Another Productive Knitting Year Draws to a Close!

Despite a busy year of juggling work, family and other commitments (or maybe because of the juggling--a needed stress reliever and escape!) I managed to complete 21 projects this year, and have two works in progress. I hope to be even more productive in 2008, perhaps learning some new techniques along the way and making a significant dent in my significant sock yarn stash! I have found that the members of my family are the most enthusiastic about the socks I've made them. Like many others, once they feel the hand-knit socks on their feet, they are as addicted as I am to making them, and they want more!

My current socks on the needles are the Priscilla's Dream Socks from Favorite Socks(with some modifications of the heel and toe from Sensational Knitted Socks), in University of Michigan colors for my son. The Cherry Tree Hill Supersock yarn is absolutely luscious--so soft and silky-feeling, with vibrant colors.

I have had Scarf Style for about a year and believe it or not, I FINALLY finished a scarf, Midwest Moonlight, from this lovely book. After I was about 40% of the way done, my husband expressed interest in this scarf so I accelerated its place in my queue--concentrating on it instead of making it third in line meant it got finished MUCH faster, although it still took quite awhile to finish. He wanted the scarf to be wide and long, so I blocked it as much as I could, gaining about 4 inches in width (it's now about 13 inches wide) and about 10 inches in length, to 70 inches. The blocking gave it a pretty, more open look too. I'm quite pleased with the result and hope he is too!

More details on my Ravelry page.
Happy New Year and a year of enjoyable, productive knitting to all!

Another Productive Knitting Year Draws to a Close!

Despite a busy year of juggling work, family and other commitments (or maybe because of the juggling--a needed stress reliever and escape!) I managed to complete 21 projects this year, and have two works in progress. I hope to be even more productive in 2008, perhaps learning some new techniques along the way and making a significant dent in my significant sock yarn stash! I have found that the members of my family are the most enthusiastic about the socks I've made them. Like many others, once they feel the hand-knit socks on their feet, they are as addicted as I am to making them, and they want more!

My current socks on the needles are the Priscilla's Dream Socks from Favorite Socks(with some modifications of the heel and toe from Sensational Knitted Socks), in University of Michigan colors for my son. The Cherry Tree Hill Supersock yarn is absolutely luscious--so soft and silky-feeling, with vibrant colors.

I have had Scarf Style for about a year and believe it or not, I FINALLY finished a scarf, Midwest Moonlight, from this lovely book. After I was about 40% of the way done, my husband expressed interest in this scarf so I accelerated its place in my queue--concentrating on it instead of making it third in line meant it got finished MUCH faster, although it still took quite awhile to finish. He wanted the scarf to be wide and long, so I blocked it as much as I could, gaining about 4 inches in width (it's now about 13 inches wide) and about 10 inches in length, to 70 inches. The blocking gave it a pretty, more open look too. I'm quite pleased with the result and hope he is too!

More details on my Ravelry page.
Happy New Year and a year of enjoyable, productive knitting to all!

Holiday Fever!

Not content to make my slew of Everlasting Bagstoppers (I'm about halfway through the second one), and also admitting that I wouldn't finish enough of them for all the people I want to gift at work, I decided to use some of my stashed handmade washcloths to fill in the gaps. I had two washcloths and just cast on for a third. I'm using the Mason-Dixon Washcloth pattern that I made over the summer, and using up some of my assorted Peaches & Creme cotton. I think this will be it for me for washcloths--they really don't excite me. But I bought some cute wicker baskets at a local drugstore and will add some bath gel to each basket with the washcloth--I think it makes for a cute gift, don't you?

The bags will have to be for after holiday gifts..and maybe even for me.

Finally, I cast on for my son's University of Michigan color socks, using the Priscilla's Dream Socks pattern from Favorite Socks. I got them started through one color change and will now put them away for our holiday vacation--the washcloth and Bagstopper, as well as my husband's scarf (about 2/3 of the way done!!) all need to be done first.

Holiday Fever!

Not content to make my slew of Everlasting Bagstoppers (I'm about halfway through the second one), and also admitting that I wouldn't finish enough of them for all the people I want to gift at work, I decided to use some of my stashed handmade washcloths to fill in the gaps. I had two washcloths and just cast on for a third. I'm using the Mason-Dixon Washcloth pattern that I made over the summer, and using up some of my assorted Peaches & Creme cotton. I think this will be it for me for washcloths--they really don't excite me. But I bought some cute wicker baskets at a local drugstore and will add some bath gel to each basket with the washcloth--I think it makes for a cute gift, don't you?

The bags will have to be for after holiday gifts..and maybe even for me.

Finally, I cast on for my son's University of Michigan color socks, using the Priscilla's Dream Socks pattern from Favorite Socks. I got them started through one color change and will now put them away for our holiday vacation--the washcloth and Bagstopper, as well as my husband's scarf (about 2/3 of the way done!!) all need to be done first.

Holiday Knitting

I interrupted my Retro Redux Shrug knitting, much as I was enjoying it, to focus on a couple of quick holiday projects. I broke out my full cone of Peaches & Creme and made an Everlasting Bagstopper in a weekend. Now I'm just waiting for the ribbon and drawstring that I ordered to finish it. I started Bagstopper #2 and figure I'll make as many as I can before the holidays. It's a really cute pattern and easy as pie.

I am also making good progress on the Midwest Moonlight Scarf for my husband, with the hope that I will have it done before our ski trip later this month. The temperature is certainly cold enough for a nice warm scarf, and the KnitPicks Merino Style is wonderful to work with.

Back to the needles!

