NE Knits and Beads

TLE Swap

2012-01-24T21:12:00.000-05:00

So, last time I showed you what I received, now that my downstream swap partner received her gift I can show you what I knit and gave her.

As you know, I love the Summer Wind pattern by IrishGirlieKnits. It was a Winter Swap and since my partner lives in a very cold and wintery part of the country I was drawn to this pattern for its name...bring on Summer!!

The lighting still seems off, so here is a photo of the yarn during a better weather day:

See how it is a bit brighter?

Pattern: Summer Wind by IrishGirlie Knits
Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima
Purchased from: The Loopy Ewe
Colorway: Periwinkle
Yardage: Just shy of 2 skeins
Needles: Knit Picks Circular Needles US 7 - 4.5 mm
Ravelry Page

Anyway the entire package looked a bit like this:

Madeline Tosh Vintage in the Mare Colorway
Valley Yarns in various colors & weights
Frog magnets that were made from a children's book with a bag made from the pages
Fabric squares (my swap partner also quilts) with a fabric bag
Cold Stone Creamery Hot Chocolate
Snowflake Stitch Markers

This was my first knitting swap and I really enjoyed it! I hope to be able to participate in the future!

The Loopy Ewe Swap 2012

2012-01-20T21:22:00.000-05:00

I participated in my first knitting swap over the past couple of months. While I can not show you what I knit and mailed out, as my swap partner hasn't received it yet. I can show you what I received today from my swap partner.

My DH was kind enough to pick up the mail today and gave me this when I arrived home from work:

Opening it revealed some wonderful goodies and two of my favorite sugary snacks! Also included, was a handmade yarn holder, Baggu bag, 100% silk skeins, handmade bunny heart and tape measure.

Removing the tissue paper made me squeal with delight, then, it rendered me speechless:

The cowl my partner knit me is just stunning! The colorwork is simply amazing to me....as at this point in my knitting experience is not something I could do. I can't help but look at my new cowl and believe that it is mine. Someone actually took time to handknit me something so beautiful!

I plan on wearing it tomorrow when we could get up to 7 inches of snow!

Thank you Amy! aka half of the Stockinette Zombies...I highly recommend you checking out their podcast.

Afghan progress...so close

2012-01-15T12:35:00.017-05:00

I was going to take you back and show you each square that I hadn't blogged about. However, why don't I just skip all that and share with you how the afghan looks today?!

I finished all the squares I needed! I do have each square in my Ravelry project page if you want the details.

As you also may be able to tell, I've seamed the top 3 rows of squares together. I also seamed the individual squares to each other in the bottom rows, just need to connect those rows.

Although I haven't totally finished this yet, and have gone beyond my goal of seaming done by Christmas - I am still proud of what I've been able to accomplish on this with all that has been going on in my life at the same time.

Ode to Gram

2012-01-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

I may never cook like you do, but my husband will keep me well fed.
While my baking will never be better than yours, it is at least edible.
I will never quilt like you did, although I have those you made for me that I'll cherish forever.
I'll never cross stitch like you did, however, yours will forever grace my walls.
In teaching us to have laughter everyday - I'll try my best to, even when life gets hard.
I will try to keep my green thumb going on these african violets you grew for me.
My closet will always be as full as yours was, that I can promise.
The lifetime of memories of you will always be in my thoughts.
While my heart will always ache for you.

Not sure where the remainder of November went...

2011-12-08T21:11:00.000-05:00

However, when I left off I was literally heading out the door to Stitches East 2011.

Since I signed up for a class, I was able to head to the marketplace Thursday night. My list only had one thing on it, a DellaQ Double Interchangeable Case.

I also picked up a few other items;

Skein of Sylvie from Lisa Souza
Riveting by Kollage
Tundra by Rozetta (Universal Yarns)
Bonnie Jean Pattern by Kollage
Ribbon that says ‘Live Long Laugh Often Love Much’
DellaQ Double Interchangeable Needle Case

Funny Story about the needle case. I had received an email from Della Q that they were going to be releasing that particular needle case in the Fall. I kept checking their website and just decided to email them. I received a prompt email back stating they would be bringing a limited few to Stitches.

Needless to say I basically went right in the marketplace and made a beeline to the DellaQ booth. (which of course was one of the ones the furthest from the entrance doors!) and basically bought it at 5:10 PM. Miss DellaQ was there and asked if I was the individual that had emailed....I had to confess and she was glad I been able to purchase one in my favorite color!

I was then able to leisurely walk the rest of the floor. Sure enough I round a corner and who do I see, the fabulous Debbie Macomber with Christina Skye. So, I'm marking my life list as having met Debbie 3 times in one year!

The class I took was 8 Empowering Edges. I have fallen in love with the wonderfully talented Chris Bylsma. She is so funny! She also explains things very clearly and her handout is quite helpful. I highly recommend taking a class from her. Now having sat through her class I know I can put a good edge on this afghan. I just need to finish these squares!!

I have been knitting for Christmas presents - so I need to keep those off the blog for another couple of weeks. I also finished another afghan square, however I need to take a photo. Next time...

Goodness that was a long break

2011-11-09T20:50:00.000-05:00

So, where did we leave off? Oh yes, the Alaska trip. I did start a scarf on the trip. This was going to be a simple one row repeat, as to not miss any sights.

It was a couple days into our trip that I actually CO. Little did I know that I would have a darn of a time having the first stitch of each row be a YO.

Needless to say I had quite the practice with this - as it took me 7 times of CO and knitting a couple of rows before I would find an error and not have the correct amount of stitches. Frog.

Now in my defense, I did CO when we were in a lounge on the ship listening to a guitar player who could impersonate Gordon Lightfoot fabulously!

So, as you can see I started fresh, yet again, the next day. The lighting was much better and I had the correct stitch counts. Finally!

The following day we spent cruising through Glacier Bay, by this time I was on a roll.

Oh yes, nothing like a glass of Riesling and knitting with that kind of view. That is something I'll remember forever!

When I arrived home, I had my scarf looking like this:

A long way to go to finish this.

