Monday, June 04, 2007

I've been tagged...

Ok, we all know how this goes....Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves.

Those who are tagged need to write on their own blog those 7 facts as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

Except I'll cheat and not tag anyone else...

1) I learned how to drive in a open wheeled formula car (specifically a Lotus 51, an example of which is pictured at the right) and was eligible for an IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) racing license in my very early twenties.

2) Though I very much enjoy fast cars, I have never been on and never plan to be on a motorcycle. They terrify me.

3) I own more shoes and purses than reasonable. I have purses in my closet that I have had since the mid-80's.

4) I type without looking at the keys, which is handy because most of the keys on my laptop have worn off.

5) I feel completely "off" if I am not wearing my watch.

6) I am allergic to various fruits, but I can smell an unpeeled banana and know whether it will cause an allergic reaction or not.

7) I was a "Dead Head" for a number of years following the Grateful Dead around the country.

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Bamboozle Tank Top

I'm seriously starting to worry that I don't have enough yarn as I'm getting ready to switch from in the round to the back and forth bit at the top to make the arm decreases. I'm also starting to wonder if it was wise to think that I was smarter than the pattern by knitting it in the round instead of following the directions.

What's the worst that will happen? I'll run out of yarn and the pattern will laugh at me. And then I will rip the tank top out, pick out a new pattern while laughing back at the original pattern.

Have an urge to start a new lace project even though I have one in a project bag that really needs to get completed and a pair of felted clogs that I promised my husband I would make for him.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Socketta Socks


Socketta Socks
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
Finished my second pair of socks for the month! I *really* liked this yarn, it's got a great feel, lots of stretch and I hope it wears really well.

Size: Women's Small
Needle size used: US 1 Addi Turbo
Yarn: Socketta Cotton Blend Socj Yarn
Method: Toe-Up, Magic Loop, Two at Once
Who the socks are for: ME!
Date finished: Sunday, May 28, 2007

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Playing with Alpacas Again...

Oh my gods, I can't believe I haven't posted yet about the excitement of this past weekend -- we went to a friend's alpaca farm to watch the shearing! It got even more exciting when Dirk was asked to help wrangle the alpacas down to the barn floor -- the big males can be really ornery and can spit pretty nasty stuff. Anyway, it was very cool to see the process.

I just started a new project! What? Of course it's a pair of socks. I *love* the Socketta cotton blend yarn and requested that it be stocked at YarnArts. Photos to come later today. I'm still working away on the Bamboozle tank top, another yarn I LOVE. It drapes very nicely, works up evenly and the stockinette edge isn't rolling! I also need to share a photo of the lace wrap made with Ironstone Yarns "Pizzaz". It's a gorgeous novelty blend yarn that has been enticing me at the shop for the last two years, but at $37/skein I needed to find a good one skein project for it.

My father-in-law got his socks and they fit perfectly (whew). I was so scared about making socks without being able to measure the recipient's foot first, but all was well in the end.

I'm gathering together the items for my final Secret Pal 10 swap package. I can now see why people can get addicted to these swaps -- I love to give gifts and coming up with different fun stuff to include in them!

Well, I have a meeting in about 30 minutes, so I'm off for a fun and exciting day!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Knitting Meme

So how does your own list look? If you post this on your blog, put a note in the comments here letting me know to take a look!

THE RULES
  • Bold for stuff you’ve done
  • Italics for stuff you plan to do one day
  • Normal for stuff you’re not planning on doing
THE LIST

Afghan/blanket (baby)
I-cord
Garter stitch
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Hat
Moebius band knitting
Sweater
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip-stitch patterns
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Knitting with circular needles
Cable-stitch patterns
Lace patterns
Scarf
American/English knitting
Buttonholes
Knitting with alpaca
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cozies…)
Knitting with DPNs
Holiday-related knitting
Knitting with cotton
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener BO
Purses/bags
Swatching
Long-tail CO
Knitting with self-patterning/self-striping/variegated yarn
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Intarsia
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/arm warmers
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Knitting a gift
Knitting in public
Teaching a woman to knit
Knitting with metal wire
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Knitting with silk
Participating in a KAL
Drop-stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (modular knitting)
Twisted-stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two-end knitting
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Publishing a knitting book
Teaching a child to knit
Knitting to make money
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on two circulars
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Teaching a man to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting with beads
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Stuffed toys
Darning
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Pillows
Rug
Thrummed knitting
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Slippers
Graffiti knitting (knitting items on or to be left on the street)
Olympic knitting
Knitting smocking
Knitting art
Machine knitting
Knitting on a loom
Hair accessories

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Knitting Stash May 07


Knitting Stash May 07
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
Here's a photo of my knitting stash storage at the house.

