Baby, Oh Baby!

It's been almost two months since my last post--exactly the time it's taken my to finish my Op-Art Blanket. I absolutely loved making this project for my co-worker's soon-to-be-born baby boy.

I would even think about making it again (although it would have to be bigger and I'm not sure I could stand doing this much bigger) for my son when he goes to college in a year. It needed strenuous blocking, as advertised on Ravelry, but I think the recipients will love it. And the baby isn't due until October!

However, it's now time to knit for the second baby coming in to my life (my cousin's son, also due in October) and then another co-worker who is having a girl in November. THEN I'll get back to knitting for me, except for the four striped headbands that my daughter has requested for her sorority sisters--and I certainly can't deny her that! So tonight, during the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics, I cast on for my cousin's baby sweater--the Hooded Pullover by Lorna Miser, from the wonderful 60 Quick Baby Knits, a book designed to use Cascade 220. I am using Fibernymph Dye Works Bona Fide DK base, in the Peacock Blue Semisolid Colorway. The yarn is gorgeous and wonderful to knit. I also got gauge on my first try with size 6 needles. Yay! Since I cast on during the Opening Ceremonies, I decided to join the Ravellenic Games at the last minute. I joined Team Sasquatch since that's where all the cool Podcasters are and I am a Podcast junkie. For my third baby project, I'm deciding between two afghans but have already ordered the yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Paints in the beautiful and cheerful colorway Tropical Punch. So I'm immersed in baby project land, and loving it! More to come with the next finished project, which should be much sooner than this interval.

Baby, Oh Baby!

It's been almost two months since my last post--exactly the time it's taken my to finish my Op-Art Blanket. I absolutely loved making this project for my co-worker's soon-to-be-born baby boy.

I would even think about making it again (although it would have to be bigger and I'm not sure I could stand doing this much bigger) for my son when he goes to college in a year. It needed strenuous blocking, as advertised on Ravelry, but I think the recipients will love it. And the baby isn't due until October!

However, it's now time to knit for the second baby coming in to my life (my cousin's son, also due in October) and then another co-worker who is having a girl in November. THEN I'll get back to knitting for me, except for the four striped headbands that my daughter has requested for her sorority sisters--and I certainly can't deny her that! So tonight, during the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics, I cast on for my cousin's baby sweater--the Hooded Pullover by Lorna Miser, from the wonderful 60 Quick Baby Knits, a book designed to use Cascade 220. I am using Fibernymph Dye Works Bona Fide DK base, in the Peacock Blue Semisolid Colorway. The yarn is gorgeous and wonderful to knit. I also got gauge on my first try with size 6 needles. Yay! Since I cast on during the Opening Ceremonies, I decided to join the Ravellenic Games at the last minute. I joined Team Sasquatch since that's where all the cool Podcasters are and I am a Podcast junkie. For my third baby project, I'm deciding between two afghans but have already ordered the yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Paints in the beautiful and cheerful colorway Tropical Punch. So I'm immersed in baby project land, and loving it! More to come with the next finished project, which should be much sooner than this interval.

Knit, Swirl!!!!

Wow, I didn't realize it's been more than two months since I've posted. I guess I've gotten in the habit of posting when a project is finished, and my Knit, Swirl sweater, Shades of Grey, has taken almost three months to knit. But it is worth it today, as I sit here wearing it even though it is heavy weight and it's in the 80's outside!

This was a fantastic project from start to finish. It provided a number of challenges and new techniques, as well as a lot of enjoyable, somewhat mindless knitting once you got in the groove. What was one of the most enjoyable parts about knitting a Knit, Swirl sweater was the support and camaraderie of the Ravelry Group as well as the hands-on support provided by Sandra McIver, the author of the Knit, Swirl book. I am absolutely sure that these sweaters would not be as popular as they are today if Sandra were not such an active participant in the success of the knitters who make them. Thank you, Sandra!

So now it's on to the Op-Art Baby Blanket, which I am making as the first of three baby gifts I have to make for co-workers' forthcoming babies! This first one is going to be a boy, so I picked two fun colors of KnitPicks Swish DK: Peapod (a bright green) and Dusk (a dark blue). Also bought two books, 60 Quick Baby Knits and 60 More Quick Baby Knits,

so that I'll have more ideas as these babies keep coming! Hopefully you'll hear from me sooner next time. Love this feeling of accomplishing something.

