Classical Knitting Corner

Pilgrim Chase 5K Trail run 2nd place Age group award

2010-11-28T19:18:00.000-08:00

FINISHED!!!! And set a new PR by 14:02!!!

2010-10-24T11:42:00.001-07:00

Half Marathon #3 coming up tomorrow

2010-10-23T13:23:00.001-07:00

ING GA Half Marathon 2010

2010-03-22T08:57:00.001-07:00

Needed to post pix here in order to post on another site:

At the Expo

Jeff Galloway and me

After the race with my medal

2010 Snow

2010-02-12T15:23:00.001-08:00

New knitting

2009-12-29T14:45:00.000-08:00

Race pix

2009-11-02T16:11:00.000-08:00

I needed a place to put these picture from my first half marathon. :)

Me in pink

I'm in the back row in pink. I should have moved, but didn't know how many were in front.

My shirt and medal

FINISH LINE!!

My first half marathon medal!!!

Just in time for her to go to Hawaii!!!

2008-12-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

I finished the Entrelac Scarf (ravelry link) and pseudo-Fetching mitts....JUST in time for my friend to be going to HAWAII for Christmas! LOL At least she'll have them for when she returns to work in Jan.

Sweet Pea 1 grudgingly modeled these for me. These were in my last post but they've been blocked since and the pictures are better here.

Specs: Fetching pattern with a few modifications (in the notes on Ravelry). I mis-read the pattern so there is a cable at the wrist which should be at the top of the glove, but I thought it would be fine since my friend has small hands.
Yarn: Malabrigo silk blend (30% silk, 70% merino extrafine wool).
Needle: US7 (I think)

Specs: Finished size 9" x 58" My friend is 5'1. I think she'll be warm!
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Lite #2018 - 4 skeins
Needle size US5

Now back to knitting a couple more presents.

Can you hear me now????

2008-12-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know the silence has been deafening, hasn't it? I do have a couple things to show for myself though. They are all WIP though. We had fall baseball and I was working on what? I don't remember! I do have two other WsIP which I forgot to take a picture of so those will have to wait.

Here is project Number 1 currently on the needles.

This is the Olive Branch Yoga Hoodie. I'm ready to knit the body now except that this has been put on the back burner until my few knitted Christmas items are finished. Hoodie to be seamed later. I'm using a Knitpicks Yarn...Main Line in Blueberry.

This picture is just to prove there are 2 sleeves. :)

Current active project is this wide Entrelac scarf

I decided I wanted to learn to knit entrelac because KathyJo was going to learn how. I'm really enjoying it mostly. I can knit away and only have to wake up every now. I know that I would NOT want to do the Lady Eleanor Stole. I believe there IS too much of a good thing. :) I'm using Noro Silk Garden in I don't remember. I'll provide the finished specs when I complete it.

Another project which needed to sit in the corner for while is this:

This is the Undulating Waves Scarf. My first foray at beads. I have a LOT more done than this picture shows, but I forgot to snap it....later.

Oh, WAIT! I do have a very bad photo of a completed project! Fetching, or my rendition of Fetching. WONDERFUL Malabrigo silk blend was used (30% silk, 70% merino extrafine wool). LOVE, LOVE this yarn! I have another skein to make myself a pair of fingerless mitts after the Christmas knitting is complete (aka the Entrelac scarf). I used size 6 needles.

That Silly Man of Mine

2008-07-22T11:23:00.001-07:00

Last night at dinner, I made a comment to everyone that Popeye (aka Daddy) needs to tell me what would be a good day for me to come to the town where he works (near us) so he and I could have lunch together.

Popeye: You could come over on Wednesday.

Me: Well, I really can't on this Wednesday, but we need to figure out another day and it has to be at least a Wednesday or a Thursday.

Popeye: Why?

Me: Because after we eat lunch, I want to go check out the new yarn store.

Popeye: Oh!!!!!!!! There is an ulterior motive! I've heard of playing second fiddle before, but not playing second NEEDLE!

Me: (laughing) No, I'm just killing two birds with one TRIP is all. :)

Baby things and others

2008-07-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

I knit up a few baby things for a woman at church. I'm not particularly close to this young woman, but we play together in our church orchestra. She will be having her first baby in just a few weeks. I knit two hats and a bib.

This hat is called Little Boy Blue Ribbed Baby Hat. You can find the pattern at The Shizknit. Just a simple ribbed hat that will fit this winter and for several more on into toddler hood. Even my boys can wear it, although it looks a like a beanie on them. I used some leftover Plymouth Encore can'trememberthecolorname variegated.

I think I got this pattern off of Ravelry. It is just a simple roll-brimmed hat with topknot. I used some leftover Shine Worsted in Bachelor Button from Knit picks.

This baby bib is the Double Woven Bib. The pattern is very easy to memorize and turns out a very cute bib. I used some Peaches & Cream dishcloth cotton yarn that had been sitting in the stash.

This is the Undulating Wave Scarf. I'm really liking how this is turning out. I've never knit with beads before, so learning this new technique has been fun. Sometimes it can be a little frustrating, but victory feels good when you conquer. I'm using Schaefer Heather in the Gertrude Eberle colorway. More details when it is finished.

This was going to be a scarf, but it is going to the frogpond. The color of this "mahogany" CASHMERE (oh so soft) yarn looks rather purple. On my monitor this picture looks mahogany, but in the real outdoor light, even Popeye and the boys agree, it is purple. Since this gift is for a man in my family, I don't think purple will cut it. I'll still use the same pattern though

More New Fibery Goodness

2008-07-01T16:29:00.000-07:00

My nice friend Jennifer knows of my newly acquired hobby of spinning. I actually haven't done much with it yet, but I WILL! She was so kind to bring me some fiber to use. I don't want to use these because they are so pretty until I get better at spinning. So in the meantime I'm using plain roving.

This is 4 oz of Merino.

This is 4 oz of Merino and Kid Mohair. Aren't they both so pretty?

This is my latest acquisition of Sundara Yarn. I traded some (that I wish I still had) for this. It is called Blushing Charcoal. It doesn't look quite this pink in person but more grayish Maybe I can find that which I traded sometime in the future.

On Hiatus, Finished, New Aquisitions

2008-06-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

The Brigit socks below are on hiatus. I am mad at them for the moment but will get back to them at some point. They can sit in the corner for awhile. :)

I have a finished project to show off. At LONG last the Chevron Scarf is complete. (Sorry for the blurry pix.)

Specs for this project:
Needles: Size 3 Knitpicks Options
Yarn: Socks that Rock Medium weight Monsoon and Cherry Tree Hill Northern Lights.

This was the most boring project I've ever knit so far I think. I love the effect now that it is over, but I don't love it enough to knit it again.

I gifted it to my best friend, Lisa, and she loved it!

In the new acquisitions, I have traded yarn or received from my clubs some very interesting yarns.

Here are a few:

This is Ravissant in Bling. This came from one of my sock yarn clubs. I really like this was hoping for something a little darker in more of an eggplant purple. It will be a scarf of some sort eventually. This is the last of my subscription from Zen Yarn Garden.

Next is June Bug from Yarn Pirate. I'm trying to trade or sell this yarn...NOT my colors at all. This was the last shipment from my YP subscription.

Shibuiknits (don't know the color number/name and I'm too lazy to get up) Received this yarn in trade for some Yarn Pirate I think. Nice browns and burganys in this.

This was the May offering in the Socks that Rock Club. Incredible Shrinking Violet. I love the purples, but I'm not sure which socks this shall become.

Last but not least is Socks that Rock Thistle - I received this yarn in trade for I don't remember what, but I really like the colors in this. I don't know if I'll want to do socks out of this or not. It will definitely simmer in my stash until I can decide.

