My Sockapalooza Socks Have Arrived!

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

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


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


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

Knitting in Spain

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

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

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

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

Knitting in Spain

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

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

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

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

The Travel Knitting Dilemma

Work is progressing nicely on my Gatsby Girl as well as my Ridged Feather Socks. Yesterday we went to visit our kids at camp and that meant a 3-hour+ round-trip car ride. I worked on Gatsby Girl on the way up and Ridged Feathers on the way back.

I am almost done with the rib and cable section of the back of Gatsby Girl, and will soon be ready to start the lacier bodice. I am going to use a ball of yarn of a different dye lot for that part as I think the different stitch pattern will help to hide any slight differential in color. I am really loving this pattern so far. I hope the finished product is as nice looking as the WIP!


As for the Ridged Feather socks, they are growing on me. The "In-Place Afterthought or Forethought Heel" was a new experience for me. I am fairly new at provisional cast-ons and that was the most challenging part of this heel. That, and the fact that I had not circled the # of stitches to cast on provisionally for my size, and after I had knitted a few rounds of the heel, I noticed I was short 11 stitches and had to rip out and start over! But the heel turned out lovely, and I now have a new heel in my repertoire. Gotta love Charlene Schurch! I must get her new book.

I am almost down to the toe on these socks, which is good, because we leave for a 10-day vacation in a few days and I need to be strategic about my knitting: what to take on the plane (probably the socks, so I'd like to be well into the leg of Sock #2), what to pack in the suitcase (probably Gatsby Girl, with enough yarn of each dye lot so I won't run out), and perhaps for safety's sake, my Midwest Moonlight scarf, which I haven't worked on much lately but is very portable.

Since we'll be away on August 2, I also mailed my Sockapalooza Pal's socks off to her with the adorable label that Mad Caterpillar designed--thanks, Danielle--it was the perfect way to finish off my project. I can't wait to hear how my pal likes her socks when I return, and I hope I get some too!

The Travel Knitting Dilemma

Work is progressing nicely on my Gatsby Girl as well as my Ridged Feather Socks. Yesterday we went to visit our kids at camp and that meant a 3-hour+ round-trip car ride. I worked on Gatsby Girl on the way up and Ridged Feathers on the way back.

I am almost done with the rib and cable section of the back of Gatsby Girl, and will soon be ready to start the lacier bodice. I am going to use a ball of yarn of a different dye lot for that part as I think the different stitch pattern will help to hide any slight differential in color. I am really loving this pattern so far. I hope the finished product is as nice looking as the WIP!


As for the Ridged Feather socks, they are growing on me. The "In-Place Afterthought or Forethought Heel" was a new experience for me. I am fairly new at provisional cast-ons and that was the most challenging part of this heel. That, and the fact that I had not circled the # of stitches to cast on provisionally for my size, and after I had knitted a few rounds of the heel, I noticed I was short 11 stitches and had to rip out and start over! But the heel turned out lovely, and I now have a new heel in my repertoire. Gotta love Charlene Schurch! I must get her new book.

I am almost down to the toe on these socks, which is good, because we leave for a 10-day vacation in a few days and I need to be strategic about my knitting: what to take on the plane (probably the socks, so I'd like to be well into the leg of Sock #2), what to pack in the suitcase (probably Gatsby Girl, with enough yarn of each dye lot so I won't run out), and perhaps for safety's sake, my Midwest Moonlight scarf, which I haven't worked on much lately but is very portable.

Since we'll be away on August 2, I also mailed my Sockapalooza Pal's socks off to her with the adorable label that Mad Caterpillar designed--thanks, Danielle--it was the perfect way to finish off my project. I can't wait to hear how my pal likes her socks when I return, and I hope I get some too!

