Knitting with Bookgirl

No more knitting books

2010-07-22T21:41:00.000-04:00

I've decided I need to knit at least one project from each knitting pattern book I own, before buying any more books.

Thus I need to find and knit a project from the following books:

A Gathering of Lace
New Pathways for Sock Knitters: Book One
Boho Baby Knits
No Sheep For You
Favorite Socks
Knitting Lingerie Style
Weekend Knitting
Domiknitrix

I left out Happy Hooker since I need to learn to crochet first.

Accepting the inevitable

2010-07-14T21:35:00.001-04:00

I'm going to have to get another storage tote for my stash. I have so many club kits that haven't been knit yet, that my current storage system is really not working. Another storage tote is something I really had hoped to avoid.

Wasp invasion

2010-07-10T12:28:00.001-04:00

Wasps started invading my apartment this week. They are getting in through my balcony somehow. And it is closed. Between the cat and myself we must have killed at least 50 in the past few days. I've never been stung and I don't want the cat getting stung.

So I started researching DIY wasp traps. And using some tips from WikiHow and and an old 2 liter I made this:

As you can see, Sophie didn't want to be left out of the action. Especially when one of my tools was some leftover Peaches and Cream yarn. The trap is now on my balcony. I'm hoping this works. If it does I'll make 1-2 more.

Socks, Kits, and Cats... Oh My

2010-05-25T22:44:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in forever. Mainly because I've been busy and forgetful.

I have finished so many pairs of socks since my last update. The OZ club, which is a 2 year club, has taken a lot of time. I'm also in another sock club, so I am constantly receiving kits. And I am way behind knitting the packages. Late last year, I gave up ever getting current with knitting them. I will say that having two sock clubs has kept me on yarn buying restriction.

The ones that have been knit so far:

Wicked Witch

Glinda

Over the Rainbow

Dorothy ( first socks on Size 0)

Emerald City

Alexandria

Old Kinsale

Raining Cats and Dogs

Ladybugs

WIP Kits:

Enchanted Forest and Flying Monkeys

Cowardly Lion

Kits received but not yet kit:

Toto

Ruby Slippers

We're not in Kansas Anymore

Winter Birches

Sugared Grapefruit

Dreamer

Kits en route:

Yellow Brick Road

Another big thing, is that I've adopted a kitty in April. She has made knitting difficult, because she has so much energy. I was so used to the old gentleman kitty, who would only occasionally rest his head on my WIPs. However this kitty who is about 3 or 4 years old, thinks that yarn is her toy, and as a result I don't get much done around her. I will say that life with a kitty is so much nicer than life without one. I just need to get something that will keep her busy while I'm knitting.

Glinda and Tomatoes

2009-07-05T20:14:00.006-04:00

I finished the Glinda socks. I love Madtosh yarn, it is lovely to knit with.

The pattern was great to knit and I learned how to cable without a cable needle.

My tomatoes have been growing nicely. I'm so excited about how well they are doing. Hopefully that will keep up.

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2009-06-06T13:32:00.007-04:00

My Over the Rainbow kit came this week. So very pretty. The yarn was dyed by Zen String.

I don't think I ever posted the two previous kits here. So here is the Wicked Witch Kit. dyed by White Oak Studio. And I included a picture of this one knit up.

And the Glinda Kit. This yarn was dyed by Madelinetosh.

Container Gardening and more OZ socks

2009-05-31T21:10:00.005-04:00

So I'm going to try my hand at container gardening this year. I'm going to try to grow tomatoes and radishes. I bought everything to set it up today. Now I have to decide which part of my balcony will work the best. I hope to least get a salad's worth out of this.

I'm am about to cast off the Wicked Witch socks. Then I can cast on the Good Witch socks. And the Over the Rainbow kit should arrive this work. No tot mention I still need to finish the February shipment of the regular WoolGirl sock club and find time to knit the April shipment.

With all these kits, knitting down the stash has not been going that well. I think I'm working on my fourth stash project of the year.

Stash Flash

2009-04-04T10:58:00.003-04:00

So April 1 is the day knitters flash their stash. I've never actually participated in it. And didn't again this year. The thought of getting out my entire stash and managing to get it all together for a picture is not even something I want to think about. Actually putting it all back is what I wouldn't want to do.

I am jealous of the stash management systems some people have. I don't currently have the space for the storage system I would like to have.

Cherry Tree Socks

2009-03-15T22:51:00.003-04:00

I finished the Cherry Tree socks on Friday. Yay!

And I 'm now about 25% done with the Pine Cone Socks, which are being worked two at a time. This pattern has been refreshing so far compared to the Cherry Tree socks.

And my Lorna's Jaywalker is nearly to the heel flap on the second sock.

Socks Socks Socks

2009-03-01T22:38:00.003-05:00

My Glinda the Good Witch Kit arrived this weekend. Yay! I adore Madtosh and pink, so it was perfect for me.

But it got me to thinking I have a lot of socks to knit. Especially so I don't have a ton of Wips or get too behind on my sock clubs.

1. Finish the Cherry Tree Socks (October 2008 Sock Club) -currently the 2nd sock is halfway done.
2. Finish the Whispering Pine Socks (December 2008 Sock Club)- just cast on today
3. Finish the Crazy Stripe Jaywalkers- 1st sock done
4. Finish the Regia Jaywalkers- 1st sock done
5. Knit the Wicked Witch of the West Socks
6. February/March Sock Club- kit should arrive this coming week
7. Knit the Glinda the Good Witch Socks

Crazy Stripe Jaywalkers and Yarn Diet

2009-02-21T20:26:00.004-05:00

I am half done with the Crazy Stripe Jaywalkers. Made from Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the Crazy Stripe Colorway. I loved the first pair of Jaywalkers I made from this yarn about a year ago and knew then I needed to make another pair. My other pair is great for wearing in boots on cold Chicagoland mornings.

I bought the yarn about a year ago on sale, so this is a great stash busting project. I've been going through my stash most weekends to remind myself that I have lovely yarn and can stay on the yarn diet for awhile.

Sakura (Cherry Tree) Socks, one nearly done

2009-02-21T20:20:00.003-05:00

I'm almost done with the first Sakura sock, made from Yarntini. I really love Yarntini yarn. I'm glad I stuck with the pattern and didn't give. I have found one mistake on the pattern thus far though. But it was pretty easy to catch, and it is for last rounds of the cuff, so it is not a part I have knit yet.

