Almost done!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wow, it's been a while since I posted!
I'm down to one final sleeve on my Ultra Alpaca February Lady Sweater -- and I love how it is turning out!! I can't wait to wear it next weekend at my work holiday party.
I'm also plugging away on a plain vanilla stockinette socks for my husband. They are boring me to death, but the pleasure he gets from hand knitted socks makes it all worth it.
I haven't had as much time to knit lately because we have a "foster" puppy from Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue at our house.
And I when I say "foster" I mean that he's already wearing a tag with our name and address. We're also discussing a new name for him -- we've been calling him Pete.
He came with the name "Pixel" but Pixie and Pixel in the same house if tough. He's 18 weeks old and a bundle of boxer energy. Maxwell our 12 year old male boxer is being SUCH a sport about all this. He's corrected the little pooch a few times about jumping around like a spaz, but he's also showing him the ropes around the house -- like how not to crap on the floor, use the dog door, snuggle on the couch....you know all the important doggie duties in the house.
I'm also plugging away on a plain vanilla stockinette socks for my husband. They are boring me to death, but the pleasure he gets from hand knitted socks makes it all worth it.
I haven't had as much time to knit lately because we have a "foster" puppy from Ho-Bo Care Boxer Rescue at our house.And I when I say "foster" I mean that he's already wearing a tag with our name and address. We're also discussing a new name for him -- we've been calling him Pete.
He came with the name "Pixel" but Pixie and Pixel in the same house if tough. He's 18 weeks old and a bundle of boxer energy. Maxwell our 12 year old male boxer is being SUCH a sport about all this. He's corrected the little pooch a few times about jumping around like a spaz, but he's also showing him the ropes around the house -- like how not to crap on the floor, use the dog door, snuggle on the couch....you know all the important doggie duties in the house.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Lady February Sweater
I started this sweater in a gorgeous 100% alpaca from Lonesome Stone, but it was DK weight and I realized it was going to TAKE FOREVER.
So I re-cast on with Ultra Alpaca which is worsted weight and I'm pretty sure I'll have it done in time for my work holiday party on the 6th of December.
The pattern is the February Lady Sweater and it's very simple. (Ravelry Link). I have always enjoyed top down sweaters for the same reason that I like toe up socks -- I have try the project on as I go and adjust as needed.
So I re-cast on with Ultra Alpaca which is worsted weight and I'm pretty sure I'll have it done in time for my work holiday party on the 6th of December.
The pattern is the February Lady Sweater and it's very simple. (Ravelry Link). I have always enjoyed top down sweaters for the same reason that I like toe up socks -- I have try the project on as I go and adjust as needed.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Natural Dyeing with Alapaca
I took a class on using natural dyes today and it was so informative. My friend Cecilia was in the class as well, so that made it an even more enjoyable day.
The fiber we used was alpaca from Fiber Inspirations and it was spectacular in it's natural color and then colors made it so vibrant.
Additional photos are in my Flickr account
The fiber we used was alpaca from Fiber Inspirations and it was spectacular in it's natural color and then colors made it so vibrant.
Additional photos are in my Flickr account
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sidewinder Socks
Take a good look at this sock because I'm ripping it out tonight.
The damn thing is too big for my in the foot even though I made the smallest size.....and it's too tight for my husband. Plus the grafting looks like shit.
The pattern was VERY interesting to to knit though I'm not sure give it another go right away.
The damn thing is too big for my in the foot even though I made the smallest size.....and it's too tight for my husband. Plus the grafting looks like shit.
The pattern was VERY interesting to to knit though I'm not sure give it another go right away.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Sidewinders
almost done with sock #1, just need to complete the big ass graft....and I just know the stupid sock is going to be to big for me....
I'm going to go ahead and graft it and hope against all odds that it will possibly fit my husband. Last week he was very hopeful that these socks were being made for him. He may get his wish.
Look for an update tomorrow.
I'm going to go ahead and graft it and hope against all odds that it will possibly fit my husband. Last week he was very hopeful that these socks were being made for him. He may get his wish.
Look for an update tomorrow.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Koolhaas Hat
Done.
Once I got into the groove of this pattern, it was a piece of cake and went very quickly. As soon as my husband sees it I think I'll get a request to make one in grey.
Once I got into the groove of this pattern, it was a piece of cake and went very quickly. As soon as my husband sees it I think I'll get a request to make one in grey.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
My world is dimmer...
Last week, we said goodbye to our sweet little fawn girl, Allie. She was always my ever so patient knitting model, bed warmer, snuggle-bunny and all round wonderful friend.
