Sunday, Sunday, Oooh La La

Wasn't that a song, or were they saying "someday"?!?! Anyway updates on my progress for knitting and swap. Eeek! I wanted to have the fingerless gloves for BF's mom done before we went up to the mountain to visit them and hang out Columbus Day Weekend, but it doesn't look like that will happen. Maybe I will have them done for Christmas or I will just mail them to her when done (she knows nothing about them).

Swaps are going pretty well, I don’t think I will do so many intricate things in the future though. I am still working on the bag for the Hogwart’s swap. Here’s a sneak peek without giving it away to my pal. I have yarn and some goodies already and there’s just a few other things including the needles that I have to get. I also wanted to make some other goodies, but I will have to see how time works out for me.

I went to the second class for the Magic Loop Socks at my LYS last Wednesday. Because I am doing two at the same time I was not at the point of turning the heel yet so I still have a ways to go. I have done this type of heel before though on DPNs so I think I can do it myself if I get that far before the last class. We are skipping this week and the last class is on Oct. 10th. So I think I will be done with the heel by then. If not at least I got what I needed out of the class and can do them myself for the most part. Plus I can always go there and get help whenever I need it anyway – they are very helpful for any projects.

I do like the Magic Loop Method and ripped out the Jaywalker socks that I had started on DPNs (no big deal it was only about ¼ to ½” of the ribbing, LOL) and I am going to make them one at a time on this method.

I finished the design for the contest for Hogwart’s – yippee! It was a lot of fun designing a pattern. I think it came out good. I came up with other ideas as I was going along, but due to time constraints I just stuck with my original plan and may make other ones in the future.

I started a dishcloth for the Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Exchange but it wasn’t coming out how I anticipated so I have scrapped it and will start another one soon – have the pattern and yarn, just need to cast on! I have already got a bunch of stuff for this swap and just need to get yarn and edible goodies closer to the mailing date and this one will be all set!

I sent out the stitch markers that I made for the Stitch Marker Exchange on Tuesday of last week and am waiting to receive the ones that are being sent to me :o)

I learned something yesterday while binding off the dishcloth I designed. Usually I bind off too tight, so I use a larger needle size and that works fine. Well I learned some new cast on techniques recently so I used the Knit Cast On instead of the long tail that I usually do. I knit tight, hence the bind off problem … well if I use a KNIT cast on … it will be tight, LOL!!! I bound off so loose compared to the cast on that I had to rip it out and bind off intentionally tight, LOL!! Note to self, probably can’t use the knit cast on or maybe also use larger needles for cast on as well as bind off!

I have to make Halloween cards today for the swap for Stamp Club this week .... I usually do NOT wait this long to do this kind of stuff, but oh well. At least I have an idea ... just hope it works out well the first time, LOL!!

I watched Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Apocalypse yesterday (again). Not sure if we are going to see the newest one in the theater - doubt it, will probably just wait for it to come out on DVD.

I am reading Prey by Michael Crichton, God Emporer of Dune by Frank Herbert and Eldest by Christopher Paolini. Also picked up two knitting books at the library Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook and Odd Ball Knitting. I really like Odd Ball Knitting and I think I will purchase it at some point. The sock workbook I haven't had a lot of time to look at yet, but it seems to have really good info at getting socks that fit.

Harry Potter Dishcloth

Here is the Harry Potter themed dishcloth that I designed for the contest for the Hogwart's Sock/Scarf Kit Swap 3.

Gauge is not critically important and worsted weight cotton with size 7-8 needles as specified on the yarn band would work fine too (I just happened to find good colors for Ravenclaw in this yarn and I like this yarn).

The dishcloth has two strips of coordinating house color with diamonds much like the design on the covers of the Harry Potter books. In the center are the initials "HP" with the infamous lightening scar found on Harry's forehead.

---

Harry Potter Dishcloth

Materials:

Classic Cotton by Tahki Stacy Charles. Two coordinating house colors.

A = Lighter Color
B = Darker Color

Size 6 needles.

