Friday, December 31, 2010

Last year you saw the ring...

that would be referring to my sister's engagement ring. This year (okay technically it isn't 2011 quite yet!) she is getting MARRIED! Needless to say we are all thrilled!

In finding out what I would be wearing I wanted a little something to wear at the reception. A couple weeks ago I found at The Loopy Ewe some Handmaiden Sea Three in ivory. I thought that yarn would be perfect to make a simple shrug from.

Of course it doesn't take long to find the right pattern with Ravelry at your fingertips. Pam Allen calls it the Little Silk Shrug.

CO we go. This is a great 4 repeat pattern that is just flying along. There will be no problem finishing this in time for her big day!

After 2 solid days:
I'm roughly 14 inches into it. I do have another 12 inches to go, at least. This yarn does grown upon blocking, so my hope it that it will be nearly to my elbows.

...and with that 2010 is coming to a close and I'm off to celebrate.

I wish you a Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Knitted Christmas Presents....part 2

So my sister-in-law was also given a couple of scarves...
The yarn on the left is Cascade Fixation, while the right is Panda Cotton Bamboo. These were a fun little knit. Maybe next time they will get hats!

The next picture really needs no explaination:
I had all three recipients open them at the same time and I do believe the house was shaking from all the laughing. It was just what was needed!

I've already CO my next project for a very special event coming up. I'll take some photos and show you next time!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Knitted Christmas Presents....part 1

I know I said earlier this year I was spending the year knitting for myself. However, I knew it really wasn't going to happen. I bargained with myself that I would knit one special item and a few little ones.

So, for my special item, I decided to gift the Le Petit Pont scarf. I truly am in love with this scarf, as you heard me say a few times this past fall, the pattern was great, the yarn was dreamy. Off to my nephew's long time girlfriend's home it went. She has beautiful brown hair and I know it will be in a good home.
The next couple of gifts were sent across the country. I used the Dish Rag Tag pattern. I know they will be used for many a dishes!
I also was able to knit up the martini dishcloth for my sister-in-law. I now want to make myself one.
I totally ran out of time, so it went out the door unblocked so I could also knit her a little something else to keep warm. However I'll have to keep you in suspense until tomorrow...

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Finished Mini Scarf

This took no time. Actually it was less than a day!

I'll have to take a better photo when the weather is better - maybe this coming weekend with daylight hours. Until then all I have is this:
Pattern: Mini Scarf
Yarn: Artyarns Beaded Pearl & Sequins
Colorway: Burgundy
Yardage: 80 yards, 4 inches left over!
Needles: KnitPicks Harmony US 7, 24" circulars

It does look very beautiful on!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Mini Scarf

I couldn't help but start a project with this fabulous yarn,

I found a nice pattern called Mini Scarf on Ravelry.
I love this! I do not expect this to take long, rows are so fast when you only have 10 stitches in them!

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Christmas Stash Enhancements

Starting from left, we have 2 (edited - try 3!) skeins of Ty-Dy Cotton, Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts, Mission Falls Illustrator, Great Adirondack Yarn Company Bamboo Cotton, Artyarns Regal Silk & Artyarns Pearl & Sequin Silk.

Fabulous stash enhancements from a wonderful man! (the husband, verses Santa!)

I hope you all had a nice holiday! We still have a couple of Christmas celebrations to still get through. In the meantime, the weather shows us in quite a snowstorm with the potential of up to 2 feet of snow...great knitting weather!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Friday, December 24, 2010

'Twas the night before Christmas in a knitters house....

