Worth the Wait

Today, my One-Piece Lace Pullover (from Spring 2006 Interweave Knits) returned from its journey to my contracted finisher. There had been a bit of a mix-up on the finishing instructions, but the sweater is now back to me and is one of my favorites among sweaters I've made. Take a look:


I also received my "groovy" new DPN protectors from Sherry's Etsy Shop, 3 Owls Knitting. They are compact and functional, as well as beautiful with pretty crystal and polymer clay beads in a lovely deep green. Sherry provided really quick service. These will be great, especially for airplane travel, as they are just beads and plastic, no metal like the bulkier DPN holder I was using before.
They are on my just-started Hederas now:

Back to knitting...have a great weekend, everyone.

Worth the Wait

Today, my One-Piece Lace Pullover (from Spring 2006 Interweave Knits) returned from its journey to my contracted finisher. There had been a bit of a mix-up on the finishing instructions, but the sweater is now back to me and is one of my favorites among sweaters I've made. Take a look:


I also received my "groovy" new DPN protectors from Sherry's Etsy Shop, 3 Owls Knitting. They are compact and functional, as well as beautiful with pretty crystal and polymer clay beads in a lovely deep green. Sherry provided really quick service. These will be great, especially for airplane travel, as they are just beads and plastic, no metal like the bulkier DPN holder I was using before.
They are on my just-started Hederas now:

Back to knitting...have a great weekend, everyone.

Socks Do Rock

I finished the Pittsburgh Steelers Socks. They look great and my little fan loves them.

Now it is on to my Sockapalooza socks--I want to make sure I finish them in plenty of time. I have decided on Knitty's Hedera, a pattern by the awesome Cookie A. I had started a pair last year and felt that the Socks that Rock colorway I was using was too busy. I am going to use Socks That Rock again, in the Mustang Sally colorway from last year's Sock Club. It is mostly reds--gorgeous, deep hues--and I think these socks will look great in this colorway.
So now, with my tank ready to be re-started, I'm back up to three projects at once. But they're all great, and I'm happy.

Socks Do Rock

I finished the Pittsburgh Steelers Socks. They look great and my little fan loves them.

Now it is on to my Sockapalooza socks--I want to make sure I finish them in plenty of time. I have decided on Knitty's Hedera, a pattern by the awesome Cookie A. I had started a pair last year and felt that the Socks that Rock colorway I was using was too busy. I am going to use Socks That Rock again, in the Mustang Sally colorway from last year's Sock Club. It is mostly reds--gorgeous, deep hues--and I think these socks will look great in this colorway.
So now, with my tank ready to be re-started, I'm back up to three projects at once. But they're all great, and I'm happy.

Finished My Scarf

While awaiting my KnitPicks circulars so that I can re-start my tank top, I finished my One-Skein Scarf from One-Skein Wonders, which has been my #3 project and has taken about 3 months to finish. It came out nicely, and I will donate it to a charity, either the World War II Museum's Knitting Project for Veterans that I'd heard about awhile back, or if they have what they need, I'll find another. What's good about this scarf is that it's a style and color suitable for a man, which I know a lot of the charities are seeking.
Now I will probably start a scraf from Scarf Style out of the five balls of KnitPicks Merino Style , in the Moss Colorway, that I bought two years ago!

Finished My Scarf

While awaiting my KnitPicks circulars so that I can re-start my tank top, I finished my One-Skein Scarf from One-Skein Wonders, which has been my #3 project and has taken about 3 months to finish. It came out nicely, and I will donate it to a charity, either the World War II Museum's Knitting Project for Veterans that I'd heard about awhile back, or if they have what they need, I'll find another. What's good about this scarf is that it's a style and color suitable for a man, which I know a lot of the charities are seeking.
Now I will probably start a scraf from Scarf Style out of the five balls of KnitPicks Merino Style , in the Moss Colorway, that I bought two years ago!

One Step Forward, One Step Back

I am cruising along on my Pittsburgh Steelers socks for my son. It is also nice to have such an enthusiastic recipient! He readily tries on the socks at various stages (now that Sock #1 is done, we won't have to take as many measurements), and can't wait to wear them to a football game in the fall.

Sock #2 should be finished shortly, and then I will move on to my Sockapalooza sock.

Speaking of Sockapalooza, I have left a comment on my sock pal's blog, but haven't heard yet from the person who has me. I'm sure I will, in due time.

As for my BonBon tank, it is now this:

I had thought I had gotten gauge, but as I knit in the round, even though the stitches were bunched up on the circular needle, it looked kind of big after about 3 inches were done. I took the stitches off the needle and put them on a piece of yarn, and WOW--this thing was at least 4 inches too wide! For a tank that is supposed to be close-fitting, I don't think this will do. I carefully knit another swatch on size 3 (rather than size 4) needles, and I think that will work best, AND I will go down a size. Watch it be too small now! Anyway, as I didn't have a nice set of #3 circs in my collection, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to order one from KnitPicks as a test to see if I like their circulars--if I do, I will probably treat myself to the Options set. Everyone seems to love them so much! Once the #3's arrive, I will swatch again just to be sure, and then begin the tank again. In the meantime, I will get a lot done on the sock and the scarf that's been languishing for awhile.

One Step Forward, One Step Back

I am cruising along on my Pittsburgh Steelers socks for my son. It is also nice to have such an enthusiastic recipient! He readily tries on the socks at various stages (now that Sock #1 is done, we won't have to take as many measurements), and can't wait to wear them to a football game in the fall.