Believe it or not, I'm getting burned out on socks for awhile. I'm working on a pair now and I'll post about those soon. After those are finished, I'm going to take a break from socks for a month or so and focus on a few other things....but I'll save those other things for another post.

Give me more cables

2008-05-20T19:00:00.001-07:00

I'm LOVING cables. I don't know why...I guess it's the way they look. They look like you've done something really fancy, but they are really easy (at least the ones *I've* done so far).

Current WIP. This is Brigit in the Dahlia colorway by Sundara Yarns. This is going really fast and is a fun pattern too.

I've also decided that I think Sundara's yarn is some of the best on the market. I love how it looks, I love how she overdyes and I love how it knits up. I may end up not signing up for any sock clubs next year except for hers (I'll have to wait until April 2009 before she takes any new members.). I can spend my money on her website for the first four months of 2009 though. :)

1st, 2nd, 3rd

2008-05-15T17:52:00.000-07:00

First....my first cables, my first mystery sock

Second....almost a second sock

Third...third pair finished this year (yeah, I'm slow)

Specs:
Socktopia Mystery Sock Shushan Socks
Yarn: Zen Yarn Garden HARMONY Semi-Solid Sock Yarn Club Yarn in Aubergine
Needles: Size 2 Knitpicks DPNs, then Magic loop with KP Circular

FINALLY finished and a few WIP

2008-05-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY finished the Hedera socks...and hopefully my SIL won't read my blog before she has a chance to receive them. They are drying now.

Thanks goes to Sweet Pea 2 for being my model. My feet are too large for these socks. I did NOT enjoy knitting this pattern. Zoomom loved it, but I had SUCH a hard time memorizing lines one and three of the pattern. It did make it easier after she drew me a chart, but I will never knit these socks again. Thankfully, I know my SIL will like them since she is a part-time knitter and knows what goes into projects like this.

A few other things on the list are in progress. I'll have lots of knitting time this weekend so I hope to finish these socks.

These are mystery socks from the Soctopia group on Ravelry. I don't think the pattern is online anywhere except on Ravelry so I can't link it. I have 1/2 of a sock left to go.

Also going on is a new sock barely started.

This is Brigit and it is a surprise for someone I can't say since she may read my blog. Pattern only available on Ravelry.

I do have a lace scarf started but only 4 rows of garter is not anything to show. My Chevron scarf is coming right along too with only 25 inches left to go. I was hoping to finish it this weekend too, but we'll see. If not, it is good baseball knitting whereas Brigit and lace are not.

The month of pink

2008-04-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

In my last post I commented that I did not buy any new yarn because of what I had already bought and what would be coming this month from my yarn clubs. I've received these in the past few days. Thankfully (am I really saying that?) no more yarn will be coming until mid-May.

These first two skeins are from Zen Yarn Garden. Top picture is Abloom and bottom picture is Pinata. These are from the new Colour Burst Series. I did buy these and they are not a part of all my club yarns. I couldn't resist though.

This yarn is from the Yarn Pirate Sock Club. I wanted to try it out. You subscribe for 3 months at a time and can unsubscribe at any time so you won't receive yarn after the 3 month period is up. This month's yarn is called Sweet Lime. I'm not sure I'm too crazy about it, but I'm going to keep it for awhile and see if it grows on me. It isn't anything I would normally buy for myself (or any others I know of other than Zoomom ) so we'll see.

This is the April shipment for the Zen Yarn Garden Harmony Semi-solid club. The colorway is Rambling Rose. Again, I don't think I would have picked this out to buy. I only have two more months of this sock club. I wish this club would be spread out over the year like the Socks That Rock Club instead of a skein per month. Maybe I'll suggest it to Roxanne.

Reason #1 why I did not buy yarn in Atlanta.....

2008-04-11T16:24:00.000-07:00

As much as I WANTED to by yarn at Knitch in Atlanta last weekend, I was held back remembering my recent stash enhancements:

There are 4 skeins of STR Raven colors, several skeins of "other" Socks That Rock colors such as Purple Rain, Just Right Red, Jasper and Tanzanite, some Zen Yarn Garden, and Yarn Pirate.

And then....I just couldn't resist getting the new Lorna's Laces Grumperina colorway.

And if that isn't enough....two more skeins of Zen Yarn Garden are making their way to me as well as my Zen Yarn Garden monthly club skein.

Needless to say....I'm now on YARN restriction!

I didn't know we'd make the news!!!

2008-04-08T08:16:00.001-07:00

While I was standing in front of the line holding my and Meredith's places, she was off becoming famous! ;) Here's an article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution about the Yarn Harlot's visit and about knitting being so popular.

Yarn Harlot Trip

2008-04-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

The Yarn Harlot came to Atlanta. There were several from my area that were going to travel over to see her. It turns out that not as many went as had intended to go. I was EXTREMELY excited about going since I didn't get to go in September when she was here and nothing or no one was going to stop me from going. I decided that even if no one I knew was going, I'm a big girl and can have fun all by myself...after all, an afternoon with the Yarn Harlot, my knitting, and a latte (or two) makes for loads of fun. ;)

Popeye and the Sweet Peas decided they wanted to go see the Atlanta Braves play so we journeyed together.

EVERYTHING worked out perfectly....location, time, everything! The Braves' stadium was literally only 5 miles away from where the Yarn Harlot was going to speak. Popeye made it possible for me to arrive with plenty of time to spare. The guys let me out at Hilan Theatre. Too bad the Starbucks isn't there anymore. :( (But I made do. ;) ) I walked up the street and around the corner to Knitch...the yarn shop hosting the event.

This is the first floor fiber stash. LOTS more goodies there than what I took pictures of.

A picture of just SOME of the goodies upstairs. I meant to get a picture of the rovings but I was so in awe of everything and trying to take everything in, that I forgot.

I made just a small purchase or two (I resisted the yarn...I have my reasons which shall be divulged in a day or so).

I decided to walk down the street in search of a latte and something to eat. I found the Belly. My turkey sandwich was to DIE for! Homemade bread, tasty veggies (even thinly sliced cucumbers) on my sandwich with spicy mustard...and my latte (the first and second one) was WONDERFUL.

I decided it was time to take my sandwich and walk back down to the theater and get in line. I knew it was probably too early to start getting lined up but when I got there, there were 5 other women already at the door. I figured "why not". I got here early so I could get a good seat so I might as well take advantage of it. Soon thereafter, more and more (mostly) ladies were lining up. I had arranged to meet up with someone from my area. She wasn't quite to Atlanta yet. So I told her I would save her a place in line so we could sit together.

Here we are (I'm on the left, Meredith is on the right...terrible picture of me)

The Knitch ladies let us into the entrance to the theater. This is just a PART of the crowd.

After we were allowed to go in at 1pm, we were greeted with these displays:

(My camera did NOT like the lighting in this place.) This is just PART of the crowd on the bottom floor. There is an upstairs that was full. Oh, we were sitting on the 2nd row...I could have gotten on the first row, but figured 2nd was fine enough.

This was Georgia's largest knit in so while we were all knitting and waiting for Stephanie to come out, there was a raffle. The proceeds from the raffle went to Doctors without Borders. Unfortunately, I didn't win anything, but it went to a good cause. Three more tickets and I would have won some really nice yarn (live and learn).

It was finally time and the Yarn Harlot came out to take her blog pictures and give us her speech. (These are REALLY dark but I think you can make her out if you squint hard.)

Afterwards, she did a Q&A which was as fun as her giving her speech. Then they had the book signing. Those who were disabled, pregnant, had a baby on the outside of their body or traveled more than an hour to get there, got to go first. One of those categories fit me....the over-an-hour-drive one. :D

I showed my sock Stephanie as she was signing books. ;)

And then I held the Harlot's knitting while she held mine. I was so giddy with excitement and caffeine. She is SO nice and such a down to earth person. I think she would be a great person to be around on a regular basis. It is a day I won't soon forget.