Instructions:

With A cast on 42 stitches

Rows 1-3 Knit

Row 4: Knit

Row 5: K3, P36, K3

Row 6: Switch to B and knit across.

Row 7: K3, P7, K1, (P6, K1) 3 times, P7, K3.

Row 8: K9, P1, K1, P1, (K4, P1, K1, P1) 3 times, K9

Row 9: K3, P5, K1, P3, K1, (P2, K1, P3, K1) 3times, P5, K3.

Row 10: K7, P1, (K5, P2) 3 times, K5, P1, K7

Row 11: Repeat row 9

Row 12: Repeat row 8

Row 13: Repeat row 7

Row 14: Knit across

Row 15: Change to A and K3, P36, K3

Row 16: Knit across

Row 17: K3, P36, K3

Row 18: K13, P1, K10, P1, K17

Row 19: K3, P15, K1, P9, K1, P10, K3

Row 20: K12, P2, K8, P1, K19

Row 21: K3, P16, K2, P7, K2, P9, K3

Row 22: K 11, P3, K6, P2, K20

Row 23: K3, P18, K2, P4, K1, P1, K6, P4, K3

Row 24: K6, P2, K2, P4, K4, P2, K22

Row 25: K3, P20, K2, P2, K1, P1, K2, P3, K2, P3, K3

Row 26: K7, P6, K3, P2, K24

Row 27: K3, P22, K2, P2, K2, P8, K3

Row 28: K11, P2, K1, P11, K1, P3, K13

Row 29: K3, p4, K3, P4, K1, P3, K1, P20, K3

Row 30: K22, P2, K3, P1, K5, P1, K8

Row 31: K3, P5, K1, P5, K1, P4, K2, P18, K3

Row 32: K20, P2, K5, P1, K4, P4, K6

Row 33: K3, P3, K1, P1, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P6, K2, P16, K3

Row 34: K18, P2, K6, P3, K4, P1, K1, P1, K6

Row 35: K3, P5, K1, P5, K1, P1, K1, P6, K2, P14, K3

Row 36: K16, P2, K9, P1, K5, P1, K8

Row 37: K3, P4, K3, P4, K1, P11, K1, P12, K3

Row 38: K14, P1, K11, P3, K13

Row 39: K3, P36, K3

Row 40: Knit across

Row 41: Row 39: K3, P36, K3.

Row 42: Switch to B and knit across

Row 43: K3, P7, K1, (P6, K1) 3 times, P7, K3

Row 44: K9, P1, K1, P1, (K4, P1, K1, P1) 3 times, K9

Row 45: K3, P5, K1, P3, K1, (P2, K1, P3, K1) 3times, P5, K3

Row 46: K7, P1, (K5, P2) 3 times, K5, P1, K7

Row 47: Repeat row 45

Row 48: Repeat row 44

Row 49: Repeat row 43

Row 50: Knit across

Row 51: Change to A and K3, P36, K3

Row 52: Knit across.

Row 53: K3, P36, K3

Rows 54-57 Knit across

---

Pattern by Angela Trun. Not to be sold or re-distributed for monetary gain. Permission for personal use only. 9/29/07 http://angcraftcorner.blogspot.com/

Dishcloth Swap Topic #3

Autumn has now officially begun here in the States!! What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Fall? Why?

Fall is my favorite season. I love the smells of the crisp, clean air, and the fallen leaves, woodburning stoves. I love apple cider and pies and apple crisp. I also like the weather - cool, but sunny. I like to wear sweaters and this is the perfect time for them. I love the colors: brown, orange, yellow, cream. Halloween is my favorite holiday. Did I mention Fall is my favorite season?

Finally Friday!!

Whoo hoo! Its finally Friday, although I am sure the weekend will end up whizzing by anyway, LOL!!


I finished the last set of stitch markers that I need to make for the Fall Stitch Marker Exchange. I am happy with how all of them came out and am starting to package them up to mail out.

Can't wait to see the markers that I receive!

