. Most of my knitting is done with my kids or other knitters around where my brain ceases to function at any sort of high level. At our last area Ravelry meet-up there were other knitters working on lace. It made my mind hurt to think about trying to manage the half dozen conversations going on PLUS a lace chart?! It's amazing if you ask me!

Well how's that for a rambling WIP post?! Sheesh!

Hawks Socks

2008-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

Shy Hub declared "I don't model with skin showing." Ha! You want hand knit socks... pull up them pant legs mister! I didn't however, talk him into standing on top of the table. Bummer. I get the best shots that way. I was glad to get him modeling as they just look better than when I model them. My feet and legs are the opposite shape of his.

Pattern: Basic 3x1 ribbing, slip stitch flap heel, 64 stitches
Yarn: Hazel Knits Artisian Sock, Hometeam Football
Needles: US 1.5 (2.5mm)

I LOVE this yarn. LOVE it. I don't think that there has yet been a yarn that I have really wanted to use again... however, this one is. It's lovely. It's got a nice tight twist, but not too tight... it's still smooshy. Yum. It also seemed like it knit itself. When I got them done they were so yummy to hold folded in my hands and squeeze!

I started these towards the end of football season. While the Seahawks did make it into the playoffs they did not make it to the big show. I had been only working on them during games. After they lost I had to just put them away for a bit. Ironically I pulled them out again during the Superbowl. And I finished them up yesterday, ProBowl Sunday. So, now Hub is ready for next season... the last one with Holmgren as head coach... it's time for another Superbowl don't you think?!

By the way... the completion of these puts me at only 2 WIP's! It feels very strange... and good.

Buttery Cables

2008-02-08T13:47:00.000-08:00

Mmm...

Pattern: BFF Socks by Cookie A.
Yarn: Koigu, KPM, 2181
Needles: US 1.5, 2
Cabled without a cable needle per Grumperina
Notes: I used a slip stitch heel and omitted the purl detail at the toe... only because I neglect to read directions.

The one thing that's important... if you ever want to make these and have more than a size 6 or 7 womens foot... BUY 3 hanks of yarn! I used every last bit of yarn on these socks. The only thing left was the bits I cut off the ends, seriously! Scary. I had started them for myself, but there was no way they were going to make it. As is, they are 9-1/4" long in the foot. I need 10-1/2"... so... be careful with this one!

I learned how to cable without a cable needle for these. Only in one direction though. When I tried it on Moms Scarf I was ok with the front cable, but not the back. Guess I'll look that up if I ever use it again. I didn't like going without a cable needle on the scarf though... too many stitches. But it was perfect for these socks. I love learning a new trick!

I had thought about putting these away for a gift to my Mom or MIL who both have little feet. However, I put in a little extra height in the flap... and Koigu isn't superwash. I just am not sure I trust those two with that kind of washing responsibility! So, knowing that Meghann has a high instep I asked her if they would fit... and she said they would. So Meghann is getting a new pair of socks! Even the Knitter needs a hand knit gift now and then right?

I'm starting to think I have a fancy sock curse. Every time I make a fancy sock, it's too small or I run out of yarn or or... it just never works out. All my fancy socks end up as gifts or frogged. Which is fine in a way, I love giving gifts! But my sock drawer is mostly full of plain knit socks. Kind of funny. Ah someday... someday it'll work right?

I love a thick sock!

2008-01-31T12:27:00.001-08:00

I whipped these up this week. I've been stuck inside because of back to back to back snow and ice storms hitting us. Lots of knitting time. The perfect time for a nice thick pair of new socks don't you think?

Pattern: Woven Stitch, Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino 6, a Christmas gift from Hub, 1.35 skeins
Needles: US 2, 2.5
Notes: I purposefully knit these fairly tight. I wanted thick and squishy!

My feet are finally warm this week! Now Hub will know I appreciate the gift and maybe it'll encourage him! Last year he didn't do so well... ;)

Moms Cable Scarf

2008-01-30T14:41:00.000-08:00

I finished this last week and it's finally dry from it's blocking. Cold weather and the basement floor doesn't exactly equate to a quick dry.

