One Skein!

I had participated in the One Skein Secret Pal Exchange over the summer, but hadn't really gone through the book carefully. After finishing my Sonoma Shawl the other night, I felt like doing something quick, and something that would make a small dent in my stash!

I chose "The Clutch You'll Never Give Up," and started it yesterday at knitting group. It was so easy and fun; the Colinette Point 5 was such a blast to knit up, and then while my family watched the Mets lose last night, I finished! I felted today and I'm really pleased with the results. The two yarns look wonderful together, and the Aussi Wool Yarn is absolutely wonderful for felting. Here are before and after felting photos:






Now I'm considering the gloves from the One Skein Book...perhaps to use up some pretty cherry-colored Debbie Bliss Cashmerino that is waiting to be used.

For today, I'm about to start a cute "70's Suede Jacket" in Hot Pink Berroco Suede, a pattern I've been holding for about a year and that originally appeared in one of the Better Homes Knit It! Magazines.

One Skein!

I had participated in the One Skein Secret Pal Exchange over the summer, but hadn't really gone through the book carefully. After finishing my Sonoma Shawl the other night, I felt like doing something quick, and something that would make a small dent in my stash!

I chose "The Clutch You'll Never Give Up," and started it yesterday at knitting group. It was so easy and fun; the Colinette Point 5 was such a blast to knit up, and then while my family watched the Mets lose last night, I finished! I felted today and I'm really pleased with the results. The two yarns look wonderful together, and the Aussi Wool Yarn is absolutely wonderful for felting. Here are before and after felting photos:






Now I'm considering the gloves from the One Skein Book...perhaps to use up some pretty cherry-colored Debbie Bliss Cashmerino that is waiting to be used.

For today, I'm about to start a cute "70's Suede Jacket" in Hot Pink Berroco Suede, a pattern I've been holding for about a year and that originally appeared in one of the Better Homes Knit It! Magazines.

Blocking

I had some issues with my Sonoma Shawl, which I wrote about a couple of weeks ago. The Paca-Paints Alpaca yarn was unbelievable to work with, but I noticed that the shawl was coming out smaller than I had hoped. I emailed Oat Couture, the company that wrote the pattern, and they very kindly and quickly responded, with the suggestion to increase my needle size gradually from a 6 (the size I chose based on making gauge--that was probably my first mistake, as a shawl gauge doesn't have to be that literal) to a 9. I did that, and also added additional straight rows in between the gradual increase rows.

I also realized that the pattern called for a shawl that was only 15 inches long, while I was envisioning something longer and flowing. I've now finished and love the end result; the shawl is resting comfortably on the blocking board, where I feel confident I can coax it to about 19 inches, particularly since the bottom is lace, and I've pinned each point just like a regular lace shawl. More to come once this baby is blocked.

I'm about to head off to my knitting group, which had suspended activity over the summer. I'm so excited to see my knitting buddies! I will start "The Clutch You'll Never Give Up," from the Interweave One Skein book. I'll be using some very cool Colinette Point Five in the Venezia Colorway (a deep blue/green/purple mix), with some navy chunky wool reserved if I need more than the "one skein!" Pictures and more to come.

It's COLD here in the Northeast today--the Einstein Coat and my Embossed Leaves socks will make their debut!

Blocking

I had some issues with my Sonoma Shawl, which I wrote about a couple of weeks ago. The Paca-Paints Alpaca yarn was unbelievable to work with, but I noticed that the shawl was coming out smaller than I had hoped. I emailed Oat Couture, the company that wrote the pattern, and they very kindly and quickly responded, with the suggestion to increase my needle size gradually from a 6 (the size I chose based on making gauge--that was probably my first mistake, as a shawl gauge doesn't have to be that literal) to a 9. I did that, and also added additional straight rows in between the gradual increase rows.

I also realized that the pattern called for a shawl that was only 15 inches long, while I was envisioning something longer and flowing. I've now finished and love the end result; the shawl is resting comfortably on the blocking board, where I feel confident I can coax it to about 19 inches, particularly since the bottom is lace, and I've pinned each point just like a regular lace shawl. More to come once this baby is blocked.

I'm about to head off to my knitting group, which had suspended activity over the summer. I'm so excited to see my knitting buddies! I will start "The Clutch You'll Never Give Up," from the Interweave One Skein book. I'll be using some very cool Colinette Point Five in the Venezia Colorway (a deep blue/green/purple mix), with some navy chunky wool reserved if I need more than the "one skein!" Pictures and more to come.

It's COLD here in the Northeast today--the Einstein Coat and my Embossed Leaves socks will make their debut!

10 Knitterly Things About Me

In the spirit of Grumperina's blog and her meme, and because I have no pictures to post this week and not much progress on which to report, I'll jump in with Ten Knitterly Things About Me:

1. Knitting connects me to my mom and my sisters. We all knit, we all love to talk about knitting, and there's nothing I like more than sitting with the girls and knitting!

2. My mom wasn't able to teach me to knit. She knits the European way and knits VERY fast. So I bought a kid's knitting book when I was about 11 or 12 and taught myself from that.

