Holiday Knitting

Today I completed my last holiday knitted gift: the Hand/Wrist Warmers from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. This is a fantastic book and I'm thrilled with how these came out--so much so that I think I am going to make a pair for myself. First, I will use the leftover yarn--Araucania Nature Wool, which is really pretty--to make myself a warm winter hat. My first choice: Knitty's Foliage.
Meanwhile, I am gathering up projects to take on our upcoming vacation to a warm and sunny climate. When I return, I'll talk about the big new afghan project I'm about to embark on!
One more thing before the holidays set in--I have been using my Denise Interchangeable Needles more often as I am juggling several projects on my needles. I've had a few incidents where the larger size tips have not locked into the cords properly. I have to say publicly that the Denise company provides among the best customer service I have ever had--they will guarantee and replace any needle tip with patience and grace. I have now replaced several sizes of tips, and I genuinely find that the company cares a great deal about my having a very positive experience using their needles. These needles may not be new or fancy, but they work well, are very flexible in terms of the number of lengths available (I've needed shorter lengths for hats, etc., and now a long length for an afghan) and are not metal, so are very suitable for flying. Kudos to Denise!

Holiday Knitting

Today I completed my last holiday knitted gift: the Hand/Wrist Warmers from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. This is a fantastic book and I'm thrilled with how these came out--so much so that I think I am going to make a pair for myself. First, I will use the leftover yarn--Araucania Nature Wool, which is really pretty--to make myself a warm winter hat. My first choice: Knitty's Foliage.
Meanwhile, I am gathering up projects to take on our upcoming vacation to a warm and sunny climate. When I return, I'll talk about the big new afghan project I'm about to embark on!
One more thing before the holidays set in--I have been using my Denise Interchangeable Needles more often as I am juggling several projects on my needles. I've had a few incidents where the larger size tips have not locked into the cords properly. I have to say publicly that the Denise company provides among the best customer service I have ever had--they will guarantee and replace any needle tip with patience and grace. I have now replaced several sizes of tips, and I genuinely find that the company cares a great deal about my having a very positive experience using their needles. These needles may not be new or fancy, but they work well, are very flexible in terms of the number of lengths available (I've needed shorter lengths for hats, etc., and now a long length for an afghan) and are not metal, so are very suitable for flying. Kudos to Denise!

Doing the Math

A few days ago, I started my Tai Chi cardigan, purchased as a kit last week at Stitches East. Here is a pic from Twisted Sisters' Website:


It's a series of strips of blocks that form a sort of patchwork cardigan; the strips are joined with a 3-needle bind-off and the collar and sleeves are picked up and knitted on. There are three types of blocks: Seed Stich, Mitred Square, and Stockinette. Pretty simple, right?
Well, after reading through the pattern, I discovered that the cardigan is very cropped--only 16 inches in length. Even though I am petite and often have to shorten sweater patterns to fit, this is a bit too short for my liking. No problem, just lengthen the blocks, right? Well, first of all, when I emailed Twisted Sisters, the pattern creator/designer, to ask about this, they suggested that the kit for the smaller size would probably just about have enough yarn to complete the pattern as written. Second, doing the math to alter the blocks and still be able to evenly join the strips was keeping me up at night! Specifically, the mitred square's math depends upon a specific number of rows, and changing that is beyond my comprehension.
After completing the first two blocks (including my first-ever mitred square--which I LOVED and now want to do much more of--Ravelry, here I come!), I realized that the mitred square ends with 4 rows of seed stitch--so this part can be adjusted if I want a bigger square. Probably not too much, or it will look weird, and besides, there's the problem of running out of yarn. I've decided to lengthen one block in each strip and see how things measure out when I finish the first strip. I can then adjust the pattern accordingly; I will be winging it in terms of the yarn, but with all the work this sweater will be, I'd rather try to get it to be the size I want. I can always block it too; Twisted Sisters have advised me to do the 3-needle bind off loosely to aid in stretchability during blocking.

On a much simpler note, I made a fingerless mitt for my son in two days. I think this will turn out to be my holiday gift of choice for the officemates; either that or some cowls. Something simple...too many projects competing for my attention, and so little time!

Doing the Math

A few days ago, I started my Tai Chi cardigan, purchased as a kit last week at Stitches East. Here is a pic from Twisted Sisters' Website:


It's a series of strips of blocks that form a sort of patchwork cardigan; the strips are joined with a 3-needle bind-off and the collar and sleeves are picked up and knitted on. There are three types of blocks: Seed Stich, Mitred Square, and Stockinette. Pretty simple, right?
Well, after reading through the pattern, I discovered that the cardigan is very cropped--only 16 inches in length. Even though I am petite and often have to shorten sweater patterns to fit, this is a bit too short for my liking. No problem, just lengthen the blocks, right? Well, first of all, when I emailed Twisted Sisters, the pattern creator/designer, to ask about this, they suggested that the kit for the smaller size would probably just about have enough yarn to complete the pattern as written. Second, doing the math to alter the blocks and still be able to evenly join the strips was keeping me up at night! Specifically, the mitred square's math depends upon a specific number of rows, and changing that is beyond my comprehension.
After completing the first two blocks (including my first-ever mitred square--which I LOVED and now want to do much more of--Ravelry, here I come!), I realized that the mitred square ends with 4 rows of seed stitch--so this part can be adjusted if I want a bigger square. Probably not too much, or it will look weird, and besides, there's the problem of running out of yarn. I've decided to lengthen one block in each strip and see how things measure out when I finish the first strip. I can then adjust the pattern accordingly; I will be winging it in terms of the yarn, but with all the work this sweater will be, I'd rather try to get it to be the size I want. I can always block it too; Twisted Sisters have advised me to do the 3-needle bind off loosely to aid in stretchability during blocking.

On a much simpler note, I made a fingerless mitt for my son in two days. I think this will turn out to be my holiday gift of choice for the officemates; either that or some cowls. Something simple...too many projects competing for my attention, and so little time!

