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!

SP9 Contest

In the spirit of all things fun, here's my first SP9 Contest Q & A:

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot? Right now my favorite knitting spot is in my bed, leaning back on a couple of pillows, watching the 10 o'clock news before going to sleep.

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead? I would continue to bead; actually, I would do a lot more beading. I think my beading habit has dropped off considerably since learning to knit!

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why? I honestly never think about traveling much, although for years I have had a huge desire to get to Estes Park, Colorado. What I've seen in pictures is beautiful, and I can only imagine how impressive mountains are in person. It's funny, I wanted to go there long before I learned how to knit, or learned about the Estes Park Wool Market - now so many more reasons to go!

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it? I wanted to be a wife and mother, 2 things I am not doing yet, but hopefully someday soon. I also wanted to be a ballerina. I ended up choosing social work instead - fulfilling in a totally different way. Maybe that 's something else I would take up if I could no longer knit; I could dance again...

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? I'm torn between peanut butter cup and jamoca almond fudge. I'm terrible at making decisions - can I have a scoop of both?

Always More Organization

For those of you who don't know me very well yet, I love to organize and be organized. My home is full of baskets, containers, boxes, etc, each one with it's own contents, each one with a special purpose. So I now need to introduce my valued needle holders, compliments of Thimble. I searched all over the internet looking for the perfect needle cases, and I believe I have found them. I purchased 2 of her straight needle cases (yes, I have that many straight needles,) and I adore her creations.

Look at the fantastic, whimsical way they close, with a satin ribbon and a button.

As you can see, my needles of all sizes and lengths fit perfectly, and that top flap folds over to hold them in when I roll it shut.

I bought a knitting bag to match the peach case as well. You should check out Thimble's site. I want everything she makes!

As for true knitting content, I am still working on "The First Sock." I already have to thank and compliment my Secret Pal from Secret Pal 9, who has given me fabulous instructions on some questions I had. Sometimes it is hard teaching yourself out of just a book, and you need some personal support. I went to my SP, and she jumped right in! She is the best! I'm already dying to find out who she is...

New Knitting Queue

Remember my Knitting Queue? I am now updating it, as I am selling some of my yarn on Ebay and rethinking my plans. As I look at this, why would I ever need to buy more yarn?

1. Socks - I'm still working on my first one, and yet I can't seem to stop purchasing sock yarn and picking out patterns

2. Mason Dixon Towel (1 skein Euroflax linen, although skein is worsted weight & pattern calls for sportweight)

3. Kitty Pi (Noro Big Kureyon & Fun Fur)

4. Chemo Cap (1 skein Berroco Chinchilla;) I'd love to make lots of hats to take to my patients at the hospital

5. Fetching Knitty Fingerless Gloves (1 skein Artyarns Supermerino)

6. Mason Dixon Ballband Towel (Sugar/Peaches N Cream)

7. Dishcloth patterned after Mason Dixon Burpcloth(Sugar/Peaches N Cream) for T

8. Mason Dixon Circle Dishcloth (1 skein Fantasy Naturale)

9. Mason Dixon Buttonhole Bag (4 skeins Lopi & 1 Showstopper) as a Christmas gift for C

10. Interweave Knits Ribbed Shrug (7 skeins Knitpicks Shine worsted)

11. Knit & Tonic's Dream Swatch Headwrap (1 skein Noro Lily Yarn)

12. Anthropologie-Inspired Caplet (3 skeins Takhi Baby Print)

13. Ribbon-Edged Cardigan from Debbie Bliss' Special Knits(4 balls Baby Cashmerino) as a gift for M

14. Ribbon-Tied Dress from Debbie Bliss' Special Knits(6 balls Baby Cashmerino) as a gift for M

15. Lady Eleanor Shawl from Scarf Style(10 skeins Noro Silk Garden)

Secret Pal 9 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I LOVE wool, angora, cashmere, silk, most cotton, and well, pretty much everything but chenille. (I had a recent bad experience with chenille.) I am even learning to like knitting with mohair with a current scarf project.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I have 2 straight needle rolls handcrafted by thimble. I store my DPNs and my Addi Circs in a Bass Pro Shop Double Sided Tackle Bag. My crochet hooks are in a pencil case. I am addicted to organization and can never have enough boxes, bags, etc.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I've been knitting since the beginning of 2005. I taught myself how to knit with Debbie Stoller's Stitch n Bitch book. I would consider myself early-intermediate, I suppose. I am definitely always learning more, which I LOVE!

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, see my blog for my wish lists. Unfortunately, I am always pining for something!