The black trunk was my husband's grandfather's and is stuffed to the brim with yarn. The basket of books on top is all that is keeping the lid from flying open. :)

The big blue bag is my spinning wheel folded up and in it's padded bag.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Who's Secret Pal 10 rocks?

Mine!

I got a wonderful box today with a cheery pink wrapped package -- and what is even funnier is that these are the same colors of tissue paper that I used for my secret pal packages!

The pink package was soft and squishy, it smelled nice and crinkled a little when I squeezed it.

There was even a little card with a sweet sheep on the envelope!

So, do you want to know what was in it?

* 2 skeins of "grape" handspun, hand dyed yarn. I'm already thinking about what a great thick scarf it would make, I'm imagining it with Aran type cables...

* Vanilla "Lip Blam!" With the dry Colorado air, this was a wonderful surprise. I use a lot of lip balm and this one smells really good. I have it on right now!

* A bag of heathered red roving. :) I'm digging right into that tomorrow!



Thank you, SP10!! I love everything!

What's New with Me!


I couldn't live with the jacked-up handles versus bottom on Cotton String Bag #2, so I carefully undid the 3 needle bind-off, changed the bottom to a round bottom with smaller needles so that it is more solid. We tried it out a the farmer's market on Sunday morning and it did a fantastic job of holding 1 lb of pasta and a green chile breakfast burrito. :)

The yarn is Butterfly Cotton and it took one ball plus a bit from a second ball. I did like the heaviness of the Fantasy Naturale of the first bag better, but this was easier to knit with.

I also started a tank top with a center front cable in Crystal Palace Bamboozle in the Strawberry-Lime color.

And because I knit like I cook, patterns are occasionally just "suggestions" - so I am knitting this in the round instead of flat front/back pieces. Why seam if you don't have to? I love this yarn, the color is divine, I love that the stockinette edge at the bottom *doesn't* roll and the drape is fantastic!

I just hope that I have enough yarn and that the damn thing fits me well. I'm thinking it might be wise to pop in another long cable onto my Denise needles so that I can see how it really fits around my torso before I get too far into the body.

Finally, I have my first iris bloom of the season!

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Herb Garden and screwing up knitting

My herb garden is starting to fill in after a long cold winter!

The soapwort has engulfed it's corner of the garden and is almost as tall as the whiskey barrel pond already in some spots! The skullcap is poking up between the irises and has invaded other parts of the garden where it *knows* it doesn't belong -- the thyme plants hate being crowded by it! The enchincea's spiky leaves are up, valerian is thick and bushy and the rue looks to have tripled in size from last year.

As always the chocolate mint is taking up more room that it was originally allotted, the elfin thyme is getting greener and greener on it's rambling path across the rock wall and the St John's Wort is hiding in the daylilies.

I'm hoping that the tri-colored sage is able to recover from a horrible accident involving my husband and the lawn mower last season and that the lavender continues to fill in the open spot at the end of the driveway.

I finished cotton string bag #2 last night. However, I was paying 0% attention and started the three needle bind off on the bottom about 1/4 of the stitches before I should have. So, the handles go this way, while the bottom of the bag lays flat that way. (laugh). I'm going to have to live with it because I'm not certain I can undo the bind-off, pick up the correct stitches and correct it without making it worse.

Sunday, May 06, 2007

Father-in-Law Socks


Father-in-Law Socks
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
Size: Men's Medium
Needle size used: US 1 Addi Turbo
Yarn: Brown Sheep Wildfoote in "Tom Cat" color
Method: Toe-Up, Magic Loop, Two at Once
Who the socks are for: My father-in-law
Date finished: Sunday, May 6, 2007

I *HAVE* to get some sock blockers. I hate that my socks look all weird when they are unblocked.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

My Favorite Spring Flower


I got an email this morning from the organizer of the Secret Pal 10 Swap asking about our favorite flowers, so I grabbed the camera to take a photo of some of my favorite flowers - TULIPS!

We've got a selection of pink and pink/white ruffled tulips blooming in the front yard right now. They make me smile everytime I see them! The pink ones in this photo are growing in the patch of chocolate mint. :)

I also found out this week about a Knitter's Coffee Swap, but I missed the deadline to join so I have to remember to check on that again at a later date for a different one!

Monday, April 30, 2007

Did you feel the earth stop spinning?

Last week I was couch bound by some wicked upper respiratory crud that still has me a bit winded. The crud was so bad I couldn't even knit.

Yesterday, however, I did take my friend Kati's "Cotton String Bag" class and get started on the bag with some varigated cotton from my stash. I got the handles done, the edging done, started the bag itself and then prompted screwed up the bag's body pattern requiring me to rip back to the edging. The cotton yarn is extremely difficult to knit with and I feel like I'm wrestling with it. However, I will love the completed bag and will enjoy taking it to the farmer's market with me.