Knit, Swirl!!!!

Wow, I didn't realize it's been more than two months since I've posted. I guess I've gotten in the habit of posting when a project is finished, and my Knit, Swirl sweater, Shades of Grey, has taken almost three months to knit. But it is worth it today, as I sit here wearing it even though it is heavy weight and it's in the 80's outside!

This was a fantastic project from start to finish. It provided a number of challenges and new techniques, as well as a lot of enjoyable, somewhat mindless knitting once you got in the groove. What was one of the most enjoyable parts about knitting a Knit, Swirl sweater was the support and camaraderie of the Ravelry Group as well as the hands-on support provided by Sandra McIver, the author of the Knit, Swirl book. I am absolutely sure that these sweaters would not be as popular as they are today if Sandra were not such an active participant in the success of the knitters who make them. Thank you, Sandra!

So now it's on to the Op-Art Baby Blanket, which I am making as the first of three baby gifts I have to make for co-workers' forthcoming babies! This first one is going to be a boy, so I picked two fun colors of KnitPicks Swish DK: Peapod (a bright green) and Dusk (a dark blue). Also bought two books, 60 Quick Baby Knits and 60 More Quick Baby Knits,

so that I'll have more ideas as these babies keep coming! Hopefully you'll hear from me sooner next time. Love this feeling of accomplishing something.

Making Progress!

In the past week, I finished my second Leafling sock. With the 70-degree weather we've been having, I didn't think I'd get to wear them this season, but the forecast is for a bit cooler temperatures going in to next week, so I think I'll be OK. I am really pleased with the way these socks turned out and the way I mastered the interesting, Cat-Bordhi-inspired heel construction.
I immediately wound yarn for my next pair of socks--another skein from the 2008 Rockin Sock Club(!) I think just three more to go after this one! This is an absolutely gorgeous colorway, The Incredible Shrinking Violet, but I was a bit intimidated by the pattern that came with this yarn--it is about 12 pages long, for one thing, and while I am doing the Shades of Grey Knit, Swirl jacket, I want my alternative sock project to be easy and enjoyable. I also wanted to try another toe-up sock in preparation for the class I will be taking with Brenda Dayne at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in May (yay!!) So, I chose the Trilobite pattern from Wendy Johnson's Socks from the Toe up. I hope to cast on later today using Judy's Magic Cast-On.
The socks and the Knit, Swirl should keep me busy for awhile--hopefully another report to come soon!

Making Progress!

In the past week, I finished my second Leafling sock. With the 70-degree weather we've been having, I didn't think I'd get to wear them this season, but the forecast is for a bit cooler temperatures going in to next week, so I think I'll be OK. I am really pleased with the way these socks turned out and the way I mastered the interesting, Cat-Bordhi-inspired heel construction.
I immediately wound yarn for my next pair of socks--another skein from the 2008 Rockin Sock Club(!) I think just three more to go after this one! This is an absolutely gorgeous colorway, The Incredible Shrinking Violet, but I was a bit intimidated by the pattern that came with this yarn--it is about 12 pages long, for one thing, and while I am doing the Shades of Grey Knit, Swirl jacket, I want my alternative sock project to be easy and enjoyable. I also wanted to try another toe-up sock in preparation for the class I will be taking with Brenda Dayne at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio in May (yay!!) So, I chose the Trilobite pattern from Wendy Johnson's Socks from the Toe up. I hope to cast on later today using Judy's Magic Cast-On.
The socks and the Knit, Swirl should keep me busy for awhile--hopefully another report to come soon!

Knit, Swirl, Fun!