I am so grateful for the joy she brought into our home in the too short 7.5 years she was with us and I'll never sit on the couch and not miss the feel of her warm little body pressed up against me while I knitted.
I am so grateful for the joy she brought into our home in the too short 7.5 years she was with us and I'll never sit on the couch and not miss the feel of her warm little body pressed up against me while I knitted.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Baudelaire Socks
Size: Womens shoe size 5.5
Needle size used and type: US 2, 3 & 4 (rather than add increases in the lace pattern, I went up in needle size.
Yarn: Hot pink wool yarn with no label that was gifted to me
Pattern: Cookie A's Baudelaire
Method: Two at a Time -Toe Up
Who the socks are for: Me
Needle size used and type: US 2, 3 & 4 (rather than add increases in the lace pattern, I went up in needle size.
Yarn: Hot pink wool yarn with no label that was gifted to me
Pattern: Cookie A's Baudelaire
Method: Two at a Time -Toe Up
Who the socks are for: Me
Saturday, October 11, 2008
DM Fingerless Gloves
Dirk is so thrilled with his new gloves and I'm thrilled they are finally finished. I can't believe they were so quick to finish and I just let them lay around for a year because I was too lazy to get them done.
If you are curious about the tattoos on his right forearm, they are some of my favorites.
I *love* antique keys so he had the key to my heart put there. It's green because it's my favorite color and the celtic-like scroll work at the top is because I'm Irish. (insert collective "awwwww")
The acorns below the key are similar to the acorns on my right foot...(insert another collective aww......).
I'll have to get a photo of the two large fighting roosters on his left bicep which he picked because I was born in the year of the rooster.
If you are curious about the tattoos on his right forearm, they are some of my favorites.
I *love* antique keys so he had the key to my heart put there. It's green because it's my favorite color and the celtic-like scroll work at the top is because I'm Irish. (insert collective "awwwww")
The acorns below the key are similar to the acorns on my right foot...(insert another collective aww......).
I'll have to get a photo of the two large fighting roosters on his left bicep which he picked because I was born in the year of the rooster.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The fingerless gloves have been resurrected....
I started a pair of fingerless gloves for Dirk last November, finished one and then found something else more exciting to work on. He's asked me about a bazillion times about the gloves...
Anyway, I want to go up one needle size for the leg of my Baudelaire socks, so I went to get my no. 3 needle and couldn't find it anywhere. I was convinced someone must have stolen it. (laugh). Then, I remembered the fingerless gloves.....and that is exactly where I found the needle I needed. It goes against all my inner knitting rules to pull a needle out of one project to work on another and I wasn't going to shell out the bucks for a second Addi Turbo, so I am determined to finish the glove so that I can finish my sock.
On Tuesday night while watching the incredibly lame debate, I knocked out about 70% of the second glove. I have three fingers and the thumb to finish. I've got a Pampered Chef party tonight, but I'm planning to take them to knit night tomorrow night so I can have my needle for my socks!
Anyway, I want to go up one needle size for the leg of my Baudelaire socks, so I went to get my no. 3 needle and couldn't find it anywhere. I was convinced someone must have stolen it. (laugh). Then, I remembered the fingerless gloves.....and that is exactly where I found the needle I needed. It goes against all my inner knitting rules to pull a needle out of one project to work on another and I wasn't going to shell out the bucks for a second Addi Turbo, so I am determined to finish the glove so that I can finish my sock.
On Tuesday night while watching the incredibly lame debate, I knocked out about 70% of the second glove. I have three fingers and the thumb to finish. I've got a Pampered Chef party tonight, but I'm planning to take them to knit night tomorrow night so I can have my needle for my socks!
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Fiber Intervention
I need yarn like a hole in the head so when I saw the new Palatte samplers with *free* pattern from KnitPicks.com I had to get one ....and it makes no sense NOT to order at least $50.00 of stuff from KnitPicks otherwise you don't get *free* shipping.
So, I tell some friends I need an intervention....
And how do they help me? They take me to a yarn shop WITH A SALE this afternoon.
Nicole and Kristina, I love you both. My husband would hate you, but 1/2 the yarn I picked up today was to make things for him.
So, I tell some friends I need an intervention....
And how do they help me? They take me to a yarn shop WITH A SALE this afternoon.
Nicole and Kristina, I love you both. My husband would hate you, but 1/2 the yarn I picked up today was to make things for him.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Baudelaire Socks
Got the heels turned on both socks and am working my way up the leg. This photo is a little blown out colorwise. Though I took better photos, I like this one because Maxwell is snoozing in the background.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Koolhaas Hat Stress
Everything was going well....then I realized I had a significant error about 5 to 6 rows back. And that was 5 to 6 rows back through teeny tiny 1 stitch cables in a variety of directions...