After several failed attempts I came up with this design. I had a few constraints... first off I wanted to it to "go" with the mitt's I designed for her that were her Christmas gift. Second, I had a ball and a half of yarn, no more. And third, I don't like funky pooling. I did find one pattern already written that worked well for the first two constraints, but failed on the third. I finally gave in at that point and made up my own. The cables on her mitt's mirror each other, so I did the same with the cables here.

Pattern: my own - coming soon!
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepheards Worsted, Red Rover
Needles: US 7 - knit picks Harmony tips - their trial run

So now Mom's neck can be warm and snuggly along with her hands!

I will write this up along with the mitt's one of these days. I know I keep saying it, but it will eventually happen! It requires putting down the knitting... you all know how hard that can be right?

I'm currently snowed and iced in, so I've almost got another pair of socks done. We're having near record snowfall right now. It's crazy. I went to my dentist appointment this morning and it felt like my car was a sled. Our road does not get plowed... there are really deep ruts, some deep enough to high center my car, so... not going much of anywhere right now!

Being Stupid...

2008-01-25T15:11:00.001-08:00

Don't you hate it when you do something stupid like this?

I got this in the mail yesterday from a trade and even though I was trying to be careful... I hacked into the yarn ball. This is why anyone sending yarn should make sure there is air space in the envelope! Because there are people like me who despite trying hard not to, will do something like this. Argh. The good news is I'd already planned to use it for someone with small feet. Good thing. I should be ok. Just feel like whacking myself upside the head.

Another whoops recently... I ran out of yarn on my BFF socks. Note to self... cables with Koigu and a size 11 foot... not compatible. I did however find the perfect recipient for these and she will get to enjoy them... as soon as I knit the mate.

While I am recovering from my disgust over running short on yarn because I clearly didn't even think... just saw, 2 skeins for S/M/or L and since I was knitting the S, just a little longer I thought I'd be fine. Obviously if I'd used my head I would have known it wasn't enough! Shortish yardage and cables... hello?!

ANYWAY, I started this pair. This is yarn from Hub for Christmas. It's a lovely heavy weight. I wanted more than a short cuff so I peeked around on Ravelry and found another ball of it and traded for it. So I have yardage a-plenty here! No running out! I love the speed of a heavy weight sock... it makes me look like I'm as fast as well... you know, some people. Sure, I can whip out a cuff in an evening... see... lol!

And yes, clearly, I have a sock addiction. Clearly. I can't step away. I am actually curtailing myself from casting on a couple more pair. It must be a chemical imbalance.

I did finish Mom's Scarf... it's waiting for a blocking. I just haven't gotten to it. Miss E's had a wicked cold the past few days so a little extra TLC has been needed. Soon, soon...

Quick Note on Longies Pattern

2008-01-22T23:45:00.000-08:00

Several people have had trouble downloading the file. Unfortunately it is too large to be able to just include in a post. So, I may be looking for another site to host the pdf. Fortunately, we have Ravelry! They have a new feature which allows designers to have patterns hosted there! So, if you are a member of Ravelry, you may find a perfectly functioning copy of the pattern here!

Samaras Hat

2008-01-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

Here is the mystery FO! Just a hat. But a nice snuggly one! I've been browsing a lot of hat patterns lately, trying to find some that I felt I could do without a massive amount of swatching etc... I'm impatient like that. You see, at the end of November, a friend of mine was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We used to go to church together, and were in bible study and moms group together. Her oldest child is the same age as mine and she has two younger as well. We now live several hours apart and I can't go over and entertain her kids or clean her house or anything like that. But I can knit her hats right? She was diagnosed and one week later had her first chemo treatment. A week after that she lost her hair. Now, I've always known chemo patients lose their hair. But I think I always figured they had more time to get used to the idea before it happened. Not so. Two weeks... wow. Not only getting used to the idea that you have cancer, but your hair is gone!