...and as you can see, finish it I did. As I was then, out that door to Stitches East 2011 minutes after this photo was taken.

Pattern: Lacy Brioche Scarf by Kirsten Hipsky
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silk Thread II
Colorway: Lenore
Yardage: I still have about half of the skein left, however, I really need to weight it for accuracy.
Needles: Signature Circulars 6mm, 24"

Details on my trip to Stitches next time.

Yarn Purchases

2011-09-23T17:59:00.010-04:00

So, in seeing where I went, what did I purchase?

Not bad! I knew I had quite a stash at home, so just some different things came home.

To start with the Skeins Yarn Shop in Juneau, AK;

Handmade by Raven Frog Fibers in Sitka, AK
Yarn Name: Country Linen
Colorway: Raspberry Triffles and Cream
Content: 100% wet-spun linen
Skein: 300 yards

Also, they had those two buttons that I couldn't pass up. I am planning on using the heart button with the yarn.

From Churchmouse Yarns & Teas:

Shoalwater Bay Yarn
Cotton/Rayon
Colorway: Rainbow
Content: 65% rayon, 35% cotton
Skein: 345 yards

Be Sweet
Bambino Taffy
Colorway: Spearmint Gum
Content: 70% organically grown cotton, 30% bamboo
Skein: 100 yards (times 2!)
*This has the cutest pattern on it called the Sweetie Pie Hat. Can not wait for a little girl to knit this up for!

The shawl pin I also picked up, it is aluminum and I had the exact same one in my Etsy favorites.

As for A Good Yarn Shop;

Araucania Yarns
Yarn Name: Ruca Solid
Colorway: Ocean Blue
Content: 100% sugar cane
Skein: 263 yards (times 2!)

Yarn made out of sugar cane...how could I resist that one with my sweet tooth.

I also picked up a blue Chibi.

Now to find the perfect pattern for each skein, add it to the que and be off knitting.

Although, I do have this afghan that got sidelined during my trip.

Yarn shops in WA

2011-09-21T18:29:00.014-04:00

Of course, even though I was on vacation I HAD to add in some yarn shopping!

This is a yarn shop in Juneau, Alaska. It was filled and I mean FILLED to the brim with yarn. There was so much yarn, you had to watch where you stepped as you walked around the shop, as many skeins were on the carpet.

After our week in Alaska, we picked up a rental car and hit the road. Our destination was Bainbridge Island.

Hello to Churchmouse Yarns & Teas. What a great yarn shop! It was nice and airy. If I owned a yarn shop this is the one I would replicate. It had such a great selection of yarns, I had a hard time choosing what would be purchased.

and of course a visit to one of my favorite author's yarn shop:

I have no idea why I'm not smiling in this photo. I had just received a hug from Debbie Macomber and was just beaming! I was in the process of cashing out with my purchases and in walks Debbie! I was a little in awe!

Remember I had met her last year at Stitches East?! I'm glad I have that photo from last year, as I didn't manage to get one this time.

Debbie mentioned that she had just had lunch at her daughter's tea room, which is right across the parking lot. So, off we went for lunch...

I had a turkey club on what has to have been the best bread I've ever eaten!

So, what did I purchase? Stay tuned....

The other side of the country...

2011-09-18T11:57:00.001-04:00

I've spent some time traveling during my absence in blog land. We spent some time in Alaska and in/around Seattle, WA.

If visiting Alaska isn't on your bucket list, it really should be!

I am still in total awe of the sights I have seen in Alaska. It is just a stunning area! I have a hard time putting the beauty in words, and well, the photos doesn't even capture the tip of it. When we arrived home there were just under 1800 photos in the camera.

Enjoy these few:

Someone I just met...totally knit worthy!

2011-08-08T19:14:00.001-04:00

I was recently introduced to someone who is expecting twins next month. How could I resist knitting up two cute little projects?

Pattern: Modern Cable Bib
Yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton Worsted
Colorway: Green Tea Heather
Needles: Knit Picks US 8mm
Ravelry Project Page

I LOVED knitting these bibs! I am definitely making more of these! They were quick knits, only took about 2 - 2 1/2 hours a piece. They make for really good TV knitting.

All bundled up and ready for delivery.

If she happens to be reading this...I thank you for what you have done in my life in a very short amount of time.

...and now back to that afghan, September is around the corner!

Stash Enhancements

2011-08-01T18:32:00.010-04:00

I've always wanted to try yarn from Black Bunny Fibers. The hand dyed creations by Carol Sulocki.

I mean I'm a bunny lover, just from her name alone I needed a purchase, however, I couldn't resist once she listed up her no wool sock yarn.

So, these two lovelies just happened to arrive in my mailbox this past week:

The colorways are Rainbow Sherbert and Veronica. The sherbert colorway is destined to be socks for me. The other I'm not sure of yet.

You can check out her shop here and buy yourself some nicely dyed yarns.

I also received my final color for my Sampler Afghan. The dark gray. This goes so much better with my other colors, dark navy, burnt orange and forest green.

Off a knitting I go....these squares need to get done!

Snack anyone?

2011-07-30T15:24:00.000-04:00

It has been HOT around these parts! Looking back at the weather for the past 2 weeks our temps ranged from 98 to 86 and can you say humid?

I did finish the last square I last left you with. I have to say it is so nice to be working on a small project like this during this type of weather.

Pattern: King Charles Brocade Square from Sampler Afghans
Yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton Worsted
Colorway: Blaze Heather
Needles: Knit Picks Circulars US 8mm
Ravelery Project Page

I also think I'm going to change the name of this project from GAA to Sampler Afghan. I think it is only fair since I now have more square from the Sampler Afghan book that The Great American Afghan book.

My work schedule looks good for the next week, so I hope to knit up a few more squares.

Hope you are staying cool where ever you may be!

GAA Orange?!

2011-07-18T17:58:00.017-04:00

Yes I'm adding orange. The color is actually a burnt orange that goes really well with the navy blue and dark green.

I had some time out on the deck yesterday and managed to get this much done of the next square. I should be able to finish this with another free night at some point this week.