Some of the TV shows I watch came to an end last week ... but more new ones are starting to premiere! I watched "Life" yesterday and really enjoyed it. The main character is a freakin bizarre nut and I love it. If you like Monk, you may like this one. It starts Sept. 26th, but if you have Comcast On Demand you can watch it up to Sept. 23rd.

I am still waiting for my invite to Ravelry and am hearing all kinds of great things from those who have been able to get on so far!

Found you!
You signed up on July 29, 2007
You are #21486 on the list.
5573 people are ahead of you in line.
13149 people are behind you in line.
45% of the list has been invited so far

It's Almost Friday ...

That's what I've been feeling all day today! This week felt like it was dragging by ... but its almost Friday!! I have a lot of projects to get done before the end of Oct!! I have the bag for the Hogwart's Swap to finish which is almost half way done. It is a little tedious now that it is repetitive, so I have to plug away at this one this coming weekend and get a good chunk out of the way. Then there's another item I already started and another small item that I wanted to make.

I started the Magic Loop sock class last night and got this far. Pretty good I think considering I don't think we even cast on until half way through the 2-hour class. I am trying the two socks at the same time method because I would really like to end this class with a PAIR of socks instead of just a sock! I am hoping it gets easier because it would be great to be able to do two socks at the same time. Otherwise I do think I like this method a lot and even if the two socks doesn't work so well for me I think I will definitely be doing this method even if its only one sock at a time in the future.


This week I have also been working on designing a dishcloth for the Hogwart's Swap contest. I am up to row 20 of 57. I have the plan laid out on graph paper and am writing out the pattern as I go to make sure it actually works. The blue portion has a diamond pattern that isn't coming out so well on camera and is much more visible in person! So far its coming out great and I am enjoying the design process!!

Dishcloth Swap Topic #2

When you knit or crochet dishclothes, washclothes or face clothes, what do you use? What size needle or hook? Wood? what type? Metal? Plastic? A specific Brand? Why do you love that needle or hook so much? Is there one you are dying to try? Is there a particular yarn you love and use all the time for clothes? What is so special about it?

So far I have only knit dishcloths, but have some crochet patterns I would like to try in the future. I started out using metal needles, but have found that I like bamboo much better (plus they are lighter and don't fall out if you drop one!). I usually use Clover bamboo straight needles. Depending on the gauge of the yarn and the pattern I use anywhere from a size 5 up to size 8. I also have one set of birch needles by Lakewood Needle Co. in size 6 that I really like.

I usually use Lily Sugar 'N Cream because it is inexpensive and comes in a wide range of colors. I also like to use Saucy by Reynolds and Cotton Classic by Tahki Stacy Charles. The mercerized cottons have a sheen to them and seem a bit more flexible than the regular cotton and I like those a lot. They also work great for soap bags.

Super Sunday

I finished two sets of stitch markers for the Stitch Marker Exchange. Its hard to find good light to take photos in without them coming out blurry or too shiny, so these are the best I could do!

I still have one more set to make. I went out today and picked up some bubble envelopes to prepare them for mailing, so I hope to get the last set done soon so that I can bring them all to the Post Office at the same time.


I took a Cast-On Class at my LYS last Wednesday night. I learned 10 cast on techniques (two of which I knew already). Found out that I was doing the Continental Long-Tail Cast On even though I knit English (throw the yarn from my right hand) and found that the English method was much easier, LOL!


I am working on designing a dishcloth that is Harry Potter related for the Hogwart's Sock/Scarf Kit Swap. So I went to the LYS today and picked up some cotton yarn to test my design out. Haven't cast it on yet, but the contest is going until Oct. 17th so I should have plenty of time.

I also finally found yarn for my swap pal for Hogwart's. I was having real trouble finding house colors that looked good together in the same brand and type of yarn. Some brands I looked at had a nice red, but no gold, and vice versa. I finally found something today that I am happy with the feel and colors and yardage. I am still working on the bag which is about 40% done. Glad this swap started with 8 weeks, still have about 6 and I was planning on making other things for this pal also, one of them started.

