We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Knitting...

...for some charity projects.

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


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

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Knitting...

...for some charity projects.

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


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

Road Trip!

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


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

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

Road Trip!

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


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

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

One Night Stand: Cell Phone Cozy

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

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

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

One Night Stand: Cell Phone Cozy

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

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

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

The Satisfaction of Finishing Socks

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

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

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

The Satisfaction of Finishing Socks

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

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

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

Tag, You're It!

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


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

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

Tag, You're It!

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


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

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

My Sockapalooza Socks Have Arrived!

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

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


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


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

My Sockapalooza Socks Have Arrived!

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

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


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


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

Knitting in Spain

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

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

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

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

Knitting in Spain

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

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

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

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

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.