3. I have a nice group of knitting buddies in my knitting group--these are women that I might not have otherwise felt close to, but knitting has definitely bonded us!

4. Knitting sometimes keeps me up at night. Last Sunday night I had all good intentions of going to sleep early, but I got a big tangle in my ball of Socks That Rock, and stayed up much too late untangling it!

5. Knitting blogs and Podcasts let me feel connected to knitting when I'm not knitting. I so look forward to reading my blogs, Yahoo list posts, and listening to my Podcasts.

6. I am beginning to be a sock yarn addict. I have 3 pairs of socks' worth of yarn right now, and am part of two sock yarn clubs that will bring me more over the coming months.

7. I mostly like to knit for myself. I like making baby gifts, but gifts for other members of my family haven't always worked out they way I've planned.

8. I have taken to scoping out knitting stores whenever I travel--whether it be for business or pleasure. I don't always get to go to them, but I always have an address ready in case I do have time to go.

9. I want to complete the TKGA Master Knitter Program, but I fear that it will take time away from my project knitting. Perhaps if I wind down from my job and have more extra time, I'll take this on.

10. I need to knit, even a little bit, each night. It's like a bedtime story for me...

10 Knitterly Things About Me

In the spirit of Grumperina's blog and her meme, and because I have no pictures to post this week and not much progress on which to report, I'll jump in with Ten Knitterly Things About Me:

1. Knitting connects me to my mom and my sisters. We all knit, we all love to talk about knitting, and there's nothing I like more than sitting with the girls and knitting!

2. My mom wasn't able to teach me to knit. She knits the European way and knits VERY fast. So I bought a kid's knitting book when I was about 11 or 12 and taught myself from that.

3. I have a nice group of knitting buddies in my knitting group--these are women that I might not have otherwise felt close to, but knitting has definitely bonded us!

4. Knitting sometimes keeps me up at night. Last Sunday night I had all good intentions of going to sleep early, but I got a big tangle in my ball of Socks That Rock, and stayed up much too late untangling it!

5. Knitting blogs and Podcasts let me feel connected to knitting when I'm not knitting. I so look forward to reading my blogs, Yahoo list posts, and listening to my Podcasts.

6. I am beginning to be a sock yarn addict. I have 3 pairs of socks' worth of yarn right now, and am part of two sock yarn clubs that will bring me more over the coming months.

7. I mostly like to knit for myself. I like making baby gifts, but gifts for other members of my family haven't always worked out they way I've planned.

8. I have taken to scoping out knitting stores whenever I travel--whether it be for business or pleasure. I don't always get to go to them, but I always have an address ready in case I do have time to go.

9. I want to complete the TKGA Master Knitter Program, but I fear that it will take time away from my project knitting. Perhaps if I wind down from my job and have more extra time, I'll take this on.

10. I need to knit, even a little bit, each night. It's like a bedtime story for me...

Maintenance

The beginning of the school year, lots of activity at work and some family issues have kept me very busy, with little time for knitting. My saving grace has been that I have been able to take the train to some of my recent business meetings, and I've given myself permission to read or do work on the way into the City, but knit on the way home! I've been working on my Socks that Rock sock and loving it. I also received my latest STR skein, "Titania," which came with two beautiful patterns.

I've taken some time today to clean off some of the older buttons on my blog and add some new ones. I'm looking forward to participating in the Red Scarf Project again this year; I think it's a very worthwhile cause and an easy charity knitting project.

New on my needles is the Oat Couture Shawl; the picture from the pattern is here:



I am doing this in Paca Paints yarn, by the Alpaca Yarn Company, in a lovely blue and grey colorway (#404). It's very soft; the pattern isn't that interesting yet, but I think I will enjoy this project. It is the first of several shawls waiting to be made.

I did finish my Lacey Poncho; it is drying after blocking right now and I hope to post a photo soon.

Maintenance

The beginning of the school year, lots of activity at work and some family issues have kept me very busy, with little time for knitting. My saving grace has been that I have been able to take the train to some of my recent business meetings, and I've given myself permission to read or do work on the way into the City, but knit on the way home! I've been working on my Socks that Rock sock and loving it. I also received my latest STR skein, "Titania," which came with two beautiful patterns.

I've taken some time today to clean off some of the older buttons on my blog and add some new ones. I'm looking forward to participating in the Red Scarf Project again this year; I think it's a very worthwhile cause and an easy charity knitting project.

New on my needles is the Oat Couture Shawl; the picture from the pattern is here:



I am doing this in Paca Paints yarn, by the Alpaca Yarn Company, in a lovely blue and grey colorway (#404). It's very soft; the pattern isn't that interesting yet, but I think I will enjoy this project. It is the first of several shawls waiting to be made.

I did finish my Lacey Poncho; it is drying after blocking right now and I hope to post a photo soon.