Summer of Socks Continues

Today was one of the first days that I attempted to knit at our community pool. It was a very hot and humid day, but once I cooled off in the water, I was able to pull out my knitting, and of course, a sock is the perfect summer project in that it doesn't weigh you down.
I am enjoying my Ridged Feathers from Sensational Knitted Socks,and the Meilenweit 100 Fantasy, while not as squishy and soft as Socks that Rock, is growing on me. I'm satisfied with this pattern for this yarn, even though this self-patterning yarn would have looked fine (and maybe even a little better?) with plain stockinette. I just like to have some type of pattern interest to keep me going.
Meanwhile, the Gatsby Girl Pullover is coming out beautifully. These two projects are a nice contrast to one another for these hot summer days.

Summer of Socks Continues

Today was one of the first days that I attempted to knit at our community pool. It was a very hot and humid day, but once I cooled off in the water, I was able to pull out my knitting, and of course, a sock is the perfect summer project in that it doesn't weigh you down.
I am enjoying my Ridged Feathers from Sensational Knitted Socks,and the Meilenweit 100 Fantasy, while not as squishy and soft as Socks that Rock, is growing on me. I'm satisfied with this pattern for this yarn, even though this self-patterning yarn would have looked fine (and maybe even a little better?) with plain stockinette. I just like to have some type of pattern interest to keep me going.
Meanwhile, the Gatsby Girl Pullover is coming out beautifully. These two projects are a nice contrast to one another for these hot summer days.

Gatsby Girl

I have started my Gatsby Girl Pullover, from the Fall 2006 issue. Unfortunately, my dad spent the last week in the hospital, and I had literally cast on for this sweater the night before I was unexpectedly called to be with him. I knit a few rows each day at the hospital and I now have about 7 inches done--I just finished the waist decreases and I will now start increasing.


I am really loving this pattern! First I thought it was coming out too big, but the ribbing really pulls it in and now I'm hoping it's not too tight! I'm using the Rowan Cashsoft DK (the yarn called for in the pattern) in the Kingfisher colorway (a pretty blue-green, or teal). This is a case of my buying the yarn for something else, and then spotting this pattern that called for the yarn. It is a little bit of a different pattern style for me, but I think I'm really going to like it. I LOVE Interweave!

Gatsby Girl

I have started my Gatsby Girl Pullover, from the Fall 2006 issue. Unfortunately, my dad spent the last week in the hospital, and I had literally cast on for this sweater the night before I was unexpectedly called to be with him. I knit a few rows each day at the hospital and I now have about 7 inches done--I just finished the waist decreases and I will now start increasing.


I am really loving this pattern! First I thought it was coming out too big, but the ribbing really pulls it in and now I'm hoping it's not too tight! I'm using the Rowan Cashsoft DK (the yarn called for in the pattern) in the Kingfisher colorway (a pretty blue-green, or teal). This is a case of my buying the yarn for something else, and then spotting this pattern that called for the yarn. It is a little bit of a different pattern style for me, but I think I'm really going to like it. I LOVE Interweave!

Finally...Finished!

I finally finished the BonBon Tank! This pattern really gave me problems...as I've reported, I had to rip it out and restart it twice because somehow my gauge was off..this yarn is very stretchy and somewhat temperamental (breaks easily, etc.)

Then, the yarn started pooling badly, so I ripped back again and alternated between two different balls. That worked out much better.

And finally, when I knit the armbands/straps, they were huge and weirdly shaped, so I ripped them out and finally figured out how to make this thing fit. Thankfully, I got to this stage last night and since today was a midweek, overcast Fourth of July, we spent it catching up on movies on TV so I could rip and redo, rip and redo several times before I finally settled on an acceptable strap length and width across the chest and back. I think I will enjoy wearing it, but it was not an enjoyable knit.

The one redeeming feature of this pattern is that there's no sewing together!

Now I am able to swatch for the Gatsby Girl Pullover..the Rowan Cashsoft DK feels luscious!

Finally...Finished!

I finally finished the BonBon Tank! This pattern really gave me problems...as I've reported, I had to rip it out and restart it twice because somehow my gauge was off..this yarn is very stretchy and somewhat temperamental (breaks easily, etc.)