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) I love anything soft and flowery. I also like vanilla, cinnamon, and apple.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I love anything dark chocolate, and tart candy like tangy taffy and sour worms. I am also a firm believer that ice cream fixes everything.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I enjoy beading. I am also presently teaching myself how to sew on my grandmother's sewing machine. I love collecting fabric squares and fat quarters, especially in vintage, flea market, and retro patterns. I am fairly addicted to anything Amy Butler (I just recently bought her book In Stitches.) I love reading books and magazines about all kinds of crafts. My mom and I can't seem to go to enough craft fairs.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) My computer can play MP3s, my car plays CDs. I like a lot of different music, except rap.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? My favorite colors are green and red (not necessarily together.) I also like combos such as pink and brown, red and aqua, pink and green, brown and turquoise - well, the list is endless!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am single and live with my two cats, Muffin (female, age 6) and Sam (male, age 4.) I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE animals. I also have a new niece I am enjoying spending time with.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear scarves and gloves. I would like to eventually wear shawls, if I can ever muster enough courage to knit a beautiful lace one. Ponchos are not my thing.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I have enjoyed most everything I have knitted so far. I like to have something small going to give myself a sense of completion fairly often.

13. What are you knitting right now? 2 scarves with lace patterns, a sock, and the Turtleneck Shrug from Scarf Style

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I would LOVE to receive handmade gifts - I search them out!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I like both straights and circulars, bamboo and aluminum, depending on the project and my mood. I also have both the Boye and the Denise Interchangeable needle sets. I still remain fairly loyal to my Addi Turbos, although I recently bought some Knitpicks circs, and they're not too bad. One can never have enough needles.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I own both, and I love to wind yarn.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Misty Garden scarf, started on August 5, 2006.

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Beads, yarn, paper, journals, notecards, notebooks, pens, post-it notes, magazines and books related to knitting, beading, sewing, crafting, and interior decorating, elephant and cat related items

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I have a subscription to Interweave Knits - hands down, my favorite knitting mag. My wish lists show how many books and patterns I would like to have! I am dying to try Koigu, Lorna's Laces, Socks That Rock, sea silk, and bamboo sometime soon.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I hope to learn Entrelac soon for Lady Eleanor, and am presently learning all the techniques used in knitting socks

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I am just now knitting my first pair of socks, but can already feel the addiction beginning. I wear a US Size 7 1/2.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) May 10

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...

Mason Dixon Swapcloth

That's right, this week I received my fantastic package from my swapcloth pal Beth. I LOVE getting snail mail, especially a package that was this thoughtful. This is my first handknit item that someone else had knitted for me. I don't really have any local knitter friends at this point, so this was very exciting! As you can see, I received a dishcloth, 2 skeins of Knit Picks sock yarn, and neon mice for Muffin and Sam. Muffin played with a mouse right away.

Here she is looking a little exhausted after throwing the green mouse all over the living room! Beth also sent a beautiful photo card, which I'm thinking she made herself. I plan to hang it on my "Inspirational Board," the bulletin board I want to hang in my craft room above my desk. Beth's photo will be my first addition!

My Craft Space

I have been working hard on creating my own craft space (aka moving the furniture in my spare bedroom.) I had originally envisioned a room of beautiful "craft" furniture I had seen in a store. I re-envisioned my own, less expensive, much more realistic version. I have been fervently putting together both a bookcase and a TV cart, and have moved much of the old stuff out. I've added a set of baskets and a few other odds and ends as organizers. Now I just need a fantastic table to put in the middle of the room that I can move my chair to and spread out my latest project. Garage sales, here I come! Oh, and yes, that is Sam on the bed - always ready for a photo opportunity!

Bonding with Baby

I spent Friday night and part of Saturday babysitting my sweet niece. This was my first time taking care of her, overnight, and alone. She was fantastic. I melt every time she smiles at me, and I can't hear all of her little "baby" sounds enough! At first I wondered what we would do with all those hours together. But it was amazing to me how quickly the time flew by. And, I have a new respect for my sister and all the time she spends being a mom.

On the knitting front, I have finished the first of 2 dishcloths for the Mason Dixon Swapcloth. I'm using Sugar n' Cream, 2 skeins, and for the second dishcloth I simply swapped the order of the colors used. I also plan to mail a few more goodies to my pal... So much fun!

I am anxious to finish the present dishcloth and Hobo Chic tote (I know, I've been working on that since the end of June) and start on more exciting projects. I'm especially itching to knit more of the projects in the Scarf Style book. I'm thinking of giving mom Misty Garden for her birthday in December. I also need to start Backyard Leaves for Lynn for Christmas. I have mixed feelings for that project. I'm actually fairly nervous about chart reading for the first time, but I think my excitement overrides my nervousness!

I am also now contemplating a few other Scarf Style patterns, including Midwest Moonlight, Ene's Scarf, and of course, the ever-popular Lady Eleanor. The inspirations I've found online are enough to make me drool. And I can't say enough how much I love that book.