Kristina held my hand over the phone and encouraged me to set it aside and what ever I did not just rip out the whole project.
So, I had a beer, watched some television, sat in the garden, kissed my boxers and then took a fresh look at the hat and started slowly ripping and working my way back to the row that was wrong.
I got everything back where it's supposed to be but then couldn't figure how which row of the 8 stitch repeat I'd ripped back to. So I stuffed the whole project into it's little baggie and moved onto something else.
Maybe later today I'll give another go at it.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Koolhaas Hat
I'm on a hat kick right now....
I started and ripped out this hat about a bah-gillian times, but now that I'm in my groove with it and got some tips from my friend, Kristina, it's motoring right along.
I have some errands to run this afternoon, then I'm going to sit on the couch to watch some movies and try to knock this hat out.
I started and ripped out this hat about a bah-gillian times, but now that I'm in my groove with it and got some tips from my friend, Kristina, it's motoring right along.
I have some errands to run this afternoon, then I'm going to sit on the couch to watch some movies and try to knock this hat out.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Heart Hat
I wish it were easier to take a photo of yourself wearing a cute hat and not have the photo make you look like a dork.
This heart hat is to match the heart scarf and it looks adorable when on a head and not laying on the floor to have it's photo taken!
This heart hat is to match the heart scarf and it looks adorable when on a head and not laying on the floor to have it's photo taken!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Halley's Comet Hat
Yes, I took a picture of the top of my own head. :)
I made the hat awhile back and wear it all the time. It made with Cascade 220 Quattro which is a wool/cotton blend yarn and I love how it works up.
This pattern was super easy and quick.
I made the hat awhile back and wear it all the time. It made with Cascade 220 Quattro which is a wool/cotton blend yarn and I love how it works up.
This pattern was super easy and quick.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Baudelaire Socks
I thought I posted this photo already, but it went missing from the blog. I love Cookie A's patterns - they are complex enough to keep my interest without making me want to jab my eyes out with a knitting needle.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Heart Scarf
Completed this afternoon while watching a movie. Unlike the previous one I made, I did not make two halves and graft in the middle because I was just knitting and knitting and knitting and realized I'd gone to far on the first half.
Sock Meme
When did you learn to knit socks? Shortly after I learned to knit! Socks were the reason I wanted to learn to knit in the first place!
What's the first sock you ever knit? The basic socks from Cat Bordhi's Knitting on Two Circulars book.
Favorite sock pattern? I have my own generic structure that I put various stitch patterns into.
Favorite sock yarn? Wow -- there are WAY too many to choose from!
Favorite needle method? The standard for me is Toe-Up, Two at at Time. And I go 50-5o on short row versus gusset heels.
Favorite sock needles? Addi Turbo 47". My US 2 is usually my "go to" size.
Who do you knit socks for? Me and my husband. My father-in-law and my mother have each also received one pair.
How many pairs have you knitted to date? Quite a few, I'd have to count to be sure, but I'm guessing about 25 to 30?
What's on your sock knitting to-do list? My queue at Ravelry is ever growing...
What kind of socks do you like to knit -
Striped? Used to be a huge fan of self-striping yarn, but lately it's lost it's charm for me.
Colorwork? My third pair of socks were fair isle....I learned a ton!!!...and surprisingly they turned out pretty good! Look at them on Ravelry!
Plain stockinette? I don't think I ever have!
Cabled? Not yet, in the queue.
Lace? Yes.
Anklets? Yes, and footies, too.
Knee socks? Not yet.
Solid colors? My current choice in sock yarn.
Bright & crazy? Yes.
Faux-Fair Isle? Yes, I loved this sock yarn when I started socks.
Tag a few sock knitters here ~ Anyone who wants to play along and/or also has nothing to share.
Finished Result: Rinsed Hibiscus Dyed Merino
It is now drying (in the shade) in the sunroom. I love the color and how it's darker in some spots, I prefer variations in color than one solid saturation, so while the yarn was soaking in the dye bath for the last two days I made sure that some was sticking up out of the dye a bit, while other parts were buried under the raw materials.
I kept the leftover dye bath and dropped some random wool into it this morning after I finished rinsing the Merino because I really liked how dark the Mission Falls 1824 Wool I used to tie this hand turned out!
I kept the leftover dye bath and dropped some random wool into it this morning after I finished rinsing the Merino because I really liked how dark the Mission Falls 1824 Wool I used to tie this hand turned out!
Sunday, September 07, 2008
Experimenting....
First I soaked 3,470 yards of 100% Merino in alum mordant
Then I made a dried hibiscus flower dye bath
Then I cooked the yarn in the dye bath, where it is still soaking.
