Knitting Nysssa

From the book, Taking Time For Friends. The author is unknown.

2010-10-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

The Love of a Friend
Because you love me, I have found
New joys that were not mine before;
New stars have lightened up my sky
With glories growing more and more.
Because you love me I can rise
To the height of fame and realms of power;
Because you love me I may learn
The highest use of every hour.
Because you love me I can choose
To look through your dear eyes and see
Beyond the beauty of the Now
Far onward to Eternity.
Because you love me I can wait
With perfect patience well possessed;
Because you love me all my life
Is circled with unquestioned rest;
Yes, even Life and even Death
Is all unquestioned and all blest.

WineLovers Wine Glass Companion

2010-08-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

WineLovers Wine Glass Companion

My parents geocache, teach wine tasting and pairing classes, host wine tasting parties and do a bunch of other fun things.

When they told me about the wine glass carriers that they've seen at wine tasting festivals and asked me if I could design a knit one I said yes without thinking about it. Then I sat down with a little bit of yarn and a few hours later I had this!

Using a size 7 needle and worsted weight yarn, cast on 40 stitches.

Knit one row and then join in the round. You can join in the round immediately after casting on, but I am very clever about making everything into a mobieus without that first knit row.

Knit 2 rows.

Next two rounds - K2 P2 around

R3 - k

R4 - ktbl

repeat rounds 3 and 4 three more times

R5 - k1 k2tog k to last three sts, k2tog k1

R6 - ktbl

repeat rounds 5 and 6 once more

Make opening for glass foot - start working flat on all sts

Row 7 - k1 k2tog k to last three sts k2tog k1

R8 - ptbl

repeat rows 7 and 8 until 16 sts total remain

R9 - buttonhole row - k2 bo2 k to end

R10 - ptbl to buttonhole, CO2 ptbl to end

R11 - K

R12 - ptbl

R13 - BO

Neck Cord

Pick up 3 stitches on one top edge of the body

Knit one row

R1 - k1 sl 1 k1

R2 - purl

repeat rows one and two until cord is desired length, then attach opposite the cast on sts

Block on a wine glass and attach button.

Mitered Square Bag

2010-08-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

I will admit that I have a certain affection for mitered square projects. Once I started the sock yarn blanket made with mitered squares, I fell in love with the quick and easy construction. Have only a little time - make one square - have more time - make more squares. Have only leftover bits of yarn - not a problem either! In fact I have two more mitered square blankets in progress right now - one made of DK weight and heavier, and one made just of Malabrigo worsted.

So, when I joined the bag swap on the Karma Yarn Swap group - I kept trying to decide what I wanted to do for the handmade bag. Buy one, knit one... My swap spoilee liked the entrelac clutch pattern, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to make it again. Then it hit me - why not make a mitered square bag?

My first attempt didn’t go so well, I was going to felt the bag and started with some bulky weight for the bottom. It got floppy. I didn’t do the proper math for making a circle or something. So I frogged it, and started over with larger mitered squares. Then I made a ring of smaller mitered squares. Then I picked up from the bottom of the larger squares and decreased around until it closed up on the bottom. Then I kept making the smaller squares until I decided the bag was tall enough. Because the yarns were all different weights and fibers, I dropped the felting idea, afraid it would shrink into a tangled mass of ugly. Then around the top tier, using the same yarn as I made the bag’s base, I made a circle of triangles to fill in the top. Then a shoulder strap. Then I lined it with fabric (it scared me but I did it)

Here is a picture the recipient took of the finished product! She is Mandarella on Ravelry and I much appreciate her excellent photography of this project, since the photos I took with my phone’s camera while it was sitting on my couch are less than flattering.

So now the plan is to make another, and write down the process so others can make it! I have the yarn picked out, and I have plans to maybe make a third to actually felt, if I actually get around to it. The pattern will be available on the Social Knitworking Site, and on Ravelry.

Edging the Hemlock Ring Blanket

2010-07-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

I started to bind off today - Had NO idea that it was an edged BO, so I'm alternating. I'm afraid I'm going to run out of yarn, and then have to break into another skein of another color.

I can't wait to see how big it actually turns out to be!

My Needles Overfloweth

2010-07-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

What am I working on now? I cast on Arbor over the weekend. Several times - since I kept dropping stitches off the waste yarn on my provisional cast on. Then I only got a few rows in because my printer is out of ink, mostly and won't 'make up' colors when one is completely out. So I had to wait til I had access to a printer with enough ink to print out the chart. I'm being good, knitting from my stash, using EL Silky Wool in a pretty gold color. I'm not sure it's a color I would like as a garment for myself, so if it ends up that I can't take the color the way it is - into a burgundy dye-bath it will go.

I'm making good progress on my Hemlock Ring Blanket. I'd guess it's about 3 feet across right now, if sticking my arm in and measuring it up against my forearm for half of it counts as about 1.5 feet :) I'm still on the denim blue yarn - which is pretty amazing - I knew it was a big cake, but I didn't know it was that big. I have about seven increase sections left to work, and I've already worked seven.

The stool cushion is wavering around the first round on the second half of the cushion - since I need it sooner than later, I should probably use that as my tv knitting instead of my hemlock ring blanket. Especially since it still needs to be sewn together (crocheted is more likely) and stuffed.

Speaking of 10 stitch blankets, I got to work on my square ten stitch this past Saturday when I went to see the Eclipse movie with my inlaws. Wow, what a painful movie full of not much that pertained to the book. Just a lot of whining about turning or not turning Bella while teen-aged boys have a pissing contest trying to get or keep her attentions. Anyway, I've turned another corner and am working my way still with the thick and thin yarn I got from Rhinebeck. It's not big enough yet, so I'm going to keep on going with it for a while. I did get a bunch of nice single ply from Kraemer yarns for use in this blanket, and I'm almost to the point where I can attach that pocket over the blurb of un-attractive color I added in for some strange reason.

My sock yarn blanket is anxiously awaiting church of the blanket day (11 days from now).

I've gotten some great Mal in destashes for my malabrigo and worsted weight blankets. I haven't knit on them lately, but I need to get them wrangled in and put away. I think I will have a sweater's worth of Paris Night soon, instead of the bright multis I was collecting for the other sweater, which is just too bright for me. Not sure what I will do with them, although a pair of slippers is very tempting. I was going to make the Nantucket Jacket with Mal, but I might make it from fisherman's wool instead, and leave the mal for something else, Summer's End probably - or Tailored Scallops.

Traveling woman still isn't traveling very far. I just need to get her finished. I reprinted the chart, since the last time I was going to work on it, the chart was missing. So then I'll need to figure out where I am and just forge ahead. It's so lovely. I'd consider wearing it to Ryan's wedding, but I have a feeling that I won't need to be covering my shoulders for anything.

Evenstar is still hibernating in that spot with the columns. I really do love the design and want to finish it, but it's going to hibernate a bit longer.

I need to photograph Citron and my Turkish Bed Slippers. I was able to camera-photo my mitered square bag, which I need to write up the pattern for. I did buy some awesome single ply wool from Joann's with which to my 6 square prototype. The one I made first was 5 square and I need more symmetry. I am also tempted to felt it - but we shall see.

I need to get some dyeing done. Was going to over the weekend, but had husband in the way syndrome. I also need to find another twitter for igoogle so I can update my dyeing twitter feed more often.