I've really thought about my color choices and I'm definitely sticking with the darker colors. However, that only gave me three colors when I really wanted to have a 4th. So, I just put in an order through Knit Picks for the Basalt Heather.

I think that is it! Now that I've decided on those, I feel much better about the afghan as a whole.

I'm also holding off purchasing the yarn for the edging, as I want to concentrate on knitting the squares, place them, knit them together THEN decide about the edge.

The rest of the weekend was spent doing chores...you know all those that I ignored during the week since I was busy knitting squares!

We also had quite the meal on Saturday night as DH and I decided to have a surf and turf night.

Delicious!

GAA Hearts

2011-07-16T18:00:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite square so far:

Pattern: Sampler Afghans #27 Valentine Hearts
Yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton
Colorway: Prussian Heather
Needles: Knit Picks Nickel US 8mm
Modifications: Did not repeat final row
Ravelry Project Page

It is probably since I've loved the color blue since I knew the color....or that there are hearts all over it. Or both. However, one thing is certain my fingers need a break!

So, I decided this afternoon to put my finished squares together:

and I do not like the colors together.

I like the 'navy', 'dark green' however the other two colors I do not like. So, technically I'm back to having 2 squares completed.

I am not going to frog the other 3, however I'm putting them aside. The next square I'm going to start is the dark orange colorway and I'm thinking I may add that to the dark green and navy.

What is that song, two steps ahead, one step back?! Who knew it applied to knitting.

GAA another square

2011-07-14T18:54:00.000-04:00

Ok, so you can tell I've been parking in front the TV. In my defense, the past 2 days have been in the 90's with high humidity....

Pattern: Sampler Afghans #60 Cloverleaf Eyelet
Yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton
Colorway: Envy Heather
Needles: Knit Picks Nickel US 8mm
Modifications: Ended last repeat at row 6
Ravelry Project Page

So, I have 4 done...although there is laundry to get done, workouts that have been skipped for 2 days....

GAA Progress

2011-07-12T20:37:00.001-04:00

The last I left you with the Great American Afghan, I had knit the following two squares (before I went back to lace knitting!):

Flower square

Heart square

Well, within the past couple of days another has been finished:

Pattern: Great American Afghan
Square: Seed Square
Yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton
Coloway: Green Tea Heather
Needles: Knit Picks Nickel US 8mm
Ravelry Project Page

I really need to step this up if I have any hope to knitting all my squares by the end of September!

Summer Wind FO

2011-07-05T09:49:00.006-04:00

Well it certainly helps when you have an extended weekend full of quality knitting time!

This is what my Summer Wind (or wing) looked like heading into this weekend:

here on Monday morning:

and by Monday afternoon:

Pattern: Summer Wind by IrishgirlieKnits
Yarn: Yollage Creamy
Colorway: Coral Shores
Yardage: just under 400 yards
Needles: Signature US 6MM
CO: 268
Ravelry Page

This is is definitely one I'm keeping for myself!

I am going to start back on my afghan squares. Since they feel a bit neglected and well my deadline to finish all the squares will be here in 3 months!

July 4th

2011-07-04T11:26:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

Summer Wind

2011-06-30T21:21:00.001-04:00

I really LOVE this pattern! Although I keep typing it out as Summer Wing...not sure why exactly.

I've finished the border and I'm just starting on the middle section. I originally cast on for the smaller size, then realized I had not 400 yards of this but 600, so I added the additional CO's to make it the larger size.

I can not wait to wear this!

If you want to join in on our KAL. The details are here.

Bakersfield FO

2011-06-29T20:13:00.000-04:00

Well, I didn't expect it to take me a week to snap a photo of my finished shawl and post it. Even with these photos I didn't even get a nice shot of the entire shawl.

Pattern: Bakersfield by Corinna Ferguson
Yarn: Panda Cotton
Colorway: Sable
Needles: Signature Needles US 6mm
Ravelry Page

It was a very nice knit, and I'll add a fast knit. These photos really show the middle pooling I ran into. I think it is neat!

I believe this shawl is going to get worn often. I can see it with my black sleeveless dress, around my black riding coat in the fall, inside my winter coat during winter....oh just love the options! The yarn is so soft and swishy.

From one finished object to starting another one...I've already picked out my next project. I recently purchased some Kollage Creamy in Coral.... Remember the scarf I knit for my then nephew's girlfriend? Well, now they are engaged. I loved knitting with that yarn and wanted a project for me.

My Ravelry que brought me back to Irishgirlieknits' Summer Wind pattern.

LOVE!

Bakersfield Shawlette

2011-06-19T22:16:00.000-04:00

I started this shawl last week. I wanted to do a sideways shawl and in searching my Ravelry Que, I noticed a few patterns from this designer. So, I purchased all her patterns in an e-book.

I have had this Panda Cotton yarn in my stash for a couple of years now (yes I admit that!). I thought the colors would work with a nice black sweater and/or blouse that I own or even a dressing up to my black jacket during the fall.

My concern was knitting a sideways shawl up with a yarn that has a bit of elastic in it. I was concerned about how the edges could curl.

....so I blocked it early on Saturday and put it in front of a fan.

It did retain it's shape well, so onward I went.

This is what it looked like by Saturday night (in all fairness all day on Saturday was primary spent knitting

Today I was hoping to get it finished, however there were others things to do. (like all those items I failed to do on Saturday!)

The way this is knitting up I'm sure I'll have it finished in a day or two.

Pattern: Bakersfield
Yarn: Panda Cotton
Colorway: Sable
Needles: Signature US 6mm

Mystery Shawlette KAL Finished

2011-06-06T18:14:00.000-04:00

What a fun shawl to knit! It was also the quickest, I started it on May 22 and finished it on June 4.

Pattern: Mystery Shawlette by Wendyknits
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk
Colorway: Ocean
Needles: Signature US 6, 24" circulars

Now back to knitting my squares for my afghan...or another shawl...

Mystery Shawlette KAL Part 2

2011-05-28T10:49:00.000-04:00

Well, I finished part 2 this morning.