Sock Update

Last Saturday, a day of torrential rain, I had ample opportunity to listen to my favorite Podcasts and finish my Maple Leaf Socks.
Here's a look at the finished product:

That very day I wound my first skein of "Socks That Rock"--yes, the one that was the MAY Sock Club offering--but better late than never. I now see what everyone is raving about with this yarn. It's springy, the colors are lovely, and it makes for wonderful knitting. I am doing the Rock & Weave Sock that came with the yarn; it's the one where you knit a cuff out of Linen Stitch, and then pick up stitches for the foot. It's different, and I hope I'll like it, but so far, the linen stitch is fun.
Here's my progress so far:


With 3 pairs of completed socks in my drawer, one on the needles and a few more on deck, I'm feeling like I may want to invest in Birkenstocks so I can show off my creations. I've never been a sock and sandal kind of girl, but hey, things change, and I do want to be able to admire my work along with feeling the warmth and comfort of hand-knitted socks!

The Lacey Poncho is also moving very quickly. I'm more than halfway, and with the gradual decreases, I bet I'll be finished in a week or so.


Next up: a series of shawls, with yarn reserved in my stash...

Sock Update

Last Saturday, a day of torrential rain, I had ample opportunity to listen to my favorite Podcasts and finish my Maple Leaf Socks.
Here's a look at the finished product:

That very day I wound my first skein of "Socks That Rock"--yes, the one that was the MAY Sock Club offering--but better late than never. I now see what everyone is raving about with this yarn. It's springy, the colors are lovely, and it makes for wonderful knitting. I am doing the Rock & Weave Sock that came with the yarn; it's the one where you knit a cuff out of Linen Stitch, and then pick up stitches for the foot. It's different, and I hope I'll like it, but so far, the linen stitch is fun.
Here's my progress so far:


With 3 pairs of completed socks in my drawer, one on the needles and a few more on deck, I'm feeling like I may want to invest in Birkenstocks so I can show off my creations. I've never been a sock and sandal kind of girl, but hey, things change, and I do want to be able to admire my work along with feeling the warmth and comfort of hand-knitted socks!

The Lacey Poncho is also moving very quickly. I'm more than halfway, and with the gradual decreases, I bet I'll be finished in a week or so.


Next up: a series of shawls, with yarn reserved in my stash...

Einstein is Done! And the Momentum Continues

I finally finished the Einstein Coat last week!


I gave the coat a nice Eucalan bath and, thanks to an inquiry I posted on KnitList, added some hair conditioner to the rinse to help soften up the Lopi. It worked like a charm. The coat is comfy and fits perfectly; I can't wait to wear it, even though I am not too pleased about the fall-like weather we've already been experiencing in August.

Once Einstein was done, I started the "Andrea's Lacey Poncho" from Shelridge Farms, which was a pattern and yarn that I had bought at Stitches East last fall. Originally I wasn't going to knit this as is, and had bought some yarn to mix it with in an Oat Couture shawl pattern. But on second thought, I decided to give this a try as is. These little "ponchettes" seem to be in for fall and would probably dress up a plan turtleneck and pants. The color is a nice denimy blue, called Misty Blue, which should work well with lots of outfits. Casting on 240 stitches and joining to knit in the round, I first started the lace pattern on the wrong row and had to start over, then twisted the knitting after it was joined in the round, and had to start over AGAIN. Thankfully, I'm now on Row 17 (of 82) and will do my first decrease round in 2 rows. I should be home free after that. Here's a look at where I am:



I also made a cute cell phone case for my daughter. I had made this once already with some stretchy and fuzzy Reynolds Frisky, and that didn't work out too well. So we remade it with some KnitPicks Shine that I had left over from a scarf I showed you several posts back. This one seems to be much better. Also, it took me about an hour of total knitting time from start to finish, so I don't mind making another...and another...perhaps holiday gifts in the future?

Einstein is Done! And the Momentum Continues

I finally finished the Einstein Coat last week!


I gave the coat a nice Eucalan bath and, thanks to an inquiry I posted on KnitList, added some hair conditioner to the rinse to help soften up the Lopi. It worked like a charm. The coat is comfy and fits perfectly; I can't wait to wear it, even though I am not too pleased about the fall-like weather we've already been experiencing in August.

Once Einstein was done, I started the "Andrea's Lacey Poncho" from Shelridge Farms, which was a pattern and yarn that I had bought at Stitches East last fall. Originally I wasn't going to knit this as is, and had bought some yarn to mix it with in an Oat Couture shawl pattern. But on second thought, I decided to give this a try as is. These little "ponchettes" seem to be in for fall and would probably dress up a plan turtleneck and pants. The color is a nice denimy blue, called Misty Blue, which should work well with lots of outfits. Casting on 240 stitches and joining to knit in the round, I first started the lace pattern on the wrong row and had to start over, then twisted the knitting after it was joined in the round, and had to start over AGAIN. Thankfully, I'm now on Row 17 (of 82) and will do my first decrease round in 2 rows. I should be home free after that. Here's a look at where I am:



I also made a cute cell phone case for my daughter. I had made this once already with some stretchy and fuzzy Reynolds Frisky, and that didn't work out too well. So we remade it with some KnitPicks Shine that I had left over from a scarf I showed you several posts back. This one seems to be much better. Also, it took me about an hour of total knitting time from start to finish, so I don't mind making another...and another...perhaps holiday gifts in the future?

