I Am Going To Scream (Or Maybe Cry)

Ok, so apparently I'm having one of those weeks during which my knitting skills are on the blitz. Earlier this week, after being about 3/4 of the way through Cindy's Rusted Root, I decided to take some measurements of both her and the sweater. Wouldn't you know, RR was knitting up huge in the next size up. Remember how I ripped back a while ago because I thought it was too small? I completely miscalculated both the sweater's and my sister's measurements. How is that possible? So now I'm only about 1/4 of the way through the sweater at this point. I'm beginning to think it will make a good Christmas present.

In order to prevent making mistakes during the lace panel on RR, I took the Montego Bay Scarf to Knit Nite Wednesday. I had also brought along FCS, hoping that maybe someone could help me figure out a better way to keep track of my stitches. Annie was that someone. She spent some time suggesting needles to use for lace, and showing me how to separate the pattern into smaller sections using markers. Thanks Annie!

You would think after all that guidance and teaching from Annie, I would just be flying right through the FCS, right? Wrong. To add to the proof that I have absolutely no knitting skills right now, I just spent 2 1/2 hours trying to knit 4 rows on the FCS. I repeat, trying. I realized that I need to move the markers and add more every so many rows. I thought I had grasped that concept. But the marker placement thing seemed to throw me all off, and somehow I kept ending up with too many stitches. I just ripped the 4 rows out again, and am back to where I started earlier this evening. Thank goodness for lifelines, in both FCS and RR.

After a week like this, you would think I would give up knitting altogether. Not so. Interestingly enough, I instead felt the need to add more projects to my already long Queue. I blame Ravelry for that. (I think I'm already addicted.) I went to The Weaving Department yesterday, since all of their yarns were 30% off this weekend. There, I was finally able to find a Size 6 24 inch Addi Turbo Lace needle, which the FCS has been both on and off today. Of course, in knitting my four rows a million times, I did get a good chance to try this needle out. I really love it - definitely worth buying. Nice and pointy, and not quite as slippery as the Knit Picks Options. The slightest bit of drag makes me feel a little less scared about losing stitches. I also bought two different skeins of Noro Silk Garden for the Child's Rainbow Scarf in Last Minute Knitted Gifts, (I know, like I need to knit another scarf in the middle of the summer,) and a skein of Rowan Cashsoft DK to make Grumperina's Odessa. (I have never bought a skein of Rowan yarn. I am very excited to try it out.) So, are you beginning to see the winter knitting theme here? I wonder why I have such a desire/need to knit winter accessories this summer. Needless to say, I believe in the theory that the cure for WIPs that aren't going very well is to cast on for another project or two. Maybe I'll just put FCS aside for now...

Sorry for the Delay

Thanks so much for the kind comments of people wondering where I was - it's nice to know I was missed! I usually try to blog on the weekend, but last weekend was used up with babysitting my niece for 3 days, and then having to work. And this weekend? Well, it was on my list of things to do... Somehow I always end up getting distracted. I hope today's post will make up for time lost!

First of all, some great news. My friend Sarah, The Plucky Knitter, has opened her very own Etsy shop! She is so talented; her yarns are beautiful. She has also asked me to be a test knitter and possibly do a review. I'm so flattered! I honestly didn't think I was a good enough knitter to be a test knitter. The best perk? I get to fondle some of her gorgeous yarn! (I really think this is a ploy on Sarah's behalf to get me to lust after her yarn, knowing that if I have the chance to touch a skein, I will definitely want more. She is very smart, and she knows me well!)

Speaking of yarn, Nora asked me today if I had any additions to my sock yarn stash. Embarrassingly enough, of course, I do! First up is yarny goodness from Jen at Wool Girl. Let me start by saying Jen is such a sweetheart to work with! She has fabulous yarns to choose from. And she'll even offer to set some aside for you if you have a special request. She did that for me with my request for Pigeon Roof Studios in the Punk colorway. That's the two skeins on the far right. Next to those is Union Center Knits WhatNot Sport in Wool Girl, and on the far left is Lavender Sheep in Bad Girl. I think I'm going through a slight pink phase. What do you think?

My next picture of absolutely yummy yarn porn is Lime 'n Violet Sasquatch sock yarn in Xanax. Love the colors, love the name. I was so excited that I had the chance to get online and catch that update. I happened to be off that day watching Maria, and she was taking a nap. Usually I'm at work when all the updates take place, and it's really hard to sneak online and shop for yarn at work! (Although I have done it - don't tell my boss!) Anyway, here's the beautiful skein.

And a close up.