She is keeping an online journal of her journey. It's absolutely inspiring to read. She is just an amazing testimony of trust to me.

So, you'll see a hat here and there and they are going to her. This one included. I got Hub to help me out with modeling, but the hat is for Kerri.

Pattern: Samaras Hat
Yarn: Dream In Color Classy - can't remember the color name
Needles: US size 4, 6
Mod's: None really, I did have a different row gauge so I had to account for that a bit

He's kind of cute huh? he he. I think he's stopped shaving this week so he can help keep his face warm! It's cold! Hub says if you wear glasses you'll be happy to know that this hat hugs nicely, but doesn't smash your glasses up against your head or face.

Longies Pattern!

2008-01-21T14:15:00.001-08:00

Ok, folks, I've finally got my longies pattern up for you! You can find it and all future patterns in the sidebar.

I am having some troubles with opening it on my end, but only some of the time. I think it has to do with my computer though, and not the file. However, if you have trouble, please let me know. I think I might need to find a different place to host it. If you have any suggestions please let me know. I'm new to this sort of thing!

Now, for the pattern, I will warn you, it is not for the faint of heart. There is math, there are short rows and grafting... It can be a little scary as I don't "hold your hand" in this pattern. It has been tested, so it should workout but please, let me know if you run into any issues or errata!

I'm really hoping that it is downloading for everyone else ok. Please let me know if it's not!

Cable Crazy

2008-01-20T10:57:00.000-08:00

I started a new pair of socks for the January KAL of the SKA group... this month, I choose from Cookie A. patterns. Seeing as I'm a bit partial to cables lately, I choose the BFF socks. And... I also happened to have the exact same yarn in the stash. So out came the Koigu! I had only planned to start these just to make sure they were on the needles in January so they would count. I was going to do a quick DK weight pair from Christmas yarn and then return to the BFF's. However, these socks have enchanted me and kept me working on them the past few days. I just couldn't stop! They are turning out lovely!

And... I slogged through a bit of Moms Scarf as well. I'm not really enjoying this one. Scarves are hard to enjoy for me. But it is turning out great and is probably almost halfway done.

There will be more knitting in the days to come. We've got frigid temp's and blowing snow. Lovely! I'll be indoors with my wool and a cup of tea!

I have an FO...

2008-01-15T23:54:00.000-08:00

But I'm not showing it to you today. Nah! I need dh home in daylight hours willing to model for me first. Soon, soon. It's not earth shattering. I think you can wait.

Instead... here's a couple of WIP's.

The Seahawks Socks... well friends, unfortunately, Green Bay got it's magic on Saturday... snow... and LOTS of it. It's like magic for those Packers. So they sent the Seahawks packing for home. And now... I have a nearly finished sock in progress. What to do? I am thinking I'll finish this sock off if only to retrieve my needle for other projects... but what about that second sock? So far this one was knit (with the exception of the heel) during games. But there are no more games to knit for this season. Hmm... I would like to say I'm going to put it away until next season, but I don't think it's in my person to leave a single sock laying around like that for that long. Ah... revealing more of the neurotic mind!

And... I think I finally came upon a solution to Moms Scarf Dilemma. It's not the most fabulous thing on the planet, but it matches her mitts within reason and the stitch count is good with the yarn. I did find one pattern that I really liked, alas... there was hideous pooling with the yarn. Figures eh? I took this this morning but I've worked it several turns more since then.

So that's all the knitting news I have for you. I've been busy with the kids lately, so progress has slowed.

A little funny... Miss E is rather loud lately. She doesn't have an inside voice. Nope. And especially not when shopping. Most of what comes out of her mouth is pure jibber jabber, but she has a few words. While in Costco this morning in an attempt to get her to quiet down a wee bit (I don't need every person in the store to stare at me!) I started singing 'Johnny Appleseed' quietly. So then... she just started yelling "AAAA-MEN!" over and over... there's just no sneaking around when you have toddlers!

