First Pair of Socks

Finally, I have a pair!

Pattern: Garter Rib, Sensational Knitted Socks

Yarn: Trekking XXL, Color 109

Needles: Size 2 20 inch Addi Turbos

Started: 9/24/06

Finished: 1/30/07

So yes, I started these socks in honor of Socktoberfest, and then obviously drug them out a little longer. But, I'm completely excited that I can finally put them on as a pair. Can't wait to wear them to SNB on Saturday. Heck, I think I might even have to wear them right away tomorrow. Of course, I'm already looking through my books to see which socks to start next!

Winter Wear

Pattern: Kim's Hat, Woman Size, Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Yarn: Malabrigo Kettle Dyed Worsted Merino Wool, part of 1 skein

(I used most of the rest of the skein for a baby size hat of the same pattern)

Needles: Addi Turbo Size 9 16 inch circular, Brittany Birch Size 9 DPNs

Started: 1/13/07

Finished: 1/14/07

Pattern: Misty Garden (3), Scarf Style

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, 3 skeins

Needles: Knit Picks Size 3 24 inch circular

Started: 1/4/07

Finished: 1/22/07

(Why is Blogger doing this crazy double-space thing?!!!)

I gave the scarf to my sister, and kept the hat for myself. I'm now making a matching scarf, using the woven stitch. It's looking very pretty, especially with the Malabrigo, but I am hating working with Size 11 needles. It feels so awkward!

I'm also just about done with my second sock. Hopefully that will be an FO I can post in the next day or two.

I finally went to a Stitch N' Bitch group yesterday at the Hartford Coffee Company. It was a lot of fun, and totally awesome to meet and talk with other knitters/crafters. Plus, I worked very hard on both the sock and the Turtleneck Shrug. I actually finished the first sleeve and have started on the second. Amazing what 3 hours of knitting will accomplish!

Yummy Yarn

I love this yarn. It's Malabrigo Merino Worsted, the Marron Oscuro colorway. I bought it from Knitorious to knit a hat. I ended up knitting two hats: one for myself and one for my niece Maria. I'll post FO pics soon. In the meantime, I still have a little of this gorgeously soft fiber left, and am thinking about adding more to my stash. Wouldn't a woven knit scarf from Knit Scarves be great in Malabrigo? Or how about Grumperina's Shifting Sands? Hmm, how about a trip back to Knitorious to check out more of their great selection? While I'm there, I can get a few last minute things for my secret pal. I'm supposed to reveal myself by the end of the month!

Can She Do Lace?

Remember this? This is my Mountain Colors Mountain Goat in Lost Trail. I have two skeins, 230 yds each. These were originally bought for a pair of socks. However, I have discovered something new, something that goes along with one of my 2007 goals: the Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl. I've been wanting to do a lace shawl for a while, and actually have yarn bought for both Ene's Scarf in Scarf Style and the Shetland Triangle from Wrap Style. However, charts scare me. Seriously. But, thanks to Cristina of string*Theory, I am now prepared. I ordered the shawl pattern tonight; it was a quick and easy download. I am quite pleased with myself, as I just sold some of my yarn stash on eBay, and had some money sitting in my Pay Pal account just waiting for such a purchasing occasion!

I am dying to start this project, although I am working on yet another Misty Garden (yes, #3,) for my sister in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino which I really want to finish and give to her fairly quickly. I'm hoping to lift her depressed mood she's been in for a little while. She and I both get that way in the winter - not enough sun, I'm sure. But nothing a little handknit scarf won't fix, right?

I bought the materials needed for the DIY light box with a gift card from Target that I received from our oncologist at work. Of course, I have yet to set it all up and take any pics. You know how I am; I procrastinate until I feel the timing is perfect. I need to stop that. Maybe this will be a project for the weekend.