I also need (whoo, three need paragraphs in a row) to pick out at least one, but maybe two more shawl patterns to be used as breastfeeding shawls. The first one I did, Ishbel, was a huge hit with the Mom, I just hope it works as intended (her baby boy was born on July 3 - 4 days early - and 9 pounds!!! - Glad I didn't get him any newborn stuff). I will probably use some of the Cestari like I'm using for my hemlock ring blanket for one of them, maybe both, since they are a good combination of cotton and wool, and knit up quickly due to their almost worsted-weighted-ness. I like the triangular shawl with a garter or stockinette panel at the top to hide the baby and its meal, with a pretty edge to dress things up. Regular breastfeeding blankets are ugly and obviously not fashion accessories. I prefer a shawl that can be used as an actual fashion accessory when the baby is eating on its own! The first one (that I'm sure about) isn't needed until November. The BoneYard Shawl might be a good choice. Or maybe I can do Milkweed again. Or go for Multnomah, Herbivore, Saroyan, the Ten Stitch Triangle, or Damson... At least I have choices... It will also depend on which yarn I use, since some of these won't look right in plain plain yarn...

Hemlock Ring Update

2010-07-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

I'm finally on the feather and fan portion, and buggered it up by not paying attention to which row I was on - luckily I'm using stitch markers and was able to tink back and remind myself to pay attention.

I'm still on my original circular needle, and will be for at least one more increase, then its on to the next length up. I still seem to have plenty of the denim yarn.

Speaking of which - this yarn is delicious. I'm already planning another breastfeeding shawl and I will probably use this yarn for it as well.

I'm Finally Making the HRB

2010-06-28T05:39:00.000-07:00

Pattern
Hemlock Ring Blanket by Jared Flood
Craft Knitting
Made for me
Size til I'm done

Needle and yarn
Needle
US 8 - 5.0 mm
Yarn
Cestari Special Cotton Blend
Stash
609.0 yards in stash
Colorway Denim

Notes
I did the center part of the pattern for a hat not too long ago.

I’m trying to work from already caked stash, so I’m starting this in the denim. I plan on going until I can’t stand it any longer, as I have plenty of colors that will go with this.

I usually don’t like yarn that is a majority of cotton, but this is soft and comfortable to work with.
I’m magic looping at the beginning and having no trouble with it at all.

Wanting to Blog more

2010-06-20T03:15:00.000-07:00

I was hanging out with the TSR crew yesterday for socialknitworking for KIP day - and I realized I really wanted to use this more.

Of course, now that I've entered two projects onto my Ravelry page I'm all done with explaining myself.

Citon is finished, with the exception of weaving in ends and finishing fixing a dropped stitch.

I have half of my brother's birthday present done.

I have socks started, cute little turkish bed socks.

I have Traveling Woman to finish - I'm so close I need to just bite the bullet.

I have dyeing to do - both for myself and for a blankie swap.

I have a sk of Anne that is caked that I have no idea what to do with it. Shawl I guess. Maybe I should trade it. Maybe I can trade it for another color, since the problem I'm having with this is the color!

It's been a while

2010-06-12T03:17:00.000-07:00

I had claimed some boomerang quite some time ago, and it was already caked. My knitting ‘rules’ this year include knitting from my 10 in 2010 list, gift knitting (which should use that list or already caked yarn if possible), or knitting with caked yarn.

I’m making an entrelac scarf. I have no reason to make it except I wanted some ‘brainless’ knitting and I was getting a wee bit bored with my Ten Stitch Twist Blanket - which isn’t on my list but is my brother’s birthday present as a foot stool cushion.

Today is part one of knit in public day - I hope to make some progress on my traveling woman shawl, so I can finally cast on Garden of Alla - which I bought yarn for at MDSW

SocialKnitworking Has the Clap and other Knitting Projects

2010-01-17T16:44:00.000-08:00

We're group knitting the Clapotis - and I'm trying to get my February Lady Sweater done prior to the end of February.

I also have decided to join a lace knit a long that has me pretty scared. I think I'm going to get my friend a copy as well, so he can hold my hand through the process.

Next up? Probably Peaks Island Hood, and if I get the yarn soon, the thrummed muff.

So much I want to knit - so little time to do so!

I'm also trying to dye a little more often, and photograph it so that I can sell it more than trade it.

Fruit Cake

2009-12-20T12:57:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know, but this is good. I need to make some, but not this weekend, too much snow, not enough butter and eggs!

Heat oven to 275 degrees

3/4 lb softened butter
2 cups white sugar
beat together

separate 6 eggs and beat yolks well, then gradually mix together with 1 oz lemon extract and 3 cups flour

whip eggs whites and fold into mixture, one half at a time

Add 1 lb pecans, 1 lb golden raisins, 1/2 lb glazed cherries, and 1/2 lb glazed pineapple - all cut into small pieces

Pour mix into lightly greased and floured loaf pans and banked approx 2 hours

Place shallow pan of water on bottom shelf of oven and keep water in the pan while baking

It's been a while

2009-12-08T08:03:00.001-08:00

I'm still here! Super busy. School was a bear this semester and I've been knitting happily to drown out school annoyances!

I'm doing some happy Christmas knitting now. I've also started a ten stitch blanket because the sock yarn blanket just wasn't enough blanket for me. I've got a fabulous Juno shawl on the needles too, and found a new sock yarn base that I'm really happy with.

Need a gift for a knitter in your life? I'd be happy to customize a yarn color for that person - just send me a message on Ravelry or leave a message (text or voice) on my google voice number- 267-702-knit and we can work something out.

I'm looking forward to the Christmas break at work, and spending lots of time cuddled up with my dogs drinking hot tea and knitting. Are we there yet?

Happy Holidays!

Busy Weekend

2009-08-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

Started my WineLovers colorway collection - have 4 colors so far - and they commissioned a knit project which I designed and knit and dyed the first prototype today .

Need to get some holiday knitting started.