News, I have news....

2008-03-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

New socks for Sweet Pea 1

They are BRIGHT though....get your sunglasses ready. The stripes don't match either, but he doesn't care and neither do I. He wanted "no show" socks, so that is what I did. I knit a linen stitch heel for these as part of my Ravelry group Sock Knitters Anonymous bi-monthly challenge. I like the heel quite a bit.

And a surprise.....

I've been bitten by the spinning bug....so I researched and read and researched some more and ended up with a very nice Kromski Minstrel spinning wheel. We're getting to know each other well.

"New Post"

2008-02-19T16:43:00.000-08:00

What's that? I actually have SEVERAL posts I could write today so instead, I'm going to write one LONG one and load it up with pictures.

I first have to say that being on Ravelry is SOOOO fun. I used to spend lots of time getting swallowed up into a homeschooling board, but now I find myself losing track of time on Ravelry. If you aren't a member yet, you should DEFINITELY get on the waiting list!

This first picture is of the beloved Wollmeise yarn which a lot of knitters literally almost FIGHT over. Try getting some of this at The Loopy Ewe and it is worse than Black Friday at Walmart! I traded some American yarn for these with a wonderful person in Germany. It so happens that Wollmeise is very plentiful in Germany. My package consisted of the two LARGE skeins of Wollmeise, some German chocolate that will KNOCK your socks off, and a little candy heart.

I've been keeping a secret.....I've decided to try my hand at spinning with a drop spindle. I bought this inexpensive spindle to start with. It is a top whorl Louet. Isn't it cute with the little sheep heads? (sorry for the blur)

I bought some VERY pretty roving called Brick House from this Etsy dealer. I can't wait to get started spinning.

And, finally, a work in progress. This is Hedera by Cookie A. I've been wanting to knit these for some time now and I had just the push I needed as I'm a member of a group on Ravelry called Sock Knitters Anonymous. Some are knitting Cookie A. designs so I decided to go along with the crowd. These look purplish on my monitor but they are really black with reddish/burgandy tint. The yarn is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock in Raven-Lenore. I LOVE the look of this yarn!

You Make My Day....

2008-02-03T18:38:00.001-08:00

I've read about this on a few blogs and thought I'd like to share the love.

The idea behind this is "Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on."

My list consists of: Zoomom,Beth, KathyJo, Carolyn,Rosemary, Jennifer Tiennie, GailV, Ree, and Lolly. This list is not exhaustive by any means!

ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK

2008-01-29T17:30:00.000-08:00

Do not scroll down any further if you don't want to see. I received my first Socks That Rock 2008 kit on Monday. Go no further if you don't want to see any pictures. I love the yarn....not sure about the pattern though.

What I've been up to

2008-01-27T16:19:00.001-08:00

Here is what I've been working on the past few days. (I don't know WHAT is up with my pictures! When I download them from the camera, they look fine (for the most part) until I upload them here. I know I'm not a good photographer though, but you get the drift.)

I have some All Things Heather that went from this

to this (This is up for sale or trade if you're interested)

This yarn is on its way to becoming Hedera. This is Socks That Rock Lightweight in the Raven color Lenore. It has burgandyish tones within the black.

I'm reknitting the foot and toes on the Monkey socks to fit myself since Sweet Pea 2 has decided he doesn't want them.

I wound Yarn Pirate's Killer Bees to get ready to cast on for little boy footie socks.

And knit a few rows on the longest lasting project in the world, the Chevron Scarf. I'm almost half way there. There are no intentions of finishing this for this winter. It is my carry-along, no-brainer project.

There was more stash acquistion from my trades on Ravelry.

Socks That Rock Lagoon

MadelineTosh Damp (this is up for sell or trade)

and ShiBuiKnits

New Stash Acquistion

2008-01-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

I'm addicted....to the In Search Of/Destash group on Ravelry. I decided to go through my yarn stash to see what I just didn't love any more and trade it for other yarn I do love. Here are the newest members of the Stash family.

This is Yarn Pirate Killer Bees. I loved this yarn at first and then decided to trade it (again) for something else. Then Sweet Peas 1 and 2 saw it and now they want socks made from this. Cool.

(Sorry for the blurry picture) This is Cherry Tree Hill (I think). The person I trade with lives locally. I really like this as it has a purple-y tone to the dark parts.

This is from one of the sock clubs I'm in this year. It is from the Harmony semi-solid yarn club from Zen Yarn Garden. It is the Down by the Bay colorway. It is very green/blue/greyish and hard to capture on the camera. Very soft. It is merino, bamboo and nylon. I can't wait to see how it knits up.

I've been DYING to get my hands on some Dream in Color Smooshy and I have some now! This is Cocoa Kisses. It looks brown, but in real life, there are variations from brown to dark grey but staying toward the brown family. Very lovely and VERY soft and smooshy. ;)

More to come as soon as my Socks That Rock Club yarn arrives in the next few days!

New knitting for the new year

2008-01-07T18:30:00.000-08:00

I've finished my first two projects of 2008. I'm itching to get back to socks now though.

This is Jack. Jack is wearing a cat sweater that I knit for him. I did my first steeking on this sweater for the paw holes. He is singing the praises of his "Mama" for such a great job!

Another shot of Jack in his sweater. He doesn't mind putting the sweater on too much, but he knows exactly how to get out of it as soon as he can get away. It was nice to put some acrylic and extra yarn to use.

This is another coffee cup cozy from the pattern in Interweave Knits Holiday Knits. I used Paton's SWS Soy/Wool which is the same yarn I used down below for Popeye's cozy.

The end and the beginning

2007-12-30T10:16:00.000-08:00

When I look back at my knitting for 2007, it seems that it was the year of "a little bit of everything".

I finished knitting:
2 hats
2 cat beds
5 mug/cup cozys
1 shawl
2 pair of socks
1 dishcloth
1 shrug

WIP still going on:
1 scarf
2 pair of socks
1 pair of finished socks to be made longer for me (ds didn't want them)
1 shawl

It also seems that I was unmotivated for whatever reason. I had a big list of "to do" projects and they didn't get done. I seemed to go for the projects that were calling to me at the time.

I think I like that feeling....the feeling of what is calling to me. I think I'll continue that into 2008. The last few months I've been semi-monogamous to my projects. I like keeping a sock going and "something else". Right now, I have two "something else's" going but in a day or two I'll pick up a sock and continue with one "something else".

I've decided to knit more for others in 2008. My immediate family doesn't want socks but that doesn't mean I can't knit a pair for my sister-in-law or my brother just because. I was thinking I needed an occasion, but I don't. They live far enough north that knitting a hat or scarf or socks is a great idea.

One of my failings this year was not keeping up with the Socks that Rock Club packages as they came in. I have one skein of yarn from one month's package on the needles now but I'm using a different pattern. I'm using another skein of yarn with some stash yarn for a scarf. I feel good about using that versus just letting it sit in my stash.

I decided to join the Socks That Rock club again this year. My goal this year is to finish a pair before the next pair arrives. That gives me two months between pair. I can do that if I put my mind to it.

I'd like to set some other goals for the new year.

* Finish what I start. It really bugs me to have two socks in progress while I still have 4 skeins of STR yarn club yarn simmering away and a new skein that will be here in just a few weeks. (Not to mention all the OTHER sock yarn in my stash.)

* Knit 6 projects from books or magazines I haven't knit from yet. I have one pair of socks started from Knitting Vintage Socks. When I finish those, I'll have 5 more projects to do from the books and magazines I own. Knitting books are beautiful. I love ALL books, and having so many great books at my fingertips gives great inspiration, so I don't often stop myself from buying a book. However, I want to knit more projects from them in the coming year. There are so many great patterns in books and for free, but since I've spent the money on the books, I SHOULD use them.