The picture is from a few days ago. I have more done now.

Knitting Anniversary

2009-02-16T21:28:00.003-05:00

This past weekend marked the anniversary of when I first started knitting five years ago. I actually found the remnants of the first skein of Red Heart. If someone had told me five years ago that I would one day think $20 or more was reasonable for a pair of socks, I wouldn't have believed them. Although even then I knew that acrylic yarn was not for me.

Sakura (Cherry Tree) Socks

2009-02-08T20:09:00.003-05:00

I've been working on the Sakura socks for a couple of weeks now. I'm still on the first sock. They are that difficult. This was the shipment of the October Sock Club.

I am debating whether to rip out the whole thing and do a different pattern or keep on going with this one.

Rainbow Bridge

2009-02-02T20:53:00.006-05:00

My beloved kitty passed on to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. He was about 20 years old. I feel better knowing that he is not suffering, and is in a much better place.

Knitting from the Stash

2009-01-17T09:58:00.004-05:00

So I'm starting to plan my projects ahead of time so I can stick to my yarn diet and finally knit projects I have wanted to state for awhile.

1. Start the second sock of the Jaywalkers- Regia
2. October 2008 Sock Club- Yarntini
3. December 2008 Sock Club-Hazel Knits
4. Wicked Witch Kit-White Oak Studio
5. Finish the Should Shawl with Syrian Lace- Knitpicks Shimmer
6. Swallowtail Shawl- Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Solid
7. Try to knit the 6 2009 Sock Clubs
8. My Gryffindor Knee Socks- Holiday Yarns
9. February lady Sweater-Dream in Color Classy
10. A Curved Shawl With Diamond Edging- Knitpicks Shadow
11. Perfect Pie Shawl-Possibly Cheery Tree Hill Baby Boucle
12. Tuscany Shawl- SWTC Bamboo
13. Gloria Cowl-?

These are the projects that I would like to either complete if they are in progress or start in this year. They are not in an exact order. All can be made from stash, with exception of the 2009 sock club and Wizard of OZ kits since that yarn is delivered in installments.

Stash and Yarn Diet

2009-01-17T09:48:00.007-05:00

I recently went though one of my stash bins and updated my stash and in turn updated my stash on Ravelry. I still have a little bit of yarn from when I first started knitting. Some of it no longer has labels, but I can still identify the brand and usually the line. Granted it is not that hard to tell if a yarn is Caron Simply Soft.

I love comparing the old crappy yarn from the early days to my nice newer stash. It makes me feel like I have achieved something.

And going through all of my beloved yarn reminds me that I can stick to the yarn diet for awhile. Hopefully to Stitches in September. I did give myself Sock Club and Wizard of Oz kits, I need to have a little something new everyone and awhile.

Knitting Resolutions and Knitting down the stash

2009-01-11T21:47:00.005-05:00

So it is a bit after the new year. But I'm posting my knitting resolutions now anyway.

1. I am going to finish the lace shawl I started in 2007

2. Make a sweater I will actually finish.

3. Shop the stash before buying new yarn.

With the exception of sock club and the Wizard of Oz kits, I'm going to try to keep from buying yarn until Stitches Midwest.

I started my first stash busting project. I'm making the Drop Stitch Scarf with KnitPicks Memories in Morning Glory. I bought the yarn back in 2007, they have since discontinued the line. I didn't like it for socks, the three pairs I made back in 2007 all had holes within a month. But I do like it for other projects.

Speed Knitter Returns

2008-12-28T02:00:00.004-05:00

I broke my personal sock knitting record. While on vacation I knit a pair of RPMS in five days. I used Socks that Rock Lightweight in Jingle Bell Rock. There are 6 repeats on the leg.

Holiday Knitting is Underway

2008-11-09T14:35:00.002-05:00

I'm trying to avoid having a time crunch. Especially since this year I'll be out of town for the Holidays.

I've nearly finished my projects for my future niece, my sister's present is half done, I started the one for my mom yesterday, and I wound the yarn for my dad's present. I'm still debating what to do for my brother-in-law's gift. I may knit part and buy the other part. I haven't decided yet.

Ravelympics

2008-08-03T20:39:00.005-04:00

I decided to participate in the Ravelympics this year. I am in the Sock Put and the Shawl Relay. I'm going to do the Froggin' sock pattern using the Dashing Dachs fingering weight in the Froggin' Colorway and the Diamonds and Pearls Shawl in Lady Godiva's Ocean colorway.

The shawl is going to be the challenge. At least it is a one skein worsted weight project.

Knitting on straights with charity yarn

2008-08-02T22:46:00.003-04:00

I haven't knit on straight needles in about two years.

However today I was over at my parents house and realized I didn't have any knitting with me. When I moved out I took all my yarn and needles, except for my portion of the charity yarn given to the knitting group and straight needles.

I guess I am more addicted to knitting than I thought. I was over there watching tv and I couldn't focus on what I was watching without a project in my hands.

So I now have a rib stitch scarf for charity in progress.

Pooling Monkeys Finished

2008-05-15T22:43:00.005-04:00

I finished the pooling Monkeys at 2:00am on Mother's Day. The toe up version is much better. At leas they don't look like the Sleeping Beauty faerie fight any longer.

Pooling Monkey

2008-04-19T22:25:00.006-04:00

So I was making a Monkey out of Yarn Love's Scarlett O'Hara in the Autumn Festival colorway. But the first attempt (pictured here) pooled like crazy. So it was ripped out.

Tried again, but needed to frog again.

I'm not sure if it going to work out. At least I have a back up gift for Mother's day.

Oh and here is a picture of the redyed yarn.

Redyeing Yarn

2008-04-06T19:50:00.002-04:00

Well I finally redyed some yarn that I initially dyed last summer. It looks better, less white spots. I don't think I'll dye it again. I redyed both skeins. For both this time around I used eight packages of pink lemonade unsweetened Kool-Aid.

I'm still trying to decide what to make out of it. Maybe I'll dye a third skein and make a clapotis for my mother or sister. That might be a flattering pattern for the yarn.

Irish Dreams Socks...

