Get Your Knit On

Miss Sporadic

2009-02-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

Hello, sorry for the long silent blog. I have not got much knitting or blogging mojo going on this semester so things will most likely be slow around here but check in every once in a while - you never know! I have another site for home renovations that will be updated pretty regularly and if you are interested, leave a comment and I'll send you the info. Speaking of redecorating, I am posting from my blue office (I really love it) with my newly finished scarf. Its pretty short, but I love the reversible cables I ended up working in - easy and hides mistakes really well!!

School is chaotic but its moving along. We have 2 weeks of fieldwork coming up and I am working at a hospital. From what I've heard, it should be pretty intense so I'm sure I'll have some crazy memories after that experience.

I gave my friend (who's due really really soon!) her baby blanket & it was a success. I goofed and did not take any final pictures of the project, but I assure you it turned out cute.

I am craving some new big projects, but I think my next will be from the stash - most likely a hat for this cold weather we've been having lately.

In the end, I promise to post any projects, but I can't promise I'll have any to write about! Hope you all are enjoying this year flying by & had a lovely Valentine's Day!

Thanks, Abbey

2009-01-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

Our fiesty little dachshund, Abbey, is modeling a scarf-in-progress today my first reverse cable.

She's just longing to get outside right now!!

I finally settled on this pattern after knitting and frogging entrelec twice, it just didn't work with this scarf - was not feeling it. So here we are - I'm actually on the 3rd skein of 4, so this will be a short scarf even after I block the stuffing out of it.

This week I'm trying to distract myself from the constant noise of the roofers above and this little cold that's got me laying low. School starts again next week, so I think getting back in a routine will do me lots of good. Its crazy how many expectations/plans I had for the past four weeks of vacation and how many of them stayed unchecked on the to do list...now, I'll just have to squeeze in projects between classes and home renovation!!

We Made It!

2008-12-24T15:04:00.000-08:00

We've finally made it to our new house, but are still very much in the middle of unpacking and fixing up the digs! Every other day calls for yet another (expensive!) trip to a home improvement store for needed items. I know, I know "welcome to being a homeowner"!!

Well, I've finished my friend's baby blanket for her little one that's due in March. I'll post final pictures on the blog after I give the gift at her shower in a few weeks! If you are especially curious or impatient, I'll put up some pictures on ravelry (I'm socalknitter). I think it turned out pretty cute - its a nice size and I'm so happy I went with a log cabin border!

Hope yall are having a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day!

Actual Knitting Content

2008-12-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

Hello all! I made it onto Ravelry and updated photos of the gift I am making if anyone is curious and motivated enough to check that out. I also got yarn at the AFY party this weekend for another entrelec scarf which I'll share with everyone:

Details: It's a self-striping "super bulky" yarn although I've seen much bulkier - these are only US 8 dpns, and the brand is Nashua, Style - Vignette, Colorway - 0009 and I'm using 4 skeins to make a scarf. The color is pretty true in this photo, but its a dark blue/green palette.

Other than that, I'm in the midst of finals and trying to set up all of our contractors for work on the house. Two tasks I'm not particulary fond of, but the end result will be worth all of this effort!

Step 2 of Becoming a Grown-Up

2008-11-25T17:56:00.001-08:00

First, the office chair! Now, we've sealed the deal and bought a house! I am very excited and we are planning to move next month although I haven't even begun to think about packing yet.

This week Husband, myself, and our side-kicks (the dogs) are all taking a road trip to my grandfather's house for Thanksgiving. We missed last year with them and are really excited to not miss a second time around.

There is one more week of school and then after a few finals, a few group projects, and a few papers I will turn my energy towards home renovation & creative projects. Our ideas are much larger than our budget at this point, but I have no doubt the house will be adorable by mid-2009. I will surely be posting before and after pictures of that process.

Oh yes, I AM working on a biggish knitting project and its for a friend who knows I'm working on it, but I hate to spoil the surprise with pictures. Soon enough, I'll try and post a sneak peak!

Office Makeover

2008-10-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

After five years, finally made the giant leap from this:

To this:

We are just oh so grown-up these days - thank you IKEA!

Yowza

2008-10-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

Golly Geez, its been a while since I've posted anything! You can tell how much fun crafty stuff I've been doing by the amount of blogging so.........not much!

We had an extended weekend trip to the MidWest to visit family a few weeks ago - so fun to see our nieces & nephews (and everyone else) - they are a blast!

I did get around to making a super-fab pencil skirt a few weeks ago and even wore it out to dinner the other night. Its made of some super-clearanced linen and finished it in 1-1/2 days, talk about instant gratification! And here you have it:

(I know I don't look to jazzed about it in the photo - I was hungry!)

I did start a knitting project and have another one in mind, but no pictures for now. Its much too early to be interesting. I finally got to head over to see my knitting pals at AFY Thursday night and it was a lot of fun as always!

This weekend I am back out looking for houses. I think I will be on the 50th or so house by the end of this trip. As far as school goes, fall semester is halfway done and we are all looking forward to getting out there for our week of fieldwork. Practice on real patients and all of that. =)

Well, that's about it for news around here...hopefully I will have some exciting house-related news ASAP! Have a great Halloween!

Checking In

2008-09-15T20:20:00.001-07:00

Hello there - schools' been keeping me pretty busy, so all is quiet on the blog these days.

I think the only thing of any interest is that we are currently shopping for a house - send us good luck vibes!

No knitting news to speak of, but I did finish a "5-minute skirt"* . However, it took me about a week to complete it due to lack of supplies. (*pattern is on angrychicken.typepad.com) Check it out:

And I'm sure I'll make another one soon!

A Few Things...

2008-08-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Almost 2 weeks ago we went to Malibu, to the Getty Villa which I've been wanting to go see for well over a year now. It was cool - a very European feel (I imagine, as I have not been there). I got to wear my new FO - the Lush & Lacy cardigan by http://www.sweaterbabe.com/ I used 5 + a tiny bit of the 6th skeins of Lush by Classic Elite.Husband and I spent a few days this past week in San Diego - we stayed downtown in a cute historic hotel with very slow elevators, checked out the zoo, and also toured Old Town. Fun trip and fantastic weather! No pictures to show however, guess I wasn't in the mood for pics this week!

I also cut my hair and for the requestors, here's a peek:

I am undecided if I like it or not, but I do miss my curls...they'll be on hiatus for a while. =(

The 2nd semester (out of 6) of school starts tomorrow and I am so ready to get started. They are having us take 5 classes this semester - wish me luck!

There is one called "Medical Lectures" which I am most intrigued by... who knows what we'll learn in that one, but I bet it will be interesting.

Chance to Breathe

2008-08-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

I made it through the semester - its been a Looong time since I've taken summer school and I don't think I've ever taken 4 week long classes.

Hi, this course is about xyz and hey, the mid-term is next week! Weird.

But, anyways - 2 weeks to recover and surely, work on some knitting, etc!

Last weekend I cranked out almost an entire Lush and Lacy cardigan - shocking, until you find out its on size 10 needles and I had nothing else to do! Its so cute and I will post pictures when its done, to do its cuteness justice. The LYS had a 50 percent off sale and I couldn't resist the previously unaffordable project purchase! I love their sales!