* Knit more socks. I knit 2 pair last year. Let's make 6 a goal for this year. That will cover the STR club socks. If I knit more socks than that, then that's good.

* No deadline gift knitting. I've been good the past two years, so this is just a reminder for myself. If I want to knit for gifts, I need to allot PLENTY of time. I might even start a gift drawer so when projects for others are finished, they can wait in there until the right time. I actually do BETTER with a deadline although it adds to the stress.

* Knit for others. I think I've put off knitting for others because there are not many people in my life who would appreciate the time, effort, love (and expense) that goes into hand-crafted items. But I CAN knit for the few who know would appreciate it.

Are you cozy?

2007-12-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

Here is what I've been up to the last few days

This is the Garter Mug Cozy from Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts magazine.

Bottom view:

I had to take this pattern and add many more increases (the pattern tells you how to make this customized to the size mug you own). I am planning on getting some eyelash yarn to jazz this up a bit for my friend who has a HUGE mug and is quite the pizazz princess.

I knit this with Lion Brand 100% Wool in the color Rose. The yarn is on the rough side but I didn't block it to see if it softens up. Double points size 7.

This is another version of the same cozy. I made this one for Popeye to go with his new navy blue mug. I used Paton's SWS yarn (70% Wool, 30% Soy) in the Natural Navy colorway. This yarn is VERY soft and was okay to work with. The twist leaves very easily, but it wasn't hard to work with.

I made these cozies for my friend who loves Starbucks. I found the pattern here while I was looking for something else. The original pattern makes the Grande size. I modified the pattern to make one for the Tall size. I plan to make the Venti size for myself. I used Noro Kureyon #188. (Double points size 7)

Time to WAKE up! The Snooze is over...

2007-12-25T17:26:00.001-08:00

I finished the Snooze socks for Sweet Pea 2 tonight.

I used a pattern created by Zoomom. The yarn is Southwest Trading Companies Tofutsie in the "Footsteps" colorway. I knit these both at one time on two circulars (a first for me doing socks with heel flaps on two circs.)using size 1 Knitpicks Options.

New Stash Enhancement

2007-12-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

This arrived in the mail today. Isn't it GORGEOUS!!!! I LOVE it!

This latest stash enhancement is brought to you by Socks That Rock. This is my last installment for 2007's STR Club. I love the pattern AND the yarn! I think this yarn (called Bella Coola) and last month's yarn (from the Raven series) and my two favorites of the year. The pattern is written by Cat Bordhi! An extra plus if you ask me!

Flaps Down....Snooze Socks

2007-12-11T21:05:00.000-08:00

FINALLY, I have a family member who wants socks! My darling little Sweet Pea #2 wants socks to match his friend's socks. Zoomom made these socks for one of her little Monkeys and he just happens to be friends with my little guy. Legs and heel flaps are done and I'll be turning the heels probably tomorrow night (no knitting time before then).

I'm finished, I'm finished, I'm finished...Oh Darlin' Clementine

2007-12-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

She is finished and blocked. I finished this shawlette a few days after Thanksgiving. I can't remember exactly right now but I recorded the date in Ravelry. But it seems that they are doing some maintenance over the right now so I can't fetch the exact date.

Here are some pictures of the old girl blocking. (Notice my little supervisor)

And here she is posing for you in our local yarn store.

I'm thinking about blocking it again, but not so tightly this time. I sort of like the look from the magazine (you can see some of it preblocking below). Any thoughts on this?

The stats.....The pattern is from Interweave Knits Spring 2007. I used Blue Sky's Alpaca & Silk in Silk Spring. It ended up being longer even before I blocked it than called for in the pattern, but I'm fine with that.

What's come over me....

2007-10-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you know that I'm diligently working on Darlin' Clementine. I just want to FIN.ISH.

And in other news.....I received my next kit from Socks that Rock and I'm DYING to start these socks! But I won't let myself as long as Clementine is hanging around. I can't have more than two active projects going at the same time (although I CAN have a few simmering in my UFO basket).

Yes, the yarn in this picture IS that dark. It has a lovely shade of maroon in it, and black....black has become one of my new favorite colors. I'm not sure why. I think Popeye (dh for those who don't read my other blog) has rubbed off on me over the years. The pattern is BEAUTIFUL if you can't tell from the picture and very lacy.

Oh, my daaarrrrlin' Clementine

2007-10-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

You were lost and gone forever; Dreadful sorry, Clementine......

I had almost given up on the old girl, but somehow she made the love flow again. Enough so that even though I had planned to put her away until mid-winter to finish, I decided to work a little each night and dedicate Saturdays only to her. I've completed one side of the shawl (on the right) and the left side is getting there...sssslllloooowwwlllyyy. We're close....only 31 repeats left. Then comes the the Kitchener to join them. I'm NOT looking forward to THAT. AND this will be my FIRST time to block something (other than just laying out a pair of socks to dry).

A closer view of the pattern...very nice I think.

And ALSO on the needles......

Chevron Scarf

I'm using a skein of Socks That Rock (on the right) and a skein of Cherry Tree Hill. Older son helped me pick out the color combo and I'm very happy with it. He has now claimed himself my official "knitting assistant".

Hark! What is that I'm starting to feel......could it be the CALL of socks?????? Oh yeah, baby! ESPECIALLY after seeing Zoomom's Hope socks.

Stay tuned....and I PROMISE to try to blog and update with pictures more often.

Showing off

2007-09-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here is the promise to show off my stash. After Carolyn and ZooMom showed, off I promised I would. Better late than never.

I counted and there are FORTY skeins....I couldn't believe it!

In this picture is all Lorna's Laces except for the pink varigated (Regia Bamboo), the two brownish cakes to the right (can't remember the name but it is a "famous" yarn), and one skein of Sundara's Handpainted yarn.

Starting from the top left (left to right) , multicolored Cascade Fixation cotton, Sundara yarn Semi-solid, three skeins of Socks That Rock, two skeins and a cake of Fleece Artist. 2nd row: Light and dark pink Tofutsies, three skeins Cherry Tree Hill, four skeins and two balls of Lorna's Laces, and one cake of Fleece Artist.

And I almost forgot these 3 yarns that are in progress but resting for awhile. ;) (left to right) Socks that Rock and 4 cakes of Lorna's Laces.

Now that doesn't equal forty......that is only 30.

Here are the ones that I'm just not in love with any more or I have yarn that is a close enough match that I really don't need that color anymore. I can always buy it again if I decide I need it.

Lorna's Laces Brick, KnitPicks S'Mores, Sundara Yarns Bird of Paradise, Zen Yarn Garden Pink Passion, Regia Cotton (varigated, solid blue and solid green), KPs Essentials black, KPs Sock Garden HollyBerry, KP Landscape Mesa

Leave me a comment if you want any of these unloved yarns and we'll work out a deal. ;)

EDITING: The 6 skeins of Regia SOLD.

I'm tired of socks

2007-08-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

GASP!!!!!!!!

I've gotten bored with socks. Imagine that! So I decided I would knit this (scroll down to the Clementine Shawlette).

Now you see it

I really love the stitch detail in this, as simple as it is.

Now you don't.....sigh

You see, I'm so used to knitting socks and following charts for IN THE ROUND knitting....that I didn't even think about my nice little shawlette needing to be knit back and forth and reading my chart right to left, then left to right. That explains why my edges were rolling! (rolling eyes here) I kept thinking...I sure hope this blocks out okay! THEN I took a closer look at the picture (it helped that I saw an episode on Knitty Gritty about reading charts!)

And I was half way finished with the second chart! Waaaaahhhhhhh!

Luckily, it is fun to knit. Just easy enough but with enough variety that I'm not getting bored.

I'm off to start back again....