A Knitter's Christmas Eve,  a poem by Nancy Massaroni 


’Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
There was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren’t hung by the chimney with care
’Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep—he was no help at all.
And the sweater for him was six sizes too small.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash.
Tripped over my yarn and fell down in my stash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how far I still had to go.
When out on the lawn I heard such a noise,
I was sure it would wake up both Dad and the boys.
And although I was tired and my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nic.
Yet what I heard left me very perplex-ed
For nothing I heard was what I expect-ed.
"Move Rowan! Move Patons! Move Koigu and Clover!
Move Shelridge! Move Starmore! Move Spinrite! Move over!
Lopi, don’t circle around, just stand there in line.
Pay attention you sheep and you’ll work out just fine!
I know this is hard, as it’s just your first year,
But I’d hate to go back to 8 tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill.What I saw was amazing!
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing!
And then in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa’s big boots stomping on the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet.
As I turned around, St Nic I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe
And his clothes were hand knit from above to below.
A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back,
And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran sack.
His hat was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf on his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
On the back of his mitts was an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I spotted a small label:
"S.C." in duplicate on the cuff.
So I asked, "Hey, Nic, did YOU knit all this stuff?"
He proudly replied, "Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to knit when I was a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I’d thought up a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked down in his lap
Where I had laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He began then to knit, first one cap then two.
For the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks,
While I sat back drinking a scotch on the rocks.
Quickly like magic his needles they flew,
Good Grief! He was finished by two!
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
I heard him explain as he sailed past the moon,
"Next year, start your knitting sometime around JUNE!"

Hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

FO Ripley

YES! I made my self imposed deadline by 2 whole days!!

Pattern: Ripley by Knit Whits
Purchased: Stitches East 2010
Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic
Colorways: Dark Purple, Ash Rose, Anthracite, Rust, Slate Blue, Goldenrood
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony Circulars US 4 then Crystal Palace Bamboo DPN's US 4

Off to relax the fingers as that final ripple round made them ache...

Monday, November 29, 2010

More Ripley

Ok maybe I really will make the week goal on this WIP!
Although, I wonder if my DH will be seen with me while I wear all this color?!

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Ripley Hat Project

The more color I add to this hat the more I love it!


I highly recommend this hat for easy TV knitting!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Shrek, Macy's Parade, CO

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving!

I was able to watch a couple hours of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and thank goodness during that time Shrek came on!

You know my love of that ogre!

DH ended up taping the rest of the parade for me, so I could watch it later, as we had to leave for dinner.
During the parade I was able to CO my next project:


This is the Ripley hat kit from Knit Whits. I found them originally in the vendor flyer for Stitches East 2010. So, in researching my Stitches market day out I was determined to shop there! They had these hat kits in 100% cotton and I was pleasantly surprise that they brought them to Stitches.

I'm currently on the 10th row, which is the ripple row, you can see the difference between the right and left sides in the photo. It is an interesting technique that I am glad to learn, as I can see doing a couple more of these in my future. Although this stitch does make my left ring finger cramp up!

My goal is to finish this within a week...you know how I am with goals.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

For me my annual tradition of watching this has already begun. I love it all, and can't wait to see Santa!

I hope your day is full with all that you are thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

FO Le Petit Pont

 (pre-block photo!)

Pattern: Le Petit Pont by Irishgirlieknits purchased at Stitches East 2010
Yarn: Kollage Creamy purchased at Stitches East 2010
Colorway: Turquoise Sea
Yardage: only 2 grams left from 2 skeins
Needles: Signature Circulars US 5, 24 inch
Ravelry Project page here

I can not say enough about this pattern as I loved it! It is a 8 line repeat, works well for tv knitting! I look forward to making another one!

Now the bigger question, do I keep this for myself, since I'm so in love with it, or give it to someone I could see wearing it? Decisions, decisions...

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Life events = slow progress

I imagine a day without having to work crazy long hours so I'm able to knit as I wish. Until then, I really shouldn't make deadlines, like the last one I made, as it was to finish the Le Petit Pont by this weekend.

I failed and I can't stand failing.

So, I'm not telling when I hope to be done by this. Hopefully soon. Until then, I'm enjoying this yarn just gliding over these needles.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Ten on Tuesday

I liked Carole's topic this week. They are in no particular order.