2008-03-16T12:56:00.002-04:00

My Irish Dreams Socks are done at last and just in time for St. Patrick's day. I'm not entirely sure that I even did the pattern correctly in terms of the knots. But they are done, they will not be frogged and fixed or frogged at all for that matter. They work as socks.

Lace Shawl

2008-01-27T13:50:00.000-05:00

I've been working quite a bit on the Shoulder Shawl in Syrian Lace pattern the last few days. The main portion of the pattern is not difficult. It just takes a long time. I think the border will end of being the trying part of the pattern.

My goal is to finish it this spring. We'll see if they happens.

I'm about to start the Erte Cloche pattern. Hats are one thing that I have only made about one or two of and those were out of crappy acrylic yarn in 2004.

Toe up socks

2008-01-05T22:43:00.000-05:00

I'm currently working on a pair of toe up socks for my mother. I've made two pairs of toe up socks in the past. I must say that I suck at the sewn bind off. On the other tow pairs I went up a few needle sizes so the regular bind off wouldn't be too tight. This time I'm doing the sewn and it is not working out well. I've done the bind off on other projects in the past and it went fine so I'm not sure where I'm making the mistake here.

New Year, New Knitting Projects

2008-01-01T22:29:00.000-05:00

Well I suppose I need to finish old knitting projects first. I've been working on the lace shawl again. The Lombard Street Socks are on the way to completion. I still have second Irish sock to start. The hourglass sweater is nearly done I just need to fix the neckline and the sleeves. So most of last years projects are either nearly completed or at least getting attention.

I'm determined to restart and finish the Carpathia gloves.

As for entirely new projects I think the Anastasia socks will be one of the first new ones I start. I'm also thinking of making another sweater. Maybe the Accordion cardigan. Also a few shawls will be on the needles in 2008.

Syrian Shawl Progress

2007-12-30T16:58:00.000-05:00

I finally started working on the Syrian shawl again after months of it sitting in my knitting bag.

Once I finish it, I want to make one in a solid color. I have a lot of lace weight yarn in the stash so it shouldn't be too difficult, plus I'll get in some much needed stash busting.

I have so many sock patterns that I want to do at the moment it is insane. After I finish the ones I have in progress I need to decide whether I want to start on the Anastasia sock pattern or the Pomatomus sock pattern next. And then there are the knee highs that I want to make out of the Harry Potter Yarn.

Attic Findings

2007-12-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

When my family was bringing all the Christmas stuff down from the attic this year we reaffirmed the fact that we are all pack rats.

We found old acrylic yarn from the 1970's, that had belonged to my mother. It is nice to know that the quality of Caron yarn has improved significantly.
We also found old French books from both my father and mother's college years. I'm not sure my the pictures in my father's book were all from English speaking films though. The connection between The Sound of Music and French grammar is lost on me.

Winder, Swift and Needles oh my

2007-12-25T21:30:00.000-05:00

Well Christmas was very knitting friendly this year. I received a ball winder, and umbrella swift and the KnitPicks options needles.

The ball winder was fairly simple to figure out. The swift I had a little trouble with at first. My desk is not the greatest surface to clamp it on and makes it tilt slightly. However it does work. I'll have to try some other place in the house.

The needles I think I love already. I received the sock set of the Options nickel plated. Which is ideal for all the socks I work on when I need and extra set of a certain size. I also received the interchangeable metal circular set. I've checked the joins since I have a friend who has experienced some problems with her cable joins. They look okay so far, but usage will tell.

Cozy Finished

2007-12-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

I've finally finished this project that I hated so much. If it weren't for the Syrian lace shawl that I'm still working on, I wouldn't be making any shawl/wrap patterns again for a long time.

As it is I haven't worked on the Syrian lace shawl in the longest time.

Sweater progress, lace shawl

2007-10-19T08:10:00.000-04:00

Working the yoke is monotonous. All those stitches. I thought it was a lot of stitches when I was working the body. I know I'm decreasing, but each round I work seems just as long as the previous one.

I see all these sweater patterns that I really like, but I'm not sure I'm willing to do another sweater any time soon.

I've been neglecting the lace shawl. It is not in jail, but it is resting while I finish the sweater.

I would work on the sweater during my lunch break, but for obvious reasons that is impractical. Any project taken to work needs to be small. Like socks or my current purse project Fetching.

Hourglass Sweater and Yarn Diet

2007-10-18T08:11:00.000-04:00

Well I finished the second sleeve and have now attached the sleeves and am working on the yoke. I think I may very well reach the current goal of finishing by the end of this month. But I have already passed so many target completion dates for this sweater, I don't want to get my hopes up. At least it is looking like a sweater now, instead of three tubes of stitches.

I do think that I will be massively breaking the yarn diet this weekend. But it depends on a few things.

Shoulder Shawl and Sock Club

2007-09-16T22:42:00.000-04:00

The shoulder shawl in Syrian lace pattern got the bulk of my knitting attention today. I would love to have it finished this month. But I would also like to finish the sweater this month.

I managed to avoid going to the yarn shop again today. Although I did get my first WoolGirl sock club shipment yesterday. However I don't think that can be considered breaking the yarn diet since that was already paid for and was a planned out purchase. it was not a late night sneaky shopping attack. Or somehow managing to drive to the yarn shop situation. The one good thing ( in terms of the yarn diet) is that none of the yarn shops in the area are technically on the way when I run errands. I've even avoided putting things in my shopping carts at all my favorite online stores. Even though I have been very tempted.

Lace Shawl, socks, sweater

2007-09-15T19:01:00.000-04:00

I have been working on the lace shawl and sweater steadily this past week. I made a mistake on the shawl and had to do some unknitting to fix it. But everything seems to be fine now.

The sleeve is going very slowly. It is going to take awhile. This may very well be the longest time I have taken to complete a project. I started the thing around March I think.

I started the heel flap on the Miss Babs socks. They are looking quite lovely. I should take pictures. I always say that though.

I was very strong today. I managed to talk myself out of going to the yarn store. I do have quite a bit of stash at the moment and should knit it down a bit. Although I do have trouble sticking to the Yarn Diet. I may very well buy yarn tomorrow or next weekend. It is so very tempting.

Miss Babs and Lace Shawl

2007-09-11T21:38:00.000-04:00

I'm nearly finished with the leg of the first sock out of the Miss Babs yarn. I like the way the yarn is knitting up, but I like the pooling of hand dyed yarn on socks.

