STARBUG KNITS

Time flies

2008-10-01T15:07:00.002-05:00

Really, two months goes by so fast! I have lots to share

On the knitting front, I lost my mojo about halfway through my pregnancy that could be contributed to my physical state or the extreme heat but actually I think both. I managed to get a few things done for the baby and a lot of things almost done except for the finishing. Actually everything I posted about last time is done-- just needs to be finished!

I made this adorable hat for our little girl to wear home (or maybe in the hospital). Modeled by her fuzzy lamb for now. Its way to big for him but you get the picture. I made the pattern up-- just 2x2 rib over 90 stitches worked for 4 inches and then decreased evenly. I hope it fits her for more than the first week but I can always put it in her scrapbook!

I have two sweaters that I'm making for myself.

The first is the February Lady sweater that everyone and their grandmom is making.

I've actually put this in hibernation because the lace patter was boring me during my lack of knitting desire. I *might* get this done in time to wear as a maternity sweater but frankly I'm not going to kill myself to finish. I have finished the body and am on the first sleeve.(Its in Tatamy Tweed Worsted if you're interested)

The second is the Placed Cable Aran from Interweave Knits Fall 2007.

I added about 4 inches to the bottom before I started the cables because sweaters are usually to short on me and I've added about 10 inches girth wise in the past few months and really want to wear this now! The yarn is my very own Aster worsted in Turkey Feathers. The patterns in that mag are my absolute favorite. I will be knitting at least 2 more things from it!

The baby's growing by leaps and bounds too. I only have about 4-8 weeks to go. I can't believe that it went sooooooooo fast. I feel pretty huge at the same time so I'm ready to be done!

In Starbugknits news, I've added more worsted weight to my etsy shop. Most of them are kettle dyed colors which I prefer for larger projects and really there is a lot of variation just in one color! I love 'em all!!!

Starbugknits also went to the PA Endless Mountain Fiber Festival at the beginning of September. It was a great experience even with the rain and the manure splattered wall right behind my beautiful display. I hope to do more festivals in the coming year and already have my eye on several along the east coast for 2009. I'll try to post on those as soon as I know which ones I'll be at.

Starbugknits is also in stock at Yarn Calling in Kutztown. If you want to see it in person, there's a good place to go!

That's all here. I'd like to say that I'll be posting more regularly in the coming weeks but none of you will believe me! I'll try to get some pictures up of the baby when she makes her arrival so if you don't hear from me before then. . .

2008-08-05T09:22:00.002-05:00

Boy, I've been neglecting the blog even more than usual these days and that's saying a lot!

I haven't been very busy this summer. I've been on one small vacation to Cape May on the 4th of July but other than that I've been home. We've grown a ginormous garden this year and now I have about 20 pounds of pickling cucumbers staring at me with no hope for canning right now!

I'm having yet another sale at Starbugknits on sock yarn so I can clear out some inventory for some new colorways this fall. So I'm selling it all off at $10 a skein!

I've been knitting a couple of things for the baby and I have a super amount that I still want to do! So far I've knitted:

a daisy sweater

a little fuzzy lamb

and I'm almost done the blanket!

I have the yarn for a Christmas sweater from Dale of Norway 191 that I picked up with my birthday coupon at Mountain Knits and Pearls in East Stroudsburg. There are such cute things in that book! I like too that it has different weight yarns not just Baby Ull.

I am deciding against much Christmas knitting this year. I would normally already be planning that but I know my track record of finishing the night before and with a newborn that is soooooo not going to happen. I *might* knit some socks for my mom and some Christmas ornaments. Other than that everyone's getting gift cards!

The summer is going by so fast I just can't believe it. I'm reminded by my growing belly that November will be here before I know it! Back in March it seemed forever away!

I should be getting some new starbugknits news this week and I will update as soon as I do!

SUMMER SALE AT STARBUGKNITS

2008-06-20T12:33:00.002-05:00

HUGE SALE ON ALL SOCK YARN AT MY ETSY SHOP.
All sock yarn is $12 June 20-30!
Visit http://starbugknits.etsy.com

Hey, Hey, less than two months between posts. . .

2008-06-09T10:56:00.003-05:00

Aren't we all so excited about that!

So much to tell you all about, too! Wow, where to begin!?!?!?!

List formats seem to get it done so here we go:

1. Made a new and very basic navigation website on Starbugknits.com. I'm trying to branch into wholesale and wanted to send everyone to the same place.

2. Updated the etsy shop with some new fantastic colors:

Sweet Pea

Pool

3. Finished the epic pink project of doom and I think the recipient liked it.

4. Quit my job because I couldn't sit down longer than 10 minutes!
5. Am having a baby in November(see #4)

That's about it here! have a great day!

Hey there stranger!

2008-05-02T12:30:00.002-05:00

OH my word! Has it really been since February 16th that I last blogged?!?!? I just can't get over it!!!
Still plugging away at work-- not for too much longer though. I'm toying with the idea of quitting soon but that means I have to find another job. What a pain!
It just occurred to me not 5 minutes ago too, that some of my etsy listings had expired on April 19. April 19, people!!! I check that all the time and just didn't notice!

Knitting has been restricted to the pink project of doom but were at a count down of days now so hopefully that'll pick up too.

Starbugknits is getting a big update in the next week or so with a ton of worsted weight in all your favorite colors. If there's one you'd like to see in worsted just give me a holler.

2008-02-16T19:02:00.002-05:00

Its been a busy month!

I started a new job and actually that's about it. I know that its big news for anyone, but when you haven't had a job in a few years it seems like a monumental occasion! I like it(in case you cared) and its nice to get out of the house and make some money!

I have been doing a bunch of knitting. For now the new job is like that. We have a bunch of down time and I've been knitting. I get a bunch of jealous looks since everyone else is just sitting around waiting and I'm busy knitting away!

I finished my Tilted Duster:

I love it! I still haven't blocked it properly and it smells like sheep but its one of the best things I've made. I'm wearing it right now!

I bought some yarn.

Yarn Nerd was having a sale on an overdye color(math nerd) and I snatched one of those up right away. His yarn is a little finer than mine and I'm looking forward to trying it out.

I also bought some Ultra Alpaca Light for my snail mittens. I decided to wait until I got a new coat before I made new mittens. I'm glad I waited because my coat is not colors I would normally pick.

I found just the right (heathered!) yarn to match at Knit Witz in Hellertown.

I'm stocking my yarn at Knit Witz too and I've sold a couple of skeins there. I just put 7 there to see how it would go and now I need to restock! Its fantastic.

I also have some yarn at Yarny Goodness which opened today! Pam did a great job on the shop and she has some colors that aren't available on my etsy shop so check it out!

My current knitting project is top secret but hopefully that'll be done soon and I can post some pictures with the recipient. I'm very excited about so I wish I could tell you but it might be found in my Ravelry pages within the next week so you can see it there.

The high speed internet fairy has visited my house so more blogging to come.

2008-01-12T19:03:00.000-05:00

After much deliberation the winner of the January 2008 Name That Colorway Contest is. . . .