And I have swap packaged that need finishing assembly and mailed

Quintessential Now

2009-08-07T06:14:00.000-07:00

My playlist for the Third Street Ravelers Quintessential Now CD swap

The Way I Live [Explicit] Baby Boy Da Prince M. LaCour Across The Water [Explicit]
It Can't Rain All The Time Jane Siberry Jane Siberry The Crow Soundtrack
Misunderstood Common Feat. Bilal Kanye West Finding Forever
Faith Limp Bizkit George Michael Family Values Tour
Rock Yo Hips (Album Version) [Explicit] Crime Mob Rock Yo Hips [Explicit]
Milkshake (Radio Mix/Album Version) Kelis Pharrell Williams
Day 'n' Nite [EXPLICIT] Kid Cudi Day 'n' Nite [Explicit
Welcome To Heartbreak Kanye West Patrick Reynolds 808s & Heartbreak
Freak On A Leash Korn Brian Welch/David Silveria/Jonathan Davis/James Shaffer/Reginald Arvizu Family Values Tour
Deja Vu (Uptown Baby) Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz The Source Hip Hop Music Awards
What Them Girls Like Ludacris Feat. Chris Brown & Sean Garrett LUDACRIS Theater Of The Mind
Lapdance N*E*R*D Feat. Lee Harvey & Vita The Neptunes In Search Of...
Bombay Timbaland Feat. Amar & Jim Beanz Timbaland Timbaland Presents: Shock
If I Ruled the World Nas Featuring Lauryn Hill
The Sun Doesn't Like You Norah Jones Lee Alexander Not Too Late
Kiss Me Thru The Phone Soulja Boy Tell`em D. Way
Bounce Timbaland Feat. Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott & Justin Timberlake Timbaland Timbaland Presents: Shock Value
You Spin Me Right Round Artist Unknown (I have someone I can ask if you want to know)
Oops, Oh My Tweet
Stripped Rammstein
Love Lockdown Kanye West LaNeah Menzies 808s & Heartbreak
Kiss Me Thru The Phone Soulja Boy Tell`em D. Way
Do My Memphis Bleek Feat. Jay-Z The Understanding
If I Ruled the World Did this get duplicated? Sorry, I tried to catch them!
#1 Crush Garbage
Addictive [Explicit] Truth Hurts Billy Nichols Truthfully Speaking [Explicit]
Penetration Next Feat. Naughty By Nature Cliff Lighty/B. Robinson/K. Morse/Keir Gist/Darren Lighty/Anthony Criss/D. Damon Rated Next
Release Timbaland Feat. Justin Timberlake Timbaland Timbaland Presents: Shock Value

Best I Ever Had [Explicit] Drake M. Samuels
Break My Heart Common Kanye West Finding Forever
Doo Wop (That Thing) Lauryn Hill Lauryn Hill The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill R
Never Scared (remix) Bone Crusher
Renegade Jay-Z Feat. Eminem S. Carter, M. Mathers The Blueprint
Tainted Love Marilyn Manson
Ambient World Lee G & Delon lOOk @ The Tree
Swagga Like Us [Explicit] Jay-Z Clifford Harris Swagga Like Us [Explicit]

Website?

2009-07-07T06:26:00.001-07:00

I started a Website for my hand-dyed and kits and things!

Here it is - go visit

Summer is officially here

2009-06-22T18:18:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna start by plugging one of my favorite winter drinks - Chai from Yogic Chai. They are getting ready to go on Vacation in Venezuela.

I'm getting ready to go on vacation in Virginia.

But why would you want chai in the summer? Have you had it on ice? on CRUSHED ice?

brew it a little on the strong side, crush ice into your favorite glass, pour some almond or coconut milk over the ice, pour on some chai and you're refreshed and ready to knit that Christmas present you thought you needed to start!!!

I've finished my summer clapotis. My beautiful girl Bleu is helping model it here

I've started felting my entrelac clutch

and I need to steal some time for my Stolen Moments Shawl and my Dragonfly Socks

My sock yarn blanket is coming along nicely though I haven't blogged about it recently.

I've also been dyeing yarn to sell for the sock yarn blanket (or for other things if you want to buy a whole 100 grams at a time instead of 5 or 10 or for other blankets than the one I'm making)

WWKIP Day

2009-05-22T02:44:00.001-07:00

United States, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Hosted by: Third Street Ravelers
Location: Rittenhouse Square
Time: 11a - ?
Date: June 14, 2009

How to get there:
As with previous KIP events, we'll be hanging out on the lawn in the south-east quadrant of the park. Look for the people with yarn and needles on blankets looking content in each others company under the canopy of green tranquility.

Please bring:
Bring a blanket or towel or chair to sit on. Bring your WIP! :D Feel free to bring snacks for yourself or for sharing, if you would like, and remember water! Last year was very warm, and hydration while knitting is important. Also, the nearest bathrooms are at Barnes & Noble. Otherwise, just bring yourself and plan to have fun.

The backup plan is:
We have no backup plan. We like to live dangerously.

This KIP is not knitting exclusive
There are no bathrooms nearby.

Socks/Sock Blanket?

2009-05-08T19:24:00.001-07:00

I can't stop knitting on my sock blanket.

It's kinda driving me crazy because I want to work on something that I can finish. Like my socks! I'm on the cuff silly person - just go at them.

Or my bag... Or perhaps I should take Hey Teach to the Frog Pond

and start something quick for my mom

or for my best friend who is getting married this fall

or those gloves for my co-worker

or something fun and lace for me

or more socks

damn!

Loopy Ewe

2009-04-24T16:22:00.000-07:00

I want everything this place carries - someone be my sugar momma?

I'm especially lusting after the Vampire Kiss Sock Yarn!

Must finish my other socks - then maybe I will reward myself with more yarn!

Lady Eleanor

2009-04-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

Is FINISHED! Fringe knotted, blocked, dried. DONE! I'm so excited - it turned out so well.

I think I want to make a felted entrelac bag to match with the remaining yarn.

I'm having a hard time picking my next project. I need something I can work on while I watch TV. I have a shawl started, so it can't be that. I want to do another pair of socks, but I'm torn in so many directions. It's more a matching a pattern with a yarn at this point, as I have so many that I like and want to do.

Speaking of socks, I know I was going to give the prize out earlier, but I promise it will be next week. I'm in the cuff, I'm going to finish them.

So back to my next project, I have a lace shawl so lace and shawl is out. I did just get a kit for a laptop bag for my parents - but it's colorwork and I'm scared. I have the yarn I need for my February Lady sweater.

So I guess I need to find a bag pattern, print out the February Lady Sweater, and pick another sock pattern.

And I need to make those damn gloves for my friend.

Lady Eleanor

2009-03-16T04:35:00.000-07:00

I've been obsessively knitting on Lady Eleanor lately. It's such an instant gratification type thing for me. My socks are going well, but have been on hold because I need to read the pattern while I work and it's just not as flexible. I found my brother's socks so I'm going to have to step it up for them. And, I have a Harmony needle I can use for my dad's hat so I can switch over to that and have it done for his birthday, in two weeks!

Wintery Wonders

2009-02-22T14:06:00.000-08:00

I completed my mom's mittens and headwarmer prior to giving them to her!

And I forgot to photograph them.

Seems that the projects I photograph don't get finished on time and the ones I don't photograph do.
I need to fix that.

I got my KYS Swap package yesterday and it was overwhelmingly amazing. I had been focusing so much on the things I'm getting people that I didn't think much about what I might be getting from someone else!

I did start my socks, and they are moving along pretty well. I haven't posted what I chose because I didn't want to get anyone's hopes up if the giant frog came to visit. I'm glad they have a pattern though, because I'm not sure how I feel about how the yarn works up in stockinette. I also am not sure about the toe that I chose, but that's something I can work out in the future. I'm a little worried they will be too big, but again, I can work that out in the future too.

My super exciting lace northern lights shawl has been hibernating. I really really need to finish those gloves for my coworker and find and finish my brother's socks.

Today I spent most of the day curled up with Bleu watching Law and Order and knitting. I also did some dyeing. I got over enthusiastic and dyed some yarn completely red and now I'm not sure what I want to do with it. I could use it for another swap partner. Maybe that's what I'll do - red is one of her colors. I also did some more dyeing with coffee and my hands smell like it! I dyed some peach nylon tape yarn with it because I don't like the peach so much. I keep ending up with pastels. Not sure how. Everything is draining now and I'm going to try to motivate myself to hank it tonight so it can start drying.

BSJ Success!