I've been a busy knitter lately! Finished the Uisce Shawl that I started last summer and that was put aside (along with my Transverse Cardigan) while I was in my sock-making frenzy. I like the Uisce and would like to make something else from the Four Elements Booklet that I bought for this pattern--maybe the Talamh cardigan? Carol Feller's instructions are clear and the deep waffle pattern was fun and interesting. A beautiful piece and I have worn it two days in a row already! Have to get some scarf/shawl wearing in before it gets REALLY warm!
Still chugging along on my Leafling Socks. The heel construction didn't turn out to be too bad, and Sock #1 is beautiful. I can now confidently knit sock two knowing the number of rows, the fit, and the fact that I weighed my yarn after Sock #1 and have more than half the ball left, so I know I won't run out. I made the legs about 7 1/2", which I like better than the 5-6 inch length thathttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif many sock patterns are written for. The Socks that Rock Medium-weight skein is evidently big enough to handle the longer length--probably because I have relatively small feet.
So now it's on to my first "Knit,Swirl!" sweater--Shades of Grey. I'm using the Berroco Lustra and Boboli that I bought at Down Cellar's Super Bowl sale. So far, so good--on a business trip this week, I had some quiet time in the hotel room and I turned on some knitting Podcasts and did Welt #1. I even successfully joined the 520 stitches in the round without twisting--even using Sandra McIver's detailed technique for preventing twist, I was holding my breath through the entire row until I knew I didn't have a Mobius!
I will be working on this sweater for some time, I think, and then have a new project queued up--the OpArt blanket for a co-worker who is going to be a dad (with his wife who is a former coworker). I'm waiting to see whether it's a boy or girl to decide on colors--either the black and white of the original, or possibly a rainbow effect like one I saw on Ravelry.

Knit, Swirl, Fun!

I've been a busy knitter lately! Finished the Uisce Shawl that I started last summer and that was put aside (along with my Transverse Cardigan) while I was in my sock-making frenzy. I like the Uisce and would like to make something else from the Four Elements Booklet that I bought for this pattern--maybe the Talamh cardigan? Carol Feller's instructions are clear and the deep waffle pattern was fun and interesting. A beautiful piece and I have worn it two days in a row already! Have to get some scarf/shawl wearing in before it gets REALLY warm!
Still chugging along on my Leafling Socks. The heel construction didn't turn out to be too bad, and Sock #1 is beautiful. I can now confidently knit sock two knowing the number of rows, the fit, and the fact that I weighed my yarn after Sock #1 and have more than half the ball left, so I know I won't run out. I made the legs about 7 1/2", which I like better than the 5-6 inch length thathttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif many sock patterns are written for. The Socks that Rock Medium-weight skein is evidently big enough to handle the longer length--probably because I have relatively small feet.
So now it's on to my first "Knit,Swirl!" sweater--Shades of Grey. I'm using the Berroco Lustra and Boboli that I bought at Down Cellar's Super Bowl sale. So far, so good--on a business trip this week, I had some quiet time in the hotel room and I turned on some knitting Podcasts and did Welt #1. I even successfully joined the 520 stitches in the round without twisting--even using Sandra McIver's detailed technique for preventing twist, I was holding my breath through the entire row until I knew I didn't have a Mobius!
I will be working on this sweater for some time, I think, and then have a new project queued up--the OpArt blanket for a co-worker who is going to be a dad (with his wife who is a former coworker). I'm waiting to see whether it's a boy or girl to decide on colors--either the black and white of the original, or possibly a rainbow effect like one I saw on Ravelry.

Transverse Cardigan Is Done!

It feels great to have completed my first big project after my long hiatus making hats. The Transverse Cardi is really pretty and fits well. I followed a lot of suggestions from Ravelers, and while I am very happy with the way this sweater looks, I might try it again in a solid color and sticking more to the actual pattern (more cropped and without the wide band on both fronts). Now that I have made it and have seen how it all works, I think I would be more confident in trying it again and knowing how it would turn out. It is a really fun, ingenious construction. Even met the designer, Ann Weaver, on Ravelry during this process and that was fun.
Now I await casting on my first Knit, Swirl jacket. Before tackling this large project, however, I'm catching up on the Leafling Socks that I started last month. The bright green tonal is definitely not a colorway I would have picked myself (this is several years' old Rockin' Sock Club yarn), but I love it. I think I will smile looking down at my feet once these socks are done! So far, the leaf pattern on the leg is coming out very pretty. We'll see if I can handle what is reported to be a tricky heel construction. I ripped these back and cast on 66 stitches for the leg rather than 60; I'd rather have them a little higher (probably 7" leg, and a little looser rather than binding around the calf. I decreased down to 60 after a couple pattern repeats on the leg and will stay there for the rest of the sock.
Back to knitting!