Doing My Part for Our Economy

My sister and I went to Stitches East last week--it is the last time this event is going to be held in Baltimore, which is near where she lives and a modest train ride for me. We had skipped last year, and decided we both needed a fun sister day. Even though my stash was in no need of replenishing, I wanted to make sure I bought from some of my favorite vendors whose wares can only be found at fiber shows. These include Brooks Farm, where I bought 3 luscious skeins of Mas Acero, a light worsted that I will use for one of the many shawls I'm planning. The other vendor I wanted to make sure to visit was Tess Yarns, where I got 2 more balls of the microfiber ribbon that has gotten such raves in the tank I made a few years ago. This is a pretty blue/green/purple variegated that I will use for another tank. I stayed up late winding it the other night--that's the one drawback of this slippery ribbon, it is a BEAR to wind!! But now it's in two neat little balls, waiting for me to get through a few of the other projects I got.
The first item I cast on from my purchases is the Tai Chi cardigan from Twisted Sisters, purchased at the boot of Great Yarns of Everett, WA--this booth has the most exquisite collection of sweaters and other garments that I've seen. I could have made just about everything they had on display. I'd love to visit their store in person one day!
Among a few other projects, I also got some gorgeous fused glass buttons from Bonnie Maresh Glass Buttons, a vendor from whom I've bought before. My Talia vest is now complete and the buttons really make the finished object look fantastic.
I also had some time over the weekend to organize and catalogue my stash on Ravelry. Now I will enter yarn purchases into my Ravelry stash as I buy them. The closet is a bit daunting, but I did my part to prime the pump of our ailing economy and got some gorgeous yarns that make me very happy. Now if only I had more time to knit!

Doing My Part for Our Economy

My sister and I went to Stitches East last week--it is the last time this event is going to be held in Baltimore, which is near where she lives and a modest train ride for me. We had skipped last year, and decided we both needed a fun sister day. Even though my stash was in no need of replenishing, I wanted to make sure I bought from some of my favorite vendors whose wares can only be found at fiber shows. These include Brooks Farm, where I bought 3 luscious skeins of Mas Acero, a light worsted that I will use for one of the many shawls I'm planning. The other vendor I wanted to make sure to visit was Tess Yarns, where I got 2 more balls of the microfiber ribbon that has gotten such raves in the tank I made a few years ago. This is a pretty blue/green/purple variegated that I will use for another tank. I stayed up late winding it the other night--that's the one drawback of this slippery ribbon, it is a BEAR to wind!! But now it's in two neat little balls, waiting for me to get through a few of the other projects I got.
The first item I cast on from my purchases is the Tai Chi cardigan from Twisted Sisters, purchased at the boot of Great Yarns of Everett, WA--this booth has the most exquisite collection of sweaters and other garments that I've seen. I could have made just about everything they had on display. I'd love to visit their store in person one day!
Among a few other projects, I also got some gorgeous fused glass buttons from Bonnie Maresh Glass Buttons, a vendor from whom I've bought before. My Talia vest is now complete and the buttons really make the finished object look fantastic.
I also had some time over the weekend to organize and catalogue my stash on Ravelry. Now I will enter yarn purchases into my Ravelry stash as I buy them. The closet is a bit daunting, but I did my part to prime the pump of our ailing economy and got some gorgeous yarns that make me very happy. Now if only I had more time to knit!

Milestone

Since I seem to be finding less time to blog, I will keep up my recent tradition of posting when I have a finished object to brag about. I finished my Muse Wrap last night! Yay! I immediately pinned it out to block, and today it was ready to wear. I'm very pleased with it. My knitting group saw it last week as I was furiously working to finish it--I, like many knitters, become almost obsessed when I'm so close to finishing something that I've been working on for MONTHS--I was ready to stop and have some yarn left over, but they encouraged me to use up all the yarn I had so that I could throw the shawl over my shoulder. I'm glad I listened to them. The Sublime Kid Mohair Blend is so airy and pretty, that I think I will love wearing this shawl over a coat now that the weather is turning colder, and then wearing inside over a top once I take my coat off. Because of the lightness of the yarn--it almost floats--having a shawl that is over 80 inches long won't seem odd for a 5'2" person.
I had originally planned this shawl as a piece to keep in my office for those chilly winter or summer (air-conditioned) days, but I think it's a little too dressy. I've queued a bunch of worsted weight shawls in Ravelry that I think would serve the office purpose better. But it may be awhile before I get to those--for now, I will continue work on Talia, as well as the Diagonal Baby Blanket I am working on as part of my knitting group's Charity Project for a local hospital. I'm using Lion Brand Homespun in a pretty colorway called Quartz, which has some pastels on a beige background. It is coming out soft and nice even though the yarn has a sort of weird feeling to it.
Eventually, I will also get back to my socks, but I'm finding it easier to be somewhat project monogamous these days.
By the way...I also learned how to edit my photos using the Picnik service on Flickr. Hopefully now they will fit better in the little squares on Ravelry, and look better here too!

Milestone

Since I seem to be finding less time to blog, I will keep up my recent tradition of posting when I have a finished object to brag about. I finished my Muse Wrap last night! Yay! I immediately pinned it out to block, and today it was ready to wear. I'm very pleased with it. My knitting group saw it last week as I was furiously working to finish it--I, like many knitters, become almost obsessed when I'm so close to finishing something that I've been working on for MONTHS--I was ready to stop and have some yarn left over, but they encouraged me to use up all the yarn I had so that I could throw the shawl over my shoulder. I'm glad I listened to them. The Sublime Kid Mohair Blend is so airy and pretty, that I think I will love wearing this shawl over a coat now that the weather is turning colder, and then wearing inside over a top once I take my coat off. Because of the lightness of the yarn--it almost floats--having a shawl that is over 80 inches long won't seem odd for a 5'2" person.
I had originally planned this shawl as a piece to keep in my office for those chilly winter or summer (air-conditioned) days, but I think it's a little too dressy. I've queued a bunch of worsted weight shawls in Ravelry that I think would serve the office purpose better. But it may be awhile before I get to those--for now, I will continue work on Talia, as well as the Diagonal Baby Blanket I am working on as part of my knitting group's Charity Project for a local hospital. I'm using Lion Brand Homespun in a pretty colorway called Quartz, which has some pastels on a beige background. It is coming out soft and nice even though the yarn has a sort of weird feeling to it.
Eventually, I will also get back to my socks, but I'm finding it easier to be somewhat project monogamous these days.
By the way...I also learned how to edit my photos using the Picnik service on Flickr. Hopefully now they will fit better in the little squares on Ravelry, and look better here too!

Can't Get Enough Northampton!