2009-02-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

I completed and gifted the two BSJs to the MTB BEFORE she had her babies.

She seemed really pleased. I really do enjoy that pattern.

Woot!

I Know You are Waiting

2009-02-11T05:15:00.000-08:00

To see which sock I'm going to attempt to start - and finish - and who is going to get a cool prize.

Right now I (stupidly) decided I needed to knit things for some of my swaps and they are all due the end of this month.

I also have to put closures on the two BSJs I made for my co-worker.

I may abandon one of the swap projects, because everything I've tried just hasn't worked for me. I need to sit down with all my swaps (somehow I have 4 going on right now) and get them inventoried so I know if I need to do anything else for them.

Two of them are 'due' on the 28th. One of them has to be mailed the other one has a little more leeway. One of them I still want to order something for, which I can't do until tomorrow.

I really would like to have socks made before I'm in flipflops/no shoes for until it gets cold again.

I have to finish a thumb, weave in ends and block my mom's birthday presents (we're getting together on the 21st).

I have a shawl I started for myself that I LOVE and haven't had a chance to work on at all.

I need a sugar mama that will let me knit when I want to and work when I want to!

Speaking of work...

Final Four

2009-01-30T12:04:00.000-08:00

I've narrowed the sock list down to four finalists. This weekend I'm going to resquish the yarn and maybe make a decision.

I started a shawl for a swap and I still have a BSJ that I need to finish and I'm afraid I'll jinx something if I cast on my socks when I have already deadlined projects on the needles.

I can't decide if I want to work toe up or cuff down.

I really want to work toe up, but I like the bribery of one of the cuff down projects.

In non knitting news, I think I might have messed up my accounting quiz because I only thought there was one question. It may be that there was only one, but I can't even go back to look!

In other non knitting news - I want a french press to make chai in!

Happy Knitting !

Sock Contest

2009-01-24T16:13:00.001-08:00

Wow, you all gave me some great choices!

I'm narrowing the list down, and trying to cast off some other projects so I can focus on this one!

Sock Contest

2009-01-15T16:34:00.000-08:00

I've been kicking around the idea of a sock contest for a while now, and I think I'm ready to go ahead with it. I love making socks. However, I've never been able to complete even 1 sock made of sock yarn. I've had several different pairs started, most haven't gotten past the cuff.

So, I'm going to throw this out there and see if maybe it works.

Take a look at my stash, and my sock queue, and maybe even my library. Pick out a sock pattern and a yarn that you think I'll actually be able to complete. Or suggest a free pattern that I don't have queued. I have to be able to knit it from my stash, and I'm pretty sure that with a few exceptions that aren't sock yarn, it's complete. I have most needle sizes so I'm not to worried about that, the point is that I use my sock yarn stash to complete a pair of socks.

The socks have to be over the ankle. The socks I wear most often have about a 3 inch cuff. They can't be much shorter than that. I love knee highs but it's probably not practical for this to suggest something that will have to reach my knees. I am going to be knitting both socks at once, either on two circulars, or magic loop, so if the pattern is written for dpns, make sure it's something I'll be able to convert pretty easily (or, convert it for me!)

What's in it for you? For the person whose pattern/sock suggestion I choose and complete I'll put together a kit including yarn and a pattern worth at least $20. Whether you choose to have me print a free pattern and spend it all on yarn or not, is up to you. I may have runner up prizes, and/or a prize for the most creative suggestion whether I finish the socks or not.

The deadline for suggestions is January 24. All suggestions have to be made as comments on this blog.

If you have any questions, send me an email or a message on Ravelry!

I finished something!

2008-12-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

I got my dad's vest done, finished my scarf (except for blocking it), and I'm adding buttons to my hat!

I've been dyeing up a storm lately. Love the way coffee dyes yarn so I need to find a better way to do it. I love the instant gratification most of the dyeing I do give me. I mix up a batch, pop it in the micro, go do something else, come back later, pop it on again....

I need to swatch for the bsj, and start my critter for the KAL.

Got a blocking board for my birthday!!! And some great knitting books, and a spinning book.

Didn't get to clean up my office as much as I wanted over Christmas break. Need to get to work on that.

Getting Closer

2008-12-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

The Brioche Vest is almost done.

I have a pile of yarn taunting me from next to the trunk. KNIT ME! it keeps saying... If only I had more knitting time.

Started the gloves today.

Been working on felted bells.

Back to my needles!

Wishlists

2008-12-04T18:17:00.001-08:00

I put one on webs...

Then I found this website. I only had enough energy to go through the roving tonight..

Tubular Cast-On (a copy)

2008-11-11T04:45:00.000-08:00

I love this cast on, now that I 'know' how to do it. This is so I can have my 'cheat sheet' at hand.

From the Blog "My Fashionable Life" without pictures.

1. Using waste yarn (the same weight as your main yarn), cast on half the number of stitches called for in the pattern. If your pattern calls for an odd number of stitches, add 1 and half that number. Change to your main yarn and purl 1 row, knit 1 row. Repeat last two rows.

2. With WS facing, purl the first stitch. The arrow is pointing to the first stitch of your work, held on waste yarn.

3. Pick this stitch up on your left needle.

4. Knit into the back loop of the picked-up stitch.

5. Purl 1 stitch from left needle. The next stitch to pick up and ktbl is shown with an arrow.

6. And here it is picked up. Ktbl as per step 4. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to last stitch.

7. Purl last stitch. There is one more stitch to pick up and ktbl. It hardly looks like a stitch, just a wrap of yarn around the very end of the row. Don’t worry about it too much: as long as you get your needle into that knot, you should be OK.

8. Ktbl into picked up stitch

9. Carefully unpick waste yarn to reveal your beautiful tubular cast on. You have your reward.

Then you just cross over the stitches for a 2x2 rib!

Time Flies

2008-11-05T04:52:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to work steadily on Christmas gifts. I got side-tracked by a Cowl from my grandmother in law, and a pair of fingerless mitts for my sister in law - both birthday presents for October.

The project for my brother has stalled out a little due to the snoozy pattern that doesn't seem to go very quickly. I hope to be able to make more progress (as in, knit on it) soon.

My father's project is moving along pretty well. I'm still on the back, but making pretty good progress. Every time I knit with the Cascade Eco Wool I'm amazed at how soft it is. I wouldn't mind stocking up on it - but I haven't gotten back to where I could get it for a great price.

I still need to block my mom's gift, as long as I decide to give it to her. I have another option, including having the yarn in my possession, already picked out, but I'm not casting on yet.

I finally FINALLY found a bulky adult-sized glove pattern so that I can make the gloves for my co-worker. It's only been a year. Now I just need to find the rest of the yarn I bought for the project and cast on.

I started a scarf out of the Cascade Lana d'Oro that my mom got me some time ago and I love that yarn. I was able to find someone selling a sweater's worth on Ravelry, and think I'll probably make the Nantucket jacket out of it. I think it's more suited than the Brooks Farm Willow. Which frees that up for something else.

I also just scored some hemp/wool mix in several different colors. I'm so excited about that. I might make my brother some more socks. I just have to finish his first pair from last year. My dad has 2 pair, I have 1, my mom has 0 (she's next), Dan has 0, but I don't know if he's wear them.