Sock #2 should be finished shortly, and then I will move on to my Sockapalooza sock.

Speaking of Sockapalooza, I have left a comment on my sock pal's blog, but haven't heard yet from the person who has me. I'm sure I will, in due time.

As for my BonBon tank, it is now this:

I had thought I had gotten gauge, but as I knit in the round, even though the stitches were bunched up on the circular needle, it looked kind of big after about 3 inches were done. I took the stitches off the needle and put them on a piece of yarn, and WOW--this thing was at least 4 inches too wide! For a tank that is supposed to be close-fitting, I don't think this will do. I carefully knit another swatch on size 3 (rather than size 4) needles, and I think that will work best, AND I will go down a size. Watch it be too small now! Anyway, as I didn't have a nice set of #3 circs in my collection, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to order one from KnitPicks as a test to see if I like their circulars--if I do, I will probably treat myself to the Options set. Everyone seems to love them so much! Once the #3's arrive, I will swatch again just to be sure, and then begin the tank again. In the meantime, I will get a lot done on the sock and the scarf that's been languishing for awhile.

A Great Source of Knitting Help

I just finished reading through When Bad Things Happen to Good Knitters, a great new book by Marion Edmonds & Ahza Moore, who "together have more than 100 years of knitting experience between them." Their funny, non-threatening and extremely helpful approach to knitting problems have produced a book that is a welcome addition to the library of all knitters, from beginners to experts.

The book is divided into four sections:
"Emergency Prevention" (how to prevent problems from happening in the first place by developing good habits, such as the right way to make a gauge swatch and the items to include in your knitting bag);

"The Secret Language of Knitting Patterns," which had a very comprehensive and user-friendly section on how to alter patterns for different sizes and gauges--something I definitely want to try. At 5'2", I often find that my sweaters, and especially sleeves, are too long because I hesitate to deviate from the written pattern. This book has made me feel confident enough to try some alterations. After all, isn't that what makes a hand-knit special in the first place?

"Good Knitting Gone Wrong," a section that helps fix mistakes without too much pain. I've already used this section to help me through ripping out several rows of my lace pullover last month.

And finally, "Don't Let Finishing Finish You Off." As someone who is not fond of finishing, I found that this section made it look easy.

The book has nice, clear illustrations and as I mentioned, it's funny. I loved their commentary on grafting, for example (maybe because for some reason, this is something that I've always been good at): "It's a great status symbol in the knitting world. When you know how to graft, you can boast about it (in an offhand, nonchalant sort of way) and watch nongrafters' eyes widen in admiration." That just made me chuckle!

I highly recommend this slim volume as a useful, accessible addition to your knitting bag!

In other news, I got my Sockapalooza pal information yesterday and I've been obsessing over which socks to make for her! I have several options in terms of patterns, and two beautiful yarns from my sock yarn stash that would both be perfect. I just have to decide which one I want to part with! Once I finish up my son's Pittsburgh Steelers socks (almost done with Sock #1), I will get cracking on the Sockapalooza project. It seems like a great group!

A Great Source of Knitting Help

I just finished reading through When Bad Things Happen to Good Knitters, a great new book by Marion Edmonds & Ahza Moore, who "together have more than 100 years of knitting experience between them." Their funny, non-threatening and extremely helpful approach to knitting problems have produced a book that is a welcome addition to the library of all knitters, from beginners to experts.

The book is divided into four sections:
"Emergency Prevention" (how to prevent problems from happening in the first place by developing good habits, such as the right way to make a gauge swatch and the items to include in your knitting bag);

"The Secret Language of Knitting Patterns," which had a very comprehensive and user-friendly section on how to alter patterns for different sizes and gauges--something I definitely want to try. At 5'2", I often find that my sweaters, and especially sleeves, are too long because I hesitate to deviate from the written pattern. This book has made me feel confident enough to try some alterations. After all, isn't that what makes a hand-knit special in the first place?

"Good Knitting Gone Wrong," a section that helps fix mistakes without too much pain. I've already used this section to help me through ripping out several rows of my lace pullover last month.

And finally, "Don't Let Finishing Finish You Off." As someone who is not fond of finishing, I found that this section made it look easy.

The book has nice, clear illustrations and as I mentioned, it's funny. I loved their commentary on grafting, for example (maybe because for some reason, this is something that I've always been good at): "It's a great status symbol in the knitting world. When you know how to graft, you can boast about it (in an offhand, nonchalant sort of way) and watch nongrafters' eyes widen in admiration." That just made me chuckle!

I highly recommend this slim volume as a useful, accessible addition to your knitting bag!

In other news, I got my Sockapalooza pal information yesterday and I've been obsessing over which socks to make for her! I have several options in terms of patterns, and two beautiful yarns from my sock yarn stash that would both be perfect. I just have to decide which one I want to part with! Once I finish up my son's Pittsburgh Steelers socks (almost done with Sock #1), I will get cracking on the Sockapalooza project. It seems like a great group!

Finally Decided!

I decided to nix the idea of doing a shawl with the Great Adirondack Silk Noir. It was very difficult to wind--I think one of my next knitting-related purchases should be a new swift and ball winder, as mine are probably about 22 years old and the plastic swift is really getting bent out of shape. I deserve something new!

So when I swatched the Silk Noir on size 6 needles, I didn't like the openness of the stitches, and didn't like the look of it in Garter Stitch, which makes up a big part of the Fiber Trends Landscape Shawl.

