Saturday, November 29, 2008
FO: Jack Sparrow's Favorite Socks
I think these have to be the coolest socks I have knit to date. This is a free pattern, I can't find it on the original blog now, but its on Ravelry. I steam blocked the fair isle once complete and it really helped even out the stitches. I am usually a really tight knitter, so I had to concentrate on knitting loosely so that the fair isle came out well and I could fit it over my heel, worked out fine!
Yarn: Knit Picks Essentials Twists: Volcano Twist; Knit Picks Essentials Black; Sisu White
Needles: Knit Picks 32" Size 2
Cast On: 11/14/08
Cast Off: 11/29/08
FO: Striped Socks
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
I have bought about 6 sock yarns in the last few weeks, so tomorrow while its daylight out I will get pics and update my stash on Ravelry. I am waiting for 2 more from The Loopy Ewe that I ordered earlier this week, so maybe I'll get a surprise in the mail too, LOL!
I am working on some really cool socks "Jack Sparrow's Favorite Socks" when they are done I'll post photos. Its the coolest pattern for easy fair isle. I modified the sock pattern a bit and did the short row heel by Priscilla Wild, which is awesome, no wraps, no yarn overs. It can be found on youtube as a video or in written form in this pattern.
I am also working on some socks for my friend using up some leftover yarn and if it comes out succesful I will write the pattern and post it.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Finally Finished
Hopefully now that I've finished this one its mate will go much quicker! These are supposed to be a Christmas gift and they need to venture overseas to get to the recipient ... so we'll see if they make it in time.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Socks, socks and more socks ...
I've been making progress on some socks I've been working on. I also have 1/2 a sleeve for my Quidditch sweater and hope to have that finished up this year.
I finished one Rivendell sock a few weeks ago, I didn't start the other one yet because I wanted to get a pair done for a Christmas gift first, so I will be doing the mate very soon. This pattern is very pretty. Once they are both done I am going to try and fix the holes that formed where stitches were picked up, etc. because of the twisted stitches, I think they make the gaps look bigger. My home made sock blocker doesn't do the pattern justice, LOL!! Its a little mishapen.
I am making these socks for my MIL for Christmas as a surprise. The first one was done in a week, which is exceptional for me, although I found out if its plain Stockinette, I can watch TV and not look at what I am doing, that makes for much quicker knitting!! I am going to rip out the heel turn and redo it on the second sock, the stripes are off a row or two and I want them to match up as best they can.
This is a last ditch effort to fix these socks so that I wear them. I love the socks, just not toe, its too pointy and tight. I blocked the Rivendell one for a day or two and it fit much better, so I am going to try blocking these and see if the toe fits better. I could wash them, but was afraid if I did want to rip out the toes and redo them it would make that all the more difficult.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Drowning in Stash
I went through (some of) my yarn stash today and updated Ravelry. I know there must be more around here somewhere, I remember some other skeins I had and they weren't with these ones ... where they are, I don't know.
Is it bad I am more concerned with packing and moving my stash then anything else if we ever hear we are getting this house?!?! We are waiting for the bank that currently owns it to approve the short sale. But I am more concerned with my craft stash then packing anything else, LOL!!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Its getting chilly outside!
Well I almost have one glove done. I am afraid to go back and find out when I first cast on for this project. I know I ordered the yarn back in April ...
This was an interesting pattern, its from the 1940s ... so its not very instructive, I ran into a few, "Huh? ... Wah? ..." moments, but made my way through them and I am a better knitter for it, LOL!
These are a gift for my email pal in England (we have met in person a few times too) and I am hoping to finish them for Christmas.
Monday, October 20, 2008
FO: Art Yarns Socks
Friday, October 17, 2008
Amazing Knitting
I successfully got the toe done and am on to the foot of the second sock. This yarn is Art Yarns Handpainted Stripes and it is lovely to knit with. It is so soft and squishy. The colors are so deep and beautiful.
Now I am off to go knit on my stocking so I am ready for the next class!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Its that time of year again
1. Diane's Gloves - Preferably really soon since I need to ship them overseas. This is an old 1940s pattern that I am doing. The yarn is Knit Picks Essentials in Pumpkin. I actually have a bit more than this done, but haven't taken a new photo.
2. Marion's Socks - These should go fairly quickly, I am using self patterning yarn so I am just going to knit them in stockinette.
3. Mom's Scarf - Chunky yarn, so should go pretty quickly too.
I think that's all I am going to try and accomplish for this holiday season. Anything else that gets done will be a bonus!