Monday, April 23, 2007

Father-in-Law Socks...

I've turned the heel on the socks for my father-in-law but now am a little concerned that they aren't the right size. I used the charts in Charlene Schurch's Sensational Knitted Socks as a guideline, but I think I started turning the heel too early. I think I'll head to the yarn shop either today or tomorrow to find someone with a women's size 9 foot to try them on. Yes, I happen to know my father-in-law wears a woman's size 9 shoe...(snort)

Nothing else new on the needles, but I did teach a private beginning knit lesson yesterday afternoon and enjoyed it very much.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Father's Day Socks for John


Father's Day Socks for John
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
Here's the start of the socks for the yarn that my father-in-law picked out last weekend. I'm a little nervous about fit because I can't have him try them on like I do with Dirk or myself. The only other person I've made a pair of socks for outside of Dirk and me is my mom -- but she has the same size foot as me so I tried them on as I went.

I'm using the sizing charts from Sensational Knitted Socks and am going to find someone at the knit shop with similar sized feet to try them on before I get too far. Though if they turn out to be too big, they will fit Dirk so not all will be lost.

These are also the first socks of mine that can count towards the 5280 project. (See blog button at the side for more information about this project!)

PS These are plain vanilla K2, P2 ribbing. I wasn't feeling inspired.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Friday Night Sit 'n Knit

I love to go to YarnArts on Friday nights. This Friday we had a special guest stop by....my husband and his father. I really thought Dirk was kidding when he said "maybe I'll bring dad by the shop..." as I couldn't imagine anything more boring to my father-in-law! However, I forgot that he does enjoy pretty women and there is no shortage of them at Sit 'n Knit!

They stayed for less than 20 minutes, however both men did pick out sock yarn and put in a request for socks. They even picked the same yarn -- Brown Sheep Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn in the 'Tom Cat' colorway. :) I cast on the first pair last night and will need to decide what foot/leg patterning I want to use once I get the toe increases done.

Tomorrow night I have another 'Toe-Up Sock' class that I'm teaching. I love to teach these classes! If you are in the Denver area, the class is from 5 to 7 PM and is $20.00 at YarnArts of Parker and I've got room for a few more students!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

FO: Wool Peddler's Shawl

It's DONE!

And the photo is pretty crappy....and it still needs to be blocked. Once I sorted out where the markers go along with how and when to move them, the pattern was really easy. The only difference I'm noticing in mine is that I didn't do any "partial" repeats of the pattern in the middle, so I've got some stockinette stitch were on the cover of the Folk Shawl's book, there is lace. However, I love it!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Knitting Update

I'm on the second to last lace pattern repeat on my Wool Peddler's Shawl. Goal is to try to have it completed by this weekend so that I can wear it during the impending snow storm I've heard is heading our way.

I turned the heel on my cute little lace socks and now it's dreadfully boring knitting round and round and round up the cuffs. This is why my socks always wind up as ankle socks... However, I'm determined to make these really tall. I also am dying to cast on with the Sockatta gift yarn that I got recently, so I have to either finish the lace socks or buy another Addi Turbo 40" in US 1. However, I don't think the husband will see the merit in purchasing a new needle because I'm bored with the project currently on the needles...

Let's see what else is new....erhm...nothing much. Well, if I want that shawl done I think I better go get knittin' on it!

Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Great Adirondack Yarn.....

...sigh.... Yarn Arts just got in some of the most beautiful yarns!

They are G-O-R-G-E-O-U-S!!!

Monday, April 02, 2007

Neck Down Sweater -- 100% Complete

The final decision on the length was determined by the tiny bit of yarn left over after I finished the neck -- which was very little. Because I don't want to use a whole 'nother skein of handpainted yarn at $24.95 for just another 1-2 inches in length, I'm going to leave it as is. *unless of course I change my mind again -- laugh*

Oh, the photos? Of course! Here's the finished product and a shot of the *beautiful* neckline with the correct decreases:

Sockotta Sock Yarn


Socketta Sock Yarn
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
A very dear friend gave me a surprise gift today -- Sockotta sock yarn! YIPPPPPPEEEEE! I've heard fabulous things about this yarn and I'm excited to give it a whirl. I love that it's a cotton/wool/nylon blend because it will make great summer socks! And my first pair towards the DenverKnits 5280 sock challenge. However, I must first
finish the lace socks currently on my favorite sock needle.

[Note: Rumor has it that this yarn may be coming to my LYS soon.]

I'm 3/4 of the way through the first lace repeat in my Wool Peddler's shawl, it's going very well -- FINALLY. I had a *very* rocky start on the lace which had me on the verge of tears and ready to throw the whole thing in the trash. I actually yelled at the cat for purring too loudly while I was trying to decipher the pattern. (snort) The pattern wasn't written clearly to me about where the markers go and when you increase stitches INSIDE of them. Then I found an extremely helpful worksheet online where someone had written out how many stitches were between which markers on which rows and now it's perfectly clear to me!!