Enchanting

2008-01-10T15:53:00.001-08:00

No, I don't mean my feet in Birk's. They are certainly anything BUT enchanting. But if you were to come to my house any old day, this is what you would see. We don't wear shoes in the house, and seeing as I am home most of the time and we have hardwood floors I have to wear something. These are my "house shoes". They work great and save my back and legs.

The light in these photos is all different. Winter is so hard to get consistent lighting! I took these outside in hopes of getting better light as anything I took indoors was way too dark. I think the first and last pictures are probably closest to the real thing although still not great.

Pattern: Basic Sock Recipe, 72 stitches 1x1 twisted rib cuff
Needles: 2.0mm, 2.25mm
Yarn: Superwash Merino Sock by Radiant Twist, Enchanted Colorway

Notes: These are my December Sockdown entry for the SKA group on Ravelry

To be perfectly honest, this was one of those delayed gratification projects. I didn't really enjoy working this this yarn base. It seemed a little bit sticky. But when I put it on my foot... oh my. Love the feeling of it on my foot. This was the case with my current favorite to wear pair of socks as well. So if these follow suit, they will be favorites too!

I have really square toes. All these patterns with pointy toes freak me out. My feet are long and square. Best to keep the Birks on for curves eh? lol!

On my last post Danielle mentioned in the comments that ripping out mistakes is relaxing. I totally agree! I am glad to hear someone else say it. Looking at things that are "not right" or have mistakes just drives me up the wall. It makes me stressed. Ripping out something that is not working is just relief! And it's perfect to mention Danielle in a post about my socks because they always come out of pretty bags she made me. :)

My next pairs... I have two coming up for myself. One is a quick pair in a dk weight with yarn Hub bought me for Christmas. I want to knit these up for two reasons... one, to show Hub that I like and appreciate the yarn, and two, to get another pair in my drawer quick! Last year Hub went yarn shopping... and well, lets just say that yarn might never make it's way out of the stash. It's the thought right? But I want to make sure the message is sent that he did well this year!

The other pair is for the January Sockdown of SKA. It's Cookie A. month. I'm really loving cables lately, so I'm going to do a pair of BFF socks. They happen to be done in Koigu and I happen to have some in a lovely natural cream color. With the cables and the color they'll have a traditional look. I think this picture is much better for showing off the classic pattern.

New projects! Fun fun! I have some hats coming up too. Will tell you about those soon.

I'm skipping my workout today... I think shoveling 6 inches of snow out of this driveway is plenty of workout for me today! Hub is out of town for the day and I really want to leave the house later... so... shovel it was.

Uninspired

2008-01-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

That sums up how I'm feeling of late. My blog posts are bo-ring! The knitting is a wee bit frustrating or boring at the moment. Lets just say I am neurotic. I mean, we might as well because I know you're all thinking it! That red scarf and I are going a few rounds. Despite Miss T and Hub both telling me maybe this should be the time I 'let it go and keep on knitting'. I couldn't do it. I have a sickness. There is nothing to show... there have been four versions and all were ripped out. I have yarn now and a new plotted out idea. We'll see how it goes.

The Enchanted socks are almost done, probably within a day or so. Report soon.

Did I ever mention that I ripped out the Red Monkey's? Pretty as they were, they were too small for me. I debated over it for quite a while, then one day I found a mistake I'd made and decided that was the sign... riiiiip! I'm not sure if I'll try to alter the pattern to make it fit with this yarn, or just move on.

AND... the Seahawks won! I've got to whip a heel onto sock #1 so I'm ready for the next game on Sunday! I don't think I can watch playoff football AND knit a heel. In all honesty the gusset might be pushing it. Especially since they are playing in Green Bay... oy!

Anyhow, I wanted to tell you about a Christmas gift I got. My mother got me a cookbook. Now, if you knew my mother, you would laugh. She hates cooking. Does it as little as possible. On top of that it's a book about getting your kids to eat more vegetables. Seriously... my mother is NOT concerned with that in her own home. I just laughed. HOWEVER, it is right up my alley and I am loving it!