I'm still "working" on the green socks, but lost some steam on those.

I leave you with the last of the random craftiness from our Skills class ( I will miss that class, the crafts were like the adult version of nap time!)

2008-07-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Two weeks left of Neurology class & I'm trying to keep my sanity by indulging in craftiness! Got my first dress done this week...well, really close to being done :

We got to make our own stamps in Skills class & I found a super cute elephant picture and made up some postcards, gift bags, etc....drop me a line & I'll mail you a postcard!

And working on some green socks for Husband. The color came out just how it looks in "real life"...There is a CUTE sock pattern with bobbles in the new Interweave that comes out in August and I can't wait to make them. I'm not much of a bobble lover at all, but I think I could handle them on socks.

Probably more from me during the break between Summer & Fall semesters!

More Crafty Things

2008-07-11T18:09:00.001-07:00

Today is halfway through the summer semester - it doesn't sound like much, but it definitely feels like an accomplishment! In "skills" class we've tried our hand at leatherwork and mosaics since I posted anything - nothing fantastic, but some fun mediums that I'm glad I tried out:

That's about it for me - I hope to CO for a sock (yes, something KNITTED finally) before the end of the weekend. I'm craving a big project, but I am on a yarn diet until I am working again this fall and can afford to....anyone working on any knitting projects they would recommend?

What's OT?

2008-06-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Just in case you're wondering what it is I'm studying - check out this hilarious "OT Rap" on You Tube that explains it pretty well!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDP1-gcDcAI

Recent Creations

2008-06-24T18:37:00.001-07:00

Whew - the first week of school was quite the ride! It hasn't been THAT long since I've been enrolled, but there is SO much administration to take care of that I just don't remember doing in undergrad. Thankfully our days are balanced with a little art-making in the afternoons to take the edge off - behold my collage! (and a sewing project beneath it)

At home, I finished the loopy cowl which looks like it could've crawled around on the ocean floor at some point.

And....the sewing is slow but great - finished a paneled skirt and have a baby tunic on the way for a shower coming up soon. Sewing is normally really fast & fun which is a great antedote to long days at school.

Alright, must get back to studying muscles of the shoulder - yeah, fun!

Loopy News

2008-06-11T20:43:00.001-07:00

Today was one of the best birthdays I've had in a while and these last few days of vacation between work and school are doing wonders for my stress level.

Been knitting from the stash since I am on a yarn diet. Grabbed some purple wool and cast on for a project from the original Stitch & Bitch book - the Loopy Velez Cowl. I had low expectations, but the loops were a lot of fun and I think I could work this in the winter time. Should have a FO picture up by the weekend...

Today also brought a new permanent resident to our already crowded home, but I could hardly complain: a sewing machine! Woo hoo! Been craving one of these for years - knitting's getting a little competition!

Transitions

2008-05-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Exams are through for the semester, I start graduate school next month, and oh yes, I did finally finish those knee-high socks!

That's all the news for now!

Aha!

2008-05-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

So, I finally I found 5 minutes with sunlight, my finished project, a camera, and a photographer!

Project Details:

Pattern: Orangina

Needles: US 3 circulars for lace & US 2 circulars for ribbing

Yarn: Knit Picks Shine in "Grass"

Size: 34"

Verdict: Simple and easy lace with minimal seaming - fun!

Central Coast

2008-05-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Husband and I finally managed to finagle a weekend out of town after a bit of a traveling hiatus. Since there are limited opportunities for "getting away" these days, I was really looking forward to this one. Friday afternoon we took the pups over to their "hotel" where they are quite the celebrated guests and headed out on our road trip. On the way up to our destination, I finally eeked out the first knee-high sock which took an entire skein of Lorna's Laces and came directly below the knee - I am very pleased! I started the second one, but am in no hurry to finish.

On the way up to the Central Coast, we ate lunch at Trattoria Grappolo (thanks for the idea, Beatrice) and got to visit a few wineries before the end of the day. Saturday we took in our second tour of Hearst Castle, which was very cool! My favorite stop on the tour was this amazing bedroom at the top of a tower called the Celestial Suite that seemed to glow with sunshine.

Now, its back to the grind and I've got plenty of homework I need to be getting to!

Without Further Ado

2008-04-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

I have written about 5 drafts for this post, but never seem to get it published because I'm hung up on getting in those darned pictures. So, today a picture-less post and soon a FO post with loads of pictures - how about that?

That FO would be the green Orangina lace tank- I am 2" from finishing the ribbing, but I just got burned out on the project Sunday evening and set it aside. With any luck, I'll have it finished by the end of the week, including seaming (a cinch with this pattern). And if the weather would cooperate I could actually wear it without freezing something off!

My friend, Candice, came out to visit last weekend & we made our way over to the beach to enjoy the fantastic weather - it was great catching up with her & trying to be a good teacher of knitting as she worked on her first scarf and her first attempt at cables. I really shouldn't say attempt, because they came out great!

Finally, we are planning a Stitch & Pitch event in early June that I am really looking forward to....I think I'll drag those knee-high socks back out for that evening - they are dangerously close to hibernation & could use the fresh air.

Weekend Update

2008-04-06T19:11:00.001-07:00

I got a LOT of knitting time this weekend + this is Spring Break, so I'll most likely get more done during the week too!

Change of plans with the socks - I decided to make knee highs & that means I'll be doing ribbing at the top to help them stay up instead of a picot edge. This also means I worked my fingers to the bone on these all weekend and still have 4" to complete the first one. I think it will we worth it, I love how substantial they are! Here is a sneak peak at the first one, which I'm taking careful notes on because I'm making this up as I go along:

Yes, that's 17" long including the toe so far - one of the few times I'm glad to be short.

Also, CO for Orangeina on Sunday & this is one (long) movie-worth of lace knitting:

Well, that's about it from here - hope yall are enjoying the work week &/or Spring Break for some!

Hello again

2008-04-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posting lately - I've been dabbling in the knitting here & there without a lot of bloggable progress. This weekend we fought major Dodger traffic to go see an exhibit at the California Science Center which was really cool.

For knitting updates, I am almost done with one of two plain toe up socks that I'm making from the Lorna's Laces that I got from Bea. To make this more of a learning experience, I am planning on making these as knee-high as the yarn will last with a picot-edge bind off. I'll post a picture of these in the next day or two.

The lace of the green chemise is not coming out at all & without any knitterly resources around I just might be switching to a new green tank project....we'll see. So far, I seem to struggle when I get anywhere beyond the basics with lace knitting.

On a final note, I'm totally obsessing over cosmicpluto's lush & lacy and have already added it to my ravelry queue. I plan on getting the yarn if I can afford it next Thursday at AFY Knit Night which happens to be during SPRING BREAK - woo hoo!

Growth Spurts

2008-03-08T08:56:00.001-08:00

This project (Clementine Shawlette) certainly grew in spurts - 20+ rows and then nothing for days (or weeks), but that is just what I've felt up for lately.

Many knitters on http://www.ravelry.com/ that were also working on this project had a lot to say about the graft at the end, but the seam doesn't bother me at all.

