Insaknity

A home of my own

2009-05-15T14:40:00.002-05:00

I've started a new blog. Something to promote the designing I've been working on. I'll still in out and out around here though. If anyone wants to take over adminstrative duties, let me know, otherwise I'll let things ride. Please come visit!

Show and Tell

2009-04-17T13:43:00.004-05:00

It's been much too quiet around here! I thought that while I was out of work I would be posting more often, but somehow that just hasn't worked out yet. The upside of being temporarily unemployed is, of course, the extra time to spend with my kids and knit. I knit at the computer while I job hunt. I knit while I read stories and Matthew turns the pages. I knit while the kids play at the park. I knit while being forced to watch SuperWhy (again). I knit after the kids go to bed at night. In short, I have been knitting like it's my job.

I just finished a pair of socks.

My Cabled Thank You Socks on US size 2 needles, made with Miss Babs Yummy sock yarn. I picked up this yarn last summer at the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair. I love the color and tight twist of the yarn.

I've also been making progress on Kingscot by Norah Gaughan. My sister bought me the yarn to make it for Christmas. It's Mission Falls 136 Merino Superwash. It is so soft and fabulous to knit. I'm enjoying the pattern, but I found that I need to add about 3.5 inches to the length. If I kept it as written, it would fall just below the waist. A very unflattering look if you're bottom heavy, I think.

I also pulled the Candle Flame scarf out of hibernation and have been adding a repeat here and there. I love the colorway for the project. It looks like all the colors in fire to me.

I've been slogging away on a zip up cardi of my own design as well. It's knit top down, with matching cable panels on the back and both fronts, and different matched cable panels down the sleeves. A sleeve and a half and the knitting is done. Then I'll find out if my limited sewing skills are up to the task of installing a zipper. It's knit with Northampton from Webs. Great workhouse wool, soft but sturdy.

Last I finished a new design. A girl's tank. It's knit seamlessly from the bottom up, with a slightly gathered empire waist and applied i-cord edging. I'm working on the grading now and I hope to offer in possibly sizes 2-10. It's knit in Dale of Norway Svale, a lovely, if splitty, yarn. Any other dk weight, warm weather yarn should work as well. If any of my bungapeeps are interested in test knitting in exchange for a final copy of the pattern, please let me know.

So, what are you working on?

My first (and only!) socks.

2009-03-31T21:36:00.005-05:00

Finally, here are some pictures of the socks I completed last Sept. I received the bamboo/wool blend year from Shannon the year before in the swap. She sent me beautiful pink Panda bamboo/wool blend sock yarn, and a pattern from Knit Picks. Knit Picks Aran braided socks . I used a size 1 bamboo needle dpn set. It only took me almost a year to finish!

I learned a lot about cables, turning heels, and not being able to knit these while watching or doing anything else. ;) lol They are oh so comfy and not too hot for Florida in the winter. I wore them to school (work) already on crazy sock day to show them off. They are beautiful, I think. :D Definitely not boring.

I still don't know if I will ever knit socks again! Maybe baby socks. ;)

My Biggest Challenges thus far...

2009-03-31T20:21:00.005-05:00

I finished the baby alpaca lace scarf I was working on over the holidays. It is supposed to be for my sister. She gave me one ball of this really soft lovely grey-brown yarn. Then she said "I want you to make me something with this- I couldn't resist it." Even though she does not knit and isn't even interested! Hmph. I am not sure if she will get this or not. I may just have to keep it. :) I did try it out a couple of days, and enjoyed wearing it, but I think she might get more use out of it.

This was a Knitty pattern, recommended by Dani from the Spring '05 issue http://www.blogger.com/Branching . I started it before Thanksgiving and finished blocking it Jan 24th. It really didn't look like much until it was blocked, as Dani warned. I loved watching it take shape. I blocked it twice, as I wasn't aggressive enough the first time and the pattern didn't really show up. I learned a lot doing this one!

and...Finally I have some pictures of the cabled socks from the swap over a year ago! It was an ambitious first sock project. I made it through, though. More about that in a separate post..

It's Done!

2009-02-19T12:26:00.002-06:00

I think I've mentioned before that I bore easily. This can be a complication on "easy" projects for me. However, I have powered through, and after 2 years, I have finally finished Maggie's log cabin blanket.

I love it. The colors are bright. It's soft and washable. It makes my baby happy.

But, dude, that was a LOT of garter stitch.

Twinkle Twinkle

2008-12-05T22:11:00.001-06:00

Twinkle Twinkle
Originally uploaded by pezdiva

We have a new Twinkler in our house, this is a huge big deal in Suzuki land.

Louis learned 'Twinkle' all on his own a few weeks ago, and then he had to teach me. He is now working on the sound of his music, he is trying hard to make the most beautiful sound on his violin as he can. Considering he is your average rough and tumble 6 year old who started violin just a few months, I think he is doing a pretty great job. This video was taken after a long day of school, park day, and group lesson so he is a bit tired but we wanted to put it up anyway.

Since he is doing so well on all 6 Twinkle variations, he got to learn
'Jingle Bells' - just in time for the holiday season, so fun. It is a funny thing this Suzuki stuff, Louis has already picked up how to play 'Lightly Row', again, on his own.

Suzuki is the anchor of our homeschooling, and even though we haven't been doing it for too long I can't imagine not doing it now. It has taught me so much about how Louis' brain works, and it really is fun to play and learn together. Miranda is so jealous of Louis doing all of this without her. We can't get her to keep her hands off his violin, thankfully she starts lessons in January, she is crazy excited. I don't think I would be very off base saying that even Bill is jealous.

Flickr

2008-12-05T22:06:00.001-06:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2008-11-12T11:03:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year. The cold Chicago winter is setting in and my kids need their woolies. I've been working on a set for Matthew made from Miss Babs 100% Superwash Merino in Verdigris. I made him a pair of basic mittens from Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns.

Then I made him the Lina hat. I love this pattern. I think it looks so difficult when it's not.

And now I'm chugging away on the scarf. I'm using the Berlin Scarf pattern, which is just brioche stitch. I'm really liking it. It's so squishy and there's only one row to the pattern - no purling, so you can really fly along.

Now, in the interests of honesty, I have to tell you I made another hat for Matthew first. He asked for a moose hat because I call him my little moose. It had to be green and orange to match his new coat. I was being cheap, I admit it. I tried to knit the hat out of some acrylic I picked up at Hobby Lobby.

It's been a long time since I was embarrassed by something I knit. I didn't swatch, so the hat is too big. And we won't even discuss what I was thinking to try to do stranded colorwork with acrylic. I still see the potential in my idea though. I used the Norwegian Star Earflap Hat (Ravelry link) pattern for the shape and then I modified the charts from the Baby Norgi sweater for the colorwork. I think with the proper gauge and, oh, I don't know...WOOL, this could have been awesome. Maybe after some time has passed I'll give it another go.

Next up, holiday knitting! Let the crazy begin!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-28T09:30:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Bat with Jack O'Lantern by Barbara Prime at Fuzzy Mitten

Yarn: Bernat Alpaca Blends and Caron Simply Soft (I know, but it's toy! Besides they are both nice and soft.)

Needles: US Size 6

Mods: None

This was a really well written pattern. I was so impressed with how well it came out. Trust me, it was the product of the pattern, not the knitter in this case. This little guy is destined for my bat obsessed niece for her 5th birthday. I think I will add a bow around his neck and wrap him up with two new books, Bats at the Beach and Bats at the Library. Check them out if you get the chance. Really cute, rhyming story and great illustrations.

Happy Halloween!

Rosebud Baby Set

2008-10-23T08:43:00.007-05:00

I knit this little set for my brand new baby niece, Tiffanie Ann. She was born last night. Coincidentally, I mailed this out yesterday. She was 3 days overdue and I had a feeling when I mailed the package that it would be good luck.

Patterns: Rosebud by Susan B. Anderson, One-Piece Baby Kimono from Mason-Dixon Knitting and Simple Shoes by Uniform Studio.

Yarn: Peaches & Creme and Lily Sugar 'n Cream

2008-10-22T11:26:00.005-05:00

This weekend I abandoned my children and husband and went to Rhinebeck, NY for my very first NY Sheep and Wool Festival.

The surroundings very beautiful. The foliage, the foliage...well, you just don't get colors like that in Chicago.

On Friday, my friends and I hiked to Kaaterskill Falls. Amazing. Gorgeous. We followed it up a lovely dinner at Stella's in Kingston.

Saturday, we hit the festival. It was clear, crisp, and cold! Which made for a fun game of name that pattern. There were lots of beautiful sweaters, hats, and shawls. We pet alpacas, lamas, bunnies, and sheep.

And almost immediately after came across this sign:

Don't worry. We didn't have any. We did decide to try the Philly cheesesteak though. (Hint: if you are from Chicago, this is not going to be good choice. It is not the same.) The hot apples and ice cream on a cinnamon bun fully made up for it though.

In the end, I purchased 2 skeins of wool from Ellen's Half Pint Farm. 1 for me to make Matty a pinwheel blanket and a smaller, bulkier skein for Maggie to knit herself something.

I also snagged a skein of Cameloo (camel, merino, and bamboo) from Still River Mill. I think it will be a cowl for me.

And I picked up an exquisite skein of Frolicking Feet in "Cherry Pits" from Done Roving. We ended up skipping the Ravelry party though. It was just too cold and my sister had the beginnings of a sinus infection. Instead we grabbed a bottle of wine and takeout and set up shop in the hotel lobby. We chatted with the other knitters and generally had a fun evening.

Sunday was spent wandering Rhinebeck's downtown and tasting at Ailson Winery. We popped in and out of shops. My friends even bought me the cashmere and silk pashmina I feel in love with for my birthday! We ended the day at Gigi Trattoria. The best risotto I have ever had.

Then we packed the car and headed back to the airport. Fabulous weekend. I can't wait to do it again.

Dudes, I made a knitter.

2008-10-21T16:23:00.000-05:00

10 to go!

2008-10-05T12:30:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Gathered Pullover from Interweave Knits Fall2007

Yarn: Dale of Norway Svale

Needles:US Size 8

Mods: I started with a larger size on the bottom to accommodate my hips and decreased evenly up to the waist, creating an a-line silhouette. I used short row shaping and a three-needles bind off at the shoulders. Then I picked up stitches around the armholes and did the sleeve caps with short rows as described by Barbara Walker in Knitting from the Top and continued knitting the sleeves in the round to the end. I picked up the neckline and joined it at the center back, decreasing at the center point of the v-neck to bring it in just a little.

Verdict: LOVE IT! The cotton silk blend makes it a perfect 3 season sweater. I was worried that it would stretch out with wearing, but it's holding up nicely. The only thing I would change if I knit it again would be to hem the edges instead of rolling. I think it would dress it up a bit.

Knitcircus Issue #4

2008-09-24T10:08:00.002-05:00

Well, I got the okay to share the super secret knitting. It will appear in the fall issue of Knitcircus.