I've decided that I really don't want a shawl, and will make Lily Chin's BonBon tank top from the Summer 2006 issue of Knitter's Magazine. It is a simple, stockinette, close-fitting tank with seed stitch straps and trim, knit in one piece in the round. I think I'll get a lot more wear out of it, as I tend to wear my knitted tanks out a lot on summer evenings. Here's a pic of the pattern:

I will probably have about 200 yards left, and plan to make this cool "Dreamswatch Head Wrap," from Knit & Tonic's blog, with the rest. I've been eyeing this pattern for awhile, and I should have just the right amount of this yarn left to make it.

So far, I'm still on the 1-inch seed stitch bottom border of the tank. I'm loving the way it looks--I think I made the right decision. I'll keep you posted.

Finally Decided!

I decided to nix the idea of doing a shawl with the Great Adirondack Silk Noir. It was very difficult to wind--I think one of my next knitting-related purchases should be a new swift and ball winder, as mine are probably about 22 years old and the plastic swift is really getting bent out of shape. I deserve something new!

So when I swatched the Silk Noir on size 6 needles, I didn't like the openness of the stitches, and didn't like the look of it in Garter Stitch, which makes up a big part of the Fiber Trends Landscape Shawl.

I've decided that I really don't want a shawl, and will make Lily Chin's BonBon tank top from the Summer 2006 issue of Knitter's Magazine. It is a simple, stockinette, close-fitting tank with seed stitch straps and trim, knit in one piece in the round. I think I'll get a lot more wear out of it, as I tend to wear my knitted tanks out a lot on summer evenings. Here's a pic of the pattern:

I will probably have about 200 yards left, and plan to make this cool "Dreamswatch Head Wrap," from Knit & Tonic's blog, with the rest. I've been eyeing this pattern for awhile, and I should have just the right amount of this yarn left to make it.

So far, I'm still on the 1-inch seed stitch bottom border of the tank. I'm loving the way it looks--I think I made the right decision. I'll keep you posted.

The Big Pink Bag is Done!

I have completed the pink cotton/ribbon duffel that I made for my lovely daughter. While this was not the most exciting or challenging project to knit, I did working with the Peaches & Creme, and I got satisfaction out of combining a few patterns and techniques to make this the first project I kind of designed myself. I made eyelets and sewed down a tube through which to thread them, using the instructions for "Folded or Hemmed Neckbands" in The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques. I then made a 56-inch long I-cord and threaded it through, then sewed the ends of the I-cord to the base of the bag to give it straps like a backpack.
Here are some images of it:


And here's a closeup of the drawstring area:


I have a whole POUND of the Peaches & Creme left, because I had no idea how much I was going to use and ordered two cones! I may try to destash it (if anyone is interested, let me know in comments...) or I may save it for some holiday gifts I'm planning to make: washcloths, bath sachets, that type of thing.

Now comes the fun part: casting on for something new! I am finally going to use the Great Adirondack Silk Noir that I bought last summer at Rosie's in Philadelphia. I was originally going to make Rosie's own Half Pi Shawl, but have since decided that I will try the Fiber Trends Landscape Shawl--I am not really a shawl-wearer, but I think I will like this one and it will show off the yarn nicely.
On to swatching!

The Big Pink Bag is Done!

I have completed the pink cotton/ribbon duffel that I made for my lovely daughter. While this was not the most exciting or challenging project to knit, I did working with the Peaches & Creme, and I got satisfaction out of combining a few patterns and techniques to make this the first project I kind of designed myself. I made eyelets and sewed down a tube through which to thread them, using the instructions for "Folded or Hemmed Neckbands" in The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques. I then made a 56-inch long I-cord and threaded it through, then sewed the ends of the I-cord to the base of the bag to give it straps like a backpack.
Here are some images of it:


And here's a closeup of the drawstring area:


I have a whole POUND of the Peaches & Creme left, because I had no idea how much I was going to use and ordered two cones! I may try to destash it (if anyone is interested, let me know in comments...) or I may save it for some holiday gifts I'm planning to make: washcloths, bath sachets, that type of thing.

Now comes the fun part: casting on for something new! I am finally going to use the Great Adirondack Silk Noir that I bought last summer at Rosie's in Philadelphia. I was originally going to make Rosie's own Half Pi Shawl, but have since decided that I will try the Fiber Trends Landscape Shawl--I am not really a shawl-wearer, but I think I will like this one and it will show off the yarn nicely.
On to swatching!

Rockin' Socks!

This week has ended up with somewhat of a focus on socks. While I am still plugging away at my large pink cotton bag (see last post), I have turned back to my Socks That Rock Marble Arches socks...which are finally finished:

I really like these socks. The colors are among my favorites, and the pattern was fun to knit and looks unique. I also love how the repeats in the yarn worked with the pattern--even though the repeats are different widths on each sock, each one is uniform and I like the way they look as a pair. Both have cool little stripes on the short-row heels--one of the first time I've done this type of heel.

Now I am about to cast on for my son's "Pittsburgh Steelers" black and gold socks. I am going to use the Garter Rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks, one of my favorite sock books. I'm reading comments about Charlene Schurch's second volume, More Sensational Knitted Socks, and hope to get it soon. This was the book that taught me to knit socks, and I am going to use this pair to try socks on two circulars.

I have also decided to participate in Sockapalooza 4, hosted by Alison over at The Blue Blog. I figure, since I have such a large sock yarn stash, two new sock books and a good amount of time (the socks are "due" August 2), I'll go for it!