Then, the yarn started pooling badly, so I ripped back again and alternated between two different balls. That worked out much better.

And finally, when I knit the armbands/straps, they were huge and weirdly shaped, so I ripped them out and finally figured out how to make this thing fit. Thankfully, I got to this stage last night and since today was a midweek, overcast Fourth of July, we spent it catching up on movies on TV so I could rip and redo, rip and redo several times before I finally settled on an acceptable strap length and width across the chest and back. I think I will enjoy wearing it, but it was not an enjoyable knit.

The one redeeming feature of this pattern is that there's no sewing together!

Now I am able to swatch for the Gatsby Girl Pullover..the Rowan Cashsoft DK feels luscious!

In Praise of Etsy

While working on the seed stitch that is the home stretch of my BonBon tank (I will probably finish it tomorrow night, now that I am in a summer mode with the kids off at camp), I was thinking about Deb at Fearless Fiber's request that we fellow bloggers spread the word about Etsy. If you are not familiar with Etsy,it is a fantastic site where Indy crafters sell their wares to those of us who love to buy from small, independent vendors. My first experience buying on Etsy was actually at Deb's own shop, and since then, other Etsy purchases for me have included cool beaded stitch markers from Three Owls Knitting. I like to browse Etsy and bookmark favorites--not only is this a haven for knitting-related products, but there are also hand-crafted bags, soaps and perfumes, journals and hand-crafted paper goods, pottery, food, clothing, etc. It's the kind of site (like Ravelry) where one can get lost, but as Deb notes, it's the kind of site that sometimes doesn't get credit where credit is due. So as she has suggested, I'm "shouting to the world that Etsy is a place worth visiting," and I hope you'll spread the word.

More on my knitting, Summer of Socks, etc. soon!

In Praise of Etsy

While working on the seed stitch that is the home stretch of my BonBon tank (I will probably finish it tomorrow night, now that I am in a summer mode with the kids off at camp), I was thinking about Deb at Fearless Fiber's request that we fellow bloggers spread the word about Etsy. If you are not familiar with Etsy,it is a fantastic site where Indy crafters sell their wares to those of us who love to buy from small, independent vendors. My first experience buying on Etsy was actually at Deb's own shop, and since then, other Etsy purchases for me have included cool beaded stitch markers from Three Owls Knitting. I like to browse Etsy and bookmark favorites--not only is this a haven for knitting-related products, but there are also hand-crafted bags, soaps and perfumes, journals and hand-crafted paper goods, pottery, food, clothing, etc. It's the kind of site (like Ravelry) where one can get lost, but as Deb notes, it's the kind of site that sometimes doesn't get credit where credit is due. So as she has suggested, I'm "shouting to the world that Etsy is a place worth visiting," and I hope you'll spread the word.

More on my knitting, Summer of Socks, etc. soon!

Socks, Continued...

Surprisingly, I finished my Hederas yesterday. We watched a movie Saturday night and I knit straight through, getting most of the foot done. I finished up by the pool yesterday and Kitchenered the toe last night. They look beautiful, if I do say so, and I hope my Sockapalooza Pal loves them as much as I do.

I immediately looked at that sock stash that I shared with you earlier this week, and decided that instead of continuing to plow through my Socks that Rock, I would use one of my self-patterning yarns. I picked the Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fantasy, in beautiful blues and greens.

My sister had sent me this skein when she determined that sock knitting was not for her. After perusing Ravelry for more time than I care to admit last night (boy, is that site addictive!) I determined that because this yarn creates a Fair Isle pattern that's pretty busy on its own, most people knit this yarn up as straight stockinette. Wanting a bit more interest, I decided to try the Ridged Feather pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. Although I have several sock books, I keep going back to this one! This pattern uses an Afterthought Heel, which will be something new for me. So now I've officially started on Summer of Socks! Just 4 days after summer began--not bad.

Socks, Continued...