Butterfly Dreams Mittens

They will also be publishing Moose's Argyle Vest in additional sizing.

Both patterns are already on Ravelry. Knitcircus will be available October 1st for $7.50.

Thank you to everyone how encouraged me and gave me a much needed push down this road!

Another weekend, another hat

2008-09-22T09:11:00.002-05:00

A Better Bucket Hat

Yarn: Alpaca with a Twist, Baby Twist in Purple & Plymouth Baby Alpaca DK in Turquoise
Needles: US size 6
Mods: To make it Maggie sized, I used DK weight yarn, size 6 needles, and I didn't make the hat as deep as the pattern specifies.

The flower is the 5-Petal Flower available here.

I think I'd like to block the brim a little to enhance it's flare. I, maybe, should have switched from the contrast color under the brim to the main color a round sooner, but I sort of like the row of turquoise purl bumps at the bottom. I think I want to make one for me next. Black with something bright under the brim, maybe orange.

Capitan Hat

2008-09-16T13:02:00.003-05:00

In addition to the ogre hat, I knit up Rosi G.'s Capitan Hat this weekend. It was a fun and fast knit on US size 10 needles and Encore worsted held doubled. I used about 1 ball, making it a $7 project. The best thing about it is it's flattering on just about everyone. Maggie, my sister, my mom, and I all tried it on and it was cute on everyone. I'll have to think about a couple more of these for the holidays. This one, I think, is destined for my SIL.

This is also going to the hat contest at Gene Ann's Yarns. If you're interested, the deadline for submissions is October 15. Votes for your favorites will be accepted until November 15. Popular vote decides the winner, who will take home a $100 gift ceritifacte to Gene Ann's Yarns.

Ogre Boy

2008-09-15T10:42:00.001-05:00

Ogre Boy
Originally uploaded by daniknits

Pattern: Ogre My Ogre - available as a free download on Ravelry

Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes - doubled. I don't know what color.

Size 10 Needles.

Mods: none, except for yarn and needle size to make a smaller hat.

I.love.this.hat! It's bound for a hat contest at my lys. I don't think it'll win, but it'll be really cute in the window.

11 to go!

2008-09-04T10:03:00.004-05:00

Maggie's Winter Cardi

Pattern: Shrug This

Yarn: Brooks Farm Solana

Needles: US size 8

Mods: Button hole at the neck for the button I still need to buy. Slightly longer body and long sleeves. I put the sleeves on waste yarn at the point the pattern told me to bind off the sleeves. I cast on 8 stitches under each arm and continued until I was happy with the body length. Then I put the sleeves on dpns and picked up the eight stitches under the arm. I knit in the round to my desired length. I didn't add any shaping to the sleeves. It didn't seem to need it. I still love the pattern, though I'm thinking of it more as a recipe at this point. Brooks Farm Solana is one of my very favorite yarns and it's superwash, making it great for the kids.

I'm off to knit on my comfort shawl next, but what I really want to do... See that orange yarn on the shelves behind Maggie? It's for my Susie Hoodie (Ravelry link). I really really want to cast on for that today. It's raining and chilly here. I'm going to try to resist, but I make no promises.

3 Down - 12 to go!

2008-09-02T09:24:00.002-05:00

It was good weekend for knitting. Not many plans, crappy allergies, and a bunch of shows to catch up on on the DVR. I frogged the French Market Bag. It felt good.

I Finished the Super Secret Knitting and sent it off. Here's a tiny sneak peak.

I also finished the Bat Hat. Cute, easy pattern. The only mods I made were to knit it on smaller needles and a little less deep to fit a smaller head. I also didn't double the ears to make them thicker. That is purely because I was running out of yarn. I think it's fine. I kind of like how the ears curl a little. Here's Matty (with a bigger head) standing in for his cousin to model it.

I've got one sleeve done on Maggie's Winter Cardi and hope to be to show you a finished object tomorrow.

Remember me?

2008-08-30T10:06:00.002-05:00

I've been meaning to come here and show some of my fo's, but the craziness of life and keeping up with my main blog has kept me away. My needles have been very busy though!

I've finished two sweaters recently - one for Delphine and one for me.

I made the Cowgirl Butterfly Astronaut Vest for Delphine. I used Dream in Color Classy, and I was pretty happy with the way it turned out.

I tried my hand at making something for myself again - Liesl. I always love Ysolda's patterns, and this one called to me so I cast it on right away. It knit up pretty quickly, and it actually fit me!

I've knit a few socks - the pair I recently finished I can't show you because I was a test knitter for someone. Hopefully I'll be able to show them soon. I really love the way they turned out!

Like Dani, I've got tons of projects to finish up - one single sock, a doll, and a simple pair of socks for myself. I'm in the middle of participating in an afghan square swap and have been knitting 2 squares a month. I've got 7 more squares to knit and then one for myself to complete the afghan.

I cast on the Laughing Carrots sweater for Dominic yesterday and I owe him a pair of socks too. I've been in complete denial that I should already be planning my holiday knitting - but I plan on trying to map some of that out this weekend and next weekend.

So there is my little update :)

Things might be getting a little out of hand

2008-08-29T13:33:00.004-05:00

I've been feeling a bit weighed down by the knitting lately. I have all these projects running through my head. Projects that I will never be able to knit all of in 2 lifetimes. I'm pretty used to that, but still, I've been feeling like I'm not making much headway. I decided to take an accounting of everything on the needles and see what was what.

Big, big mistake. I'm really, honestly not sure how I got to this place, but I have, um, 15 WIP as of right now. I started out feeling vaguely out of sorts, only to now be fully freaked out. I must get this under control. I am going to Rhinebeck in October for the New York Sheep and Wool Festival and I want to be in a better place by then. I can't go into prime knitting season (not to mention holiday knitting season) with so many projects dragging me down.

I'm going to come clean with it all here and then I'm counting on you all to keep me accountable. If I stay on track I may be able to start (mostly) fresh by Rhinebeck. So here goes.

Warning - lots of pictures ahead!

First up is some secret knitting I can't show you. In October though, you'll see it in KnitCircus along with Moose's Argyle Vest in more sizes! I have to have everything turned in by Monday and I am on track for that. There is no other knitting until this is done.

Next I have to finish up a bat hat for my 4 year old niece. I'm using the Kittyville Hat and replacing the pom-poms at the end of the I-cord with some little crocheted bats. She plans to wear the hat on Halloween as part of her costume. Most 4 year old girls want to be princess, but Olivia want to be a bat. The kid is hysterical.

I've also got another Shrug This (this is the third) on the needles. A long sleeve version made with Brooks Farm Solana. Delicious stuff. This is for Maggie because, well, because I got it on sale at Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair for $20. It's a sleeve and quarter away from being done.

A little pair of camo socks for Matty. I just cast these on this past weekend while I was working the Gene Ann's Yarns booth at Stitches Midwest. I needed something small that I could do with no pattern.

The Comfort Shawl to keep me warm while knitting on the couch this winter. I cast this on Saturday night after I purchased it because I, apparently, have no self control.

After that, I'll still have Breeze (needs 2 sleeves, seaming and neckline),

the Zetor Scarf (about 1/2 way done, I think),

Austin socks ( needs a mate),

Paraphernalia socks - Ravelry link (needs a mate),

Candle Flame scarf (about a third done),

Gathered Pullover (needs sleeves),

Log Cabin blankie (about half done-I hope),

Maggie's Wool Cardi (a third done),

a tank top of my own design (about half done),

and a French Market Bag.

This one is taken care of - or will be momentarily. I'm frogging it. I love the pattern, but don't really love felting, so this will probably never get finished. I'm just going to reclaim the yarn and call it done.

Look! I'm down to only 14!

Made it!

2008-08-09T17:03:00.002-05:00

Blocked at 9am this morning and gifted at 10:30 am. I.am.in.love! The pattern so clever and so fun to knit. I think maybe I should have used higher contrast yarns, but...eh. I'm pretty darn happy with these. I'm especially happy that they were knit in only 6 days, Almost entirely as my after work knitting. A very quick knit. Only 66 rounds after the picot edging.

Anyway, Gene Ann loved them. I was right. No one knits for you when you own a yarn shop. I'm really glad I did. Gene taught my sister and me how to knit maybe 8 or 10 years ago. I thought she was giving me knitting lessons, but really, it has been so much more. I can't imagine my life without knitting. It's my passion. I will always be grateful to Gene for introducing me to it.

Frog Princes

2008-08-07T10:00:00.002-05:00

This coming Sunday is my friend, boss, and LYS owner's birthday. We're celebrating at the shop on Saturday. I had a really hard time deciding on a gift, but I think I've got it.

Kiss That Frog mittens. I bought the pattern on Ravelry. It's well written with clear charts. I'm using Karabella Aurora 8 (my all time favorite yarn!) in green and Jaeger Extra Fine Merino DK in Blue.

I've always admired and aspired to stranded knitting. I tried it out with one of the Three Tams from Knitty last winter and found it very enjoyable. This time I did little more reading up at Knitting in Color, and, I think, improved my technique considerably.

If you look closely, you can see about half of the half body of the frog. When you put your hands together like you're reading a book - voila! A frog!

Oh, and before you ask. Yes, the party is this Saturday. Yes, I'm not quite done with the first mitten on this beautiful Thursday morning. Yes, I think I will finish. I may be in a caffeine haze come Saturday, but I can do it. I have to. I have no backup gift.

Things we do for love

2008-07-03T23:27:00.002-05:00

IMG_1762_edited
Originally uploaded by daniknits

Knitting doll clothes has always been right up there with knitting toilet paper covers for me. Never gonna happen.

But when my girl picks me flowers and shows me her pantless grandma doll...well, I guess it won't be long before I'm gifting the entire family with tacky tp covers to match the bathroom decor. At least it's a good use for leftover sock yarn.

Thank You Cabled Socks

2008-05-29T15:20:00.007-05:00

My friend and co-worker has been wonderful to me. She's helped me out with some work stuff that truly would have been miserable without her help. So, as a knitter, I decided what better way to say thank you than handknit socks?

We always joke that my friend is pretty plain jane about clothes and colors, so I went to the stash and found some charcoal grey Regia Silk. Perfect. I couldn't bear the boredom of 2 completely plain grey socks though, so I threw a cable twist into a 2x2 rib.

A few friends have expressed interest in the pattern, so I'll share. It's really more of a recipe though.

Cabled Thank You Socks

2 balls Regia Silk
US size 2 Needles

Cast on 64 stitches (or whatever multiple of 4 makes you happy)

Rounds 1-3 - Work in 2x2 rib
Round 4: C1B, P2 around. (Cable without a cable needle by knitting the second stitch first)
Repeat these 4 rounds until desired leg length.

Work the short row heel of your choice over half the stitches. (I used a YO short row heel. A tutorial can be found here.)