2007 Crafting Goals

1. Update my blog with Adobe Photoshop. I have already purchased and downloaded the program. Now I'd like to at least add a custom made banner to my site.
2. Knit the Hourglass Sweater from LMKG. Andean Silk in Cranberry is being shipped from Knit Picks. It will be my first adult size sweater.
3. Finish knitting my first pair of socks. This means finishing the second sock. And then hopefully knitting more pairs of socks.
4. Join a Stitch 'N Bitch group. I'm planning on checking out two of them this weekend; one's on Saturday and one's on Sunday. I am really psyched about this goal.
5. Learn to sew. I have the machine. And I have a number of books I've bought for this very reason. I even have some fabric already.
6. Learn to crochet, at least a little. I of course purchased Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker, since I learned to knit from the original Stitch 'N Bitch.
7. Learn to knit from a chart. There are quite a few lace shawls I am interested in making, but the charts scare me a little.
8. Learn to cable knit. I plan to make Fetching, as soon as I attain this goal.
9. Bead more jewelry from stash. I don't make jewelry nearly as often as I'd like.
10. Knit from stash as much as possible. I really have a lot of yarn planned for a lot of specific projects. I need to save the money and knit the stash!

Christmas - A Little Late

I also made these earrings today for my case managers at work. Yes, they are Christmas gifts, slightly late, but finished nonetheless!

My Very Own IPod Cozy

Behold the beloved new IPod Nano. I bought this plastic case with a clip on the back so I could wear it while walking, doing housework, etc. However, it doesn't transport well in my purse like this. The wires from the earphones get tangled up in everything.



So, enter the new IPod Cozy,
designed by me (and some
inspiration by this and this!)













Note the earphone pocket on the back (done by picking up stitches) and the cutout for the earphone cord. I am so completely proud of this! It is my first fairly original design, using the ideas from multiple patterns.

Specifics:

Pattern: My Very Own IPod Cozy

Yarn: SWTC Karaoke (maybe half of 1 skein)

Needles: Susan Bates Aluminum US Size 7

Started: 1/3/07

Finished: 1/4/07

I LOVE these fairly small projects that I can complete in a matter of a few days. Makes me feel like I am really accomplishing something!

Misty Garden Scarf

T's friend M recently requested a scarf in a soft yarn. I just happened to have some Angora in my stash, and knit up my own version of Misty Garden, from the book Scarf Style. I love the simplicity of the Feather and Fan stitch. It was a quick and easy knit, and yet looks so beautiful. I will be mailing the scarf today!

Pattern: Misty Garden, from Scarf Style

Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Angora in Turquoise, 60% Angora, 20% Wool, 91 yds, 3 skeins

Needles: US Size 9 24 inch Addi Turbo

Started: 12/27/06

Finished: 1/3/07

Finished Measurements: 45 inches long, 7 1/4 inches wide

Quick Knit

Pattern: Calorimetry, Knitty Winter 2006

Needles: Addi Turbo US Size 8, 24 inch

Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino, Color 112, 100% Superwash Merino Wool,

115 yds (I used approximately 3/4 of 1 skein)

Notions: 1 clear button

Started: 12/24/06

Finished: 12/26/06

This was a super quick and fun knit utilizing short rows. I happened to have the yarn in my stash, and am thrilled with how well it turned out. Now I can cover up the top of my head and my ears when I am out walking this winter!

I have finished L's scarf, and it is neatly wrapped and under the tree. I hope to convince her to let me take a pic with her wearing it to post for everyone (because I once again forgot to take a picture of a gift before wrapping it. This is becoming very typical.) The blocking really did fix the curling problem, thank goodness!

I now have a request from another friend of a friend to knit a scarf - should I take on another scarf endeavor? I believe so! What is it about knitting scarves that is so warm and comforting? I've actually been working on a scarf for the Red Scarf Project too; just a bias knit with Cascade 220. Not a big thrill, although it is my first bias knit.