Focus

You will note, if you look at my works in progress section to the right, that I am down to two WIP's and have completed everything else I've been working on. The latest finished object is my Caprice Ribbon Shrug. It came out great and I'm looking forward to wearing it to a family function next weekend.


Although I've been on a kick where I've had a "main" project, a sock, a scarf and my Einstein Coat on the needles simultaneously, I've decided that it is a bit more satisfying to work on one project (or two) at a time. I really want to finish the Einstein Coat in time for fall, and I'm now working on it furiously each day. I've got about 70 rows to go and then it's just the minimal finishing. It's been interesting to me to see how much more progress I make when I focus on ONE project. Of course it makes sense, and I think I can also apply this strategy to work, where I often start one project, then jump to read some emails, then start another project, and then finally get around to finishing Project #1 hours later. Perhaps if I apply my new knitting philosophy I'll be more productive at work too!

I do have my Maple Leaf Socks going at the same time,


as the Einstein Coat is now at a point where I can't take it out of the house--it's too bulky and unwieldy--so the socks are my portable project. I think I will keep either socks, a scarf, or a little purse on the needles while I'm making my "main" project, as it is nice to have something to take on the road.

Focus

You will note, if you look at my works in progress section to the right, that I am down to two WIP's and have completed everything else I've been working on. The latest finished object is my Caprice Ribbon Shrug. It came out great and I'm looking forward to wearing it to a family function next weekend.


Although I've been on a kick where I've had a "main" project, a sock, a scarf and my Einstein Coat on the needles simultaneously, I've decided that it is a bit more satisfying to work on one project (or two) at a time. I really want to finish the Einstein Coat in time for fall, and I'm now working on it furiously each day. I've got about 70 rows to go and then it's just the minimal finishing. It's been interesting to me to see how much more progress I make when I focus on ONE project. Of course it makes sense, and I think I can also apply this strategy to work, where I often start one project, then jump to read some emails, then start another project, and then finally get around to finishing Project #1 hours later. Perhaps if I apply my new knitting philosophy I'll be more productive at work too!

I do have my Maple Leaf Socks going at the same time,


as the Einstein Coat is now at a point where I can't take it out of the house--it's too bulky and unwieldy--so the socks are my portable project. I think I will keep either socks, a scarf, or a little purse on the needles while I'm making my "main" project, as it is nice to have something to take on the road.

Back from Vacation!

For those who do visit my blog, you'll note that I haven't posted in awhile. My husband and I just got back from a glorious trip to Greece. While a 10-hour plane ride each way provided some knitting time, the hot weather during most of the trip did not allow for lots of progress on any of my projects. But with a view like this from our hotel, who was thinking about knitting?


I did finish my "Think Pink" scarf and mailed it off so that a breast cancer survivor will have it by September, and I made some progress on my lovely Maple Leaf socks on the plane. Now that I've caught up with the piles of regular mail, email, and laundry, I will get back in the knitting groove.

I had a business trip to Philadelphia yesterday and made time to visit Rosie's Yarn Cellar. I have always wanted to visit this shop, having read their blog as well as listening to the Podcast of Knitty D and the City, who visit Rosie's often. I bought their Half Pi Shawl Pattern, which is now pretty famous, and will make it out of some awesome Adirondack Yarn Company Silk Noir, in a cool colorway called "Chagall," that includes hot pinks, dark blues, dark purples. Check it out here:


A few projects to finish before I dare cast this on, but I can't wait!

Back from Vacation!

For those who do visit my blog, you'll note that I haven't posted in awhile. My husband and I just got back from a glorious trip to Greece. While a 10-hour plane ride each way provided some knitting time, the hot weather during most of the trip did not allow for lots of progress on any of my projects. But with a view like this from our hotel, who was thinking about knitting?


I did finish my "Think Pink" scarf and mailed it off so that a breast cancer survivor will have it by September, and I made some progress on my lovely Maple Leaf socks on the plane. Now that I've caught up with the piles of regular mail, email, and laundry, I will get back in the knitting groove.

I had a business trip to Philadelphia yesterday and made time to visit Rosie's Yarn Cellar. I have always wanted to visit this shop, having read their blog as well as listening to the Podcast of Knitty D and the City, who visit Rosie's often. I bought their Half Pi Shawl Pattern, which is now pretty famous, and will make it out of some awesome Adirondack Yarn Company Silk Noir, in a cool colorway called "Chagall," that includes hot pinks, dark blues, dark purples. Check it out here:


A few projects to finish before I dare cast this on, but I can't wait!

I Learned to Crochet!

I can't believe I haven't had much time to talk about the Knitting Guild Association Knit & Crochet Show that I attended a couple of weeks ago in Philadelphia. As I mentioned, I had joined TKGA with the thought of starting their Master Knitting Program, and I am still contemplating doing that in the fall.

I just attended the market at the show. I was proud of myself: I went with a list of things I "needed," and got everything on my list, with nothing extra except a set of KnitKlips, which I think will be useful as I take on more of my own finishing work. If anyone has used KnitKlips, I'd love to hear about how they worked for you.