10 Dream Vacations:

1. Alaska. We have tentative plans to go in 2011.
2. Hawaii. I just can't wait to go here...although it is a few years off.
3. Tuscany.
4. San Francisco followed by a trip to wine country.
5. Quebec.
6. Australia.
7. England. I've been before, however I really want to go back with DH.
8. France. Again, I've been before but come on Paris with the love of your life?!
9. Finland. I'd love to visit my roots.
10.Turks & Cacos

I think I could have added another 10, but I'll stop! I hope to be able to look back at this time in the distant future and be able to check the majority of these off.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

A better photo of my Le Petit Pont

It really says a lot when I'm knitting a project exclusively! This yarn is just sailing over my Signature needles. I hope to finish this scarf this week. Stay tuned...

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Le Petit Pont Progress

I've made some great progress on this beautiful scarf this week. This is after one skein is used up and I've just paused to add the second skein.

Of course, I was not at this stopping point during the best weather of today...you know the nice bright sunshine that adds so much natural color to photos to help make them look not so dark!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Le Petit Pont

This is Carrie's pattern Le Petit Pont. I'll have you know that I purchased this pattern and yarn around 1:30 PM on Friday, my market day at Stitches, I had the skein of yarn in a ball (thank you DH!) and CO by 4:30 PM. (note for next year, bring yarn winder!)

I just LOVE this pattern! It is a 8 pattern row repeat and comes with different options for the sides, and to make a thinner or wider scarf (one skein or two). Carrie makes this pattern not only written out but also in chart form.

With so many options it is a fit for anyone!

I am using the Kollage Creamy yarn, as the pattern suggests, in the colorway Turquoise Sea. It is made from milk protein and cotton...interesting and very smooth on the needles.

You can purchase it here. Go ahead and CO...

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Who did I meet at Stitches?

The one and only Debbie Macomber! Not only did she sign my Twenty Wishes book (my favorite!), also my Blossom Street pattern book, she stood for a photo.

She is just so cute in person! She has a wonderful personality and even though I'm standing there in complete awe she was so easy to talk with. She even commented that my husband was a 'good man' in coming to the show with me. Yes, I would have to agree! She jokingly said that her husband wished she had named her book 3 Wishes, as she would have been home sooner.


Next on my list of must meet up with and say hello was Carrie aka IrishgirlieKnits. I hold her personally responsible for getting me hooked on Knit Picks needles from the first Ravelry message back in 2008!
I had never met her in person, however felt like I knew her so well. She is wearing one of her latest designs, Pont Neuf.   Also, if you do not follow her blog, you should! You can find it here.

In fact, I purchase two of hers at the show, Bellingrath & Le Petit Pont. I actually started knitting Le Petit Pont that night. Her patterns are so nice and easy to read. I highly recommend them. However that is another story for another time!

After meeting who I wanted to, and hitting those booths I was tired! Off to the hotel and a solid meal!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Stitches Stash Enhancements

This was my first visit to Stitches and WOW! It was very exciting! My DH had provided the opportunity to go, along with an overnight at a local hotel.

Since you have already seen what I was wearing, let us move on...here is the obligatory 'Welcome to Stitches' photos from the Connecticut Convention Center:
It was then off to market! There are no photos allowed on the trade show floor. However, take my word, it is BIG!
Let me get a list of what you see.
Yarn:
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Luscious Silk in Copperline, 350 yards
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silk Thread 2 in Lenore, 1125 yards
Lisa Sousa Sylvie in Sapphire, 750 yards
Cherry Tree Hill Yarn Organic Cotton in Summer Sky, 1750 yards
Kollage Creamy in Turquoise Sea, 200 yards (2)

Patterns:
Le Petit Pont by IrishgirlieKnits
Rippling Water Socks
Bellingrath: Shawlette & Sock SEt by IrishgirlieKnits
Fairhope by Dolce Handknits
Blossom Street Collection Book 2

Misc:
Sassafras earrings & keyring
Signature Needles US 6, 24 inch circulars
Biased Knitter T-Shirt
Knit Whits Ripley Hat Pattern & Yarn
*Christmas gift for someone who reads blog!

Stay tuned next time to see who I was able to get my picture taken with!!

Saturday, October 30, 2010

On the road to Stitches

I needed something to wear. I'm not talking clothes, since if you talk to my DH, I have plenty...I needed a knitted item to wear.