I got some 'mystery' yarn in a swap. I know nobody reads this, but if someone happens upon it, and knows what RN 16825 crewel paterna really is... It weighs about 100 grams, is 2 ply and probably fingering weight though I haven't done a WPI because I didn't want to unwrap it.

Back to the real world.

Back from Rhinebeck

2008-10-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

And it wore me out so much I'm about ready to go to bed at 8:30 pm...

Knitting, Not Writing

2008-10-11T20:40:00.001-07:00

It's hard to even name all the things I have OTN right now.

I just finished 1 of the 2 Scarf Bombs I promised to make. The second one, which is the first one I started is languishing in front of my TV downstairs because I forget the pattern.

I have a square for a KYSer that I'm just not feeling and will probably frog

My SOTM is hanging out because I need to do holiday knitting

My brother's socks need a few more inches on each foot before I can make the toe.

The back of the vest is at 10 inches out of about 14. It's going along faster, and slower than I thought.

I need to work on the strip for the blanket TSR is making for our girl.

I need to work on my brother's market bag and get handles for the other one.

I want to make Dan a nice hat for christmas.

I want to spin more.

My brea bag is almost put together and just needs some handles as well.

I have a ton of lace I want to work on. I want to make at least 1, if not 3 BSJs and and ASJ.

I am so excited about Rhinebeck next weekend, I'm just afraid I'll be overwhelmed. Or underwhelmed. I need to make up a list of what kind of yarn I'm looking for. I need to find out a bunch of stuff and pack.

I need to go to bed, but I'm resisting.

Holiday Knitting

2008-09-22T15:43:00.000-07:00

I have so much planned, I hope I'm not going to over extend myself.

Two market bags, a vest, and some legwarmers are at the top of my list. I'd like to make some stuff for some of the kids I know, but they will be last on the list.

Hat for the hubby, that isn't 'rastafarian'.

Maybe market bags for the SILs, but I don't know if they even use anything.

I need to pick something for a friend who I love and who doesn't celebrate Christmas. There's a pillow I think she would like. She's allergic to wool, so I need something else. I wonder if she's allergic to angora. Even if she isn't, I'm sure baby stuff doesn't wash off it very well. Cotton then, damn, I should have gotten more. At least I have an idea though.

Muir is sitting off the the side, it doesn't have a recipient, so I'm not pushing it.

I started a scarf for the Scarf Bomb. If the yarn weren't acrylic I'd want it myself.

I'm trying to get back into my GAAA squares. And I have a shawl for myself that I'd like to have for Rhinebeck. My brother's socks are almost done. I just need to block the Swallowtail Shawl. Do I give it to my mom?

I'm going to go knit. :)

I shouldn't be sleepy at 8 pm on a Friday night

2008-09-12T17:07:00.001-07:00

but, I am, so that's all you're getting

2 Shawls and 3 swaps, plus mobsters

2008-08-31T17:52:00.000-07:00

I'm getting very close to the end of the swallowtail shawl. I am very glad I got the second hank of yarn because I'm out of the first one, even though I have only a few rows left in my last lily of the valley repeat. I am hoping I still have the right number of stitches for the last part. I'm not sure what to do with the rest of the ball after I finish. I'm sure it will still have quite a bit left (though damn, a yardage meter and a scale would be awesome, maybe I'll put on on next month's RAK wish list). I'll probably go for a scarf, Or put it away to be used with something else. Hmmmm.

Muir is also going along well. I'm not sure I did the first repeat right, but the second one is going well. I love how soft the yarn is, I'm still not sure about the colors though.

I've joined the Karma Yarn Swap group, the Random Acts of Kindness Group and the Yoga Swap group on Ravelry. I've claimed a few things, offered a few things, made a list of RAKs I think I can afford to handle, made a wish list of some stuff I would buy if I weren't so bad at managing my finances sometimes and am almost done putting together my gift for my Yoga swap partner.

Mobsters? Well, yeah, on myspace, it's fun because it's easy, like the computer games I played when I was a kid. I can't help it.

YARN

2008-08-17T13:22:00.001-07:00

I'm writing to stop myself from writing to someone to request yarn from them. I will hopefully not write to them after this, but I can't figure out why I'm so stash-y about yarn. I'm like a junkie, my hands start itching and my heart rate goes up. I'm usually ok when it's someone I don't know that I would need to have ship it to me, because I don't like to do that. But when it's someone that I could meet up with locally, I start freaking out.

I have enough yarn. I have yarn I don't have projects for. I don't need more.

Yep.

Philadelphia Knit in Public Day Fall 2008

2008-08-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

Our Website!
Our Upcoming!

Stitch n Pitch Knitting

2008-08-04T18:34:00.001-07:00

I'm going to a Stitch n Pitch tomorrow. I don't know what project to bring. Lace is too particular for sitting in a crowd I think. I don't want to mess with the cable needles for my June SOTM even though I'm behind now. I think my husband's chair cozy would be best - it's my movie knitting, so it should hold up to a baseball game. I'm just afraid I might get too bored with it. I might make the Koru hat. I have some Comfort DK - and it should make two hats. One for the neighbors who have just had a baby and for some reason I feel compelled to give them something and one for my husband's coworker who is expecting. It's gray though and I'm not sure the gender of that baby. I'm sure I'll find a little head somewhere to put it on.

It would be awesome if my knitpicks order arrived and I could work on the Kata Felicity Scarf. But since it hasn't even shipped yet, that's going to have to wait.

Another project that I want to do this month that isn't portable enough for the baseball game is the Piggle hat. I want to make it for my best friend's boyfriend's daughter, since we will probably be staying in 'her' room while we are there in a few weeks.

Did I mention that I wanted to get housework done too?

I finished my first sweater and knit a bottle cozy

2008-08-04T18:06:00.001-07:00

True - it was for a 1 year old - and I'm not sure I seamed the arms right, but it looks nice and Mom looked truly pleased.

It took me 12 days, which isn't too bad considering how many other things I was working on during that time, including a several day hiatus while I was camping.

I followed the baby sweater pattern in The Knitters Book of Yarn - and I wouldn't have considered it if someone hadn't told me that the yardage estimations were off. It took just under the two skeins I bought, and so now I can hopefully make a hat or scarf for the Little Guy with the third. The Comfy yarn was a bit drapey, but I think it will be just fine.

In other knitting news...

I was agonizing over what to make my brother for his birthday. A peek in How to Knit in the Woods suggested a nalgene bottle cozy. I'm pretty sure he has a nalgene bottle, and I was also pretty sure that he wasn't so keen on using it because of the plastic hype, so I started looking for a steel or aluminum bottle.

The ones at the local box store were all insulated - which meant they held about 2 sips of beverage. A friend suggested a Sigg bottle and though they are on the pricey side for a water bottle, I think it's an appropriate gift.

So, I cast one, and didn't have enough stitches, and cast on again - still not enough. Finally I was there, and then it took off.

It has ribbing to make holding onto it easier and an i-cord to hold it in place in the cozy. I hope he likes it.

Swallowtail

2008-07-28T08:54:00.001-07:00

Is the Swallowtail Shawl named after the butterfly or the bird?

In any case, I'm almost done with the Budding Lace 2 repeats (I'm doing 19 for the expanded version, and I think I'm in repeat number 17 right now), and getting excited for the next pattern.