Along with everything I bought AND a lot of free yarn that was given to me as a TKGA Member (pictured here),


the most fun part of this event was that I learned to crochet! I have wanted to learn for so long; I just felt that it would be a nice complement to my knitting and that it might be useful in trimming and finishing garments. At TKGA, they had an area set up where volunteers taught people how to knit or crochet. It was a lot easier for me to watch someone crochet than to learn from a book, which I had tried to do. I learned how to chain, single crochet and double crochet. Now I may get Debbie Stoller's new book and learn more from that. It was all very exciting, and I have been practicing a bit each day in between knitting projects!

I Learned to Crochet!

I can't believe I haven't had much time to talk about the Knitting Guild Association Knit & Crochet Show that I attended a couple of weeks ago in Philadelphia. As I mentioned, I had joined TKGA with the thought of starting their Master Knitting Program, and I am still contemplating doing that in the fall.

I just attended the market at the show. I was proud of myself: I went with a list of things I "needed," and got everything on my list, with nothing extra except a set of KnitKlips, which I think will be useful as I take on more of my own finishing work. If anyone has used KnitKlips, I'd love to hear about how they worked for you.

Along with everything I bought AND a lot of free yarn that was given to me as a TKGA Member (pictured here),


the most fun part of this event was that I learned to crochet! I have wanted to learn for so long; I just felt that it would be a nice complement to my knitting and that it might be useful in trimming and finishing garments. At TKGA, they had an area set up where volunteers taught people how to knit or crochet. It was a lot easier for me to watch someone crochet than to learn from a book, which I had tried to do. I learned how to chain, single crochet and double crochet. Now I may get Debbie Stoller's new book and learn more from that. It was all very exciting, and I have been practicing a bit each day in between knitting projects!

Maple Leaf Socks: Try, Try Again

As I've shown here previously, my first attempt at the Maple Leaf Socks, from the Maple Leaf Sock Knit-along, was using a Fortissima Socka self-striping yarn. It didn't help that I didn't really understand how to make the leaves in the pattern, until I read all of the wonderful posts from other KAL members about pulling loops through with a crochet hook, kind of like bunny ears, which suddenly made it all clear to me!

I made the decision that I didn't like the way I was doing the socks, AND I didn't like the yarn. So....I ripped that sock, used the yarn to make the hat described in my last post, and then, I bought Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the "Gold Hill"
colorway, which is so perfect for these autumn leaves. This is my
first experience with Lorna's Laces and I absolutely LOVE how my
socks are coming out now.
These KALs really help as support groups to figure out these patterns. So of course, I've signed up for the related one, Pretty Petals.

Maple Leaf Socks: Try, Try Again

As I've shown here previously, my first attempt at the Maple Leaf Socks, from the Maple Leaf Sock Knit-along, was using a Fortissima Socka self-striping yarn. It didn't help that I didn't really understand how to make the leaves in the pattern, until I read all of the wonderful posts from other KAL members about pulling loops through with a crochet hook, kind of like bunny ears, which suddenly made it all clear to me!

I made the decision that I didn't like the way I was doing the socks, AND I didn't like the yarn. So....I ripped that sock, used the yarn to make the hat described in my last post, and then, I bought Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the "Gold Hill"
colorway, which is so perfect for these autumn leaves. This is my
first experience with Lorna's Laces and I absolutely LOVE how my
socks are coming out now.
These KALs really help as support groups to figure out these patterns. So of course, I've signed up for the related one, Pretty Petals.

Patterns, Calendars, New Projects

Charity had asked how I like the Knitting Pattern a Day Calendar. I would say I have mixed feelings. It's a lot of fun to turn the page each day and see a new knitting pattern. However, on the majority of days, the pattern is not something I'd necessarily make. That being said, I've already made three things from the calendar and have marked several others that I might make. The hat I just made came out really cute. It will go to Afghans for Afghans and hopefully find a good home, warming a child's head!
I don't know that I'll buy the calendar next year. I can refer to this year's patterns (along with the numerous other patterns that cross my path in the magazines I receive and online!). I've heard nice reviews of the 365 Knitting Stitches A Year Perpetual Calendar, so I might consider that, but I don't know that I'm creative enough to design my own garments yet. It might just be nice to look at!
I had a great day at The Knitting Guild Association Market in Philadelphia on Friday. Bought too much, but I was well behaved in that I had a list of things I was looking for to complete some projects, and that's really all I bought. More on that later.

Patterns, Calendars, New Projects

Charity had asked how I like the Knitting Pattern a Day Calendar. I would say I have mixed feelings. It's a lot of fun to turn the page each day and see a new knitting pattern. However, on the majority of days, the pattern is not something I'd necessarily make. That being said, I've already made three things from the calendar and have marked several others that I might make. The hat I just made came out really cute. It will go to Afghans for Afghans and hopefully find a good home, warming a child's head!
I don't know that I'll buy the calendar next year. I can refer to this year's patterns (along with the numerous other patterns that cross my path in the magazines I receive and online!). I've heard nice reviews of the 365 Knitting Stitches A Year Perpetual Calendar, so I might consider that, but I don't know that I'm creative enough to design my own garments yet. It might just be nice to look at!
I had a great day at The Knitting Guild Association Market in Philadelphia on Friday. Bought too much, but I was well behaved in that I had a list of things I was looking for to complete some projects, and that's really all I bought. More on that later.