MH1982

with her suggestion of

Krakatoa

Having been a huge fan of the book 21 Balloons in elementary school I was thrilled with this suggestion. Krakatoa?
This great new yarn will be up in my etsy shop very shortly so make sure you get a skein before it sells out.
As an added bonus all entrants in the contest will receive $2 off a skein of their choice for this week only. Just enter your Ravelry name in the comments and I'll adjust the price and send a new invoice.
I'll also be updating with another new color and also some more of the Kettle colorway in sock weight by tomorrow. Head on over.

Name that colorway contest!

2008-01-08T10:54:00.000-05:00

I had such a great time with the last color contest that I decided to do it again!

Here is the color:

gray(lt. to dark) and bright red

The rules are the same:

Leave all entries in the comments of this post.

You can submit as many entries as you want.

Make sure to leave an email address or blog site or Ravelry user name with your entry.(No contact info, no entry)

The winner will receive on skein of handdyed yarn in the colorway of your choice from starbugknits.etsy.com.(I will also do a custom dye if you wish)

Now, have at it!

ETA: Contest ends January 10 @midnight EST.

New Year Wrap Up

2008-01-01T09:41:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged as much as I thought I might this year. The coming of Ravelry saw to that. Adding pictures and projects on there makes the blog seem a little redundant. Blogging has also been slower than I thought with my dial up connection. This year it'll be different. I have a new camera that takes great pictures, and we're getting high speed internet in the next few weeks. So more to come. . .
As far as knitting goes I'm going to make a list of all the things I have knitted this year. Heck-- I might even throw in some pictures.
I made:
1. 4 pairs of socks (one for my sock pal, one for my sister, one for my mom, and one I frogged already for myself)

embossed leaves for Kari

2. 1 pair of mittens(bird in hand)

3. 3 adult sweaters
4. 4 children's sweaters
5. 1 purse
6. 5 pairs of felted slippers

first pair for Michael

7. one scarf

8. 2 headbands

one for my mil

9. 3 Christmas stockings

New Years knitting resolutions?

Try steeking(bought a Dale of Norway book so I'm half way there)

Knit Dan's sweater in time for our sixth anniversary

Knit Dan some socks.

Knit more socks in general

Finish up my UFOs that are hibernating on Ravelry

Make Christmas stocking for Dad, Mom, and my family.

Here's to a Happy New Year!

2007-11-27T12:43:00.000-05:00

Hello, all my faithful readers(all two of you) I'm back to posting on this here blog a little more regularly, I hope.

Between not having a camera and Ravelry, I just haven't gotten the chance to get on here in so long! I've been super busy with Christmas preparations. I'm knitting a whole bunch of gifts this year but I'm almost done with the bigger ones.

Like three sweaters for the nephews:

I've since put the initials on the front and the rest of this afternoon will be devoted to weaving in ends and blocking!

Those are about the only Christmas presents I can show you since I'm not sure who in my family (still) reads my blog. I promise that I'll get plenty of post-Christmas knitty gifts up as soon as I can.

I do have some finished knitting although its been since Rhinebeck!

I finished this in enough time to wear it on Sunday at the festival. I've actually worn it lots of times since too but only got around to taking pictures of it today.

Its 93-27 Sleeveless jumper with belt from Drops. Super cute although I wish I would have added about 3 more inches to the bottom. That seems to be a big issue with me. I know its going to be too short, just reading the pattern, but the idea of knitting 2-3 more inches in plain stockinette when all I want is to change it up and do some decreasing is just too overwhelming for me. So I am forever fated to too short sweaters. Now I just have to buy a bunch more longer shirts to go underneath.

I did buy some yarn at Rhinebeck too. It occurred to me after we left that that day must have been a "red" day as the only yarns I got were:

Yup, almost the same exact shade too. However, the bulkier is slated for a Tilted Duster and the Chaco for Dan's Cambridge Jacket. Both will have to wait until after Christmas or I'll get nothing else done!

I am really enjoying Ravelry. I have gotten some really great feedback and some even greater yarn from swaps! Like 5 balls of this Nashua Vignette so I can try entrelac!

It has really helped the shy, introvert part of me actually promote Starbugknits.

I'm doing really well at the whole business stuff but my dye studio is still not completely done. I'm waiting on my propane tank for the stove and the sink hook-up. I have to talk to Dan about that! I'm getting so bored with my already dyed stuff and I am really anxious for a shop update!

2007-10-27T09:43:00.000-05:00

Rhinebeck was AWESOME! THe YARN HARLOT WAS AWESOME!!! I BOUGHT TWO SWEATERS WORTH OF YARN!
That is all-- no pictures-- no explanation :)

2007-10-15T17:55:00.000-05:00

Just because I haven't been blogging doesn't mean I'm not knitting.

Quite the contrary actually!

Lets see I'll do a list since time is short:

1. Andrew's Weasley is done except the letter on the front. Just a picture of the sleeve I'm afraid. Its just green and stockinette anyhow.

2. Evan's Weasley is almost to the armholes. I'm taking break from the yarn--its getting cold here and my hands are itching for some wool and alpaca.

3. After frogging a a sweater for myself twice, finally decided on a pattern Thursday. I finished the back and the left front and started the right front(almost 8 inches in). Its a Drops pattern that was exactly what I wanted and its using less yarn than I thought it would! So I'll definitely have enough to finish it! that has to be finished by Friday.

4. I started a Christmas stocking for Mrs. Polly. She's had two grandchildren born this year. Thanks to Steph and Kelly for keeping me in business!

5. I am almost done a pair of slippers for the gazillion people on my list. 1 down, 7 more to go.

I'm starting to get that nagging feeling that I won't finish in time. I keep pushing it aside saying "Its only October, you have plenty of time" but I fear I will not make it! I refuse to make a schedule because I know if I don't keep it I'll be depressed!
I bought some yarn from a destash on Ravelry. Cherry Tree hill Sock in Peacock! Lovely stuff!

In other news, I attended the National Apple Harvest Festival on Saturday. Mom, Dad, my two brothers and of course Dan went together. It was really fun! I also found a vendor selling yarn! I didn't buy any because. . .

We're going to Rhinebeck next weekend! I reserved our campsite! I'm so excited that we're going on Sunday because the YARN HARLOT IS GOING TO BE THERE!!!!!!!! Hopefully I'll remember to take the camera!!!!

I'm slowly getting the dye studio up and running. I'm still not sure about my heat and water sources but I think I'll just let Dan take care of that. I have soo many ideas that I can't wait to get started again! I want to do some alpaca and some different weights but I can't until the studio is going!

Yarn Sale at Starbugknits!

2007-10-02T14:00:00.001-05:00

Sale went up on Starbugknits last night!
$2 off every skein purchased in October!
Reductions already taken!

2007-09-29T15:58:00.000-05:00

We're moved into our new house finally! Upgrading to 3 bedrooms from one really is exciting. This is my craft room. A whole room just for crafts!!! Obviously we're not done unpacking yet but I can totally imagine how it'll be!

The best part and actually one of the main reasons we moved is for this:

Just a little shed but its home to me

The dye studio! Right off my back porch. NOT in my house! Can you tell how excited I am?