I worked a few rows of the Syrian lace shawl. I have some issues with the pattern though. I really just don't see how it is going to be big enough. I feel like I'm missing something, but so far it is not listed in any of the errata I have found for the book. We'll see, I guess. I would be very surprised if I managed to finish this thing before the end of the year.

I haven't touched the sweater since Sunday. Maybe I'll do a few rows of the sleeve tonight.

Miss Babs socks, Orange Socks, Blocking and Sweater

2007-09-10T08:12:00.000-04:00

I finished the Orange socks last night. Now they just have to have the end woven in and be blocked. The Jitterbug socks have been blocked. The yarn dye ran a little more than I anticipated. I'm glad I washed them by hand instead of in the machine.

I started the Miss Babs socks in Chocolate Roses colorway. I'm only on the cuff but they are very pretty so far. I'm just doing a basic top down pattern.

The sweater also received a little attention and I got further along on the sleeves.

Monkeys Finished, Second Orange Sock

2007-09-07T23:30:00.000-04:00

I finished the second Monkey last night, and then cast on for the second orange sock. After I finish the Orange socks, I'm going to cast on with the Miss Babs yarn.

I'm thinking of casting on the Regia Bamboo for another pair of Jaywalker socks. Those needles are currently free.

I haven't worked on the Sweater since last weekend. I need to finish the thing.

I'm also going to block some socks this weekend. Even though I haven't finished the sock blockers. All the socks I have made are going to start piling up in the finished but unfinished storage tote.

Monkey and Sweater

2007-09-04T08:03:00.000-04:00

I cast on the second Monkey yesterday. I'm on the fourth lace pattern repeat of the leg. I expect to finish it by the end of the week.

I suppose then I'll start the second orange sock so I can finish the pair and give them away. I'd much rather start the Miss Babs socks though. But I want to be done with the orange ones.

There has also been progress on the sweater. I divided for the yoke and started the sleeves. I'm hoping to finish by the end of the month, if I'm lucky before then.

Knitting by Candlelight Part II

2007-09-03T12:39:00.001-04:00

My power went out for a few hours last night. This time the power company cannot put the blame on a storm.

I finished the first Monkey sock. I'll cast on the second today. I'm thinking of making another pair of Jaywalkers, this time out of Regia Bamboo.

I've done some work on the sweater. I'm going to divide for the yoke and start the sleeves today. I wanted to make the sleeves at the same time, but I did not realize that they were in the round at first. I suppose I can use two circulars. I'm pretty sure I have another size 6 circular needle not in use.

I really need to order the Knitpicks circular set. I love my Denise needles but some yarns work better on metal. I think I may order it in the next month or so.

Monkey

2007-08-29T08:08:00.000-04:00

I cast on Monkey on Monday, so far I've done 3 of the lace pattern repeats. It is moving along nicely I think the first will get finished this weekend.

Last night I wound Miss Babs in Chocolate Roses. I'm not sure which pattern I'm going to use it for yet. Probably a basic sock.

I really should work on the sweater and get it done with already. But I just have not felt like working on it. I know I should since if enough of the yarn is left over I'm going to use it to make a shawl for my aunt.

Knitting by Candlelight

2007-08-28T19:27:00.000-04:00

I finished my Jaywalker socks on Sunday. Quite a bit of the second sock was worked by candlelight and flashlight. Why? Because I did not have power from Thursday up until today. Not an easy time. I have a lot of respect for people who have had gone longer than than 5-6 days.

I am disgusted with the power company. They dragged their feet like crazy. They acted like like my town was somehow not accessible by land. What made it so frustrating was being 5 minutes from home and everyone having power. And then watching as everyone seems to be getting power but my house.

First Jaywalker

2007-08-22T08:09:00.001-04:00

I finished the first Jaywalker last night. It was late so I didn't bother casting on anything else.
I'll probably cast on the second today at lunch.

I might make the Monkey socks wait until after I've finished the Jaywalkers. Not sure yet though. Before the end of the day I may cast it on.

Jaywalker, Orange Socks, and Monkey

2007-08-21T20:41:00.000-04:00

I think I'll end up finishing the first Jaywalker sock tonight. Either that or I will be very close.

The first orange sockotta sock was finished last night. I'm not sure when I'll be able to cast on the other. I'm just really hating how orange they are. I'm glad the yarn was on sale when I bought it.

I may or may not cast on Monkey tonight. If I finish the first Jaywalker than I'll cast it on.

Jaywalker Progress, Monkey Yarn, and Booga Bag

2007-08-19T13:30:00.000-04:00

I'm nearly finished with the leg on the first Jaywalker. It is knitting up fairly quickly. I should be finished with it in a few days.

I've wound the yarn for the Monkey socks. I'm going to use the Fleece Artist yarn in the Marine Colorway. I thought about using one of the Miss Babs yarns that I bought, but decided against it.

I'm still working on the strap of the booga bag. The I-Cord is taking me forever. It doesn't help that my I-cords never look right.

Jaywalkers, KnitPicks, Yarn Diet

2007-08-18T13:53:00.000-04:00

I started the jaywalkers last night. I finished the toe up socks and then cast the jaywalkers.
I'm using KnitPicks Memories in Spring Prairie, which has been discontinued. I'm using Chiaogoo bamboo needles in US size 1 (2.25mm). They are the smallest diameter needles I've ever used. I was a little nervous about having bamboo needles so small. Only time will tell. They did feel a bit like using twigs at first. Amazing how much smaller they feel compared to the 2.5mm needles, although my 2.5mm are KnitPicks Options.

I have quite a bit of Memories in the stash. I have made two pairs of basic cuff down socks with it, as well as my Clapotis. I haven't worn either of the pairs yet so I'm not sure how well the yarn wears. I have heard that if your feet sweat that the yarn felts a bit. I guess I find out once I wear them. I still need to block them. KnitPicks tends to discontinue their sock yarn frequently. They just added a couple new lines though.

I'm coveting the merino/cashmere sock yarn from The Knittery in the Vineyard colorway. Stupid yarn diet. But I must be honest with myself, I should not buy more yarn right now. My storage is barely closing. I can't believe I went from the one little container to three large ones in less than a year. I really need to go through the stash and organize it a bit better though.