Choka!

If you are a fan of Aija's Blog, check out:
1)Her cool new sock pattern, rpm, in the new issue of Knitty
2)Her even cooler yarn and needle give-away contest using Choka!

Choka!

If you are a fan of Aija's Blog, check out:
1)Her cool new sock pattern, rpm, in the new issue of Knitty
2)Her even cooler yarn and needle give-away contest using Choka!

Back to the Drawing Board

I had been very enthusiastic about my Maple Leaf Socks, part of the Knit-a-long I've been referencing in past posts. I started the socks at the beach over the 4th of July Holiday, but they just weren't coming out right--see for yourself in the picture. I didn't like the yarn, the pattern didn't look as nice as the other versions I was seeing in the KAL Photo Album, and I just wasn't a happy knitter.
Lo and behold, I received an email from Afghans for Afghans, another list that I have joined but have never made anything for. They are now doing a big push for warm winter items, particularly for kids. So, I've come up with a win-win: I'm going to rip out the Maple Leaf Sock, use the Fortissima Socka Colori for a colorful hat for an Afghan child. The site encourages bright colors and particularly green, so this colorway should work out perfectly. I found a cute hat pattern in my Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar and plan to start immediately in order to make the July 21 deadline for Afghans.
Then, I will persevere with the Maple Leaf, and plan to purchase some nice sock yarn that I'll love at the TKGA Convention in Philadelphia, which I plan to attend this Friday. I am interested to see what this organization is all about. I've recently joined and--I'm not sure why--I think I'd like to try out the Master Knitting Program, just to say I did it.

Back to the Drawing Board

I had been very enthusiastic about my Maple Leaf Socks, part of the Knit-a-long I've been referencing in past posts. I started the socks at the beach over the 4th of July Holiday, but they just weren't coming out right--see for yourself in the picture. I didn't like the yarn, the pattern didn't look as nice as the other versions I was seeing in the KAL Photo Album, and I just wasn't a happy knitter.
Lo and behold, I received an email from Afghans for Afghans, another list that I have joined but have never made anything for. They are now doing a big push for warm winter items, particularly for kids. So, I've come up with a win-win: I'm going to rip out the Maple Leaf Sock, use the Fortissima Socka Colori for a colorful hat for an Afghan child. The site encourages bright colors and particularly green, so this colorway should work out perfectly. I found a cute hat pattern in my Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar and plan to start immediately in order to make the July 21 deadline for Afghans.
Then, I will persevere with the Maple Leaf, and plan to purchase some nice sock yarn that I'll love at the TKGA Convention in Philadelphia, which I plan to attend this Friday. I am interested to see what this organization is all about. I've recently joined and--I'm not sure why--I think I'd like to try out the Master Knitting Program, just to say I did it.

Thanks, Secret Pal!

I returned from a 4th of July Weekend--which allowed me to gloriously knit at the beach for 4 days!--to find a lovely package from my One Skein Secret Pal. One gorgeous skein of Colinette Point 5 in the Venezia colorway, all dark blues, greens and purples--GORGEOUS!--as well as a skein of Patons Glittallic in pink sparkle. I had fun last night figuring out what to make from each of these skeins. I might try for the Spiral Rib Bag in One Skein, but I'm not sure if either skein has enough yardage. There are some fun yarns that I have in my leftovers bag that might work for mixing with the Glittallic, but I'm thinking now that the Colinette Point 5 might become either a little envelope clutch or a pair of wristwarmers. It will be fun to think about in weeks to come!
I finished my own One Skein project for my secret pal...more on that in a future post, as well as my ambivalence about my Maple Leaf Socks, which may end up going to charity.

Thanks, Secret Pal!

I returned from a 4th of July Weekend--which allowed me to gloriously knit at the beach for 4 days!--to find a lovely package from my One Skein Secret Pal. One gorgeous skein of Colinette Point 5 in the Venezia colorway, all dark blues, greens and purples--GORGEOUS!--as well as a skein of Patons Glittallic in pink sparkle. I had fun last night figuring out what to make from each of these skeins. I might try for the Spiral Rib Bag in One Skein, but I'm not sure if either skein has enough yardage. There are some fun yarns that I have in my leftovers bag that might work for mixing with the Glittallic, but I'm thinking now that the Colinette Point 5 might become either a little envelope clutch or a pair of wristwarmers. It will be fun to think about in weeks to come!
I finished my own One Skein project for my secret pal...more on that in a future post, as well as my ambivalence about my Maple Leaf Socks, which may end up going to charity.

