Happy Spring Knitting...

bring on the Spring Shawls...

Pattern: Pettine
Yarn: HandMaiden Sea Silk
Colorway: Bronze
Purchased from: The Loopy Ewe
Yardage: 437 yards (I have about 2 grams left)
Needles: Signature Needles US 6mm
Ravelry Page

I really love how my DH got the colors right on in this photo. That camera for his Christmas gift was a great investment!

As you can tell from my previous shawls I have a thing for the sideways shawls. Maybe it is because I love using every last bit that I can, or the assurance that I will not run out (if I keep weighing it as I go).

Last day of winter

YAY! Although I shouldn't be complaining at all. We had one storm the end of October that knocked out our power for 4 days, and another foot of snow on us a few weeks ago that melted quickly.

Today the temps are expected in the 70's. Bring on Spring! Allergies and all.

Let's wrap up winter knitting, there wasn't much;

Pattern: Ruffle Scarf
Yarn: Rozetti Yarns Tundra
Colorway: Black-White
Needles: Knit Picks US 8mm circulars
Ravelry Page

I've also put away my afghan blanket. I just need to knit the border of which I'll do when the weather gets cooler again. I had a couple opportunities to wear it this past month and it was so warm! LOVE!!

Tomorrow we bring in Spring and I've got the start of a lace project on the needles. Details next post.

And another row seamed

My afghan is coming together. Although slowly.

It is nice that it keeps me warm as I am working on it now.

I've also been a bit busy in the kitchen. I have a new cookbook for making bread. It is delicious...

then another 2 sandwich loaves in the same day.

If I keep going like this I'm going to need bigger pants! Hopefully Spring will be here shortly and I can get back to walking.

This is also how the homemade vanilla is looking like:

It is so nice to take the lid off and sniff a little! Heavenly vanilla!!

TLE Swap

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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...

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!

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

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?

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?!

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

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

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

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!