Part of the problem is that there are projects that I decided to wait on because it is summer. I didn't want to be making a wool sweater during the heat wave we had. Although I suppose I could finish up the bamboo sweater. I haven't touched it since July. Although I have kept it in my bag for each SNBWB meeting. Maybe one of these days I'll actually pick it up again.

Ravelry, yarn diet, and Jaywalkers

2007-08-17T18:48:00.000-04:00

I'm still waiting for my Ravelry invite. The number of people behind me has really grown. It is almost as large as the number in front of me. I wish I had put myself on the waiting list earlier.

WoolGirl has some really nice yarns that just went up, but since I just I had an order from them. I guess I should wait. I suppose I need to knit the stash down a bit before I buy more yarn.

I think the Jaywalkers are going to be the next socks I cast on. It was between Jaywalker and Monkey. Jaywalker won partially since those needles are already free, and because I have wanted to see how the yarn I am going to use will knit up.

Booga Bag

2007-08-17T08:11:00.000-04:00

I'm o the straps for the booga bag, so I'll definitely finish knitting it this weekend. Then I just have to felt it. I found some old jeans that I can use to help it along. hopefully it will go better than my other attempt at felting.

I still haven't given up on the graduated cylinder bag. If it doesn't shrink more I guess I'll just have to take up yoga.

Sock Blockers and sock progress

2007-08-16T18:59:00.000-04:00

Well last weekend I started my sock blockers. I'm having a difficult time making the cardboard part the right size. Each time I test it out a sock it is too small. So I need to get that part right before I even think about cutting the place mat. If all else fails I'll just buy some.

I'm currently working on a pair of toe up sock for my sister, which are nearly done. I hate the yarn so I'm glad they will be off the needles soon. I'm working on the Sockotta socks. The yarn itself is fine but I'm not sure if I care for the colorway. Each color has orange going through it and the stripes are so wide it looks like a roll of Smarties.

Queen Of Cups and Future Projects

2007-08-09T21:59:00.000-04:00

I'm about a third done with the leg of on the 2nd sock of my 2nd pair of Queen Of Cups socks. I took a break after making the first one and made the jitterbug socks.

I'm trying to decide which socks to start next. I should finish one of my other projects. The Booga bag is nearly done. I'll probably finish that this weekend so I can get it off the needles and felt it.

I'm torn on whether to start basic socks, starting the Jaywalkers, or starting the Monkey socks. I'm tempted to just do a basic sock with the Sockotta so I can see how it knits up for me. I may even do it in a toe up. Not sure.

Jitterbug Socks Finished and sock blockers

2007-08-08T08:11:00.000-04:00

I finished the Jitterbug socks last night. The pair took slightly over a week. I'm glad I followed the pattern on the label since there is only a tiny ball left. The only thing that would prevent me from buying the yarn again is the scant yardage. Eventually I'll have to post a picture. Once they are blocked.

I bought the materials to make sock blockers weeks ago and still have not gotten around to make them. I've been busily knitting socks all summer and haven't blocked any (except ones I gave as gifts) because I want to use the sock blockers.

New socks

2007-08-01T08:06:00.000-04:00

I started a new pair of socks last night out of Collinette Jitterbug in Florentina. The yarn itself is soft and a wonderful color. I like the way it is knitting up. However I would end up with a hank that had three breaks in it. These socks are going to be short since Jitterbug has less yardage than I'm used to.

I'm hoping the three breaks was just my hank because if I like the socks I'm going to probably buy the yarn again.

One project off the needles

2007-07-08T18:25:00.000-04:00

On Friday I finished one of the 6 WIPs I had. I still need to weave in ends and block, but at least it is off the needles.

I'm making some headway with the socks. I'm nearly finished with my father's socks. And I'm on the gusset of the Queen of Cups sock.

I have touched the sweater, the Carpathia lace gloves, or the shoulder shawl in Syrian lace from Victorian Lace Today in well over a week. I'll get to them eventually.

Dye

2007-06-24T00:43:00.000-04:00

I'm finally updating about the kool-aid dyeing. It went fairly well. Here are the result from the first skein.

I dyed another one a week later, but I still have to take pictures. I used black cherry, pink lemonade, and tropical punch. I chose the hot pour method that was described in a Knitty article. It just seemed the easiest. Using a crock pot also reduced any potential messes.

Lace Gloves and Dye

2007-06-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

I've been swatching for the Carpathia gloves from Knitty. My gauge is about an inch larger, so I'm going to make the gloves a size smaller than I originally planned. I'm using the same colors suggested in the pattern since I like that combination.

I'm going to try dyeing yarn today with Kool-Aid. I'll have to post pictures of the results.

Socks, sweaters, and shawls

2007-05-28T11:48:00.000-04:00

I have been working on just about everything but the socks that I'm making my mom. I am about halfway through the second sock and I just am not motivated to finish it.

However I have been knitting a pair of socks for myself. The sweater is getting further along, more is done now than all the other times. I frogged it at least twice so this is progress. I'm trying to avoid frogging it again.

The baby loop shawl is nearly done. I want to start my lace shawl, I've already knitted the swatch for it. But before I cast on for anything else I need to finish something that is on the needles.

For some reason I'm very into making shawls now. There are several that I want to make. Especially laces. But I need to do the easy lace before I get started on the more difficult ones.

Lace

2007-05-20T10:48:00.000-04:00

I recently bought Victorian Lace Today. The patterns are gorgeous and very classic looking. I haven't tried lace before and it does look complicated.

My first lace project is likely going to be the Carpathia gloves from knitty though as the lace pattern looks a bit simpler. I've also wanted to make those for months but didn't have the yarn.

Sock yarn stash

2007-05-20T10:45:00.000-04:00

My sock yarn stash has grown significantly this month. Pictures to follow. Although now I am going to have to go back on the yarn diet because my stash storage is now full. And I really don't currently have room to add another storage container.

Sweater

2007-04-10T08:08:00.000-04:00

Well I frogged the sweater I was working on. Then I cast on again the other night. I'll have to see how far I get without frogging this time.

The first time I had to frog because the stitches looked uneven and crappy.

I really don't have many projects on the needles right now. I have the babyloop shawl and the baby socks that I'm sort of making.