Then I made a dried hibiscus flower dye bath
Then I cooked the yarn in the dye bath, where it is still soaking.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Baudelaire Socks
This pattern has been in my queue for quite a long time. This yarn was a gift from a friend and I had been waiting for just the right project, so I finally cast a pair of Baudelaire socks onto the needles the week.
On another note, in the kitchen I have over a pound of dried hibiscus flowers steeping in a giant pot on the stove to dye the 3,470 yards of laceweight Merino that I soaked in an alum mordant this morning. It's making the house smell divine and I'm really exciting to see how this experiment turns out!
On another note, in the kitchen I have over a pound of dried hibiscus flowers steeping in a giant pot on the stove to dye the 3,470 yards of laceweight Merino that I soaked in an alum mordant this morning. It's making the house smell divine and I'm really exciting to see how this experiment turns out!
Friday, September 05, 2008
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Heart Scarf #2
In the last two weeks I found out that a family friend, a 10 year survivor of breast cancer, found a lump in her remaining breast, underwent a biospy and is now scheduled for her second masectomy.I wanted to give her something to remind her that she is my heart.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Dirk's Concert Socks
WOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I finally finished these socks last night..... Using a US 1 for a men's size 10 EEE foot was certainly a drag!
I cranked through a lot of the cuff on Saturday night at the Rat Dog/Allman Brothers concert at Red Rocks. Even had some man come up and want to know all about the socks, how did I do two at a time, how do I know which is which, are they wool, could he feel them....etc.... Dirk was watching very closely as he was convinced the guy was going to take them from me.
I finally finished these socks last night..... Using a US 1 for a men's size 10 EEE foot was certainly a drag!
I cranked through a lot of the cuff on Saturday night at the Rat Dog/Allman Brothers concert at Red Rocks. Even had some man come up and want to know all about the socks, how did I do two at a time, how do I know which is which, are they wool, could he feel them....etc.... Dirk was watching very closely as he was convinced the guy was going to take them from me.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Mystery Stole 3
I'm plugging away at this project again. I'm on chart E and feel like as much as I knit, I'm not getting anywhere. But I'm determined to finish this project, I'm not one for bailing on a project part way through...though let's not talk about the fingerless gloves, ok?
The weird thing is that I *know* this project will take two skeins of the Alpaca with a Twist and I can't find the second skein. I've turned the house upside down -- and found other yarns that I forgot I had. My yarn is stored in two spots in the house, so this skein can't be anywhere else?
I can only assume that it is in the same place that my 'Victorian Lace Today' book is. I *know* I own this book, but have no idea where it is. I've looked everywhere.
The weird thing is that I *know* this project will take two skeins of the Alpaca with a Twist and I can't find the second skein. I've turned the house upside down -- and found other yarns that I forgot I had. My yarn is stored in two spots in the house, so this skein can't be anywhere else?
I can only assume that it is in the same place that my 'Victorian Lace Today' book is. I *know* I own this book, but have no idea where it is. I've looked everywhere.
Dirk's Socks 08-2008
These socks have taken f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get done. Just a stab in the dark, but I think it is because I haven't been sitting down and just knitting them.
However, this morning I turned the first heel and started the second heel, which means I have hours and hours of mindless cuff knitting in my very near future.
For these socks I did an eye of partridge heel to see if they fit and wear better.
However, this morning I turned the first heel and started the second heel, which means I have hours and hours of mindless cuff knitting in my very near future.
For these socks I did an eye of partridge heel to see if they fit and wear better.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
A Mini Road Trip
I got up this morning with the urge to take a mini-road trip! As I was leaving the house, my lovely husband gave me $60.00 and requested I purchase roving for myself. So, I headed down to Green Valley Weavers in Colorado Springs and on stopped at Table Rock Llamas in Black Forest on the way home.
Here's what I brought home:
A left, a nice heathery wool roving from Green Valley. There is about half a pound in the bag and I got a good price on it. I'd really like to get better at spinning, so I know that I need to practice, practice, practice.
On the right, half pound (around 1350 yards) of laceweight Merino also from Green Valley. I'm going to kettle dye it with hibiscus twigs and bark and alum that I got at Table Rock Llamas. I also stopped at Vitamin Cottage and got two bags of hibiscus whole flowers to add into the mix. I've experimented a little bit with dyeing with Kool-Aid and some spices, so I'm really excited to see how this turns out.
Finally, hand-dyed wool roving from Table Rock Llama. Again, for practice spinning.