Surprisingly, I finished my Hederas yesterday. We watched a movie Saturday night and I knit straight through, getting most of the foot done. I finished up by the pool yesterday and Kitchenered the toe last night. They look beautiful, if I do say so, and I hope my Sockapalooza Pal loves them as much as I do.

I immediately looked at that sock stash that I shared with you earlier this week, and decided that instead of continuing to plow through my Socks that Rock, I would use one of my self-patterning yarns. I picked the Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fantasy, in beautiful blues and greens.

My sister had sent me this skein when she determined that sock knitting was not for her. After perusing Ravelry for more time than I care to admit last night (boy, is that site addictive!) I determined that because this yarn creates a Fair Isle pattern that's pretty busy on its own, most people knit this yarn up as straight stockinette. Wanting a bit more interest, I decided to try the Ridged Feather pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. Although I have several sock books, I keep going back to this one! This pattern uses an Afterthought Heel, which will be something new for me. So now I've officially started on Summer of Socks! Just 4 days after summer began--not bad.

Summer of Socks

It's been awhile since I've had time to post--or, for that matter, time to knit. This week was all about family: Father's Day last Sunday, then our wedding anniversary, then my daughter's Middle School graduation, and today, my son's birthday. With relatives visiting and many festivities to attend, I did not pick up my needles once between Monday and last night, when I forced myself to pick up the gusset stitches on my Hederas. I felt like I should be using my size 0 sock needles (which I like to use for the heels when the rest of the sock is done on size 1's) to keep my eyes open!
Today is a much more relaxed day and I'm eager to get back to the regular knitting routine. I will get more done on the Hederas as well as the BonBon tank.
Yesterday was the start of Summer of Socks. I will not start a pair until I finish my Hederas (which should just be another week or two), but I have plenty of sock yarn from which to choose! The new Rockin Sock Club colorway and pattern arrived during all of the frenzy of this week, but it is just lovely--pinks, oranges, etc. Actually, this colorway, Firebird, is very similar to the recent Dahlia colorway from the Sundara Sock Club:
With all the gifting of sock yarn that's happened over the past few weeks, I now have quite the sock yarn stash--enough for 10 pairs! This includes 4 skeins of STR, 3 skeins of Sundara, and 3 skeins of Opal/Meilenweit types. It should be an eventful summer of socks, that's for sure. Here's the stash, I'm looking forward to playing with it as summer begins!

Summer of Socks

It's been awhile since I've had time to post--or, for that matter, time to knit. This week was all about family: Father's Day last Sunday, then our wedding anniversary, then my daughter's Middle School graduation, and today, my son's birthday. With relatives visiting and many festivities to attend, I did not pick up my needles once between Monday and last night, when I forced myself to pick up the gusset stitches on my Hederas. I felt like I should be using my size 0 sock needles (which I like to use for the heels when the rest of the sock is done on size 1's) to keep my eyes open!
Today is a much more relaxed day and I'm eager to get back to the regular knitting routine. I will get more done on the Hederas as well as the BonBon tank.
Yesterday was the start of Summer of Socks. I will not start a pair until I finish my Hederas (which should just be another week or two), but I have plenty of sock yarn from which to choose! The new Rockin Sock Club colorway and pattern arrived during all of the frenzy of this week, but it is just lovely--pinks, oranges, etc. Actually, this colorway, Firebird, is very similar to the recent Dahlia colorway from the Sundara Sock Club:
With all the gifting of sock yarn that's happened over the past few weeks, I now have quite the sock yarn stash--enough for 10 pairs! This includes 4 skeins of STR, 3 skeins of Sundara, and 3 skeins of Opal/Meilenweit types. It should be an eventful summer of socks, that's for sure. Here's the stash, I'm looking forward to playing with it as summer begins!

Prizes!

I received my great contest prizes from Shannon and Stephanie of SSK.

They sent me a beautiful skein of Opal Sock Yarn, it looks like it is called "Southwest Collection," color #5.

I think it would make a beautiful pair of socks, or might even be a pretty half of a Chevron Scarf (since I just got Last-Minute Knitted Gifts.)