Continue working in rounds, in pattern, until foot is 2 inches less than desired length. Work your favorite toe. I used a round toe as follows:

Toe:
(Knit 6, K2tog) around
Knit 5 rounds
(K5, K2tog) around
Knit 4 rounds
(K4, K2tog) around
Knit 3 rounds
(K3, K2tog) around
Knit 2 rounds
(K2, K2tog) around
Knit 1 round
(k1, K2tog) around
K2tog - around (8 stitches remain)
Break yarn, draw through remaining stitches with a yarn needle and pull to close.

Voodoo sock... and post your projects!!

2008-04-29T09:06:00.004-05:00

Okay- I know you all are knitting! I've seen pictures! So c'mon- post here and share! :)

I have been in school for the last 2 terms and have not had much knitting time. I TRIED to knit socks for my DH, but here is my, oh- about 34th (and final) failed attempt. It was the wrong size. After all that work. Note the needles impaling it before it became a ball. Hopefully that got rid of bad sock mojo with that yarn.

And yes- that is the same yarn that a certain little black kitten (not that sweet innocent calico ;) ) completely snarled not too long ago. So one ball is now again a ball, and another is a complete tangled mess in a bag. Sigh.

I did, however, knit one sock of my swap yarn. With the fabulous pattern she sent along. I am impressed with myself, as it fits so well. I may have to post a picture of me wearing the one sock- because... I can not seem to get the next sock started. I keep casting on and have gotten to the second row a couple of times, but then it turns bad and I pull it out. :(

maybe when finals are over... One more week!

Sock Frenzy

2008-03-03T12:14:00.002-06:00

I have never considered myself a sock knitter. Sure, I've made a pair here and there, usually with at least a couple months between the first and second socks. But recently I was struck with the idea to make some small socks for the kids and use these little socks to learn a few new techniques.
First I did my basic Ann Norling kid pattern, cuff-down, heel flap, kitchnered toe socks for Maggie. I used Happy Feet by Plymouth, 1 Skein with a bit leftover, Size 1 feet.

Then, I tried the Universal Toe-Up Sock Formula from Knitty. There was no way I was making a gauge swatch for a sock, so I took the gauge off the ball band for the math. Here I learned about W&T short-row heels and toes and a sewn stretchy bind off. I could not get the figure eight cast on, and after an hour or so, I went ahead with the easy crochet cast on. I did not enjoy the W&T short rows. Well, to be honest, I found them to be pain in the ass. I followed a few tutorials, and I think I did okay,but...eh. I used Wildefoote by Brown Sheep, Size 11 Toddler Feet.

Then I ran across YO short row heels. I was sure this had to be easier and less fiddly the W&T method. So, I tried it out for my little niece. Cuff-down, YO short-row heel, kitchnered toe. Regia Stretch, Color 81 (i.e. clown barf) - about half a skein, Size 9 Toddler Feet.

Out of the 3, this was the sock recipe I liked the best. So, I did it again. (I couldn't leave my other little niece out, now could I?) The only change this time was I used Knit Picks Sock Memories in Flower Power. I loved this yarn! Really soft and nice to work with and I love the bright colorway. I used about 3/4 of a skein for Size 11 Toddler Feet.

I would have guessed after a month of knitting nothing but socks, I would be done and ready for something new. But yet I am happily working on my Austin Socks (RPM from Knitty) that have been languishing since October. I think somewhere around the 3rd pair, I became a SOCK KNITTER!

So, what have you all been up to lately? Other than the meme, it's been very, very quiet.

7 Things About Me

2008-02-27T08:53:00.004-06:00

I apologize, but I did a copy and paste from my blog a couple weeks ago because I can't think of any more fun things about me (if you want a really long list...here are 100 things about me).

1. I like to read mysteries.

2. I wish that I could sew. There are so many dresses and skirts that I'd love to make. I'm always buying patterns thinking I'll teach myself, but get very intimidated the moment I open the envelope.

3. I like watching zombie and vampire movies.

4. I like finding 4 leaf clovers, and I'm actually pretty good at it. I even have one that I found during our last trip to France.

5. I collect sheep, bees and teacups.

6. I love the smell of Lilly of the Valley. It makes me so happy when they start to grow right outside our front door.

7. I have never been to Disneyworld or Disneyland but really want to go!

7 Things About LeaAnna

2008-02-25T20:16:00.003-06:00

1. The neighborhood boys used to jump up in the kitchen window and scare me when I was washing the dishes. To this day, I can't stand at the kitchen sink at night without feeling like someone is waiting there to get me.

2. I get paid to take other peoples' pictures, yet I have hardly any of my own kids (I am working on this!)

3. My Dad is married to my Moms half-sister making 3 of my brothers also my cousins. It really sounds worse than it is.

4. I am envious of people I see out running and dream of someday running a marathon, but think I'm really too lazy to make that happen.

5. I drove a stolen car from California to Minnesota when I was 17, without a drivers license. I didn't steal the car.

6. Most people think that my first child was an 'oops' because I was 19 and not yet married, but he was planned. My third was the 'oops'.

7. Because of #6, most of our friends said we'd be divorced within a couple years. We've been married for 11 years. :D

7 Crazy Things about LaPez

2008-02-25T14:53:00.002-06:00

1. I am in a major photo taking slump, I want to find my mojo. Mojo, where did you go? I miss you, come back.

2. I usually have the anti second sock syndrome. First sock takes what feels like forever (forever meaning anything more than 4 days), second sock 3 days, if I love it, tops.

3. If I don't walk my dog at least once a day I am guilt ridden and feel like the dog cops should take her away from me.

4. I hate the color yellow.

5. I don't eat beef, but I love bacon.

6. My husband makes me popcorn almost every night, from scratch, no bag stuff here.

7. I love punk music.

Seven Things

2008-02-25T11:30:00.002-06:00

I've been tagged for a meme by Marie Grace.

The rules...

1) Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2) Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3) Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4) Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

7 Things about Me

1.) I was really excited to know that Marie Grace reads my blog. (blush)

2.) I am afraid of the dark and still sleep with a night light.

3.) I have been with my husband since I was 17.

4.) I have had mostly the same friends since I was 8 years old.

5.) I am a fast reader. I can read a book in a day if I am alone.

6.) I prefer fantasy, but will read anything except romance.

7.) I don't read as much as I used to since I became knit obsessed.

I am tagging:

Sock Wars

2008-02-22T12:24:00.002-06:00

I think this looks really fun. Go here and check out the details.
Anyone want to join me?

All in good time

2008-02-04T12:47:00.000-06:00

I've been working on Foothills by Elizabeth Morrison for Matty since before Thanksgiving. I figured it would be go pretty quickly, because:

1. I loved the yarn.
2. Pretty big needles
3. Top-down design (my favorite)
4. It's the 2-4 size

Instead, I finished it last night. 3 months later. Go figure.

I had a bit of a hard time with it. I'm not sure if the problem was with the pattern or with me. For some reason I could not visualize how to do the raglan increases and keep the ribbing in pattern. I must have ripped 4-5 times until I finally had to make an excel chart so that I could "see" it. I still am not sure how anyone did it intuitively, but again, I really think for some reason I just couldn't wrap my head around this one. In the end, I did figure it out, but forgot to keep up the seeded rib. By the time I realized it, I was more than halfway done. So I embraced the rib and went with rolled hems all around. Despite my problems with it, I'm very, very happy with the finished product.

Matthew loved it too.

Pattern: Foothills
Needles: U.S. Size 8
Yarn: Solana by Brooks Farm Yarn
Mods: Plain rib rather than seeded rib and rolled edges

Look mom! Only 2 balls of yarn!

2008-01-06T10:46:00.000-06:00

I dove into the stash and knitted up Tam C of the Three Tams from this winter's issue of Knitty. I didn't decide who it was for or have any reason for knitting other than I wanted to. I finished it in 2 evenings. I used some Cream Paton's Candiana and some leftover Colorchanges by Ironstone. I used about 1/2 a ball of the Colorchanges and less than 1/3 of the Canadiana.

It's now one of my favorite things I've ever knit. I think eventually I will be the one wearing it. It's too big for Maggie and, besides, oranges are my colors! For now it's serving as a sample at my lys. It makes me feel so good when someone sees my sample and buys yarn to make one too. Imagine how good the designer must feel!

I am actually thinking about making another one , maybe Tam B, with a black or brown main color. I saw a few on Ravelry that way and they were striking.

I really did finish the holiday knitting.

2008-01-03T19:58:00.000-06:00

I just haven't gotten around to blogging it. I finished the snowman for my mil back in October or November.
Then I turned out the Very Cropped Top Hoodie from Magknits, for my 13 year old godchild in about 4 days. I wasn't planning on this one at all, but the lys where I work had Big Ball by Schoeller+Stahl on sale 50% off! I used only about a ball and half and size 17 needles for the whole thing. I crocheted the edging around the neckline and hood.
Then I began Blustery. I used Baby Twist in a gorgeous chocolate brown by Alpaca with a Twist. I can't say enough good things about this pattern. It's classic and well shaped. The shaping keeps things interesting and the softness of the yarn kept me chugging along. I got to learn how to do a tubular cast on and a sewn tubular cast off. Both of these techniques produced beautiful professional looking results, but, be forewarned they take for freakin' ever. I'm glad I did it though, and I will no doubt use them again. The vest was blocking by 10:30 AM on Christmas Eve morning. A personal best for me. I did have to sew on the buttons and wrap it after midnight, but the actual knitting was done. I still need a modeled shot. My mom wore it the one day I didn't have my camera with me. I'll show you the boring flat shot though.
About 3/4 of the way through Blustery, I stopped for a quickie, one skein project. This time I used Big Baby by Alpaca with a Twist (I love this stuff!) and made some cabled fingerless mitts for Maggie's kindergarten teacher. It took less then an evening each. I used size 10 needles and had to skip a few rows of the pattern to make sure I had enough yarn. I finished with just a couple yards leftover.
Thus concludes my very first round of holiday knitting that ended without a minor breakdown on my part. Now, I'm eagerly knitting projects that had been put on hold for the holidays. It's so nice to have no deadlines!

Sock, interrupted

2008-01-03T19:37:00.000-06:00

Not only have I knit a pair of socks for myself (not shown here because they are too embarrassing to post), I took the leftover and turned it into a sock. And that little ball next to it? That's going to be the other one. And here's the amazing thing, I, your Resident Sock Hater, came up with that toe-up design based on some hidden mathematical genius that surfaced only for a few moments, allowing me to do make up my own baby sock. I am so impressed with myself, I could just knit. Each sock used 40 yards, so if you are ever in a stash-busting mood, these are the socks for you. In an ideal world, the sock itself would have been a little smaller and the cuff a little longer. But it's not bad for cutting out on my own, dontcha think? I know Elisa will be so proud. I used Vesper yarn, which I picked up when I bought some for the yarn swap with Elisa. If anyone wants the specifics I will be happy to post them for you.

Now I must go and NOT balance my checkbook.