Holiday Knitting

I interrupted my Retro Redux Shrug knitting, much as I was enjoying it, to focus on a couple of quick holiday projects. I broke out my full cone of Peaches & Creme and made an Everlasting Bagstopper in a weekend. Now I'm just waiting for the ribbon and drawstring that I ordered to finish it. I started Bagstopper #2 and figure I'll make as many as I can before the holidays. It's a really cute pattern and easy as pie.

I am also making good progress on the Midwest Moonlight Scarf for my husband, with the hope that I will have it done before our ski trip later this month. The temperature is certainly cold enough for a nice warm scarf, and the KnitPicks Merino Style is wonderful to work with.

Back to the needles!

My Newest Project

Now that I've finished my daughter's socks and Gatsby Girl (which is off to my finishing friend, Rene), I was anxious to cast on for my next project. I have four skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in a fuschia colorway that I bought a couple of years ago, intending to make a scarf. Not so interested in making more scarves at the moment, I sought out an appropriate project on Ravelry. I found that several people had made the Retro Redux Shrug from Lace Style with this yarn. The many pictures of finished Retro Reduxes convinced me to try this project, which should also be a quick knit after the rather prolonged (4 months) Gatsby Girl.

I knit a couple of inches this morning and I think I'm going to like this project. Since it involves 4 needle size changes, I am happy to have my new KnitPicks Options Needle Set, which I am using for the first time and LOVING! If I have a skein left over, I will try a pair of Fetchings.
I'll keep you posted!

My Newest Project

Now that I've finished my daughter's socks and Gatsby Girl (which is off to my finishing friend, Rene), I was anxious to cast on for my next project. I have four skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in a fuschia colorway that I bought a couple of years ago, intending to make a scarf. Not so interested in making more scarves at the moment, I sought out an appropriate project on Ravelry. I found that several people had made the Retro Redux Shrug from Lace Style with this yarn. The many pictures of finished Retro Reduxes convinced me to try this project, which should also be a quick knit after the rather prolonged (4 months) Gatsby Girl.

I knit a couple of inches this morning and I think I'm going to like this project. Since it involves 4 needle size changes, I am happy to have my new KnitPicks Options Needle Set, which I am using for the first time and LOVING! If I have a skein left over, I will try a pair of Fetchings.
I'll keep you posted!

I've Been Gifted: International Scarf Exchange

I returned from a lovely Thanksgiving holiday in San Francisco to find a wonderful treat--my GORGEOUS scarf from my International Scarf Exchange 5 pal, Erin, along with some awesome goodies.


The scarf is an adjusted version of Lady Eleanor, from Scarf Style. As I've always coveted this wrap, the scarf, in my favorite earthy tones of beautiful merino wool, is instantly a favorite. Along with it came a beautiful, vibrant ball of 100% silk (looks like sari silk?), some pretty little candles and cool magnets.

Thank you so much, Erin!

The long plane ride also gave me ample time to finish my daughter's socks, and I am in the very final stages of Gatsby Girl (perhaps I'll finish during Monday Night Football tonight?!) Pictures when they are complete...and then it's on to the next project!

I've Been Gifted: International Scarf Exchange

I returned from a lovely Thanksgiving holiday in San Francisco to find a wonderful treat--my GORGEOUS scarf from my International Scarf Exchange 5 pal, Erin, along with some awesome goodies.


The scarf is an adjusted version of Lady Eleanor, from Scarf Style. As I've always coveted this wrap, the scarf, in my favorite earthy tones of beautiful merino wool, is instantly a favorite. Along with it came a beautiful, vibrant ball of 100% silk (looks like sari silk?), some pretty little candles and cool magnets.

Thank you so much, Erin!

The long plane ride also gave me ample time to finish my daughter's socks, and I am in the very final stages of Gatsby Girl (perhaps I'll finish during Monday Night Football tonight?!) Pictures when they are complete...and then it's on to the next project!

Plugging Along

I know I haven't blogged in some time. That's partially due to the fact that life has been hectic, but probably moreso because I don't have much to report. I finished the first of my plain stockinette socks for my daughter with the sunny Sundara Petals Collection Bird of Paradise colorway.

I now think I have her plain stockinette size down to a standard 56 stitches, and now that I'm on sock #2, I don't need to measure her every few rows to see how the sock fits! The yarn is striping nicely even with the plain stockinette--no real pooling, and it is very silky and smooth. Next up: a second pair of socks for my son, in University of Michigan colors!

Gatsby Girl is also progressing--my two sleeves at once method is very successful, although each row definitely takes longer! I am almost done with the increases and then I'll see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've corresponded with the pattern writer, Jodi Green, on Ravelry, as I'm thinking about making another one of her designs, Mariah from Knitty. Jodi sent me some modifications that she's made, which evidently make the neck fit much better. So we'll see. Gotta love Ravelry's ability to bring people together and inform our wonderful knitting community.

Plugging Along

I know I haven't blogged in some time. That's partially due to the fact that life has been hectic, but probably moreso because I don't have much to report. I finished the first of my plain stockinette socks for my daughter with the sunny Sundara Petals Collection Bird of Paradise colorway.

I now think I have her plain stockinette size down to a standard 56 stitches, and now that I'm on sock #2, I don't need to measure her every few rows to see how the sock fits! The yarn is striping nicely even with the plain stockinette--no real pooling, and it is very silky and smooth. Next up: a second pair of socks for my son, in University of Michigan colors!

Gatsby Girl is also progressing--my two sleeves at once method is very successful, although each row definitely takes longer! I am almost done with the increases and then I'll see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've corresponded with the pattern writer, Jodi Green, on Ravelry, as I'm thinking about making another one of her designs, Mariah from Knitty. Jodi sent me some modifications that she's made, which evidently make the neck fit much better. So we'll see. Gotta love Ravelry's ability to bring people together and inform our wonderful knitting community.