It still needs to be fixed up and have all spiders anhilated but soon I will be dyeing all the time. Making the biggest mess I can and not having to worry about my mom's carpet or the apartment walls!

In celebration of this great new development in Starbugknits, I'll be having a contest and a sale starting sometime next week(I need time to unpack:)

Staytuned and you won't be sorry!

2007-09-20T10:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to apologize for not blogging but I will show you some of what I've been doing.

Moving day got moved up a month(which is something we wanted) BUT we also have to get the new house painted and ready to go. Our current landlord want us out ASAP so they can get in here and get the apartment ready for the new guy. As soon as the new carpet is installed, we'll be hauling some stuff over there, but we're not sure what day our actual move will be.

Which means, there is a general purge of crap going on at our house. I'm trying to destash some yarn, too. SO much is stuff I need for Christmas, etc. This is the current state of our bedroom(I'm almost embarrassed to show it). There are boxes, laundry, sewing projects, and shoes EVERYWHERE! AHHHHH!!!!! I'm really looking forward to organizing everything afresh at the new place( I know, right?)

In fiber related news, we attended the PA Endless Mountain Fiber Festival. I give it a "meh". It was small which is okay but it just felt really disorganized. I did manage to find some pretty yarn though.

Farmhouse Yarns "Summerspun" Silk, cotton, lambswool. 700 yards in cranberry. My mother-in-law LOVES it. Maybe Christmas?!?!

I'm looking forward to Rhinebeck in a few weeks. I'm making some tote bags for my mom and me to carry around. I have to put all that stuff away because I know I'll start working on them when I'm supposed to be packing!

Hopefully next time I blog I'll be in my new office and can share pics of the new dye studio!

Oh yeah, go check out my yarn already! There won't be any update until after the move and I'd like to get some of my first batches sold!

2007-09-06T08:34:00.000-05:00

I always seem to be in a rush lately. Today, I have to squeeze in a quick run to the supermarket before I begin dyeing which I have to finish before 3.

No pictures today, I'm afraid. The knitting I'm working on now is for Christmas and I'm also designing a kit for my shop. Its a first-- secret knitting on the blog.
The weasley sweater is going good. I finished the body and now I have to find a tutorial online for knitting two sleeves at once on two circulars. I think I get the concept but just need to make sure.
What a boring post! Better one on Monday, I promise. We're heading to the PA Fiber Festival on Saturday and I'm sure I'll have SOMETHING to show you then.

'Til Monday then. Look forward to a shop update soon!

Quick update!

2007-08-29T08:38:00.000-05:00

I thought I'd throw in a little post today, but my to do list is pretty long AND I have to finish it by 3:00.

Lots of knitting going on. I cast on for a top-down raglan for myself with some yarn that I messed up dyeing(did you know over dyeing in brown will turn it black?:)) So its a nice basic black fingering weight on large(sz. 8) needles. I hope it turns out nice and lacy. I'm calling it the black hole raglan since its just a mass of black and its hard to tell what it looks like at all :)

I also started a pair of Embossed leaves. I had to rip out to the heel yesterday as is standard for me with a new pattern. The yarn is my own hand-dyed. Unfortunately the exact color will probably never be available since it was done before I wrote down instructions. I love it though so I will attempt to replicate it in the near future.
Also, to start my gift knitting, I have cast on for my first Weasley sweater for the nephews. I have three to make so I started with the biggest first. I was going to try intarsia in the round for it but that gave me a headache. The initial will be stitched on with duplicate stitch later. Sorry there's no pictures.Next post, maybe a finished object.
I finished my mom's sweater too! No time for a pic as she was headed out the door for a weekend away. Turned out nice, I think. I 'll get her to model soon!
Did I mention that i finished the Trellis too? Just in time, since Eric and Lucy moved 6 days later to Indiana! I love it!

Speaking of hand-dyed yarns, I had my first order last week! It was a great day! I sold my only skein of "Kitty" and it was in a smaller put up. I hope the buyer really enjoys it!

In non-knitting land, we'll be moving in less than two months.(!) Not far really but far enough that I'll probably have to find a new knitting group. Maybe I'll start one. I'm looking very forward to moving to a bigger place but not the actual moving part.

Have a great day, everybody!

2007-08-21T10:08:00.001-05:00

A shop update went out this morning. There are a couple of pretty amazing colors if I do say so myself. Among them, Evensong. Quantities are limited so hurry on over.

Its been about a week since my super fun trip to New York with my sister and our two friends so I thought I'd better post about it before I forget everything.

It was a pretty basic fiber tour, only about two stores but I think we did pretty good.

First Mood Fabric was so overwhelming that we had to go back after we'd had something to eat.

If you've never been there you should really go. Floor to ceiling with the most beautiful fabrics in 60" widths. There was a whole row of silk(chiffon, brocade, etc.) and cottons and everything. I picked out two:

The reddish is cotton knit, the striped is a soft cotton print.I don't have any ideas what to make from them but they are beautiful!

We went to School Products too. To be honest, I was a little dissappointed in their selection. The prices were good but there wasn't a whole lot too choose from. I will be going back soon, though. I wish I would have gotten some cashmere to make a few Christmas scarves. Oh well. I did getthis cone of brushed wool/nylon lace weight.

There's almost 35oo yards on that one cone! I have a secret project that I'm starting with that soon. I'll blog soon(I hope) about that!

Have a great day, and don't forget to checkout Starbugknits.com

And the winner is. . .

2007-08-20T08:18:00.000-05:00

After much deliberation, the winner of the first ever contest on Starbugknits is:

Knitography

with her suggestion of Evensong.

This was a great turn out! I had 85 ideas left in my inbox with only 3 repeats!
Excellent! A huge thank you to everyone who participated. I'll be doing this again soon, so keep checking back! And don't forget to check out starbugknits.com. I'll be updating the shop with "Evensong" and a few other new colors tomorrow!

Name that Colorway!

2007-08-14T10:08:00.000-05:00

I love the colors(navy and purple) but just can't think of a name!

Please submit your idea in the comments with your email address.

The winner will receive one hank of handdyed sock yarn from Starbugknits.com in the colorway of their choice.

Deadline for entries is Friday,August 17 at 10 pm EST.Winner will be announced on Monday August 20.
Good Luck!

Introducing

2007-08-08T12:27:00.000-05:00

a brand new shop for handdyed yarn!

mention that you saw it on my blog and receive free shipping during the month of August

Socks!Socks!

2007-08-07T15:21:00.000-05:00

Great things going on around here!

On my way out to go to Grandma's on Friday, I got my sockapalooza package!

This is the contents of my package:

That's*two* pairs of socks, beaded stitch markers, jelly bellies, AND a lovely felted tote bag.

I was so overwhelmed by all those delightful things!Look how beautiful those stitch markers are:

Oh, there was a box of Lindt truffles too, but they met their demise on trip. I think I saved them, but left them in the freezer at my grandma's house.

Thank you so much, Dana N.!