Bean's Baby

2007-12-16T17:11:00.001-06:00

I finished another project this weekend - a doll for Delphine. It was a pretty quick knit and I had fun making it. I'll continue to knit or sew little clothes for her later on. I got the pattern from a book called Knitted Babes - it has lots of cute ideas.

I knit a small scar into her chest to match the one Bean has from her heart surgery...

and here is the finished product.

Taking the edge off

2007-12-11T17:25:00.001-06:00

I've been knitting diligently on the holiday gifts, but I'm not good about knitting on a deadline. Suddenly, I want to knit almost anything except what I'm currently knitting. I've adjusted my holiday knitting expectations and I have one last gift to knit. I love the pattern, the yarn, and the gift recipient, but I was getting really antsy. This was a total impulse knit. I cast on and knit madly. It was done so quick, but it was just enough to take the edge off the holiday knitting. Now it's back to work for me. I'll check back soon with holiday knits before they get wrapped up.

Pattern is Winter Femme with minor modifications. Yarn is Tess Superwash Merino. Size 7 Needles. More details are on Ravelry under daniknits.

Finally!

2007-12-09T16:42:00.000-06:00

It's been so quiet here - have you all been busy with your holiday knitting? I sure have!

I've been working on Dominic's Harry Potter House Scarf for a couple of months and I am SO glad to be finished with it! I could only sneak in rows after he had gone to bed, and it was just stockinette stitch over and over ....very boring. I know he'll really enjoy it - but it is one project that I'm glad to put behind me! Now I just have his hat and mittens left.

Wobbly Circles Tote...FINISHED!

2007-11-14T21:26:00.000-06:00

Finally figured out how to make time for knitting, kids, and spanish class. I turned off the TV. This isn't meant to be revelatory or anything, I know many people who have made the conscious choice to jettison their TV and are happier for it. I don't want to chuck it completely, because there is 'The Office' to consider. But that can be Tivo'd and set aside while I try to learn a new language and finish some knitting projects that I started last year. And there is the yarn swap we've got coming up. I just bought some sock yarn for my lucky recipient, and let's just say I think she is going to be one happy knitter. So, onto the knitting stuff.

Behold the Wobbly Circles Tote! It's only taken me over a year to finish it (hey, it was a good TV year what with the Sopranos and Deadwood). I got so sick of looking at it that I shoved it into a bag and even thought about not finishing it. For a loooooong time. I don't know what revived my will to finish it, but here it is in all its glory, a birthday present for my very best friend in the whole wide world. Shockingly, her birthday is in December, not "last month." You are witnessing history, people.

What I have been doing with my time lately

2007-11-05T22:39:00.000-06:00

since it is obviously not keeping up with this blog. There has been knitting, oh yes, there has been much knitting, but mostly I log on to ravelry and call it a day. Sorry for the neglect, peeps. I went to Stitches East in Baltimore earlier this month, which was GREAT! I took a class on steeks. which I knew nothing about before I walked into the classroom. Like, I didn't even know that you actually knit a steek into the thing you are working on. Nada. It is my goal in knitting (and with most other things) to learn something new each time I choose a project or take a class. So when I was looking at the class selections, I thought, "Steeks! Now there's something I know squat about! I'm there!" I signed up for this class way back in May. The class started at 8:30 on an October Saturday morning, and as the date grew nearer, I seriously questioned if I had actually intended to attend this class. Steeks? What the hell are those, and why do you want to leave the house at 7am to learn about them? WTF were you thinking? Luckily I had signed up with a friend, who told me if I wasn't outside my house for a 7:10 pick up, she was going to break into my house and start blowing an airhorn. In order to protect my family, I went. And I was so glad I did. I learned so much, and the instructor was great. There were, of course, a whole lotta freaks in the class, owing to the nature of Stitches East. I really didn't understand that it's really a big educational event, and that people actually flew in from far-flung cities, stayed in nearby hotels and took classes for four days straight. I was even issued a name plate that I had to wear around my neck. Official! Now, I like knitting as much as the rest of you peeps, but I am telling you the only way I am flying somewhere to attend classes is if the class is in a Tuscan villa with a kitchen staffed by Mario Batali. So as you might imagine, the Baltimore Convention Center was a big giant freakdome. And it hit me at that moment that I, myself, was a big giant dork. Who really enjoyed her class on steeks, and really liked hitting the marketplace afterwards. The marketplace was great--it was like sheep n wool, but without the crowds and elbowing. You had to pay to gain admittance, so I am assuming that limited the riff-raff. Pez, next year Stitches is in November in Baltimore (same knit time, same knit channel) so mark your calender and join me so we can get our freaks on. Or our steeks.

I am working on a few things right now: a lap blanket for my wheelchair-bound grandmother, a green vest for me, and I am finally finishing up that stupid wobbly circles tote that I haven't picked up in half a year. It's all seamed; it just needs to be felted. These are all projects that are big and take awhile, and I was itching to get something done just to feel a sense of accomplishment. So I took that one skein of Malabrigo I bought at sheep n wool back in May and churned out a neck gaiter for myself. There was enough for two, so one is headed to a friend out in Colorado.

With all that said, I am not knitting as much as I would like. I am taking Spanish, so that is taking up a good deal of free time, and just hanging out with the kiddos a bit more. I don't expect to be knitting as much as I would like for a decade or two, at which time I will probably be crying into my knitting basket that the kids are grown and don't need me any more. Alex is already getting too big for my lap, and it is making me feel pangs of sadness that the days of sniffing his freshly shampooed little head as we read before bedtime are numbered. Boy, these days are passing in a whirlwind of madness, aren't they?

PS I promise next time I will trim the nosehair before taking any upshots of my nostrils.

Is this thing on?

2007-10-30T19:48:00.000-05:00

Hellooooo? Fellow blog members? Are you not knitting? Or just not posting?

Frosty the Snowman

2007-10-16T15:25:00.001-05:00

IMG_0879_edited
Originally uploaded by daniknits

The first holiday gift is finished. This little dude is from Jean Greenhowe's Christmas Special. I love him. I also love that I didn't buy a scrap of yarn to make him. He's made of leftover Plymouth Encore and Knit Picks Wool of the Andes. Knit on size 2 needles, in the round where possible.

I cannot wrap my mind around why, for the love of all things knitted, this was designed to be knit flat. Every.little.stinking.piece. As is every project in this book. Oh, joy.

Anyway, I believe Frosty will going to live with my husband's grandma. One down, and much more knitting to go.

Fuzzy Cardigan and Booties

2007-10-11T16:57:00.000-05:00

I made these for my good friend who is expecting baby #3 (a boy) this month. It started with a hat that I began a loooong time ago, knit at a completely incorrect gauge, which will make for a very warm hat...perfect for a Minnesota winter baby! I love the feel of this yarn so I decided I needed to knit a matching sweater, which then led to matching booties and now I'm thinking about a little blanket! Baby stuff is so much fun! I love how fast the little pieces knit up! I've already given her the hat, but I'll be sure to update with a pic of the whole deal, including baby, when he arrives.

Food and Feet

2007-10-09T13:15:00.000-05:00

Pez is right. Knitting all this play food is strangely satisfying and very addictive. All the pattern I've done so far have been free, including the strawberry form Pez. This first set, plus a cupcake and some cookies or donuts, are going to be a birthday gift for my friend's daughter. I'm going to load it all into a little picnic basket with a little checkerboard napkin for a tablecloth. If my children are any indication she'll love it.

In between the compulsive fruit knitting, I did manage to finish my Charade socks. I used US size 2 needles and Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Vera.

Pezzy you're famous...

2007-10-08T09:16:00.000-05:00

Look at your strawberries on Lime & Violet's Daily Chum! Yay for you :)

Tomato Tomahto

2007-09-21T15:02:00.001-05:00

It's done. I love it.

Pattern: Tomato by Wendy Bernard
Size: 44"
Yarn: Tess Designer Yarns Superwash Merino
Mods: I added an extra set of increases to the waist shaping. I picked up the stitches for the sleeves and decreased every 5th row until I liked the length. Then I did 8 rows of ribbing to match the neckline.

I love this so much that I could see myself making another in the future, maybe with long sleeves next time. There are more pictures on Ravelry and Flickr under daniknits.

Holiday Knitting

2007-09-18T15:18:00.000-05:00

I love to knit for the holidays.

Wait, scratch that. I love to plan what to knit for the holidays. When we get down to the actual knitting and deadlines, there's usually a great deal of coffee, late night tv, and crying.

Last year, I did a very reasonable amount of holiday knitting. Just 2 toddler sweaters for my nieces. I had a bit of a time crunch near the end, but I didn't break down. Therefore, I'm counting last year as a victory.

I'm feeling encouraged by the lack of tears last year, so I'm making my list for this year. This is the earliest I have ever begun the holiday knitting. See how prepared I am?

I decided to start with a modest amount of knitting. Some knitted food (a la Pez) to make picnic baskets. One for my children and one for my nieces. Oh, wait, one more for my other niece and 2 nephews. 3 baskets. Not bad. Then I found these.

I have never ever knit a toy. I've never wanted to. But these are the cutest toys I have ever seen! I now think that each of nieces and nephews need a doll or stuffed animal. My aunt and in-laws need Santa and Mrs. Claus or Snowmen. My good friends, who just moved into their first house, need little ornaments and maybe the sweet knitted creche. I can't forget about the vest was going to make my mom, either. Or the family members I was thinking of making socks for, or the hat for my hubby, or fingerless mitts for my godchild.

I am making a list. I am counting up my available knitting hours per day (AKH). I am considering my discount a the LYS.

In my lucid moments, I know this is crazy. I even dreamed about the Christmas knitting last night. What are you planning for the holiday knitting? Please tell me I'm not the only freak.

Knitdiot

2007-09-01T20:09:00.000-05:00

Tonight's blog entry was going to be "Block Party," and it was going to be followed by pictures of all the stuff I was blocking tonight. I've been saving a few projects and wanted to do them all at once. So, after I finished the pea pod hat that I had to re-knit because the first one was way too big, I threw into a pot the sweater, the two hats, and the Clapotis I made for my mom awhile back.

The clapotis that was knitted with Claudia's Handpainted yarn.

From very deep reds and purples.

Do you see where I am going with this?

I almost cried when I pulled out the sweater, which was resting on top of the clapotis in the pot. It had dark patches where it had made contact with the clapotis. It was only due to the quick actions of my husband, who jumped up, grabbed the sweater and started rinsing it with warm water, that the sweater was salvagable. He stood over the sink for a good fifteen minutes, massaging the sweater, and mentally willing the colors out. It was very sexy.

It's drying now, and I will look at it in the morning to see if it can be given as a gift. I think I see some faint marks where the colors ran, but it could be just me and my overly critical eye.

By the way, I am using blocking wires for the clapotis. I like the clean edge that it allows, but it is not a time-saver. Also, why don't the wires have tapered ends? I am QUITE PUT OUT.