T has requested more dishcloths. I've completed one out of Peaches N Cream,


and am starting another with Fantasy Naturale. Let me tell you, the latter is definitely not my favorite yarn to knit with. But, I've had it in my stash for quite some time, and it just needs to be used. I don't know if you can tell, but the dishcloth will have a specific pattern on it when I'm through. I want it to be a surprise for T, so in case he is reading this, I'm not giving out any more details!

Blocking

That's right everyone. I bound off the scarf last night, and today it is blocking. What a fantastic feeling. It turned out to be about 65 inches long. I haven't really blocked anything up to this point in my knitting career. But this curling scarf cried out to be blocked. And so it is...

Discipline

I am so close to the end of the scarf. So of course, what do I do? I take a break from knitting and search a little on the internet, take some time to blog, etc. It's almost like I have a fear of actually finishing a project! How can that be? I mean, I have so many other projects waiting! I apparently need some knitting discipline...

Stinkin' Scarf

HELP!

I am nearing the end of the second hank of yarn for L's scarf, patterned after the men's cashmere scarf from LMKG.

However, I am starting to panic about how much it is curling in on itself. I know, why have I not panicked until now? Let's call it knitter's denial. But there is no denying this.

Of course, I searched the internet today for others who have knit this pattern, and found a few bloggers who have also experienced curling. So now the big question: what should I do? Do I keep knitting, praying that most/some/even a little bit of the curling will come out once it is blocked? Or do I frog L's stinkin' scarf for what has to be the 25th time, and pick yet another pattern? I think I have bad knitting luck. It seems as though every project I attempt to knit has some sort of problem with it. I'm beginning to question my ability to knit at all! Please, offer me suggestions/advice/a knitting self-help group with a curling recovery program before it's too late...

Sock Box

Hmm, what could this be? A gift from my Secret Pal 9? (that apparently has been sitting at my post office since November 7. I never got a delivery slip, and therefore didn't even know I had a package waiting! But my SP was kind enough to send me an email asking me if I had received it, with the package number and everything. Is she kind-hearted or what?)

Notice the fancy box underneath the wrapping. My SP9 must already know me well - I love any container/organizational item!

Look at all the great stuff inside!

My SP9 has sent me an awesome package, with 4 skeins of Knit Picks Dancing sock yarn (2 different colorways,) the books Knit Socks! (which was on my Amazon Wish List,) and Knitting for Babies (for my niece), patterns for sock earrings, Christmas stocking ornaments, and a keychain sock blocker, a set of DPNs (for the new great patterns,) a sunflower planting kit, and 2 coupons for free Ben & Jerry's ice cream! BTW, I love ice cream! And I love this gift. It could not have come at a better time. The dark, cold weather has been bringing me down a bit lately, and to top it off, today was a tough day at work. It meant so much to me today to receive something so thoughtful. My Secret Pal 9 is fantastic...

The Cold & The Rain

It has been raining all day today. With the wind, it is downright cold. Great night for a little TV and knitting. Which means I need to get off this computer and get down to it. L's scarf is coming along, slowly but surely. Knitting it has taken some discipline on my part. For some reason, I have lost some of my will to knit - is this what people always refer to as their "knitting mojo?" I have never understood what that means. I honestly have become somewhat of a couch potato, literally doing nothing but watching shows on my DVR. My sluggishness is practically sinful! I keep blaming it on the weather, the time change, or whatever comes to mind. But tonight, knitting and hot chocolate are my plan. L's scarf WILL be done for Christmas!!!

T was here this past weekend. He of course had to make the comment that L's scarf looks like a man's scarf. I am using a pattern entitled "men's," but I really believe it is a neutral pattern. I think T made his comment because it is black, which does seem a little masculine. And yet, black is what L requested. So the knitting continues.

I am anxious to take some pics this weekend, hopefully when there is sunlight. I can't seem to get the black to photograph well in my unnatural lighting at my apartment. Soon, you will see progress. I promise!