Finally, I have been a beta tester for the next version of Sock Wizard software. I responded to an invitation to participate on one of my Yahoo Groups, and decided to give it a try, as I've toyed with buying some sock software but have not felt that I would design my own socks just yet. The testing has been enlightening--Carole, the software designer, and her team have been quite organized, dividing up the group of us into teams who check each aspect of the program for bugs, typos, etc. A lot goes into developing these tools, and I really appreciate them more now! With all the sock focus, it probably does make sense for me to try out this product--once all the bugs are worked out, of course!

Rockin' Socks!

This week has ended up with somewhat of a focus on socks. While I am still plugging away at my large pink cotton bag (see last post), I have turned back to my Socks That Rock Marble Arches socks...which are finally finished:

I really like these socks. The colors are among my favorites, and the pattern was fun to knit and looks unique. I also love how the repeats in the yarn worked with the pattern--even though the repeats are different widths on each sock, each one is uniform and I like the way they look as a pair. Both have cool little stripes on the short-row heels--one of the first time I've done this type of heel.

Now I am about to cast on for my son's "Pittsburgh Steelers" black and gold socks. I am going to use the Garter Rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks, one of my favorite sock books. I'm reading comments about Charlene Schurch's second volume, More Sensational Knitted Socks, and hope to get it soon. This was the book that taught me to knit socks, and I am going to use this pair to try socks on two circulars.

I have also decided to participate in Sockapalooza 4, hosted by Alison over at The Blue Blog. I figure, since I have such a large sock yarn stash, two new sock books and a good amount of time (the socks are "due" August 2), I'll go for it!

Finally, I have been a beta tester for the next version of Sock Wizard software. I responded to an invitation to participate on one of my Yahoo Groups, and decided to give it a try, as I've toyed with buying some sock software but have not felt that I would design my own socks just yet. The testing has been enlightening--Carole, the software designer, and her team have been quite organized, dividing up the group of us into teams who check each aspect of the program for bugs, typos, etc. A lot goes into developing these tools, and I really appreciate them more now! With all the sock focus, it probably does make sense for me to try out this product--once all the bugs are worked out, of course!

The Big Pink Bag

I'm back from a week of vacation, refreshed and happy that I had a lot of knitting time by the pool. I am on the home stretch of my Socks that Rock Marble Arches sock (about 16 more rows on the foot, before I begin the always quick toe decrease rows). I am, however, getting further and further behind on my sock yarn stash as I await the next STR Rockin' Sock Club delivery later this month!

I also started the pink cotton duffel bag for my daughter. This is somewhat of a freeform/experimental effort, as the two patterns from which I'm working do not give finished dimensions. My daughter insists that she wants a large bag, suitable for stuffing with clothes for a sleepover. The circumference of the base is about 13 inches, which is quite large in my opinion. Right now we're thinking that we'll go about 13 inches high, and then I'll do an I-cord drawstring. I've added one stripe of the pretty Kristha Mehta ribbon, and it looks very cute so far....just BIG. See:

The knitting on this is pretty mindless; I'm already looking forward to a challenging shawl that I hope to tackle next.

The Big Pink Bag

I'm back from a week of vacation, refreshed and happy that I had a lot of knitting time by the pool. I am on the home stretch of my Socks that Rock Marble Arches sock (about 16 more rows on the foot, before I begin the always quick toe decrease rows). I am, however, getting further and further behind on my sock yarn stash as I await the next STR Rockin' Sock Club delivery later this month!

I also started the pink cotton duffel bag for my daughter. This is somewhat of a freeform/experimental effort, as the two patterns from which I'm working do not give finished dimensions. My daughter insists that she wants a large bag, suitable for stuffing with clothes for a sleepover. The circumference of the base is about 13 inches, which is quite large in my opinion. Right now we're thinking that we'll go about 13 inches high, and then I'll do an I-cord drawstring. I've added one stripe of the pretty Kristha Mehta ribbon, and it looks very cute so far....just BIG. See:

The knitting on this is pretty mindless; I'm already looking forward to a challenging shawl that I hope to tackle next.

Made it!

Since we leave tomorrow for a week of vacation, and I wanted to get my One Piece Lace Pullover off to be finished, I burned the midnight oil last night, unravelling my ravels and finishing!

Here's a picture of what it looks like pre-blocking and pre-sewing together; I'm very pleased with it, loved making it, and now definitely want to make a Clapotis, preferable out of something as soft and yummy as this Brooks Farm Duet!

Now, just so I can be into something when we get to our vacation spot, I am casting on in the Peaches and Creme cotton for my daughter's pink cotton duffel bag, adapted from a pattern in Knitting with Ribbon Yarn. This is probably one of my more experimental patterns, in that I am not really following the pattern at all, just using it as a reference point and taking bits and pieces from other patterns and my imagination. I'm using small--size 4--needles, to ensure that the fabric is tight and secure. So we'll see how it goes. More to come when I return!

Made it!

Since we leave tomorrow for a week of vacation, and I wanted to get my One Piece Lace Pullover off to be finished, I burned the midnight oil last night, unravelling my ravels and finishing!

Here's a picture of what it looks like pre-blocking and pre-sewing together; I'm very pleased with it, loved making it, and now definitely want to make a Clapotis, preferable out of something as soft and yummy as this Brooks Farm Duet!

Now, just so I can be into something when we get to our vacation spot, I am casting on in the Peaches and Creme cotton for my daughter's pink cotton duffel bag, adapted from a pattern in Knitting with Ribbon Yarn. This is probably one of my more experimental patterns, in that I am not really following the pattern at all, just using it as a reference point and taking bits and pieces from other patterns and my imagination. I'm using small--size 4--needles, to ensure that the fabric is tight and secure. So we'll see how it goes. More to come when I return!