Scarf Pal Scarf Finished; Socks Begun

My ISE5 scarf is finished! I just can't believe how beautiful this scarf (Branching Out from Knitty)turned out after blocking. I hope my pal likes it! I've ordered some goodies to put in her package, and once they arrive, I can send this away before I get too attached to it! I was going to make a shawl with the remaining skein of Misti Alpaca laceweight plus the new Cherry Tree Hill Possum yarn I bought, but I may just have to make one of these scarves for me!

Now that the scarf is done and I know I will make the December 1 deadline easily, I cast on for my daughter's socks. She chose the skein of Sundara sock yarn in the Bird of Paradise colorway that's been in my stash for awhile. She had liked the Rainbow Socks pattern from Magknits, but I tried and tried and just couldn't figure it out. There is even an online tutorial for these socks--which led me to believe that it's a pattern that would have frustrated me and for which I'd have to concentrate heavily while knitting--that's not what I like in socks.

Since she doesn't like lacy or textured socks, that brought us back to plain stockinette, so I used my Sock Wizard software for the first time and figured out the measurements that way. Now I have a nice, mindless project, and I'll let the vibrant colors of the yearn do the work!

Scarf Pal Scarf Finished; Socks Begun

My ISE5 scarf is finished! I just can't believe how beautiful this scarf (Branching Out from Knitty)turned out after blocking. I hope my pal likes it! I've ordered some goodies to put in her package, and once they arrive, I can send this away before I get too attached to it! I was going to make a shawl with the remaining skein of Misti Alpaca laceweight plus the new Cherry Tree Hill Possum yarn I bought, but I may just have to make one of these scarves for me!

Now that the scarf is done and I know I will make the December 1 deadline easily, I cast on for my daughter's socks. She chose the skein of Sundara sock yarn in the Bird of Paradise colorway that's been in my stash for awhile. She had liked the Rainbow Socks pattern from Magknits, but I tried and tried and just couldn't figure it out. There is even an online tutorial for these socks--which led me to believe that it's a pattern that would have frustrated me and for which I'd have to concentrate heavily while knitting--that's not what I like in socks.

Since she doesn't like lacy or textured socks, that brought us back to plain stockinette, so I used my Sock Wizard software for the first time and figured out the measurements that way. Now I have a nice, mindless project, and I'll let the vibrant colors of the yearn do the work!

I Won Yarn!!

Just when I was feeling sorry for myself for having to miss both Stitches East and Rhinebeck (where every other blogger in the knitting universe seems to have gone...), I got an email (on my birthday, no less!) that I won the contest I had entered on Yarn4socks.com! Today my gorgeous skein of Schaefer Anne arrived. I have been wanting to knit with Anne for a long time, and now I'll have the chance. I will probably use it for socks, but I will check out other ideas on Ravelry. The skein is a beautiful mix of fall colors: oranges, golds, and a tawny brown. I LOVE IT!! Thank you so much, Valerie!!

In other news, my Branching Out for my ISE5 pal is just about finished--I should be able to cast off tonight, and then will probably block the scarf later this week. It will be my first time using the blocking wires I bought a year ago, but given my new infatuation with lace, I don't think it will be the last.

I Won Yarn!!

Just when I was feeling sorry for myself for having to miss both Stitches East and Rhinebeck (where every other blogger in the knitting universe seems to have gone...), I got an email (on my birthday, no less!) that I won the contest I had entered on Yarn4socks.com! Today my gorgeous skein of Schaefer Anne arrived. I have been wanting to knit with Anne for a long time, and now I'll have the chance. I will probably use it for socks, but I will check out other ideas on Ravelry. The skein is a beautiful mix of fall colors: oranges, golds, and a tawny brown. I LOVE IT!! Thank you so much, Valerie!!

In other news, my Branching Out for my ISE5 pal is just about finished--I should be able to cast off tonight, and then will probably block the scarf later this week. It will be my first time using the blocking wires I bought a year ago, but given my new infatuation with lace, I don't think it will be the last.

Two Sleeves at Once

I have finished the front of my Gatsby Girl Pullover; with the back already done, now it's just down to the sleeves. Since I've been working on this sweater (in between lots of other smaller projects) since July, I am really ready to finish. So, I decided to think about knitting both sleeves at once, something I've never done.

I posed a question about this technique on the wonderful Yahoo KnitList Group, and got such an overwhelming response--probably about 40 people detailing the benefits of knitting two sleeves at once! Of course, I decided to give it a try and cast on. Many of the people who wrote me about knitting two sleeves at once did have some great tips to keep disasters from happening. Many of these are lessons learned from personal experience, I'm sure, and I'm happy to know about them and to share them here with you:

--Put a marker at the beginning (right side) of the first sleeve. That
way you'll always be in the right place if you have to stop knitting in the middle of a row.
--Never stop between the two pieces; at least start a row on the second sleeve if
you have to stop in the middle, otherwise you'll forget which sleeve you
just finished working on.
--Pin the two sleeves together in the middle so everything will stay straight. You can move the pin/marker up as you knit.
--Another suggestion was to put a big safety pin at the beginning of the second sleeve, as a reminder that this piece must be knit before turning!
--To prevent the two balls of yarn from tangling, put each ball in a Ziplock bag and snip a corner to run the yarn through. If you don't do this, at least stop and untangle the balls at the end of each row to keep tangles from getting too serious.
--Pay attention to things like increases, and make sure you do them on both sleeves. Use a row counter or other method of keeping track of increases--perhaps one on each sleeve--if that's easiest.

So I've done two rows and so far, so good. I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you to all my wonderful KnitList friends--you ALWAYS come through!