Transverse Cardigan Is Done!

It feels great to have completed my first big project after my long hiatus making hats. The Transverse Cardi is really pretty and fits well. I followed a lot of suggestions from Ravelers, and while I am very happy with the way this sweater looks, I might try it again in a solid color and sticking more to the actual pattern (more cropped and without the wide band on both fronts). Now that I have made it and have seen how it all works, I think I would be more confident in trying it again and knowing how it would turn out. It is a really fun, ingenious construction. Even met the designer, Ann Weaver, on Ravelry during this process and that was fun.
Now I await casting on my first Knit, Swirl jacket. Before tackling this large project, however, I'm catching up on the Leafling Socks that I started last month. The bright green tonal is definitely not a colorway I would have picked myself (this is several years' old Rockin' Sock Club yarn), but I love it. I think I will smile looking down at my feet once these socks are done! So far, the leaf pattern on the leg is coming out very pretty. We'll see if I can handle what is reported to be a tricky heel construction. I ripped these back and cast on 66 stitches for the leg rather than 60; I'd rather have them a little higher (probably 7" leg, and a little looser rather than binding around the calf. I decreased down to 60 after a couple pattern repeats on the leg and will stay there for the rest of the sock.
Back to knitting!

Back to Reality

Well, my school fundraising event at which my friend sold my hats/headbands has come and gone--and not one item sold. I am somewhat disappointed in this, although the items were priced a little high for students. Unfortunately, the prices barely reflected the cost of materials and my time (priced extremely low). Now I guess I'll try a few more aggressive marketing techniques on my Etsy shop, but honestly, after my marathon of hat/headband knitting, it has been nice to get back to knitting for myself for pleasure.
My first project after the hat project was the GAP-tastic cowl. I had bought some luscious Malabrigo Chunky almost a year ago for this project, and I have been getting frustrated seeing every other person in Manhattan wearing an infinity scarf that I knew I could make! I only used two of the three balls of Malabrigo I had purchased--the cowl is still 10" wide and about 60" in circumference after blocking (which gave it a beautiful, drapy feel), which is way big enough for my 5'2" frame. I ADORE the Velvet Grapes colorway and would love to use it again. It also looks absolutely fabulous in the seed stitch of the pattern.
With the leftover skein of Malabrigo, I immediately cast on for the Axel Mitts to match. I like them because the cuff at the fingers is knit long, so you can cover your fingers completely or roll it back if the day isn't as freezing as it was today! So far, I've made mitt #1 in two nights and expect to be finished with mitt #2 by the weekend. Then, it's back to the sweater and shawl I started last summer (!) and I may also cast on some socks to take with me on a business trip next week.
Despite my failed attempts at knitting for dollars, I am happy to be back to exploring my wonderful stash and knitting nice things for ME!

Back to Reality

Well, my school fundraising event at which my friend sold my hats/headbands has come and gone--and not one item sold. I am somewhat disappointed in this, although the items were priced a little high for students. Unfortunately, the prices barely reflected the cost of materials and my time (priced extremely low). Now I guess I'll try a few more aggressive marketing techniques on my Etsy shop, but honestly, after my marathon of hat/headband knitting, it has been nice to get back to knitting for myself for pleasure.
My first project after the hat project was the GAP-tastic cowl. I had bought some luscious Malabrigo Chunky almost a year ago for this project, and I have been getting frustrated seeing every other person in Manhattan wearing an infinity scarf that I knew I could make! I only used two of the three balls of Malabrigo I had purchased--the cowl is still 10" wide and about 60" in circumference after blocking (which gave it a beautiful, drapy feel), which is way big enough for my 5'2" frame. I ADORE the Velvet Grapes colorway and would love to use it again. It also looks absolutely fabulous in the seed stitch of the pattern.
With the leftover skein of Malabrigo, I immediately cast on for the Axel Mitts to match. I like them because the cuff at the fingers is knit long, so you can cover your fingers completely or roll it back if the day isn't as freezing as it was today! So far, I've made mitt #1 in two nights and expect to be finished with mitt #2 by the weekend. Then, it's back to the sweater and shawl I started last summer (!) and I may also cast on some socks to take with me on a business trip next week.
Despite my failed attempts at knitting for dollars, I am happy to be back to exploring my wonderful stash and knitting nice things for ME!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! I thought I'd do a little recap of 2011 and make a few knitting resolutions for the coming year.
In 2011, I completed several projects of varying types, including 3 pair of socks (one long pair of boot socks for my daughter), one large afghan, my first argyle project--a vest for my son, several scarves and cowls, and many, many hats and headbands for my fledgling Etsy shop/school fundraising business. I am currently in the midst of knitting as many hats and headbands in my son's school colors as I possibly can before a January 14th fundraising event. I'm not sure that I like putting my own projects aside to do so many hats and headbands exclusively, but I don't think I will have to do that once I get this stockpile done. The only chance that I would have to keep up at this pace would be if lots of people want these items on the 14th, I sell everything I've got at the event and I end up taking orders to make after the event. After that, though, I should be free for my own pursuits and then whatever I sell on Etsy.