Here is what it looks like on the needles:

Then, with a few pins to show the design:

Since part 3 (which includes 70+ rows!) was already released on Thursday, I'm going to be knitting quite a bit this weekend. Well, after the chores are done. You know the weed maintenance, house cleaning, grocery shopping, planting the window boxes & front pots....

Good thing I have 4 days off in a row!!

Mystery Shawlette KAL Part 1

2011-05-22T16:53:00.000-04:00

I just completed Part 1. This is what it currently looks like:

The following photo is a much more accurate color representation. The Sea Silk is going to make the stitches look fabulous when I block it out...

Wendy already released Part 2 this morning. You can find it here.

So far I'm liking what I see.

Passing Exam Stash Enhancements

2011-05-22T09:10:00.000-04:00

Of course it was bound to happen, I needed a prize for passing my exam! (or whatever excuse I can use to buy more yarn!!) So, off to The Loopy Ewe I go.

I had these three skeins of yarn among my wish list.

They are all Handmaiden Sea Silk. The colorways from left to right are: Nova Scotia, Salt Spray, Bronze.

I already have plans for the Nova Scotia colorway. I would like to knit the Ocean City Shawlette.

However, I need to finish my Mystery Shawlette first by WendyKnits. I'm just about halfway through the first clue - although, I need to step it up today as the next one is being released in a couple of hours.

So...I'm off to knit...

Mystery Shawlette KAL

2011-05-18T20:23:00.000-04:00

I decided to join my first KAL. It is called the Summer Mystery Shawlette by Wendyknits.

This is what it currently looks like after my CO and 2 set up rows. The next 12 rows (part 1/chart A) were issued yesterday, however I am going to start those tomorrow night.

Pattern: Summer Mystery Shawlette
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk
Colorway: Ocean
Needles: Signature US 6 - 24" (US 8 to CO)

Come join us here.

Happy Birthday!

2011-05-17T09:05:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my sister!

What a wonderful year you have had!

From celebrating life's moments with those closest to you...

...including your ever present personal touches...

...in creating your Fairy Tale....

...marrying the man of your dreams...

May the memories you created this year stay close to your heart.

Where have I been?

2011-05-16T14:12:00.000-04:00

Studying. In the industry I work in we are required to obtain licenses and some of us have gone on to acquire designations. With those, we are required to get 45 continuing education credits every 3 years.

Well for the past 10 weeks I've been studying for a measly 16 credits. This included a $800 course fee, 20 hours of webinars, 70+ hours of self studying a 898 page book. It ended today with a 100 question proctored exam that I passed!

Life can now resume.

Having dealt with so much of that studying I only had a limited amount of time for knitting.

So, quick knits with minimal thinking were required. Thank goodness I have my The Great American Afghan Book....

I have since finished it today after my exam. However it is pouring rain outside and my completed photo looks awful. So, I will post that when it stop raining (which unfortunately appears to be at least 7 days away per the weather forecasts)

Details:

Pattern: Great American Afghan Square #14
Yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton Worsted
Colorway: Haze Heather
Needles: Knit Picks Circulars US 8

I also just CO on my third square. It is from the Sampler Afghan and the pattern is Elm Seed.

Now rain rain go away....

Flower Square #1 FO

2011-04-19T20:15:00.000-04:00

2 days! That is how long it took me from start to finish on this square.

If I keep this up I WILL finish my afghan by September!

Pattern: The Great American Afghan
Yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton Worsted
Colorway: Green Tea Heather
Needles: Knit Picks US 8mm Circulars

Now I need to find another pattern....

Flower Square #1

2011-04-17T17:31:00.000-04:00

If you've been following me in Ravelry you've probably heard me say that I was trying to get my knitting mojo back.

I needed a project that was a relatively quick knit. That would provide me with something finished within a few days or even a days' time. Something that wasn't that a hard pattern. A project I could knit in front of the TV.

I found just the project.....The Great American Afghan.

I'm going to try and get my squares done for September. However, I'll still need to give myself time to knit them all together after that deadline. I hope to be done with the entire project by Christmas. Maybe this will turn out to be a Christmas present to myself.

Here is what my first square looks like at this moment:

I'm using Knit Picks Simply Cotton Worsted in the colorway Green Tea Heather. I'm knitting with my fabulous Knit Picks Harmony US 8 circulars.

At the rate this is knitting up I should be done tomorrow.

So, what have you started for a project after a lull in your knitting?

Day Seven: Your knitting and crochet time

2011-04-03T09:51:00.003-04:00

My knitting time is generally at home. When you have to drive yourself to/from work, the commute can't really be knitting time.

I've been known to bring a travel knitting project with me in the car to knit some stitches before I head into my office building. I know if I have a tough day ahead it will help to break up a traffic filled commute and the office as knitting truly is calming for me.

Most of my knitting projects are TV knits. I can easily continue knitting with the drama shows I tend to watch at night. I do love my lace projects however, the complicated rows are saved for weekends or for TV shows I have no interest in watching.

My place of knitting is on my sofa. Surrounded by my laptop - need to be only an arms length from Ravelry!

I also always bring knitting with me on vacation. There is so much time in airports, planes, hotel rooms, etc. I will also plan ahead with my vacation knitting to have always CO first and try to get through one repeat of the pattern if it allows before I leave home.

WOW! I did it! I blogged for 7 days in a row. Amazing.

Day Six: Something to aspire to

2011-04-02T10:12:00.001-04:00

Hands down a long sleeve sweater for moi!

This is the one my Gramma made for me so many many years ago. Ideally I would like to mimic the pattern.

I need to learn a few techniques first, like get better at seaming, top down sweater knitting and button holes. Steeking just scares me so...I mean you spend all that time knitting then cut it with scissors...YIKES!

Day Five: And now for something completely different

2011-04-01T17:32:00.000-04:00

Wordless post.

Day Four: Where are they now?

2011-03-31T18:39:00.002-04:00

I just can't believed I've just blogged 4 days in a row! I'll have to check to see if that is a record.