In knitting news, I have on sleeve left on my mom's cardigan, some ends to weave in on my Trellis, and a felted bag started with all my leftover bits of wool. I've been depressed about how many WIPs I actually have but listing them out like this really helps. Maybe I'll cast on for something else now.

Next Monday, I'm going to New York with my sister and our two sewing friends. I AM SO EXCITED!

Long lost blogger found up to her elbows in summer plans. . .

2007-07-29T14:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the title was a bit high in the cheese factor but, oh well . . .
I am back to my little blog after a 3 week hiatus.
Super great things are going on here but only a few that I can share.
Lets see, how about a list?
General Interest
1.Went to Knoebels and had a good time. I rode a few rides, had some waffles and ice cream, and got a postcard for my Sockapalooza pal.
2. Watched a pretty decent movie.
3. Read a good book(in 6 hours I might add)
4. Spent every Saturday at the restaurant watching Dan play the piano.
5. Had my 26th birthday. I'll be posting about my biggest gift soon.
Knitting-wise
6. Went to Kraemers again.
7. Finished knitting the Trellis parts. Now just to seam/graft and knit the collar.
8. Frogged the back of my mom's cardie and reknit about 4 1/2 inches only to realize I forgot to do the increases after the ribbing.
9. Started a Bonsai tunic to knit with my sister.
10.Spent more time on Ravelry than I care to admit.

Next up? Inner-tubing down the Delaware River and a quick trip to Grandma's next weekend(Hopefully with pictures)

FO!

2007-07-05T08:08:00.000-05:00

After two months of slogging along on these socks, they are finally done. Don't get me wrong. I like them. I think they're great. I was happy to knit them for my sock pal, and I think she'll like them. Its just they took forever. Granted I did take a break for this but two months? for socks? I have to be the slowest sock knitter in the universe. Especially compared to the Knit/Wit.

Specs:

Pattern:Go With The Flow Socks from Favorite Socks

Yarn: Hand-dyed Kraemers "Jeannie"

Needles: US 2

Start: May 7 or so

Finish: July 4

Don't worry-- they'll be properly washed and wrapped before I send them out.

Happy, Happy!

2007-06-26T14:16:00.000-05:00

I guess I'm a once-a-week blogger. I'd like to blog more but I like to wait until there is something interesting to blog--which seems to be once a week.

I made another trip to Kraemers today, this time with Dan in tow.

I was actually there to get something that's a secret so that will have to wait BUT while I was at the counter I wanted the price of some Indiecita Alpaca that I saw was in sale basket. Dan said "Lets just get what we came here for." Then the lady said "My treat! Go get what you need!"

That is the second time that lady has done something super nice for me. I don't even know your name but: Thank you, nice lady!!

So now I have 8 balls of Plymouth Indiecita Alpaca in a beautiful blue in the stash. I'm searching ravelry right now for a decent pattern. Maybe I have enough for a 3/4 sleeve Cece!

I have been pretty busy this past week with this:

The roof of that, actually. Dan and I ripped off and put on a new roof down the street from our apartment. I got a pretty good sunburn and I was so tired. But its done and it looks good.

We went fishing yesterday. I caught a 9 1/2" bass(not a keeper) and Dan caught a couple little tiny ones. It was nice to be out in the boat again even if it has sprung another leak and we had to bail out the water.

The sock is coming along nicely. I've been working on this off and on but I'd really like to have it finished by the end of June(because of Alison's contest).

I started the back of Trellis on Thursday. I really like knitting on it despite having to rip out a few rows here and there. Cables on charts don't really help me too much but I'm learning how to read it. Lace charts are fine for some reason just not cables.

We've been thinking about where we'd like to go on vacation later this summer. We'll be heading out to Knoebels the second week in July for a couple of days. I'd really like to go on a "real" vacation though. Has anyone ever been to Edisto Beach, South Carolina? The pics online look great and its (relatively)near Charleston.

Off to Ollies Bargain Outlet!

Of Heath and yarn and baby things. . .

2007-06-20T20:04:00.000-05:00

I just finished a Heath-Bar-Caramel-Sweet-Cream-in-a-Waffle-cone and was it ever good! Usually ice cream's not my thing and up until about 5 minutes before we left I was thinking pie but then. . . I love Heath more than pie.

I've been hanging out at Ravelry more than anywhere else lately. Yeah, its as good as everyone's been saying. I can't wait until everything is done.

I'm still chugging away at my Sockapalooza socks. I'm almost to the heel on the second one. I don't know, I guess I'm just kinda bored with the pattern. I still really like the look of it though.

I started a Trellis for a lovely couple in our church about to issue their first child. I picked Tatamy Tweed in a lovely lime color so it would be unisex. Now that I'm knitting with it, I see that it has a lot more fuchsia flecks in than I would have liked. Dan say it looks okay, so I'll keep going. If its too girly they can save it for their next one :)

There is a SALE at my favorite yarn store! They didn't advertise so I thought I'd save them some trouble. YEAH! 25-40% off everything(except their own brand)

I bought some sock yarn for Dan(Paton's Kroy)

And the greatest news of all time?

I can finish my mom's sweater.
I went to the Fantasy Naturale shelf and they didn't have any color that would match the blue at all. And of course not the actual color I was looking for. I called Mom and asked her if she'd like it another color. I trudged up to the counter and purchased 6 skeins in beige(ho hum) I told the lady my sad story of the sad sweater with not enough yarn. Then, get this, she pulls out two skeins of the exact yarn I needed!!! She has set them aside for herself but she figured my need was greater than her own! I returned the beige and emerged triumphant from the GREATEST YARN STORE ON EARTH. Incidentally, they'll be renovating in a few months so they'll be closed for a while :(
I was so happy to see today too, that Auntie Saar has found her way back to blogland. Its not a knitting blog but its nice to read what she has to say :)

One is the loneliest number. . .

2007-06-12T19:22:00.000-05:00

So I'd better cast on for the next one before the dreaded Second Sock Syndrome comes knocking.
I just kitchenered the toe about 10 minutes ago. Its slightly too big for my foot which should be about right for my sock pal(she wears a 7 1/2, I wear a 6 or 6 1/2). What do you think of the color?

In other news, we planted most of our garden today(a little late, I know) in a thunder storm. About 15 minutes before we went out, it was hailing! Fortunately, our other little plants were hardy enough to withstand that pelting! I was so worried for the baby peas and the broccoli.

Mission Accomplished

2007-06-11T12:07:00.000-05:00

The Josephine top is done. After pulling all day knit-a-thons for the past week, I finished up at 4:00 pm Sunday afternoon. I had to be at the church at 4:30. There's still a few ends to be woven in but otherwise its done!!! Don't you love the Harvest Gold appliances?

Specs:

Started: May 31 2007

Finished: June 10, 2007

Pattern: Josphine Top by Deborah Newton in Interweave Knits Summer 2007

size: 36 1/2

Yarn: Turquoise designer yarn that was given to me by a very nice lady at church.(She asked,"Is this to thin to knit with?") dyed turquoise with Dylon dye.

Needles: US 5 and US4 for the armhole bind off.

Changes: I substituted the cord for some sheer ribbon. I knew I wouldn't have time to make it myself. Other than that I followed the pattern exactly.