Two Sleeves at Once

I have finished the front of my Gatsby Girl Pullover; with the back already done, now it's just down to the sleeves. Since I've been working on this sweater (in between lots of other smaller projects) since July, I am really ready to finish. So, I decided to think about knitting both sleeves at once, something I've never done.

I posed a question about this technique on the wonderful Yahoo KnitList Group, and got such an overwhelming response--probably about 40 people detailing the benefits of knitting two sleeves at once! Of course, I decided to give it a try and cast on. Many of the people who wrote me about knitting two sleeves at once did have some great tips to keep disasters from happening. Many of these are lessons learned from personal experience, I'm sure, and I'm happy to know about them and to share them here with you:

--Put a marker at the beginning (right side) of the first sleeve. That
way you'll always be in the right place if you have to stop knitting in the middle of a row.
--Never stop between the two pieces; at least start a row on the second sleeve if
you have to stop in the middle, otherwise you'll forget which sleeve you
just finished working on.
--Pin the two sleeves together in the middle so everything will stay straight. You can move the pin/marker up as you knit.
--Another suggestion was to put a big safety pin at the beginning of the second sleeve, as a reminder that this piece must be knit before turning!
--To prevent the two balls of yarn from tangling, put each ball in a Ziplock bag and snip a corner to run the yarn through. If you don't do this, at least stop and untangle the balls at the end of each row to keep tangles from getting too serious.
--Pay attention to things like increases, and make sure you do them on both sleeves. Use a row counter or other method of keeping track of increases--perhaps one on each sleeve--if that's easiest.

So I've done two rows and so far, so good. I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you to all my wonderful KnitList friends--you ALWAYS come through!

Persevering

Not much to report this week.
I was supposed to have gone to Stitches East with a knitting group pal, but a work meeting got in the way. Considering I haven't used a lot of the stash I bought at last year's Stitches, I was actually OK about it. To appease myself, I went to Knit New York just before my meeting, sat and had a cool drink and knit on my Gatsby Girl for awhile. I also picked up the new Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts issue, because I've been reading and hearing that there are some great patterns in it. I also love the holiday gifts for knitters they describe--I want them ALL!

Next weekend might have been my opportunity to go to Rhinebeck, but alas, I don't think that will happen either. I have a couple of commitments at home that are going to prevent me from going. I may take a yarn shop detour near where I have to be on Saturday, I'll keep you posted! Mark my words, one of these years I'm going to get there!

In the meantime, I'm making good progress on Gatsby Girl and also on Branching Out, my ISE5 scarf project. I had one scary moment where I laid out the scarf to measure it, and saw that I had dropped a stitch about 4 INCHES BACK with no visible way to save it...yes, I had to rip back that intricate lace, but all seems to be well now. So being deprived of yarn events is at least allowing me to get my WIPs to the next stage...

Persevering

Not much to report this week.
I was supposed to have gone to Stitches East with a knitting group pal, but a work meeting got in the way. Considering I haven't used a lot of the stash I bought at last year's Stitches, I was actually OK about it. To appease myself, I went to Knit New York just before my meeting, sat and had a cool drink and knit on my Gatsby Girl for awhile. I also picked up the new Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts issue, because I've been reading and hearing that there are some great patterns in it. I also love the holiday gifts for knitters they describe--I want them ALL!

Next weekend might have been my opportunity to go to Rhinebeck, but alas, I don't think that will happen either. I have a couple of commitments at home that are going to prevent me from going. I may take a yarn shop detour near where I have to be on Saturday, I'll keep you posted! Mark my words, one of these years I'm going to get there!

In the meantime, I'm making good progress on Gatsby Girl and also on Branching Out, my ISE5 scarf project. I had one scary moment where I laid out the scarf to measure it, and saw that I had dropped a stitch about 4 INCHES BACK with no visible way to save it...yes, I had to rip back that intricate lace, but all seems to be well now. So being deprived of yarn events is at least allowing me to get my WIPs to the next stage...

Quickie!

I seem to have lost the cute red and black cell phone case I knit right after we got our new phones at the end of August. How disappointing!


I immediately cast on for another one, this time a cute pattern that allows me to practice my skills at bead knitting. It is bulkier than the first one I'd made, but it's cheerful and unique and I love it!

Thanks to Karen, a new Ravelry friend, for the awesome pattern--check it out!

Quickie!

I seem to have lost the cute red and black cell phone case I knit right after we got our new phones at the end of August. How disappointing!


I immediately cast on for another one, this time a cute pattern that allows me to practice my skills at bead knitting. It is bulkier than the first one I'd made, but it's cheerful and unique and I love it!

Thanks to Karen, a new Ravelry friend, for the awesome pattern--check it out!

Lace Lessons

I finished my hubby's Slipped-Stitch Rib socks--I think they look great, if I do say so myself! I hope they fit him perfectly, I may have to stretch the foot of one of them just a bit. Now we just need some cooler weather so he'll want to wear them (not that I am in a rush for cool weather--I'm LOVING the warm October we're having!)

But the real reason for today's blog entry is to discuss the lessons I've learned since starting Branching Out, which I'm knitting in doubled Misti Alpaca laceweight (which is stil pretty darn thin, even doubled!) in a mossy green colorway.

The project has been growing on me, and I'm actually looking forward to the "magic" that happens with blocking.
However, I made one mistake about 10 rows back. I thought I'd just keep going and no one would notice. But alas, I couldn't stop thinking about the error (the stitches weren't lined up right on either side of a center stitch that remains throughout the 10-row pattern). Last night, in a rush of bravery, I ripped back to the mistake. And here's what I learned:
1)I understand why people who knit lace use a lifeline. That would have helped me a great deal. As it was, I kind of held my breath and ripped, and I was very lucky that I didn't lose more stitches than I did.
2)It is much easier to "read" lace by using a chart than by reading written-out instructions. Although the pattern gives both, for some reason (I've read lots of charts before...), I chose to follow the written-out directions. That was fine until the mistake was made. Three rip-outs later, I decided to consult the chart to identify where that center stitch should be and what should come before and after it. Once I used the chart, I had the problem fixed in no time flat.
3)I'm still not sure if I like knitting lace, but I can see the addictive quality of it (just like socks, and other things that have cult-knit status). I have a feeling that by the time I'm finished with this scarf, I'll be hooked on lace.