On the knitting front, I'm finally back in the swing of things. I know I've talked about this before, but it's just amazing to me how much time I spend online looking at knitting, rather than actually doing it. I was on the Internet quite a bit this weekend. But, I'm making the commitment now to knit and finish these projects that have laying around for a while. First, I finished a Malabrigo scarf. I know, knitting yet another wool scarf in the springtime. Yes, it got up to 82 degrees this week. But this is about finishing, people, and knitting from the stash! I had to find something that would knit up quickly, and get me back in "finishing" mode. Now I'm excited!

Pattern: none, just simple garter stitch

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted in Marron Oscuro, 1 skein to knit, and some leftovers from the hat that I used for the fringe

Needles: Knit Picks Options Size 7

Started: 5/20/07

Finished: 5/30/07

I also spent some time working on Rusted Root for my sister Cindy, although I feel like it hardly looks like I made any progress!

Stephanie talks about this phenomenon in her latest book; how you can spend all this time knitting and knitting, and then when you measure your garment, it still measures the same as when you started. But I'm determined! Actually, I'm hoping to finish it and give to her as a birthday gift. Her birthday is June 18 - am I being realistic? I feel like I am sometimes an awfully slow knitter. However, back to my earlier comment: I am limiting my time online. I think that will help tremendously. Must...Complete...More...Projects!

Other projects I'm working on? 1.) Of course, that stinkin' Toshiko Tote that I started when I first learned to knit. 2.)And the second sock of the Jaywalkers in Scout's Swag (also for my sister, by the way. Hmm, maybe I should plan to give her a pair of socks for her birthday instead of a sweater...) 3.) And finally, the second sock of the Heelless Sleeping Socks from Knitting Vintage Socks in Mountain Colors Bearfoot (I think I just got bored with this one.) I am also all ramped up about starting some Spring/Summer knits, but I plan to finish at least one more WIP before I cast on something new. I did order two kits from kpixie yesterday: Flair, by Knit and Tonic, and the Eyelet Cardigan, by Blue Sky Alpacas. Both will be in Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton. Plus, I used my gift card for Michaels on some Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Maize to make the Turtleneck Tube Vest from Fitted Knits. I want to knit just about every pattern in that book. Never mind the 6 million pairs of socks I need to knit up. See why I have to stay off the Internet? Although I've really been wanting to spend some time updating my Ravelry account...

Real Knitting Content & Some Other Stuff

The Knitting Content

Pattern: Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Yarn: 1 skein Socks That Rock Medium Weight in Farmhouse &

1 skein Socks That Rock Medium Weight in Watermelon Tourmaline

Needles: Size 5 Knit Picks Options Circular

Started: 3/31/07
Finished: 5/13/07

And here is the first of hopefully 2 Jaywalkers, on my beautiful new sock blocker from The Loopy Ewe.

The Other Stuff

Of course, I've been tagged! Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog. I’ve been tagged by Sarah.

1. Sometimes I think I care more about animals than I do people. I have such strong compassion for animals, I think because they are innocent, vulnerable, and offer unconditional love. This is why I became a social worker instead of a vet. I could never have handled being a vet - too much emotion.

2. I love to make lists. I make a "Things to Do" list every Friday, that carries me through the weekend. I have 2 pages worth of my "Knitting Projects" list that I keep in a binder with all of my patterns from the Internet.

3. I have an obsession with sheet protectors. As mentioned above, my "Knitting Projects" binder is one of 12 binders on my bookshelves. They house everything from my bank statements, knitting how-to's, and beading ideas, to name a few.

4. I am addicted to the Internet. I can't decide if this is a good or bad thing. I check my email, read blogs, shop, blog, and just about everything else. I've been trying to curb my online shopping here lately, which feels super hard.

5. I used to be a dancer, back in grade school and high school. Ballet was my passion, and I often dreamt about becoming a prima ballerina. I was also on the Pom Squad in high school. I still have a desire to buy a leotard and some soft pink ballet shoes, although I can't imagine I would look too good in a leotard anymore!

6. I have naturally curly hair, just like that little girl in Charlie Brown.

7. I hate to cook. This is ok right now, since I am still single. I eat a lot of cereal. But I worry what will happen if I get married - guess I need to fall in love with someone who is much better in the kitchen than I!

I tag Robyn, Mindy, Hope, Rachel, Kim, Knit Diva, and Jennifer.

What a Great Week!

First, I must show you the gorgeous yarn I received from My Small Wonders Etsy shop.

This has been in my stash for quite some time, but I could never get a good photo of my own skein, so I finally asked Donna if I could borrow hers. The colorway is Seaside Jewels. It's exquisite, don't you think?