I really enjoyed Table Rock Llama's shop and plan to make more trips there in the future. When I got there today, Ann Budd was there teaching a workshop and I was so very disappointed that I didn't know about it in advance, but in looking at their newsletter they've got great workshops every month, so I'm going to keep an eye out for something to attend in the next few months.
Here's what I brought home:
A left, a nice heathery wool roving from Green Valley. There is about half a pound in the bag and I got a good price on it. I'd really like to get better at spinning, so I know that I need to practice, practice, practice.
On the right, half pound (around 1350 yards) of laceweight Merino also from Green Valley. I'm going to kettle dye it with hibiscus twigs and bark and alum that I got at Table Rock Llamas. I also stopped at Vitamin Cottage and got two bags of hibiscus whole flowers to add into the mix. I've experimented a little bit with dyeing with Kool-Aid and some spices, so I'm really excited to see how this turns out.
Finally, hand-dyed wool roving from Table Rock Llama. Again, for practice spinning.I really enjoyed Table Rock Llama's shop and plan to make more trips there in the future. When I got there today, Ann Budd was there teaching a workshop and I was so very disappointed that I didn't know about it in advance, but in looking at their newsletter they've got great workshops every month, so I'm going to keep an eye out for something to attend in the next few months.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Long Time No Chat
Life has been a little topsy-turvy lately due to two surgeries on one of our boxers and I haven't (gasp!) been knitting very much. Our boxer is recovering well, so no worries on that front.
However, last weekend I did resurrect Mystery Stole 3 from Pink Lemon Twist in an effort to finish it. I do have one snafu a few inches back that it bothering the hell out of me, but the lack of a lifeline anywhere tells me that I will just have to live with the mistake. I wore my Mystery Stole 2 to work yesterday and that always makes for a great day/ I'm hoping to wear Mystery Stole 3 soon!
I've also been plugging away on my husband's socks. I told him that my next husband was going to have to have smaller feet. He didn't laugh.
We did get another large wooden bookshelf in the office so that I have a place to store my knitting books and magazines and I've been taking yarn out of the misc bags and putting it in totes so that at least it's all in one place of a sort.
However, last weekend I did resurrect Mystery Stole 3 from Pink Lemon Twist in an effort to finish it. I do have one snafu a few inches back that it bothering the hell out of me, but the lack of a lifeline anywhere tells me that I will just have to live with the mistake. I wore my Mystery Stole 2 to work yesterday and that always makes for a great day/ I'm hoping to wear Mystery Stole 3 soon!
I've also been plugging away on my husband's socks. I told him that my next husband was going to have to have smaller feet. He didn't laugh.
We did get another large wooden bookshelf in the office so that I have a place to store my knitting books and magazines and I've been taking yarn out of the misc bags and putting it in totes so that at least it's all in one place of a sort.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Reading Blogs
I use Bloglines to read through feeds of my favorite blogs and as I was reading through them this evening, I realized that I can't remember how I stumbled across some of the ones that I read and others I came across in various ways.
I read Jeanne's blog because I found her when I was googling all over the internet (pre-Ravelry days) trying to find someone who had made the same IK pattern (Ravelry link) I was struggling with. This blog is from my spoilee in a Secret Pal swap -- it was a great match-up as we have so much in common! While this blog was my spoiler in the same Secret Pal swap!
Just musing....
I read Jeanne's blog because I found her when I was googling all over the internet (pre-Ravelry days) trying to find someone who had made the same IK pattern (Ravelry link) I was struggling with. This blog is from my spoilee in a Secret Pal swap -- it was a great match-up as we have so much in common! While this blog was my spoiler in the same Secret Pal swap!
Just musing....
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Plurking....
Like I don't already waste too much time on the internet and then I find out about Plurk It's a complete time waster, but highly entertaining at the same time!
Allie in the Lace Headband
I've been searching for little projects to use up the small bits of sock yarn that I always have left over...and little lacy headbands are the project of the week for me!
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Classic Teddy Bear
Pattern from Interweave "Holiday Knits" 2007 Issue. Made with Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light. Very fast and easy knit, however, next time I need to make the head smaller, I think it looks weird.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Wine and Roses Mitts
They are done! This pattern was so fast and so easy -- and I'm pretty certain I have enough of the yarn left to make a second pair.
The yarn is Jo-Jo Land 100% cashmere 2 ply and it's *delicious*.
The yarn is Jo-Jo Land 100% cashmere 2 ply and it's *delicious*.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
HAPPY DANCE! HAPPY DANCE!
My husband totally rocks!
Guess what he bought me?!
Go ahead, guess!
Guess what he bought me?!
Go ahead, guess!
What? No guesses?
Ok, I'll tell you:
AN ANTIQUE SOCK KNITTING MACHINE!!!