Ok - so to answer the question(s) Where are they now? or Whatever happened to ______?

Well, we talk about this topic a lot in the Selfish Knitters group on Ravelry since the question where are they now indicates that you have gifted a handknit away. As in what deems a person knit worthy. Interestingly enough I started knitting for me. Yet, my second knit project was for my sister, clearly a knit worthy person!

To date I've made 3 items for people outside of family. One was a dishcloth for Dish Rag Tag. I did a hat for a friend's little girl. The final was for my nephew's longtime girlfriend...technically, when you've been around that long you are family right?! So maybe I have only knit two items for outside family members.

All of which have been talked about on the blog.

However, back to the question at hand here, Where are they now?

I'm choosing to go way back.

Back to 2007.

My first & second completed knitting project:

Fun Fur Scarves.

One for me, one for my sister.

Yes, I'm publicly posting a picture of two scarves made out of Fun Fur. Come on it was 2007, give a woman a break.

So - where are these scarves now? I haven't worn mine in years, however I still have it. The one on the left was given to my sister, I'm not sure where her scarf is. Maybe I do not want to know!

How far I've come from $1 yarn at a hobby store, to official yarn snob!

Day Three: Tidy mind, tidy stitches

2011-03-30T07:36:00.056-04:00

Organization. Depending on who you ask this is my middle name. My stash is no exception.

All of my yarn is cataloged in Ravelry. If I have a specific project in mind for it, the yarn is linked to the pattern.

Last year I participated in the 2010 Flash Your Stash. I took the picture on the right in April 2010.

The bottom one is from March 2011. Hmmm, it seems a little enhancement went on this past year.

Interesting to see some of the same skeins, figuring out the skeins that are no longer in the stash and seeing the new ones. Also, for full disclosure I didn't put all the skeins of the projects I'm currently working on in this photo.

One of the things that stands out at me this year are my purchases from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. I did purchase a couple of skeins from Stitches East, then promptly ordered 5 skeins of Sock Candy when I got home. They are all starting the bottom row on the left hand side. The other skeins on the far left are Knit Picks Comfy & Cotlin. They are some of the softest yarn I've held.

As for where I store my yarns. I have this canvas bag from LLBean. The yarn goes into see through plastic bags by weight into this bag.

I am going to guess that 85% of my stash resides in this bag.

I take out all the skeins of yarn for the particular project I'm working on and locate them elsewhere for ease of use. I also keep my leftover yarns if the ball is small enough in mason jars.

If I have a majority of a skein left after a project it goes into a see through bag with all the others and put in a separate tote bag.

Yes, it is my organized stash!

Day Two: Skill + 1UP

2011-03-29T06:49:00.016-04:00

I really like this topic today. Each project I do I look to expand my knitting techniques. I try to learn a new pattern, new stitch, technique or just try something different.

My first couple of projects I was working with basic knit & purl to show different patterns. I then learned to knit in the round for my socks. The next few projects were lace and I needed to learn YO's, Inc, KFB etc. Overall, I've feel I've progressed nicely in my learning of new techniques.

This past year I was determined to learn cables as I'm determined to knit myself an Irish Knit sweater this decade. I started learning cable with simply 2 stitches held to the back or front in this scarf;

This was the project I took on vacation with us last year. Unfortunately, it is still a WIP, as I realized when our winter began and my sister's wedding rapidly approaching, I needed to get a couple of other projects finished up.

As you may have read in my blog post from early March that I recently finished my Winter Wonder. This for my was a bit more complicated cable design. I'm so pleased with how it came out!

I feel much more confident in my cable knitting after this project. So, that means I'm on track for that Irish Knit Sweater I promised myself!

Day One: A Tale of Two Yarns

2011-03-28T07:23:00.026-04:00

If you've read this blog through the years you already know my love of Handmaiden Sea Silk. I'm allergic to many fibers so I've found this is my favorite in which to knit my many lace projects with. I love the stitch definition it provides, and I find blocking my projects really make them shine. The yarn is just overall a delight to work with!

This is my Handmaiden Sea Silk in the Blackberry colorway.

However, I decided to try the Handmaiden Sea Three. I figure I loved the Sea Silk so much, I would really like this one...it's thicker cousin!

These are two skeins in the Twilight colorway.

It is comprised of the same material, however just spun to a different weight (Aran). I'm not as big a fan of this weight.

I knit my Saroyan Shawl from this and just find it too heavy. While the yarn is lovely to work with and just sails over the needles I'm going to save the rest of my Sea Three for scarves.

There lies my Tale of Two Yarns.

Stay tuned for our topic of the day tomorrow...

2nd Annual Knitting & Crochet Blog Week

2011-03-27T09:22:00.000-04:00

Please feel free to join us this week:

http://eskimimiknits.com/knitting-and-crochet-blog-week-2011/

FO Winter Wonder

2011-03-06T20:44:00.000-05:00

Well I did it. I finished my Winter Wonder in record time.

This is my first completed cable project. I'm officially

Pattern: Winter Wonder by Irishgirlieknits
Yarn: Berroco Remix
Colorway: Strawberry #3960
Yardage: Skein and a third (still need to weight it to be exact)
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony Circulars US 8

I quickly took this photo in between downpours here today. I tried it on and I hope to order a pin from Designs by Romi that will compliment it well.

The bigger decision is being that it is my first cable project I'd really like to keep it. However, I know someone that it would look fabulous on.

Isn't this always my dilemma with all my finished objects? Is it yours?

Cranking out cables

2011-03-02T18:21:00.018-05:00

I can't believe how fast I'm knitting cables.

Someone suggested that I could be going even faster if I learned to knit without cable needles. I've tried it on this scarf and I just can't get comfortable with it.

Even with using the cable needles I feel I've been really knitting alot this past week (both in speed and time spent). I've been able to knit every night this week and it has helped my stress level tremendously. I'm trying to enjoy it now, as my busiest time period is almost upon me at work and when that happens I barely make it home for supper.

I originally purchased 2 skeins of this Berroco Remix, I'm still on skein one although I'm hoping to make a cowl out of what is left after this project.

