The Big Day!

Tomorrow is the beginning of Socktoberfest! I started my first sock early (last week actually) since I am such a slow knitter and new to the whole sock knitting thing. Here's what I have so far:

I'm using 2 Addi Turbos, Size 2, 24" and Trekking XXL in Color 109. The pattern is Garter Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks. So far, I'm doing alright, although I'm obviously only knitting the leg at this point. I'm looking forward to getting to the other parts of the sock as well. It has taken me a little time to get used to using such small needles and thin yarn. But I think the result is fantastic!

Also in honor of Socktoberfest, I searched for and printed a zillion awesome sock patterns off the internet. This is my thing - I just barely learn something new, and I immediately have to look for more patterns. In my defense, the patterns are so amazing - I can't help myself!

I'm looking forward to everything this month holds!

Enhancement, Progress, & Stuff

First, yarn goodness...

Mountain Colors Mountain Goat - Lost Trail

55% Mohair, 45% Wool

Mountain Colors Bearfoot - Teal

60% Superwash Wool, 25% Mohair, 15% Nylon

I indulged in a little sock yarn stash enhancement today at Knitorious, in honor of the upcoming Socktoberfest. Sandy at Knitorious is always so helpful, and she encouraged me to experience this fabulous yarn. Their store in their new location is fantastic. They have a number of the yarns I've dreamt of touching, and apparently more is on its way. Just another reason to stop in on a regular basis.

I've also recently acquired the Jordana Paige knitting bag I have been lusting after:

At the present time, it is toting around all three projects I am working on right now; it is so roomy, and perfect for someone as organized as myself.

Finally, progress updates...

Misty Garden Scarf

Column of Leaves Scarf

Turtleneck Shrug

I've been hard at work!

Manic Monday

My Mason Dixon Swapcloth pal, Lacey, sent me a "Dye Package!" Actually, I guess I was her pal, but she has now reversed roles on me. I had admired some of her dying progress, and made mention that I had never dyed my own yarn. So she sent me a package with white cotton yarn, dye, gloves, and instructions - how thoughtful! I can hardly wait to embark on my dyeable journey!

In other news, I am becoming addicted to the online knitting community. I have officially signed up for Secret Pal 9. I am anxious to receive my pal's info and start giving! I have also signed up for Lolly's Socktoberfest 2006. Finally, an event that will force me to knit my first pair of socks, which I have been wanting to do forever! I have been secretly buying sock yarn here and there, with only one practice sock under my belt. Well, now it's time to get serious!

I'm also planning to make some changes to my blog (with a little help from a book about HTML) and have begun the Turtleneck Shrug from Scarf Style. I know, I know, like I need another WIP. But I did! I needed some "mindless knitting" to do while chatting on the phone, watching TV, etc. I am making progress with L's Column of Leaves Scarf, but it takes my full concentration - definitely not mindless. Needless to say, lots going on in my krafty world as of late!

Column of Leaves

I hope you can see some of the detail; I had a tough time photographing black. I found this pattern here, at The Island of Misfit Patterns. As I mentioned in my previous post, I was planning to make the Backyard Leaves scarf for L for Christmas, but was overcome with an unnatural fear of reading charts. I still plan to learn how to read a chart (eventually) but decided Brooke's Column of Leaves Scarf felt safer at the time, as all of its instructions are written out. Ironically, I still have to concentrate very hard to not make mistakes, and seem to be making them anyway. I am obviously a little new at yarn overs, and have had my Vogue Knitting book propped up next to me while knitting. I'm using Size 6 needles with Classic Elite Yarns Lush, which is 50% Angora, 50% Wool, and 100% soft. So, even though I am constantly ripping this one back, I am enjoying every second that I knit with this yarn. Note that I said "knit with" and not "rip back."

First Felted Finish!

Remember the Hobo Chic Bag? Here it is, in all its knitted glory - huge. (Note size compared to chair and Muffin's ears.) I started this bag at the end of June. No, I wasn't completely dedicating all of my knitting time to it, I had a few WIPs at the same time. You know me, I always seem to get distracted. But I still felt like I had been knitting this bag forever.

It really did knit up rather large...

Now fully felted. Or should I say fulled - what really is the proper term?

And again, up close...

The felting/fulling process was amazing to me, and I am anxious to try more! I used 6 skeins of Lite Lopi on a Size 7 24" circular needle, just as the pattern suggests. I was actually lucky enough to get the pattern prior to it having a cost attached to it. I think it was the perfect first felting experience.

Now, I'm on to L's scarf, intended for Christmas. I chickened out of Backyard Leaves, and am attempting a different leaf pattern without a chart. However, I've already ripped and restarted 4 times. I suppose this always happens to me because I am constantly learning new things from each new pattern. I love learning, but I will also be glad when someday I can just pick up my needles and start a new project once.

I'm also finally working on B's wedding jewelry. I beaded one necklace last weekend, and she approved. Now to make 5 more necklaces, 1 bracelet, and 5 pairs of earrings. Never a dull moment! Beading pics coming soon...