Now that the Staghorn Cabled Tunic is finished, I wanted to make something with the 2+ skeins of Northampton that I had left. I loved this yarn so much, and I just wasn't in the mood for another scarf. Using the wonders of Ravelry, I found a few projects that I could probably do with the amount of yarn I have left, and I settled on the Talia tunic-style vest from the Spring 2008 Knitty. It is designed by Sweater Babe, and it's the first project I'm doing by her. So far, I'm loving it--it is a cardigan knit in one piece, so it should be fun to do and with pretty much no finishing!
I am determined to finish the Muse Wrap first, so Talia can be my take-along knitting. I did a few rows at my son's football game last week and will take it again. Now that the weather is getting cooler, it's great football-game knitting weather!

Can't Get Enough Northampton!

Now that the Staghorn Cabled Tunic is finished, I wanted to make something with the 2+ skeins of Northampton that I had left. I loved this yarn so much, and I just wasn't in the mood for another scarf. Using the wonders of Ravelry, I found a few projects that I could probably do with the amount of yarn I have left, and I settled on the Talia tunic-style vest from the Spring 2008 Knitty. It is designed by Sweater Babe, and it's the first project I'm doing by her. So far, I'm loving it--it is a cardigan knit in one piece, so it should be fun to do and with pretty much no finishing!
I am determined to finish the Muse Wrap first, so Talia can be my take-along knitting. I did a few rows at my son's football game last week and will take it again. Now that the weather is getting cooler, it's great football-game knitting weather!

Pleasing a Tough Customer

It's been awhile; blogging is getting harder to fit in to my life, but it is so nice to do it when I can. So here goes.
I have probably written before about knitting for my family versus for me. My husband, daughter and son all love hand-knit socks (doesn't everyone, once they experience what it feels like to wear a pair?) Other than socks, my husband has specific wants in terms of sweaters, and he did recently wear his Woodsy Ribs Vest for the first time post-summer, and it looked great! I could tell that he likes it too. My 13-year-old son doesn't wear sweaters, but does like a knitted hat every once in awhile. My 15-year-old daughter, who favors Abercrombie, Hollister and American Eagle, has not been a fan of hand-knit garments, although she does like knit bags and I have made her a couple of wraps to wear with dressy clothes. I knew she'd like the Staghorn Cabled Tunic when I saw it in the WEBS catalog, and she did. I am thrilled to say that she loves the completed garment, and it fits her PERFECTLY!

I agonized over the sizing, settling on the 32 as written. She even wants the same buttons as those in the picture, so the pattern designer, Kirsten Hipsky at WEBS, kindly steered me to them. It is so wonderful to make something that my style-conscious daughter will wear with pride!
Also, a word about the yarn, Valley Yarns Northampton--I LOVE it. I have 2+ skeins left and will probably make a scarf for charity. I am eager to use it again, and to try other Valley Yarns products. They are an excellent value and of course, who doesn't want to support the wonderful folks at WEBS?
So now I am intent on finishing--or at least getting much further along on--my Muse Wrap. I have 180 rows done; the pattern calls for 400 rows but given my height I think I will be fine with less, maybe 300-350.
Now that I am in the groove with it, I am enjoying it immensely, it just has to be a stay-at-home project because it's not the type of project that you can put down in the middle of a row. I'll go back to my Sweetpea Socks for take-along knitting, although I need a refresher to get me back in the groove on those!

Pleasing a Tough Customer

It's been awhile; blogging is getting harder to fit in to my life, but it is so nice to do it when I can. So here goes.
I have probably written before about knitting for my family versus for me. My husband, daughter and son all love hand-knit socks (doesn't everyone, once they experience what it feels like to wear a pair?) Other than socks, my husband has specific wants in terms of sweaters, and he did recently wear his Woodsy Ribs Vest for the first time post-summer, and it looked great! I could tell that he likes it too. My 13-year-old son doesn't wear sweaters, but does like a knitted hat every once in awhile. My 15-year-old daughter, who favors Abercrombie, Hollister and American Eagle, has not been a fan of hand-knit garments, although she does like knit bags and I have made her a couple of wraps to wear with dressy clothes. I knew she'd like the Staghorn Cabled Tunic when I saw it in the WEBS catalog, and she did. I am thrilled to say that she loves the completed garment, and it fits her PERFECTLY!

I agonized over the sizing, settling on the 32 as written. She even wants the same buttons as those in the picture, so the pattern designer, Kirsten Hipsky at WEBS, kindly steered me to them. It is so wonderful to make something that my style-conscious daughter will wear with pride!
Also, a word about the yarn, Valley Yarns Northampton--I LOVE it. I have 2+ skeins left and will probably make a scarf for charity. I am eager to use it again, and to try other Valley Yarns products. They are an excellent value and of course, who doesn't want to support the wonderful folks at WEBS?
So now I am intent on finishing--or at least getting much further along on--my Muse Wrap. I have 180 rows done; the pattern calls for 400 rows but given my height I think I will be fine with less, maybe 300-350.
Now that I am in the groove with it, I am enjoying it immensely, it just has to be a stay-at-home project because it's not the type of project that you can put down in the middle of a row. I'll go back to my Sweetpea Socks for take-along knitting, although I need a refresher to get me back in the groove on those!

The Right Project for the Right Time

It's been almost a month since I've blogged...sorry to anyone who is awaiting new material!
Our vacation was fabulous and I actually got a fair amount of knitting done. No one confiscated my needles at an airport, and I was careful to knit mindless projects when I was somewhere that required concentration (such as listening to a tour guide or navigating those unfamiliar roads while my husband drove), while I worked on my Muse Wrap while in a quiet setting where I knew I'd be able to finish a row uninterrupted!
Now that I'm back, I've been busy going back and forth to doctors appointments with my mom, who is about to have surgery. The Staghorn Cabled Tunic, which I started for my daughter, is my project of choice for these occasions--it's an easy, fast-moving pattern and if I stop in the middle of a row, it's no big deal. She is excited about it too, which is awesome for a 15-year old!

In the world of socks, I finished my Saucy Socks on the trip and I'm really pleased with them. I'm now at the beginning of the Sweetpea Socks from Knitty, using the Silkie Socks that Rock Yarn all the way from the 2007 Sock Club! I read too many negative reviews of the openwork pattern that came with this yarn and was reluctant to knit it, even though I liked the look of it. Too much going on to do a frustrating pattern!
I'm also awaiting my box for Dishrag Tag...hope to receive the box this week before I head off on a long car ride for the holiday weekend.