Back to knitting...

Winter Wonder in Remix

2011-02-27T16:36:00.008-05:00

I cast off this past week on a pattern by Carie (aka IrishGirlieKnits). You may remember the Le Petite Pont I made from her pattern and yarn purchased at Stitches East 2010.

Well, I bought another pattern from her. This is the Winter Wonder. I originally wanted to knit this up in a dark blue yarn, however the yarn store shipped the incorrect color (black instead of nightfall). I decided to keep the black and CO with the red.

The yarn is Berroco Remix. It is made from 100% recycled fibers, Nylon, Cotton, Acrylic, Silk & Linen. Once I picked up a new cable needle (instead of using a DPN) I was able to cruise right along. This is what it looks like now, after 2 nights and a Saturday of knitting:

As you may be able to tell I did a pattern modification, as I'm doing a smaller border. Another 4 repeats and I'll be done! Now just to be able to have some large amounts of knitting time....

February Recap

2011-02-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

I'm not exactly sure where this month went. I do have some ideas:

my sister's wedding
3 weeks of illness in this house
losing my voice for 2 whole days
new course load for new designation program
2 feet of snow (as if we hadn't had enough)
flat tire on way to work
roof on house leaking like a rain shower that people pay good money for
meetings with contractors to get new roof in place

I think that about sums up my month.

My sister looked stunning! The groom was happy! I love going back and looking at all the photos and reliving the moments in time.

I was able to finish the Little Silk Shrug in time:

(for the record it was in the wee hours of the next morning when this photo was taken!)

Pattern: Little Silk Shrug
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Silk Three
Colorway: Ivory
Yardage used: 1.25 skeins
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony US 7 & 8 circulars

I love how this came out!I can't wait to wear it again!

Tomorrow I'll have to show you what I cast on this past week. I'll leave you a hint it involves Berroco Remix and my IrishGirlieKnits pattern.

Wedding Wishes

2011-02-11T10:47:00.000-05:00

The Best Is Yet To BeBy Joanna Fuchs
On your joyful wedding day,
You begin a brand new life.
Friends and family give their gifts
To joyful husband, blissful wife. But the greatest gift you'll ever get,
A gift from heaven above,
Is love forever, ending never,
Everlasting love. You'll share life's joy and pleasure;
You'll have plenty of that, it's true.
But love is the real treasure
For your new spouse and you. And if life hands you challenges,
As it does to one and all,
Your love will hold you steady
And never let you fall. Your wedding day is full of joy;
Tomorrow you cannot see.
But one thing's sure for the two of you:
The best is yet to be.

The little shrug and a froggin'

2011-01-30T15:28:00.000-05:00

Well, I had some quiet time to work on my shrug in the past few days. It took me just under 2 hours to finish the edging.

Then, I tried it on...too tight. 30 seconds to frog 2 hours worth of work. Ugh!

I'll try again this week. I am going to take at least an inch and a half of the seaming out then do the edging again. That should work.

In the meantime, I wanted to hit my goal to have a finished object by the end of January - since the shrug wasn't cooperating, I picked a leftover UFO from 2010. I used an online video to learn how to do a 3 needle bind off to connect the shoulder straps to the body and off I went.

I present my Rowan Summer Tweed Frock Camisole:

Pattern: Frock Camisole from Interweave Knits Spring 2008
Yarn: Summer Tweed by Rowan
Colorway: Blue
Purchased at: WEBS
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony Needles US 7 Circulars

I do plan on wearing a white shirt underneath it, so I did not do any modifications.

Hopefully next time I can share a completed shrug!

Has it really been 20 days...

2011-01-22T21:09:00.001-05:00

since I last blogged? Well, there have been some big events in the past couple of weeks.

First there was a wedding shower;

a night out with the bride;

a fabulous meal out with said bride (me and my sister);

(yes that would be my Multnomah shawl)

and a total of 34 inches of snow in the past 2 weeks;

I was able to take that photo this afternoon. I'm glad we do not have any close neighbors that would have seen me sticking my head and camera out the window!

Phew!

Unfortunately, even with all that snow, I still had to make it into work, so I just started back on the shrug today. I need to work quickly as the wedding is in 3 weeks!

Little Silk Shrug at 30

2011-01-02T16:50:00.000-05:00

inches, that is.

I'm at the point where I need to knit the arm sleeves up. Hopefully I'll be able to knit those up in the next day or so. The next step after that is to add an edging....another first for me.

Last year you saw the ring...

2010-12-31T16:54:00.016-05:00

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!

Knitted Christmas Presents....part 2

2010-12-30T18:47:00.002-05:00

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!

Knitted Christmas Presents....part 1

2010-12-29T20:30:00.011-05:00

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...

Finished Mini Scarf

2010-12-28T19:41:00.002-05:00

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!

Mini Scarf

2010-12-27T18:22:00.001-05:00

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!

Christmas Stash Enhancements

2010-12-26T15:22:00.001-05:00

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!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T10:56:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-24T09:29:00.000-05:00

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!

FO Ripley

2010-12-01T21:48:00.000-05:00

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...

More Ripley

2010-11-29T07:24:00.003-05:00

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?!

Ripley Hat Project

2010-11-28T09:31:00.001-05:00

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

I highly recommend this hat for easy TV knitting!

Shrek, Macy's Parade, CO

2010-11-27T12:41:00.000-05:00

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.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T09:23:00.001-05:00

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!

FO Le Petit Pont

2010-11-21T11:35:00.000-05:00

(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...

Life events = slow progress

2010-11-14T16:19:00.000-05:00

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.

Ten on Tuesday

2010-11-09T20:54:00.000-05:00

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.

A better photo of my Le Petit Pont

2010-11-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

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...

Le Petit Pont Progress

2010-11-06T19:28:00.000-04:00

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!

Le Petit Pont

2010-11-03T18:09:00.009-04:00

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...

Who did I meet at Stitches?

2010-11-02T18:20:00.017-04:00

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!