Sweater Update: I picked up the stitches for the neck ribbing last night. Got it all done, looked at it and noticed that it was very apparent this was my first go -- the decreases were will-nilly, some were backwards -- all and all it looked like utter shit. I pulled them out, got some good advice a YarnArts and a fellow knitters blog. I'm now confident the neck will be completed tonight and I will be happy with the results.

Saturday, March 31, 2007

Secret Pal 10 Gift


Secret Pal 10 Gift
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
How lucky am I? Look at the goodies I got in the mail yesterday from my Secret Pal!!

Chocolate, yummy smelling soap, a cute notepad and a delicious hank of hand dyed fingering weight yarn!

I love the colors on the yarn and I'm picturing it as a little lacy wrap/scarf!

You can see the edge of the box that everything came in and it's so pretty I don't want to throw it away. I told my secret pal that I was going to send it to my assigned secret pal with a note telling her where I got and suggesting she use it to send her package to HER secret pal with a note asking her to send it on and so on and so on...

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Wool Peddler's Shawl


Wool Peddler's Shawl
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
knit, whoops! don't forget the yarn over, knit, knit, knit, knit, knit, knit, knit..and on and on and on.

This shawl is going to be gorgeous. I love the yarn.

And to give you a better idea of the size thus far, here's a quick photo of one of the world's most annoying cats enjoying himself by rolling all over the shawl while I was trying to get a decent photo this morning:

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Wool Peddler's Shawl


Wool Peddler's Shawl
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
I've had the book Folk Shawls for about a year and last night I finally started one of the patterns in it. :)

It's the Wool Peddler's Shawl and I'm using a heathered red 100% wool by Galway. This is the first time I've used this yarn, but I recommend it all the time at the shop as so many people really like it. Now, I can confirm that it is wonderful -- it's soft, spun very well and is working up evenly.

Stay tuned for details!

Thursday, March 22, 2007

It's done -- I cut up a fair isle sweater!

Here is the body and sleeves laid out for measurements.








Here's the first armhole for the sleeves cut open.

woo-hooo!






Here's the the front cut open so that the sweater becomes a cardigan!







In case you are interested in seeing what the sweater looks like inside out







And finally here's the sweater being modeled by my bunny!

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Top Down Sweater 03-2007


Top Down Sweater 03-2007
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
99% done and I have just a small bit of yarn left on the current skein.

I hope it's enough to finish the neckline, if not I do have another whole skein of this yarn. I was hoping to not have to use it so that I could return it for something else, but oh well, if I do, right? It's better to have too much yarn than not enough. :) If I do have to use the final skein, I'm also going to unravel the bottom edge and make a turned under hem instead of the ribbing and make it a bit longer.

Ok, I've mentally worked through this sweater via this post....I'll use the last skein so that I CAN make it longer and with a turned under hem.

On Friday I was looking at the little lace socks, decided I couldn't live with the miscount in the lace and pulled both of them off the needles and re-balled the skein. I re-cast on and am almost back at the same point at the picture in the post down a little further on this page. I also started and almost completed the first arm for my bear sweater this morning at the shop, thought it looked to big, pulled it all out and THEN asked Kati's opinion to which she replied that the arm should look big in comparison to the body since teddy bears aren't shaped like people. shit...back to square one.

I stopped at Blockbuster and got three movies, so in about two minutes I'm going to head back out to the sunroom, pop in a movie and crank out two sleeves for the bear sweater before I reward myself with an amazing bottle of wine. :)

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Golf Club Cover - Stripes


Golf Club Cover - Stripes
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
Here is the version of the Golf Club Cover that I'll actually be using for the class I'm teaching in April. I think it came out really cute! Almost makes me wish I golfed so that I could knit up some fun and funky covers for my clubs...

This week I also got the information for the SecretPal 10 swap. Woo-hooo! I love to make up gift boxes and I've already started a box by my desk of things to send off to my pal as well as making a list of things I need to go get or make. :)

I got up really early this morning, cranked out all my work so that I could curl up on the couch with some knitting, my boxers, my husband and watch a DVD this afternoon. I will sheepishly admit that we are addicted to "Nip/Tuck" which is what is on the DVD agenda today.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Yes, I've been Knitting!

I've gotten a lot done in the past week! Finished the body of my top down sweater and started on the first sleeve in addition to the following projects:

I finished my new felted clogs. My previous pair had to sadly be tossed into the bin after I walked holes into the bottoms of them. :( They will be sorely missed, however, I *LOVE* these hot pink ones! Wool is Cascade 200 and the novelty by diVe is called "Vermicelli". As always, this is a quick and easy pattern to knit up and since my feet are the smallest size, I can crank these out in a weekend.