The Right Project for the Right Time

It's been almost a month since I've blogged...sorry to anyone who is awaiting new material!
Our vacation was fabulous and I actually got a fair amount of knitting done. No one confiscated my needles at an airport, and I was careful to knit mindless projects when I was somewhere that required concentration (such as listening to a tour guide or navigating those unfamiliar roads while my husband drove), while I worked on my Muse Wrap while in a quiet setting where I knew I'd be able to finish a row uninterrupted!
Now that I'm back, I've been busy going back and forth to doctors appointments with my mom, who is about to have surgery. The Staghorn Cabled Tunic, which I started for my daughter, is my project of choice for these occasions--it's an easy, fast-moving pattern and if I stop in the middle of a row, it's no big deal. She is excited about it too, which is awesome for a 15-year old!

In the world of socks, I finished my Saucy Socks on the trip and I'm really pleased with them. I'm now at the beginning of the Sweetpea Socks from Knitty, using the Silkie Socks that Rock Yarn all the way from the 2007 Sock Club! I read too many negative reviews of the openwork pattern that came with this yarn and was reluctant to knit it, even though I liked the look of it. Too much going on to do a frustrating pattern!
I'm also awaiting my box for Dishrag Tag...hope to receive the box this week before I head off on a long car ride for the holiday weekend.

Vacation Knitting

I am about to head out on vacation, but got in under the wire to sign up for Dish Rag Tag, round 2, today! (see button link in sidebar) I have been addicted to dishcloths this week (here are some samples):

and am taking a couple with me for some mindless knitting.

I will be the navigator in a foreign country so I can't bring too much complex knitting in the car, so I've packed projects in a variety of complexities to satisfy any situation I may encounter! For the plane, I've packed a dishrag and another project on needles that I wouldn't mind having confiscated; we are flying on a foreign carrier and I've heard some horror stories of knitting needles being taken despite the fact that the TSA allows them.

I'll let you know what happens when I return in a couple of weeks!

Vacation Knitting

I am about to head out on vacation, but got in under the wire to sign up for Dish Rag Tag, round 2, today! (see button link in sidebar) I have been addicted to dishcloths this week (here are some samples):

and am taking a couple with me for some mindless knitting.

I will be the navigator in a foreign country so I can't bring too much complex knitting in the car, so I've packed projects in a variety of complexities to satisfy any situation I may encounter! For the plane, I've packed a dishrag and another project on needles that I wouldn't mind having confiscated; we are flying on a foreign carrier and I've heard some horror stories of knitting needles being taken despite the fact that the TSA allows them.

I'll let you know what happens when I return in a couple of weeks!

One Sock Down, Too Many Projects in my Head!

I have been spending more time working on my Saucy Socks, and finished sock #1 while watching "Into the Wild" with my husband last night (great movie and even better book). I broke my second DPN on these socks--the set was old and bending, and I think because these socks are made with 4 DPNS instead of 5, I had trouble trying the sock on with just 3 needles around. I ordered a set of KnitPicks Harmony DPNs to replace this set; it will be a good way for me to try out the Harmonies and also finish Sock #2 without a struggle.
The Muse Wrap is coming along now that I have ripped and reknit it--I can "read" the pattern MUCH better now and have caught a few mistakes before they become too serious (in other words, before finishing a row!). However, this project is long--I am on row 78 of 400 projected--and does require some concentration. So my mind has been wandering in a couple of other directions:
1)Ready,Set Knit Podcast is going to be doing the Staghorn Tunic as a knitalong. I showed my daughter the pattern while visiting her at summer camp, and she liked it! So I've ordered the yarn and thought it would be fun to knit along with Kathy and Pixie.
2)Dishcloths--this has never really been my thing, but I do like the Peaches & Creme cotton that I've used for various projects and I have decided I would actually like to start using dishcloths rather than sponges in my kitchen. So I joined the Yahoo and Ravelry Peaches & Creme Cloth of the Week groups and may buy a skein or two to take with me on vacation. This will, however, put my Four Seasons Throw even more on the back burner.
The dangers of the Web, and more time on my hands to surf while the kids are at camp! But good problems to have.

One Sock Down, Too Many Projects in my Head!

I have been spending more time working on my Saucy Socks, and finished sock #1 while watching "Into the Wild" with my husband last night (great movie and even better book). I broke my second DPN on these socks--the set was old and bending, and I think because these socks are made with 4 DPNS instead of 5, I had trouble trying the sock on with just 3 needles around. I ordered a set of KnitPicks Harmony DPNs to replace this set; it will be a good way for me to try out the Harmonies and also finish Sock #2 without a struggle.
The Muse Wrap is coming along now that I have ripped and reknit it--I can "read" the pattern MUCH better now and have caught a few mistakes before they become too serious (in other words, before finishing a row!). However, this project is long--I am on row 78 of 400 projected--and does require some concentration. So my mind has been wandering in a couple of other directions:
1)Ready,Set Knit Podcast is going to be doing the Staghorn Tunic as a knitalong. I showed my daughter the pattern while visiting her at summer camp, and she liked it! So I've ordered the yarn and thought it would be fun to knit along with Kathy and Pixie.
2)Dishcloths--this has never really been my thing, but I do like the Peaches & Creme cotton that I've used for various projects and I have decided I would actually like to start using dishcloths rather than sponges in my kitchen. So I joined the Yahoo and Ravelry Peaches & Creme Cloth of the Week groups and may buy a skein or two to take with me on vacation. This will, however, put my Four Seasons Throw even more on the back burner.
The dangers of the Web, and more time on my hands to surf while the kids are at camp! But good problems to have.

Lazy Days of Summer

After making the Clementine Shawlette in less than a month, I am now adjusting to the fact that my next major project, the Muse Wrap from "The Very Gorgeous Sublime Kid Mohair Book," is going to take quite a bit of time! I cast on a week ago and after a few days and just 17 rows, I had to rip out the whole thing. Not an easy task with mohair, mind you. This is the type of project that is difficult to rip out a few stitches or part of a row, and I just hadn't had the feel for the pattern, so there were mistakes every few rows. After casting on again, I feel that I really know the pattern and can tell as I knit across if I am making a mistake or on the right track, so frogging shouldn't be necessary again (I HOPE!) I am now back to row 18, where I left off.