Finished Object

I finished my Embossed Leaves socks today. They did come out lovely, if I do say so myself. Here they are, pictured with the matching Hydrangea that my friend Heidi brought to us last night.
I really enjoyed working with the Claudia Hand Painted Yarns. Now it is on to practicing my Maple Leaf Socks prior to the knit-along that will start July 1. Once I am comfortable that I'm on the right track, I'll work on my other projects until then.
Tomorrow my kids leave for summer camp. I know they will have a great summer and I'll have a bit more free time, but I will miss them lots. They probably won't miss my enthusiastic knitting updates!

Finished Object

I finished my Embossed Leaves socks today. They did come out lovely, if I do say so myself. Here they are, pictured with the matching Hydrangea that my friend Heidi brought to us last night.
I really enjoyed working with the Claudia Hand Painted Yarns. Now it is on to practicing my Maple Leaf Socks prior to the knit-along that will start July 1. Once I am comfortable that I'm on the right track, I'll work on my other projects until then.
Tomorrow my kids leave for summer camp. I know they will have a great summer and I'll have a bit more free time, but I will miss them lots. They probably won't miss my enthusiastic knitting updates!

Spring/Summer Cleaning

I had some time today to organize my bookmarks--I have been going crazy bookmarking sites that have sock yarn. I am committed to working through my stash for the next several months--or at least the next several pairs of socks--but I have been intrigued by my first visit to the Etsy site today. As soon as I am ready to buy more sock yarn, I think that's where I'll go.
I also received a neat gadget that I had originally seen on the Yarn Harlot's site. It is a little tin cylinder (a replica of a double-point needle holder used in New England in the 1700's, according to Jen of Wooolworks, Ltd., who sells the product. The cylinder is a bit longer than I was expecting, but fits in my portable sock bag easily, means no scrambling to find the 5th needle after putting my work down--just pop it in the tube! It keeps all 5 PDNs organized and secure.
Now my goal is to finish my current (Embossed Leaves) socks, which I should be able to do any day now, and make some further progress on the rest of my WIPS!

Spring/Summer Cleaning

I had some time today to organize my bookmarks--I have been going crazy bookmarking sites that have sock yarn. I am committed to working through my stash for the next several months--or at least the next several pairs of socks--but I have been intrigued by my first visit to the Etsy site today. As soon as I am ready to buy more sock yarn, I think that's where I'll go.
I also received a neat gadget that I had originally seen on the Yarn Harlot's site. It is a little tin cylinder (a replica of a double-point needle holder used in New England in the 1700's, according to Jen of Wooolworks, Ltd., who sells the product. The cylinder is a bit longer than I was expecting, but fits in my portable sock bag easily, means no scrambling to find the 5th needle after putting my work down--just pop it in the tube! It keeps all 5 PDNs organized and secure.
Now my goal is to finish my current (Embossed Leaves) socks, which I should be able to do any day now, and make some further progress on the rest of my WIPS!

Knitting in Public

Although I wasn't able to knit in public on the official knit in public day (unless knitting in the car with my family counts), I have done it a couple of times since. Last night, at my daughter's softball game, I worked on the scarf I'm making for my One Skein Secret Pal. This is also my World Cup Project so wow...I accomplished three things at once with that knitting!
Today I had some meetings in NYC and then ducked into one of my favorite Manhattan Yarn Shops, The Yarn Connection. I took my two balls of sock yarn that I feared would fall short for my Maple Leaf Socks, and picked up a great shade of orange Debbie Bliss Merino DK that will be wonderful for the heels, toes, and possibly the leaves themselves.
So then I had to work on my Embossed Leaves socks, which are progressing nicely, on the train ride home. Did this while listening to one of my favorite knitting podcasts, Knitty D and the City. It was heaven!
As for knitting in public, the softball coach thought it looked relaxing and no one on the train gave me a second glance.

Knitting in Public

Although I wasn't able to knit in public on the official knit in public day (unless knitting in the car with my family counts), I have done it a couple of times since. Last night, at my daughter's softball game, I worked on the scarf I'm making for my One Skein Secret Pal. This is also my World Cup Project so wow...I accomplished three things at once with that knitting!
Today I had some meetings in NYC and then ducked into one of my favorite Manhattan Yarn Shops, The Yarn Connection. I took my two balls of sock yarn that I feared would fall short for my Maple Leaf Socks, and picked up a great shade of orange Debbie Bliss Merino DK that will be wonderful for the heels, toes, and possibly the leaves themselves.
So then I had to work on my Embossed Leaves socks, which are progressing nicely, on the train ride home. Did this while listening to one of my favorite knitting podcasts, Knitty D and the City. It was heaven!
As for knitting in public, the softball coach thought it looked relaxing and no one on the train gave me a second glance.

GOALS!