Repairing the blog.....

2007-05-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

Plymouth Yarn Jelli Beans
Partial skein
1.3 oz
Color 133

Price: $3 with US shipping included (Int'l shipping? email me)
Terms: Paypal only (let me know if paying with credit card)
Posted by: Pensguys
If you're interested, email me.

Plymouth Yarn
Partial skein
2.2 oz
Lost ball band - Coordinates with Jelli Beans

Price: $3 with US shipping included (Int'l shipping? email me)
Terms: Paypal only (let me know if paying with credit card)
Posted by: Pensguys
If you're interested, email me.

Plymouth Yarn Jelli Beans
Partial skein
1.4 oz

Price: $3 with US shipping included (Int'l shipping? email me)
Terms: Paypal only (let me know if paying with credit card)
Posted by: Pensguys
If you're interested, email me.

Plymouth Yarn
Partial skein -Lime
2.4 oz
Lost ball band - coordinates with Jelli beans above

Price: $3 with US shipping included (Int'l shipping? email me)
Terms: Paypal only (let me know if paying with credit card)
Posted by: Pensguys
If you're interested, email me.

Plymouth Yarn
Partial skein - Red
3.2 oz
Lost ball band

Price: $3 with US shipping included (Int'l shipping? email me)
Terms: Paypal only (let me know if paying with credit card)
Posted by: Pensguys
If you're interested, email me.

The Knitting Experience: The Purl Stitch by Sally Melville

Amazon Price: 13.57
Price: $12 with US shipping included (Int'l shipping? email me)
Terms: Paypal only (let me know if paying with credit card)
Posted by: Pensguys
If you're interested, email me.

To the frog pond....and something new

2007-05-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

I decided to frog this sock.....

Now you see it.

Now you don't.

I hate this yarn. It looks so great all wound up, but I just don't like it when I'm knitting it. On the sale pile, it goes!

The yarn that called out to me to be knit next was my latest shipment from Blue Moon Fiber Arts , Walking on the Wild Tide.

But I'm not using the pattern that came with it. I've heard too many tales about the sock for me to waste my precious knitting time. I've chosen the Pomatomas socks by Cookie A. I just LOVE her patterns!

Progress so far is small (just the cuff) since I spent time finishing up some obligations last night, but now I have time to knit away! Pictures coming as soon as I have more than the cuff completed.

Ever feel like screaming?

2007-05-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

That's me. I've learned something about myself the last few days.....I can't STAND to have more than two projects going at one time. So from now on, there will be ONE sock and ONE "something else". More than that and I feel like that little kitty.

So, I have some pictures to share of project #3.

This shrug was made with Fetz Dazzle. It was just a straight knit in a circle pattern. I sort of wish it was a little longer, but it's cute. It will keep me a little warmer when I need it.

The socks from below are still being worked on. I was get so bored with them that I decided to do some lace on the leg to perk them up a bit. I'm getting really close to getting to the gusset and doing a "reverse" heel flap. I'll let you know how that goes.

New yarn is here

2007-04-28T04:17:00.000-07:00

My Socks That Rock package came today. This is my bi-monthly sock club package. When I peeked at the spoilers, I wasn't crazy about the colors. THEN I saw where someone had wound it into a cake....Oh MY! Almost good enough to eat.

On the WIP front

One boring sock

This sock feels like it is taking FOR. EV. ER. And I'm not totally in love with this sock, but I guess it will be cute when I finish it.

On to the lace

This little bit of lace took me FOUR (count them), FOUR times casting on and working the first 2 rows for me to FINALLY get it right. I am enjoying it though. I just can't be too tired when I work on it. And work on it is something I did not do much of this past week. I'm trying to finish the most boring sock before April 30. I don't think I'll make it!

Just arrived

2007-04-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is the yarn for my next project. It is Kidsilk Haze in the Meadow color (#632). The project will be a wrap. My first lace knitting other than the Monkey socks below. Just looking at this yarn makes me SCARED! It looks like I'll be knitting with fuzzy THREAD! Oh my! And I thought my sock yarn was little!

No pix of inprogress socks, but there will be some soon. I'm also working on a shrug for my "brainless" project, but I've been trying to concentrate on the socks since I'm in the SockAMonth KAL.

Meow, meow

2007-04-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

I finished another Kitty Pi last night and felted it today.

This one is for the little princess aka Cheerio who appears to be shy in this picture.

Jack decides to try Cheerio's bed on for size. I think it fits him better.

This bed was knit with two skeins of Lamb's Pride Bulky and I used some Fun Fur Prints by Lion Brand to top it off. I may send it through another cycle of the wash since the stitches aren't all the way felted. You can still see the stitch definition a little more than I like.

Now on the needles are two toes. I have the toes completed for a pair of socks and I will get back to swatching some lace which the little devils above (oops! Did I say that?) took off my needles during their midnight escapades.

A Pair of Monkeys

2007-03-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

I have FINALLY finished the Monkey socks. I had both socks complete except for the toes last Thursday, but ran into a snag when I couldn't clarify something about the pattern with Zoomom. I finished them up tonight and they are comfy!

Let's see if I can remember any details about these. I got the pattern from Knitty.com. I knit these on 2 circulars using Knit Picks Options size 1. The yarn is Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in Ink. I enjoyed knitting with this yarn very much.

DING!

2007-03-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

That was the timer. Did you hear it ring?

Kitty Pi is DONE and is loved by all the furry babies around here as you'll see below.

This is Jack. He loved the Kitty Pi even before it was cooked (felted). He slept on it quite a bit last night.

Kitty Pi all "baked".

Jack enjoying his Kitty Pi.

Cheerio enjoys a slice of the Pi.

Jack wanting the Pi all to himself

Jazz seeing if he can fit

Looks like more Kitty Pi is in my future!

As for the details, I don't have many. I don't remember the name or brand of the yarn I used. Just some bulky wool something I got online. It wasn't plied so was more like maybe a navajo ply? Really thick in some places and really thin in others. I used size 11 circular for knitting and used the pattern from here. This was my brainless project that traveled around in my purse/knitting bag. The eyelash yarn is Lionbrand.

I didn't MEAN to!!!

2007-03-03T19:22:00.000-08:00

Do you remember a post not so long ago where I said, "No more sock yarn purchases."?

Well...I bought more yarn, but it will be delivered incrementally. I really didn't think I would get in....

You see, when I heard about the big uproar with the Blue Moon Fiber ladies and the bank not approving their credit card receipts, I figured I would put my name on the waiting list for the Socks That Rock Club. I didn't think I would get in since I read online that there was such a huge waiting list.

But I got in.

I was SHOCKED when I received an email stating that I could join! So I did. I like their yarn. A LOT!

I received my first package from them.

You get this really cool binder with a welcome letter called the Dyer's Notes; notes and cool info about feet (called Footnotes); a log to list family and friend shoe sizes, foot length and foot width; hints and charts to measure and size their feet; and a pattern in a durable page protector. Also included was a brochure about a Rockin' Sock Camp, a sticker (NSK-Notorious Sock Knitters), and a 10% off coupon on your next order. Oh, and lest I forget....the YARN!!!

This is called Monsoon.

And isn't THIS just too cute! Emergency sock yarn!

I think this is going to be fun! (as she rubs her hands together in anticipation)

In the mail

2007-03-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

Lookie, lookie!

I could resist no longer!

I can hardly wait to get finished with the Kitty Pi and Monkey socks to get started on something in Lace Style! You just gotta wait and see what it is!

The hat

2007-03-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

It's complete! This is Sweet Pea #1s cap he wanted me to knit him. He decided he didn't like the hat I knit for him two Falls ago, so I knit this one for him...just in time for Spring! ;)

Sweet Pea #2 says he doesn't want a hat, so I'll put off knitting his until late summer/early fall.