My prior hand knits had all been worn previously. I really wanted to wear something new...however, time to Stitches was ticking!!

Off to the stash...nothing was really striking my fancy. However, I found a cake of beautiful Periwinkle Sea Silk from Handmaiden on my craft table. I thought it would be perfect!!

The problem....this cake was attached to my Ishbel. Remember it's last state of being:

It wasn't going well. I made the decision to cut the cake from the Ishbel. Somehow the black cloud over this project vanished.

This yarn was meant to be turned into my new project for Stitches.

Off to Ravelry. The pattern I had in mind was Icing by Samantha Roshak.

I had a few days to pull this pattern off...it was going to be so close. I decided to take the day off before our trip to Stitches to make sure I would have plenty of time to finish and block it.

As you can see I finished it!

Off to Stitches I go.

Stay tuned for stash enhancements tomorrow!


Pattern: Icing by Samantha Roshak
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk 150g
Colorway: Periwinkle
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony US 7
Mods: Added ~75 rows to center section

Sunday, October 24, 2010

5 more sleeps until Stitches

and I'm so excited!! I've been making a list, checking it twice...

Actually you can find a fabulous market map with vendor names here.


Will I see you there?

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Guess what is finished?

laNovia is blocking.


Details next post with a better photo!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

laNovia 2

I'm in love with this pattern. It is all I've been knitting for the past few days.

Frock camisole....what frock camisole?

Monday, October 4, 2010

laNovia

I do really enjoy working with lace yarn. Lorna's Laces Pearl is one of my favorites.

This is my laNovia by the lovely Anne Hanson. The colorway is Zombie BBQ. Hopefully I can get a better picture of the pattern next time as it is so pretty!

I can not wait to finish this as I have the perfect color green shirt to wear this with!

Yes, I'm still plugging along on my Frock Camisole. Why does it always seem that the last 2 inches of any project take forever?

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Frock Camisole so close....

I'm so close to finishing the Frock Camisole. It really seems that the last 3 inches is taking me so long!
We also picked up our CSA share. Unfortunately, we could not pick up our share last week, so we received a double share this week! I can't wait to cook up those Cortland & Macintosh apples....apple pie, apple crisp, baked apple, apple turnovers, apple fritters....

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Stash Enhancements

So, did you figure out what yarn I just enhanced my stash with?
SOCK CANDY from Blue Moon Fiber Arts!

Colorways from left to right: Scheherazade, Glory, Lapis, Plum Crazy, Lagoon.

I was thrilled to learn that Tina was bringing this yarn base back for a limited time to hand paint it. As per her website, she is looking into having it mill dyed at some point.

I had such a hard time deciding on what colors to purchase, so I initially purchased the two on the left. Then, I went back and added 3 more.

When I purchase yarn I have a general idea of what I'm going to make, like a shawl, hat, scarf, or socks etc. However, I'm not sure what I'm going to make with these yet. Time will tell!

The weather is finally beautiful here (instead of blowing rain like it had been all week) so I'm off to spend some time outside.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Enough rain already!

It has been raining here all week. I was hoping it would be a better weather day today, since I received my latest yarn stash 'enhancements'!

I'll have to take photos and show you tomorrow.

Until then, here are some hints:

Hand Painted
Cotton/Elite
400 yards

???

Just to keep this a blog with photos, here is what the DH and I have been eating this week. YUM!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Birthday Arrival

In reading Joan's blog, Wool Free and Lovin Knit I found another sheepless yarn I wanted to try. It was made by the Great Adirondack and called Bamboo Fingering. It is a cotton and bamboo base in some great vivid colors.

Of course, then I searched the internet and found only a few shops online that carried this particular yarn.  One of the places I stumbled onto was Ewe Need Yarn. As luck would have it, the color that I just had to have was out of stock.

A couple of emails back and forth to Terri and yarn was on order. Of course, by then I had found another color that I needed. Terri was great throughout the ordering process, keeping me in the loop of what information she had received from the company through frequent emails.

My order arrived in time for my birthday, so it has become the birthday present to myself. To introduce themselves:

You see the Pansy and the Mixed Berry colorways. Since each of them come in at 990 yards a piece I plan to make a Clapotis with one. The other is to be decided.