Stitches Stash Enhancements

2010-10-31T14:45:00.007-04:00

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!!

On the road to Stitches

2010-10-30T13:52:00.001-04:00

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

5 more sleeps until Stitches

2010-10-24T19:39:00.000-04:00

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?

Guess what is finished?

2010-10-10T20:56:00.000-04:00

laNovia is blocking.

Details next post with a better photo!

laNovia 2

2010-10-06T21:12:00.002-04:00

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

Frock camisole....what frock camisole?

laNovia

2010-10-04T18:52:00.011-04:00

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?

Frock Camisole so close....

2010-10-03T19:17:00.001-04:00

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....

Stash Enhancements

2010-10-02T11:06:00.001-04:00

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.

Enough rain already!

2010-10-01T19:49:00.000-04:00

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!

Birthday Arrival

2010-09-26T17:49:00.002-04:00

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.

Frock Camisole Update

2010-09-23T17:33:00.001-04:00

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.

Mug Cosy

2010-09-21T19:04:00.004-04:00

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?

CSA Updates

2010-09-20T18:04:00.000-04:00

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!

Finished Cowl

2010-09-08T19:43:00.001-04:00

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!

CSA Catch-up

2010-09-05T15:04:00.014-04:00

I owe you the past couple weeks of CSA pictures.

Yummy!

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

A finish Multnomah

2010-09-04T12:03:00.000-04:00

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.

Where did August go?

2010-08-29T21:32:00.000-04:00

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.

CSA

2010-08-08T10:37:00.001-04:00

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!

CSA

2010-08-01T09:15:00.006-04:00

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?

Half done Frock Camisole

2010-07-30T19:19:00.006-04:00

Who knew in a few days I'd be so far along on my Frock Camisole?

This may mean, since it is my TV knitting, that yes the TV has been on the past few nights from arriving home at night to bedtime.

I have about 3 more inches before I start the armhole shaping. I'm still not a fan of this yarn, hopefully it will become softer when I wash it. If not I've made it so I can wear a white shirt underneath it.

Frock Camisole

2010-07-28T18:10:00.003-04:00

In between knitting on my lace Multnomah I've CO on a Frock Camisole.

(Ok the rotating of photos by Blogger is really REALLY annoying!)

I needed something that would provide mindless TV knitting. This is a good project for that.

Pattern: Frock Camisole from Interweave Knits Spring 2008
Yarn: Rowan Summer Tweed
Colorway: Light Blue
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony Circulars US 7, 36"

I have to say I liked this yarn when I purchased it. It was part of my first purchase from my first visit to WEBS! However, knitting with it is not my favorite. I guess I'm glad it is my TV knit since if I was truly concentrating on it more I would be annoyed.

Multnomah Progress

2010-07-26T19:41:00.001-04:00

I'm cruising right along on my Multnomah Shawl.

Here is the lace detail a little closer:

I LOVE how it appears there are waves. I hope to have this finished in a couple weeks.

CSA

2010-07-25T11:32:00.000-04:00

Here is our latest CSA photo.

Did you notice that half the blueberries are already gone? This is a photo about 2 hours after we picked up our share. I just couldn't help myself as they were so delicious!

Knitting resumes tomorrow as we have some cleaning and weeding of the garden to do.

Cosmic Dawn

2010-07-13T18:32:00.000-04:00

I was searching through Ravelry and came across a pattern called Multnomah. I knew when I saw it that my Handmaiden Sea Silk in Cosmic Dawn colorway would be perfect.

Cast off I do:

Love it!

Swift, Take 2

2010-07-12T21:45:00.003-04:00

Second skein off the swift:

This swift is so much fun!! No worries, I have no intentions of blogging each skein...it is just a new toy. :-)

As my DH tells me, "this too shall pass".

This is Handmaiden Sea Silk in the Cosmic Dawn colorway.

A New Trinket

2010-07-11T19:40:00.000-04:00

Well, if you read my last blog I told you exciting news that DH is now gainfully employed. So, what did I do with his first paycheck?

I bought myself a trinket...a swift!

(for the record the swift was from KnitPicks and it was only $64.00) I however, feel like it is already worth it's weight in gold! Considering the last hank I wound up took me over 40 minutes of frustration!!

There is the first skein of yarn I used my swift and ball winder on. What a beautiful invention!

I did finish my Saroyan this past week, however, I have not blocked it yet. I'll have to show you what the leaves look like afterward.

Pattern: Saroyan
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Three
Colorway: Twilight
Needles: Harmony Wood 24" Circulars US 8

Until next time...

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T17:42:00.000-04:00

Hope you are all having a great day!

We are dealing with Hazy, Hot and HUMID! So, we decided to chill out and enjoy our air conditioned home. Tonight we stick with tradition and watch the Boston Pops Orchestra.

I've also been doing more reading than knitting lately. The current novel is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I saw Elizabeth on Oprah with Julia Roberts a couple of weeks ago and thought her story would be interesting. It hasn't let me down yet, as I'm reading my way through Italy.

I'm still working on the photos of my finished projects. I did take some, however the light was drowning out the color of my Sweet Jazz Shawl...must find a solution to that!

Some big news that hit our household is that my DH is starting a full time job! After 2 years of being unemployed he is now considered gainfully employed and we are thrilled!!

Here is our CSA share from this week. Blogger is having a great time turning my photos, again. Funny how the picture to me looks tilted.

It doesn't take away from the taste, since everytime I go into the kitchen I'm sneaking blueberries...I guess there are worse things.

Doesn't this picture look crooked to you? Did you just tilt your head?

Enjoy the rest of your day!

CSA

2010-06-20T09:37:00.001-04:00

Yes, I'm switching topics from knitting to food. Specifically fruits and vegetables today.

We signed up at our local in town farm for a CSA package. I've always like the idea of them, investing in the local farm. I also wanted to make sure we had fresh fruits and vegetables through the seasons. We also knew in doing this we could cut back on our own garden.

In fact our farm was purchased a few years back from a foreclosure, the bank was just about to sell the land to a builder....thank goodness that didn't work out...and this multi-generation family purchased it to keep it as a working farm.