I found a pattern or two that I want to do for the Fall into Autumn Dishcloth Swap. I have the yarn on hand, just need to cast on and start that one.

I am almost done Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! I think I have about 100 pages left.

My favorite show starts back up again tomorrow evening, I am SOOOO SOOO excited!!!!!!!

This Wednesday night is the start of the Magic Loop sock class at my LYS and it will go for 3 weeks.

I also picked up some Halloween papers today to make the Halloween / Fall cards for the Stamp Club swap that is due Oct. 3rd.

HSKS 3 Quidditch Round 1

1. Who is the Hogwarts teacher that Voldermort performed the Avada Kedavra curse on in Deathly Hallows?
Charity Burbage

2. Who replaces the Muggles studies teacher in Deathly Hallows?
Alecto Carrow

3. When Harry meets Mr. Olivander for the first time, which wand law is introduced?
The wand chooses the wizard

4. According to Mr. Ollivander, what is not necessary to take true possession of another wizard's wand?
To kill the owner

5. If you know anything about Harry Potter, you will know that Harry's Patronus is a stag. But what is his best friend Ron Weasley's Patronus?
Jack Russell Terrier

6. Now for the third member of the trio. What form does Hermione Granger's Patronus take?
Otter

7. What did Mrs. Wealey make to eat the first night that Harry arrived at Grimmauld Place?
Stew

8. In book 5, at the start of term feast, what is Ron eating when trying to talk to Nearly Headless Nick?
Roast potato

9. A half-giant called Rubeus Hagrid takes you to Diagon Alley for the first time. To get there, you go into the courtyard of a pub called the Leaky Cauldron. There, Hagrid taps a certain brick on the courtyard wall three times with his pink umbrella, revealing the entrance to Diagon Alley. As he decides which brick to tap, he mutters instructions to himself. What instructions does he mutter?
Three up... two across

10. The first place you go in Diagon Alley is Gringotts bank, where you can withdraw money from your vault and Hagrid can withdraw a top-secret package from Vault No. 713 on Dumbledore’s orders. On the second set of doors leading into the bank you notice a poem written. These are the first two lines:Enter, stranger, but take heedOf what awaits the sin of greed,What is the next line?
For those who take, but do not earn

Picture Scavenger Hunt
Rolanda Hooch
Firenze
Argus Filch
Moaning Myrtle
Colin Creevey

Discloth Swap Topic #1

Topic: Now that in some geographic locations the weather is starting to turn cooler, do you change the type of yarn(s) you knit/crochet with? If so, what do you now knit/crochet with instead and why? If not, why do you not switch and what do you knit/crochet with?

I do tend to change to heavier yarns that involve projects that I did not want to tackle while it was really hot out - afghans for example are too big and bulky to be draped over my lap in the summer heat.

Also, the cooler weather brings about a time where heavier things can be used: sweaters and scarves are now going to be needed! Although if I was more organized I would do this backwards so that my tank top that I started in August will be done by next summer and if I hurry up and finish that afghan I started last Fall I might be able to use it for winter, LOL!

Gray Day ...

Its a gray rainy day today. Started with thunder and lightening about 5:30am that woke me up ... good thing its Sunday, LOL! I could go back to sleep and wake up later.

I got some stamping done today. I have officially completed two Christmas cards to date and have 10 more stamped out. Some still need to be bleached, but that's a fairly quick process (just kind of stinky and I have to do the spraying background part in the bathroom so I don't accidently bleach anything in the dining room). Assembling the layered pieces is what takes all the time. Directly under the reindeer is a gold mirricard layer that is really pretty, but not showing up well in this scan.

Both image stamps are by Outlines Rubber Stamps. I love all of their stuff and have quite a few of their stamps. The impressions are great and I just love the images.


Also started Halloween cards. I won't be making many of these, they are fun, but really time consuming - and I don't know that many people that love Halloween as much as I do! I think for the swap for Stamp Club I will be making more of a Fall themed card rather than Halloween, not sure yet what I am going to do for that, have to dig through my stamps and supplies and see what I have on hand.