I wish I had thought of Knitdiot when I was signing up for ravelry. That really would have hit the nail on the head.

Pea Pod Sweater...COMPLETE!

2007-08-29T14:38:00.000-05:00

Finally, the pea pod is done. It's for my college roommate (well, actually her baby, due to appear in December), who taught me to knit in the first place. My roommate is German, where everyone knows how to knit by elementary school. One dull, gray day she said to me one day, "I'm going to the knitting store, wanna come?" We hopped on the back of her scooter, buzzed down University Avenue, and twenty minutes later I was the owner of size 10 bamboo needles and some red yarn for a scarf that Ellen was going to teach me how to make. The scarf was awful, fraught with all sorts of beginner mistakes and dropped stitches, all of which Ellen found delightfully amusing. I didn't do much with the needles for the next ten years, and had to reteach myself a few years ago. That's why this sweater and hat set is like a gag gift--I think she will be very surprised when she opens it.

Comments are in ravelry, for those interested in the modifications and changes.

I'm blasting through my stash, let me tell you. Still have to stitch up the tote and felt it, but it FEELS finished.

It Fits!

2007-08-29T13:11:00.001-05:00

I've been working on Tomato by Wendy Bernard from No Sheep for You. It's a nice easy top down sweater with a bit of waist shaping. I decided to leave out the the colorwork at the bust line because I just don't think it would be that flattering on me and the yarn I'm using has alot of variation in tone. I think it works better alone.

There's nothing too exciting about this, but I am entranced. I think it's because I have never made anything for myself bigger than socks or a scarf. Two nights ago I gathered up all my courage and transferred my live stitches to waist yarn and tried it on. IT FITS!!! I danced around the living room in my half top while Brian and kids looked at me like I'd lost my mind.

I'm almost halfway done with the waist shaping and then I'm going to make the sleeves a bit longer. I'm using my all time favorite yarn, Tess Superwash Merino . I can't wait to wear it.

I'm also ignoring the French Market Bag that's been languishing on my needles in favor of a pair of Charade socks. I'm using Lorna's Laces Multi, which is not self striping, but, none the less, is making a cool continuous spiral of the green around the leg. I love when the yarn does something unexpected like that.

"You totally need to knit me those"

2007-08-25T20:35:00.000-05:00

Um, no I don't. Man, I am so tired of non knitters asking me to knit them stuff. My sister is in town, she is a wonderful AP mother of a 2 year old, she is also a dancer. I picked her up from the airport at 7PM and by 9PM I have already been asked if I could knit up some play food for her nephew and if I would knit her a pair of wrist warmers and leg warmers. I must have given her a funny look bc she said 'Oh, I guess your knit list if full'.

And teaching her to knit is not going to happen because she has said "I'm too active to be knitting"

Le Sigh. They really don't get it, huh?

In other knitterly news, and speaking of people not getting it, I have been doing a butt ton of swaps. I have been slightly obsessed (me, obsessed, imagine) with purging the house of crap toys so I've been doing swaps with toy makers. Many a knit sandwiches and strawberries have been flying out of my house. And that is about it. Once these are done I will be finishing up some top secret socks and starting the Tater sweater.

What have you been up too? Any 'knit me these' type stories to tell?

Superhero Red Socks

2007-08-19T15:52:00.001-05:00

Superhero Red Socks
Originally uploaded by ~*Melissa*~

Dominic loves red socks. In fact, on most days it is the only color sock that he will wear. He had one pair of toddler socks that were red and white striped and he wore them until his foot could no longer squeeze into them.

He helped me dye the yarn (Knit Picks Superwash Merino) with Cherry Kool-Aid last month and I knit these up over the last two weeks using the Easy Children's Socks pattern by Knitting Pure and Simple. I was excited because just a hint of white striping appeared as I knit. He requested them "high like a boot" and I left a little room in the toe for his growing feet.

Even though it has been very hot and humid - his new superhero socks have remained on! He's tried on a variety of costume and cape combinations to see which ensemble looks the best. It's been fun to have him be so excited over a project!

Sickbed Knitting

2007-08-14T16:28:00.000-05:00

Not that I would recommend this by any means, but recovering from surgery has given me an unprecedented amount of time to work on a bunch of things that have been languishing in hibernation for months now. This is, of course, when I am not watching all three seasons of The Office, which I was smart enough to buy a few months ago. I have been spending a lot of time in bed, while the kids are attended to by others. It's been great, but also necessary. I feel totally wiped out. I can't imagine taking care of the kids in this state. Luckily many have stepped up to help me out and keep the fridge stocked with dinners I wouldn't be able to prepare on my own.

So here's the progress: I have finished side two of the Wobbly Circles Tote that I started last August. All I have to do is sew it up and felt it. I liked the colors when I started, but now realize I need to take a course in color theory or something to make my knits more attractive and less "home made." I also made the two sides different, because I didn't really see the point in making them identical. While I don't hate intarsia like some, I admit this project really annoyed me at times. I wouldn't do it again, because it calls for two sides. When I finished the first one I was ready to throw it OUT, not make another and throw it in the washer. It strikes me that's probably what second sock syndrome is, that thing I will never experience because I am not loony enough to knit socks. Here it is:

Also, I am making a heck of a lot of progress on my Pea Pod baby sweater. Instead of making the sleeves and sewing them in, I picked up the stitches and knit them in the round. This is how much I hate seaming: that I would rather spend time calculating how many stitches to decrease and when to do them rather than knit a flat piece and seam it up. I don't think I save any time by doing it that way, but it sure saves me a lot of sanity. Or should I say saknity? That word still doesn't look right to me.

Favorite Office Moment (so far): when Jim throws Andy's cell phone in the ceiling and keeps calling it, driving Andy to punch a hole in the wall. OMG.

Also, I have two flickr questions: whenever I post a picture on ravelry, it only shows the left side of the photo. Do I need to resize it or something? I have been taking pictures and putting my subject on the left to make up for this but it seems inefficient. And stupid. The second question is: can I post a picture here from flickr? I can't figure out how to do it and have been posting the photos on photobucket. I am sure that is so PC of me, but sometimes I can't figure out how to do anything on my Mac.

Tater's Cotton Cardi - A TCC KAL

2007-08-12T19:48:00.001-05:00

La Green Eyes
Originally uploaded by pezdiva.

So, Elisa has a TCC on the needles, Dani has the yarn for one, and I am waiting on yarn so I can knit it up too. Who else is in for a KAL?

I originally purchased Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in a very snazzy cool purple but after swatching I realized the yarn was way too thick, so now I am waiting on something from KnitPicks (can't seem to remember what yarn) in sport weight. I have been wanting to knit this one up for awhile, and it doesn't look too boring either.

Photo of the Momo posted because not only is she so stinkin' cute, but I just can't blog without a photo.

Stitches Midwest 2007

2007-08-12T12:31:00.000-05:00

Girls Day + Major Yarn Shopping= Perfect Day

Above you can see our group haul. this is our 4th time to Stitches, so we've learned to show some restraint and be a little pickier. For me, I try to only buy what is hard/impossible to get locally or , barring that, an incredible deal. I'm very happy with my purchases this year.

Tess Designer Yarns Superwash Merino. My favorite yarn in the world. This is going to be a sweater for me. I have only every made myself socks and scarves. It is time for that to stop.

Tess Superwash Lace. On my monitor the color is pretty true. It's very orange. This is destined to become a shawl for me. Maybe Bee Fields. I also picked up another pair of Addi Turbo Lace Needles. I love the sharp tips!

Aren't these pretty? Leather straps to go with the blue felted bag I plan to make.

My deal of the day. A full bag of Jaeger Matchermaker 4 Ply from Webs. Part of this will be the Tater's Cotton Cardi by Marie Grace for Maggie.

It was a very good day.

Not so happy with this one...

2007-08-10T09:39:00.001-05:00

One Skien Diotima Shell
Originally uploaded by ~*Melissa*~

So I finished my One Skien Diotima Shell. It's my first garmet for me and I'm feeling a little "eh" about it. It's shorter than I would like it to be, and I modified the top a bit. I do however like the fit on my body - it's not to baggy, and clings just right. Deva suggested an outfit that might make me feel a little better about it - so I'll give that a whirl.

Mini Vacation

2007-08-09T17:57:00.000-05:00

Peeps, I have been knitting, and I have even finished a project but I couldn't take pictures because it is for a book. The owner of my LYS is writing a book and was in a crunch about getting everything knitted for photos. I volunteered because the project was easy, and because I wanted a sense of completion of something, anything! My house is full of half-finished projects that bore me, or no longer interest me because the colors that seemed right at the time are all wrong now (case in point: the wobbly circles tote, which you lucky ravelers can see in my project list). I need a strategy for my stash and projects. I think I am going to knit everything I have before buying more yarn because I hate having yarn sitting around. Blasphemy, I am sure, to Elisa.

In other news, I took the kids to the Berkshires (Western Mass) for a few days to visit friends. The drive was long but the peace and quiet was worth it. Here's how the kids spent their days:

I will be out for a few days and don't expect to get much knitting done in the next few weeks, but I will do my best. Sorry I haven't been contributing much, but I will have some FOs soon.

PS Does it annoy anyone else when someone adds you as a "friend" on ravelry and you have no idea who they are?

Home Sweet Home Socks

2007-08-06T16:26:00.001-05:00

Home Sweet Home Socks
Originally uploaded by pezdiva.

There really is no place like home. And there really is nothing like a pair of hand knit socks.

Another Monica

2007-08-01T15:54:00.001-05:00

IMG_0585
Originally uploaded by daniknits

I modifed it to knit in the round and used i-cord instead of the garter straps. I used size 5 needles and Rowan Handknit Cotton DK. It was fantastically boring, and I only finished it through sheer stubborness. I do think it's damn cute though.

This is what we live for

2007-08-01T14:21:00.001-05:00

Knits in action, on a baby you love. Knits given to your best friend who really 'gets' and loves your knitting. This is awesome.

No Petite Feet

2007-08-01T10:26:00.001-05:00

No Petite Feet
Originally uploaded by pezdiva.

No, in fact considering my height I would say my feet are down right huge. They used to be sort of cute and small but with each pregnancy not only did they get a full size bigger (size 9 now!) I also grew an inch (I am 5'5). So I guess it is not so bad.

I started this sock on Monday morning after a very bad night of trying to make up my own ribbed sock pattern using Tofutsie yarn. Trying to design your own sock after only knitting 1 pair of adult size socks, how can you say, um, not a good idea. So after going to bed angry at my knitting (what you don't have a relationship like this with yarn?), I decided to google 'Basic Ribbed Sock Pattern' and guess what came up - a basic ribbed sock pattern. http://www.spunmag.com/article/060421socks

This is Misty Mountain Farm yarn that Melissa gave me and I honestly think I am in love. The yarn is perfect for this pattern, and the colorway is not something I would have picked up for myself but it is so totally perfectly me that, well, I am just amazed. The colorway is Virginia Creeper, how cool is that?