It's an Auto Knitter made in 1920 in the original wooden crate and even still has the documents and manual with it.
I am thrilled beyond thrilled and can't wait for it to get here.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Wine and Roses Lace Mitts
....Fastest lace knit project EVER.....
I cast on for this project on Saturday at YarnArts, which means I didn't get a lot done -- but last night I wove in the ends on the first completed mitt and cast on for the second one.
The yarn is JoJoLand 2 Ply 100% Cashmere and it's delicious. Kathleen at YarnArts also carries it in a stunning bright dark blue and a warm chocolate brown...I'm thinking these would make a great gift for my mother and mother-in-law. Especially since it takes less than one skein of this yarn. And who doesn't love 100& cashmere??
I cast on for this project on Saturday at YarnArts, which means I didn't get a lot done -- but last night I wove in the ends on the first completed mitt and cast on for the second one.
The yarn is JoJoLand 2 Ply 100% Cashmere and it's delicious. Kathleen at YarnArts also carries it in a stunning bright dark blue and a warm chocolate brown...I'm thinking these would make a great gift for my mother and mother-in-law. Especially since it takes less than one skein of this yarn. And who doesn't love 100& cashmere??
Monday, June 02, 2008
2 Ply Wool - It' YARN!
Color me thrilled -- I was really jazzed by the results of some practice spinning this weekend.
This is some Lincoln wool that Dirk got for me at the Alpaca show a few weeks ago. What a difference there is spinning wool versus alpaca! I have been struggling with me spinning, not realizing that I was using totally the wrong fiber for my skill level.
This is some Lincoln wool that Dirk got for me at the Alpaca show a few weeks ago. What a difference there is spinning wool versus alpaca! I have been struggling with me spinning, not realizing that I was using totally the wrong fiber for my skill level.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Kool-Aid Dyed "Pixie Loves Dirk" Socks
Not a great picture; I'll need to take a better one. But this is how the socks are turning out.
I love the tie-dyed look and Dirk thinks that are so neat -- he even asked if I making them for him. Sadly, I told him no, but that I would knit up some fun colored socks for him.
I asked if hot pink cabled ones would be OK, he said that would rock.
I love the tie-dyed look and Dirk thinks that are so neat -- he even asked if I making them for him. Sadly, I told him no, but that I would knit up some fun colored socks for him.
I asked if hot pink cabled ones would be OK, he said that would rock.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Finished Jaywalkers
Socks done.
Started them May 7, finished today. Not to shabby considering I work full time, work at the shop and need to set aside at least 2 hours a night to snuggle with my boxer dogs.
Started them May 7, finished today. Not to shabby considering I work full time, work at the shop and need to set aside at least 2 hours a night to snuggle with my boxer dogs.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Kool-aid Dyed Wildfoote
!!!Wow!!!
Pretty cool, eh? These are destined to be one of the most KICK-ASS pair of socks in the world! This is my take on the "Flat Feet" yarn. I'm calling them my "Pixie xoxoxo's Dirk" sock yarn
Tonight's Sit 'n Knit was a small crowd. My friend Joy and I took advantage the owner not being at the store to stop the madness. Joy ran to Wal-mart for Kool-aid, then we purchased all the white Wildfoote sock yarn in stock.....
I did however email the owner to tell her that we had fun even with her absence, we DID clean up after ourselves and some how there is no more plain white sock yarn in stock in the shop........
Pretty cool, eh? These are destined to be one of the most KICK-ASS pair of socks in the world! This is my take on the "Flat Feet" yarn. I'm calling them my "Pixie xoxoxo's Dirk" sock yarn
Tonight's Sit 'n Knit was a small crowd. My friend Joy and I took advantage the owner not being at the store to stop the madness. Joy ran to Wal-mart for Kool-aid, then we purchased all the white Wildfoote sock yarn in stock.....
I did however email the owner to tell her that we had fun even with her absence, we DID clean up after ourselves and some how there is no more plain white sock yarn in stock in the shop........
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Jaywalker Update
To avoid the dreaded SSS issue, I immediately cast sock #2 on the day after finishing sock #1. Last night I turned sock #2's heel and am working my way down the foot. The Jaywalker pattern is extremely easy to memorize, I've enjoyed the DPN technique. However, I'm convinced that two socks at a time is the way to go. Sure, it seems like it takes longer since you don't see any finished socks until the very end of BOTH of them -- but then presto! you are done with BOTH socks -- no one cold foot while you finish the twin.
Speaking of twins, I was fascinated as my two Jaywalkers are turning out within 1 row of matching stripes -- very odd considering the long repeats on the Trekking XXL yarn that I am using.