That's the good news. The bad news is that this pattern is supposed to be 400 ROWS long! Since I am short, I expect that I won't have to knit that many rows, but nevertheless, this will not be a quick project. It is also not the type of project that is easy to put down mid-row, so I think it will be strictly at-home knitting. The yarn does feel luscious, and the pattern is knitting up very pretty, so I know I'll enjoy the finished product, it's just far from an immediate gratification item!
This means my Saucy Socks are getting more attention--I'm about ready to turn the heel on the first one, and the Socks That Rock feels soooo nice as a contract to the fuzzy mohair--and I may even pick up my long-ago started Manos Four Seasons Afghan as another alterative, on-the-go project as well. The afghan isn't even in my Ravelry projects, it's that much of an afterthought at this point. I do hope to give it more attention, and the slow pace of the mohair may cause that to happen.

Lazy Days of Summer

After making the Clementine Shawlette in less than a month, I am now adjusting to the fact that my next major project, the Muse Wrap from "The Very Gorgeous Sublime Kid Mohair Book," is going to take quite a bit of time! I cast on a week ago and after a few days and just 17 rows, I had to rip out the whole thing. Not an easy task with mohair, mind you. This is the type of project that is difficult to rip out a few stitches or part of a row, and I just hadn't had the feel for the pattern, so there were mistakes every few rows. After casting on again, I feel that I really know the pattern and can tell as I knit across if I am making a mistake or on the right track, so frogging shouldn't be necessary again (I HOPE!) I am now back to row 18, where I left off.

That's the good news. The bad news is that this pattern is supposed to be 400 ROWS long! Since I am short, I expect that I won't have to knit that many rows, but nevertheless, this will not be a quick project. It is also not the type of project that is easy to put down mid-row, so I think it will be strictly at-home knitting. The yarn does feel luscious, and the pattern is knitting up very pretty, so I know I'll enjoy the finished product, it's just far from an immediate gratification item!
This means my Saucy Socks are getting more attention--I'm about ready to turn the heel on the first one, and the Socks That Rock feels soooo nice as a contract to the fuzzy mohair--and I may even pick up my long-ago started Manos Four Seasons Afghan as another alterative, on-the-go project as well. The afghan isn't even in my Ravelry projects, it's that much of an afterthought at this point. I do hope to give it more attention, and the slow pace of the mohair may cause that to happen.

Shawl Time

As summer moves more quickly than I'd like (as it always does), I have found more time for knitting. I zipped through the Clementine Shawlette in about 3 weeks. This was a fun, easy project and it looks really fantastic in my mix of Tilli Tomas Rock Star and Tilli's Pure & Simple. The rattan color coupled with the golden beads gives this a really dressy, pretty look. I was holding my breath that I'd have enough yarn, even though my Ravelry friends had assured me I would. And I did. just a tiny bit of Pure & Simple and NO Rock Star left, so it's perfect. You wouldn't want to have a lot of this pricey yarn left over. I am looking forward to wearing this Shawlette for a nice summer evening out
I finished the grafting of the shawlette during a very long drive back from a weekend at the Beach for 4th of July. I then worked on my Saucy Socks for awhile, and got back in the groove on those. I should be up to the heel on Sock #1 very soon. I will continue to use these as my "second of two" projects, but at least I have my sock mojo back.
Tonight when I got home I cast on for the Muse Wrap, from the Sublime Yarn "Very Gorgeous Sublime Kid Mohair Book." I bought this yarn a year ago at the Wooly Monmouth in Red Bank, NJ, also on a trip home from the beach. It is a yummy pale green and I fell in love with the wrap, which was featured in the store's window. I'm not sure how I'm going to like knitting with the Kid Mohair--it is a bit slippery, and this pattern has it knit on large needles, but I think the finished product will be lovely, and perfect for my chilly, air-conditioned office.
All of this productivity feels good--I had hoped to stop in a yarn shop on a trip to the Berkshires that we took at the beginning of the weekend. My goal there was to buy yarn to make the Printed Silk Cardigan from Interweave, but it will be nicer to stock up for that long-term project once I whittle down my stash a bit.
Happy Summer Knitting!

Shawl Time

As summer moves more quickly than I'd like (as it always does), I have found more time for knitting. I zipped through the Clementine Shawlette in about 3 weeks. This was a fun, easy project and it looks really fantastic in my mix of Tilli Tomas Rock Star and Tilli's Pure & Simple. The rattan color coupled with the golden beads gives this a really dressy, pretty look. I was holding my breath that I'd have enough yarn, even though my Ravelry friends had assured me I would. And I did. just a tiny bit of Pure & Simple and NO Rock Star left, so it's perfect. You wouldn't want to have a lot of this pricey yarn left over. I am looking forward to wearing this Shawlette for a nice summer evening out
I finished the grafting of the shawlette during a very long drive back from a weekend at the Beach for 4th of July. I then worked on my Saucy Socks for awhile, and got back in the groove on those. I should be up to the heel on Sock #1 very soon. I will continue to use these as my "second of two" projects, but at least I have my sock mojo back.
Tonight when I got home I cast on for the Muse Wrap, from the Sublime Yarn "Very Gorgeous Sublime Kid Mohair Book." I bought this yarn a year ago at the Wooly Monmouth in Red Bank, NJ, also on a trip home from the beach. It is a yummy pale green and I fell in love with the wrap, which was featured in the store's window. I'm not sure how I'm going to like knitting with the Kid Mohair--it is a bit slippery, and this pattern has it knit on large needles, but I think the finished product will be lovely, and perfect for my chilly, air-conditioned office.
All of this productivity feels good--I had hoped to stop in a yarn shop on a trip to the Berkshires that we took at the beginning of the weekend. My goal there was to buy yarn to make the Printed Silk Cardigan from Interweave, but it will be nicer to stock up for that long-term project once I whittle down my stash a bit.
Happy Summer Knitting!

Just About FO!