I liked this project - seriously simple lace that didn't keep me glued to the chart after I got the hang of things, but if I ever made this again...I would choose a darker color I'm more likely to get more wear out of and make it a little shorter to fit my frame better. I used 2.75 balls (50g) of Rowan Cashsoft 4 ply (merino, microfiber, and cashmere) on US 3 circulars.

This weekend is the change in time so we are blessed with more sunlight every day - I LOVE coming home when its still light outside, I feel so much more energetic.

Next up for projects, I'll be putting some energy into a fish blanket for my cousin & starting a green tank from the newest Interweave Knits that has a little lace paneling. The only substitute I forsee is the cotton - maybe Debbie Bliss Cathay instead? I really liked the Summertime tunic tank I made last spring out of that yarn.

Must get back to weekend lounging & snacking on Cadburry eggs - mmmm!

Recruiting Techniques

2008-02-24T16:26:00.000-08:00

Fantastic news - my friend has started learning to knit! I suspect her main motivation is to make a copy of the entrelec scarf I finished last Fall Mine was inspired by fellow knitter, Sandy, who was inspired by someone else's scarf (I forget who)...For some reason, the combination of colors & patterns makes knitters & non-knitters alike covet one for themselves. I suppose its all good if it inspires new recruits.

The second half of the Clementine shawlette is on the needles, this is an enjoyable project for someone that isn't a huge fan of lace - namely, me!

The original plan was to post a picture, but none of them are coming out so I'll have to keep you in suspense for another couple of weeks while I finish it.

WIP update

2008-01-30T08:52:00.001-08:00

Finished the toe-up green Koigu socks I've been working on. They fit really well and have pretty much converted me to a toe-up sock preference. Let's me avoid picking up stitches where I tend to get gaps.

I also re-felted the Celtic Cables bag, which has drastically changed the bag in a very good way:

The handles are shorter, the bag has more structure, and is more like the finished size in the Interweave pattern.

School started today and was a little re-runnish - same prof, a second half of a course. However, he does make us all laugh and learn, so that's pretty awesome.

And finally, Superbowl Sunday inspired me to start the Clementine shawlette from Interweave Spring 2007 - check it out, knitted lace!

Ugh, Intarnsia

2008-01-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

Finished the colorwork portion (i.e. the face) on The Monkey, but it pulls! I don't mind this technique, but it never ends up looking that great - always pulling or gapping. I hope it the roundness might be forgiving than pulling it flat. Maybe color work should be my next class. =)

Does it look like a monkey yet?

This weekend I had a genius stupid idea to rip out a cabled sweater I knitted about 2 years ago, that's really huge on me to make something from a book I received for Christmas from my lovely sister. I think I need professional help with this one...shouldn't I be able to find the end and just RIP? I found myself picking out knots and bind off stitches for hours on Saturday - I don't remember this being such a strangley constructed sweater... I just don't want to end up with a pile of useless, tangled Alpaca - wish me luck!

And....by popular demand from Knit Night @ AFY I will be re-felting by hand portions of the Celtic Cable Tote bag and will post the new improved bag hopefully this weekend.

Year in Review

2008-01-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

I got to looking @ Beatrice's blog and was extremely impressed with her knitting accomplishments for the year. There's no way I could keep up with this knitter! But I did look back over my blog this year (handy little thing it is) and in 2007 I managed to eek out:

3 sweaters/cardigans

2 hats

5 pairs of socks

2 baby blankets

1 scarf

1 purse/bag (2 half finished projects counts, right?)

5 tank tops/cropped boleros

Right now, one of those 1/2 finished project is the Celtic Tote - here its waits patiently to be (hand) felted this weekend!

Great size & enjoyable cable pattern, its from the latest issue of Interweave Knits. Can't wait to fill it full of the [back-breaking amount of] essentials!

How Could Anyone Resist?

2007-12-24T13:35:00.001-08:00

Such an adorable pattern ....

Project details: Saartje's bootees....try Googling or search in Ravelry's patterns. ]

Actually, make that two adorable patterns:

[Project details: Pinwheel Jacket - from elann.com a free pattern... I used Encore for the black and white and Cascade superwash for the pink. Sorry about all of the unwoven ends, I was in a hurry to get this in the mail for a Christmas present!]

Merry Christmas!

Rapid Fire!

2007-12-17T22:14:00.000-08:00

Two posts in 2 days - nobody saw it coming! Today is most definitley worth posting about because:

1) All Christmas shopping /packaging is COMPLETED!

2) All Christmas cards are in the mail!

3) 4 more days to vacation!

And last, but most certainly not least:

4) I got my acceptance letter today!

P.S. The Pinwheel jacket nears completion - joy, oh joy!
P.P.S. Merry Christmas from me & the hub

I am here.

2007-12-15T12:24:00.001-08:00

Our new place is starting to feel a like more like home, as things get unpacked, organized & decorated. I'm convinced, based on past experience, that hiring movers was what made the move entirely tolerable and even bordering on pleasant. The dogs did not agree- all of this change was awfully traumatic for them, but I think they are warming up to the new digs as well.

Now that Finals are over, I can redirect my energy to some knitting projects again. I spent some time this morning finishing the body of the Pinwheel Jacket:

It doesn't really look like much while its still on the circular needle, but the border and binding off are done at the same time. I plan on using pink for the sleeves and border, but my pink is dwindling and I can use black or white for the border if I need to - would rather just utilize what I have on hand and be more flexible about colors.

Found those ultra-warm toe ups from the sock class and got in a picture during the unpacking - love these!

Have a wonderful week!

Projects for Gifting!

2007-11-28T15:05:00.000-08:00

Gave the Wild Stripes baby blanket to my friend at her shower this past weekend - she really liked it! We are in the midst of packing up our apartment to move to a new place a few miles away - can't wait to start unpacking and to be able to find things again! (My yarn has been stashed away in that little plastic bin, still accessible just in case!)
Speaking of finding things, I have finished the pink toe-up socks, but they are in a suitcase so I can't quite post pictures right now! After BO for those, I started a Pinwheel jacket for my niece for her Christmas present. Its going really quickly which is good because I have a lot of projects lined up after this one; I plan to be finished with it by the end of the week.

That's about all in my little world. May be a while before I post again depending on setting up our internet again at the new place. Have a lovely December!

Worth the Effort

2007-11-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

I got back the Wild Stripes Baby Blanket from "my" finisher today at AFY and here's the combination of our work - let me just say I'm pleased![Also, there are more close-ups for details under socalknitter on Ravelry if anyone is interested.]

I went to the first 1/2 of a toe-up sock class at AFY today and walked away from the class with this:

I'm digging this technique so far!

Minimalist Cardigan tease

2007-10-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Finished this last weekend - just within the same month that I began - not too bad! Its just barely getting cool enough to wear this anyways - I can believe its November already! I shortened the sleeves AND the body on this and need to find a brooch or something because I prefer the way it looks partially closed. Good thing I altered the pattern, because this is whats left:

I've been cutting it close lately!