Once these socks are done, I really MUST devote time to the shaped lace tee....it's just taking f-o-r-e-v-e-r.
Speaking of twins, I was fascinated as my two Jaywalkers are turning out within 1 row of matching stripes -- very odd considering the long repeats on the Trekking XXL yarn that I am using.
Once these socks are done, I really MUST devote time to the shaped lace tee....it's just taking f-o-r-e-v-e-r.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Stalled Project: Mystery Stole 3
This project has been stalled for months and months...I just can't seem to sit down and work on it. So on Saturday night, I made myself make time for it.
I worked two rows (each 99 stitches of laceweight), held it back to admire my handiwork, studied it, looked at the chart, looked at the knitting, wondered where the row with three beads was, looked at the chart again, looked at the knitting again...and realized last time I worked on it I had pulled out 15 rows and had just knitted those two rows that should have had 15 others rows completed in front of them.
I ripped the two rows out and shoved the whole project back in the bag which was then shoved to the back of my knitting stuff.
I worked two rows (each 99 stitches of laceweight), held it back to admire my handiwork, studied it, looked at the chart, looked at the knitting, wondered where the row with three beads was, looked at the chart again, looked at the knitting again...and realized last time I worked on it I had pulled out 15 rows and had just knitted those two rows that should have had 15 others rows completed in front of them.
I ripped the two rows out and shoved the whole project back in the bag which was then shoved to the back of my knitting stuff.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Triva Question #2 Answer
That last question was tricky and to everyone else the difference is really subtle while to me the difference is HUGE.
Did you notice that the picture wasn't fuzzy? That my sock looked crisp? I got a new-to-me digital camera! Dirk upgraded his camera and I got his old Nikon CoolPix 4300!
Did you notice that the picture wasn't fuzzy? That my sock looked crisp? I got a new-to-me digital camera! Dirk upgraded his camera and I got his old Nikon CoolPix 4300!
Friday, May 09, 2008
Triva Question #2
Ok, this one is a bit harder.
There is something different about this photo.
What is it?
There is something different about this photo.
What is it?
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Triva Question Answer
Both Amelia and Marsha had correct answers!
The sock is cuff down, not toe up which is my preferred method of sock construction.
And I'm using double pointed needles -- something I've never done with socks. Yes, that's the truth! A zillion pairs of socks and I've never used DPN on a pair!
These are Jaywalker socks, which means I have a 50-50 chance on them not fitting and being totally wanked off that I have to it rip it out.
I'll keep you posted.
The sock is cuff down, not toe up which is my preferred method of sock construction.
And I'm using double pointed needles -- something I've never done with socks. Yes, that's the truth! A zillion pairs of socks and I've never used DPN on a pair!
These are Jaywalker socks, which means I have a 50-50 chance on them not fitting and being totally wanked off that I have to it rip it out.
I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Wool
My spinning to date has been frustrating, to put it mildly. It was always slow-going and a struggle.
The first go at it was hampered by the wheel I was using. It is a handmade antique that we purchased at an estate sale. The price was *excellent* but it doesn't spin true and is difficult to treadle.
Next, came the gorgeous Lendrum double treadle for my birthday. MUCH easier to treadle, better bobbins, soother uptake....still crappy results.
This weekend at the Alpaca show I got $6.00 worth of wool roving. Last night I burned through 3 oz in about an hour with fantastic results.
Success at last. Previous spinning was practiced on alpaca which apparently isn't for beginning spinners.
The first go at it was hampered by the wheel I was using. It is a handmade antique that we purchased at an estate sale. The price was *excellent* but it doesn't spin true and is difficult to treadle.
Next, came the gorgeous Lendrum double treadle for my birthday. MUCH easier to treadle, better bobbins, soother uptake....still crappy results.
This weekend at the Alpaca show I got $6.00 worth of wool roving. Last night I burned through 3 oz in about an hour with fantastic results.
Success at last. Previous spinning was practiced on alpaca which apparently isn't for beginning spinners.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Maxwell and the Yarn
I've had this lovely Cascade Sierra Quattro in my stash for awhile and wanted to make something with it. I thought a nice cotton lace hat would fit what I wanted.
I started a hat on Saturday afternoon, knitting on and off through two movies and cast it off that night.
It was too big.
You're looking at it neatly frogged into a cute little green yarn cake.
However, if nothing else, I'm persistent.
Yesterday, Dirk and I stopped at YarnArts to pick up some US 7 DPN and I re-cast on and I knitting through some mindless television, knitted through "Life with the Kombai" and knitted through the evening news...
It's a crappy photo, but Dirk did get a new digital camera yesterday, so as soon as I recharge the battery on his old one, I'll get better photos.