Aside from those things I also have plenty of others on the needles that I would like to finish up this year.:
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Learning new things
Anyway, on to other learning, I am taking a class on fair isle knitting. And I'll have a new stocking to hang in my (hopefully) new house this year!!
While I was at the yarn store I picked up some of the new Harry Potter yarn, colorway "Tonks".
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sock Sorrows ...
For every pair of socks I finish, one ends in despair ...
I was making Menehune socks in Panda cotton and it was going along fine, the yarn started to get low, but I usually end up with 1/2 a skein anyway so I figured what the heck. Plus the pattern said if I made my size I would be left with about 3 yds .. which is not a lot. Well I ran out of yarn, I tried to work the toes a bit early since this yarn has elastic in it and its pretty stretchy, but the sock just doesn't feel right. So I am going to make its mate, with a shorter leg, which is fine by me I like the cuffs short, and then rip back this one to the cuff and make them match.
I am still not sure what to do with my Firestarters, one sock is complete and the other is up to the leg, but the gauge was off, so they fit, but are a little roomy ...
I made Magic Lace Rib socks and I really do not like the star toe, so I should rip them back and do a regular toe.
I ripped out the Rivendell socks because the yarn was just not working with the pattern.
I was making Hypnosis socks and then noticed that the pattern is off and the heel should have been started at a different place so that the pattern worked out right.
UUrrggg!
Its a learning process!!! However I do have 2 pairs of nice socks that I love, so I guess as I do different patterns and use different yarns I will learn more. I also learned that regular stockinette socks are pretty comfy! So while knitting lace is fun and pretty, they aren't always the most comfortable, so I started a pair of plain ole' socks.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Happiness Socks
Cast on: 8/3/08
Cast off: 9/21/08
Pattern: Happiness Socks
Yarn: Regia Jaquard
This is actually the very first sock yarn I ever purchased! I tried socks all by myself with little instruction on size 1 needles and it didn't go so well! Next I tried socks with worsted weight yarn, that went much, much better! Now 2 years later I am a sock addict! I found this yarn in my stash while looking for something with two skeins for a two at a time on two circulars class and realized it was the very first sock yarn I ever purchased, LOL!!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Sweet Scarf
This is a very simple scarf to make. Its Frog Tree Alpaca Sport and Bernat Matrix yarn held together with 10.5 needles, garter stitch. I pretty much went on until there wasn't much alpaca left, cut off enough for fringe, then continued on for a bit and bound off. The fringe covers the cast on and bind off tails, so no need to weave in ends.
I started this scarf when I first started knitting back in 2006, so its nice to have it done. Not that it took long to knit - I finished it in two days, it just sat in a bag while I started new things, so I am glad to have this WIP completed!!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Updates on my Knitting Obsession ...
I am doing well on my Quidditch Sweater from Charmed Knits. I started this back in October 2007 for a knitting class. It sat and sat, but I took it to work with me one weekend (where I pretty much just have to stay awake overnight and answer the phone) and I got a lot done. Now that I see some real progress I am really motivated to finish it!
Here's another project that I started a few months ago for someone who was pregnant ... no I didn't tell them I was making it, because I know how that goes. Obviously it isn't done yet, LOL!! I think a friend of mine who has a 1 year old is going to get it instead.
And now on to my yarn buying addiction! Berroco now has Ultra Alpaca Sock yarn! So I had to get some of that. My local yarn store has a frequent buyer program where you get points if you spend over $20 ... well since this yarn is only TEN DOLLARS, which I couldn't believe, I also got some more Tofutsies.
I went to Michael's the other day to get some yarn for a sweater and while I was there I saw this glow in the dark yarn, how cool is that?!?! So I picked up a few skeins to make something for my friend's daughter. She asked her what she wanted since she is 4 years old, she figured she could decide for herself and she chose a hat. So I will be starting that soon so that she can wear it this year.
This is the yarn for the sweater. Its Patons Shetland Chunky which I used for a scarf before (and no ... the scarf is not finished, LOL) and its a nice soft yarn. They didn't have the color I was looking for, but did have this one and its nice for a wintry warm sweater.
I also picked up some Heart & Sole to try out since I haven't tried that before. I am thinking I will do two socks at once with these ones.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Progress
I made some real progress on my Quidditch Sweater from Charmed Knits. I worked on it a lot while I was at my part-time job this weekend. I started this sweater last October for a knitting class and it was slow going at first because it was well ... boring, LOL! Now that I have the front done, I can't wait to finish the rest to have something I can wear!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
WIPs, WIPs and MORE WIPs
I am doing well on my 2 socks on 2 circulars, I am past the heel and am working on the gussett decreases at the moment, they are really coming along nicely. I do like this method and even took them with me today to a big family outing that was at a banquet center with softball, mini golf, etc. so it was a causal place I got to sit outside at a picnic table and knit for a while.