Facing the Finishing

2007-10-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share:
1) I conquered the zipper installation & my fear of zippers has been squashed to oblivion!
2) This FO is finally a true, wearable FO - as Husband demonstrates in his male model pose:

Have a Happy Sunday!

Return from the Big Apple

2007-10-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my friend from Houston and I met up in NYC for a few days of exploring and living it up! After going through my photos, I realized out of 121 - they are all either arm-length shots of our faces or pictures of buildings. I'll only post a couple to limit the repetitiveness. We did lots and lots of shopping and a moderate amount of sight-seeing, ate really great food, and even took in a show. (The 1/2 price ticket sales are unbeatable) Must go back again!

Finished Object #1: Apple Green BlanketI finished this on the plane to NYC this weekend and although its a little on the small side, I do like it a lot. I hope the recipient parents love it too! I even like the ruffle effect that the border ends up with, makes it a little more girly. However, if I made this again, I'd probably knit the main panel and pick-up stitches for the border since the gauges are so off.

Overall picture w/ very bad lighting:

and a better one of the stitches...

Finished Object #2: Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet (Free Pattern online at: LINK) I finished this last night and I'm not sure what I think about it. The yarn choice (Baby Alpaca Bulky) is not one I'd repeat because of the fuzziness of the yarn - although it is super warm and snuggly. I'm a little disappointed because I thought I'd give this as a gift, but I'm not sure its up to snuff. For a second try, I do have another (fabulous AFY) button waiting in the wings for some Manos de Uruguay, 2 skeins of Kohl.....

Must also credit http://ysolda.com/wordpress/pictorial-guides/sewn-button-loops/ for her excellent button loop tutorial!

By the way, **Does anyone know how to update your Ravelry page with the blog updates? I can't seem to get them to link-up**

Don't Mess with Texas

2007-09-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

Freshly off the plane from San Antonio, we had a fun time @ my cousin's wedding as well as a miniature family reunion - it's been almost 10 years since I have seen some of the family I saw this weekend - what a trip to see your "baby" cousins posing as adults all of a sudden! I was a total slacker at taking pictures, but I might have some later in the week from relatives who were more camera conscious! We were too busy dancing!

It was a whirlwind weekend, but I got some serious knitting in on the plane ride - check out the baby blanket:

It doesn't photograph very well, but I have 2 more skeins of yarn to add and then I'll block the heck out of it! You can tell where the border of seed stitch buckles up against the herribone panel in the middle. Hence the blocking!

Random

2007-09-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

Seriously, the less time I have for knitting, the more projects I find that I am crazy about. Last night, I stumbled across this pinwheel jacket and had to physically restrain myself from buying yarn on the spot! I'm trying to convince myself that this would work for a boy if it was in blues, but its a pretty hard sell - anyone else think so?

Still plotting on the baby blanket - I think I'm going to sample the Dr's Bag for the houndstooth stitch pattern and apply it to the main panel with a seed stitch border - in my head it looks great. Really don't want to frog it again (3rd time) so I'll cross my fingers it lives up to my imagination.

I am planning to head over to AFY this weekend to buy yarn for the Minimalist Cardigan this weekend. There are 39 (and counting) projects in progress on Ravelry* and they are so cute, I can't wait to start! This looks like something I can get a lot of wear out of in the upcoming seasons as long as I do a good job finishing.

School is great - I love the class I'm actually attending and the online course is just ok. I knew I wouldn't really enjoy the material and that's why I took it online - won't have to listen to lecture 3 hrs/week - always thinking!

*This is my favorite feature of Raverly - seeing other people's projects and yarn choices as I contemplate beginning projects....

Back to School, Back to School!

2007-08-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Much progress on the Dr. Bag now comes to a screeching halt as the yarn has run out. But only 1 color, so the yardage was not right. My LYS is also out of the yarn in the needed color, so the search begins....what else can you do?

Lots of LYS within driving distances carry the yarn, I'll just starting making calls to find the color I need.

Began a baby blanket for no one in particular on Sunday because I needed something to work on before school started this week. Got about 4" done in seed stitch - this is basically a duplicate to one I made for my sister in-law's baby a couple of years ago - green Flexi brand yarn. This one will actually be a rectangle and not a trapezoid like the one she got! Hers also got accidentally felted which makes me sad because I loved that first one so much. Maybe I'll stash this one away for myself some day...or maybe it will save me in a last-minute gift scramble. Either way, I love working with this yarn & will enjoy the process!

Pictures soon, once I find my needed yarn and can resume knitting...

Looks Can Be Deceving

2007-08-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

I've deemed this project the "Elephant bag" and its going quite well so far.

I'm kind of worried that its going to look pink & purple instead of pink & gray, but I'm going to try and play up the gray with accessories (button & fabric lining). It WILL be cute! For once, I'm pretty much "spot-on" with gauge on my US 11 needles (HUGE).

On another note, I discovered a fellow knitter in my apartment complex that I actually know from my childhood - its truly a small world & what a fun surprise!

Husband & I traveled to Santa Barbara on Saturday and checked out the zoo, hence the lovely elephant picture. We planned on seeing the mission too, but that building that LOOKS like a mission from the 101 freeway is actually a golf course. Doesn't that make you feel slightly ripped off? I felt that way, but this leads me to.........

During our earlier days whilst living in Long Beach, we decided to visit the aquarium. Well, there is a building, round with whales and marine life painted all over it. So we naturally gravitate there, assuming its the aquarium.

When you walk up to the ticket window there is a huge sign saying:

"This is NOT the aquarium, it only LOOKS like the aquarium" posted along with directions. We thought it was quite funny and felt only slightly idiotic since we obviously weren't the first ones to make this assumption.

I hope we're getting wiser with age, but this mission incident makes me wonder...

Miles and miles of Entrelec

2007-07-30T15:10:00.001-07:00

Husband and I went to a good friend's wedding in Texas this past weekend, which was a blast - always good to get in a little Grand March, two-stepping, and Cotton-Eyed Joe - SO FUN!

Between the plane rides and a few more rows during the week, I finished the "rainbow" Entrelec scarf! Woo hoo! I really enjoyed this project, especially once I memorized the pattern - its pretty intuitive after a while - and I could pick up the pace on it! I took a break, which is why its taken me several months to complete - no rush with the summer weather!

The fellow knitter, Sandy, that I blatantly copied on this idea has picked up hers again and when we're finished, I'll try to get a picture of the two of us modeling at once - or at least post a picture of hers! I hope this ended up long enough to get Julie's approval (she's always encouraging me to keep truckin' on the scarves when I run out of steam!)

Pattern: Entrelec, 4 reps of 8 stitches
Yarn: Trekking (if anyone is interested, I can post the colorway)
Finished Dimensions: 8"? wide x 72" long ( about 1 foot taller than me!)

For my next challenge, I'll be returning to the Bud project. I'm pretty nervous - there was a lot of pattern manipulation on the sleeve and if I can get a shoulder on the front piece to match up, I'll be in good shape. If not, I will be frogging the first sleeve and rethinking my choice of yarn... Wish me luck!

[Disclaimer: There is a sale at the LYS, so I hope I can stay focused even if I buy some yarn for the dr. bag, etc.] [Which I did since I started this post - the only thing keeping me from CO is that its not wound yet!]