This is the same pattern I used before for Popeye's hat. It is called Knit Shortie. I used Cotton Fleece (80% Cotton, 20% Merino Wool) by Brown Sheep Wool in Black Forest CW-145.

It's SPRING!

2007-03-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

LOOK what just arrived at my house!!!!!!

I'm not normally one for oranges and yellows and greens, but I REALLY like this! After knitting with black and more black, this will be fun!

Just a bigger blob

2007-02-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

That is what the Kitty Pi looks like.

And the current progress on the Monkey socks is here. I'm about half finished with the heel flaps.

You can see the pattern much better in this picture.

Yarn for sale

2007-02-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

I don't make a habit out of posting yarn for sale on my blog, but I'm ready to be released from this yarn. It is easier to post pictures here than on

Cascade Fixation
#947 Carnival - one ball - $4 postage paid by me

Nothing new to say....

2007-02-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

The Monkey socks and Kitty Pi are just longer/bigger. I've been knitting a little more than when I was sick and not knitting anything though. I ended up with bronchitis and now I'm almost fully well. More to report later, hopefully.

Pictures as promised

2007-02-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

I'm sort of unofficially following along with Project Spectrum. It just so happens that two of my current projects fall within the color categories: blue and grey.

Kitty Pi

I don't know the name of this yarn NOR where I purchased it. I could probably scrounge around and find it in my Favorites, but you really don't want any. Originally, I bought this yarn to use to knit a bag. (What IS it with me and these bags???) I needed bulky yarn. I loved the colors so I purchased some (I don't know how much since they hanks don't really resemble hanks.). The bag never came about, so I thought this would be good use of the stash to knit a kitty bed. The pattern calls for bulky yarn. This yarn goes from bulky to almost DK or fingering weight! Thank GOODNESS this bed will be felted. I couldn't imagine knitting anything with this yarn that wouldn't be.

Monkey socks

Yes, they are mostly black with a hint of grey. (That qualifies, right?) This is Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in Ink. I LOVE this yarn! Granted, I have not washed anything knit with this yet, so I'm hoping it holds up as well as my fav Lorna's Laces does. If it does, then it will be HIGH on my list of favorite sock yarns.

UFO frogged

2007-02-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

Keeping my promise, I frogged another project. :) I guess the half finished dishcloth for Jan would count as a UFO. It would have sat around and languished anyway. It wasn't fun.

But tonight, my UFO for February was done.

Presenting before:

and After:

Once upon a time, this was going to be a Booga Bag. The yarn is Noro Kureyon. It isn't very soft to knit with so I will probably try to sell it. A Booga Bag isn't in my future for this year. I don't really care to have one so who knows if I'll ever make one.

Why I like to knit socks....

2007-01-30T18:50:00.000-08:00

I'm entering the contest that Christine is organizing at her Pointy Sticks site. She wants to know what we think about knitting socks and anything related to that.

Why I love to knit socks: I love to knit socks because they are a small enough project that it doesn't take me a long, long time to completed. I also like socks because they can sometimes be almost as complex as some sweater designs I've seen. They are small and portable which makes them great to throw into my purse.

What sock yarn or patterns I love: I like many sock patterns from Knitty. I'm working on a pair of Monkey socks now. And there are the Diamante socks which I'd like to get to this year as well. I really love the patterns in Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks book.

I've been knitting with different sock yarns lately to add to my favorites. My favorite sock yarn is Lorna's Laces. The Monkey socks are being knit with Claudia Hand Painted Yarn and it is very nice too! Ranks up there closely to the Lorna's Laces. I have some other yarns which I've purchased to try out soon.

My favorite sock method is doing two socks on two circulars. I'd like to work it down to only Magic Loop one of these days, but for now, I enjoy two circulars much more than doing one sock in bamboo dpns. I have knit top down only on the dpns, so the Monkey socks will be the first pair top down on two circulars. I've knit one pair toe up on two circs and they were pretty fun. I won't discount that method of short row toes and short row heels....I'm just not sure I'd pick that method to do all the time.

I'll post some pictures of the Monkey socks soon as well as other WIP.

Okay...Panic Attack eased

2007-01-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

I was in a panic. After thinking about it and emailing Basebal Knitter, I realized that I am doing Project Spectrum without realizing it. How's that for working out?

The new sock on the needles contains grey. The colors for Project Spectrum for February and March are blue, white and grey. So, new socks contain grey (and black) and the new cat bed that will soon be cast on is blue (with some green). I'm doing it and not even realizing it!

Pictures to come soon. :)

I need to stop and think....

2007-01-19T15:21:00.000-08:00

I get all excited with all these PLANS, but then I start to feel enslaved. Enslavement in the name of Project Spectrum. I quit. :) I want to knit what color I want, when I want. I'm pretty organized and thought Project Spectrum would bring some organization to my knitting, but I've decided my new rule about knitting is THERE ARE NO RULES.

Gosh, I feel better!

Now on to knit things that make me happy.

I frogged a dishcloth today. It felt good! I was trying a cable...my first ever cable. It went nicely. I was about half way finished with the dishcloth and had the hang of the cable. Knitting the cloth was making me feel like I was burdened. So I frogged it. I was only doing it to learn the technique. I feel pretty good about it and now I won't be afraid of cables....at least not simple cables.

Like Zoomom, I'm putting the French Silk Socks from Vintage Sock Knitting aside. I was putting of knitting on them because I was not having fun. Now, I'm looking toward a new sock for the time being. I'll probably come back to the French socks next time....we'll see. I see to be ADDING to the UFOs instead of diminishing them...Oh, well, I have a year!

A way to achieve finishing those UFOs

2007-01-15T05:54:00.000-08:00

I ran across this link from Pixie Purls podcast. I think it is a great way to help me work on those UFOs (Unfinished Objects). To be fair I only have a baby blanket, a pair of socks, and a hat to finish up....I think.

UFO Resurrection Challenge 2007
Because I clearly do not have enough to do...

A while back, I mentioned that I was going to try to pull out and work on or frog a UFO per month in 2007. People seemed interested, so I thought I'd officially open sign-ups.

The Rules
1. Each month in 2007, find a UFO (unfinished object). This makes a total of twelve (12) for the year. You do not need to have a list of all twelve at the beginning of the year - you can go month by month if you'd like. (I plan to.)
2. You have two options for that UFO:
a. Work on it. You don't have to finish it that month, if it's something big, but it must be added into your rotation of "active" projects. A token row or two does not count. ;-)
b. Frog it. If you don't want to work on it anymore, rip it out and move on.
3. Post on your blog each month (or comment if you don't have a blog) about the project you're resurrecting.
4. Everyone who finishes will be entered into a prize drawing. And even if you don't win anything, you'll have twelve fewer languishing projects making you feel guilty!

Dishcloth of the month

2007-01-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

(Sorry it is kind of dark.)

These are nice projects to take around in my new knitting bag.

Look! Look! Look!

2007-01-03T10:58:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited!

I've transferred my purse stuff over and now I'll just have to throw my knitting in there when I start to leave to go somewhere!

First completed project of 2007

2007-01-01T21:28:00.000-08:00

I finished Popeye's cap tonight. I started it last night and got about half way finished, then had time to finish it up tonight.

I love this swirly design in the crown where I decreased.

The model was asleep so I had to pose.

Stats for the project include:

Pattern is Knit 'Shortie'.

Yarn is from my stash....Cascade 220 in Charcoal Gray.

Modifications: I made it a little longer by adding in about 3 extra rows before the decreases. I also did one extra row of decreases at the end leaving 4 stitches befoer I brought tail yarn through and sewed in the end. I did not change to the size 8 dpns, but knit it in size 7 circular until it was hard to knit, then changed to size 6 dpns.