Tearing My Heart Out

It's been awhile since I've posted. Spent three days away on a business trip, and I packed two small knitting projects--my Marble Arches sock and my One Skein Wonders scarf...but didn't knit a stitch on either. I felt like I had to be working while on the plane with colleagues and clients, and during my stay I was busy with work-related activities from morning until I fell into bed each night. I missed knitting! It really grounds me.

So, I was happy to come home and have Knitting Group yesterday. I loved sitting around with the girls for two blissful hours of knitting on my One Piece Lace Pullover. BUT....I noticed that I had neglected to unravel at one spot where I had been supposed to unravel a stitch all the way down (this pattern is like the Clapotis, with unravels every 7 stitches of a lace pattern). I had already bound off above the unravel spot, and toyed with the idea of cutting the yarn, but I was afraid, and ended up ripping out 65 rows of mohair--not fun. While rewinding the yarn back onto the ball, somehow a big hunk came out of the skein and got very tangled. Two hours later, I ended up cutting the knotted part, but this morning, after some sleep, I patiently unravelled all of what I had cut off so I won't waste any of this gorgeous (but sticky!) Brooks Farm Duet.

Now I'm back on track and will be knitting with the satisfaction that I did everything I could to solve a problem. Here are a couple of shots of the sweater in progress, including a closeup of the unravelled pattern; I'm on the last sleeve, about 90 rows and I'll be done!

I think one of the reasons why I chose to rip was that I had also just found out that a dear friend has had a relapse of a medical condition. All should be fine, but I was feeling somewhat powerless, and at least the ripping (and the knitting) gave me comfort and the feeling that I could control my destiny. Better than any therapist, knitting is!

Another thing that's calmed me today is that I got Fiona Ellis's Inspired Cable Knits out of the library. I think I may need to purchase this book as I want to make EVERYTHING in it! Have any of you made anything from this beautiful book?

Tearing My Heart Out

It's been awhile since I've posted. Spent three days away on a business trip, and I packed two small knitting projects--my Marble Arches sock and my One Skein Wonders scarf...but didn't knit a stitch on either. I felt like I had to be working while on the plane with colleagues and clients, and during my stay I was busy with work-related activities from morning until I fell into bed each night. I missed knitting! It really grounds me.

So, I was happy to come home and have Knitting Group yesterday. I loved sitting around with the girls for two blissful hours of knitting on my One Piece Lace Pullover. BUT....I noticed that I had neglected to unravel at one spot where I had been supposed to unravel a stitch all the way down (this pattern is like the Clapotis, with unravels every 7 stitches of a lace pattern). I had already bound off above the unravel spot, and toyed with the idea of cutting the yarn, but I was afraid, and ended up ripping out 65 rows of mohair--not fun. While rewinding the yarn back onto the ball, somehow a big hunk came out of the skein and got very tangled. Two hours later, I ended up cutting the knotted part, but this morning, after some sleep, I patiently unravelled all of what I had cut off so I won't waste any of this gorgeous (but sticky!) Brooks Farm Duet.

Now I'm back on track and will be knitting with the satisfaction that I did everything I could to solve a problem. Here are a couple of shots of the sweater in progress, including a closeup of the unravelled pattern; I'm on the last sleeve, about 90 rows and I'll be done!

I think one of the reasons why I chose to rip was that I had also just found out that a dear friend has had a relapse of a medical condition. All should be fine, but I was feeling somewhat powerless, and at least the ripping (and the knitting) gave me comfort and the feeling that I could control my destiny. Better than any therapist, knitting is!

Another thing that's calmed me today is that I got Fiona Ellis's Inspired Cable Knits out of the library. I think I may need to purchase this book as I want to make EVERYTHING in it! Have any of you made anything from this beautiful book?

One Yarn Begets Another!

I am technically participating in "Knit from Your Stash?" Technically, that is. One of the caveats of this program (for me, anyway) is that if yarn is needed to complete a stash project, it's OK to buy more. The problem is, concentrating on finding matches for these destashing projects is taking time away from knitting!

Here's part of the saga: I had a ball of Kristha Metallic Yarn in a beautiful pink, brown and white colorway. I had bought it last summer to mix with another oddball that I'd gotten as part of the One Skein Secret Pal Exchange. My daughter fell in love with this metallic ribbon, but it's only about 60 yards, I can't find more of it online, and even if I did, it is expensive. I found a pattern for a cute Duffle Bag in a book I'd gotten out of the library, Knitting with Ribbon Yarn, by Tracy Chapman. We decided to do most of the bag in a straight cotton and then do some accents with this ribbon. After getting some tips on cottons from my Yahoo Knitlist friends, I settled on the Peaches & Creme Worsted Weight Cotton in Baby Pink, which I ordered directly from the manufacturer, Elmore-Pisgah. It should be arriving soon and I'm looking forward to making this bag.

Then, I had gotten 2 skeins of "Bumblebee" DK weight yarn as a gift from April as part of her destashing. I thought they'd be perfect for my Pittsburgh Steeler fan son for a pair of socks. After measuring his almost adult size foot, I realized the 280 yards wouldn't be enough, so I ordered a skein of Filatura di Crosa Zara in Bright Yellow to fill in the toes and heels.