Vices

2007-07-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

My knitting vice would have to be......starting projects. (Big surprise, right?) I can hold off on yarn purchases without a specific purpose or snatching up books (although I do have a weakness for magazines, but that's not solely knitting-related). This habit lends itself to "project saturation"....

This week I finished a cabled felted purse for my little niece who's turning the big 3 this fall - I think its just right for holding all of her little "treasures", this pattern is from the S&B daily calendar for 2007.

Actually - while this was cute BEFORE I felted it:

Not so much after....oh well, its always an experiment felting:

This weekend I have been re-committing to finishing up that entrelec scarf I started back about oh 6 months ago or so. I do enjoy knitting entrelec - its so engaging - hope to have this finished by the end of a trip next weekend. (I'm using Treking sock yarn and size 4 dpns ) There is a picture on an older post if you want to check it out.

I think I forgot to post this FO last weekend - not my best work, but they are cute (turned out a little saggy which tends to happen when I work with Koigu)

New project (singular!) on the horizon: Doctor's Bag....this or a cabled afghan from Interweave will be my reward for finishing ALL of my current WIP. I've already picked out this beautiful pink and grey wool at the LYS.....I have to finish some other projects first - I'm trying to convert to a one-project lady... =)

My Kind of Project

2007-07-08T18:51:00.001-07:00

Vacation + simple tank pattern = quickly finished project! CO Thursday and finished up this Sunday afternoon - the Honeymoon cami from the http://www.knitty.com/ pattern archives. Cute, simple pattern that was pretty easy - the v-neck/back shaping intimidated me at first, but turned out to be surprisingly simple. The only alteration was skipping the lace in the ribbing - here are the results:

Perfect for summer time lounging!

Happy Independance Day!

2007-07-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

I've got a few filler projects going on right now - I CO last weekend for a pair of "plain ole" socks in a beautiful Koigu variegated color ( by the way, "variegated" was on the GRE vocabulary list - I felt so smart already knowing that one! That's proof that knitting makes you smarter)

Looking at the yarn I have an impossible time describing it - my first attempt was cotton candy on acid, but that sounds so unattractive and surprisingly I think its quite lovely after its knitted up, but judge for yourself:

Bonus - this was in my stash from a big sale a month or so ago & there's more sock yarn where that came from!

Second, I am about to CO for a "Honeymoon Tank" from knitty.com in Rowan Calmer (black). Looking forward to this simple tank for a summer wardrobe staple! I'm salvaging the Calmer from a project I frogged a while back. STASH knitting again!

Third, I have digressed on a sewing project - pajama pants! The pattern I bought has some cute tops/dresses I may attempt if all goes well! Check out the results from the teeny tiny sewing machine that I got a few weeks ago - my "starter" model. New hobby/obsession? We'll see...

Free At Last

2007-06-24T21:45:00.000-07:00

SO. since Saturday I'm officially "free from responsibilities" (above and beyond bills & oh yeah, that job that pays the bills, etc.) for the next few weeks and I intend to dedicate a significant portion of that time to knitting, sleeping, and watching bad TV. (And redecorating the apartment, And going to the beach, AND going shopping, AND....the list is long & ambitious........)

Proof positive of the knitting part anyways: I finished the stripey blanket AND the first sleeve of "Bud"! I present you with the evidence:

Bud is turning into an interesting project - yesterday I completely re-wrote the sleeve pattern. GASP. I won't believe that this is a success until I see that right front fit with my grossly tweaked sleeve. Even Husband is rooting for success - I think he's coming around to love BUD (it wasn't love at first site). =) Looks cute on my arm though....

My baby blanket is done and just need a gingham border, but I have a solid 5+ months to knock that out - no sweat. Good thing I'm not trying to pawn off a wool blanket to someone in the middle of summer, that would be really well received! =) By the way, I LOVE it in case you didn't gather that already!

More soon!

"Bud"

2007-06-05T08:48:00.001-07:00

Wow, I didn't realize how long it had been since I had posted!

June is heating up (off and on) and I've just got to get to the beach this weekend and wear my blue tunic as a cover-up! I really want to go to Cabo, but I won't hold my breath!

I have kicked off two new projects:

1)* "Bud" from a Rowan mini-book - that my knitting bud Cheryl is also making. Hers is purple and pink and mine is blue and white because I loved the example so much. We also subbed the "Cotton Fleece" yarn for the suggested Rowan Bamboo Soft to make it more wallet friendly, although the bamboo yarn is lovely I was looking for something I wouldn't feel guilty about spending for a whole new project when I have a ton of stash yarn.

Ta Dah!

*Since i posted that comment I've been having some pattern reading+ gauge issues. I like actually knitting the garment, but these technical dificulties have put a kink in things and really slowed me down. LOL, anyone noticing a pattern in my battles with gauge? =) Cheryl also had some size issues and had to rip, so at least I'm not the only onen with these struggles.

2) "Mystery project" which is actually a gift for a friend - I'm officially 2/3 finished with the knitting portion as of Sunday night & hope to finish the rest by this weekend. OK, I'm 99.9999% sure it won't spoil anything for the giftee & I'm not good with waiting to reveal surprises...

I love it and I think its beautiful - its inspired me to make this fantastic blanket with cables from an older Interweave magazine when I'm done with this. Its been in the back of my mind for at least a year now - I'll probably finish it just in time for winter this year!

School's Out for Summer!

2007-05-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

Finally, I bring you tunic pictures - it has been finished for about 1-1/2 weeks, but I had to get ribbon for the straps and take a picture of me wearing it when I looked halfway decent, so here it is minus my mid-week post-workout frazzled face =)

Ooh la la - very summery, no?

I liked it and it was an easy knit (except for the swatching), I just hope I will get some use out of it this summer!

I also got a giddy mood-inducing package in the mail yesterday from www.knitpicks.com for my "secret project" - here's a preview of the yarn, but I think it will be more confusing than anything else - see what you think:

Husband and I drove up to San Fransico this past weekend and had a blast shopping, touring, and visiting Alcatraz- one of the cells even had knitting in it! I spaced and didn't take a picture, but they were supposedly using pink yarn which I found hard to believe, but I guess you don't get a whole lot of choices on "The Rock"!

And I thought this was cute - it reminds me of those Yaris commercials, which crack me up:

Other than that I am doing some "spring cleaning" and am planning on frogging quite a few projects that I lost interest in....other than the secret project I will be working on the Honeymoon Cami from www.knitty.com archives and quite a few pairs of socks.

Procrastinating with Knitting

2007-05-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

I finished my blue tunic on Saturday and I'm just missing the final touch - a blue ribbon for the shoulder straps. I even went to a craft store to pick it up tonight, but it was already closed - man! I attribute finishing so quickly to:

1) drastically shortening the top due to my short stature
2) I knitted a lot more than I studied this weekend - bad when you have 2 exams and 3 papers to write - don't be like me!

Pictures very soon, very soon!