So, as I blog I am sort of torn on what to do. This sock will have a mate, but that Harry Potter books is super tempting, plus there is Stampin' Up goodies to play with, and those little sprites to attend to too. Even with my cell phone missing (my link people! my left arm!), I can still say life is good, big feet, missing cell phone, and all.

PS. Baby Ari has arrived and I will be crashing at his place for an hour or so and going crazy making him wear my knits and taking tons of pics.

Be well peeps.

Finished!

2007-07-30T18:52:00.001-05:00

First Pair of Socks
Originally uploaded by ~*Melissa*~

I finished my first pair of socks - and I'm in love. They are so comfy! I think I have enough yarn leftover to make a pair for Delphine too. I used Trekking XXL Yarn and followed Silver's Sock Class tutorial.

Where one ends, the other begins.

2007-07-30T14:18:00.000-05:00

I finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows last night. This morning, the yarn arrived for Noah's Weasley Sweater. Even though I am in the midst of another knitted project, I just had to cast on for the sweater. The yarn is quite lovely. Feels so squishy & soft running through my fingers. I think I shall love knitting this sweater for a boy I love dearly.

The yarn is Queensland Collection Kathmandu Aran (aka Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed) in Enamel, which is a wonderful deep blue color of old enamel cookware. It's 85% wool, 10% silk, and 5% cashmere. I saved about 40% ordering it from Discount Yarn Sale, however it took 3 weeks to arrive. While I was a bit impatient about this at first, in the end, the timing was quite perfect.

Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair

2007-07-24T17:34:00.000-05:00

A new yarn show/fest/fair was held this past weekend about 45 minutes from my home. The girls and I went and Maggie enjoyed her first Girl's Day with us. There were 3 large tents set up with booths of yarn, fiber, spinning wheels and supplies, and gift type items. They had live music and beer garden. Best of all was the weather, upper 70's and clear. You don't get many July days like that in the Chicagoland area.

My first purchase of the day (see above) was a 1 pound bag of wool for felting from Little Barn. $4.95 - no joke, really. The girls and I bought 4 bags and then took them home and re-assorted the colors because the colors combos were...well, they just needed to be redone. I got the lot of blues and it is destined to become a felted bag. I'm thinking a french market bag in blue stripes would look great with jeans for the fall.

My best purchase of the day was this:

Brooks Farm's new yarn, Solana. It's so new it's not available on the website yet. When it is, trust me, you want some. 320 yds per skein of super soft and squishy, superwash, hand-dyed wool. I've been big fan of Brooks Farm since I first saw them at Stitches Midwest 4 years ago. This is destined to become a sweater for Matt. I'm thinking either Foothills from The Garter Belt or maybe a hoodie.

I'm almost done with the Monica tank. I won't let myself even wind the new stuff until I am. I'm hoping to be done tomorrow. Just think, Stitches is in 3 more weeks. I better knit fast.

Big Brother Little Sister socks

2007-07-23T18:58:00.001-05:00

Big Brother Little Sister socks
Originally uploaded by pezdiva.

The Momo loves short little ankle socks, so short little ankle socks she got.

And yeah, I totally love knitting socks. We just happened to pass a yarn store while we were out doing fun family stuff on Saturday so I just had to stop in and pick up a skein of sock yarn with a free pattern. The yarn is Plymouth Sockatta and I'm not totally impressed, it is a cotton/wool blend. I am sort of hoarding the sock yarn Melissa and Elisa have sent me bc it is so nice, not that I am afraid to mess up but I just, well I guess I am afraid I might mess up. My socks are knit on size 1 (pattern called for size 2 but I am a loosey goosey knitter), so they are taking much longer than the kid socks, but so far I like them.

Boy in Socks!

2007-07-20T14:27:00.001-05:00

Boy in Socks!
Originally uploaded by pezdiva.

Done!

I can't believe the crazy strange satisfaction I feel over completing this pair. But, man socks are a pain to photograph. Here is the King doing his best at being a frog.

Up next, well I thought about trying out a toe up sock but I would like to knit up Miss Momo a matching pair so I may just go ahead and knit these for her in the smaller size. The only mod I will do with her socks is make the entire leg a 2x2 or 1x1 rib. Then when those are done I will tackle the figure 8 cast on toe up magic loop with the skein of yarn Melissa gave me. Ahhh, now that sounds nice.

A pair will be made.

2007-07-19T11:25:00.000-05:00

Being the total joiner freak knitter I am, I started a pair of socks for King Louie last night from the Knitting Pure and Simple pattern Shannon sent me (thank you Shannon!). They are on size 4s with DK yarn from my stash, I am at the turn heel on the second sock. I have knit socks in the past, but they were more like bed slipper style. I knit a 'real' sock for the Momo in the past but didn't love the pattern enough to knit a pair. But this time, no single sock syndrome for me, no way.

The pair I am knitting now is top down, but after I finish this pair I am going to try the figure 8 cast on and knit these for the Momo.
http://www.spunkyhats.com/boogie_babykeepsockson.htm

I think I finally understand why people are so addicted to socks, I was looking at sock yarn this morning and not only is it relatively cheap (compared to sweater knitting) but the colors are awesome.

Now if only I had my Ravelry invite life would be near perfect.

First Sock

2007-07-17T15:07:00.001-05:00

First Sock
Originally uploaded by ~*Melissa*~

I've started making my first sock with some Trekking yarn that I won a few months ago. I thought I'd have a hard time, but I'm actually really enjoying it. I might even have some leftover yarn to make Delphine a matching pair.

Baby needed.

2007-07-16T09:32:00.001-05:00

Baby needed.
Originally uploaded by pezdiva.

Well, I don't need a baby but my friend needs her baby not just for wearing these wee little knits but her own sanity.

I guess you could say, I am smitten with tiny knits. However, all this wee baby knitting has helped me come to the very real and hard to come to decision that our family is complete. My baby lust is wearing away as I see my friend's body change and her family dynamic change with it. I am done, I am very much ready to be Auntie to the new babies that grace my life.

Knitting is funny, in the most basic sense, knitting is just turning string into fabric but there can be more if you need it to be. I think only a real knitter can understand how healing those simple stitches can be. Knitting has brought me peace in times of turmoil, and I have cried many tears while holding double pointed needles, the simple spiral comforting me in ways that no human could. When I talk about therapy knits, I think of my French Market Bag, a huge felted bag that made shape in the Children's hospital.

But now I will also think of this little layette, I daydreamed while knitting this and cried a bit too over the fact that I will never knit tiny items like this for my own babies. And I guess, this was the very mourning process I needed, to mourn the last baby I will never have but also delight in the fact that I will never have to wash poop out of a hand knit soaker ever again.

Some instant gratification

2007-07-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

After I finish a big or very involved project, I like to whip off a few quick and easy projects. I need the break to refuel and daydream about the next big project. Also next week I'm going to the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Festival. I don't want to start anything that will require much commitment because I know I will want to cast on immediately with whatever new yarn I score. So, I've been keeping busy with little things.

Twinkletoes from Knitty. I used Luna by Filatura de Crosa (sp?). It was super fast. I did one slipper in less than an evening. I found the pattern a little awkward. Maybe it was just because I've never used the wrap and turn method for short rows. Maggie loves them and Matthew wants pair too. Next up:

A racer back tank. I made this up as I went along. I used some Blue Sky Cotton from the stash. I knit in the round from the bottom to the underarms and then worked the front and back separately. I'm pretty happy with how this turned out. Now, like everyone else here, I'm working on Monica, modified to be worked in the round. We should have done a Knit Along.

Speaking of Ravelry...

2007-07-10T11:42:00.000-05:00

It makes me feel not quite so insane.

I photographed and catologued my hand painted/hand dyed yarns (mostly sock) last week and built them into the stash feature. I've been putting off doing the rest of the stash because it takes so long to upload all the photos to flickr, but when I look through other people's stashes over there, mine seems puny by comparison. Then I tell myself that everyone else probably has loads more yarn they haven't added as well. Then I pat myself on the back for my frugality and self restraint. It works for me.

I'm finally posting a picture of B's Monica Tank. I worked it in the round, changed all the garter to seed stitch, and shortened the ruffle by about half for a lighter look. Unfortunately, she doesn't really care for it. She prefers (and has requested another of) the Kidlet Tank which I just cast on for in Needful's Ceramic yarn. This yarn is shiny. Shiny like lame looking. I don't really care for it, my kid, on the other hand, thinks it's fabulously glamouriffic. Heh.

Are you on the waiting list?

2007-07-09T09:53:00.000-05:00

Have you seen Ravelry yet? It's still in beta testing, but check out the screen shots. It looks to be quite addicting, and I'm patiently waiting for my invite to arrive. If you haven't put your name on the list - you might want too!

C'mon, all the cool kids are doing it!

2007-07-06T20:17:00.000-05:00

Big book sale at Knitpicks.

You know you want some.

Tuscany Shawl

2007-06-28T11:31:00.000-05:00

It was close, but I finished. I washed it and blocked it. But it took it's time drying so I had to gift it like this:

My sister loved it and I'm really happy with how my first "real" lace project turned out. I was having doubts, but the blocking? WOW! Magic.

Pattern: Amy Singer's Tuscany Shawl from No Sheep For You
Yarn: Undyed Black Laceweight Alpaca from Rich-Nes Farms
Modifcations: I used Size 4 needles and did only 9 repeats.

I enjoyed this pattern. It was easy to memorize, but not too boring. It starts at the bottom and grows each row so it's easy to see when you'd like to stop.

Sophie's 'Monica' tank

2007-06-27T14:39:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make something special for Sophie's 6th birthday and Monica was her request. I was frantically finishing the straps just hours before her party! I did make a few modifications (knit in the round rather than flat to avoid seaming and be able to finish in time...I'm rather slow with the purling. I also added a couple inches to the length of the pink portion.) and there are things I'd do differently next time (the straps are quite stretchy so I'd make them shorter so it doesn't hang down so much...even here I have them tied up in the back and it still looks 'saggy'. I'd also do some sort of decorative trim along the bottom of the ruffle & tank to prevent rolling. It does have a few rows of garter stitch, but it still seems to want to roll.)

I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out and Sophie was ecstatic, which is all that really matters in the end, isn't it? :)

Added bonus: The yarn Sophie picked was Lily Sugar 'n Cream. It took about 2 balls of each color so the total cost was only about $6!

Heart Gifts

2007-06-27T09:31:00.001-05:00

Heart Gifts
Originally uploaded by ~*Melissa*~

I wanted to show all of you a couple of the goodies I received because they were made by some of the talent here.

The heart blanket lovey is made by Shannon, and the booties are a Dani creation! Aren't the heart stitch markers Gina picked out cute?

New title, anyone?

2007-06-25T22:54:00.000-05:00

I was tired of Bungaknitters, but I'm not sure this will appeal to everyone. Let me know. Or better yet, come up with something to beat it. It is a little quippy, dontcha think?