I am sure some of you have heard of it. It's Deceptively Delicious and written by Jessica Seinfeld. It's got a super user friendly layout and the graphics are really cute too!

So I spent part of New Years day making vegetable purees. While I was steaming the carrots and roasting a sweet potato and squash Miss N said "Mommy, you are cooking something yucky." HA! I had to agree, it didn't smell very good. I chose veggies that are not popular with one or more persons in the house, sweet potatos, squash, and cauliflower. And I threw in carrots because they are easy and they were on sale.

Now I have been meaning to take some tempting pictures of the yummy things I've made from this stuff, but I forgot. Sorry. I will say, there has not been a single flop yet! There are tons of recipes for snacky type foods. Which is perfect because the kids and I snack like mad. So far I think the applesauce muffins (with carrot) and the Oatmeal made with pumpkin (canned) have been my favorites. I called it 'Pumpkin Pie Oats' to Miss N and got her all hyped on them before she even took a bite. I have to say... it was even better than actual Pumpkin Pie. I've also done cauliflower in both mac-n-cheese and lasagna and while you could kind of taste something different in the mac-n-cheese, you could not detect it at all in the lasagna. The sweet potato pancakes were great tasting. The sweet potato makes them sweeter than a regular pancake. The texture is a little heavy though. So if you're into a fluffy pancake, this ain't it. Everyone, including Hub, have eaten everything and really liked it. I am so excited to be getting more veggies into our diets!

I can't wait to try the recipe for doughnuts. I have to buy a new pan first though. So it might be a bit... but don't they look yummy?! I love being able to eat baked goods and not feel guilty about it! The recipes are healthful on top of having the veggies in them. I think it's a great book for anyone interested in boosting their nutrition. It's definitely not just for kids.

I bid you some yummy and healthy eats this week!

WIP's

2008-01-03T15:44:00.000-08:00

With finishing the gifts, and the requisite longies for Miss E, I've felt a wee bit of freedom this past few days. I've knit here and there and started something new...

I cranked out the first of this pair. 72 stitches on 2.0mm needle. It's slow. Especially for my big old feet. I just made it with a wee bit of yarn (maybe a thumb sized hunk) leftover after this sock. But I made it and that's all that matters!

My pictures are a little dark, cloudy icky weather... my apologies.

I finished block 8 of this big old looming WIP. The last two blocks are big, and two color. I really like my working yarn 1 ball at a time. This is actually the same size as most baby blankets right now. The final blocks are going to make it big enough to last through many years. This might be finished by her second birthday... I've got 3ish months left.

I started a new sock for Hub. I am LOVING this yarn. It's Hazel Knits Artisan Sock Yarn. This colorway is 'Hometeam Football'. Since Hub and I grew up in Seattle... no matter what, we're fans. I started this during the small bit of the game I got to watch last week. It just flew! The yarn is yummy. It's a nice fat fingering weight. Just yummy. I want some for myself!

And yes, I'll take any excuse to make colorful socks for Hub!

And, my New Years Eve project... I started a scarf for mom to go with her mitt's. The pattern is done in a velvety yarn and I didn't realize that there was so much seed stitch in it. I thought it was just ribbed. I'm mulling over what I think about that. Moms mitt's had no seed stitch... just ribbing. The reversible cable is nice though.

So that's where I'm at... I know... I promised sweaters soon. I am, as usual, distracted by socks. More sock yarn keeps coming to me. I haven't even bought any for myself lately and it's just coming coming! lol! I am gladly knitting it up because after the Holiday crush, my brain needs a rest. Speaking of my brain... I can't think of anything else to say! Terrible. Ah well, I've got some non-knitting explorations in food I have been doing. Will share soon!

Cutest Pants EVER!

2007-12-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

The Eden longies are done and oh my... are they not the cutest pants EVER?! I am in love. I followed her all around the house trying to get some really good pictures of them.