Now I'm determined to stop shopping--even if it is contributing to destashing--and get back to work on my One-Piece Lace Pullover, which is proceeding nicely, and my second STR Marble Arches sock. With two plane trips coming up soon, I'll have to figure out which small project to take with me--either the sock or the scarf that's been languishing in my knitting bag.

One Yarn Begets Another!

I am technically participating in "Knit from Your Stash?" Technically, that is. One of the caveats of this program (for me, anyway) is that if yarn is needed to complete a stash project, it's OK to buy more. The problem is, concentrating on finding matches for these destashing projects is taking time away from knitting!

Here's part of the saga: I had a ball of Kristha Metallic Yarn in a beautiful pink, brown and white colorway. I had bought it last summer to mix with another oddball that I'd gotten as part of the One Skein Secret Pal Exchange. My daughter fell in love with this metallic ribbon, but it's only about 60 yards, I can't find more of it online, and even if I did, it is expensive. I found a pattern for a cute Duffle Bag in a book I'd gotten out of the library, Knitting with Ribbon Yarn, by Tracy Chapman. We decided to do most of the bag in a straight cotton and then do some accents with this ribbon. After getting some tips on cottons from my Yahoo Knitlist friends, I settled on the Peaches & Creme Worsted Weight Cotton in Baby Pink, which I ordered directly from the manufacturer, Elmore-Pisgah. It should be arriving soon and I'm looking forward to making this bag.

Then, I had gotten 2 skeins of "Bumblebee" DK weight yarn as a gift from April as part of her destashing. I thought they'd be perfect for my Pittsburgh Steeler fan son for a pair of socks. After measuring his almost adult size foot, I realized the 280 yards wouldn't be enough, so I ordered a skein of Filatura di Crosa Zara in Bright Yellow to fill in the toes and heels.

Now I'm determined to stop shopping--even if it is contributing to destashing--and get back to work on my One-Piece Lace Pullover, which is proceeding nicely, and my second STR Marble Arches sock. With two plane trips coming up soon, I'll have to figure out which small project to take with me--either the sock or the scarf that's been languishing in my knitting bag.

Marble Arches: One Down

I finished the first of my Socks that Rock Marble Arches socks, just in time for the first of this year's Rockin' Sock Club packages to arrive! I am really pleased with the way the yarn striped on this sock; I hope Sock #2 looks similar! I also love the new Socks that Rock colorway, and the pattern looks like one that I will be able to handle--not quite sure yet if I will use it or another. I won't give away too much info as I know everyone hasn't gotten their kits yet.

The Marble Arches photo is taken with the sock on my brand-new Fiber Trends Sock Blockers, which I purchased yesterday while on a business trip to Philadelphia. A meeting was canceled, which gave me time to sneak into Rosie's Yarn Cellar and purchase the Sock Blockers and a new pair of #1 DPN's. Now I am thinking I would like to try socks on two circs, and the consensus of my fellow Sock Club members is that the 24 inch length is the best, so I may use this opportunity to try the #1 circs to see how I like the KnitPicks Options needles...

Now it's on to Sock #2 and more on my Lace Sweater.

Marble Arches: One Down

I finished the first of my Socks that Rock Marble Arches socks, just in time for the first of this year's Rockin' Sock Club packages to arrive! I am really pleased with the way the yarn striped on this sock; I hope Sock #2 looks similar! I also love the new Socks that Rock colorway, and the pattern looks like one that I will be able to handle--not quite sure yet if I will use it or another. I won't give away too much info as I know everyone hasn't gotten their kits yet.

The Marble Arches photo is taken with the sock on my brand-new Fiber Trends Sock Blockers, which I purchased yesterday while on a business trip to Philadelphia. A meeting was canceled, which gave me time to sneak into Rosie's Yarn Cellar and purchase the Sock Blockers and a new pair of #1 DPN's. Now I am thinking I would like to try socks on two circs, and the consensus of my fellow Sock Club members is that the 24 inch length is the best, so I may use this opportunity to try the #1 circs to see how I like the KnitPicks Options needles...

Now it's on to Sock #2 and more on my Lace Sweater.

And the Winner Is...A Perfect Heel!

While watching the Academy Awards last night, I was working on the heel of my Marble Arches sock, part of last season's Socks that Rock Club. I knew I might be in trouble as I read the heel directions, which kept saying CONCENTRATE and FOCUS in capital letters! I got somewhat bogged down in their directions to YOK and YOP, and decided I would give up and do a basic heel from Knitting Vintage Socks. But after getting my kids to sleep and knowing that there were several more hours of Oscars to watch, I decided to rip out and try the pattern's heel again. This time, I got the rhythm and feel of the pattern and the heel turned out beautiful!

Earlier today, I had been talking ot a knitting group friend about how I really want to learn to crochet so I can do finishing on my knitted items that call for crochet edging or seaming. I told her I hated not knowing how to do something that I feel I am capable of (like crochet) and she said she could tell that I was like that....I can't tell you how gratifying it is for me to look at that pretty heel. I feel like I won an Award!

And the Winner Is...A Perfect Heel!

While watching the Academy Awards last night, I was working on the heel of my Marble Arches sock, part of last season's Socks that Rock Club. I knew I might be in trouble as I read the heel directions, which kept saying CONCENTRATE and FOCUS in capital letters! I got somewhat bogged down in their directions to YOK and YOP, and decided I would give up and do a basic heel from Knitting Vintage Socks. But after getting my kids to sleep and knowing that there were several more hours of Oscars to watch, I decided to rip out and try the pattern's heel again. This time, I got the rhythm and feel of the pattern and the heel turned out beautiful!