I'm loving the yarn, the color and the feel are amazing.

I do think that I might want to make this again, the next time following the pattern, but changing yarn weight and needle size.

Of course, there are so many other things I want to tackle too!

Hot weather makes me sad

2008-07-24T13:09:00.000-07:00

1)The cooling bill eats into my yarn 'budget'

2)I want to knit but even the thought of even touching yarn makes me hotter - this is why I did only a few stitches on my swallowtail shawl, my June (blush) SOTM, and my brother's socks while camping

3)It makes me want to sleep, yes, instead of knitting

4)It makes my brain not work well, so complicated patterns give me a headache

In other news - I keep getting knitting books from the library and want to knit lots more than I am... Surprised?

Didn't think so.

GRRRRR :D

2008-07-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

That was one of the shortest three day weekends in history.

I got a bit frustrated over the weekend, but I think I have things figured out now.

I didn't knit nearly as much as I wanted to, but I got to see several people that I don't see enough of.

I didn't get to plant my plants like I wanted to, but they got watered by the rain.

I obsessively planned for camping, I know you wouldn't expect less of me.

Hope your weekends went well.

Swallowtail Shawl

2008-06-19T15:44:00.000-07:00

I cast on for the TSR Swallowtail Shawl KAL this afternoon after much agonizing over fiber and color. I settled on a 70/30 merino/silk mix in a color called pinot. I'm very much excited over it. I did order a second skein (dye lot be damned) to make the shawl bigger than the pattern calls for (I'm following someone elses modifications, I'm not that brave), but if it works out well, I might make it in bigger yarn on bigger needles.

This is one of three lace shawl/stoles that I have in progress right now.

I want to start Sam's birthday present but I'm still not sure if I want to do the scarf/hat or the sweater. The sweater is really damn cute, but I'm scared of it.

I need to get a scanner that is vista compatible, and I need ink for my printer. Trying to get to the copier at work isn't really that great of an idea, and I rarely get the chance.

I finally found a semi-local place to get the sock yarn for my mom's toe-less/heel-less socks. They have an online store, and I hope they have the color I want in stock still. I figured, $6 shipping was worth not having to drive out there, and I wouldn't buy any more yarn like I might in the store.

I'm going to be making a hat for one of my co-workers (nobody tell my other co-worker that wants the urban chunky gloves that I haven't started yet), and I think she is going to buy some malabrigo for it. I have to find a good pattern though. Maybe the Owl Cable Slouch, or the Butterfly Hat, or the Foliage, (this one is getting a big push toward being the one, as it has a chunky version and I can get nice chunky malabrigo on my way home from work), Lyre is fun too.

Before camping I need to finish the condom cozy I'm making as part of a prize pack.

The birthday something and the hat need to get done by the end of July. Well, the hat I probably have through August, but Sam's birthday is August 1. I really ought to finish my brother's Christmas socks before his birthday in August, and I'd love to make something for Dan, but he's pretty impossible.

My MIL's birthday is in July, right when we get back from camping, but I don't know if she's ever worn anything I've made her.

My SIL's birthday isn't until October, so we'll procrastinate on that for a little while. If I make her anything. Like her mom, not sure if she's ever worn anything I've made her.

WWKIP Day

2008-06-15T03:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was World Wide Knitting in Public Day.

So, we (and I use that term loosely to mean, I showed up, and made name tags, but didn't really make any decisions, that was left to others) hosted an event in Rittenhouse Square in Philly. I made 25 name tags, figuring, we'd use maybe 10 or so. They were all used up, and there were at least 10-15, if not 20 more people there.

There was a bunch of really good food, pasta salads, cookies (vegan and not), guacamole, gazpacho, fresh picked strawberries.

The cranky 'I think knitters are posers guy' from Philadelphia Weekly showed up and charmed us into interviews, and then told us who he was. I guess maybe he knew we'd tie him to a tree and cover him with peanut butter for the squirrels if we decided not to stab him with our knitting needles.

It was hot, but we sat there all day, under the trees, sharing stories and coming and going. It was really a very cool thing to walk across the park and see a big group of people knitting. I think we're going to do it again in the fall.

Of course now, my joints are all stiff from sitting on the ground all day. Next time I'm going to bring smaller food, and a chair!

Socks, Shawls Bags, and Baby Clothes

2008-06-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

The new Knitty is out, and what did I add to my queue? Socks (hello dear, pick a pair and MAKE THEM ALREADY YOU HAVE SOCK YARN COMING OUT YOUR EARS), a lace shawl (of course), a grocery bag, and a cute girl baby sweater. I don't really know any girl babies any more.

I need to knit more. Why am I writing?

Spinning!

2008-05-31T04:02:00.000-07:00

While I was a the MD Sheep and Wool Festival, there was a booth with small bags of roving and a beginner's drop spindle. I caved. Then I got home and decided I'd be all thumbs and there was no way I'd be able to teach myself.

So, I whined to my Ravelry group, and guess where it got me? Spinning! A friend of one of the group members could teach me, and she was going to come to our meetup! After she taught me, she gave me some more fiber to use! She said it's tradition. I'm usually one to scoff in the face of tradition, but not this one!

I've officially spun 2 oz of roving. It's sitting on my spindle, waiting for the next lesson to see if I should ply it or keep it how it is. It's pretty in some spots and not so pretty in others, but I'm very excited. I have I think 4 oz of the same wool that came with the kit, so after I learn what to do next, I'm going to spin again.

Now that I've been shown how to do it I don't know why I freaked out so much!

Huge Queue?

2008-05-26T16:13:00.000-07:00

My Ravelry queue has about 12 pages worth of stuff on it. Some of it is yarn that I want. Most of it is patterns. Most of those I'll never do, but they are there for the ideas. They promise they'll have organizational options soon, but I can't wait any longer. I'm trying to organize it manually. Maybe it'll work.

Wish me luck!

Knit for Myself

2008-05-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

Please someone hit me with the stick that lets me feel not so guilty for wanting to make stuff for myself.

My WIPs right now include a Brea Bag (so close!) that has no home. A SOTM that is technically for me once the blanket is finished but that doesn't count right now. A pair of socks for my Dad. A pair of legwarmers for my Mom. (SO SLOW WTF WITH THE TINY NEEDLES). Part of the problem with them is that I really want to get a different color for the main body of the legwarmer and that means I need to order it because I don't think that any of my local stores caries it. I'm of course, also currently asking my TSR group if they know where I can get it. I'm also making a condom cozy from a friend's pattern to put in a prize pack for my SG camping trip this year.

But I want to make a stole. For me. Because I love them, and I don't have one. But there are so many patterns, and I have several choices of yarn available to me. (did i mention that I also bought yarn to make one for my mom too, it's the Tucson Lattice Shawl by Nancy Miller from 101 Designer One Skein Wonders)

Here are my choices. The Forest Path Stole by Faina M. Letoutchaia, the Luna Moth Shawl by Shui Kuen Kozinski, the Voyager Lace Stole by Shui Kuen Kozinski and Benne Ferrell, the Optic Waves Shawl by Shelia January,the Butterfly Mobius by Clara Parkes , the Zetor Scarf by Jatta Saukko .

There are more, I'm going to stop listing them now. I need help!