My thoughts: I think this is the first sweater that I've made that I'll actually wear. The length is super, the color looks good on me, and I don't have to keep adjusting anything on it. Its pretty light considering that the yarn is probably 100% cotton. Not completely sure of that though. I totally recommend this pattern. Its fairly quick although I was stressed out while I was finishing the front on Saturday.(Just ask Dan)

Hurray for wearable knits!

Back to sockapaloozing-- this week a finished sock(I promise)

2007-06-05T14:19:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update on what's happening here!

I took a break from the Sockapalooza sock, for this week, to work on the Josephine top from the IK. Does that yarn look familiar? That's because it is. Knitting is fun. That's my new knitting motto.(Remind me of that around Christmas, please) Vogue #10= not fun. At.All. I'd really like to have a little heart to heart with that designer.

Josephine has a deadline of Sunday, June 10. Yup, this Sunday. We're having a choir program in the evening and the theme is rivers and, well, its the perfect color. I'm almost to the arm holes in the back. *Cross* your fingers.

My deadline is further hampered by my invite to Ravelry. It is so.much.fun. I had no idea there were knitters in my neck of the woods.(I guess I don't get out much, knittingwise).

On the otherhand, I discovered Bloglines so my blog reading time is cut in half. I'm a little delayed technologically, what can I say?

Off to add some knitting projects to my "queue" YEAH!

Name that sock yarn!

2007-05-30T15:44:00.000-05:00

The sock is a little slow going around here. My hands keep getting sticky and then the yarn doesn't want to move, or when it does all the stitches slip right off. I predict that I'll be in the air conditioning more this summer than ever. I'm really enjoying the pattern. I had to rip back the heel once because I was off center for the instep pattern. I had some knitting time during Memorial Day so I wasn't too upset about it.

I had to take my sewing machine to get fixed yesterday. Its been doing strange things since I got it last year but I was in denial. The thread keeps bunching underneath and the tension was wacky. I had to drive 45 minutes away to another Joann's since the Husqvarna store in my Joanns closed up shop a month ago. I'll be making that trip again next Wednesday to pick it up.

I stopped at a little bead shop on the way home(my father's beads). Awhile back they sold yarn as well as beads but the last time I was in there they were selling out. It was slim pickins yesterday but they had:

Star by Classic Elite and Opal sock yarn.

The only thing is the Opal doesn't have a dyelot so I have no idea what color/collection its from. Can you name that yarn?

It was only after I left the store that I remembered that I'm supposed to be on a yarn diet! Oops, no returns on yarn! I got all excited because it was all 40% off!

I also got the new Interweave Knits last week. I bought it for the Origami cardigan but now that I look at I don't think I like it anymore. I really like the Wheat-Ear Cable Yoke. I think if I end up making it the cables will start about 3 repeats higher in the front for some obvious(?) reasons. I also like Josephine,Notre Dame de Grace, Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt, and Ogee Lace skirt!

2007-05-25T19:50:00.000-05:00

First off today:

Flashback to 1974. The year of the peasant look. The year of the argyle sweater.My Grandma started this wrap sweater 33 years ago. It has been sitting in her basement ever since, finished except for sleeves and seaming. It was knit in Red Heart "Wintuk" Clansman Sport yarn, doubled, on size 8 needles. There's one word to describe that: dense. Oh, and really warm. Grandma is a very good knitter. I've never seen such a beautiful stranded reverse side. She got it out on our last visit so I could decide if I could finish it.The sleeves are knit in the variegated yarn. I guess my question is; Should I try to knit the sleeves and seam it? I've thought about making the whole thing again(a little looser maybe) in wool. I think its a really neat sweater but. . . I don't know

Speaking of the perfect sweater. I was getting out my summer(!) clothes today.

I came across this great white sweater I've had for 7 years. Why is it so great?

It fits perfectly
It goes with a bazillion things
Its machine-washable
The sleeves are a true 3/4 length
The body length is just right

However, it is looking a little old and worn out. What's a knitter to do? That's right, I'll copy it. Right down to the knitted in facings! The original is cotton/acrylic so Cotton Ease should do the trick!
I also found this green sweater.I've only worn it maybe twice in the last two years because the sun faded part of the left half of it. You can really see it there under the sleeve.
Why do I love this sweater?

Its very fine gauge

Its got an adorable tie in the front

Its 100% natural fiber (70% silk,15% cotton,15% cashmere)

Did I mention that its mostly silk?

The time has come to dye it! I picked up some navy dye this afternoon. I realized after I got home that I will need to purchase new buttons since the ones on it are green too.

On the knitting progress front, the first sockapalooza sock has a turned heel. My row gauge is off but I've tweaked that just fine. It'll just be a little longer in the leg which is what my pal prefers anyway.

The turquoise sweater back is done . I started the front left. The fronts are knit on the bias with yo's at the beginning of the row. Its very interesting to say the least but oddly enough I'm having an easier time with the front than I did for the back. Thanks for all the positive comments on the back!

2007-05-19T20:17:00.000-05:00

I have been getting a lot of knitting time this week and although I have spent HOURS on the computer this week, none of that included blogging, obviously.
I am enjoying my first Sockapalooza. I was starting to be stressed out until I realized that I have a long time to work on this. As soon as I realized that, my whole project just came together. I dyed my yarn again.(Is that called overdyeing?) It is really a lovely shade of green now. There are some little blips of dark pink all in it from my koolaid dying but I think it makes the yarn a little more interesting to work with. I am doing the "Go With The Flow" sock from Favorite Socks. I really wanted to do the anniversary socks but the cables on the cuff just didn't look right in the yarn. This pattern is perfect. Lacy-- but not too lacy and not difficult at all. My sock pal has knitted lace socks so I was a little intimidated to try anything super fancy. I tried the Monkey socks everyone has been knitting and I made a few mistakes and had to frog the whole thing. I will try Monkey again just not when it has to be *perfect*.

Its a little dark and blurry but its still awful purty!

In other knitting news, I attended MDS&W an eon ago and now I have the camera back to show you all what I got:

Yup, that's it. Last year, it was about the same only blue. No, I don't spin.(But will, if it kills me) I have a hard time deciding on yarn when there is SOOO much variety. Plus, my husband has little patience while I decide. Just picking out that roving was iffy.

Here's the tank top I finished. My twin brother informed me that it looked like a knitted version of marijuana this evening. Great. That'll give me a lot of confidence *if* I ever wear it.
And the piece de resistance:

Vogue #10. I know its a more advanced pattern but would it have killed the designer to let me know where to start the lace pattern in those increasing/decreasing rows? I think the cardie is beautiful but its kicking me in the butt. Really hard! On the other hand, the yarn has wonderful drape at this gauge, and the color is fantastic. One of the greatest things though, is that I'll probably have enough yarn to make two. Not that I will but at least I won't run out. I just started the second ball of yarn at the armholes of the back!(I have 9)

More regular blogging soon, and a fun announcement later next week.

I made a decision, sort of. . .