How could I not have a pair of socks on the needles? These are a lace pattern that I've managed to screw up about 5 rows back and have no intention fixing since it's not life threatening that it's wrong and quite honestly, I'm probably the only person who will ever notice. The yarn is Trekking XXL in colorway 107. I like how they are coming out. The heels will be the Queen Kahauna gusset heel for toe-up socks.



Here is one of the current projects that I am the most proud of! This is my first go at Norwegian steeking, you can see the row of stitches up the front of this fair-isle tube where I will be (gasp!) be cutting this into a cardigan. I then have to cut out sides where the sleeves will be placed. Ok, so it's only teddy bear sized, but none the less I'm jazzed about learning a new technique and am thrilled at how it's come so far. Recognize the Cascade 200 leftovers from my clogs? This actually knit up really fast, I did the whole body yesterday at the shop.




And finally, yesterday at the shop we were brainstorming about new class ideas, so I volunteered to knit up a golf club cover for as a store model for an April class. I still need to duplicate stitch in a number "'3" to mark which club it goes on. This was pretty fast as well, I started last night, got 1/4 of the way through the houndstooth in about 2.5 hours. I finished it today in about another 2 hours.

I've really gotten into colorwork lately and have been working very hard at practicing the tension on two handed stranding!

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Sweater Update!

I'm at the end of the body!! Woo-hooo!! I can't believe how FAST this sweater went. However, I can't decide how to end it -- ribbing? a hemmed edge? I think I'm going to hold off on this part while I can get the opinion of Sophia at the yarn shop.

Onto the sweater arms this week -- ugh -- which means math to sort out where and how many decreases to get to the cuff. Which I will then have to wait to figure out how I want to finish.

P.S. I'm also wearing my new black & pink felted clogs. :)

Sunday, March 04, 2007

My Sweater is growing!


DCP01884
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
Here's the progress after one week. I'm at the "quick" part now -- round and round and round on the body. This morning I started at where the arms were divided so I got a TON done today while I was at the shop. It's easier for me to mindlessly knit while chatting -- and I had a wonderful afternoon of idle gossip and chatter to keep my needles flying.

I don't really want to do the hem with standard ribbing, so I think I'm going to give whirl at a turned under hem.


DCP01885
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
Last night I stopped working my sweater at the armpits so that I could stop in at the shop to get confirmation that I was stopping at the right spot.

And because I can't bear to watch a movie and just sit on the couch, I started new felted slippers! I walked big holes in my first pair and really needed to get moving on these. This is possibly one of the *easiest* and fastest projects around. I started and completed this last night, I do need to make the outer sole and the second slipper, so by Wednesday I imagine you'll see them on my feet.

Yarn: Cascade 200 with 'Vermicelli' novelty yarn in the cuff.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

A New Sweater on the Needles


Neck Down Sweater
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
I started a neck down 'V' neck sweater over the weekend. It's a "non-pattern" pattern - which means I'm making it up as I go.

The yarn is JJ's Handpainted and it's being knit on US 9 needles.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Column of Leaves Scarf - DONE!

It's done and being modeled by one gorgeous boxer boy!




(yes, I'm a photo moron and that's the edge of my sweater sleeve in the upper left corner).

Call me mean, but I'm excited it's going to be cold and snowy this weekend so that I can wear my new scarf. :)







Here's a better shot where you can see the detail of the pattern:

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Toe Up Sock Class

Yesterday I taught my first toe-up sock class and had a really good time, I hope the students taking the class enjoyed it as much as I did! I was excited that everyone got to take home one whole completed sock after the two hour class -- ok, so it was a tiny sock, but it was a sock!

Friday night's Sit 'N Knit had a handful of new people which was really nice. I love to see what everyone else is working on and what they've finished up. I started a pair of socks, but ripped them out yesterday morning when I realized that they were going to be too big for me, but that I didn't have enough yarn to make them into socks for my wonderful husband. Cast on same yarn yesterday afternoon using a provisional cast-on for a short row toe, which I had never done. Unfortunately, again, the socks were going to be too big (I was following a lace pattern that I wasn't sure how to adjust smaller) -- so rip, rip, rip again.... This morning I picked up the SAME yarn again, started the socks and they are going swimmingly. The yarn is Brown Sheep Wildfoote in a navy/hunter green/magenta-ish purple colorway and the pattern is the beaded rib from Sensational Knitted Socks, my favorite sock book!

Photos to come at a later date.

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Valentine's Day


DCP01870
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
I told my husband not to waste $50+ on roses for me....instead this morning I got a little bag with these inside!

Yippeee!

Monday, February 12, 2007

Oops!


While surfing around on Ebay last week, I "accidently on purpose" picked up two skeins of Lorna's Laces hand dyed Shepard Sock in the 'Hawaii' colorway.