We have a long car ride coming up this weekend--I've decided that rather than casting on for my next set of socks (possibly Monkeys...we'll see), I will just take Branching Out and Gatsby Girl and make much progress on both of those, before starting my next pair of socks. Let's see how that strategy works.

Lace Lessons

I finished my hubby's Slipped-Stitch Rib socks--I think they look great, if I do say so myself! I hope they fit him perfectly, I may have to stretch the foot of one of them just a bit. Now we just need some cooler weather so he'll want to wear them (not that I am in a rush for cool weather--I'm LOVING the warm October we're having!)

But the real reason for today's blog entry is to discuss the lessons I've learned since starting Branching Out, which I'm knitting in doubled Misti Alpaca laceweight (which is stil pretty darn thin, even doubled!) in a mossy green colorway.

The project has been growing on me, and I'm actually looking forward to the "magic" that happens with blocking.
However, I made one mistake about 10 rows back. I thought I'd just keep going and no one would notice. But alas, I couldn't stop thinking about the error (the stitches weren't lined up right on either side of a center stitch that remains throughout the 10-row pattern). Last night, in a rush of bravery, I ripped back to the mistake. And here's what I learned:
1)I understand why people who knit lace use a lifeline. That would have helped me a great deal. As it was, I kind of held my breath and ripped, and I was very lucky that I didn't lose more stitches than I did.
2)It is much easier to "read" lace by using a chart than by reading written-out instructions. Although the pattern gives both, for some reason (I've read lots of charts before...), I chose to follow the written-out directions. That was fine until the mistake was made. Three rip-outs later, I decided to consult the chart to identify where that center stitch should be and what should come before and after it. Once I used the chart, I had the problem fixed in no time flat.
3)I'm still not sure if I like knitting lace, but I can see the addictive quality of it (just like socks, and other things that have cult-knit status). I have a feeling that by the time I'm finished with this scarf, I'll be hooked on lace.

We have a long car ride coming up this weekend--I've decided that rather than casting on for my next set of socks (possibly Monkeys...we'll see), I will just take Branching Out and Gatsby Girl and make much progress on both of those, before starting my next pair of socks. Let's see how that strategy works.

Branching Out

I received my ISE5 pal's info, and it appears that she really likes lace and cables. She also specified that she likes single-color items rather than a mix of color, so the Chevron scarf is OUT (for her, anyway!) Since I know I will have limited time to work on the scarf, I opted for lace over cables. Also, I've been wanting to try lace --real lace, with laceweight yarn--for some time.

So, I got some gorgeous Misti Alpaca laceweight in one of her favorite colors, and cast on for Knitty's Branching Out. When I started with the laceweight, I just couldn't handle it...it is soooooo fine. Since I had enough to do so, I got the idea to double the yarn. The pattern has two options, one with DK weight, so I knew doubling would be OK. Now things are moving along well, and I can see that once this is finished and blocked, it will have a totally different look--that "magic" moment that lace knitters talk about. Here's where I am so far:


So far though, this project has brought me to the realization that I don't think I'll knit with laceweight yarn anymore. I like knitting lace patterns (like many of those in my recently acquired Lace Style), but with heavier yarn, thank you very much.

I hope my pal likes her finished scarf, and I'll have to thank her for providing me with a teachable knitting moment!

Branching Out

I received my ISE5 pal's info, and it appears that she really likes lace and cables. She also specified that she likes single-color items rather than a mix of color, so the Chevron scarf is OUT (for her, anyway!) Since I know I will have limited time to work on the scarf, I opted for lace over cables. Also, I've been wanting to try lace --real lace, with laceweight yarn--for some time.

So, I got some gorgeous Misti Alpaca laceweight in one of her favorite colors, and cast on for Knitty's Branching Out. When I started with the laceweight, I just couldn't handle it...it is soooooo fine. Since I had enough to do so, I got the idea to double the yarn. The pattern has two options, one with DK weight, so I knew doubling would be OK. Now things are moving along well, and I can see that once this is finished and blocked, it will have a totally different look--that "magic" moment that lace knitters talk about. Here's where I am so far:


So far though, this project has brought me to the realization that I don't think I'll knit with laceweight yarn anymore. I like knitting lace patterns (like many of those in my recently acquired Lace Style), but with heavier yarn, thank you very much.

I hope my pal likes her finished scarf, and I'll have to thank her for providing me with a teachable knitting moment!

International Scarf Exchange

I may have mentioned that I got a spot on International Scarf Exchange 5, which is still taking sign-ups for a short while, I believe. I might want to dive into my sock yarn stash and make the Chevron Scarf as part of this project, assuming it's something my "giftee" likes once I see her/his survey answers. Another thought I've had for this is that I make the person a small shawl, which I think is acceptable, as I have been dying to do shawls but just don't generally consider myself a shawl person. If any of you out there have made the Chevron Scarf, how have you liked it? It's gotten very positive reviews on Ravelry and other sources.

I've been catching up on lots of knitting Podcasts and blogs the past week, in between the now hectic fall parent-chauffering schedule that is well under way. Progress continues on the Gatsby Girl, my husband's Sock #2 (fingers crossed that I'll have enough yarn), and the Midwest Moonlight Scarf, which could also be a candidate for ISE5.