I pulled out my WIP bag which is a large plastic linen storage bag and saw some yarn I got for a scarf that I totally forgot about, LOL! I really need to make some sort of list or something of the projects that I want to do and where the patterns are. I do keep a 3-ring binder with working copies (or the original if it came alone) in there with things that I want to do in the future, but sometimes I see things in magazines and don't want to bother copying the pattern at this time since I won't be working on it right away anyway ...and buy the yarn and stash it and then forget about it, hahaha! How do you keep your patterns and future projects organized??
I have several things on the needles at the moment that I want to get finished up soon so that I can finish up some things for Christmas and gifts.
- Yarn Smackdown socks - Hopefully I can get these finished before I get killed, LOL!
- Diane's Gloves - Vintage 1940s pattern that had me guessing a few times. I have one glove almost done.
- Derek's Scarf - started last winter, would be nice to finish before this winter!
- Mom's Scarf - also started last winter.
- Marion Socks - Socks for my MIL, want to complete for Christmas.
- Quidditch Sweater - for myself, would like to finish so I can wear it this year.
- Alpaca Scarf - something I wanted to try using two strands of yarn.
- Drawstring bag - Just something to work on for fun with Meditation yarn.
- Reversible Cable Scarf - in Ultra Alpaca for myself.
- Panda Cotton Socks
- Peppermint Twist Socks
- Art Yarns Socks
And lets not mention the many skeins of yarn I have stashed for various other projects, hahahaha!!
I am going to try and finish whatever is on needles at the moment before starting anything new unless its for a class. Then I can start on the other projects that I have yarn set aside for!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Life and Knitting
My two socks are coming out great. I am done one heel flap on the first one and started the second one. I really do like the method, its great to know that the socks will be done at the same time.
We saw the most amazing rainbow the other day, the photos don't do it justice, but it was amazing!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Sleepy Sunday
I am taking a 2 socks on 2 circulars class. I took this before but tried it on one long circular and it didn't work out so well, the yarn kept getting tangled, I kept knitting the sock inside out and twisting it, etc. So I wanted to give it another try, I am a better knitter in general now so I think that will help. The 2 circulars instead of one makes a HUGE difference too.
I got a better picture of the Hypnosis pattern from The Eclectic Sole.
I started the gloves my friend wanted and got a lot done this weekend, but noticed that the thumb gussett increases threw the pattern stitch off, so I ripped it back and took it with me today for help. The instructor suggested something that I am going to try and see if that works better. In the pattern you cannot see the gussett so its unclear how they worked around it or if it looked bad there too!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Busy, busy, busy
The yarn is Ranco by Araucania in Multi. I originally got this because I liked the colors and had something else for the Hypnosis pattern, but while I was going through my stash, I though this would work very well for this pattern.
So far so good. Here's a close up of the leg, hard to see the pattern stitches without blocking, but its coming out good.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Sweaty Sunday
Sunday, July 13, 2008
I am still working on my Firestarter socks and will finish those for July. I also started some gloves for my friend in England so that they'll be done by Winter. I started the ribbing but think I will cast on again, one stitch didn't cast on right and its noticable now. Will post photos of that once I get some done.
I am taking a class at my local yarn store this Tuesday on designing your own socks.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Ever think you're a Rock Star?
Well I made it through half the day, albeit very painful and will have to make up a few hours this weekend.
I plan on going to the yarn store tomorrow morning to see the ladies from the knitting group there. I also hope to drum up some business for my Mary Kay business while I am there. Then in the evening I have a Skin Care Class scheduled.
That's about it for me, its been a long and painful day.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Its a Rainy, Sticky, Humid Day ...
I don't have much in the way of knitting to share photographically with you, but I figured I would share one of my favorite knitting related items! My Go Knit Pouch. I really do love it. The strap inside does indeed keep the yarn from tangling. The materials is super soft and slick so the yarn doesn't stick to it. The material is also very strong, so needles don't poke through it! Sometimes I forget where I last left it because I carry it all over the house with me, LOL!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Our Lucky Day!
I think we found THE house ... now we need to find a way to come up with the remainder of the money for the down payment. We saw it for the second time today and after I crunch numbers and speak to the bank about specifics - we are fist time home buyers so we can put down less than usual. I think we'll make an offer.
Not much on the knitting front, I am still working on my Firestarters, I think I will bring them to work tonight and get a lot done, I want to finish them up for my June socks.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Its already June?!?!