Pattern: My Own - soon to be released!
Yarn: Rambouillet Worsted in Ede n by ...a time to dye
Needles: US 7, US 4

The Recieving

2007-12-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

You've seen all the giving, now it's time for the recieving. Miss T was curious what Hub would pick out. He did a VERY good job. All things I wanted the most! He even found a couple hanks of sock yarn still at Holy Threads. He said he only had two hanks of each type to choose from. They will sadly be out of business very very soon. The baskets, Niddy Noddy and soap came from Paradise Fibers. The man at the store assured him the soap would be a great stocking stuffer. And it was! There was a pair of wool socks in there too, but my feet were cold.

Though we've had plenty of snow already this year, it alwasy seems to be followed by a thaw. But, Christmas night we got our white Christmas... and this morning... Hub had some work to do. He and Miss N have been playing in the snow most of the day and have big plans to go find a good sled hill when she's done with her nap.

I just got done doing one of my new workout videos... whew! I felt like a slug with all the eating going on! Bob and Jillian kicked my butt! I'm off to the showers!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T14:29:00.000-08:00

Here at the Itchy household there has been much hustle and bustle...

Cookie Baking...

In case you ever wondered... a Dove dark chocolate piece is pretty much to die for on these in place of the kiss. I ran out of kisses and ooohhh... yum!

Sprinkle eating...

This picture cracked me up so bad I had to share. The look of desperation to eat some of the sugar before her was too much!

And even a wee bit 'o knitting.

Next up, turkey baking, a call to my sister to wish her a Happy 18th Birthday, and present wrapping. Hub's off to the airport with Miss N to pick up Uncle J!

Merry Christmas!

Free at last!

2007-12-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

The last pair of mittens for someone else! Done! They went really fast plus, I could just feel the end and I love rushing to a finish line. These are for a friend of my MIL. My MIL keeps showing off her mitts to everyone she knows and now she's been requesting them for a couple of them. One here and there I don't mind, but it was becoming a bit too much. Hub put a stop to the requests. Good man.

Pattern: My Own
Yarn: Karabella Aurora 8, Black

I bought this yarn to try because CrazyDaisy was talking about how much she loved it recently. I'd never even seen it in person. The really funny thing is we go to the same LYS. But I never realized they had it! Sadly, they are going out of business. As the shelves have cleared in the past month I keep finding yarns I didn't realized were tucked away in there. I feel like a dork. But a happy one, because I get to try them now when they're being cleared out at 30% off. ha ha. I also picked up a couple of balls to make Hub a Koolhaas hat. Being the dork that he is, Hub thought it would be "cool" if I made a second one for his best friend back in Seattle... a designer who would love something Seattle-ish and designer-y. And they'd "match". Not sure how "cool" that would be, but I think it's pretty funny. We shall see!

I started trying to work on the mitt's for myself. I have some from last year, but I got a new coat and between the coat and last years mitt's, I look a bit like a clown. The coat is a plumish herringbone pattern and the mitt's... well you can see. I could not resist some Melange. Once I saw it in person... and FELT it. Oh my. I had thought I would make the Huckleberry Ascot from Holiday IK. But I need mitt's more than a scarf. A set would be nice... so I bought 3 skeins. Such a treat! However, I am realizing, this yarn is going to be tough to make mitt's out of. It's so drapey. No bounce at all. I tried a garter stitch mitt. Which you saw here... It was ok. The garter stitchiness was great. The fit of the thumb, not so much. It felt annoying so I ripped it out. If I could figure out how to put an actual thumb on it, I'd probably like that. But I haven't figured that out.

So... I cast on Fetching last night. I thought the cables would help hold it together. I'm not sure it's going to work. Even down on size 4's I think it's too big. It's hard to describe the qualities of the yarn. But if you've worked with something similar you know what I mean. I think it would be ok if I maybe took it down to 3's. But... now I'm thinking I'm going to use way more than one skein of the yarn and not have enough for my scarf. I knew when I bought it I would probably need 4, but was trying not to spend that money. Not sure what to do! Maybe I should use something else for the mitt's??? I can't make a decision to save my life.