2007-05-10T07:56:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone who left a comment with their favorite sock book. I went to Barnes and Noble last night and got. . . . . Favorite Socks from IK! I like almost every pair in this book!
I've decided on the Anniversary socks for my pal. If they don't work out I'm going to try the Waving Lace and if those don't work out I'm going to try "Go with the Flow". If none of those works out, I'm going to purchase some new yarn. I think my color choice is making it a little hard.
Again, Thanks to everyone!

So I guess I should be working on Sockapalooza. . . .

2007-05-08T14:06:00.000-05:00

But I'm not. The pattern choice is not coming easy since my pal has already knit the one I had my heart set on making. A trip to Barnes and Nobles tomorrow should clear that all up. Yes, I'm buying a knitting book.(Sensational Knitted Socks, I think) It will only be my 3rd knitting book in 4 years of knitting but its seems like the right thing to do. I want my sock pal to be happy, and I also want to be happy.(Instead of frustrated as I am when I think of designing my own sock pattern) Sockapalooza is about fun NOT stress and the free patterns just aren't doing it for me.
That said, I have just cast on for a sweater for myself. #10 from Vogue knitting spring/summer '07 out of the turquoise yarn. I have been scheming and designing for the yarn but today I am going to knit with it. Hopefully it'll be something I'll wear. I have such bad luck with that.
Which brings me to my last point. I finished the tank that was destined for the sheep and wool last night and its too.short. I just got so tired of stockinette stitch that I shortened it a whole inch. I'm kicking myself now. There is some good news though. I did a seed stitch neckline and it looks beautiful.
Pics sometime this week and all about the sheep and wool!

Sockapalooza 4!

2007-05-02T12:15:00.000-05:00

I know I've mentioned earlier that I signed up for sockapalooza but I'm just so excited about it!
I dyed my sock yarn with pink lemonade kool-aid. It didn't turn out too even but I think it'll be soooo pretty anyway! I was researching some other patterns this morning. I wanted it to be lacy but not too lacy, kwim? Has anyone knit Embossed Leaves from IK? I read on another blog(I forget which) that it makes a very loose sock so I'm a little nervous.
I'm also sooo curious about the sockpal who is making my socks. I didn't put too much in my sock preferences because I didn't want to just dictate a style and then not be surprised at all.
I love every color-- except maybe puce or something but even still in the proper place, who knows?
I need to email my sock pal(since she doesn't have a blog) and see how she'd like lacy stuff. I'm not sure how much info to divulge.
This is sooo much fun!
Hopefully, I'll get some pictures up after Sheep and Wool this weekend!

2007-04-27T18:35:00.000-05:00

No pics today, I had to give the camera back to my mom.
Its been an exhausting week. We just got back yesterday from a whirlwind trip to my Grandpa and Grandma's house. They needed some steps built off their back porch so they asked Dan to build those for them. We only had 3 days to get it done and Dan put the last balusters up at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday-- just in time!
Anyway, it was a nice enough visit. I got some knitting time in. The back is done on my Mom's sweater and almost one side is done. I think I'm going to run out of yarn. I knew it was coming but I just hope I can squeeze out the other front piece before I run out of yarn. I'm not sure if Kraemers still has that color(Fantasy Naturale navy blue/lt. blue mouline) I bought it 2 years ago so I'm not holding my breath. I think if I can find just the right navy I'll do the sleeves and button band in that.
The front of the baby dress is almost done. The stitches are a little wonky so hopefully a good blocking will help with that.
I'm working on my design for a tank . I want to wear it to the Sheep and Wool Festival next week so I hope I can get it done.
I finally got to my brother's to felt their slippers. They loved them! I've managed to make another pair for my sister in the time since I last posted!
Kind of a boring post without pictures so I'll leave it a that.

2007-04-15T15:15:00.000-05:00

Thought I’d post quick while my dinner is cooking(we’re having fried chicken if you’re interested.)
Its been a pretty busy couple of weeks around here. Actually, it wasn’t too bad, but for me, busy.
I went to my favorite yarn store this week. If you’ve ever been to Kraemers you know how great they are—if not head on over to their website. I made a sweater out of their Naturally Nazareth and socks out of Tatamy Tweed DK. It is just really nice yarn. They recently added a few new ones to their lines and I couldn’t resist! They also started stocking a bit more variety and they have EXCELLENT prices on sock yarn.

Clockwise l-r: tan Tatamy Tweed, bare sock yarn "Jeannie", teal Tatamy Tweed
I got the bare sock yarn for my Sockapalooza pal even though I don’t know who it is yet! I just stocked up on kool-aid and read Eunny’s tutorial for dyeing self-striping yarn. I can’t wait to start. The yarn is super soft, too!
The Tatamy Tweed worsted was in their clearance bin! Yeah! I'm thinking a cute stripey summer tank.

So, I have a gazillion projects currently on the needles but here are the ones I’m really working on right.

clockwise l-r:Magic stripe socks, trekking socks, sweater for mom, cotton fleece baby dress

The blue one is actually from my original list of 2007 knits The pattern is in the newest Vogue Knitting(Pattern #19 if you must know). It was exactly what I was looking for!
I just can’t get into those Magic Stripe socks anymore. I only have like 7 more rows to go but. . . after the Trekking XXL, it is so nasty. The pink one is at the boring stage. 6 inches of stockinette,ho-hum. sorry its a little blurry

These are our first little plants--broccoli and lettuce. We planted them on Monday and they're already this big!

2007-04-05T21:16:00.000-05:00

It's been a week since my last post. How do people blog everyday?

I did finish my felted slippers yesterday! They are so cute! I can't wait to felt my brother's slippers. He's going to love them(aren't you, Mike?)
Specs:
Pattern: Fibertrends Felt Clogs
Yarn: Patons Classic wool in Regency and Paprika with Woolpak 10ply dyed with orange koolaid for the first sole.
Size: 6
Supergreat pattern. This is the third time I've made it but first time I've felted it. And they were easy and fun! Highly recommend!

I went to Tangled Yarns in Bethlehem today. Its so nice in there! I got two skeins of Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece. I love LOVE this yarn. I'm making the Brittany jumper from Minnowknits. They had one done in the shop.Too cute!(Actually, they've had it in there for a while but I only just realized that I HAD to knit it:) I did an actual guage swatch(!) and I'm right on-- oh yeah!

2007-03-29T16:06:00.000-05:00

I actually have a Finished object today. No, its not the good and plenty sock. Its not the turquoise sweater or anything from the list.

Its my green fleece jacket!

I made this last October(or was it September?) I tried it on before I sewed the buttons on and I thought it might be a little frou-frou with that ruffly thing on the bottom. Then I lost one of the buttons and it didn't turn up for a week or two. I decided to hang the jacket up in the closet and leave the button in the box. Last night, though, I decided I wanted to wear it. I sewed the button, cut some strings and threw it on! I still feel a little weird but I'm determined to wear it until I am comfortable in it. I like to sew but I get frustrated very easily. I demand instant gratification with that but I can knit for weeks and still be excited about my project. Weird, huh?

I am so excited about easter candy. I found the Sixlets while walking around Walmart yesterday. Only $1 a bag!I have wanted the peeps for weeks now and just decided to grab 'em!
I love sugar!