3 Confessions

Ok, so I have to confess something. I ripped out the Column of Leaves Scarf. Again. And I have now chosen to knit a much easier pattern, using the Men's Cashmere Scarf pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Except it's not for a man. And it's not in cashmere. And it's on Size 8 needles, not Size 11. Well, it's pretty much not the same scarf at all. But you get the gist, right? As much as I loved the first pattern, I have had to rip and restart so many times. I am starting to panic about Christmas being next month, and in all reality, the first pattern was fairly girly, and L is not really all that girly. She would probably want a tougher scarf, more heavy-duty, right? (Notice my quick justification here.) Most importantly, I will be able to knit in front of the TV, and will definitely finish by Christmas.

Ok, here's another confession. I spend more time looking at blogs filled with knitting and other crafts than I do actually knitting/crafting/blogging myself. I just can't help myself! The inspiration and talent out there is overwhelming. Thanks to everyone who shares so much of their talent. I am in awe.

Ok, third confession. I am watching the CMA's right now. Anyone else a country music fan? Anyone else really fall for all the gorgeous cowboys out there?

The Picture

Finally, I was able to get this picture posted: The jewelry for my little black dress. Makes me want to bead like crazy. I love having crafty hobbies. Especially now that the time has changed, and it is darker earlier and becoming colder. It is the perfect season to stay in and create to my heart's content.

I stopped by the library today and picked up more of the books I had requested. I love the library. I love that it is like book shopping for free. I love the smell of the library; it reminds me of going to the library with my mom and little sister many years ago. I could spend hours at the library. I feel the same way about the bookstore. I really do often spend hours there. I love the smell of new books, coffee, and magazines. I'll admit, I am a book-addict. One can never spend enough time lost in a good book...

Little Black Dress Beads

I spent some time shopping with my sister and niece on Saturday, and found a great little black dress for only $32.00. Can you believe it? What a fantastic bargain. I plan to wear it to B's wedding November 25. B's bridesmaids will be wearing the jewelry I made. So I decided I should also be wearing SassyKrafty Original Designs jewelry. I spent Saturday night at the bookstore getting inspired, and found this great book, Get Your Sparkle On. I always seem to forget how much I love to bead. But this book was a fun read, and definitely gave me some great ideas. I ended up using beads that were already in my stash. I'm thinking the most expensive part of my outfit for the wedding will be my pair of shoes! I had fully intended to post a pic here, but I can't seem to get Blogger to cooperate. Anyway, I made 2 necklaces, 3 bracelets (which still need the elastic trimmed,) and a pair of earrings. I'll just save the pic for later. For now, I'm off to watch the Cardinals special on television. Yes, I live in the city that is the home of the baseball World Champions!

My First Sock Triumph!

Here it is, in all it's first sock glory! It is finished, and I am so anxious to cast on for the second sock I can hardly see straight. What a rush! Thanks to everyone who helped in this crazy process, including my Secret Pal 9 and Charlene from Sensational Knitted Socks. Sock knitting is SOOOO worth it! I will pose with them on once I have a pair. (I couldn't seem to take a picture with the sock on without making my ankle look extremely fat. I will get help with The First Pair of Socks in Use photo shoot.) Will I be able to sleep tonight? Probably not! More knitting? Bring it on! And yea to Socktoberfest!

Beads N Socks

I worked on L's wine glass charms today. Beading takes a lot of patience and concentration, but I think these were worth it. Plus, now I have a Christmas present done!

I also finished B's bridal party jewelry a week and a half ago, but completely forgot to take pics prior to giving them to her at her shower. I wonder if she would let me "borrow" them for a photo op...

I'm afraid my knitting update is not very exciting. I'm continuing to slowly plug away at the same projects. I wish I knitted faster. In the spirit of Soctoberfest, I am now at the heel turn of my sock. I have been there for quite some time, as I am terrified of the short rows that are to come. What if I end up with nasty gaps? I've pulled out my Vogue Knitting and Knitter's Bible for aide if needed. Now I just need to jump!