They also sent me a very cute pad of foldover stationery that looks like the old Nancy Drew books. How did they know that I read every one of these books as a child, and also that my kids leave for camp in less than two weeks, and I will need to write to them on fun stationery!


Thanks, ladies, for these treats. After a long week, it was great to receive them.

Prizes!

I received my great contest prizes from Shannon and Stephanie of SSK.

They sent me a beautiful skein of Opal Sock Yarn, it looks like it is called "Southwest Collection," color #5.

I think it would make a beautiful pair of socks, or might even be a pretty half of a Chevron Scarf (since I just got Last-Minute Knitted Gifts.)

They also sent me a very cute pad of foldover stationery that looks like the old Nancy Drew books. How did they know that I read every one of these books as a child, and also that my kids leave for camp in less than two weeks, and I will need to write to them on fun stationery!


Thanks, ladies, for these treats. After a long week, it was great to receive them.

Dish Rag Tag

Now that I am well into my Sockapalooza pal's second sock, I was intrigued today by an invitation to join "Dishrag Tag," an effort being started by Emily at the Yarn Miracle blog. I have a whole cone of Peaches and Creme that you've heard about in past posts, and I've been wanting to do some dishcloths/facecloths, particularly after reading Mason-Dixon Knitting recently. This seems like a fun summer activity that won't require too big of a time commitment. Check it out!

Dish Rag Tag

Now that I am well into my Sockapalooza pal's second sock, I was intrigued today by an invitation to join "Dishrag Tag," an effort being started by Emily at the Yarn Miracle blog. I have a whole cone of Peaches and Creme that you've heard about in past posts, and I've been wanting to do some dishcloths/facecloths, particularly after reading Mason-Dixon Knitting recently. This seems like a fun summer activity that won't require too big of a time commitment. Check it out!

Sockapalooza: Halfway There

While watching the final episode of The Sopranos last night, I finished the first of my Hederas. I hope it is the right size for my pal, but it does match the measurements she submitted. Now I've started Sock #2 and hope that I will have enough yarn, but I can always order more, right? My two goals at the moment are to finish the sock in time (before my vacation the last week in July, so I can mail it on time), and to finish with enough yarn.

Today was a train commuting day for a business meeting, so I took my Midwest Moonlight Scarf from Scarf Style, on which little progress had been made. Although I love this pattern, it does involve a bit of concentration and might not be the best choice for working on while riding the rails, but I also found that I could fudge a stitch here and there and it still looks OK. Shhh...don't tell!

Sockapalooza: Halfway There

While watching the final episode of The Sopranos last night, I finished the first of my Hederas. I hope it is the right size for my pal, but it does match the measurements she submitted. Now I've started Sock #2 and hope that I will have enough yarn, but I can always order more, right? My two goals at the moment are to finish the sock in time (before my vacation the last week in July, so I can mail it on time), and to finish with enough yarn.

Today was a train commuting day for a business meeting, so I took my Midwest Moonlight Scarf from Scarf Style, on which little progress had been made. Although I love this pattern, it does involve a bit of concentration and might not be the best choice for working on while riding the rails, but I also found that I could fudge a stitch here and there and it still looks OK. Shhh...don't tell!

I Won a Contest!

I have been entering a bunch of contests on other blogs and Podcasts for some time now--I think it's a great way to be an interactive member of the blogger/Podcaster community.

One of the Podcasts I've been enjoying lately is SSK, featuring Shannon and Stephanie. I love the fact that they met online and are in two different parts of the country, yet knitting has brought them together, and then they've brought the rest of us into their conversation. Anyway, they had a drawing of entries on favorite vacation knitting. I put in an entry about knitting socks on vacation, and I WON! Don't know what I'll get yet, but I'm sure it will be great. Who doesn't love getting a surprise package in the mail! Go listen to the Podcast, it's very entertaining. Thanks again, Shannon and Stephanie!