International Scarf Exchange

I may have mentioned that I got a spot on International Scarf Exchange 5, which is still taking sign-ups for a short while, I believe. I might want to dive into my sock yarn stash and make the Chevron Scarf as part of this project, assuming it's something my "giftee" likes once I see her/his survey answers. Another thought I've had for this is that I make the person a small shawl, which I think is acceptable, as I have been dying to do shawls but just don't generally consider myself a shawl person. If any of you out there have made the Chevron Scarf, how have you liked it? It's gotten very positive reviews on Ravelry and other sources.

I've been catching up on lots of knitting Podcasts and blogs the past week, in between the now hectic fall parent-chauffering schedule that is well under way. Progress continues on the Gatsby Girl, my husband's Sock #2 (fingers crossed that I'll have enough yarn), and the Midwest Moonlight Scarf, which could also be a candidate for ISE5.

Reorganizing

At the start of this weekend, I took a look in the closet where my stash is kept and got a little panicky. All of the shopping bags full of yarn were a bit disorganized, and my Vogue Knitting issues from 1992-93 seemed a bit dated--I never look at them and, having just read and enjoyed the 25th anniversary issue of Vogue Knitting and realized that most of the older styles that were shown had been rewritten and updated with new yarn, I felt it didn't make sense (and I didn't have the space) to keep all of those old issues.

I bought some plastic storage bins and some cardboard magazine storage units and now the closet is in some semblance of order. All of the sock yarn is in one bin (just barely fits), all of the yarn for specific projects in another, and miscellaneous yarn for projects TBD in the third. My Manos--enough to make the Four Seasons Throw that I have not yet begun--had to remain in its shopping bag as there was no room in the bins for it.

I feel better about my newly organized stash, and it happened not a moment too soon, as my first installment of the Hill Country Yarns Sock Club arrived the day after the reorganizing! It's a lovely Periwinkle Blue in their Sweet Feet yarn.

It looks somewhat thick for socks (it calls for a size 2 needle), but it is extremely soft and squishy and is a gorgeous color. The pattern that came with it, called Sweat Pea, is very nice too. Into the sock yarn bin it goes!

Reorganizing

At the start of this weekend, I took a look in the closet where my stash is kept and got a little panicky. All of the shopping bags full of yarn were a bit disorganized, and my Vogue Knitting issues from 1992-93 seemed a bit dated--I never look at them and, having just read and enjoyed the 25th anniversary issue of Vogue Knitting and realized that most of the older styles that were shown had been rewritten and updated with new yarn, I felt it didn't make sense (and I didn't have the space) to keep all of those old issues.

I bought some plastic storage bins and some cardboard magazine storage units and now the closet is in some semblance of order. All of the sock yarn is in one bin (just barely fits), all of the yarn for specific projects in another, and miscellaneous yarn for projects TBD in the third. My Manos--enough to make the Four Seasons Throw that I have not yet begun--had to remain in its shopping bag as there was no room in the bins for it.

I feel better about my newly organized stash, and it happened not a moment too soon, as my first installment of the Hill Country Yarns Sock Club arrived the day after the reorganizing! It's a lovely Periwinkle Blue in their Sweet Feet yarn.

It looks somewhat thick for socks (it calls for a size 2 needle), but it is extremely soft and squishy and is a gorgeous color. The pattern that came with it, called Sweat Pea, is very nice too. Into the sock yarn bin it goes!

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Knitting...

...for some charity projects.

I have been enjoying my beautiful STR socks, Gatsby Girl pullover and Midwest Moonlight scarf. But was that enough for me? No...I had to work on some charity projects. I had done some scarves for the 2008 Red Scarf Project, and now is the time to send them, so I hope to package them up and get them out this week.
This weekend I took a bunch of leftover wool of various kinds and cast on the Canadian-Winter Hat from Sally Melville's The Purl Stitch. It was a fun and easy hat to make--I'd even make it for myself or my kids for winter. It is made from some toasty warm wools in earthy colors, and I hope that it goes to a worthy home for someone in Afghanistan.


I'm following links to lots of worthy charity opportunities; I hope to fit in more of this knitting whenever I can.

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Knitting...

...for some charity projects.

I have been enjoying my beautiful STR socks, Gatsby Girl pullover and Midwest Moonlight scarf. But was that enough for me? No...I had to work on some charity projects. I had done some scarves for the 2008 Red Scarf Project, and now is the time to send them, so I hope to package them up and get them out this week.
This weekend I took a bunch of leftover wool of various kinds and cast on the Canadian-Winter Hat from Sally Melville's The Purl Stitch. It was a fun and easy hat to make--I'd even make it for myself or my kids for winter. It is made from some toasty warm wools in earthy colors, and I hope that it goes to a worthy home for someone in Afghanistan.


I'm following links to lots of worthy charity opportunities; I hope to fit in more of this knitting whenever I can.

Road Trip!

We had a six hour car ride (each way) to visit my in-laws this past weekend. In addition, while we were there, most of the family went to watch our beloved Pittsburgh Steelers but there weren't quite enough tickets for all, so I got to knit while watching on TV as the Steelers dominated the Philadelphia Eagles.


As a result, I am almost done with the leg of my Slipped Stitch Rib Sock for my honey, and it seems to be fitting his leg perfectly. I was concerned that the Socks that Rock Medium Weight might make a sock that's too thick for someone used to wearing thin men's socks, but he seems to like how it feels so far. We'll see how it goes when I get to the foot!

I also got back into the Gatsby Girl pullover and am almost done with the waist shaping on the front. It will still be quite some time before this project is finished, but I continue to enjoy it, no matter how long it takes.

Road Trip!