Earlier today, I had been talking ot a knitting group friend about how I really want to learn to crochet so I can do finishing on my knitted items that call for crochet edging or seaming. I told her I hated not knowing how to do something that I feel I am capable of (like crochet) and she said she could tell that I was like that....I can't tell you how gratifying it is for me to look at that pretty heel. I feel like I won an Award!

Sidetracked

I have been knitting this week, as always, but my pace has not been that quick and I have not made a great deal of progress on any of the three projects on which I'm working.

First, my Palm handheld has been on the blink, and I've spent way too much time trying to troubleshoot it. Right now I am waiting for Palm to send me some sort of add-on card that will eliminate electrostatic charge...if that doesn't work, I'm throwing in the towel and buying a new one. I have alleviated the angst I was feeling by copying my Palm address book into a Word document so that at least I'll have a hard copy of it if everything fails me.

Along with that, I have felt completely the same way that Jenny and Nicole of Stash and Burn, my new favorite knitting Podcast, have felt--I have been spending a lot of time daydreaming about knitting when I could have been knitting! I have been reading various knitting books, including Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark's Knit Two Together, and coveting a lot of the unique and fun patterns there.

Then, I listened to another new favorite Podcast (with a COMPLETELY different feeling than Stash and Burn), Unwound, hosted by Kelli, who talked about the fairisle sweater she is making for her dog, and how addicting fairisle is. After my recent failed attempt at intarsia, I now really want to try fairisle, so I've been leafing through books, Websites, signing up for Yahoo groups--you name it. I've decided that the KISS Purse from Sally Melville's The Knitting Experience: Color would be great, and I already have two skeins of Noro Kureyon which represents 2/3 of the yarn called for in the pattern. But alas, my WIP's await...and the fairisle will have to wait too.

Sidetracked

I have been knitting this week, as always, but my pace has not been that quick and I have not made a great deal of progress on any of the three projects on which I'm working.

First, my Palm handheld has been on the blink, and I've spent way too much time trying to troubleshoot it. Right now I am waiting for Palm to send me some sort of add-on card that will eliminate electrostatic charge...if that doesn't work, I'm throwing in the towel and buying a new one. I have alleviated the angst I was feeling by copying my Palm address book into a Word document so that at least I'll have a hard copy of it if everything fails me.

Along with that, I have felt completely the same way that Jenny and Nicole of Stash and Burn, my new favorite knitting Podcast, have felt--I have been spending a lot of time daydreaming about knitting when I could have been knitting! I have been reading various knitting books, including Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark's Knit Two Together, and coveting a lot of the unique and fun patterns there.

Then, I listened to another new favorite Podcast (with a COMPLETELY different feeling than Stash and Burn), Unwound, hosted by Kelli, who talked about the fairisle sweater she is making for her dog, and how addicting fairisle is. After my recent failed attempt at intarsia, I now really want to try fairisle, so I've been leafing through books, Websites, signing up for Yahoo groups--you name it. I've decided that the KISS Purse from Sally Melville's The Knitting Experience: Color would be great, and I already have two skeins of Noro Kureyon which represents 2/3 of the yarn called for in the pattern. But alas, my WIP's await...and the fairisle will have to wait too.

Perfection

Today, being a snowy Valentine's Day here in NJ, I took the train to work. Whenever I travel by train, I grab a portable knitting project for the ride home (on the way to work, my luxury is reading the newspaper, something a driving commuter can't do!)

I took my One-Skein Scarf, from One Skein Wonders,

which I'm planning on donating to a charity. I was speeding along on this fairly mindless pattern, when I noticed I was off a row about 2 inches back from where I was. Question: it's not that noticeable, should I rip or leave it be? I'm sure you know the answer--I ripped--probably 3 times--until I got it right, as it was difficult to tell which row I was on after ripping back. Now I'm back on track, and pleased that this project is perfect, no matter who will be its recipient.

In other news, my One Piece Lace Pullover in the gorgeous Brooks Farm Duet is coming along nicely. I'm through the first sleeve and now have the front, back and right sleeve on the needles. The 7-stitch repeat is easy, and I've put markers on the needle to make sure I don't slip up. With 218 stitches on the needle, I don't want to take any chances!

Perfection

Today, being a snowy Valentine's Day here in NJ, I took the train to work. Whenever I travel by train, I grab a portable knitting project for the ride home (on the way to work, my luxury is reading the newspaper, something a driving commuter can't do!)

I took my One-Skein Scarf, from One Skein Wonders,

which I'm planning on donating to a charity. I was speeding along on this fairly mindless pattern, when I noticed I was off a row about 2 inches back from where I was. Question: it's not that noticeable, should I rip or leave it be? I'm sure you know the answer--I ripped--probably 3 times--until I got it right, as it was difficult to tell which row I was on after ripping back. Now I'm back on track, and pleased that this project is perfect, no matter who will be its recipient.

In other news, my One Piece Lace Pullover in the gorgeous Brooks Farm Duet is coming along nicely. I'm through the first sleeve and now have the front, back and right sleeve on the needles. The 7-stitch repeat is easy, and I've put markers on the needle to make sure I don't slip up. With 218 stitches on the needle, I don't want to take any chances!

A New Project

I have gone through a bit of agony with my Brooks Farm Duet. The yarn is gorgeous, soft and wonderful. I had originally bought it to make Clapotis, as I've been discussing. Then I settled on the Panel Party Pullover from Sally Melville's "Color." I wound this yarn and the Cashsoft DK I'd bought to match it onto bobbins. The whole thing became a horrible, tangled mess and I decided that I could not bear to go on!