TGIF

2007-05-18T18:57:00.000-07:00

Finished Mom's socks (she liked!) and that means I get to start a new project, right? Well, I have one picked out but its a secret for now! I'm sure the girls at the NLYS will get to see it quite a bit, but no blog posts for now. I bought the yarn on knitpicks today (GOOD prices!) and have been looking forward to having an excuse to make this project for a really long time actually - cool!

The blue tunic is coming along quite well & although its not very exciting to post pictures about - here you go:

That's about all for now - short post because its time for me to go catch up all of my taped TV shows from the week that I haven't had time to watch yet and sadly, I've been looking forward to this all week because I'll also be knitting while I watch.

Did anyone else know June 9th World Wide Knit in Public Day ? Spread the word, my friends...

Baseball, Socks & Those Evil Swatches

2007-05-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we trekked down to the Angels stadium for our first attendance since last season! It was fun and I even finished Mom's socks during the first couple of innings! You got to do what you got to do for deadline knitting, even if that means KIP (knitting in public)! The man sitting next to us asked if I was going to finish an entire pair during the game - I wish I was that fast! But the 2nd sock did enjoy itself immensely:

I'm back to the grind at my new job after almost 2 weeks off - geez, it really didn't feel like that long of a break! It's going pretty well, a huge change is how friendly everyone is and how many more women work at this place, a good change - maybe some of them knit!

OK, I'm already don't enjoy swatching. I sucked it up & made one and it was dead-on. So I cast on with haste for the Summer Tunic pattern from the new Interweave Knits edition. And after about 16 LONG rounds I get suspicious that it was too big. And it was....insanely too big. I was in denial for about 6 rounds, so I only have myself to be upset with. But I put it down yesterday and haven't had the urge to pick it up again. I'm trying to think of it as a very time consuming gauge swatch. Sigh.....

And, Yes I know I'm being very melodramatic =) Pretty color isn't it? Can't wait to wear it! (Its Debbie Bliss, Cathay in "Colour 12007")

To answer a comment, I am ear-marking the Koigu I bought for socks...what else can you do with Koigu? Any suggestions??? I only bought 2 skeins of each color so I may have limited myself on other options.

That's all for this Sunday - Husband and I are off to check out Spiderman 3 shortly. Adios!

Weekend shopping

2007-04-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I start at my new job - oooh, very exciting and nerve racking. Hope the first week goes well! I have used this as an excuse to go shopping for some new work clothes of course!

Speaking of shopping, I got a gift card from some of my friends at my old job and I put that towards some stash enhancement - some Flexi for a baby blanket and the rest is Koigu sock yarn, check it out:

One more shopping theme, last night we were wasting time until a movie started (we should never go to a "late" movie - we can't hack it anymore, falling asleep - that was just sad!) and were at the mall and I discovered how cute Baby Gap is. Our nephew is turning 1 in May and we got him the most adorable little outfit. It was all I could do not to buy about 10 more - everything in there is so darned cute! I think it was a mistake to enter that store!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig!

2007-04-24T11:45:00.000-07:00

Back from our trip to the East Coast and it was really gorgeous weather over there! I of course packed for mostly crappy cold weather, so I had some interesting wardrobe choices - was almost forced to purchase a souvenir T-Shirt to get me through the trip! We checked out all of the big memorials, the Smithsonian museums and finally Mount Vernon, which has changed quite a bit since my trip in middle-school!

First, before I get into the monuments - Husband and I were delighted to find that WaWa's were around - my favorite gas station chain EVER. I don't know what it is, but these places are awesome &unfortunately they are only on the East Coast. If you ever find yourself in the area, be sure to check one out!

The Jefferson Memorial

The Capitol bulding...

A tour group on scooters (I thought this was hilarious)

Mount Vernon....

And finally, I got a lot of knitting done on my Entrelec scarf and at the risk of boring anyone to tears, here's a picture:

I JUST joined the second skein of the Trekking yarn, so I'm betting I'll have enough left over for some socks, always a good thing. I'm trying very hard to stick to one project at a time and its working out pretty well, but the 50% off sale at the LYS which I'm about to take off for is going to make it pretty darned difficult. Wish me luck!

New Horizons

2007-04-18T21:27:00.000-07:00

Today was my last day @ my current job - on to new adventures very shortly! I'm taking a trip to the East Coast this weekend and very much looking forward to it, I'm sure I'll post a few pictures from that. On the knitting front, much progress has been made on the entrelec scarf and it will be my "plane project", so I have high hopes for making some headway this weekend. Check it out (the CD is for reference size, its about 30" long right now):

More next week!

Finally, Pictures

2007-04-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

My knitting friend, Becky, took my picture at the KTOG last night and was kind enough to email them to me today since I forgot my digital camera - thanks Becky!

See Front:
See Back:

YAHOO - my favorite knit to date for sure. Very wearable - I tested this theory out by wearing it 3 days this week =)

Last night I worked on my entrelac scarf, I really like it although its going to take me about 18 years to finish! I think it gives off a rainbow-y effect and that it will look fantastic with jeans - that's starting to be a trend in my color picks! And as I mentioned, this idea is 100% copied from one of the other ladies at my knitting group, who got the idea from another lady at our knitting group. I noticed last night a good 5 of us are working on the Central Park hoodie too. That whole "great minds think alike" phenomenon must explain everything!

I'm off to read up for my test on Monday and do some planning for our D.C. trip next weekend. I'm so excited that its finally here!

Finished Project Bliss

2007-04-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

I finished the "Central Park" hoodie aka "Spring Green" hoodie after a laborious weekend of knitting and seaming (ugh). Its not that I don't like seaming, its that I always worry that the seaming will end up crappy and ruin the whole thing. Glad to say that its not the case this time - I really love the finished product and I will post a picture later this week once I get someone to take a picture of me wearing it! I finished about 1 & 1/2 weeks before my goal. I would totally knit this again & probably will once I find my way out of my WIP pile. Anyways - hope everyone had a very Happy Easter. More later this week with pictures!

Visit from Mom

2007-04-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

My mom came to visit me this past weekend – yeah! We had a good time and kept busy despite my poor planning before her arrival. We ended up going to the movies (I haven’t been in ages), visiting some favorite spots in Ventura including the beach, and visited the Griffith’s Observatory – my second time this year. It was a really fun long weekend and we’ll have to do it again! While she was here she picked out some sock yarn – Claudia’s something or other in “Walk in the Wood” dye lot – for a “surprise” Mother’s day gift. She’s a bad influence adding to my WIP =)

I didn’t get in a lot of knitting this weekend with my visitor, but I did manage to finish a sleeve yesterday on my Spring Green Hoodie. I tried knitting the two sleeves at the same time, but I don’t love this technique. However, I was sure to make a lot of notes on which row I did what on so I’ll achieve the sought after even-ness. Only one more sleeve to go and I can begin the “finishing portion of the event. I’m starting to loose a little bit of steam on this project – I only started it last Saturday and have been going FULL STEAM to meet my “deadline”. I might be taking a break since I am way ahead of schedule, but I am still anxious to wear it and show it off! Here’s what I’ve done so far (front & back!)– in 1 week, people – that’s insane.