So, hop on over to say hi to Terri, but better yet buy some yarn!


In knitting news, I have completed the straps on my Frock Camisole, however I'm still working on the back. I'll have pictures of the progress next time.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Frock Camisole Update

I've been doing my mindless TV knitting lately. I mean there is nothing on TV I'm interested in. Then, again I liked the season premiere of House this week.

Anyway, here is what my camisole currently looks like:

Link to Ravelry Project Page is here.
I hope to be able to finish the other strap tomorrow. I mean it would be nice to wear this before I have to pull out the turtlenecks.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Mug Cosy

Somehow during work hours I was double booked by others, thus only being one person I went to interview a potential new hire. Apparently, I chose incorrectly, interviewee was horrible and I missed a good meeting.

You see my old boss, the one that I LOVED working for, was at the meeting I missed and offered up my knitting services. A mug cosy for another manager that travels frequently to a colder climate. We are putting a care package together with tea, mug, mug cosy etc.

So, here is what I had to pull off in one evening:
Pattern: Knit as I went
Yarn: Rowan RYC Cotton Jeans
Colorways: Hemp & Sierra
Needles: Hiya Hiya US 5

The funny thing about this is who it was knit for is a male....love the pink and purple stripes?

Monday, September 20, 2010

CSA Updates

This is our latest CSA share:

I just love these Gala apples! The beans bring back wonderful childhood memories of picking beans with my Grandpa in his garden. In fact I would sneak eating a few raw before they made it to Gram's hands!

I think I also owed you a photo from last week:
There has been knitting. Stay tuned!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Finished Cowl

I needed a quick knit. This one fit the bill as I was able to knit it in 2 days.


Pattern: Stacked Eyelet Cowl
Yarn: Ellyn Cooper's Yarn Sonnets Canasta
Colorway: Aquatide
Purchased from: Mystic Yarns
Needles: Knit Picks US 5mm
My Ravelry Project Page

Like I said, this was a quick knit. Once the weather turns a bit cooler it will be a nice bright knit to wear!

Sunday, September 5, 2010

CSA Catch-up

I owe you the past couple weeks of CSA pictures.

Yummy!

So much for healthy as we picked up cider donuts one week!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

A finish Multnomah

I loved this pattern. In fact I had a hard time stopping.

Here is it blocking. I am going to block it a second time to even the YO's down the center.

Pattern: Multnomah
Yarn: Handmaiden SeaSilk
Colorway: Cosmic Dawn
Purchased from: The Loopy Ewe
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony US 4mm
Link to my Ravelry Project Page

Here is what it looks like on:


See what I mean about need to block it again. The top YO's need to be opened a bit more. I would recommend this pattern to anyone who wanted to try a lace pattern. It was easy to memorize and like I said I wanted to keep going...maybe I should have.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Where did August go?

I've been so busy this past month. So, what have I been up to:

DH and I took a vacation.
We went to Maine.
Ate out every meal (except breakfast).
Saw a half blue lobster and a 45lb lobster.
Celebrated my 17th Wedding Anniversary!
I've been knitting like crazy.
Work has been stressful - see above for my relaxation.
I signed up for Dish Rag Tag.
I have two finished objects to share.
However, the camera is on the other end of the house.

Pictures next time.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

CSA

This photo is missing one nectarine. However, I'm not taking the blame on the eating prior to the photo...this one belongs to DH. He thought the nectarines look so good he was eating one as the camera was taking photos.

The freezing of the blueberries is going quite well. I have a quart already, not counting the above pint, which will still make a nice pie for us.

I am so glad we joined this year. I find myself eating more fruits than I normally would have. We also have enjoyed the steamed veggies!

Sunday, August 1, 2010

CSA

I can't wait to use these red potatoes. The DH cuts them up in bite size pieces, seasons them and sets them to bake.
I'm also stocking up on the blueberries as I intend to make a blueberry pie when it gets cooler around here. So, the majority of them are frozen. Did you notice they lasted longer than in week's photo?