It arrived today. It's gorgeous and it's begging me to get out the ball winder.

However, I will resist as...sigh...I'd like to finish the Column of Leaves scarf before spring. I am about 75% of the way through it and it's going quicker than when I first started. Tonight is a 'sit on the couch, knit and watch Heroes' night, so I hope to make good progress.

I just need to keep my eyes on the goal....finish the scarf, start the socks!

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Column of Leaves Scarf


Column of Leaves Scarf
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
The scarf is still in progress. I'm starting to wonder if it will still be cold when it's done.

Otherwise, I'm wearing this freaking scarf in the middle of June.

The spinning is coming along...


Not bad for a beginner!
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
Since getting the wheel for my birthday last November, I've been very remiss in spending time with "Anansi" (that's the wheel's name).

Most of what I learned about spinning with a wheel has been through reading books and trial and error, resulting in very mixed (aka pretty crappy) results on the bobbin. Anyway, yesterday I met with a spinner at my local yarn store where she sat with me, watching and giving me some pointers -- the biggest was "stop treadling with the music, you're going too fast!!"

Monday, February 05, 2007

Remember this Project?


DCP01865
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
To refresh your memory, last year I signed up for a "Mystery Stole" KAL online.

I had always admired lace knitting, stoles and wanted to give them both a go. Being me, I jumped with both feet into a project that really tested my inabilities. Never knitted with laceweight yarn? [Nope.] Never used a chart? [Huh? What's a chart?]

In the past two days, 2 different people asked me whatever happened with this project. To both I admitted that it was "resting" in it's project bag, patiently awaiting me to pull it back it out one day.

Today was that day. I pulled out the tote, gently unrolled the work, straightened out the needles and took a good look at it. Are there mistakes? You betcha. Can I live with them? Hell, yes.

All in all, taking a good look what I've already completed, I did really well for not having a good idea what I was doing and just knitting along without a clue. (laugh).

Dirk is working late tonight, so I'm going to sit down with with this project and try to knock out the last 2/3's of side 1 of Chart 3. The black lines are placeholders across the work to section off each of the charts, which start in the middle. On the far left side you can see that I've got quite a few rows of side 1/chart 3 already started.

Secret Pal 10: The Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I'm a huge fan of sock yarns! I like most types of yarn -- wool, cotton, merino, angora! I get a lot of my yarns through KnitPicks and have not be disappointed with any of them. I'm not a fan of cheap acrylic, I do however like a higher quality acrylic blend like Encore Worsted.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

My favorite circular sock needles are stored in the little Addi Turbo baggies that they came in. Exciting, eh?

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I started knitting just over a year ago. A friend showed me the basics and then I got every book that our local library had on the shelves. I'd rate myself a very adventurous intermediate knitter.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I think so.

5. What's your favorite scent?

I love earthy scents like patchouli, sage, ylang ylang. Scents that are too flowery make me sneeze.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I *love* Green and Blacks chocolate! And the Cadbury Fruit and Nut bars.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I am very much a do-it-yourselfer! Yes, I spin and am a beginner on both the wheel and drop spindle. I would love to have a better drop spindle than the one I am currently using.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I've got eclectic musical tastes that range from The Grateful Dead to Joy Division! I have an MP3 player that I love to listen to audio books on!

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like purples, silver, greens, browns, rusty reds -- really, I'm not picky about color.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married to the love of my life. Have boxer dogs who lay around on the couch all day and cats who own the place.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

SOCKS! I'm a sock nut because they are quick, easy and portable!

13. What are you knitting right now?

A lace sampler scarf with laceweight yarn, another lace work patterned scarf but in worsted weight, a pair of socks and would like to start a pinwheel sweater!

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Very much so, they are the best kind.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Depends on the project, but I mostly use circular needles in either aluminum or bamboo.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Yes, both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Less than a year

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Halloween

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Apparently, yarn and roving...(laugh)

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I subscribe to Interview Knits. I have a few books on my wish list: Favorite Socks:
Twenty-five of the best sock patterns by Interweave Knits; Knitting Without Tears and Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmerman


21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I'd like to get better at Fair-Isle and try steeking.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes, on sock knitting. I wear a size US 5.5 women's regular width.

23. When is your birthday?

November 18

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

What I've been doing...

*Still working on the Column of Leaves scarf. It's coming along just fine, it's eating yarn up like you would not believe though! I'm definitely going to use every inch of the 440 yards that I have.

* Little pink socks on the needles as well. I'm rarely without a pair of socks in progress. :) The yarn is a cotton/elastic blend that I picked up over the summer. I can't find the ball band ANYWHERE and I'm in desperate need of a second ball. We no longer have it at the shop, so I'm hoping that I can show it to the owner or someone else at the shop and they'll recognize it. Otherwise, these socks are just going to be anklets.