I have finished all of the knitting on the ChildHood baby sweater for my cousin's yet-to-be-born little one. I LOVE how this came out--I have also picked out a couple of different button choices which I will decide upon once I know the baby's gender in August. I continue to absolutely love working with Rowan All Seasons Cotton, and this pattern was a lot of fun to knit, even if the striping with two sleeves at once did get a bit tangly; this yarn untangles beautifully. I think this is the fourth garment I've made with this yarn and other than the fact that it's difficult to keep the ends tucked in, I would use it a million times more!

I am also getting much more comfortable with seaming, and though my seams still come out a bit thick, they are neat and straight and invisible on the outside, so I think--unless crocheting is involved--I can pretty much put my own projects together now no problem.

So now I'm down to just my Saucy Socks and a newly cast-on item, the Clementine Shawlette from Interweave's Spring 2007 issue. I am using the 2/3 skein of Tilli Tomas Rock Star that I have left from my ruffly purse, along with a coordinating skein of Tilli Tomas Pure & Simple. I wasn't sure about knitting the little tabs that are at the ends of this shawlette, but I decided it's part of the "look" of the pattern, so I'm going for it as written. I hope I end up liking and wearing this shawlette; I agonized over doing this versus a scarf, but I think the yarn is special enough that I needed to make something elegant...this should fit the bill. I'll keep you posted!

Just About FO!

I have finished all of the knitting on the ChildHood baby sweater for my cousin's yet-to-be-born little one. I LOVE how this came out--I have also picked out a couple of different button choices which I will decide upon once I know the baby's gender in August. I continue to absolutely love working with Rowan All Seasons Cotton, and this pattern was a lot of fun to knit, even if the striping with two sleeves at once did get a bit tangly; this yarn untangles beautifully. I think this is the fourth garment I've made with this yarn and other than the fact that it's difficult to keep the ends tucked in, I would use it a million times more!

I am also getting much more comfortable with seaming, and though my seams still come out a bit thick, they are neat and straight and invisible on the outside, so I think--unless crocheting is involved--I can pretty much put my own projects together now no problem.

So now I'm down to just my Saucy Socks and a newly cast-on item, the Clementine Shawlette from Interweave's Spring 2007 issue. I am using the 2/3 skein of Tilli Tomas Rock Star that I have left from my ruffly purse, along with a coordinating skein of Tilli Tomas Pure & Simple. I wasn't sure about knitting the little tabs that are at the ends of this shawlette, but I decided it's part of the "look" of the pattern, so I'm going for it as written. I hope I end up liking and wearing this shawlette; I agonized over doing this versus a scarf, but I think the yarn is special enough that I needed to make something elegant...this should fit the bill. I'll keep you posted!

The Vest is DONE!

After 4+ months, the Woodsy Ribs vest is done!!! I did end up enjoying this project, especially since it does fit my husband beautifully. All of that measuring along the way did pay off. The V-neck is a bit too shallow for his liking, but I am strenuously blocking that part of the vest while letting the rest of it smooth out gently, and we'll see what happens.

Now I will finish up the http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/PATTchildHood.htmland pick my next project from my stash.

The Vest is DONE!

After 4+ months, the Woodsy Ribs vest is done!!! I did end up enjoying this project, especially since it does fit my husband beautifully. All of that measuring along the way did pay off. The V-neck is a bit too shallow for his liking, but I am strenuously blocking that part of the vest while letting the rest of it smooth out gently, and we'll see what happens.

Now I will finish up the http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/PATTchildHood.htmland pick my next project from my stash.

Goodies from my Scarf Pal!

Today I received my package from my ISE6 Scarf Swap Pal, Betsy. I received a beautiful scarf in Cascade's Lana D'Oro, a 50% wool, 50% alpaca yarn that is just yummy and will be very warm and cozy for winter. It's a pretty cabled pattern that I love. The color is called "Starry Night" and is a beautiful teal color.

Betsy also sewed me a patchwork sock project bag! I love it! And, since she knew I was a sock knitter, she also included the Sock Blocker keychain and pattern. Goodness knows I have enough leftover sock yarn to make a wardrobe for that keychain!

Thank you so much, Betsy--this has been a fun swap, as usual.

P.S. My Woodsy Ribs Vest is almost done! I'd say definitely by the end of the week--details to follow...

Goodies from my Scarf Pal!

Today I received my package from my ISE6 Scarf Swap Pal, Betsy. I received a beautiful scarf in Cascade's Lana D'Oro, a 50% wool, 50% alpaca yarn that is just yummy and will be very warm and cozy for winter. It's a pretty cabled pattern that I love. The color is called "Starry Night" and is a beautiful teal color.

Betsy also sewed me a patchwork sock project bag! I love it! And, since she knew I was a sock knitter, she also included the Sock Blocker keychain and pattern. Goodness knows I have enough leftover sock yarn to make a wardrobe for that keychain!

Thank you so much, Betsy--this has been a fun swap, as usual.

P.S. My Woodsy Ribs Vest is almost done! I'd say definitely by the end of the week--details to follow...

The Ruffled Evening Bag

I have been working on the beautiful Ruffled Evening Bag, designed by Nicky Epstein in the Spring/Summer 2008 Vogue Knitting, for a month.
It was a lovely little project, even if it did mean I had to splurge for a second ball of Tilli Tomas Rock Star AND may now HAVE TO buy a skein of Tilli Tomas Pure & Simple to make something with the leftover Rock Star!

The bag, which will be used for a forthcoming special family event, came out just lovely. As I am not a sewer and the few other examples of this bag on Ravelry showed it with a fabric lining, I took it to my seamstress to line it with a pretty matching satiny fabric, and it made all the difference in the world, giving the bag body and making the remaining hand-seaming quite easy. I am going to love using this elegant bag!

In other knitting news, still plodding along on the Woodsy Ribs Vest, but I am almost up to the armhole on the front, which is a V-neck, so once I get there, it should be smooth sailing. Remind me that the best thing to make for a 6-foot tall man is socks!

The Ruffled Evening Bag

I have been working on the beautiful Ruffled Evening Bag, designed by Nicky Epstein in the Spring/Summer 2008 Vogue Knitting, for a month.
It was a lovely little project, even if it did mean I had to splurge for a second ball of Tilli Tomas Rock Star AND may now HAVE TO buy a skein of Tilli Tomas Pure & Simple to make something with the leftover Rock Star!