Central Park Hoodie

2007-03-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

I’m completely in love – I CO for the Central Park Hoodie this Saturday and had a finished back piece by Sunday evening. I am using Cascade 220 in a beautiful spring green color that looks great with jeans – most likely what I will be wearing it with most days. Here’s a sneak peek:

I hope to have this knocked out by mid-April for a trip to Washington D.C. with Husband. I’m sure it will still be on the chilly side most days and a 100% wool green hoodie will be just the thing.

FO

2007-03-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yahoo - I finished my "Monkey" socks! See....

And this is how much yarn I had left over - see why I was sweating it?

Then I promptly CO for the entrelec scarf on US 4 straights - I love it, but its going to take me an enternity to finish and I'm afraid I don't have the time. I do already know what I want to wear it with though =). I need to start another garment, my garment-confidence is rising and I am getting antsy. Soon soon.

Here's the wee beginnings of the scarf:

Ok - i am off to clean and study - and NOT knit = (

Countdown to Weekend

2007-03-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

After the KTOG last night, I am verrry close to having finished the Monkey socks and (knock on wood) it appears I will barely have enough of the Lorna's Lace yarn to finish my project. This is 2 pairs from 2 skeins, so I was cutting it close. I always feel ripped off when I need more than a single skein for a pair of socks, but that's just a personal pet peeve. I will finish the toes tonight & post pictures of them this weekend. This is the first decent pair I will have to be mine all mine!

I also got Husband's cardigan zipper in the mail, I ordered 2 since it was hard to get the true color and alas one of them matches. He'll be so happy to have a nice heavy sweater for that nasty April weather in SoCal. =) I'm going to try my hand at installing it and it that doesn't work, I got information for a seamstress from one of the KTOG ladies.

I'm starting to think of a few new projects to CO for in the next few weeks. I really need to wrap up the "Orangina" pattern (Black Rowan Calmer lace tank) when I feel like tackling the weird gauge problem I'm having, its so hard for me to wrap my head around gauge for ribbing - any tip?

Also, my mother has requested a pair of socks - sounds like a good Mother's day gift to me! Last but not least there is a shrug and the Central Park Hoodie that I'd like to make for myself once I wrap up some smaller projects.

On the afghan front, I have finished 3 out of the 30 planned squares AND made a plan for the pattern layout of the entire project. I think its going to be so pretty and I will probably finish just in time for next fall/winter if I keep up at this rate.

So - pictures of the Monkey socks soon and with some luck and determination a finished Husband cardigan and Orangina! Then, its on to many more planned projects.

Weekend Progress Report

2007-03-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend was busy, but I got a lot of knitting done. However, this was accomplished mostly on Sunday, when I should have been studying instead!
Oh well, no class one evening so I will have the chance to make up for that lack of diligence. So – what exactly did I do? Well, I’ll show you….

Sunday I went to a class at Anacapa for the Entrelec method. I really liked the handout and the knitting backwards technique that the instructor showed us – she is very well versed in the method and did a good job teaching the class. Everyone was supposed to be working on the beginning of a scarf, but mine will be another afghan square (made from Noro, the same color that I finished for square #1 that was garter stitch) , after I block it a little bit.

Entrelec is slightly addicting to tell you the truth, as well as very absorbing work. So now, I have 3 out of a projected 30 squares completed! (That’s 10% - woo hoo!) Take your pic - flash or no flash, neither color representation is quite right....

I also got two skeins of sock yarn to do an Entrelec scarf (soooo copying someone else at the Knitting group, but it was such a beautiful project!), now I need to email her for a few questions…like needle size – she’s GOT to be using US 0’s and that’s teeny. Hmm….

Secondly, I finished the baby sweater except for the sleeves. When I make this pattern again, I will:

A) be making the 6 month old size,
B) follow the pattern and do the selvedge stitches, and
C) have someone in mind to gift it to.

Lastly, I got quite a bit done on the 2nd “Monkey” sock and am starting to sweat a little bit that I may run out of yarn. I also made a mistake on the cuff and will have 1 stochinette rolled cuff and one twisted rib cuff. Since these are for me and primarily for putting around the house, I didn’t rip them out – they are now truly unique! =) I finished turning the heel last night and the first couple rounds of the gusset decreases.

Now, please just let the yarn last until I bind off. Next time, I will do a toe up sock!

That’s all for now – hopefully more progress through the week and I will shoot to have the socks completed by next Sunday evening!

Knitting Frenzy

2007-03-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, Heather (link) hosted a yarn swap at her place and it was a lot of fun! I got way more yarn than I came with (especially when its good stuff) and a bunch of ideas, and encouragement to finish that cardigan for Husband. See my yarn stash grow: (picture of yarn from party). One direct new project is a baby "wrap" sweater from some yarn I bought from Beatrize . That woman has an impressive stash if the yarn she brought on Saturday is an indication! I think she hooked me up with enough of it for at least 2 baby sweaters - woo hoo! I actually know 4 pregnant ladies right now, so I better get those needles flying!

That was the only major event of the weekend, but it seemed to fly by! I had a lot of studying, shopping & knitting to do though - apparently those activities are pretty time consuming!

Ok - lots to accomplish today - back to the grind!

Slow Progress

2007-03-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday night @ the KTOG I only got about a ½” inch done on my second Monkey sock. The first one is finished – looks great/feels great, but again the details are lost in the translation. I'll hold off on the pictures until they are both done..

I did get some affirmation from the ladies, but I have to say I think its biased. I got so little progress made because there was waayyy too much going on and too much eating to be done to knit. It was a fun evening & celebration! I did feel the need to start an afghan last night and picked up three skeins to get started – one Noro (beautiful colors!) wool, and two Lamb’s Pride worsted weights. Pictures to come later...

After making the long trek home, there was mindless garter stitching to enjoy during (another!) rerun of Gray’s Anatomy last night and finished about ½ of a 12” x 12” square

Now, how big should I make this darned thing?

Looooong weekend

2007-03-04T16:59:00.000-08:00

This weekend I definitely experienced the phenomenon of time only flying when you are having fun! I had essentailly unlimited free time this weekend and got a TON of knitting done on the bright side!

First, the deadline kntting - a square for a wedding aghan (Mission Falls 1824 wool and basketweave stitch on US 7 straight needles):

My digital camera is not that great at taking pictures of knitting, so most of the color and pattern details are lost. I need to work on that and get a fancy new one just for knitting photos! =)

Also started on some socks called Monkey from the latest knitty issue....Ok, I tried changing the settings and the "food" setting interestingly enough seems to capture texture better. Who would want to take pictures of their food.....guess I don't have much room to talk!

The pattern calls for 6 repeats of the lace on the ankle before starting the heel flap, but I am concerned about the amount of yarn I have so I cut that back to 3 repeats. These are left over from a pair of socks I made for my friend Tania. After she raved about them (yeah!) I decided I needed a new pair now that I have gotten in some practice and can make a halfway decent pair of socks now!

I am still working on a black lace top from Glampyre.com but am having some trouble with the gauge for the waist ribbing. I put that aside until knitting night at Anacapa on Thursday. Maybe I can get some help from all of the experts!

That's about all for now. Check in later this week for progress on the Monkey socks!