Next projects I'm thinking about:

* Elann's Pinwheel Cardi: I love the look and am dreaming about the colors I'll choose.

* I'm so intrigued by steeking a fair isle sweater, so I've got a pattern for a small teddy bear sweater that will be knit fair isle in the round before I....gulp...cut out the arm holes. I figure I'll start with a small sweater. It can't be THAT hard to knit up a sweater that you've put a lot of time and effort into can it? (LOL)

It's snowing here again. I'm all wrapped up in my zip front fleece onesie. Dirk calls it "the potato sack". It's basically a big square of fleece that zips up the front, has long sleeves and two little ribbed holes all the way down at the bottom where my feet poke out. It's amazingly comfortable and perfect for lounging around in.

Monday, January 29, 2007

Football Alternative for this weekend

DYI TV is running a Knitty Gritty Marathon, Sunday Feb 4, 5-11 pm ET, to give an alternative to the SuperBowl. They are encouraging viewers to knit or crochet 7x9 squares for Warm up America. I hope it's a success; and it is telling that the network decided to do this instead of, say, a plumbing marathon!

http://diytv.com/diy/shows_dkng/

Friday, January 26, 2007

Work in Progress: Brooke's Column of Leaves Scarf

Been working on a new scarf for myself since Dirk got the last one that I made. There area few (glaring to me) mistakes that suddenly have suddenly appeared too many rows back for me to think about ripping it all out without bursting into tears. The pattern isn't really hard but there was a weird stitch that I'd never done before that was throwing me a curve ball until I got some help in an online knitting community.

I'm eternally grateful (snort) to my husband for pointing one the mistakes out. Here's a peek at how the conversation went:

Me: "Look how far I've gotten on this scarf. I finally got that stitch worked out, but I'm leaving in the first bit where it went a little wrong. Can you tell?"

Him: "Not really, but what's up with that other spot that looks weird?"

Me: "What spot!?" (as I twist the scarf around to face me in a panic)

Him: "There...right below your thumb."

Me: "Shit"

Him: "erhm, uh, yeah, I can barely tell....(from all the way across a not very well lit room)."

Me: (holding up project with tiny tears ready to spill..) "Crap, there's another mistake'

Him: "I still love you even if you can't knit for crap"

Monday, January 22, 2007

Striped Socks!


Striped Socks
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
I finished these socks last night - and they are the tallest ones I've made for myself so far. I originally intended to make them knee socks, and would have had plenty of yarn, but ...sigh... I get so excited once I get the foot and heel done to bind off and put my finished socks on!

I usually make my cuffs as long as the foot from heel to toe for a nice balanced sock. But these are 2 inches longer than the foot. Maybe I'll be patient enough for knee socks some day!

The only thing that bothers me about this pair is that the color is off between the two of them. The yarn was the same color and dye lot, but one is significantly lighter than the other. I pulled from the center of the skein so I am pretty certain it isn't fading from sunlight or anything.

Notes:
CTH method
Cascade Sassy Stripes Superwash
US 1 needle
Magic Loop

Friday, January 19, 2007

What I've been knitting lately!

First, my lovely husband requested a "long black scarf". He stopped in at the yarn shop while I was working to pick his yarn out, of course the first skein he picked up was a small $20.00 skein of super soft alpaca. (snort). I politely pointed out that I was *not* knitting a $60.00 handwash only scarf for him and shoved two balls of Cascade Superwash into his hands.

I used the popular "Irish Hiking Scarf" pattern, which was super easy to memorize and worked up fairly quickly. I used almost all of both balls of yarn (440 yards!), but he loves it because it's long enough for him to wrap around his neck and still have a nice amount hanging down in front. He's literally worn it daily since I made it, so I'm guessing he's really pleased with it.

The only thing that I don't like is the way the one end flares out -- I think this is the cast on edge. However, I think if I blocked the whole scarf this would be solved. I'm already thinking about what color I want my Irish Hiking Scarf, I know there are two balls of Cascade Superwash in a heather green at the store that would be gorgeous. (Putting on psychic hat....I predict a trip to YarnArts this afternoon to get some heathered green superwash wool.....)

<-- Here's a nice closeup view of the cables --dog hair, flared end and all.

For about the last six months I have been totally entranced by a felted fair isle bag at the shop that was knitted by one of the women who also works there. So, I finally sat down with some wool, some graph paper, a calculator, a pencil and a really big eraser to try to design my own fair isle pattern for a bag. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. There are some things I would have done differently for the shaping, but overall it I think it turned out great. I bought grommets yesterday for the handle to slip through, but apparently I can't count and need to got get another set so that I have enough. The bottom is round so it's a barrel shaped bag, which you're not really seeing in the photo and the top is bunched up where I folded it to dry into the folds that I need to grommet. I'll have to get some sturdy plastic canvas to cut down to size for the bottom to hold the bag up properly.