The bag, which will be used for a forthcoming special family event, came out just lovely. As I am not a sewer and the few other examples of this bag on Ravelry showed it with a fabric lining, I took it to my seamstress to line it with a pretty matching satiny fabric, and it made all the difference in the world, giving the bag body and making the remaining hand-seaming quite easy. I am going to love using this elegant bag!

In other knitting news, still plodding along on the Woodsy Ribs Vest, but I am almost up to the armhole on the front, which is a V-neck, so once I get there, it should be smooth sailing. Remind me that the best thing to make for a 6-foot tall man is socks!

Progress!

After a 12 hour car ride (6 hours each way) plus a couple of relaxed nights at my in-laws, I actually FINISHED the back of the Woodsy Ribs Vest!
I got to measure hubby several times and I think it's going to fit; it may be a tiny bit too long from armhole to bottom and a tiny bit short from armhole to shoulder (which can be blocked, I'm sure), but overall, it looked right for him and, once we got home, it matched up about the same way with the sample sweater I used as a guide. Now I'm on to the front...6 rows out of 130 to the armhole done! I am now confident that I WILL finish this project before our August vacation!!

I also got my yarn for the Ruffled Evening Bag just in time for our trip, but because I was committed to making significant headway on the vest, didn't do too much on the bag. It is a quick knit, though, and I think it's going to be lovely.
Knitting with the pre-beaded Tilli Tomas Rock Star is a bit challenging, but I'm getting the hang of it. Knitting with 100 percent silk is lovely!

Progress!

After a 12 hour car ride (6 hours each way) plus a couple of relaxed nights at my in-laws, I actually FINISHED the back of the Woodsy Ribs Vest!
I got to measure hubby several times and I think it's going to fit; it may be a tiny bit too long from armhole to bottom and a tiny bit short from armhole to shoulder (which can be blocked, I'm sure), but overall, it looked right for him and, once we got home, it matched up about the same way with the sample sweater I used as a guide. Now I'm on to the front...6 rows out of 130 to the armhole done! I am now confident that I WILL finish this project before our August vacation!!

I also got my yarn for the Ruffled Evening Bag just in time for our trip, but because I was committed to making significant headway on the vest, didn't do too much on the bag. It is a quick knit, though, and I think it's going to be lovely.
Knitting with the pre-beaded Tilli Tomas Rock Star is a bit challenging, but I'm getting the hang of it. Knitting with 100 percent silk is lovely!

Knitting ADD

I finished my ISE6 Scarf, Argosy. This has got to be one of my favorite scarf patterns ever, and as I've found more and more over the past few months, blocking completely changes one's knitting dramatically for the better! The points on this scarf came into their own with a good blocking, and the yarn smoothed out so that the scarf now drapes beautifully. I hope my scarf pal likes it, as this is going to be hard to give away!

I am also plodding along on the Woodsy Ribs Vest. I am just a few rows away from the armhole, and with a long car trip coming up this weekend, I think I can actually make good headway on finishing the back in the next few weeks. This is definitely a slow-moving project, and it doesn't help that I've found every excuse--including, dare I say it, ordering new yarn for additional projects--to knit other things in the midst of it.

Right now, for example, I'm awaiting yarn for the Ruffled Bag in the Spring/Summer Vogue Knitting, which I am going to be making out of Tilli Thomas Rockstar (a bit more economical than the Artyarns Beaded Silk and Sequins called for). And last night, I made another cell phone case for myself, as the last one I made was coming apart and the beads I had knitted into it are too bulky to fit in my purse comfortably. The case just took an hour, but it was an hour that I could have been making headway on the vest.

I now resolve to make the vest my major area of focus, now that the scarf is done well before deadline. The purse will be next priority, as I'd like to wear it to an event in early June. The baby sweater is third, but I have plenty of time for that as the baby is not due until August, and I am nearly done with the two fronts, having completed the back. Socks--on hold until the vest is closer to completion!

Knitting ADD

I finished my ISE6 Scarf, Argosy. This has got to be one of my favorite scarf patterns ever, and as I've found more and more over the past few months, blocking completely changes one's knitting dramatically for the better! The points on this scarf came into their own with a good blocking, and the yarn smoothed out so that the scarf now drapes beautifully. I hope my scarf pal likes it, as this is going to be hard to give away!

I am also plodding along on the Woodsy Ribs Vest. I am just a few rows away from the armhole, and with a long car trip coming up this weekend, I think I can actually make good headway on finishing the back in the next few weeks. This is definitely a slow-moving project, and it doesn't help that I've found every excuse--including, dare I say it, ordering new yarn for additional projects--to knit other things in the midst of it.

Right now, for example, I'm awaiting yarn for the Ruffled Bag in the Spring/Summer Vogue Knitting, which I am going to be making out of Tilli Thomas Rockstar (a bit more economical than the Artyarns Beaded Silk and Sequins called for). And last night, I made another cell phone case for myself, as the last one I made was coming apart and the beads I had knitted into it are too bulky to fit in my purse comfortably. The case just took an hour, but it was an hour that I could have been making headway on the vest.

I now resolve to make the vest my major area of focus, now that the scarf is done well before deadline. The purse will be next priority, as I'd like to wear it to an event in early June. The baby sweater is third, but I have plenty of time for that as the baby is not due until August, and I am nearly done with the two fronts, having completed the back. Socks--on hold until the vest is closer to completion!

Slow Progress, But Progress Nevertheless

Forgive me, as it's been several weeks since my last post. I have almost gotten back to where I was on the Woodsy Ribs vest before frogging, and it looks like it is going to be the right fit now. I'd rather have it be a bit on the narrow side, as I can always block the lovely Rowan Felted Tweed. I am enjoying this yarn, but as I've said before, a man's project, size 48 inch chest, is a BIG undertaking.

Something I've been enjoying very much is the Argosy scarf that I'm making for my ISE6 pal.
I had hesitated joining this swap this time around, but I'm so glad I did. I used some Hill Country Yarns Instant Gratification Superwash Sock Yarn, which is their heavier weight and something I probably wouldn't want to use for socks. It is a beautiful russet shade with just a bit of gradation in it for interest. The Argosy pattern is easy, fun, and addicting! Just two more rows, OK, two more...I will definitely finish this scarf before its deadline, which is great because it will need ample time for a good blocking.