I'll be using the same pattern for the caps for the boys. It will be longer on them, which is what they want.

Knit from your Stash 2007 and my knitting goals

2006-12-31T11:49:00.000-08:00

1. No more sock yarn purchases. Exceptions: yarn for Sweet Pea #1’s socks that I’ve promised him and if I wish to knit socks as a gift and don’t have appropriate color

2. I will knit each boy at least one pair of socks. If they take care of these, then I will knit them at least another pair.

3. I will knit each boy and Popeye a skull cap. Popeye’s head is getting cold at night, so he needs a cap. The hats I knit last year for the boys are fine, but they have decided they look like girls, so they want “boy” hats now.

4. I will knit two shawls. The yarn is just waiting for me to start knitting.

5. If I take a class at my local yarn store, then I will be allowed to purchase the yarn for that project, so I can be supportive of my local retailer.

6. I want to knit a sweater for myself and if that goes well, then I will allow myself the yarn for ONE other sweater. I MAY even knit a sweater for the Sweet Peas…..or maybe Popeye…the boys grow so fast and time is limited. At least dh will stay relatively the same size. Yarn purchases for this will be allowed since it is a “gift”.

7. I am allowed to buy yarn to knit items for gifts. I will first check my stash to see if there is anything that will work before buying.

8. I have much cotton yarn for dishcloths that I plan to knit with at least once per month.

9. I can buy yarn on out of town trips to not-so-local yarn stores. We don’t go out of town but a few times per year, so this won’t be excessive.

10. I will finish the UFOs that I have started (baby blanket for friend, Sideways socks for myself). I usually stay pretty monogamous to my projects, but I got bored with the blanket and procrastinated on the socks because they are difficult.)

It's raining yarn!

2006-12-31T10:38:00.000-08:00

All of my current procurements are coming in at once!

First there was an order from Elann.

Both of these yarns will be shawls sometime in the new year. The cranberry/brownish yarn is Peruvian Baby Silk in Oxblood. The purple one is Peruvian Baby Cashmere in Mulled Grape.

Then there came a package from Angelika's Yarn Store

This is all Lorna's Laces and the colors are (left to right) Cranberry, Black Pearl, Pewter and Brick.

Lo, and behold, there came THE package. THIS is the surprise I had been waiting for from the Sundara Petals Collection.

Isn't that just like a perfect gift? All fancy with tissue paper, clear bags, and patterns on NICE heavyweight cardstock.

The flower is a Lenten Rose, also known by the Latin name for the genus, Helleborus, and is sometimes called Christmas Rose. They bloom in the depths of winter.

After my trip this weekend, of which I've previous shared my yarn purchases, I was greeted with this package. I will blame Baseball Knitter for this purchase since she linked me to a website with a nice sale going on. ;)

(Left to right) Lorna's Laces Pioneer, Chinablue, Mineshaft
J.Knits Hand-dyed Tampa and West Virginia

I think sock yarn shopping has now officially come to a halt (with one exception for Sweet Pea #1's sock yarn). I will ONLY buy more sock yarn in 2007 if I intend to make a pair of socks as a gift and I don't have a colorway I think that person will like.

I had intended to purchase the yarn for the sweater I want to knit this year before 2007, but I will give myself permission to buy that yarn when I get ready for the sweater. I'm afraid I may change my mind on the color when that time gets here. For now, I'm writing my knitting project list and will post it soon.

A Quaint Little Shop

2006-12-30T20:30:00.000-08:00

I went out of town this weekend to visit my brother and his family. While Brother had my boys off snow sledding (they had a BALL), my sister-in-law and I went to one of her local yarn shops. Please take a minute to look around that website. I forgot to take my camera with me on our adventure and I really regretted it, BUT what you see on the website is what I saw today! I am in LOVE with this cute little store. The owner and her associate were very helpful and so nice!

Wanna see what I bought? You KNOW I couldn't go without buying something.....

This, my friends, starting on the top left going clockwise, is Fetz Dazzle for a shrug, 2 skeins of Koigu KPPPM for socks and yarn bras. Yep, you read that right...yarn bras....to "support" your yarn and keep it from falling apart as you use it.

More yarn and pictures coming soon.....

Purrrrrr.....

2006-12-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

Can you hear this little cat as it walks up my legs?

The cat foot print socks are finally complete! I'm so proud though that it only took me about a month to do both socks while learning two new techniques!

Here is a closer shot (sorry it's dark) of the little footprints.

Specs: I used Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock in the Lucy colorway. I used two circular needles in size 1 from Knitpicks. These have a short row toe and heel using the method from Misocrafty's blog. I got the cat feet pattern from Wendy's Knits.

Next pair of socks are being swatched now. Can't wait to get started on them. New pix to come once I have more than a toe completed.

Binge.....and purge

2006-12-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

*Disclaimer: This post is not making fun of the serious condition in which some people suffer.

I am following in the shoes of many in the blog-o-sphere. I will be going on a "yarn diet" this year and knitting from my stash. I have not solidified my rules as of yet, but I have a few in mind as you'll find out as you keep reading.

I have been binging on yarn the past few days and there is more on order. As of last count, I have enough sock yarn to make eighteen pair of socks. I have enough on order for 4 more pair. Sock yarn is my latest obsession. I will admit though that there is some yarn in my current stash which I will try to sell or end up giving away. I really don't care for some of it. It is not pleasant to knit with.

I have other yarn in my stash that is for a shawl and I have another order coming for two other shawls. I gave a feeble attempt to the first shawl, but I hope to practice on a slightly less difficult shawl when my order comes in, so that I will be able to tackle the harder pattern.

I will be knitting my boys at least one pair of socks this year. I will choose Lion Brand for these until I see how they treat those socks. I already have yarn for a pair for J#2, but I will purchase the skein needed for J#1's socks.

Other than that one purchase, I intend on not purchasing any more yarn after Jan 1. If I take a class at my local yarn store, then I will be allowed to purchase the yarn for that. I am even going to try to limit my sock yarn purchases, although I will allow myself to "fall off the wagon" twice. In the past, I have bought sock yarn just "willy nilly" with no thought as to the colors I normally wear. I have taken that into consideration during this latest yarn binge.

I mentioned joining the Sundara yarn club so I will have yarn for 3 other pair of socks to come in too. I can't wait to receive that package. My first surprise yarn and pattern should arrive next week.

I want to knit a sweater in 2007, so I will be placing an order for the yarn for that some time this next week. A nice friend is sending me samples of the yarn I'm thinking of using for the sweater. If this sweater goes well, then I will allow myself the yarn for ONE other sweater.

I am allowed to buy yarn to knit items for gifts. I will first check my stash to see if there is anything that will work before buying. I have much cotton yarn for dishcloths that I plan to knit with at least once per month. I joined a dishcloth knit-a-long where I received part of a pattern each day for 10 days. It was fun not knowing how it was going to turn out.

Pictures of my latest purchases

Are you curious? I like how this yarn was packaged.

(Sorry for such a blurry pic) Can you tell where I ordered this?

The Loopy Ewe

Here is what was inside:

From left to right: Fleece Artist 100% Merino in Ebony, Claudia Handpainted Merino in Ink, Cherry Tree Hill Merino in Northern Lights

This is what I bought today at my LYS.

These are all Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarns. Listed from top to bottom: Aslan, Tuscany, Denim

Another shot of the Aslan...I love the subtle shades in this yarn. It screams soft and lacy to me, so that is what it shall be...Stay tuned for future pictures of this yarn.

One last exception to the rules will be if I am gifted any yarn or gift certificates for yarn.

One of my goals for 2007 is to finish any UFOs (Un Finished Objects). I know that that isn't how it goes for most knitters, but it really bothers me knowing I have these unfinished projects. They hang over me and linger in the back of my mind calling to me! Luckily, I only have two or three of these. These may be my spring projects since I don't wear many socks during the summer here, so I can finish the UFOs, then get back to working on socks for the Fall.