I'm going to swatch now

2008-05-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Except for the shawls. I'm not going to swatch them because it doesn't matter. But I'm determined to knit some clothing besides socks (and yes, I know you are supposed to gauge socks, but I'm still not), and I have a feeling they will turn out too small if I don't swatch first.

I have to finish my bag first. And I have to find the baby bootie pattern. And the amazing head start I had on my square of the month is gone. I have to tackle those cables on June.

My sexy new yarn is calling me from my stash. Wind me at least, it says. Re-read the pattern you're going to share me with. Cast on. Go ahead. So far I'm ignoring it. I have the baby hat almost finished. I have to put buttons on the vest.

I need to make my brother's socks. And another pair for my dad. And a first pair for my mom.

I want to make my husband a computer chair cosy. For the back part, where his shoulders touch and get chilly but the blanket always falls off and gets stolen by the dog.

The freeform piece just needs a little something else. Then I'm mailing it. I promise.

I want more knitting books.

Whoosh

2008-04-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's Sunday evening already. This weekend was wondeful but flew by.

Friday night after work we met up with a friend and headed to the Philadelphia Tattoo convention.
I plan on getting a tattoo like the second picture on this page. When? Whenever I can schedule a date with the artist.

Saturday I was up early, partially because of the sun streaming in my window, and partially because I was going with the ladies to Wool Gathering for the 1000 Knitters Project. We got there early enough to have good parking and to be 3, 4, and 5 in line! Turns out we were part of a record breaking number of knitters showing up for a photo shoot. 131! That's a lot of photographs. We then wandered around Kennett Square, got some bread, cheese, hummus and cured churizo (sp?) for a picnic lunch. We also accidentally happened upon a mushroom store and got some amazing fresh mushrooms, including some morels. Some of them are making their way into dinner tonight.

I was asleep at my keyboard playing WoW at 9 pm, so went to bed and woke up at 6:30 again. Hello body, it's the WEEKEND! You can at least sleep til 7!

I met up with the ladies and their friends again and we went for another picnic at Ridley Creek State Park. More cheese, hummus and bread, smoked salmon, cherry tomatoes, snow peas, peanut butter with honey, cranberry walnut tart, and a downpoar before we were finished eating. Then we walked through the park and encouraged Jupiter the dog to go swimming for sticks in the creek.

Now I'm home again, posting instead of doing homework and laundry. Go me!

Update!

2008-03-16T05:13:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure nobody reads this. Or if you do, you talk to me regularly or read my other online journal.

I was offered the grounds manager position with my current employer. I start on the 31st of this month.

I'm trying to knit my dad a plain version of the tie in Son of Stitch n Bitch but can't figure out the flap, or how to cast on the stitches in the middle of my work.

I'm working on two scarves and each time I work on them I'm wondering why I decided to make a scarf.

My May SOTM is annoying me because I think it's written wrong. I'm going to see if there is errata for it right now.

My mom's cat in the grass socks are harder than I thought because of the intarsia in the round. I'm not going to do anymore intarsia in the round socks after I finish these.

I'm going to order my harmony interchangables on Tuesday night or Wednesday.

I need to start working through my stash more.

Told you I was bad at this

2008-02-22T04:22:00.001-08:00

I'm supposed to be going to Chapel Hill today.

someone didn't tell the snow that

:(

Cold, Cleaning, School, So Much to Knit so Little Time

2008-01-21T17:54:00.001-08:00

Time for a new post. It's cold here today. I don't like cold, but I have to go out and run some errands. I have books that have to go back to the library. I need to go to the grocery store and get milk. I've got TONS of clothes that I need to take to the goodwill. I'm really trying to reduce the amount of 'stuff' I have in my house. My computer room is still a beast, but I know it will come along in time.

I hate my closet. I don't like keeping my clothes in drawers, because you can't see them and mess them up looking for what you want. My closet has bulb crate shelves in it, and they are tired. Right now my clothes are in the basement because I don't want to put them away. I got some underbed storage boxes for my summer/winter clothes, and they don't fit under our bed, it's a pretty low to the floor. I was thinking about getting some of those bed riser things, I just need a few inches, but I'm afraid they won't work or will be horribly ugly.

I'm in a quandary over knitting projects right now.
I have two pairs of socks in progress (one of which I need to finish 'now' since I gave them to my dad for Christmas and just need to rework the foot so it's a little longer). I want to make my mom some legwarmers for her birthday in Feb - but for some reason, I can't start them. I don't know why my mental block is.

It's too early to start my Feb Square of the Month, so I'm not. My other birthday present for my mom is a lace cowl type thing, but I'm still waiting for my ball winder to arrive so I can wind the 400 ish yards of laceweight yarn into a ball without dying of old age before I get to the end of it.

My ravelry queue has about 140 projects on it, including a Horde symbol pillow, that I may or may not felt (but I'm waiting for the yarn to arrive, it will get here when the ball winder does). Most of those projects don't have recipients.

I want to make myself a dressy scarf and head warmer thing, but the needles I would use are the same ones I need for both the legwarmers and the cowl, and I'm saving my needle buying money to get this interchangable set.

I started my Interpersonal Communication class this past Monday, have today off for the holiday. It's going to be interesting. I'm supposed to write two papers evaluating conversations I've had with someone, and explaining what could have been done better in those conversations. I don't get it. Maybe it will make more sense after we get into more than the syllabus.

I have 5 friend requests from people that have never commented in my journal and whose journals I haven't commented in. I have no intention of accepting them (that is what bookmarks are for people), but i feel badly deleting them.

Oh, I saw Julie Loyd play at the coffee shop where I knit on Tuesday nights. I really enjoyed watching her perform. I don't see live music often and forget just how captivating it is. I am amazed how she travels all over playing her music, just herself a few speakers, her guitar and her banjo. I'm impressed by her courage. Listen to Fate Says He's Sorry, and Normal. Well, listen to them all, but I like those two a lot.

Got my Swap, New Needles and a Gift Card to a Store I Don't Shop at

2008-01-12T15:14:00.001-08:00

I got my SG gift swap in the mail this past week. I got a beautiful hand-knit scarf, awesome notions (stitch markers, tapestry needles, etc), and 2 skeins of recycled silk yarn. Once I finally get my ball winder I can start looking at what I want to make with it.

My KnitPicks Harmony needles arrived - I got sizes 1, 2 and 3 - and am knitting on the 2s right now. I love them! I wish there was a more convenient way to get them, and I can't afford to buy them all now, but I think I will work my way through them. I'm hoping to just get the interchangable set rather than all fixed. So, my plan is to save money, buy the fixed ones that don't come in the interchangables, and get the interchangables sometime. Maybe once my bank account is happier, I can use my grandparents Christmas money for part of it.

If only my MIL had purchased me a gift certificate to them instead of to Barnes and Noble. She meant well, but the nearest store isn't near me at all, and browsing online is hard to do. I almost bought Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty series - but I've heard mixed reviews and I'd rather buy them for less on Amazon. So now I have the SnB nation book in my bag, along with The Golden Compass (plus the other two in the series)

So, what do I purchase with the rest of the gift card? I want more pattern books, but my Ravelry queue is already out of control. I love to read, but really feel like I should just go to the library.

Oooh, I think I have it figured out. The new Vampire Huntress book comes out in February. I'm going to pre-order it - YAY!