The picture I had sent in is the very beginning of my Hederas for my Sockapalooza pal. Since I sent my entry to SSK, I've made some nice progress on Hedera #1, which I think looks lovely--about 2 more inches to go:


I may be in danger of running out of yarn, but the Socks that Rock Mustang Sally is still available, so I could always buy another skein--that way, I'd be able to use the rest for a pair of socks for me! The wine color, slightly variegated colorway is just gorgeous, and the Hedera pattern is definitely one I'd do again.

I Won a Contest!

I have been entering a bunch of contests on other blogs and Podcasts for some time now--I think it's a great way to be an interactive member of the blogger/Podcaster community.

One of the Podcasts I've been enjoying lately is SSK, featuring Shannon and Stephanie. I love the fact that they met online and are in two different parts of the country, yet knitting has brought them together, and then they've brought the rest of us into their conversation. Anyway, they had a drawing of entries on favorite vacation knitting. I put in an entry about knitting socks on vacation, and I WON! Don't know what I'll get yet, but I'm sure it will be great. Who doesn't love getting a surprise package in the mail! Go listen to the Podcast, it's very entertaining. Thanks again, Shannon and Stephanie!

The picture I had sent in is the very beginning of my Hederas for my Sockapalooza pal. Since I sent my entry to SSK, I've made some nice progress on Hedera #1, which I think looks lovely--about 2 more inches to go:


I may be in danger of running out of yarn, but the Socks that Rock Mustang Sally is still available, so I could always buy another skein--that way, I'd be able to use the rest for a pair of socks for me! The wine color, slightly variegated colorway is just gorgeous, and the Hedera pattern is definitely one I'd do again.

Addicted to Ravelry

I am one of the lucky ones who was issued an early invitation to Ravelry, the new social networking-type site for knitters who want to share yarn and pattern ideas, photos and feedback with other knitters, including several of my favorite Podcasters! Jessica and Casey have done a fabulous job with this site, and I've already added several Ravelry "friends" with whom I've exchanged pattern advice. Just as I have been blown away by the ever-increasing number of knitting blogs, Podcasts and general online resources, so have I been impressed with the wonderful ways in which Ravelry is bringing our widely dispersed community together. I'm looking forward to the full-blown Ravelry after what seems to me like a very successful beta-testing period. I've been thrilled to be a part of it!

I am also about half way up the body of my BonBon Tank, and the yarn is behaving so much better after I started alternating skeins to prevent pooling. Looking at the photo, there is still some pooling, but the big blobs of pink are gone. I'm already contemplating my next project after this is done.

The Hederas for my Sockapalooza pal are also coming along, although I feel a bit behind schedule now that it's June and I'm still on the leg of Sock #1. I better spend more time working on those, and less on...Ravelry.

Addicted to Ravelry

I am one of the lucky ones who was issued an early invitation to Ravelry, the new social networking-type site for knitters who want to share yarn and pattern ideas, photos and feedback with other knitters, including several of my favorite Podcasters! Jessica and Casey have done a fabulous job with this site, and I've already added several Ravelry "friends" with whom I've exchanged pattern advice. Just as I have been blown away by the ever-increasing number of knitting blogs, Podcasts and general online resources, so have I been impressed with the wonderful ways in which Ravelry is bringing our widely dispersed community together. I'm looking forward to the full-blown Ravelry after what seems to me like a very successful beta-testing period. I've been thrilled to be a part of it!

I am also about half way up the body of my BonBon Tank, and the yarn is behaving so much better after I started alternating skeins to prevent pooling. Looking at the photo, there is still some pooling, but the big blobs of pink are gone. I'm already contemplating my next project after this is done.

The Hederas for my Sockapalooza pal are also coming along, although I feel a bit behind schedule now that it's June and I'm still on the leg of Sock #1. I better spend more time working on those, and less on...Ravelry.