Good Luck!

2007-06-25T09:11:00.001-05:00

Lucky purchase
Originally uploaded by ~*Melissa*~

I had some good luck this weekend! My LYS had a grand re-opening due to a store expansion. I decided to pop in and pick up one treat for myself. Dominic likes to go to the yarn store, so he came with me. I saw some Claudia Handpainted that I liked, but walked around a bit more to make sure something else didn't jump out at me.

I decided to go with the Handpainted, and picked up one skein..then another and another. (Good thing Vince decided to just wait in the car!) Because it was a special day at the LYS, the cashier told me to draw a piece of paper from the bowl to find out how much of a percentage off I would receive. I let Dominic have that honor...and guess what he drew? 50% off! Woo Hoo - I ended up getting a very unexpected good deal!! I told Dominic he'd have to always come to the yarn store with me.

Clapotis update

2007-06-22T15:22:00.000-05:00

I'm guilty of not blogging much lately, but really, the clapotis is not an exciting piece of knitting. I tend to be fairly monogamous when it comes to projects, so I haven't wanted to start on anything else until I'm done with this. Luckily, I'm on the decreases, so it's not long now. I think my mom will like it. Her birthday isn't until October, but I am very into planning ahead these days. I don't know why. It's pretty uncharacteristic of me, since I am still guilty of leaving the house without checking to see if I have a juice box and a few extra diapers. In any case, here it is, in its almost complete form:

I cannot say enough good things about Claudia's Handpainted yarns. Love it. Elisa, this is great sock yarn if you are looking for something new to try. That is, if you can fit it in between Sock Club shipments. LOL! Those sock clubs remind me of those CD clubs I joined in college, that kept sending CDs every three weeks or so. Except a lot more expensive. I've had good luck ordering from Loop in the past. They photograph their stuff well, so you can really see what you are getting.

Remember when I commented on Elisa's stash by saying I don't usually buy yarn without the project? Ahem, well. I made the mistake of stopping into a new (to me) yarn shop in Alexandria, Virginia (HEY, ONLY THREE HOURS FROM PEZ'S HOUSE!) called Knit Happens. The gals in there were so nice. And had such good salesmanship. Behold:

It's "Paris," by Fleece Artist . I think it's going to be a Print O' The Wave stole. FOR ME. So selfish these days.

I feel like crap these days. But I did get a great hair cut. I call it The Carmela Soprano. Doesn't it look like I can whip up a mean batch of meatballs and sauce?

Not going to make it

2007-06-20T13:58:00.000-05:00

I gave up on the Candleflame Scarf. It got to about a third as long as I wanted it and I realized that there was just no way it was going to happen. Fortunately, I had a fabulous backup gift in the works, so I let it go. It's current status is long term planning for the holidays. Now I'm (still) knitting like a fiend on the Tuscany Shawl. I'm afraid I lost far too much time. I need to do 3.5 more repeats or 56 more rows. It sounds totally do-able until I remember that it gets bigger every row. Plus, it will need to be blocked before it can be gifted. I'm not sure when I will see my sister for her birthday (which is Friday) because she works all weekend. If I don't see her until Monday, I'm golden. Otherwise, I think I'm boned.

Booga, Booga!! I did it!

2007-06-18T19:12:00.000-05:00

I finished a project! I felted! I made something for me!! Can you tell I'm excited? ;)

Here is my new Booga bag before and after felting. It was fun to knit and I loved the wool. (Noro Kureyon #126; pattern at http://www.blacksheepbags.com/.)

I just love it! I can't wait to start using it. My dd wants one of her own, too, of course! She had to model it for me.

Thanks again to Gina who sent me the awesome yarn and the idea in a Magic Yarn Ball swap! Here is a picture of the goodies she sent. (& Gina- the ladybug stitch markers came in handy and are sooo cute!)

I always love knitting for others, but hey- this knitting for myself is kinda' cool too! :D I might have to try it again sometime. ;)

Must. Stop. Buying. Yarn.

2007-06-18T10:40:00.000-05:00

I have a problem. It's a sickness really.

I have embraced the fact that I am a process knitter. I have more WIPs than I can easily keep track of, and an utter shortage of needles, because it seems like the ones I need are always buried in the bottom of the bin with a half completed project attached.

I have also embraced the fact that looking at yarn, buying yarn, and stashing yarn is a part of the process for me. I love my yarn. I sniff it and pet it. What's wacky to me is that in some cases, I cannot bring myself to actually knit it.

What's up with that? It doesn't make sense to me either, but the best way I can explain it is that the yarn is so perfect, so loved, that I can't bear the thought that it could wind up as an item I could love less than I love it right now, skeined up neatly. So I save it, for the perfect pattern, the perfect needles, the perfect recipient.

And meanwhile, I keep buying yarn. In fact, since it's not enough anymore to place weekly yarn orders, I recently joined sock clubs with Yarn Pirate and RubySapphire. Now I am guaranteed a monthly fix without even the effort of clicking the "Place Order" button.

It's crazy, I know. I may be in need of an inpatient yarn detox at some point in the future. But I can't hit my personal rock bottom until after I succeed in getting one of the highly coveted slots in the Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rockin' Socks Club. I have been stalking their website for months, waiting for sign ups to open. I think they're trying to torture me.

I'm finally posting pictures of my newly organized yarn cubby. It's my happy place, even though when I put it together, the goal was simply to get all the yarn on the shelves and so, I am not super happy with their arrangement. The yarn is separated by weight, but I may change that. I'm curious to know how it will look if done by color instead. Perhaps I will try it on some lazy afternoon. (Hah! Who am I fooling? If I have a lazy afternoon, I want to spend it knitting!) The needles are, sadly, half missing (see earlier paragraph.) But the needlefelted wall hanging I found on Etsy is the perfect complement. I was especially happy to hang it up, so my darling child can stop stealing the nursing baby from the mother's arms and using it as Barbie's lovechild.

Sushi Anyone?

2007-06-18T08:34:00.000-05:00

I received a special box while Delphine was in the hospital full of knitting goodies (and some fun gifts for Dominic and Delphine). Let me tell you, what a treat! It was the perfect gift to keep me busy and calm during a very stressful time.

Here is the very cool sushi wallet...

Needless to say, while staying in the hospital, waking up several times a night with the nurses, worrying about my little d, and having to go into work - I've been a little brain fried. There is a part in the pattern that describes how to make a little tube where the zipper would be. I'm sure it's a pretty basic thing to do - but I could just not wrap my brain around it. I couldn't get it to work - I kept trying different things but they just weren't right. I went to sleep that night and woke up in the middle of the night and realized I knew EXACTLY what I was doing wrong. I had to wake up Vince to tell him that I solved the problem while sleeping!

Next project will be a flower that I can't kill - a knit daffodil.

I've not posted a public thank you to those of you that sent me some wonderful goodies yet...I want to make sure I know of everyone I need to thank. I suspect however, that most of you here were part of it...so thank you so very much. You girls knew just what I needed!

KIP (&my baby bro is a Graduate!) & bamboo!

2007-06-17T22:32:00.000-05:00

I see a lot of blogs about knitting in public. I do this, and yes, I get funny looks occasionally, but I do not care. I am a mom to three elementary age kids, and if I get time to knit I will, and I don't care where I happen to be. In line, at the park, at a party, sitting, standing- whatever works

My youngest brother just graduated high school! Woohoo! It is a big accomplishment for him, and he is college bound which is exciting. However, commencement exercises can be long, drawn out and pretty much uninteresting, except for that moment they call the name of the person you are there to see walk across that field and accept their diploma. So I knit...while I waited.

It was wonderful seeing my brother afterwards- he could not keep the huge grin from his handsome face, and he is so popular, I took loads of pictures of him with friends and
family. Even got one of me with him. :)

Also- I tried bamboo needles for the first time and I fell in LOVE! They felt so good sliding through the cotton yarn I am knitting with. (A sweater for my niece that I think she has already outgrown! lol)

Unfortunately, this was my first and last time kntting with them, as my knitting bag had a hole in it apparently. Waaahh. Now I have one lonely needle beckoning. No where in my town sells them, so I might have to go online to find more wonderful bamboo.

Fresh Picked

2007-06-08T14:24:00.001-05:00

Fresh Picked
Originally uploaded by pezdiva.

Finally done with this mega trade, feels so good to be done.

It is not like the knitting is hard, or that it takes a long time - it is the little things, the extra color changes, knitting stems, tomato tops, that is what makes these knits seem to take forever.

Off to Florida with my girly tomorrow, eat well, be well.

Question of the day

2007-06-05T21:47:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know what has happened to Jenna Adorno? She used to maintain a website that no longer exists and I can't get any links to a new one. Anyone know?

Slow Going

2007-06-05T15:22:00.000-05:00

The Candle Flame Scarf that is. I like the pattern and the colors. I like the way the colors are pooling a bit. Overall it reminds me of, well, candle flames. The size 2 needles and the error on the lace chart have me slightly less enthralled. After a hair pulling evening of ripping, knitting, and reknitting, I (finally) checked the website for pattern errors. Apparently, Knitpicks corrected the error and posted it on their errata page, but not on the pattern on the lace page. I emailed them and they tell me they are getting the correct version in all areas. I can't complain that much, it's a good pattern, especially for free.

I've got about 1 and 1/3 repeats done of I-don't-even-want-to-know how-many. This one has to be done by June 18th and the Tuscany shawl by the 22nd. If you need me, I'll be knitting like a mad woman while my kids turn into zombies watching Spongebob while eating poptarts.

It's done, it's finally done!

2007-06-02T11:59:00.000-05:00

I have finally finished the dreaded Girlfriend Shrug. I won't even dare mention how long it took to make as it was way too long. Lesson learned: size 2 needles are not my thing. lol As happy as I am to be finished, it was a bit of a disappointment as it barely fits. I recommend adding more length across the back...the ribbing makes it a little tighter than it appears and she has to put her arms straight up in order to get it on.

Supper Time

2007-05-31T21:46:00.001-05:00

Summer Lunch - Let's Eat
Originally uploaded by pezdiva.

Wheat bread, tomato slice, lettuce, jack cheese, avocado.

Mustard and tea, too.

This is my favorite part of these knits. I am a freak.

Knit Unto Others

2007-05-30T19:06:00.001-05:00

But only when you you have your own little Miss model first, ah the joys of knitting for children your own child's size. This is one for the many swaps I have been working on. The pattern is an original, as in I cast on for the ruffle and made my way up the top. I have knit this style top many times before, and I always mean to write the pattern down but I never do, it is on my to do list, I swear. It is your basic 3x ruffle done in the round, decreased up for the body, extra decreases at the sides to make it a bit swingy. This version has seed stitch panels with Icord ties. Knit with the old Sugar and Cream stand by with a matching cute little yarn over half square kerchief with crochet ties (warshrag modified - ha!)