This is the share we picked up this weekend:

The strawberries are just so sweet! We are going to make strawberry shortcake, as the DH is really wanting to make real whipped cream!

I also didn't post what we got last weekend:

I ended up eating one packages of strawberries within that week, and froze the other. The lettuce was great for not only our sandwiches that week, but also provided a cup for our bunny, Bianca the entire week!

Knitting will be back next post! It is finally nice and sunny here, so maybe I can talk DH to take some shawl photos that I owe you!

Saroyen BO

2010-06-11T19:27:00.000-04:00

So, I couldn't stay idle...and ah, yes, another scarf.

Pattern: Saroyen
Yarn: Handmaiden Sea Three
Colorway: Twilight
Purchased from: The Loopy Ewe
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony Circulars US 8

I found out after I placed the pattern in my Ravelry que that it was named after Dr. Saroyen in the show Bones. This is one of three patterns named after Bones characters.

After knitting two scarfs that were with CO's in the hundreds it was quite a change to CO 11 stitches! This colorway is one of my favorites (of course!) it has blue in it and with black being a primary color in my work wardrobe I can see myself wearing this to work.

I did in fact wear my Sweet Jazz scarf today to work. I had fun showing all the different ways I could wear it, until one of my staff members suggested I tie it around my waist....I do not THINK so! As my comment back is that is for someone without hips!!

The weatherman said tonight that we are expected to have rain all weekend starting with Saturday afternoon. I hope to get some nice pictures of the two scarfs in natural light before the rain settles in.

2 FO's in 2 days...

2010-06-09T19:28:00.000-04:00

Well I hit my own personal record of 2 finished objects in the past 2 days. I'm amazed!

I was able to quickly take this picture before I left for work. In my opinion there are just some things more important than making it into work on time. For the record, I am usually 15-25 minutes early to work every day...so my being 'late' is actually right on time! Anyway....

I bound off on my Just Enough Ruffles last night during the TV show Deadliest Catch.

Pattern: Just Enough Ruffles
Yarn: Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme
Colorway: Rose #603
Yardage: Approximately 320 yards (still have to take final weights of left over skeins)
Needles: Knit Picks Harmony US 8 Circulars

I think I'm going to only spot block this where the ends are woven in.

Like I said yesterday, I hope to have better weather this weekend for much better photos of this scarf and of the Sweet Jazz. Of which I'm so glad I snapped this photo this morning, as on my ride home from work today it starting pouring rain and it is still going.

Also in case you wanted to know if I'd have a third FO for tomorrow, not a chance! The only other project on needles at the moment is my Ishbel.

Off to peruse my Ravelry page to see if I have the yarn for the next pattern I want to knit. Stay tuned!

So, what were you doing last night?

2010-06-08T19:28:00.001-04:00

Watching tv, browsing the internet, shopping,...well, I was staying up past my bedtime determined to finish my Sweet Jazz scarf.

Here she is this morning, bright and early:

Final cast off was at 10:26 PM last night!

Here is my Sweet Jazz tonight being blocked:

"C"..she is all done! (dorky - yes I know, but since blogger likes to rotate my photos every once in a while I couldn't resist on this one) Isn't she beautiful? I can't wait to wear her.

I hope to have some better photos this weekend, if the weather will cooperate.

I'm loving how this came out. In fact, I'm seriously thinking about knitting this pattern again. I have another pattern I want to cast off first, however I'm keeping this pattern in my Ravelry que line!

My plan to cast off on my Just Enough Ruffles scarf tonight, however we will see.

Tonight, it is early to bed!

Sweet Jazz Progress

2010-06-07T18:49:00.000-04:00

Here is my Sweet Jazz update photo:

I literally ran in the house and quickly snapped some photos before I lost the sun totally for the night. Here is a little better close up:

I was trying to figure out exactly how many stitches I knit yesterday while I was at work today (working really hard! LOL), as I believe it is a personal record. However, I didn't have the pattern with the starting stitch counts. So, just on this shawl yesterday I knit a total of 4,890 stitches! I then decided to put it away before I got too tired to follow the pattern.

I then got into a TV show at 9PM, so I switched over to my Just Enough Ruffles scarf and knit 2 more rows So that added 1200 stitches to my daily total.

A grand total of 6,090 stitches in one day! (technically less than 6 hours)

WOW!

Since I want to eat supper and finish the one row left on Sweet Jazz before bind off tonight, I must call this post done.

1 more row...

2010-06-06T21:01:00.001-04:00

Isn't that always the way?

I have just one more row to knit to finish my Sweet Jazz. However, I have to call it quits for the night....you know this full time job is really putting a damper in my knitting!

I have taken photos of my progress today, however they look horrible.

Hopefully I'll have daylight tomorrow night (you know AFTER I get home from my paying job).

Sweet Jazz

2010-06-06T14:19:00.013-04:00

Beyond my Just Enough Ruffles Scarf/Shawl I've also been working on Sweet Jazz. I've found that if I work too long on a worsted weight yarn my hand tend to cramp and I need a smaller needle/finer yarn to work out the cramps.

Odd, yes I know. I can't help but think it has something to do with my being more comfortable working with lace weight yarns. However, who really knows.

A closer look:

Pattern: Sweet Jazz by Samantha Roshak (love her patterns!)
Yarn: SR Kertzer On Your Toes Bamboo
Colorway: Marti Gras
Purchase from: The Loopy Ewe
Needles: US 5 Knit Picks Harmony Circulars
Yardage: Pattern calls for approximately 500 yards

I really enjoy the patterns that Samantha creates. She works in short rows, along with a m1r and m1l for increases. Once you get the ease of picking up the correct stitch to m1 these stitches are a piece of cake.

She also writes out her patterns as well as charts them, so they are helpful to all knitters with a particular preference.

I find it funny that when I started knitting I couldn't stand long rows of purling, however I've become to like this. It makes for the perfect TV knitting.

After having worked on this for 5 days I'm now here:

That would be 8 rows away from a FINISHED OBJECT!