Summer Goals

With the unofficial start of the summer season coming tomorrow (a child of the beach, that means Memorial Day weekend), I'm heading down to the shore with my summer knitting goals on my mind. Courtesy of Ali and her Summer Knitting Goals contest, here are my summer goals:

1. Finish my Sockapalooza socks before my trip at the end of July
2. Start at least one more pair of socks, preferably two, to make a dent in my sock yarn stash
3. Finish my BonBon tank
4. Decide what to make with my Noro Silk Garden and start it
5. Start my Manos Afghan--at least one square complete

I think those are reasonable goals, although some of these projects are kind of hot for outdoor knitting. Why don't you enter the contest at Ali's blog? Just go to her site and read the directions. Don't forget: when you comment and sign up for the contest, tell Ali that I pointed you to her and I'll get an extra entry! Good luck to all of us!

Summer Goals

With the unofficial start of the summer season coming tomorrow (a child of the beach, that means Memorial Day weekend), I'm heading down to the shore with my summer knitting goals on my mind. Courtesy of Ali and her Summer Knitting Goals contest, here are my summer goals:

1. Finish my Sockapalooza socks before my trip at the end of July
2. Start at least one more pair of socks, preferably two, to make a dent in my sock yarn stash
3. Finish my BonBon tank
4. Decide what to make with my Noro Silk Garden and start it
5. Start my Manos Afghan--at least one square complete

I think those are reasonable goals, although some of these projects are kind of hot for outdoor knitting. Why don't you enter the contest at Ali's blog? Just go to her site and read the directions. Don't forget: when you comment and sign up for the contest, tell Ali that I pointed you to her and I'll get an extra entry! Good luck to all of us!

A Proud Frogger!

I was going along smoothly on my BonBon tank, using my Great Adirondack Silk Noir in the Chagall colorway, when I noticed some big blobs of pink pooling. I kept going, but it bothered me as the blobs (one on the front, one on the back as I am knitting in the round) kept getting bigger. Today I surfed around a bit and saw lots of advice about alternating balls of yarn with handpainted variegated yarn. I kept wondering if I should just keep the pooling--you know, it gives that hand-knit character, blah, blah, blah. I came home and took another look and decided I just couldn't live with it, so I bit the bullet and frogged about 20 rows, tangling a little bit of the frogged yarn beyond saving in the process. Then I started alternating balls, and after about 4 rows done, it looks soooo much better. I forgot to take a "before" picture, but here's what it looks like now:

It was just bothering me too much to go on! The plus was that I wasn't sure how the fit was going to be, and while I had it off the needles, I tried it on and I think it will fit fine. I learned a good lesson, and now I'll know about this trick for the future.
It's funny--the pooling never bothers me on socks, but with a garment like a close-fitting tank top, it could look awful.
This is somewhat of a cursed project--this is the second time I've frogged it--but I'm still glad I strove for perfection. Back to knitting.

A Proud Frogger!

I was going along smoothly on my BonBon tank, using my Great Adirondack Silk Noir in the Chagall colorway, when I noticed some big blobs of pink pooling. I kept going, but it bothered me as the blobs (one on the front, one on the back as I am knitting in the round) kept getting bigger. Today I surfed around a bit and saw lots of advice about alternating balls of yarn with handpainted variegated yarn. I kept wondering if I should just keep the pooling--you know, it gives that hand-knit character, blah, blah, blah. I came home and took another look and decided I just couldn't live with it, so I bit the bullet and frogged about 20 rows, tangling a little bit of the frogged yarn beyond saving in the process. Then I started alternating balls, and after about 4 rows done, it looks soooo much better. I forgot to take a "before" picture, but here's what it looks like now:

It was just bothering me too much to go on! The plus was that I wasn't sure how the fit was going to be, and while I had it off the needles, I tried it on and I think it will fit fine. I learned a good lesson, and now I'll know about this trick for the future.
It's funny--the pooling never bothers me on socks, but with a garment like a close-fitting tank top, it could look awful.
This is somewhat of a cursed project--this is the second time I've frogged it--but I'm still glad I strove for perfection. Back to knitting.

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!