I need to take more pictures of my knitting. I'm planning to block Clapotis sometime this month and then I'll post pictures of it.

Felted bag

2007-03-18T14:19:00.000-04:00

I finally felted the bag I finished over six months ago. It is currently drying. I took some before pictures and will take some after pictures too. I don't think it will need to felt again.

I'll post the pictures eventually.

I still need to clock clapotis. I also finished fetching , but may need to unravel a few rows and redo part of one since one is slightly longer than the other.

Clapotis

2007-03-14T22:34:00.000-04:00

I finally finished knitting Clapotis. I'll post a picture later. Well it is mostly finished anyway. I still need to weave in the ends and block it.

But the knitting portion is done. It took much longer than I initially anticipated. Altough I would have likely finished a week ago if I hadn't made the mistake on it and had to rip some out.

Four projects on the needles

2007-02-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

Currently I have 4 WIPs on the needles . Fetching (wristwarmers), a hat, Clapotis, and a cat toy. I had finished the hat but it was too big, so I frogged it and cast it on smaller needles, it is about half way done now.

I haven't worked on Fetching in weeks, I haven't finished even the first one yet. Maybe I'll finish it in the next week or so.

I really need to weave the ends in on my one scarf and on the mittens. The mittens in particular since it is so cold this week.

And eventually I need to attach the straps to my bag so I can felt it.

Once a project is off the needles I just can't seem to work up the energy to finish it.

Mittens

2006-12-25T20:22:00.000-05:00

Okay one mitten anyway.

I'm nearly finished the first one. There a few loose stitches but overall I'm happy with it. There are a few more rows left on the hand, and then I just need to shape the thumb.

I'm experimenting with the new camera. I imagine the pictures will get better as I get more familiar with it.

More on the mittens

2006-12-20T23:26:00.000-05:00

I'm more than half done with the first mitten. After frogging it about half a dozen times. Hopefully I'll have the pair finished before the end of January.

But my history is to have several projects in the works at one time. It is preferable to have more than one because sometimes you just get tired of working on something, but not tired of knitting.

I also still need to weave in ends on those socks. Now I wish I hadn't made striped ones.

Mittens

2006-12-16T00:08:00.000-05:00

I started the mittens yesterday. I've finished the cuff portion of the first one. I really like how it is looking so far. Although the tricky part will be with the thumb portion.

When my mother saw the bamboo double pointed needles, she thought they were sticks.

This is my first experience with bamboo double points. They work really well on the wool yarn I'm using. They have a very smooth feel to them.

I'm hoping to have the first mitten finished by the end of next week so that I can start the second.

The socks are done

2006-12-12T23:07:00.000-05:00

I finally finished up the socks that were taking forever. It will be a long time before I make socks that long again. They just take too long. I've been working on them since September, although granted there were also other projects that I was working on.

I'm probably going to start the mittens this weekend.

Growing yarn stash and holiday knitting

2006-12-10T09:34:00.000-05:00

Well my stash is huge now. My Knit Picks order came with My Clapotis yarn and size 4, 5, and 6 double points, and I went to a yarn store in Naperville that was closing and had a sale. I bought some Cascade 220. So now my yarn storage case is full and I have several projects to start.

I'm nearly finished with holiday knitting and have started holiday blocking. I only need to finish up what I knitting for my mom and then I'll be done. I blocked one of the hats last night and it is drying.

I'll be glad when it is all done, so I can start my mittens and hat, to finish up the hat glove and mitten set I've been working on.

2006-12-02T17:50:00.000-05:00

Well I ended up missing the shower due in part to the snowstorm that hit Chicago and the idiocy of the airline. Needless to say I'm extremely irritated since I wanted to be there when my sister saw the blanket and hat for the first time. Now I have to mail them.

Since I ended up being home I went to Hobby Lobby looking for a row counter, the type that clicks. But I didn't like the one they had. So I'm still loooking. Maybe I'll try Michael's or Jo-Ann's. I'm tired of the type I have.

Two circulars

2006-11-29T08:12:00.000-05:00

I'm finding the two circular method surprisingly easy. I like it much better than the magic loop. Although I'll probably try magic loop again with a longer needle. But I have to say I find all the sliding you have to do distracting.

I also like that I'm not constantly checking to see if my stitches are slipping off the needles as I do with double points.

The baby hat is finished. My I-cord doesn't look that great, but I like the way the rest of the hat looks. My I-cords never look very nice though, but I've only done them a few times. But doubt that my sister will care.

I'm actually rather a little surprised that I'm trying these methods now for the first time even though I've been knitting for nearly three years.

Two circular method and stash additions and subtractions

2006-11-27T19:38:00.000-05:00

I will be trying the two circular method this week since I don't have size 7 double points and I need to finish the baby hat I'm making by Thursday. There was enough yarn left over from the blanket to make the hat so I went ahead and started that.

My car is fixed and the cost was less than a paycheck so I'll be able to place a yarn order this month. So I will order the needles and I still need to decide what yarn to order.

I also need to go through my stash to see if I have any yarn to bring to the SNBWB yarn exchange or the yarn that will be donated to a shelter. I'm not sure If I have anything for the exchange, but I'll check.

Adding to my stash..hopefully

2006-11-25T21:34:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping to place a yarn and needle order this week. But whether I do or not depends on how expensive the repair to my car is going to be. I'm hoping that it is an inexpensive repair.

I'm planning to order some yarn to make Clapotis from Knitty. And then I need to order double pointed needles to make my mittens. The mittens need US size 4 and 5. I think I'll order 6 as well since I think I'm going to use some superwash yarn I bought back in 2004 to make wrist warmers.

Holiday Knitting and Magic Loop

2006-11-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted in a long time.

I've made progress with my holiday knitting. I've finished my presents for my father and brother-in-law. I'm half done with my mother's present, and my sister's present shouldn't take too long. I'm going to buy my other sister's present.

I've also finished the main part of the present for my nephew so it will be ready for the shower next week. I have a bit of yarn left over so I might make a small and quick thing to go with it.

After the holiday knitting is over I'm taking a break from knitting for others for at least 6 months. Although I'll probably end up breaking the vow and knitting something else for my nephew after he is born. But maybe it doesn't count if it is for a baby. I'll tell myself that anyway.

On to the magic loop experience.