Went to the yarn store yesterday for about 5 hours, completed a finishing technique and picking up stitches that I wanted help with for a project I am doing for the Hogwart's Sock/Scarf kit swap and I think I have decided on the yarn that I am going to get my partner for that.

Saw some really cool sock yarn by Filatura Di Crosa called Maxime Print. Comes in really cool colors that stripe and have faux fair isle striping as well. Also saw a new worsted weight wool by Frog Tree that felt super soft.

I will be at the yarn store every Wednesday evening from 9/12 to 10/31 (excluding 10/3 - which is good because I have Stamp Club this evening) for classes, I am so excited!!

I spent some time today making working copies of patterns in magazines so that I could organize them (and not forget what magazine they are in) and which ones I have yarn on hand for, which ones have deadlines, etc. I actually need a 1 1/2" three-ring binder because I have so many current projects and things I am to do asap ... yikes!!

If you haven't yet seen Knit Picks new Harmony Interchangable Wood Needles, you have to check them out. They are color dyed wood and are so cool looking.

Secret Pal 11 Sept. Surprize

I received a package when I got home from work today ... and it was super cool - which is great because its 95 degrees outside today, LOL!!

Inside I found Cinnamon Apple Tea - yum! Hershey Kisses ... including Neapolitan ... which I didn't even know they had and they are super yummy ... a bit warm and soft from sitting outside, LOL!! But yummy all the same, maybe even better that way, LOL!

Vouge Knitting Accessorize, full of accersory patterns which I love. Three skeins of Nature Spun 100% Wool by Brown Sheep Company, which has been on my list of yarns to try! The colors aren't showing very well in this photo - they are Peruvian Pink (fuschia), Bit of Blue (looks good in photo), and Enchanted Forest (a lovely shade of pine green that really doesn't show up well in this photo).

Size 8 and 11 wooden needles. A super cool bag that is perfect for toting a small knitting project to my LYS, which I will be doing tomorrow :o) And some cool cards with relaxing and indulging recipes and tips on them :o)

Thank you SP 11 spoiler, can't wait to find out who you are so I can thank you "in person" online :o)

I am off to go check out my new book!!

Greenery

Went for a walk today in the reservation down the street. This place is so close, but we often forget its there.

I don't particularly like to walk around my neighborhood - nothing to look at except for house after house squished together, dogs barking, straight pavement - no grass or trails to walk on.


I was thinking about going here today while I was sitting in work, but then get home, get lazy. However, my BF was saying, "I don't know what to do right now" so I suggested a walk :o)


So we got to get out and get some fresh air and peace. Two sections are next to the main route and highway though so there is some traffic noise, but not throughout the entire trail. Didn't see any critters either! Just some birds chirping.

I've been busy with knitting too! Started the bag for the Hogwart's Sock/Scarf Kit Swap and hope to get enough done by Saturday to take it to the yarn store and get help transitioning to the next section.

Made one of three sets of stitch markers for the Stitch Marker Exchange (need to mail out by Sept. 30th).

Have to make Fall/Halloween cards for a swap for the next Stamp Club Meeting Oct. 3rd. Then Magic Loop Socks is starting Sept. 18th. Busy, busy, but that's good I need some goals and deadlines :o)

Pattern - Trinket Bag

Trinket Bag

Materials: 100% Mercerized Cotton (Cotton Classic by Tahki Stacy Charles)

Gauge: 5 sts = 1” in Stockinette

Needles: Size 6 Set of 4 Double Pointed Needles


Finished Size: 3 1/2” wide by 5” tall. Gauge is not particularly important for this project.

---

Instructions:

Cast on 35 stitches.

Distribute stitches to 3 DPNs.

Mark beginning of round and join careful not to twist stitches. Work evenly in Stockinette for 1” end at beginning of round.

Eyelet Round: K4, yo, K2tog, (K3, yo, K2tog) 5 times, K4.