The pattern is "Halley's Comet"
I started a hat on Saturday afternoon, knitting on and off through two movies and cast it off that night.
It was too big.
You're looking at it neatly frogged into a cute little green yarn cake.
However, if nothing else, I'm persistent.
Yesterday, Dirk and I stopped at YarnArts to pick up some US 7 DPN and I re-cast on and I knitting through some mindless television, knitted through "Life with the Kombai" and knitted through the evening news...
It's a crappy photo, but Dirk did get a new digital camera yesterday, so as soon as I recharge the battery on his old one, I'll get better photos.
The pattern is "Halley's Comet"
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Embossed Leaves Sock
I'm one pattern repeat into these socks and I'm having doubts about this project.
I'm using a creamy lightly heathered sock yarn and I'm not feeling the pattern in this color; then I pulled the sock on to see what it would look like on my leg and the cast on is a bit tighter than I like. (and I'm goofed it up to boot).
....sigh....
Just putting these two things into print makes me realize that these socks are destined for the ball winder....and since I'm currently at YarnArts, working this afternoon, it's very easy to just rip them out and not worry about digging out my own swift and ball winder....
Be right back....
Ok, the socks are off the needles and back into tidy little sock yarn cakes.
Hum, now I'm thinking I have a *wonderful* excuse to go cast on new socks with the lovely JoJoland Melody yarn that I have been eyeing up for the last two weeks. What? You agree? Well, alright then, if I must....
I'm using a creamy lightly heathered sock yarn and I'm not feeling the pattern in this color; then I pulled the sock on to see what it would look like on my leg and the cast on is a bit tighter than I like. (and I'm goofed it up to boot).
....sigh....
Just putting these two things into print makes me realize that these socks are destined for the ball winder....and since I'm currently at YarnArts, working this afternoon, it's very easy to just rip them out and not worry about digging out my own swift and ball winder....
Be right back....
Ok, the socks are off the needles and back into tidy little sock yarn cakes.
Hum, now I'm thinking I have a *wonderful* excuse to go cast on new socks with the lovely JoJoland Melody yarn that I have been eyeing up for the last two weeks. What? You agree? Well, alright then, if I must....
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Shaped Lace Tee
This project keeps getting put aside. If I would just sit down and work on it consistantly, it would have been done awhile ago. It's easy mindless knitting.
However, last night I was lulled into casting on a new pair of socks -- are you surprised? I've had the "Favorite Socks" by Interweave Knits forever and I bought it specifically for the 'Embossed Leaves' pattern, so I cast on last night with some cream colored sock yarn from my stash.
However, last night I was lulled into casting on a new pair of socks -- are you surprised? I've had the "Favorite Socks" by Interweave Knits forever and I bought it specifically for the 'Embossed Leaves' pattern, so I cast on last night with some cream colored sock yarn from my stash.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Bellatrix Socks - Finished
- Size Women's Small
- Needle size use: Addi Turbo Size 0
- Yarn - Brown Sheep Wildfoote
- Method - Toe Up, Magic Loop, Two at a Time
- Pattern - "Bellatrix:
- Who are the socks for - Me!
- Date finished - 04/27/07, about 10 minutes ago!
- Photo - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2408/2448197124_b90f71683f.jpg?v=0
I tried out an 'eye of partridge' heel -- it's more like a blinking one eyed
partridge heel as in a few spots I slipped stitches where I should have knitted and knitted where I should have slipped.
- Needle size use: Addi Turbo Size 0
- Yarn - Brown Sheep Wildfoote
- Method - Toe Up, Magic Loop, Two at a Time
- Pattern - "Bellatrix:
- Who are the socks for - Me!
- Date finished - 04/27/07, about 10 minutes ago!
- Photo - http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2408/2448197124_b90f71683f.jpg?v=0
I tried out an 'eye of partridge' heel -- it's more like a blinking one eyed
partridge heel as in a few spots I slipped stitches where I should have knitted and knitted where I should have slipped.
Little Flowers Lace Doily
This is what happens when I'm left alone with nothing to do and I don't want to knit the socks I should be working on.
Yesterday at the shop, I had an hour before we closed so I bought some new DPN needles and dug some black cotton out from the bottom of my knitting bag along with a pattern I had printed out forever ago.
It really came out quite lovely. I think my mother-in-law would like to so as soon I fix the crap blocking job, I'll send it off to her.
Yesterday at the shop, I had an hour before we closed so I bought some new DPN needles and dug some black cotton out from the bottom of my knitting bag along with a pattern I had printed out forever ago.
It really came out quite lovely. I think my mother-in-law would like to so as soon I fix the crap blocking job, I'll send it off to her.
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