I'm a few days late with this swap, so of course the top needs to be blocked. The Divine One looks like she has a huge giant head, which she sort of does but I don't think it really is as big as it looks in this photo. The top is off to live with a super sweet little Redhead 3 year old, I hope the mama likes what I have made for her. They were not expecting the kerchief so I hope it is a fun surprise.

I was starting to think that we should rename the blog something like 'I-95' knitting, but I see a few of you have come out of the knit work, I slay me. I've been thinking a lot about our sweet little Miss d and her mama Melissa, strong heart thoughts to them.

Smooches

Pressure

2007-05-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

I work well under pressure. Really, I do. That must be why I seem to be trying to create some for myself.

I've been progressing well on the Tuscany Shawl for my sister. I am halfway through the 7th pattern repeat of 11 total. I think I might need a couple extra repetitions since I've subbed both smaller yarn and needles. Even so, it's looking good that this gift will be completed, blocked and wrapped by it's due date.

So, obviously, I brought home this:

Anne by Schaefer. I'm not sure which color without checking the bottom of my yarn bag for the tag.

I started thinking that since my sister is getting some handknit lace for her very special 30th birthday, doesn't my mom deserve some lace for her equally special 60th birthday? Here's the thing...mom's birthday is 4 days before my sister's.

Ignoring the idiocy of this plan and the slim chance it has of success, help me pick a pattern! I am thinking either

a.) Knitpicks Candle Flame Scarf (the colors make this seem even better)

b.) Branching Out form the Spring 2005 issue of Knitty.

I want to make either one as a smaller scarf that would be worn maybe draped around the neck with a button down blouse.

In other news, my peach tree is blooming! After 10 years in a townhouse with a yard only big enough for the dog to "go" in, all the plants growing in my yard are just amazing.

May the force be with you

2007-05-28T15:23:00.001-05:00

DSC00963
Originally uploaded by pezdiva.

Whew, I think I am finally over my 'warshrag' addiction, well, okay maybe that is a lie but this was a fun knit and it made me stop knitting warshrags for a few days. Small enough to not be boring, and challenging enough to hold my attention (seams people, seaming is hard for me). I have knit a few sweaters flat but this one is my best finishing yet. I am usually pretty shy about my finishing work, mainly because it is not my strong point, but this sweater feel free to open it up and look inside - it looks good. This is for my best friend's baby due in August, so I am ahead of the game.

The pattern is the Baby Yoda sweater. I used good old cheapo Peaches and Cream, I think this is 3 skeins but I cannot remember for sure, all I know is that I ran out of yarn to do the ties in icord. I don't usually knit gifts with the cheap stuff but 1) my friend is not a knitter, 2) she is having a summer baby, 3) this is all I had on hand and I needed to knit this pattern (had to, no time to wait on yarn from WEBS, 4) I am knitting a huge layette for her already blanket, hats, booties and 5) I like Peaches and Cream (and I really do, I will knit my kids stuff with this)

I had M try the sweater on just for fun, and it actually fit. It looked like a super cute cropped bolero. I would like to find a way to knit up a stack of these for her hospital stay, but I am holding off trying to figure it out, I keep holding out hope that she will not need surgery.

Nothing else to note really, I have been finishing up a few 'knit food' orders. Every time I say yes to knitting food for trades and stuff I swear it is my last time doing it. I want to say it again 'this is the last time I am doing this' but I doubt I will stick to it. I don't totally love knitting the little food toys and the work is not very rewarding. My favorite part of knitting the food is being able to take photos of it, but even that is not as fun anymore.

About the beeeeuuutiful Clapotis, I am going to have to say it looks more boring to knit than a warshrag - at least the warshrag has a few slip stitches in there to make the the color work fun but I bet there is something nice about being able to drop all those stitches - on purpose. I love the look of the Clapotis so maybe I will pick it up for my 'on the run' knitting.

Progress

2007-05-27T20:52:00.000-05:00

On the Clapotis. Pez, don't kill yourself making room for this on your list. I like the look of it but it is as boring as, I don't know, a WARSHRAG. But it doesn't go nearly as fast, because this sucker is looooooooooong. Part of the problem is that I am typically a monogamous knitter, and won't start on anything new unless I am done with the last. But this project may be the trend-breaker, as I am bored silly by it. This is good for stuffing into your bag and toting with you for some mindless knitting while you are waiting at the doctor's office, or on the playground, or waiting at the DMV. Or in purgatory, where you might actually find the time to finish it.

I am in the section where you are supposed to start dropping rows. It's nice to see some progress, but in this section there are 12 repeats. Kill me now.

In other news, I got myself a nice little tin at Borders the other day to hold my knitting supplies. I used to use a bag, but everyting was always collecting at the bottom and I was always dumping the contents out to find something. This 3.99 tin solved that problem. It holds everything and has a official sounding "click" when you close it. Very comforting.

Doesn't everything look all tucked in and ready for bed? Hope y'all are having a nice Memorial Day weekend.

Question of the Day

2007-05-24T22:24:00.000-05:00

Do the people at Wendy's (Knit and Tonic) LYS know she keeps a blog? And actually writes down their conversations? And understand the underlying condescending tone?

Just wondering.

Clapotis, Take 2

2007-05-23T20:14:00.000-05:00

The original plan was to make Clapotis with some Claudia's Handpainted Yarn (Plumilicious) and carry it with some KidSilk Night. Unfortunately, the Kidsilk is too dark and muting the beautiful browns and dark purples in the other yarn.

Personally, I like it, but I know my mother will hate it. It's too close to black, and she has not worn black since she was a nun. Yes, you read that right: a nun. She was a novitiate for four years and decided to bail out before her final vows. Thank the God I don't believe in for that. There are some great pictures of her in a penguin suit, though, so it wasn't a total waste. So, understandably she equates dark colors with oppression, subserviance and itchy polyester habits. I decided to knit it with only the Claudia's, and the effect is much nicer.

In other knit news, I found a gorgeous brown silk to carry with the Tilli Tomas yarn I got at Maryland Sheep and Wool. It's going to make a fantastic scarf. I am thinking of a very simple pattern--any suggestions, peeps?

Please note how I am not going to remark on the previous post's mention (and photo) of crocs. I will say this: i do love that gnome. Oh, not that Pez would ever make fun of me for this, but I spent the better part of yesterday trying to figure out who "Dee" was. I am not kidding. I think any criticism of footwear is negated at this point.

Crocs and Warshrags

2007-05-22T15:43:00.001-05:00

People have some strong opinions about both, don't they? You either hate 'em of love 'em. Me, I hated Crocs when I first saw they, now I love them. I know they are ugly and they don't do much to give you a sexy leg but I am all about them. They are so ugly they are cute, so says me. And honestly, they are easy. Easy to clean, easy to go to the pool in, the park, just all over easy.

Now, about the warshrag - I don't actually call them warshrags, round here we call them washcloths. But around here we also don't use them. Why? I don't know but they seem to big to wash with and too small to dry your hands on, so why on earth do I keep knitting them? I don't even know. But if I don't do anything else this week, I will at least weave in ends and start using these ugly little cuties.

Work on the Baby Yoda sweater is almost complete, I need to seam up the sides and put some ties on it. Boob hat pattern by me, still is the works. Speaking of boring knitting, the never ending baby blanket needs work too.

Off to be mocked in the garden by the dude who thinks I stole his shoes.

Procrastination

2007-05-22T00:56:00.000-05:00

So, I am super far behind everyone else. I have been procrastinating over my first post because I have no pictures to share. I had pictures of the new tank I knit for B on the camera when DH left with it for his 3 week cross-country road trip, and pictures on the laptop, also traveling now, but not a single solitary picture of handknit anything to post.

But, I decided I could not wait the week that is left before camera and laptop (and dh) return home, so I can, at least, post my answers to the poll. I was surprised by how many I had done, and more surprised by the ones I have absolutely no desire to ever do. Knitting for a wedding? No thank you, not unless it was my own and I've already walked down that particular aisle. And knitting with dog or cat hair? Eeeew. I have been supremely annoyed (not to mention sniffly and scratchy) due to the copious amount of cat hair hidden in my most recently purchased indie hand dyed Etsy skein, why would I do that on purpose?

I put together some shelving cubes and organized my yarn cubby last week. Ahem, pictures will be forthcoming, I am inordinately proud of my new little area. It was scary though to see laid out in one big pile just how many WIP's I actually have. I am the original ADD knitter. I can work on any given project for no more than a couple of days before I am compelled to cast on something new. In fact, just last night, when I had promised myself I would finish one of my current pairs of socks, I cast on for a felted purse instead. Oh well, it works for me anyway.

Here's my version of the list....

Mark with bold the things you have ever knit, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest:

Afghan (Bold and italic to signify the half completed full size afghan that's never going to be ready by Father's Day. )
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Button holes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colours
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies...)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items)on two circulars
Knitting with someone else's handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
KitchenerBO
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
EntrelacKnitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegating yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

Boredom

2007-05-20T10:17:00.000-05:00

I am easily bored. For me, this is the most likely reason a project will be abandoned. My friend was over for dinner this weekend and showed me the baby blanket she was working on.

It's beautiful and soft, and um...big enough don't you think? She said she had 3 more skeins and was enjoying the pattern so she was going to use them. I don't understand. Why? 3 more skeins of knitting the same thing over and over and over again. It sounds like the seventh circle of hell to me. Then again, I would have done 3 or 4 pattern repeats and started measuring obsessively and bargaining with myself about how big is big enough.

I have the attention span of a gnat. I look forward to the shaping in a sweater or the color changes. I look at an aran sweater and instead of thinking that looks hard, I think I won't be bored. I rarely knit scarfs or blankets for this very reason. I also knit alot of baby and kids clothes because the boring sections of plain knitting are blessedly small. Unfortunately my taste runs towards the plainer more classic pieces, so I often have several items in progress at once. The plainer the project, the longer it will take me to finish it.

My daughter asked me to make a blanket just for her. I dutifully promised and then panicked about how I would manage to complete something a large and as boring as a blanket.

It's blinding, but I'm not bored.

Wake up, Jeff!

2007-05-18T20:48:00.000-05:00

Is what Alex was yelling earlier today at the Maryland Science Center.
.
I like how he is totally unfazed about the hugeness of the sculpture, and is shouting commands at something ten times his size.

Because we were away for much of the day, progress on my new project was minimal. Remember my love/hate relationship with Kate Gilbert designs? Yeah, well, I am making a Clapotis for my mother. I'm using Claudia's Handpainted Yarn and carrying with it some Rowan KidSilk Night to give some haze and sparkle.

I hope she likes it. I have found I can only knit for those that I truly love, because I end up thinking about them during the entire process of the project, from yarn selection to bind off, and with every stitch I form. I can't really waste my time thinking too much about people who don't make the cut. This is an admittedly perverse way of evaluating my friends, but it is fairly useful.

See that curled up little triangle on the needles? I am hoping it's more rectangular next time I post.