Continue in Stockinette until piece measures 5” from beginning. I move 2-3 stitches around on the needles while working to prevent a gap or ladder forming where the needles meet.

Bind off all stitches.

Turn inside out and lay piece so that there are two eyelets evenly spaced in front and two near the sides and two in the back. Seam bottom together using whip stitch. (With two pieces facing, insert needle into inside bump in front stitch towards back and pick up innermost bump on backside stitch, come back over to front and repeat.) Weave in all ends.

I-Cord Closure: Cast on 3 stitches. Work I-Cord for 12” and bind off leaving tail. Put tail yarn on yarn needle and pull through eyelets – start with right-hand front eyelet going in, come out next, go in next, come out next, go in next and come out left-hand front eyelet. Now weave in tails of I-Cord.

Cinch closed and tie overhand knot in front, wrap I-Cord around to back and tie another overhand knot.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pattern by Angela Trun. Not to be sold or re-distributed for monetary gain. Permission for personal use only. 9/3/07 http://angcraftcorner.blogspot.com/

Over the river and through the woods ...

And onto the highway and subway and back again, LOL! Today my mom and I went into Boston to visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Its so much easier to take mass transit than to drive into town sometimes (and probably way less in gas for my truck!!).




After getting off the subway and walking down the street a bit we saw this lovely waterway with some Canadian geese swimming and floating around.




Then we arrived at our destination. There is a lovely garden in the middle of the building which has a glass roof three stories up. Unfortunately to preserve the artwork, no pictures are allowed inside the museum.

The museum was quite nice. Small in terms of the stuff around here, but very nice for a day trip - not too exhausting to walk around. We ate in the cafe and it was excellent!



After we toured the museum we walked along Huntington Avenue since it was so lovely outside. Look at the beautiful blue sky! The temperature was high 70s - so very nice.






Here's an information map of the area. Amazing to see how much stuff is packed into such a small area!

Especially this particular section which is home to several museums and several very large college campuses.

This area is home to a lot of the colleges in Boston, including Wentworth Institute and Northeastern University. And the streets were packed today with all of the college students moving in!

This is the Museum of Fine Arts. We went here a few months ago to see an Asian Calligraphy exhibition that was just amazing. There were all these scrolls a few FEET long covered with painstakingly perfect chinese calligraphy.

Whew its the Weekend :o)

And it will be a long weekend too! Today was spent as usual at the yarn store and knitting at home or visiting knitting related blogs and websites on the internet!

I was only at the yarn store for about 2 hours today though. I picked up the yarn I needed to start the bag for my pal in the Hogwart's Sock/Scarf Swap 3 and started that when I got home. I also made the stitch markers for that today. And I picked up some other materials I needed to make another little goodie for that swap.

I found a really cool Dishcloth Knit A Long online via another blogger's site. Check out the Monthly Dishcloth KAL site for information and pics of previous patterns. I can't wait to start on the Sept pattern. I have needles and yarn ready and just need to cast on.

I finished a little bag for my BF to keep little trinkets in and once I finish the i-cord for the closure I will post the pattern here. Its a simple stockinette pattern. I picked up some more cotton yarn to make another one and I think I will try coming up with a pattern stitch this time.

I am currently reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and am about 200 pages into it! Can't wait to finish and see how it all ends. Also want to lend it to a co-worker who lent me book 6, so I want to hurry up so that he can read it too!

Watched Ghost Rider with Nicolas Cage today. It was actually much better than I thought it was going to be. The sound and visual effects were excellent!

For your visual enjoyment I have included some photos of our Morning Glories that we have in the yard. They are really starting to bloom now. They were started as seeds in April or May and have numerous buds and flowers since they vines have grown up so much over the summer.

And here's confirmation of something I already knew:

You Are Animal

A complete lunatic, you're operating on 100% animal instincts. You thrive on uncontrolled energy, and you're downright scary. But you sure can beat a good drum. "Kill! Kill!"

The Muppet Personality Test