I finished one Firestarter sock last night, just need to weave in the ends. This was a really interesting pattern. I made a few modifications, Judy's Magic Cast On for the toe and then I increased to the correct number of stithces. I want to start the second sock today for two reasons - I don't foget the things that I changed and so I don't end up with the dreaded second sock syndrome!
I applied for another position at the company I work for, its very similar to what I do now, but its a step up and has more opportunity for growth and advancement, if I stay in the position I am in now there's little room for growth. I've been there two years now and I'm hitting the boredom point (doesn't take much for me) but I would like to stay with the company and keep my benefits and vacation time growing!
I watched True Romance the other day - the first movie written by Quinten Tarantino, it was excellent if you like those types of movies. I think today we are going to see the new Indiana Jones at the theater.
I can't believe its June already! I need to get working on my gift knits! I did not finish the baby blanket for the shower, so I think I will complete that for Christmas and give it to my friend instead (or any time really I don't need excuses to give baby knits, LOL).
I am going to focus on my gift knits now that only half the year is left!
1. Mom - Hodded Scarf
2. Diane - Gloves
3. Marion - Socks
4. Derek - Scarf
So if I finish one item per month I'll be done my October, LOL! - yeah right.
Gee - I wonder why my eyes were watering ... here's my yellow ... er I mean BLACK truck with pollen all over it ... it has since seen the care wash :o)
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Super HOT Saturday
I found that Alan Dart has an official website where you can order patterns. I had a little difficulty - I ordered, but the page did not display properly so I will have to contact them to get my patterns, but I am so glad they are available online now! I most definitely ordered the dragon!
I was killed in Sock Wars, I recived some lovely socks from Debbie.
I went outside to photograph them in sunlight and was pleasanty surprised to see the peony had bloomed.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Busy Week
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Sleepy Saturday
We don't like living here, for many reasons I won't go in to at the moment, I haven't got all day to list them, and now some of the biggest "rule-breakers" and nuisance people are banding together to form a tenants association ... give me a break!! We want out even more now!! I told my boyfriend I was going to start packing now, and he said, well if it works as therapy for you, hahaha!!
I've been working on the baby blanket, the shower at work is June 10th so I better light a fire under my butt! With house hunting I haven't been getting much done for knitting! I did bring this with me to work and will for the next two days and hopefully get most of it done.
This is the newest addition to our family. We adopted him in March. Nikoh has a lot of personality and is a joy to live with, he makes us laugh all the time!!
I may be teaching a knitting class at the local technical high school in the Fall. I've been in contact with the organizer in Jan. and just emailed her again to touch base and let her know I was still interested.
I am participating in Sock Wars, but I am not thrilled with the pattern. It wasn't written very clearly and I had some trouble with the stitch pattern repeats, then went online and saw that I wasn't the only one. Its dissapointing that this is supposed to be a fast paced knitting competition, but some people can't even get through the pattern. I do have one sock about half way done, but am not very motivated to finish it too quickly.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Wow its Wednesday
Saturday, May 3, 2008
First Firestarter
This is my frist Firestarter, I chose this yarn specifically for this pattern. I like this yarn, not sure if its the yarn or how it was wound (because I know the lady at the store was new and had a lot of trouble with the swift) but I keeps tangling in the ball and I have to cut and attach a new strand - after getting frustrated enough to cut once I try to untangle for several minutes.
Other than that, I am loving this pattern. Its a little confusing at times and I've had to un-knit a few rows and start again two or three times, but I think the second sock will go really well.
I was worried the sock may be a little loose, but the gauge averages correctly and I think once the leg is done with ribbing it'll hold up on my leg and take up the slack in the heel that's there now.
I did Judy's Magic Cast On for the toe instead of the provisional cast on called for in the pattern. I like this toe alot, its very clean and looks much nicer.
Monday, April 28, 2008
New Beginnings ...
Have you ever noticed on tv the amount of knits? I was watching New Amsterdam and Everybody Loves Raymond the other day and noticed the lovely crocheted and knit throws on the couches, ever notice things like that as a knitter?
If you are a Battlestar Galactica fan go to the site and check out the What the Frack video, its a re-cap of the last three seasons done super fast and its pretty funny!!
Well that's all I've got for today :o)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
FO: Seduction Socks
I finished them today! Even when I forgot the pattern at home and took these to work. Luckily the pattern isn't complicated so I was able to work up to the toe then I stopped until I got home to make sure I did the toe the same so that they match.
Pattern: Seduction Socks by Ann Budd
Yarn: Berocco Comfort Sock
Needles: 32" US 2 Knit Picks Circular - Magic Loop
Cast On: 3/7/08; Cast Off: 4/27/08