So... any suggestions out there? Ideas?

I suppose this gives me time to get my house clean and presents wrapped and cookies baked... you know... things I SHOULD be doing instead of knitting! ha!

Wild Birch Mittens

2007-12-20T01:01:00.001-08:00

Mittens for yet another brother. This hereby completes the Christmas knitting! Yahoo!

Pattern: My Own
Yarn: The Great Adriondack Yarn Company, Superwash Merino, Wild Birch

I've run out of witty things to say about mittens. So here ya go. Pretty pictures. I cast on yet another pair today that were requested by my MIL. Then I actually need a pair myself. Can you believe I've been knitting these and running around with freezing hands?!

I am going to be writing up these patterns and posting them here soon. I want to do it in PDF format, and I think I've figured out how. Hub will be taking some extra time off soon so I should get some extra time to get it all figured out. I'm going to release the longies pattern too! Stay tuned!

Christmas Socks and Snowmen

2007-12-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

Hub's stocking stockings are complete. They are a sport weight verging on DK, so they were pretty fast. They turned out well I think. I made him an 8" cuff which I think he'll like. On me they go up really far! I'm the one modeling. Hub and I have opposite builds with socks. He has skinny calves and bigger, wider feet. Mine, skinny feet and ah... sturdy legs. ;) I didn't really plan for this to be a Christmas gift, it just turned out that way, and the green was coincidence too. Too bad they don't really fit me. Hubs working and I've got a driveway full of snow!

Pattern: Basic Recipe
Yarn: Farmhouse Yarns, Bo Peep's Sock Yarn, Olive
Needles: US2, 2.75mm

Gorgeous wall of snowmen don't you think?

Recipe:

One mother cooped up with a house full of sick kids and husband escapes to buy more cold medicine and finds herself oddly unwilling to leave drugstore and head home. "Brilliant" idea ensues and big bag of cotton balls come home with her.

One obsessive compulsive bored four year old cooped up in the house sick for a week watching it snow outside, but unable to go enjoy it.

Blend wits and will. Result = lots of snowmen that bring glee to a child, and occupy them for the better part of two hours. Which brings glee to the mother.

Mittens, Mittens Everywhere!

2007-12-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

They're done! I made it! I had them done by my deadline, Sunday night. Then they all took a nice bath and sat out by the heat register to dry. Today they are ready to be packed up and sent off to Alaska. (You'll notice the striped ones that I finished this summer... those were the PLANNED ones. The rest... done in last minute budget panic! Good reasoning for stash!)

First up, my favorite... Moms Cabled Mitt's. I made up this pattern myself. I'm a liiiiitle bit proud. Mom is a wee bit of a thing, so these are a little small on me, but should fit her well. The prototype actually fits me. I need to knit it a mate and then Mom and I can match.

Pattern: My own!
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherds Worsted, Red Rover (Mom and I share our love of RED!)

Next up... Dad's Dashing Mitt's. These are as you can see, huge on me. But my Dad is a big guy. I get my own big hands and feet and bones etc... all straight from him!

Pattern: Dashing Mittens, size Large
Needles: US size 6
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash, Walnut Heather
Mod's: I shortened the cuff a bit and lengthened the hand. Hoping it fits!

And last, but certainly not least... the Viking Mittens! Inspired by my state champion basketball playing brothers. :) One of those brothers is also headed for state next weekend for wrestling! Then it's on to defend the basketball title. The last time our town won the championship was when my Moms Grandpa 'Swede' was on the team. It was pretty special for her to have her sons on the team.