I have really enjoyed beginning to learn about knitting as a business. I would still love to find a way to make it work, but so far I can't see this being a realistic only source of income. I do love seeing my daughter's friends in their earflap hats and getting their wonderful notes and hugs of thanks for these ear-warming goodies!

Along with my current hat on the needles, I'm enjoing the Gap-tastic Cowl made of Malabrigo Chunky in the spectacular Velvet Grapes colorway. Hope to get back to some of my languishing projects (started in the summer) soon.

Wishing everyone a joyous, healthy New Year filled with happiness, peace, love and all that you wish for.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! I thought I'd do a little recap of 2011 and make a few knitting resolutions for the coming year.
In 2011, I completed several projects of varying types, including 3 pair of socks (one long pair of boot socks for my daughter), one large afghan, my first argyle project--a vest for my son, several scarves and cowls, and many, many hats and headbands for my fledgling Etsy shop/school fundraising business. I am currently in the midst of knitting as many hats and headbands in my son's school colors as I possibly can before a January 14th fundraising event. I'm not sure that I like putting my own projects aside to do so many hats and headbands exclusively, but I don't think I will have to do that once I get this stockpile done. The only chance that I would have to keep up at this pace would be if lots of people want these items on the 14th, I sell everything I've got at the event and I end up taking orders to make after the event. After that, though, I should be free for my own pursuits and then whatever I sell on Etsy.

I have really enjoyed beginning to learn about knitting as a business. I would still love to find a way to make it work, but so far I can't see this being a realistic only source of income. I do love seeing my daughter's friends in their earflap hats and getting their wonderful notes and hugs of thanks for these ear-warming goodies!

Along with my current hat on the needles, I'm enjoing the Gap-tastic Cowl made of Malabrigo Chunky in the spectacular Velvet Grapes colorway. Hope to get back to some of my languishing projects (started in the summer) soon.

Wishing everyone a joyous, healthy New Year filled with happiness, peace, love and all that you wish for.

Boot Socks, Just in Time for Winter!

I finished my daughter' Hunter Boot Socks, aka kilt hose, yesterday. She will be coming home from college for winter break next week, and I will give these to her on one of the eight nights of Hanukkah! They came out great, if I do say so myself--I have never knit knee socks, and these are even longer (16 inches, with a fold-over lace panel too!). I really enjoyed knitting these socks, which decrease from the calf down to the ankle and fit me perfectly (we're similar in size). I think I'd like to do a pair of knee socks for me! Any pattern recommendations?
I also liked knitting socks with Cascade 220 Superwash. I used size 4 needles and, despite the length, they went quickly. I started them in September, but really haven't worked on them much as I've been making hats for all of my daughter's friends, and have even sold a few in my Etsy shop! I am probably going to be doing a fundraiser for my son's high school in January and I will try to sell hats and headbands in the school colors there.
Next up--I may reward myself by making the Laura Nelkin Butin Collar, for which I ordered a kit as well as the e-book that contains this and other jewelry and accessory patterns. Then I'll get back to the Transverse Cardigan that I started in July!
Happy Holidays, everyone--stay warm!

Boot Socks, Just in Time for Winter!