Class starts on Monday. I'm taking Intro to Interpersonal Communication. Whee. I have to get this degree finished. I have to transfer last semester's credits. I forget how.

Things I want to do that are fun:
Finish reading my library book
Knit
Go Geocaching
Have several game nights
Play guitar hero/rock band
Play in the yard with my dogs
Read the Chronicles of Narnia with my husband
Level my Shaman
Get my Tattoo
Go bowling
Go out to dinner with my best man and his family

What I'm knitting now (and I'm too lazy to make links)
Two Alert Cat Socks (for my mom)
A gift
January Square of the Month
Thuja socks for Dad (I have to add some length to the foot and redo the toe)

What I've finished recently
Three gifts for three separate people

What I want to knit soon
Something entrelac using leftover yarns from the above projects
Baby knits for a number of babies I know (I'm so glad I have friends with children)

Geocaching, Scarves, Squares and my Swift

2008-01-06T14:00:00.000-08:00

My Swift arrived, my husband thinks I'm crazy having a special piece of equipment to wind yarn. Right now I'm using it as a sculpture in my living room, as the winder is still on back order. I'm very excited.

Some crazy part of me decided to make some late Christmas scarves for a few friends. One down, two to go! I started to make fetching, didn't like it in the yarn I had, and had converted from dps to both pieces on two circs, not paying attention to needing to have a certain amount of sts on each needle for the cable pattern. I'll do them again some other time.

Was supposed to go to my LYS for the January Celtic Square of the month, but was working on Decembers and decided that I'd pick my own order and do my own square each month. I feel guilty, but as of right now, I don't need to practice the sts for three hours before starting the square, and I can use that $10 to buy yarn.

This afternoon I went geocaching with my parents. If I can find a buddy and a GPS I would be in trouble. I love going on treasure hunts and short walks. I may find out if someone in my knitting circle or in the regional SG group is interested and do more with them. Solo-caching isn't for me, and I can't expect my parents to come visit every weekend.

What really makes it exciting is that the alien that I knitted is now a travel bug. I can't wait til my Mom emails me the pictures of where we started it's travels.

Help! I want to knit every pattern I see!

2008-01-03T16:43:00.001-08:00

That pretty much sums it up.

Knitting Calendar, Harmony Needles, and a Swift

2008-01-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

So, I got the 2008 Knitting with Desiree Scales and friends calendar - so far, I'm intrigued. Since I'm an obsessive collector, having patterns that interest me that I'll probably never do is fine - you can just peek at my ravelry queue and figure that out. Some of them are bound to be scary though, but I'm refraining from peeking ahead.

Over the weekend I made the Instant Gratification Scarf while watching Law and Order.

I've decided that I want to make some good friends some knitted Christmas presents - for this past Christmas. The scarf is for their 10 yr old son, and I'm making them each some fingerless mitts.

I'm on the leg of the 'toe' up Traveler (pedicure) socks and the recipient's visit keeps getting pushed back. I'm bummed. I miss her like crazy and living 10 to 12 hours away from each other sucks.

In other news my swift is in the mail - I can order my ball winder on Jan 9, and my sock-sized harmony needles should be shipping any day now.

My swap partner seemed to like her gift. I had a lot of fun and want to do more, but I think I will skip the priority mail the next time.

My grandmother got the felted bowl I made her, and thought it was a hat. oops. I don't have the heart to tell her.

Why am I typing - I have knitting to do!

Quant Finished and swap mailed

2007-12-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

I finished Quant last night, once I realized I was supposed to be purling the wrong side picked up stitches it started to look much nicer.

Now I have to go try that wrap stitch on my socks.

I mailed my SG swap items, my grandmother's Christmas present and my charity blanket squares this morning. I hope they all arrive quickly and safely.

Now for some laundry and some knitting.

Oh, and I'd better make sure my parents aren't showing up sometime today to drop off some left behind Christmas gifts. My living room is a disaster!

I'm so bad at this

2007-12-29T06:40:00.000-08:00

I am not a good journal keeper. I always want to be, and keep it up for a little while, and then lose track.

My most successful journal has been on SG, though I usually think of things I want to write when I'm nowhere near a computer.

While trolling the sale calenders looking for something to use my borders gift certificate on (I buy books from amazon folks!), I found a gorgeous 2008 daily planner that I thought would be perfect for keeping track of my knitting projects in. Which day I started, what yarn/needle I used, who it was for. Much like my ravelry project list, but portable. Then I can keep track of how long I've been working on something, how many projects I have on the needle simultaneously. I'm sure it's full of good intentions. Next December will tell how full it is of knitting.

I just recently ordered an umbrella swift and have a ball winder on back order. This is the most expensive non-yarn purchase I have made since I've started knitting and it scares me. What if I stop knitting? What will I do with that then? I'm just wary of big ticket hobby purchases.

So, what do I have on needles right now?
Quant from knitty
with birthday present yarn for myself
and
Traveler Pedicure Socks
as a Christmas present for my best friend (she'll be visiting in January)
and
Chunky Braided Scarf
to keep me busy while I Warcraft

What's waiting in the wings?
Cabled Legwarmers
for my mom for her birthday
and 2
Ice Queen
one for me and one for my mom for her birthday

Knitting Nysssa

From the book, Taking Time For Friends. The author is unknown.

WineLovers Wine Glass Companion

Mitered Square Bag

Edging the Hemlock Ring Blanket

My Needles Overfloweth

Hemlock Ring Update

I'm Finally Making the HRB

Wanting to Blog more

It's been a while

SocialKnitworking Has the Clap and other Knitting Projects

Fruit Cake

It's been a while

Busy Weekend

Quintessential Now

Website?

Summer is officially here

WWKIP Day

United States, Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaHosted by: Third Street RavelersLocation: Rittenhouse SquareTime: 11a - ?Date: June 14, 2009

Socks/Sock Blanket?

Loopy Ewe

Lady Eleanor

Lady Eleanor

Wintery Wonders

BSJ Success!

I Know You are Waiting

Final Four

Sock Contest

Sock Contest

I finished something!

Getting Closer

Wishlists

Tubular Cast-On (a copy)

Time Flies

Back from Rhinebeck

Knitting, Not Writing

Holiday Knitting

I shouldn't be sleepy at 8 pm on a Friday night

2 Shawls and 3 swaps, plus mobsters

YARN

Philadelphia Knit in Public Day Fall 2008

Stitch n Pitch Knitting

I finished my first sweater and knit a bottle cozy

Swallowtail

Hot weather makes me sad

GRRRRR :D

Swallowtail Shawl

WWKIP Day

Socks, Shawls Bags, and Baby Clothes

Spinning!

Huge Queue?

Knit for Myself

I'm going to swatch now

Whoosh

Update!

Told you I was bad at this

Cold, Cleaning, School, So Much to Knit so Little Time

Got my Swap, New Needles and a Gift Card to a Store I Don't Shop at

Geocaching, Scarves, Squares and my Swift

Help! I want to knit every pattern I see!

Knitting Calendar, Harmony Needles, and a Swift

Quant Finished and swap mailed

I'm so bad at this

United States, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Hosted by: Third Street Ravelers
Location: Rittenhouse Square
Time: 11a - ?
Date: June 14, 2009