Pattern: My Own!
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash

You might have noticed here that all the yarns are superwash. That's for good reason. My mother... she does not get along with wool. One would think a lifelong Alaskan would be friendly with it. Alas, she has a history of felting clothing. My Dad hides his wool from her. I had a conversation with him yesterday that went something like this... "I got some new merino long underwear. I better be careful to keep them away from the laundry room this time. Your mother... (sighing, head shaking) I don't want them to fit your brothers this time. " Yes, several years ago I was there to witness my mother felting my Dad's long underwear. Merino long underwear are not inexpensive. And I have to say... I'm not sure I've ever seen my Dad so upset with her. SO... this will also be included in Mom's gift.

Sudz 'n Dudz is my favorite wool wash. It's yummy beyond belief and organic to boot! I'm sending mom some Liquid wash in Lemongrass. Yum!

So now I'm left with 15 days until Christmas. I have Hub's socks to finish. I have another brother who will be at my home for the holiday. I have yet to decide what to make for him. And there are a few other things I had thought of doing as well, but we'll see. For my last brother, well, he falls under the "has children" rule... my niece is getting some Curious George books. :) So yes, if you are counting, I am one of 7 children. And all 4 of my brothers are twins. How's that for crazy?! And my sisters are both adopted. Different races even. So we... are quite a big crazy happy patchwork!

For this afternoon, I will be wrapping and packing and making a trip to the post office. 14 days for the gifts to arrive. They just might have a chance. You see, the town my parents live in gets their mail via two airplanes a day. And in winter... if the weather is bad, they can go a week or more without a plane, or mail... and things get just a bit backed up. Here's hoping for good weather!

A mitten a day...

2007-12-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

...helps keep panic at bay. That was my plan for this week. A mitten a day and I'd be done and could pack them all up and send them away.

Three down, three to go! I finished up a pair of dashing. I need to get Hub to help me out with some proper photos. And one mitt for one of my brothers. I made three failed attempts at other patterns... then I got smart. I made up my own. It's perfect. So I just need to pump out three more of those! (for two brothers)

And no, today's is not started, but it's Wednesday... and that means knit night! Woo Hoo! Mama needs a night off! lol!

I would be done at this point, but then I realized... I made mittens for all but one member of the household. The baby of the family. Seems rude to leave her out. So I may have one more to do.
I have been working a bit on other things to keep my sanity. Hub's socks...

I was trying to be sneaky with these, but it didn't work. I thought that maybe I could just hide them from Hub. That he'd think I'd ripped them out or was just too busy making things for other people and then he'd be surprised. Well, last night I made the mistake of asking him what color he'd like for his next pair... and he asked about these. I am not a good hider. So instead I yelled at him for wrecking his own surprise. He says just because he sees me knit them does not mean they can't be a gift. So... they'll still stuff his stocking, but I can be done with all this hiding! Which is hard to do!

By the way... Hub's response to my question about his next pair was this "Something that I can wear with shorts." Decipher that.

And I actually got Miss E's Eden pants going. They are going to be super cute and so very practical in that she can dirty as many shirts in a day as she wants. Whatever I pull out of the closet next will always match!

And the pretty red monkey sock... is oh SO pretty. I didn't get a picture of that though. It's just yummy. No, I do not have ADD.

I got distracted...

2007-11-27T14:24:00.000-08:00

I was mad at the Cigars. They needed to be frogged again. I'm not sure I can face another go. We'll see. I do have other patterns I want to try...

While I was avoiding that issue... I got distracted... by pretty baby alpaca that needed to be mittens and some soft, lovely red yarn that called to be a Monkey Sock. You know... at first, I thought, everyone is doing it... and went the other way. I'm sort of anti-bandwagon in my nature. I was not going to do it. But, it's undeniable, it's a gorgeous pattern. You can't get away from that fact. And really... how common is a Monkey sock in the spectrum of the whole world. It's highly unlikely I'm going to run into someone wearing handmade socks outside of the yarn store, LET ALONE, Monkey's. Just sayin'. I justified it to my inner rebel in that manner. The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill. It's yummy and soft and pretty. Just what I need after the gray socks.

Speaking of distraction... there's a few loads of laundry that need to be folded...