I looked through a bunch of magazines and pattern books, seeking that elusive sweater that uses less than 1,000 yards of DK weight yarn. I found the One Piece Lace Pullover by Robin Melanson from the Spring 2006 Interweave Knits. It is actually a drop-stitch pattern somewhat like the Clapotis, so I feel that this is the right pattern for me. I did a gauge swatch and off I went. This pattern may be a bit tricky as you have to keep adding into a lace pattern, but so far it seems to be working. I think it will look beautiful if I manage to do it right, and hopefully I will have a beautiful finished sweater to show you soon!

A New Project

I have gone through a bit of agony with my Brooks Farm Duet. The yarn is gorgeous, soft and wonderful. I had originally bought it to make Clapotis, as I've been discussing. Then I settled on the Panel Party Pullover from Sally Melville's "Color." I wound this yarn and the Cashsoft DK I'd bought to match it onto bobbins. The whole thing became a horrible, tangled mess and I decided that I could not bear to go on!

I looked through a bunch of magazines and pattern books, seeking that elusive sweater that uses less than 1,000 yards of DK weight yarn. I found the One Piece Lace Pullover by Robin Melanson from the Spring 2006 Interweave Knits. It is actually a drop-stitch pattern somewhat like the Clapotis, so I feel that this is the right pattern for me. I did a gauge swatch and off I went. This pattern may be a bit tricky as you have to keep adding into a lace pattern, but so far it seems to be working. I think it will look beautiful if I manage to do it right, and hopefully I will have a beautiful finished sweater to show you soon!

Hail Titania, She is DONE!

Yes, it's happened--I've finished Titania's Revenge Sock #2!!! Yay!
Sock #2 was even more challenging than Sock #1, but they did come out pretty. Actually, a sock with a lot of lace that pulls in with k3tog's like these doesn't accentuate my calves to their most flattering, but I'm sure they'll look and feel great, particularly after washing.

I just wound my next ball of Socks that Rock, Pink Granite, which is a gorgeous blend of pinks, creams, and grays. I'll try the STR pattern supplied with this yarn, it's called Marble Arches and the pix I've seen of finished ones look great.

Tonight I will also swatch my Rowan Cashsoft and see what direction I want to go with my next sweater. A quiet weekend is ahead, so hopefully lots of knitting can get done.

Hail Titania, She is DONE!

Yes, it's happened--I've finished Titania's Revenge Sock #2!!! Yay!
Sock #2 was even more challenging than Sock #1, but they did come out pretty. Actually, a sock with a lot of lace that pulls in with k3tog's like these doesn't accentuate my calves to their most flattering, but I'm sure they'll look and feel great, particularly after washing.

I just wound my next ball of Socks that Rock, Pink Granite, which is a gorgeous blend of pinks, creams, and grays. I'll try the STR pattern supplied with this yarn, it's called Marble Arches and the pix I've seen of finished ones look great.

Tonight I will also swatch my Rowan Cashsoft and see what direction I want to go with my next sweater. A quiet weekend is ahead, so hopefully lots of knitting can get done.

Fun Fur Fini!

Tonight I finished the last of my five FunFur hats for Kate's project for kids with cancer. I will try to ship them off in the next day or two. I made the last hat in about an hour! I may try to make another hat, but may save that one for another charity project, as it will not be made of something soft and fuzzy.

I am now furiously working on Titania's Revenge--the second sock is proving even more challenging than the first, as far as the patterning on the foot goes. After a massive yarn tangle last week, I was fearing that I wouldn't have enough yarn to finish, so I want to zip along on these to determine whether I have to order another skein from the ladies at Blue Moon Fiber Arts! I THINK I'm going to make it--yay!

I have not even started my next "big" project yet, just so I will be sure and finish the socks soon. I am debating between making Clapotis out of the Brooks Farm Duet that I bought at Stitches East, or mixing the Duet with some Rowan Cashsoft DK, in the pretty teal "Kingfisher" colorway, that I picked up at my LYS's Super Bowl sale...to make Sally Melville's Panel Party Pullover from "The Knitting Experience: Color." I will swatch the Cashsoft over the weekend and then make my decision. I was all set to make the pullover--hence the yarn purchase--but someone at the Super Bowl Sale was wearing a Clap, and it did look nice!

Fun Fur Fini!

Tonight I finished the last of my five FunFur hats for Kate's project for kids with cancer. I will try to ship them off in the next day or two. I made the last hat in about an hour! I may try to make another hat, but may save that one for another charity project, as it will not be made of something soft and fuzzy.

I am now furiously working on Titania's Revenge--the second sock is proving even more challenging than the first, as far as the patterning on the foot goes. After a massive yarn tangle last week, I was fearing that I wouldn't have enough yarn to finish, so I want to zip along on these to determine whether I have to order another skein from the ladies at Blue Moon Fiber Arts! I THINK I'm going to make it--yay!

I have not even started my next "big" project yet, just so I will be sure and finish the socks soon. I am debating between making Clapotis out of the Brooks Farm Duet that I bought at Stitches East, or mixing the Duet with some Rowan Cashsoft DK, in the pretty teal "Kingfisher" colorway, that I picked up at my LYS's Super Bowl sale...to make Sally Melville's Panel Party Pullover from "The Knitting Experience: Color." I will swatch the Cashsoft over the weekend and then make my decision. I was all set to make the pullover--hence the yarn purchase--but someone at the Super Bowl Sale was wearing a Clap, and it did look nice!