Of Socks and Bugs

2007-03-28T15:14:00.000-05:00

Yeah!!! My Wee Tiny Sock is finally here!!!! Thank you so much, Sue! I love it!!! It was sent out a little bit late--- but its okay! It was worth the wait! Great idea, Emily! See ya next year!

That's about it for knitting news around here. The turquoise sweater is on hold as I really want to design it myself. I tried a new stitch pattern(Versailles border) a few nights ago. I picked one that I thought looked more difficult and it wasn't so bad, especially for a border. And its a French design .I'm soooo happy about that. I just have a thing for all things French!

These pictures sum up my frustration for the past few days.

Box-elder bugs. Huge clumps right outside my kitchen window. I did some research and found out that a mixture of soap and water will kill them. It doesn't work. Oh sure, a few dropped over, but not that many They don't contaminate food and they don't really get into anything. But they're coming into my house in droves. Hmmm. . .

2007-03-23T20:30:00.000-05:00

I was going to wait to post until my wee tiny sock came in the mail so I would have some superfun pictures to post but I am tired of waiting. Since I've adopted that defeatist and slightly depressed attitude, it'll probably arrive tomorrow. Works every time.

I just got back from going out to dinner with my lovely husband. He's playing the piano in a restaurant tonight so we ate there first. He gets a free meal so its cheap. Just a good deal all around. Mom and Dad(and Adam) came tonight so I hitched a ride home with them. Last time I drove down the hill to St#$%*&ks and drank the world's crappiest mocha in the universe while I knitted on the good and plenty sock. Not a fan of that particular coffee joint. Yuck! Why pay $3.50 for a burned, greasy coffee? I guess I did, but not again. Back to the point, I'm so glad I got to come home and put my jammies on. I can knit in the comfort of my own home.

Here are some pictures of my turquoise yarn. I think I'm just going to knit a Honeymoon cami with it.(Of course I'll modify, what's the fun of keeping to the pattern?) Thicker straps, different stitch pattern on the bottom who knows? Time to swatch it doubled. I really wanted to design my own sweater but I'm just not inspired lately. Hum.

Knitpicks has fabulous(looking) new yarn out. A linen-cotton blend that I'm itching to get my hands on. I have 5 skeins of the red in my "stash" now so maybe I'll actually order(and the rest of my wants) soon.

I've applied for a super great job recently and I'm having a really hard time waiting to hear about it. I think because its a job I really want, not just one I have to get because I need money. I'm pretty optimistic but. . . still . . . . .

Well, since the post doesn't have any kind of central topic, I let you go(assuming you're still around reading all this drivel.) Have a great weekend!!

P.S: Is anyone else planning their sheep and wool trip yet?

2007-03-18T13:44:00.000-05:00

So I finished a baby set(sweater, hat, &booties) today but sadly no picture of the finished set. It was a last minute make-up-your-own bootie-pattern-and-finish-them-at-a-highschool-band-concert deal so I forgot. The concert was pretty good even though there were 1000 people crammed onto one side of gym bleachers. We left after two(!) hours because we were hungry.

I also finished my second pair of slippers and I am just waiting on my brother to get up here so I can felt them.

I dyed my natural tan yarn a lovely shade of turquoise(that was what walmart had in dylon) and kool-aided(new word, YEAH!!) some other yarn orange. I actually swatched the turquoise on size 3s!

Oh yeah, and I got a perm that burned the side of my head. I spent the time before church explaining to people why I won't be suing my hairdresser(my sister*) and that I'm really okay. Now I have to try not to pick at my head!(Torture!!) The perm looks really great so although I lost some skin I gained some good hair.

Not many pics today, no time to load 'em up.

*She is an ACTUAL cosmetologist. I've gotten loads of perms in my life and never once has anything happened like this before. My skin is doing weird things.

The Emily and Adam Book of Opposites*

2007-03-08T14:41:00.000-05:00

Lots of knitting going on around here. Some projects have been put by the wayside for now so I can work on the fun ones!
One of M’s slippers are done. The Size13 needles are killing my hands but I love them so far!

In contrast, I just joined Emily’s Wee Tiny sock swap. I haven’t gotten my swap pal yet but I couldn’t resist some instant gratification. The light brown one is a lace pattern and the red and dark brown is a fair isle pattern. I might do a couple of more since I can’t decide which one to give away and I don’t know what my pal might like. We’ll see on Sunday!!! I’m so excited. I’ve been wanting to do a sock swap for a while now this is just the one to get started! Yeah!

Oh, have you seen the new Knitty yet? Isabella is a really neat design. I have just the yarn too. A lady at my church gave me a cone of unknown fiber yarn last fall. Dan and I did the burn test to figure it out but that only told us that its a natural fiber. The only thing is is that the color is yucky beige. I read that you can dye it with Dylon dye but I can’t decide if I want indigo, turquoise, cherry, or terra cotta. I guess I have a little while to think about it. Isabella will be great to knit in the spring/summer!

*This book was part of a set that my Grandma bought for me and my twin brother, Adam when we were little. We always like how this one described "us" Emily is quiet, Adam is loud, etc.

Why I love my brother (and my mom). .. . or look at my great loot!

2007-03-05T13:51:00.000-05:00

First off let me tell you about the food from this weekend. Friday night we went to a VERY fancy restaurant near my brother’s house called The Orchards. I wish I had a camera with me. Its not often I go to such a nice restaurant and the presentation was very nice. I had filet mignon and mashed potatoes. I love me a good steak!
We went to KFC for lunch on Saturday. Have you tried their boneless Honey BBQ wings? They are so good!
Now the really great part. There’s this yarn store in Chambersburg called The Yarn Basket. I went there once by myself last time we visited and bought the dreadful Rowanspun 4-ply and some Gedifra Astrakhan.
I could probably spend all day in there. It is packed to the hilt full of yarny goodness. I was having a really hard time deciding what I wanted. They have a lot of Cascade 220 so I thought I’d get the yarn to fix the green sweater. Then I remembered they had great sock yarn. I decided on some Trekking XXL #129(or the Good-n-plenty colorway).I love this yarn I’m already this far and I just started yesterday! It is such a wonderful change from the Magic stripes.
The best part, though, was my brother’s enthusiasm in the store. I found the Fibertrends felted clog pattern and M wanted to know everything about it. Of course he asked if I could make him a pair. THEN he went a picked out yarn! So now I have 3 hanks (can you really call those beasts “hanks”?) of Woolpak 10 ply to make him slippers. OH the best part. . . he paid for the yarn and pattern! I have to get my ball winder back from my sister before I can start but it should be fun! I think M will be a knitter after all. My sister and I decided that we’ll teach him soon. Those great new “men knitting” books will help too!
YEAH!!
Mom saw some yarn she liked by Schaeunemeyer(sp?) that looks like (Lionbrand) Homespun, but she forgets what its called. Any ideas?

I made myself a hat too. FairIsle pattern from this book. My own pattern out of wool-ease(fisherman) and Knitpicks WOA(artic pool heather) that I had in the stash.