I finished my daughter' Hunter Boot Socks, aka kilt hose, yesterday. She will be coming home from college for winter break next week, and I will give these to her on one of the eight nights of Hanukkah! They came out great, if I do say so myself--I have never knit knee socks, and these are even longer (16 inches, with a fold-over lace panel too!). I really enjoyed knitting these socks, which decrease from the calf down to the ankle and fit me perfectly (we're similar in size). I think I'd like to do a pair of knee socks for me! Any pattern recommendations?
I also liked knitting socks with Cascade 220 Superwash. I used size 4 needles and, despite the length, they went quickly. I started them in September, but really haven't worked on them much as I've been making hats for all of my daughter's friends, and have even sold a few in my Etsy shop! I am probably going to be doing a fundraiser for my son's high school in January and I will try to sell hats and headbands in the school colors there.
Next up--I may reward myself by making the Laura Nelkin Butin Collar, for which I ordered a kit as well as the e-book that contains this and other jewelry and accessory patterns. Then I'll get back to the Transverse Cardigan that I started in July!
Happy Holidays, everyone--stay warm!

Winter Wear

Happy Post-Thanksgiving! Had a wonderful long weekend with my beautiful daughter home from collehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifge. I loved spending time with her as well as seeing all of her friends--such a great group of girls. I gave two of them their earflap hats--three more to go in the "core" group of friends and one additional friend has requested a hat. At this rate, colleges all over the country will have samples of mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gify hats, and hopefully this will lead to sales!
I have now made two official sales in my Etsy shop and look forward to growing my business.
As I said goodbye to my daughter until she returns again in three weeks, I promised that her Hunter Boot Liners , a variation of kilt hose, would be finished by Winter Break. Last night I powered through the first one while watching a too-close-for-comfort Steelers victory, and am about halfway through the decorative cuff of boot liner #2. I'm confident that I'll reach my goal. At 16 inches for the leg, these boot liners are a very significant project!
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is doing lots of cold-weather knitting!

Winter Wear

Happy Post-Thanksgiving! Had a wonderful long weekend with my beautiful daughter home from collehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifge. I loved spending time with her as well as seeing all of her friends--such a great group of girls. I gave two of them their earflap hats--three more to go in the "core" group of friends and one additional friend has requested a hat. At this rate, colleges all over the country will have samples of mhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gify hats, and hopefully this will lead to sales!
I have now made two official sales in my Etsy shop and look forward to growing my business.
As I said goodbye to my daughter until she returns again in three weeks, I promised that her Hunter Boot Liners , a variation of kilt hose, would be finished by Winter Break. Last night I powered through the first one while watching a too-close-for-comfort Steelers victory, and am about halfway through the decorative cuff of boot liner #2. I'm confident that I'll reach my goal. At 16 inches for the leg, these boot liners are a very significant project!
Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is doing lots of cold-weather knitting!

Hat Mania!

After surviving four days and three nights without power after a freak October snowstorm, I am back to knitting as usual, and my chunky hats seem more needed than ever! I have been continuing to make gift hats and headbands for my teenagers' friends and hope that they will serve as good marketers for the hats and headbands in my Etsy shop.
I also made my daughter a nice, warm chunky ribbed scarf in her school colors and my favorite bulky yarn, Cascade 128 Superwash.
Now I am on to experimenting with some boys' hats from a fabulous book, Hip Knit Hats. So far, I've made the Skip and am in the midst of making the Pat designs from this book.
We gain an hour when we set the clocks back tonight--another hour to knit! Yay! Stay warm, everyone.

Hat Mania!

After surviving four days and three nights without power after a freak October snowstorm, I am back to knitting as usual, and my chunky hats seem more needed than ever! I have been continuing to make gift hats and headbands for my teenagers' friends and hope that they will serve as good marketers for the hats and headbands in my Etsy shop.
I also made my daughter a nice, warm chunky ribbed scarf in her school colors and my favorite bulky yarn, Cascade 128 Superwash.
Now I am on to experimenting with some boys' hats from a fabulous book, Hip Knit Hats. So far, I've made the Skip and am in the midst of making the Pat designs from this book.
We gain an hour when we set the clocks back tonight--another hour to knit! Yay! Stay warm, everyone.