Now I need to tell you about the great time I had Wednesday night. I finally went to Knit Nite at Knitorious! I've been chatting back and forth with Mindy, and she shared that she attends Knit Nite herself. I thought, well, I'll kind-of know someone now, so I should go. It was fabulous! I was amazed at all the people; seriously, maybe 20-25 people were there throughout the evening. Some of the people I met were Mindy, who identified me as SassyKrafty the second I walked in (how cool is that?), and who was knitting a beautiful sock in her own handdyed colorway (you can see a pic on her blog); her roommate Kara, who was knitting both a gorgeous sock and an entrelac scarf; Jenn, who was knitting lace with Hand Maiden Sea Silk; and Rachel, who happens to be saved in my favorites on Etsy! I decided I had to get a skein of her Dyeabolical Yarn - I picked Dark Envy. She definitely has an eye for colors that pop!

I had originally heard about Rachel and her awesome sock yarn on who else but Lime 'n Violet, which she also is addicted to. How cool is it that Rachel has her yarns right her in St. Louis, at what happens to be my favorite LYS? I felt like I was meeting someone famous! I even jokingly asked her to autograph my yarn skein band (I know, I'm a total knitting geek. I can't help it!) Anyway, Rachel has suggested we try to get Lime 'n Violet to come to St. Louis for a book signing at Knitorious. I just posted a comment on their podcast blog, pretty much begging them to come. (Again, total knitting geek.) I honestly am having a little bit of Lime 'n Violet withdrawal, as there's no podcast this week. (Snif, snif.)

Anyway, Knit Nite was great. I met a ton more people, but of course can't remember every one's names yet. But I will go back next week for sure. I took my Chevron Scarf, which feels like the never ending project. It's going to be a freakishly long scarf. And, it seems a little silly to be knitting a wool scarf in May. But, I love it. And I received a ton of compliments on it too. I thanked dogged for her inspiration. Can't wait to finish it up, block it, and post the final product!

Thanks to everyone who has wished me a happy birthday - it really was a great day. And I was originally thinking I didn't really want to celebrate it anymore, you know, being over 30 and all. But, celebrate I did! The people I work with were so kind, and showered me with cakes, gifts, cards, and even a plant! My family took me to eat at The Elephant Bar, which I love. (You know I have that small thing for elephants!) I suppose the day made me realize how lucky I am to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Sock Yarn, Scarves, & Stitch Markers

Well, as of yesterday, I have 10,170 yards of sock yarn. In Lime & Violet Sock Marathon terms, that's 5.77 miles of sock yarn. Oh my. Here's a flash of my stash. Some of the skeins are stacked.

From the left: Lorna's Laces, Louet Gems, Cherry Tree Hill, Mama E's C*Eye*ber Fiber, Scout's Swag, Hill Country Yarns, Knit Picks Memories, Knit Picks Memories, Knit Picks Gloss, Metamorphosis, Socks That Rock, and Vesper. The Vesper is the yarn I won from The Plucky Knitter last week. I'm anxious to try out the Jaywalker pattern with it.

From the left: Plymouth Sockotta, Trekking XXL, Austermann Step, Mountain Colors Mountain Goat, Mountain Colors Mountain Goat, Lang Jawoll, Regia Bamboo, Tofutsies, Schaefer Anne.

Some sock yarn is actually in use; for example, 2 skeins of Socks That Rock for the Chevron Scarf.I am absolutely in love with this project. Socks That Rock yarn truly is amazingly beautiful, and absolutely wonderful to work with. I only wish I wouldn't get so distracted spending so much time looking at knitting on the Internet, and would spend more time actually knitting!

I made my stitch markers for the Stitch Marker Exchange. I also made a 2 additional sets as a surprise for a couple of my blogging buddies, and a set for my Secret Pal 10, which she will receive in her final box in a few months. I really enjoy making these; I think beading is the next best thing in my life, after knitting of course!

Scarf Lust

Ok, I've really been lusting after the Last Minute Knitted Gifts Chevron Scarves everyone has been knitting. Have you checked them out on Flickr? I am dying to make one out of Socks that Rock. My favorite is doggedknits version - I am stunned with how fantastic her two colors (Farmhouse and Watermelon Tourmaline) knitted up. I am dying to buy them! Unfortunately, I am on a very limited budget right now, and I really don't need to start knitting a scarf in the middle of March, right? Although, here in St. Louis, we had snow today. That's right - snow. So do you think that maybe justifies starting a scarf?

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!