I understand how to do it and have knit a few rounds. However the needle is not really long enough. I have a 24" and it really needs a 29" or longer. I'll probably end up frogging those rows and ordering double points next week. Ideally I would like to have the mittens finished before winter ends. So far I've completed the scarf portion of my scarf, hat and mitten set.

Zeeby's bag Update

2006-07-22T23:57:00.000-04:00

I've finished the front, back, and gusset. I'm now working on the handles. I'm still trying to figure out how to line it. And my mom is going to help me with the lining as well as installing a zipper.

One of the reasons I chose to knit the pattern was so that I could practice seaming. I'm terrible at sewing seams and want to improve before making a sweater. Installing a zipper would also be good practice since there is a cardigan pattern I really like that includes a zipper.

My next two projects are socks. I've already made three pairs of socks, so I'm too worried about those.

Long time

2006-07-03T22:23:00.000-04:00

I haven't updated in awhile. I did finish the handles on the felted bag.

I've started Zeeby's Bag. I really dislike how my stitches are looking, but I'm going to finish and then block and hopefully it will work in the end. I didn't care as much about how the stitches looked on the felted bag because I know that they won't really show after felting.

I have a really difficult time liking what I knit sometimes. I enjoy the process of knitting, I just don't always like the project in how it looks. I always feel that my knitting doesn't look as nice as it could.

Handles and cat in the yarn

2006-03-28T15:53:00.000-05:00

I have been working on the handles. I'm just about finished with the first one. I'm having a much better time with I-Cord this time than my previous attempts. With luck I'll have the handles finished soon, and then I'll be able to move on to actually felting my bag.

My cat decided to play with some yarn scraps today. I guess that was his way of telling me I need to make him a new toy. I have made the cat toy patterns from Knitty several times, but I think I'll try the one from Stitch N' Bitch Nation this time.

Time for handles

2006-03-19T15:32:00.000-05:00

I finished the bag portion of the felted bag, now onto handles. I'm going to I-Cord the handles. When I'll felt the bag and handles before sewing the handles on. I'm glad to be nearly finished with the bag.

I also eager to start Zeeby's Bag.

After that I am trying to decide what to work on. There are so many projects that I would like to try. And there are so many yarns that I would love to add to my yarn stash. I really want to make some actual items of clothing this year.

Finding a yarn substitution for Clapotis

2006-03-17T17:22:00.001-05:00

I absolutely love the pattern Clapotis from Knitty. I'm currently trying to find a cheaper yarn to use in place of Lorna's Laces. Hopefully one from KnitPicks, Knitpicks does have several multi color yarns that are beautiful, but they are not the right weight. The only one they have in the right weight doesn't have colors I like. I'll have to check Elann. Either that or see if I can double stand one of the lighter weights in KnitPicks. Or maybe I can use Wool of the Andes and stripe it and carry the yarn up so I don't have to weave in too much.

I think I found a pattern for my first cardigan

2006-03-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

I wanted to knit a cardigan for awhile now but haven't found a pattern I really liked. The Winter Issue of Knitty has a a tie cardigan made out of Knit Picks Sierra that I like a lot. The pattern would involve cable but I have done cable in the past. Plus I have liked the Knit Picks yarns I have used in the past.

I think I'll use the cranberry shade since I would use it most in fall and winter. I'll probably order the yarn soon and then get started on it over the summer. I do have a project that I intend to do before that which is Zeeby's bag. Depending on how much time I have it should be finished before fall.

Dyeing Yarn

2006-03-07T18:11:00.000-05:00

I would love to dye my own yarn in the future. I would probably do natural animal fiber yarn, so that I could use kool-aid. I just love the richness in color that hand dyed yarn has. I have no idea when I'll have a chance to do this. I think it would be nice to do it over the summer so that I could do it outside hopefully.

Knitpicks has some nicely priced yarn that is marketed towards hand dyers.

The only thing that concerns me about hand dyeing is the amount of yarn to dye at the time. Since I do know that it does need to be done at the same time so that the different hanks can be the same color.

I've decided against the eyelash

2006-03-07T17:45:00.000-05:00

I've finally started working on the bag again. It has been awhile since I've worked on it. I did the top with the eyelash, and I don't like it as well. So I'm going to un knit those two rows and do them again without the eyelash.

I think I'll use the eye lash for something else. Perhaps a decorative border on a scarf or something.

I should be finished with the bag at the end of the week. Well the bag portion anyway, then I'll start the straps.

Still haven't finshed my felted bag

2006-03-05T22:13:00.000-05:00

I just haven't finished my felted bag yet. I'm just so indecisive about whether to add the eyelash or not. Sometimes I want to add it in and other times I don't want it at all. I suppose I could make two bags, one with and one without. Obviously I would have to buy more yarn for that though. It shouldn't take me this long to make up my mind about the whole thing.

I don't know why I'm being so weird about the whole thing. It is just a bag. Perhaps it is because once I felt it I can't change it.

Added a link

2006-02-26T22:28:00.000-05:00

I added a link to the Boycott Sew Fast Sew Easy page. I think that SFSE is an awful company that is bullying knitting groups in the hopes of getting some attention. This is just my opinion however.

I do hope that their actions backfire and that their store generates less business due to their actions. It would be karma for bullying knitting groups and threatening legal action. I don't think they have a case. The term "stitch n'bitch" has been around for decades and should be public domain.

Still haven't finished

2006-02-12T12:26:00.000-05:00

I still haven't finished knitting the felted bag. I'm still debating whether I want to put the eyelash yarn around the top. I think I will knit it with the eyelash, and if I dislike it then I will un-knit those couple of rows.

I want to finish it so I can felt it. But I'm going to take pictures of it before and then after felting to show the difference in the sizes.

Felting

2006-02-08T11:46:00.000-05:00

I'm nearly finished with the felted bag. I have about 14 rows to go. I felted my gauge which turned out pretty well. I think I've decided against adding the eyelash yarn around the top. I really didn't care for how it looked on the gauge. I'll have to decide. I'm thinking of adding some sew on snaps to the inside so that the bag will close. It wasn't in that pattern for this bag, but adding snaps is part of the pattern for another felted bag.