Do you have any knitting goals for the new year?

Heels! I have heels!

2006-12-12T13:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my first short row heels. (Sorry it is sort of blurry.) I think I sort of like doing these this way. Zoomom said she is going to play around with a toe-up heel flap. Once I try that, I'll decide which heel I like best. I'd like to try Eye of Partridge heel sometime too.

By popular demand....a WIP

2006-11-30T06:30:00.000-08:00

I think I like doing two socks at once. It really doesn't feel like it is taking me much longer than doing one at a time. I guess if I put them together, I'd have one finished sock, but I think I REALLY will like having a pair when I'm done. I'm catch that Second Sock Syndrome pretty easily!

I have another couple of inches to get done before ZooMom and I start working on the short row heel. I better get cracking since we will do that this afternoon!

Alert the media!

2006-11-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

Socks are FINISHED! And I'll be wearing them tomorrow. Can't wait to show them off.

Also here is the first toe to my first pair of toe-up socks. This is what Zoomom and I have been wroking on. We are doing a short row toe....I like it ok, but it sure it tedious. I think I'll try a different cast on for the toe next time....just to see if I like it any better.

We're Crazy!

2006-11-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

Zoomom and I started our new sock knitting project Tues night. This is going to be FUN! I'm using the tan, brown and blue Socks That Rock down below. We're going to get together again tomorrow and work more on the toe. We are doing toe up, short row heels, two socks on two circulars with patterns. Gluttons for punishment, we are! Oh, but it is so much FUN!!! I'll post pictures of the sock in progress soon.

The other sock which was started for my friend, but shall remain mine is close to completion. I'll post a picture of that pair in a few days.

Wish us luck!

New yarn acquisition and project on the horizon

2006-11-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I exchanged a skein of Blue Sky Alpaca Organic Cotton and a skein of Cascade Fixation for this.

"This" would be Lorna's Laces Safari (on the left) and Lorna's Laces Jeans (on the right). I will admit though that the cost of the cotton and the fixation only bought me ONE skein of Lorna's, but I couldn't resist. Now to find a pattern to go with them.

The new sock project I will be starting on Tuesday with Zoomom will be using this yarn...Socks That Rock in the Lucy colorway.

Ribbit, Ribbit

2006-10-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

That is what is happening on sock #2. No, I'm not making the deadline for my friend's birthday. And even though I THOUGHT I followed the directions, it will be too long for her foot. BUT....it fits mine. ;) So, I'll be working backwards for another row or so and then maybe some forward progress.

The Second Sock....SYNDROME

2006-10-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Has hit! I haven't talked about the second sock because it is about halfway finished. But I'm having a hard time picking it up. I want to finish by Wed and I think I can manage that. I have all day today while dh is working, the new Pride and Prejudice movie, and a nice comfy bed. I'll also have about 2 hours on Tuesday morning if I need it.

Thanks for asking about it!

One is done

2006-10-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

The first sock for my friend's birthday is complete!

I'm very happy with the toe and then again I'm NOT happy with the toe. I'm not sure how to keep it from being sort of pointy where the first and last stitches are located at the beginning and end of the grafting. I am happy that my Kitchener stitch looks great though!

Sharing my sock knitting history

2006-10-06T20:33:00.000-07:00

I joined the Socktoberfest on Lolly's blog. I thought it would give me incentive to actually FINISH a pair of socks before the end of October.

I actually started the lastest pair of socks (see previous posts about this) about 3 weeks ago. I'm to the toe decreases now and expect to be finished with that first sock tomorrow. I have 2 soccer games to sit through and 3 hours of Funsville to endure tomorrow so I figured sock #1 will be finished and sock #2 will be well on its way.

This post is supposed to be about my sock knitting history. Here are the questions Lolly posed as well as my answers:

When did you start making socks?

I don't remember exactly but it was sometime last October or November that I made my first sock. Not a PAIR, mind you, but the FIRST sock.

Did you teach yourself or were you taught by a friend or relative? or in a class?

I took a class at one of the local yarn stores. I had always wanted to learn to knit and, when I heard about knitting socks, I could hardly wait!

What was your first pair? How have they "held up" over time?

See picture above! LOL They are my first and ONLY pair! I finally finished sock #2 in April I believe. I didn't get much chance to wear them (I think once or twice) but I've worn them twice so far this fall and plan on wearing them on Tuesday...so they've held up well so far! ;)

What would you have done differently?

I didn't realize until I had finished both socks, that sock #2 was slightly larger than sock #1. I think I would have compared them to each other as I knit sock #2. They wear great and you can only tell one is larger when you compare them side by side.

What yarns have you particularly enjoyed?

The first pair of socks was knit in Trekking XXL. I got frustrated with it because it seemed to split easily. I swore I'd never use that yarn again. I took another sock class the first part of this year and used some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock and I REALLY like it. That sock is still on the needles. :) It will be part of my Socktoberfest goal though. The current socks I'm knitting are made with.......Trekking XXL! It isn't so bad this time. Maybe experience has helped.

Do you like to crochet your socks? or knit them on DPNs, 2 circulars, or using the Magic Loop method?

I've never crocheted socks before. My mom taught me to crochet when I was young and I can make a blanket and maybe a shawl or something if I tried, but not socks. I've only knit socks on dpns. I do have the Magic Loop book and have experimented a tiny bit with knitting one sock (or a hat), but I haven't sat down to really make a concerted effort. I want to at least try with two circulars and Magic Loop one time before I say I don't like it.

Which kind of heel do you prefer? (flap? or short-row?)

I only know how to do a heel flap. The sock class I'm taking in November will be to teach short row heels. I'll keep you posted on how I like it.

How many pairs have you made?

I think I alluded to this above somewhere. I've only COMPLETED one pair (my first pair). I took another class but have yet to complete sock #1. It is a sideways sock and will be part of my work to finish in October. I will finish my second pair of socks for my friend's birthday soon and then will start on that sideways sock again, until my next sock class.

That's about it for my sock knitting history. I'm off to knit!

Knitting video

2006-09-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

I had to add this video to the blog. I knitting blog wouldn't be complete without it.

Aaaannnndddd she rounds the TURN......

2006-09-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Yep, I've made that turn and now the gusset decreases take the lead! I'm really thrilled how fast this sock is knitting up...much quicker than I remember my first sock last year! (Gee, I wonder why???? ;) )

For your viewing pleasure......

Couldn't resist...

2006-09-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

I just HAD to join THIS. I've seen one of her yarns knit up here...I can't wait to get my package in December. I'll keep you posted once I receive it!

Current WIPs

2006-09-19T19:54:00.000-07:00

Newest socks in progress. The pattern repeat is REALLY easy which is nice since I can memorize it.

EDITING: SORRY! I forgot about naming the yarn and pattern! It was late when I was re-creating this blog.

Now for the specifics: The yarn for the socks is Trekking XXL in #423. I'm using the Baby Cable Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks. I'll be using a heel flap since I don't know how to do a short row heel, but will be learning in November in a sock class at the LYS.

Yarn for the baby blanket is KnitPicks Shine Worsted in Terra Cotta. I found the pattern online free. I have some work to do because I've lost a couple stitches and have to figure out where they went. :(

2006-09-19T19:47:00.000-07:00

2006-09-19T19:28:00.000-07:00

Close up of pattern stitch

Pictures...

2006-09-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here are knitting pictures of projects I've completed over the past year. Since my other blog can't be accessed for some UNKNOWN reason, I'm starting this one primarily for knitting....but I may throw in something else every now and then...who knows? It's my blog.

2006-09-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

MORE old pix

2006-09-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

Old pix....

2006-09-19T18:12:00.000-07:00