Well, it's almost lunch time and I have some things I need to finish around the house before I head over to the shop to get me some heathered green Cascade Superwash!

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Woven Two Handed Fair Isle

whoo-hooooo!!

For weeks, I've been dreaming of a felted fair isle tote bag. On Friday morning I sat down with needles and wool and knit, unknit, reknit, unknit and reknit until I finally got the math right for a flat bottom that is circular.

On Saturday, I sat down with graph paper and drew out a fair isle type pattern and with lots of determination *finally* got how to complete fair isle with no floats.

This afternoon, I bound the bag off. Now I need to decide what color and style I want an i-cord handle so that I can felt both the bag and handle at the same time.

I'll post photos tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

I've got yet another pair of socks!

I've had this yarn hanging around in my knitting bag forever! I but when I saw a friend knitting a pair of socks with her yarn just like it, I dug mine out because I loved how her socks were turning out. It's Crystal Palace Bunny Hop, which is a microfiber, nylon, angora blend. It's super thick and very soft.

I used my standard two at a time on Magic Loop (US 3) with the Crazy Toes and Heel method. The ribbing is the garter rib from Charlene Schurch's Sensational Socks book.

The fit is awesome and I love the colors. I will definitely get some more of this yarn for additional socks!

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Magic Loop Crazy Toes and Heels KAL

On the Crazy Toes and Heels yahoo group, I was asked to help with a KAL using the CTH method with Magic Loop to knit two socks at once. This is my preferred sock method since I get great fitting socks and no second sock syndrome!

I'm a little nervous about running my first KAL, but I figured I'd give it a whirl! If it goes to crap, we're all in this together, right? (wink)
Here's the materials that you'll need to get started:
Sock Yarn: either two balls of 50 grams each, or one 100 gram ball *which will require you to work from both ends of the yarn* Be aware that using a self striping yarn and knitting from both ends will make the socks "fraternal" and the striping will be upside down on one sock.
Needle: Your favorite size needle in a 47" to 60" cable length. Some people use a shorter cable, if that works for you then go for it, but for two socks at the same time, it's helpful to have lots of cable to move everything around on. I prefer my Addi Turbo, but I also use the KnitPicks or Denise needles with the long cable when I am using a larger needle size, like a 4 or 5.
Other materials: Standard stitch markers and double loop markers for CTH method.
Pattern: We're going to make this up as we go! wooo-hoooo! You can use your favorite leg/cuff pattern once we get cast on. I'm planning on a simple garter rib from Charlene Schurch's Sensational Sock book.
Get your materials together and we can cast on on Friday, January 19th -- this should give everyone enough time to get their materials together, ok?

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

'Elifine Socks'


'Elifine Socks'
Originally uploaded by BoxerPixie.
I finished them last night -- and I love them!
The pattern is 'Elifine's Socks'. The pattern is well written and easy to read.

The yarn is Knit Picks 'Palatte' in cream, which was leftover from Dirk's black socks with white toes and cuff stripe. The yarn is a bit splity to work with, but very soft.

The only thing I would change is that I used the stretchy bind from the Magic Loop booklet. It's almost too stretchy and flares a bit on my leg as you can see in the photo. I suppose if the socks had been longer the flared part would be on a wider part of my leg.

As usual, I knit these both at the same time on Magic Loop -- which is my favorite way to do socks. Honestly, I don't think I would have made it through a second one if I did them one at a time. Lace socks are hard work and it's easiest to just get them done at the same time.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Knitty Heart Scarf



This weekend's knitting project was super quick and easy! I started this scarf on Saturday afternoon and finished it yesterday. The pattern is from Knitty's Breast Cancer Awareness PDF.

It was knit with Brown Sheep's Lamb's Pride Bulky. I did have to lightly block it to flatten the edges that wanted to roll due to the amount of stockinette stitch used. It could probably use another blocking -- I'm not really good at blocking due to impatience. LOL

I really like the pattern and it's a great introduction to lace patterns for someone who hasn't done much lace knitting. The bigger needles (US 15) and bulky yarn make it easy to see where you are in the pattern and learn to read your lace knitting. The finished scarf will go to YarnArts tomorrow as a store sample for Valentine's Day gift ideas. Doesn't Maxwell look charming in a pink scarf? He's obviously very sure of his manliness. My husband asked if the scarf was for him since it matched his pink MP3 player...laugh...

As a side note, this is the first time I'd worked with Lamb's Pride. I've been spinning for just a short time and have been frustrated with how my yarn looks - but while making this sweater, I realize that this is almost exactly how my spun yarn looks! At least it's not the overspun twisty stuff of my first tries at spinning!