We had a six hour car ride (each way) to visit my in-laws this past weekend. In addition, while we were there, most of the family went to watch our beloved Pittsburgh Steelers but there weren't quite enough tickets for all, so I got to knit while watching on TV as the Steelers dominated the Philadelphia Eagles.


As a result, I am almost done with the leg of my Slipped Stitch Rib Sock for my honey, and it seems to be fitting his leg perfectly. I was concerned that the Socks that Rock Medium Weight might make a sock that's too thick for someone used to wearing thin men's socks, but he seems to like how it feels so far. We'll see how it goes when I get to the foot!

I also got back into the Gatsby Girl pullover and am almost done with the waist shaping on the front. It will still be quite some time before this project is finished, but I continue to enjoy it, no matter how long it takes.

One Night Stand: Cell Phone Cozy

Our family got new cell phones over the weekend. While AT&T kindly gave us faux leather cases, I didn't really like the way my phone looked in the case--especially since I went wild and got a RED phone! I didn't want to hide this snazzy little number behind a plain black case, so....I knitted an adorable little cell phone cozy last night, in about an hour.

I modified a pattern for the Swift Cell Phone Carrier that I found in One-Skein Wonders, one of my go-to books for little projects like this. I held together a strand of red and purple novelty yarn with a strand of black Lion Brand Glitterspun. I put a little handle on it and I just love it. It's also fun to complete a project from start to finish so quickly.

Now it's back to the socks that I started a couple of days ago.

One Night Stand: Cell Phone Cozy

Our family got new cell phones over the weekend. While AT&T kindly gave us faux leather cases, I didn't really like the way my phone looked in the case--especially since I went wild and got a RED phone! I didn't want to hide this snazzy little number behind a plain black case, so....I knitted an adorable little cell phone cozy last night, in about an hour.

I modified a pattern for the Swift Cell Phone Carrier that I found in One-Skein Wonders, one of my go-to books for little projects like this. I held together a strand of red and purple novelty yarn with a strand of black Lion Brand Glitterspun. I put a little handle on it and I just love it. It's also fun to complete a project from start to finish so quickly.

Now it's back to the socks that I started a couple of days ago.

The Satisfaction of Finishing Socks

After a weekend of doing--no exaggeration--about 12 loads of laundry after the kids returned from camp, I was happy to steal an hour of knitting time while watching a favorite HBO Show, "Big Love." I finished my Ridged Feather Socks--the first pair I've made from start to finish during "Summer of Socks," and I am very pleased with them.
I know some people prefer to match up the colors on variegated yarns like this so that the stripes are the same colors in the same placement on both feet, but I rather like the fact that mine don't synch up at all--that really shows that they're handmade, and I like the one-of-a-kind feel of them.

I have more of a skein left than I usually do with yarns like Socks that Rock, so I am thinking about eking out a pair of baby socks for Afghans for Afghans with the remainder...but that will have to wait.

For now, I will excitedly wind up my STR Monsoon to make my honey his first pair of hand-knit socks. Having just gotten More Sensational Knitted Socks, I may try a pair from there, or the Cable Ribs from Favorite Socks...so many choices, and he is leaving the design up to me!

The Satisfaction of Finishing Socks

After a weekend of doing--no exaggeration--about 12 loads of laundry after the kids returned from camp, I was happy to steal an hour of knitting time while watching a favorite HBO Show, "Big Love." I finished my Ridged Feather Socks--the first pair I've made from start to finish during "Summer of Socks," and I am very pleased with them.
I know some people prefer to match up the colors on variegated yarns like this so that the stripes are the same colors in the same placement on both feet, but I rather like the fact that mine don't synch up at all--that really shows that they're handmade, and I like the one-of-a-kind feel of them.

I have more of a skein left than I usually do with yarns like Socks that Rock, so I am thinking about eking out a pair of baby socks for Afghans for Afghans with the remainder...but that will have to wait.

For now, I will excitedly wind up my STR Monsoon to make my honey his first pair of hand-knit socks. Having just gotten More Sensational Knitted Socks, I may try a pair from there, or the Cable Ribs from Favorite Socks...so many choices, and he is leaving the design up to me!

Tag, You're It!

Yesterday my Dish Rag Tag box arrived from my teammate, Missy. She sent me an adorable, bright dishcloth that looked like it was knitted in an entrelac design. She also included two balls of Sugar'n Cream Dishcloth Cotton, which I promptly cast on for the Mason Dixon BallBand Dishcloth. I finished it in about an hour, while catching up on the knitting Podcasts that had built up in my iTunes folder while I was on vacation.
Today the box with my dishcloth and a few goodies will be on its way to the next teammate on our list, Amanda. Good luck, Amanda!


I am also in the home stretch (down to the toe decreases) on my current Ridged Feather Pattern sock, and my DH has agreed that he would like some socks--yay! I have 2 different skeins of Socks That Rock Medium Weight--a Rare Gems skein in hues of rust, and the Monsoon colorway that was this year's first Sock Club offering. I'll measure his foot this weekend and work with him on choosing a pattern and one of these skeins (which I hope will be enough for a pair of men's socks!) I'm looking forward to this project.

And finally, I've finished the back of Gatsby Girl and cast on the front. I hope it fits, it looks like it will, but as it has negative ease for a close fit, it will be hard to tell until I actually put it over my head, I think. Given the rate at which I've been knitting it, that will be awhile.

Tag, You're It!

Yesterday my Dish Rag Tag box arrived from my teammate, Missy. She sent me an adorable, bright dishcloth that looked like it was knitted in an entrelac design. She also included two balls of Sugar'n Cream Dishcloth Cotton, which I promptly cast on for the Mason Dixon BallBand Dishcloth. I finished it in about an hour, while catching up on the knitting Podcasts that had built up in my iTunes folder while I was on vacation.
Today the box with my dishcloth and a few goodies will be on its way to the next teammate on our list, Amanda. Good luck, Amanda!