You may have noticed that there are a number of new buttons on the sidebar of my blog. Today I will cast on for my project for the Knitting World Cup, which is going to be the gift I give to my One Skein secret pal for August (nothing like getting a head start).
I also plan to participate in the Think Pink Challenge, whose goal is to collect 1,000 hand-knitted scarves to give to breast cancer survivors in September so that they can wear them during breast cancer awareness month (October).
Finally, I've joined the Maple Leaf Socks knit-a-long, part of the Townsend Socks Yahoo group of VERY enthusiastic sock knitters!
It's hard not to join in to these fun and worthy events...I hope to work on a few of my works in progress too.
I'm making good progress on the Embossed Leaves Sock #2 (moving much faster than Sock #1 did, I guess I have the rhythm of the pattern down). I think the "deadlines" of these knit-a-longs and groups also helps to motivate me, and there's no real pressure...I don't foresee the knitting police coming to get me if I don't finish on time.
But sometimes goals are good.

GOALS!

You may have noticed that there are a number of new buttons on the sidebar of my blog. Today I will cast on for my project for the Knitting World Cup, which is going to be the gift I give to my One Skein secret pal for August (nothing like getting a head start).
I also plan to participate in the Think Pink Challenge, whose goal is to collect 1,000 hand-knitted scarves to give to breast cancer survivors in September so that they can wear them during breast cancer awareness month (October).
Finally, I've joined the Maple Leaf Socks knit-a-long, part of the Townsend Socks Yahoo group of VERY enthusiastic sock knitters!
It's hard not to join in to these fun and worthy events...I hope to work on a few of my works in progress too.
I'm making good progress on the Embossed Leaves Sock #2 (moving much faster than Sock #1 did, I guess I have the rhythm of the pattern down). I think the "deadlines" of these knit-a-longs and groups also helps to motivate me, and there's no real pressure...I don't foresee the knitting police coming to get me if I don't finish on time.
But sometimes goals are good.

Trends

I finished my KnitPicks Stockpot Scarf today, so that I can free up my needles and my "one scarf at a time" quota to make a scarf for my One Skein Secret Pal. The yarn I ordered for that should be arriving on Monday.
As for the Stockpot Scarf, it came out pretty, but the "Butterfly Kisses" yarn is reminiscent of Fun Fur, and I can't help feeling that this is a dated project. I bought this yarn about a year ago. It made me realize that, while it's nice to have a stash, it's also important to keep "classic" fibers in the stash because if more "trendy" yarns are kept too long, I will not want to make anything out of them when I get around to using them.
Oh, well...I do still like the scarf--it is done in pretty shades of green and yellow "Shine Twist" (which is wonderfully soft and lovely to work with) plus the orange Butterfly Kisses, and I have two summer suits that it will really jazz up. I will wear it proudly!

Trends

I finished my KnitPicks Stockpot Scarf today, so that I can free up my needles and my "one scarf at a time" quota to make a scarf for my One Skein Secret Pal. The yarn I ordered for that should be arriving on Monday.
As for the Stockpot Scarf, it came out pretty, but the "Butterfly Kisses" yarn is reminiscent of Fun Fur, and I can't help feeling that this is a dated project. I bought this yarn about a year ago. It made me realize that, while it's nice to have a stash, it's also important to keep "classic" fibers in the stash because if more "trendy" yarns are kept too long, I will not want to make anything out of them when I get around to using them.
Oh, well...I do still like the scarf--it is done in pretty shades of green and yellow "Shine Twist" (which is wonderfully soft and lovely to work with) plus the orange Butterfly Kisses, and I have two summer suits that it will really jazz up. I will wear it proudly!

Blog Overload?

Have you ever felt like there is just too much knitting information out there?
In the past week, I have added several new blogs to my blogroll, subscribed to a couple of new knitting podcasts, entered several Website contests having to do with knitting, read through the summer issues of Knitter's and Interweave Knits magazines, and have contemplated joining several knit-a-longs. I've also been trying to fit in actual knitting in between all of these activities!
I know we are very fortunate to have all of these resources at our disposal. I think I just need to balance time to read and listen to all of these wonderful bits of information, with time to actually knit...and live the rest of my life: work, family, etc!
When I have been knitting, I've been enthusiastically making progress on my second Embossed Leaves sock (see below), as well as my Einstein Coat, which is definitely reaching the point where it cannot leave the house--it's getting very bulky! But I can't wait until it is finished and I can wear it. I am already anticipating treating myself to a trip to New York to visit Tender Buttons, my very favorite button shop where I have not been for years, to dress up this project when it is finished.

Blog Overload?

Have you ever felt like there is just too much knitting information out there?
In the past week, I have added several new blogs to my blogroll, subscribed to a couple of new knitting podcasts, entered several Website contests having to do with knitting, read through the summer issues of Knitter's and Interweave Knits magazines, and have contemplated joining several knit-a-longs. I've also been trying to fit in actual knitting in between all of these activities!
I know we are very fortunate to have all of these resources at our disposal. I think I just need to balance time to read and listen to all of these wonderful bits of information, with time to actually knit...and live the rest of my life: work, family, etc!
When I have been knitting, I've been enthusiastically making progress on my second Embossed Leaves sock (see below), as well as my Einstein Coat, which is definitely reaching the point where it cannot leave the house--it's getting very bulky! But I can't wait until it is finished and I can wear it. I am already anticipating treating myself to a trip to New York to visit Tender Buttons, my very favorite button shop where I have not been for years, to dress up this project when it is finished.