Zeeby's bag

2006-01-27T13:33:00.000-05:00

Well I've knit the gauge for Zeeby's Bag in Stitch N' Bitch. I substituted Knit Picks Wool of the Andes for the Lamb's Pride. I think I'm going to end up altering the pattern slightly, I'm going to either add snaps or buttons so I will be able to close it easily. And I'm going to ask my mother o help me line it so that it will be a little more sturdy.

The colors I chose are the Winter Night as the MC and Rain as the CC. I think it will look really nice when it is finished.

Felted Bag

2006-01-24T22:46:00.000-05:00

Well my bag is coming along nicely. I'll probably be finished before the end of the week. I still need to call the yarn store to see if they have instructions for the straps. Otherwise I'll just have to wing it. I'll look for a similar patter and see if I can adapt it to my yarn.

I'm a little nervous about the felting process. I just want it to work out well.

Stockinette and garter stitch

2006-01-15T23:09:00.000-05:00

These two are easily my worst stitches. My stockinette has gotten better but my garter always seems to have weird gaps. Thank goodness for blocking natural fibers.

I have so much scrap yarn in my stash I'll be practicing my stockinette in cat toys. I suppose I can practice garter with kerchiefs.

I don't need my knitting to be perfect, but I want to be able to look as though I'm not completely new to it.

Several projects lined up

2006-01-14T15:40:00.000-05:00

I already have several projects lined up for the next few months. I'm going to finish the felted bad I'm currently working on. Then I have yarn that is intended to be wrist warmers, yarn for mittens, Zeeby's bag, and a scarf.

That should keep my hands and needles busy for the next few months.

First bag

2006-01-14T12:36:00.000-05:00

I'm currently working on my first knitted bag. It will also be my first time felting. The bag is made out of Cascade 220 yarn, in graduated shades of purple.

So far it is shaping up very nicely. This is the first time I've used circulars to knit in the round. Prior to this I only use circulars to knit flat, and did all my knitting in the round on double pointed needles.

Later on I plan to make Zeeby's Bag from the book Stitch N' Bitch, I already have the yarn. For that bag I will probably get some fabric to line it with.

Christmas projects and digital camera

2005-11-19T16:11:00.000-05:00

I'm working on several projects for gifts this year. Socks, poncho, shawl, books marks, maybe a scarf or two. Everything I make this year will need to be quick since I don't have much time. As it is November is half over.

I wish I had a digital camera, so I could take pictures of my finished projects or chart the progress though pictures. But that will have to wait until I have more disposable income. Besides at the moment if I have extra cash, I'm going to going to use it on higher quality yarn.

Second pair of socks

2005-11-16T17:09:00.000-05:00

I'm currently working on my second pair of socks. This time using the Lion Brand Blue Stripe yarn. These socks will be a gift however. The first sock is finished, so I just need to start on the second. When the semester is over I'm going to start the felted bag pattern. After that I may make another afghan.

Door Hanger nearly finished, another afghan

2005-09-30T11:24:00.000-04:00

Well the door hanger is nearly done. I finished knitting both the front and back and I have done the duplicate stitch on the front. All that is left is to make the handle and sew the front and back together.

I am nearly finished with another afghan. This one is a dark red shade. I made this one as one piece, so it is taking a bit longer. But I prefer the look of it to the one that I had to put together afterwards.

Then I guess I'm going to start whatever Christmas projects I'm going to do. They will be small this year though. I have too much school work for large projects.

Finished the afghan and started the door hanger

2005-09-11T22:01:00.000-04:00

I finished the afghan over the weekend. It has been washed and has all the ends weaved in.
Thank goodness it is finally finished. I started the door hanger. I finished the front, now I have to do the back. That shouldn't take long. I have little less than a month to work on it. I'm sort of doing the cheaters way. I'm going to use duplicate stitch for the letters instead of intarsia. I don't have time to learn intarsia at the moment. I tried it out once a year or so ago and it did not look good. I'll save that for after the semester is over.

Afghan and door hanger

2005-09-05T00:24:00.000-04:00

I haven't finished the afghan yet, I became lazy before I left to go to the bridal shower and stuff out of state. I'll finish it this week.

Then I'm going to make a door hanfer for my sister. I found a pattern on Knitty which I thought would be a cute bachelorette gift that would use up some scrap yarn I have. I think I will make it in red and black, and then maybe modify the pattern by picking up stitches and doing a border in eyelash yarn. But I'll have to see if I have time, since I will be busy with school.

Made a mistake on the afghan

2005-08-27T18:48:00.000-04:00

When I was attaching another strip to the afghan I had in the wrong direction. Of course I only noticed this after I had finished. So I had to take it out and now I still haven't put the strip on. I have two more to attach, including the one that would have been done yesterday, and then the afghan will be finished.

At least I have learned my lesson about working on projects when I'm tired.

Looking over older posts...

2005-08-26T20:12:00.000-04:00

I was just looking over some of my older posts and realized I met the goal I had set. My goal was to knit a pair of socks before the end of the year.

I did force myself a bit by purchasing the yarn. I knew that if I bought the yarn I would end up making them.

I probably won't be making my felted bag by the end of the year, even though I have the yarn. In fact I don't see myself doing many projects this semester, or they will all be small quick ones. I have a twenty-five page paper due in November. I need to think of a topic and get started so that I don't find myself with ten pages a few days before it is due.

The afghan is going well

2005-08-26T16:42:00.000-04:00

I have put three pieces of the afghan together. There is a slight seam, but it looks better now than it did before. It is less obvious.

If I do make this pattern again I think I will try to knit it all together. It will probably take longer but I'll separate the sections by a stitch or a yarn over or something. I really don't like putting the pieces of knitted items together, so if I can find a way to avoid it I will.

Finished with the shawl, on to the afghan

2005-08-25T14:24:00.000-04:00

I finished the shawl for my grandmother over the weekend. I weave in the ends yet, I'll have to do it when I go home for the bridal shower.

Now I need to put together the pieces of the envelope afghan. I think I'm going to pick up stitches and then unse the kitchener stitch. I don't like the way it looked when I tried to use the mattress stitch. I don't want the afghan to have obvious seams. Depending on how it looks I'll probably end up making another one in a different color. It just needs cheap worsted weight yarn. I used Caron Simply Soft in Plum Wine. I think if I make it again it will be in Dark Country Blue. I can't believe I finished knitting the afghan in June and still haven't put it together yet.