I am also in the home stretch (down to the toe decreases) on my current Ridged Feather Pattern sock, and my DH has agreed that he would like some socks--yay! I have 2 different skeins of Socks That Rock Medium Weight--a Rare Gems skein in hues of rust, and the Monsoon colorway that was this year's first Sock Club offering. I'll measure his foot this weekend and work with him on choosing a pattern and one of these skeins (which I hope will be enough for a pair of men's socks!) I'm looking forward to this project.

And finally, I've finished the back of Gatsby Girl and cast on the front. I hope it fits, it looks like it will, but as it has negative ease for a close fit, it will be hard to tell until I actually put it over my head, I think. Given the rate at which I've been knitting it, that will be awhile.

My Sockapalooza Socks Have Arrived!

I came home from work a couple of days ago at the end of a hot, steamy, bad traffic day, and saw a box awaiting me--my Sockapalooza socks were here! I had almost forgotten that along with GIVING socks, I would also be GETTING socks!

My Sock Pal is the best! Karen is so sweet and made me the most gorgeous socks: The Waterfall Rib Pattern from one of my favorite sock books, Sensational Knitted Socks. The yarn is Koigu KPPM in a beautiful green and lavender colorway--I'm afraid my photos (since it's a gloomy, rainy day today) don't do it justice. They fit PERFECTLY.


Also in the box was the new Vogue Knitting 25th Anniversary issue, which I had been dying for since before we went on vacation! There was also a delicious raspberry grapefruit hand lotion, a pretty package of stationery, a lovely blank book and a roll of Baroque-patterned ribbon. All just wonderful gifts--THANK YOU SO MUCH, KAREN!!


I was happy to hear that my socks were received in Australia by Celia, and they fit her too! So all is very well in Sockapalooza land. I would definitely do this swap again.

My Sockapalooza Socks Have Arrived!

I came home from work a couple of days ago at the end of a hot, steamy, bad traffic day, and saw a box awaiting me--my Sockapalooza socks were here! I had almost forgotten that along with GIVING socks, I would also be GETTING socks!

My Sock Pal is the best! Karen is so sweet and made me the most gorgeous socks: The Waterfall Rib Pattern from one of my favorite sock books, Sensational Knitted Socks. The yarn is Koigu KPPM in a beautiful green and lavender colorway--I'm afraid my photos (since it's a gloomy, rainy day today) don't do it justice. They fit PERFECTLY.


Also in the box was the new Vogue Knitting 25th Anniversary issue, which I had been dying for since before we went on vacation! There was also a delicious raspberry grapefruit hand lotion, a pretty package of stationery, a lovely blank book and a roll of Baroque-patterned ribbon. All just wonderful gifts--THANK YOU SO MUCH, KAREN!!


I was happy to hear that my socks were received in Australia by Celia, and they fit her too! So all is very well in Sockapalooza land. I would definitely do this swap again.

Knitting in Spain

We got back from vacation a few nights ago. We had a wonderful trip to Spain, and I had a great time tracking down the list of LYS's that Maria-Jose, a Barcelona knitter, had recommended to me several months ago when I think I saw a blog post of hers somewhere in this funny, warm online knitting community that we have.

One of the shops was cool because it was in the Old City section of Barcelona, dating from Roman times, and the shop, Persones Llanes, is actually on a street called Placa de la Llana ("Wool Square"). How cool is that?

I was good and didn't buy yarn, as most of what they carried included brands that I can easily get here, although they did have some interesting hempy kinds of things that might have been fun to try. I never made it to the shops on Maria-Jose's list that sell Katia, a yarn made in Spain--I might have bought that just because I was there.

We did a lot of driving within Spain before we got to Barcelona, and there were the plane rides, so I did get a fair amount of knitting done (although none in the 48 hours that we've been home--mail, laundry, etc. are intruding!). I am making good progress on the Gatsby Girl, and am now on the lace part of the back. But given that I then have to do the front and the sleeves, it will be awhile before that baby is done. I also made good progress on the leg of my current sock #2, and even more progress on the Midwest Moonlight scarf. Now that I know that the Red Scarf Project is much earlier this year (scarves need to be sent by October 15), I may use the Moonlight Madness scarf for that purpose. We'll see.

Knitting in Spain

We got back from vacation a few nights ago. We had a wonderful trip to Spain, and I had a great time tracking down the list of LYS's that Maria-Jose, a Barcelona knitter, had recommended to me several months ago when I think I saw a blog post of hers somewhere in this funny, warm online knitting community that we have.

One of the shops was cool because it was in the Old City section of Barcelona, dating from Roman times, and the shop, Persones Llanes, is actually on a street called Placa de la Llana ("Wool Square"). How cool is that?

I was good and didn't buy yarn, as most of what they carried included brands that I can easily get here, although they did have some interesting hempy kinds of things that might have been fun to try. I never made it to the shops on Maria-Jose's list that sell Katia, a yarn made in Spain--I might have bought that just because I was there.

We did a lot of driving within Spain before we got to Barcelona, and there were the plane rides, so I did get a fair amount of knitting done (although none in the 48 hours that we've been home--mail, laundry, etc. are intruding!). I am making good progress on the Gatsby Girl, and am now on the lace part of the back. But given that I then have to do the front and the sleeves, it will be awhile before that baby is done. I also made good progress on the leg of my current sock #2, and even more progress on the Midwest Moonlight scarf. Now that I know that the Red Scarf Project is much earlier this year (scarves need to be sent by October 15), I may use the Moonlight Madness scarf for that purpose. We'll see.