Knitting Queue

1. Socks - 4 pairs, hopefully with the 2 circulars method, which I plan to teach myself any day
now

2. Mason Dixon Towel (1 skein Euroflax linen, although skein is worsted weight & pattern called
for sportweight)

3. Kitty Pi (Noro Big Kureyon & Fun Fur)

4. Chemo Cap (1 skein Berroco Chinchilla;) I'd love to make lots of hats to take to my patients at
the hospital

5. Fetching Knitty Fingerless Gloves (1 skein Artyarns Supermerino)

6. At least 2 Mason Dixon Ballband Towels(Sugar/Peaches N Cream)

7. Dishcloth patterned after Mason Dixon Burpcloth(Sugar/Peaches N Cream)

8. A gazillion Mason Dixon Ballband Dishcloths(Sugar/Peaches N Cream)

9. Mason Dixon Circle Dishcloth (1 skein Fantasy Naturale)

10. Backyard Leaves from Scarf Style (4 skeins Classic Elite Lush) as a Christmas gift

11. Mason Dixon Buttonhole Bag (4 skeins Lopi & 1 Showstopper) as a Christmas gift

12. Interweave Knits Ribbed Shrug (7 skeins Knitpicks Shine worsted)

13. Knit & Tonic's Dream Swatch Headwrap (1 skein Noro Lily Yarn)

14. Anthropologie-Inspired Caplet (3 skeins Takhi Baby Print)

15. Ribbon-Edged Cardigan from Debbie Bliss' Special Knits(4 balls Baby Cashmerino) as a gift

16. Ribbon-Tied Dress from Debbie Bliss' Special Knits(6 balls Baby Cashmerino) as a gift

And Now The Pictures

Here's my progress on Misty Garden. My first lace and my first mohair. I am loving the challenge, and am so anxious to knit more of this scarf. I'm using Skacel Fuego that I picked up at Hearthstone Knits not too long ago. Funny how I thought I would never become a knitter who bought the yarn before the pattern...

I haven't decided if I will keep this one or not. I really should start planning more Christmas gifts, since it's already August, and I am a freakishly slow knitter.

And here is the hobo tote, so close to being done, and yet not really keeping my attention. It is definitely my "mindless knitting." I guess I need to discipline myself into more "mindless finishing."

My goal over the next week is to finally blog my Project List, making it official. I keep hoping that maybe if I set it up like a "Things to Do List," I will be more apt to stick to it, and honestly knit up all this yarn I have. (This is probably me being very dreamy and optimistic!) I know I don't need to look for any new patterns any time soon. But for some reason I simply can't get enough. Ironically, instead of knitting all the time, I find myself searching the internet, browsing my books, and blogging about what I can't wait to do. I am truly an insane knitting addict!

Happy Monday

Today I was OFO (off for on call,) which means I had a three day weekend. I took some time to begin Misty Garden, a mohair scarf from Scarf Style. I love the pattern, and adore the progress so far. But, I'm really struggling with mohair. I may opt out of knitting with mohair for quite some time after this project! I'd love to share pics, but I'm having some trouble with Blogger uploading my pics this evening.

I bought Scarf Style originally to complete Backyard Leaves, the scarf I plan to knit for my friend Lynn for Christmas. She is requesting a black scarf, so I bought some great Classic Elite Yarns Lush. So looking forward to that project! I actually never thought I would buy a book just about scarves, but I am finding myself wanting to knit every pattern it there!

As for the Hobo Tote, it is almost complete. Continuous knitting in the round has gotten a little boring, but I'm excited to felt my first bag.

Finally, I visited Knitorious'new store this weekend - Fantastic! Sandy was so helpful, and the yarns were gorgeous. Bought my 2 Size 2 Addi Turbos in preparation for teaching myself knitting socks on 2 circulars. Too bad I have to work - I would be so much happier if I could just stay home and knit all the time!

Hopefully I can upload pics later this week...

All The Craziness!

Well, I am now blogging on my brand new laptop. Not quite an intentional buy, but my other computer literally died, or so The Geek Squad said. I firmly believe them, after listening to the noise it made. So, my new notebook is a blessing in disguise.

As for knitting, this morning I finally finished the Mason Dixon kimono for Maria that I began just a little over 2 weeks ago (if I remember right.) This is the project I started about 3 times, due to mistakes and 2 sizing changes. Travis (my awesome friend/non-knitter) helped me for hours during the pattern alteration process. It's good to have supportive friends like him. The result? What I think looks pretty darn good (in Bernat Cotton Tots.) I took it to Cindy's today, and got a great reaction. I was thrilled! My very first handknit article of clothing! Now my fingers are crossed that Maria will fit into it just as the weather creates a need for a sweater...