Fair Isle Mania

2007-02-28T22:23:00.000-08:00

I am getting in WAY too deep with projects - things just keep popping inmy head that I feel compelled to go start - this afternoon I added tothe list of "projects I want to start" the Felted Fair Isle bag fromVogue Holiday 2006 magazine.

When I initially looked at it, I though itwas WAY too much work to "ruin" by felting. However, since doing the FI fingerless gloves (previously mittens) , I want to do more FI projects and I thinkthis would be great. At least I will actually use the bag a lot morethan I would gloves or a sweater - heck, I can use the bag EVERYDAY if Iso please! Isn't it pretty?

Cold & Flu season

2007-02-22T14:14:00.000-08:00

Yuck - I am home with a cold today - it wiped me out after fighting it all week. I'm not even in the mood to knit anything - ununsual for me on a day without obligations or commitments. It is rainy and cool here - I'm ready for that daylight savings to kick in. Is anyone else SUPER excited to get more sunlight every evening? I was shocked to find out one of my friends could care less - it makes such a difference in my energy level and mood. Guess its different for everyone. If I feel up to it, I might make it to knitting tonight, the shop owner got married and I would really like to congratulate her in person, so that's is a good reason to go! More knitting news soon!

Hawaiian Vacation

2007-02-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

We are back from vacation (as of Saturday evening) and it was a lot of fun! For the most part we had a great time – there were a few traveling snafus and some tiffs among traveling companions, but we pulled through and moved on. We did many of the typical Hawaiian vacation-y things like snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, & attending a luau, however…..
Even cooler were the unplanned things like hiking down a cliff to an amazing canyon and coastal view,

holding a baby octopus, and getting within touching distance to a sea turtle. Close encounters with nature!

On the snorkeling cruise we also saw a HUGE school of dolphins (like 30-40 of them) swimming along our boat and doing corkscrew jumps in the air. They seemed so happy and playful; they were so beautiful. I didn't know wild dophins could jump like that - it was a huge surprise to me and shows how agile they naturally are. The most amazing thing of all was seeing several "full breech" jumps by a humpback 30 yards from our boat – SO COOL. Everyone on the cruise turned into little kids running around the upper deck trying to get it on their digital cameras and gasping at each jump!

PICTURE TO BE POSTED (I couldn't leave my post to grab the camera, so I will have to rely on our traveling buddies to provide the dolphin & whale photos!)

On the knitting front, my biggest accomplishment over the week was finishing a red cabled hat for my MIL – I’m just not sure its her style. I’m not sure she’s even much of a hat person, but she specifically asked me for one, so what can I do? It was made from Lamb’s Pride and the pattern is coronet from knitty.com. Cute, easy pattern for gifts.

Last night I CO for a fair-isle (FI) mitten from Knitty as well. I’m trying to use yarn from my stash and chose a purple from the Vogue shawl for the MC and a variegated koigu for the CC. I just worry a little that the pattern will look weird, but I’m just experimenting with FI more than anything else….see? I like it, the variegation makes it look like i did more work than I actually did!

I did get to wear the Vogue Shawl on our trip on SEVERAL occasions (see prom-like photo below) – a very useful FO that I would totally make again! In solid black with white ruffles I think…
A high school friend just let me know she’s expecting, so I’m thinking about making her a baby blanket, but I haven’t decided. I’m not sure when the baby is due, but I think I have some time to put off making a decision right now. Somewhere between 1 and 9 months I guess =) Phew!!

That’s all for now

Confession

2007-02-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Ha - I was so determined to wear my Vogue top today I'm wearing it with all of the ends still unwoven inside of the right arm. Is this a bad personality trait, like poor follow-through skills? As long as I don’t have one of the loose ends poking out I can finish it tonight @ our KTOG and redeem myself. And probably get a good laugh from the other ladies in the group – I aim to please =)

There's Never Any Time!!!!!!!!

2007-02-07T14:58:00.001-08:00

Hm – Something happened this week to all of my free time & I don’t like it. Its one thing to be busy & sleep deprived, but no free time (a.k.a. knitting time) – come on! When am I supposed to get any knitting done? I may never weave in the ends (although they are inside the sleeve there are too many to ignore) of my Vogue top that I was soooo looking forward to wearing this Thursday. OR start those v. challenging looking entrelec socks in the new Interweave mag. OR finish the lace top I specifically needed for our Hawaii trip next week…..

Okay Okay – I guess I can’t be too upset, I am taking a trip to a tropical island next week. Life is pretty good when you factor that into things. Complaint section over.

I don’t have any new pictures today, but I promise to post some by the weekend with 1 or possibly 2 Finished Objects (FO’s) to model & show off. Wish me luck & here’s to positive thinking!

Title reference: Did any of you “Saved By the Bell” fans think of that episode where Jessie gets hooked on caffeine pills after reading the post title? Just wondering….

Finished Objects

2007-02-04T13:21:00.000-08:00

Yahoo! I finished the striped Vogue shawl today...actually I finished the knitting last Thursday at my "Knit-Together", but the finishing (snoore) was completed today. Now this was Very Impressive with my history of leaving knitted, but un-finished projects around the house for months at a time.

Exhibit A:

Husbands cardigan is going on 5 months now waiting for only a zipper installation - that's just pathetic, I must get my act together before Spring!

New project wise, I started a lace/ribbed sleeveless shirt (black Rowan Calmer - a cotton and acrylic blend) on Friday and am really hoping to have it ready for our trip to Hawaii in about a week (yeah!) The lace doesn't photograph very well, but here's a quick shot of the lace which is the top portion of the top :

Today - Super Bowl Sunday - Husband ran in a 1/2 marathon in Huntington Beach. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures because I forgot my camera. It was a gorgeous day and we both enjoyed the unusually warm weather & beach scene this morning. The only drawback was getting up at 4 a.m. on a weekend day - not my cup of tea, but at least I'll be up to enjoy the rest of the day off. Aside from a nap later.....

More pictures to come of the Vogue sweater, but the last post was a pretty telling preview. I am off to chow down on football snacks & drinks! Enjoy the game & have a great week!

First Post Ever =)

2007-01-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

So.....I've been stepping up on the (mostly knitting) blog-reading lately and decided that I now need my own! Right now I'm working on a few projects, but I'm mostly obsessed with this pattern from the latest Vogue knitting magazine - Winter 2006/07 - a striped cropped cardigan with ruffles around the edges:

I'm so in love with it and it actually fits really well - the magic of doing swatches and getting gauge - fascinating!

I finished sleeve #1 yesterday morning and after Husband & I got back from the Griffith's Observatory in the evening I got him to take some pictures which I will toss into this here post because I am a big fan of WIP photos! No face shot right now because I am still recovering from LASIK & am not exactly excited about pictures at the moment....one more week, help me.

Well, at the rate I've been going I should have this top knocked out by the end of the week (so I can wear it to my Thursday night knitting group). Then I will post face forward pictures with a BIG smile.

Last but not least - pictures from yesterday @ the Observatory - I feel much more enlightened about our place in the universe after our trip.

Ok - tiny photos of me from the front are ok.....