In between these two projects I've continued working slowly on the ChildHood Baby Sweater, which is adorable. I am on the fronts, but am taking my time with this and will finish it up after the scarf is done. My socks, however, are on hold--it is hard to juggle four projects, so they will have to wait. Meanwhile, my sock yarn stash grows, with Rockin Sock Club installments continuing to come, and my first Scout's Swag Sock Club package due this month....uh-oh!

Slow Progress, But Progress Nevertheless

Forgive me, as it's been several weeks since my last post. I have almost gotten back to where I was on the Woodsy Ribs vest before frogging, and it looks like it is going to be the right fit now. I'd rather have it be a bit on the narrow side, as I can always block the lovely Rowan Felted Tweed. I am enjoying this yarn, but as I've said before, a man's project, size 48 inch chest, is a BIG undertaking.

Something I've been enjoying very much is the Argosy scarf that I'm making for my ISE6 pal.
I had hesitated joining this swap this time around, but I'm so glad I did. I used some Hill Country Yarns Instant Gratification Superwash Sock Yarn, which is their heavier weight and something I probably wouldn't want to use for socks. It is a beautiful russet shade with just a bit of gradation in it for interest. The Argosy pattern is easy, fun, and addicting! Just two more rows, OK, two more...I will definitely finish this scarf before its deadline, which is great because it will need ample time for a good blocking.

In between these two projects I've continued working slowly on the ChildHood Baby Sweater, which is adorable. I am on the fronts, but am taking my time with this and will finish it up after the scarf is done. My socks, however, are on hold--it is hard to juggle four projects, so they will have to wait. Meanwhile, my sock yarn stash grows, with Rockin Sock Club installments continuing to come, and my first Scout's Swag Sock Club package due this month....uh-oh!

WIP Fever

Suddenly, I am awash in WIP's.
I am now on my third attempt at the Woodsy Ribs Vest. I had done a gauge swatch and gotten 5.5 stitches/inch, then after knitting about 3 inches on the project (remember, this is for my 6-foot husband and is being knit in DK weight yarn--130+ stitches!), it just didn't look wide enough. So, I ripped it out and started again, this time using a gauge of 6 stitches/inch as my guide and 148 stitches. After I had knit 10 inches, I measured the vest against the sweater hubby had said fit perfectly--and the vest was a good two inches wider (meaning it would be 4 inches wider all around). I now had a very good sample to measure gauge...and it was 5.5 stitches/inch! I should have stuck with my first instincts. So I ripped again, and am now back on track with about 3 inches done. I wouldn't have finished it before the end of winter weather anyway, so I figure I have until next fall to finish!
Since the pressure is off on the vest--and it is a bit tedious to knit--I have a few other things going on the needles. My cousin is having a baby this summer and I was dying to use up my Rowan All Seasons Cotton. I had thought about Knitty's Trellis, but it's just too complicated for a project that I'm going to be knitting off and on, even though everyone on Ravelry who has made it seems to love it. So, I searched and searched and came up with Knitty's ChildHood--it is an ADORABLE hooded sweater, and is just right for the All Seasons Cotton. I did have to order a contrasting color for the striping. My stash Cotton is charcoal grey, and since I don't know the gender of the baby, my daughter helped me choose a delicious pistachio green for the contrast.
I still think it might be a bit masculine, so if it's a girl I might embroider a little pink or green heart on the front. I do a bit each night and it is coming out just darling so far. I should have plenty of time to make it, but...
I just got my International Scarf Exchange 6 pal, and am about to cast on for her! I have a pattern in mind--Knitty's Argosy--but am deciding between two yarns. I'm going to swatch tonight and then cast on, as I have a May deadline for that. The good news is that many of the Ravelers who have made this scarf comment that it knits up quickly.
Other than the vest, I notice a pattern here...I've mentioned three Knitty patterns! I do find their patterns consistently well written, and I think partially because they're free, many of them seem to have huge followings on Ravelry, so there's a great cross-section of projects to look at.
I'll be keeping busy, triaging all of these projects...my Saucy Socks are on the back burner, but still a favorite!

WIP Fever

Suddenly, I am awash in WIP's.
I am now on my third attempt at the Woodsy Ribs Vest. I had done a gauge swatch and gotten 5.5 stitches/inch, then after knitting about 3 inches on the project (remember, this is for my 6-foot husband and is being knit in DK weight yarn--130+ stitches!), it just didn't look wide enough. So, I ripped it out and started again, this time using a gauge of 6 stitches/inch as my guide and 148 stitches. After I had knit 10 inches, I measured the vest against the sweater hubby had said fit perfectly--and the vest was a good two inches wider (meaning it would be 4 inches wider all around). I now had a very good sample to measure gauge...and it was 5.5 stitches/inch! I should have stuck with my first instincts. So I ripped again, and am now back on track with about 3 inches done. I wouldn't have finished it before the end of winter weather anyway, so I figure I have until next fall to finish!
Since the pressure is off on the vest--and it is a bit tedious to knit--I have a few other things going on the needles. My cousin is having a baby this summer and I was dying to use up my Rowan All Seasons Cotton. I had thought about Knitty's Trellis, but it's just too complicated for a project that I'm going to be knitting off and on, even though everyone on Ravelry who has made it seems to love it. So, I searched and searched and came up with Knitty's ChildHood--it is an ADORABLE hooded sweater, and is just right for the All Seasons Cotton. I did have to order a contrasting color for the striping. My stash Cotton is charcoal grey, and since I don't know the gender of the baby, my daughter helped me choose a delicious pistachio green for the contrast.
I still think it might be a bit masculine, so if it's a girl I might embroider a little pink or green heart on the front. I do a bit each night and it is coming out just darling so far. I should have plenty of time to make it, but...
I just got my International Scarf Exchange 6 pal, and am about to cast on for her! I have a pattern in mind--Knitty's Argosy--but am deciding between two yarns. I'm going to swatch tonight and then cast on, as I have a May deadline for that. The good news is that many of the Ravelers who have made this scarf comment that it knits up quickly.
Other than the vest, I notice a pattern here...I've mentioned three Knitty patterns! I do find their patterns consistently well written, and I think partially because they're free, many of them seem to have huge followings on Ravelry, so there's a great cross-section of projects to look at.
I'll be keeping busy, triaging all of these projects...my Saucy Socks are on the back burner, but still a favorite!