I really finished the hat--that's just the only picture I have right now :)

RUT . . or Welcome to the end of February!

2007-02-28T11:02:00.001-05:00

I think the word of the month in blogland is rut with a capital R-U-T. This hatefulness hasn’t evaded me this time.
I have no food, no car to get the food. I am tired after cleaning all morning but my house still isn’t clean. I need to get a job but I hate calling for more information.
So here I am. No knitting progress either. I started a hat for myself out of stash yarn but I’m going to frog it. I have a baby hat to make but my gauge is WAY off and I have to frog that. I hate my endpaper mitts, and I’m tired of those stupid Magic stripe socks.
On the plus side, I’m going away with my mom this week to visit my brother in Chambersburg. I’ll get to eat out ( I LOVE TO EAT OUT!!!) and go shopping. Hopefully that’ll help this rut. Not as much as a tropical vacation but I’ll take what I get.

A House of Leftovers and a FO!

2007-02-20T17:07:00.000-05:00

Since we’ve been eating leftovers a lot lately(I’ve been roasting a chicken about once a week and then we’ve eaten hot chicken sandwiches after that) I thought I’d celebrate and get rid of some of my leftover Christmas Wool-ease and make Alison’s Leftover Vest. (Incidentally, the colors are also Hogwarts house colors in honor of Alison’s new book and no, I didn’t plan on that) I think I’m getting gauge although Dan thought it looked small. I can’t tell if the colors are the ugliest or the prettiest colors together that I’ve seen but I’m waiting until I get a little farther before I decide if I hate it or love it.(That could be a bad thing) There will be blue and gray added in there too. I've gotten more done since and I think I hate it but I need a second opinion.
I finished Dan’s hat and it’s exactly how he wanted it! YEAH!!! Unfortunately I don't have a good picture of that right now but it is just one color and stockinette so no loss there.
The socks are slow-going so there’s nothing new to show there.
The mitts are on hold as well. I am just really having a hard time with the Rowanspun. It’s the devil!!!!

Progress of the knitting kind

2007-02-15T17:43:00.000-05:00

I’ve been doing some knitting but nothing from the LIST.

I finished the socks that were on the list before I even started blogging but by some twist of fate the socks got a large whole in them after the second wash. I had some issues at the point of unraveling while I was decreasing the foot(re: there was a huge factory-made knot in the yarn) which totally spoiled my striping pattern and made me rip roaring mad because I didn’t notice it until I was too far to go back. I thought I could deal with it BUT now that it has gotten a whole the size of Montana in it I’m not too upset to rip back. Oh, and the second sock was too big too. Its only been a year since I started the stupid things.
I had to rip back some of the hat I was knitting for Dan too. It was just a few inches too short. I debated a couple of ways to do it and I think I picked best (just putting a lifeline in and ripping to before the decreases. Should be nice if I do say so myself.
I’m been working on my Stranded KAL mitts too. I really enjoy working on such small needles and these are really turning out. I can’t decide if I want to make them into mittens but that may be too much math for me to figure out. I love the pattern and praise Eunny for her knitting genius. I would have stared at that color work for ages before I would figure out the thumb gusset! I can’t wait to get her Anemoi mittens pattern. I may adapt that to be the flip top mittens for my sis-in-law’s Christmas present.
This last picture is a baby sweater I’m making for a lady at our church who was very disappointed to not find any white baby sweaters at the store. I think this will make her happy.It just needs a light blocking and then I'll be done!

Oh and I frogged that pink sweater and picked out a new pattern. Then I found out I only have about 500 yds of yarn. How could have made a whole sweater from that? That totally blows my mind. I’m afraid to take apart the green sweater because I’m afraid I won’t have enough yarn to make a sweater.I think I'll make this sweater with the green and get a solid for the sleeves.

Superfantastic Day

2007-02-01T20:17:00.000-05:00

I found a new yarn store today. There was an article in the newspaper yesterday and my wonderful mom let me know about it today! I was just lamenting that I have to drive so far to find any yarn that's halfway decent. I guess there is Tucker Yarns but as the dust in there makes me sneeze I'll ignore that one. Anyway, The Needle Arts Studio is about 10 minutes away max. They have a nice sampling of Brown Sheep and Elizabeth Lavold. I found some beautiful Wildfoote in their sale bin for 4.50(2 skeins!!) A definite thumbs up!
I have joined the Stranded Colorwork Challenge since I started Eunny's endpaper mitts with my super yarn find. I'm using the Wildfoote and some Rowanspun 4-ply that I had in the stash. I bought that in Chambersburg last October and was going to knit Dan some socks but it kept breaking at every needle join. There was NO WAY I was going to knit Dan's socks out of that! I would be darning them every 2 weeks.Its working nicely for the mitts ,though, as long as I knit the ribbing flat! I definitely don't recommend that yarn but it'll do for now.
I'm working on getting some pictures on here soon. I know its boring just reading about knitting and not seeing anything. Stay Tuned!

THE LIST '07

2007-01-31T09:35:00.000-05:00

I few weeks ago I made a list. Not just some crummy list on an envelope but a real typed list of ALL the things I want to knit in 2007. Am I just a little too ambitious? I 'm thinking that maybe there isn't enough stuff for me on here too.
So here's the list:
1. Dad's Christmas stocking-- this was actually supposed to be his Christmas present but I added a few extra hats for my nephews onto my already overloaded Christmas knits and well. . . Dad could wait.
2.Mom' blue cotton sweater-- this was one of the first sweaters I knit (Springfling from knitty if you must know). I used a different but identical looking stitch pattern but it wasn't stretchy enough. Mom's had it in her closet ever since so I took it back ripped the whole thing out and I have to remake it now. I have since made myself a "Spring Fling" and I think I can handle it now. The yarn is is Fantasy Naturale so I'll have to rework the gauge too. Great.
3. Dan's cardigan-- this doesn't have to be done until Dec. 14(our 5th anniversary). Dan picked out the Cambridge Jacket from IK Summer '06 and some Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Fire cracker heather. So now I just have to buy it.
4. Wrap Jacket for me-- this is from knitpicks. I had two other patterns bought from there but I think I'll really wear this one in Sapphire heather.
5 &6. Pink Fluffy and Cable sweaters-- I mad these two or so years ago and I want to rework them so I'll actually wear them, just little tweaks to both. or maybe major frogging we'll see.
7.Socks for Dan--- I think I'll change these to mittens. Dan found some alpaca yarn he'd like mittens out of so. . .
8. Mittens for Laura-- my sister-in-law has these old "hobo" mittens that are worn thru so I thought I'd knit her a nice pair for christmas.
The last two are "surprise" Christmas gifts so you'll have to wait on those.

What do you think? Too ambitious?

My first blog!

2007-01-30T15:16:00.000-05:00

I have been reading blogs (especially knitting blogs) for about a year and a half now. I always said that I wouldn't ever have my own, but here I am! I think it was just time. Dan's getting tired of hearing about my knitting ideas and adventures but I have to share with SOMEONE!
Anyway, this is day one and I hope whoever reads this finds it interesting!