Thursday, December 29, 2005

To the frog pond with you!

So ya. I frogged. Not only did knitting those damn slippers give me hand cramps, I looked down and honestly figured I didn't have enough burgandy yarn. I'm NOT buying more damn yarn for these things, and if I got much farther and had to I'd be mad.

So scrapped. Blah!

Wavy Gravy I guess!

Am I stupid?



Is it stupid to buy a magazine for 1 pattern? I mean, I looked through the preview, and everything is pretty much in the WTF category. But this sweater really stands out. Especially if it were a bit longer. But am I wary of it because she's in the middle of a backbend or something? I mean, what does it look like on an upright model.

Or maybe I'm just distracted by her cleavage.

*stares*

Maybe I want to make the sweater, it looks easy as hell. Wonder what the back looks like...

[edit]

Okay, I just say a red flag. No set in sleeves. That means droopy armpits. Sorry backbend boob lady, That looks like it would be a horror story on my pits. I'm reliving Angelina right now.

I still like the look of it. *sniffle*

Oopie, I spent money!

Since I didn't get much knitting related (well, a shirt, that's it), I bought stuff today online. Not much, just a swift from Joann.com (used a 50% off coupon, so it was $30) and a few balls of yarn.

I figured Ben would appreciate the camo sock yarn, even if it is acrylic/nylon. I'll work on those in February.

Things I need to get a start on: Womb, and a baby blanket. I plan on using up the rest of my Homespun Baby on that, in the pinwheel pattern. I have until April...heh.

I'm working on swatches for my monthly trade, that's fun. I still hate the slippers and rarely work on them. Oh well. I will do other projects besides them. I just hate the pattern.

Not much new really. The Sims 2 has taken over all of my free time, can't knit!

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Need, want, must have.

I'll be stalking this site until I get a damn chart ;)

SO nice. While I just want the chart, the whole thing is pretty damn nifty.


Stolen photo, but at least I'm hosting it myself :P

Lace weight skulls. Mmm...oh that reminds me, I still need to get those cute bats from Walkers 3rd book! Yay for after xmas shopping!

Knit Graffiti.

Knitta, Please!

Throwing knitted gang signs ;)

Other knitting news: I hate these damn slippers. They won't be done until 2006. They hurt my hands to knit. Boo!

Friday, December 16, 2005

We Call Them Pirates!



Stats: Lionbrand Microspun. To match my brothers scarf from last year. It turned out excellent!



Looks much better on.



No, seriously ;)

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Weird

I'm craving knitting a big bulky long long scarf. Fuzzy, warm and bulky. Yet, I do not own any big bulky fuzzy yarn (that's not allocated for a sweater), nor do I have the time.

I'm almost done the decreases in the hat, then I need to do the sweatband part. Its a lot harder to do fair isle on dpn's, especially when the design is pretty stretched out. I forgot that.

Will I get to those darn slippers? I was hoping to mail this stuff out Monday am! 3 pairs over the weekend and I haven't gotten close to gauge yet? Hrm.

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

We call them unfinished ;)



We Call Them Pirates (pdf download, sorry) hat. Obviously unfinished. I just thought I would post something ;)

Friday, December 09, 2005

He's so grounded.

I'm not to watch Knitty Gritty with Ben in the livingroom anymore. He's taken to giving me the devil horns and saying "Knit On!" randomly. He's used "Cast On!" too.

The funny part is that he had to explain to a coworker what casing on was after he did it at work.

Yep.
I married a dork.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Fairly Easy Fair Isle



Ahh, self portraits. As we all know, this took less than a week to knit up (took longer to get up off my lazy ass to sew the damn buttons on). Yes, I should of added shaping, but well, its pretty damn big anyway, so it would be shaping on a big sweater. I got gauge. I think I need a class in "ease", and what designers think that is. Honest to $DEITY this is the medium. Do I wear all of my normal store bought clothes skin tight? Wait, don't answer that question.



Lionbrand Jiffy. I'm thinking of keeping this at work, since its either super hot or super cold. I have a pretty lame sweater there right now. Oh, and notice the big puffy skirt underneath. This would look WAY better with jeans, but I wasn't about to change for photos. Sheesh.



This is honestly a super easy peasy sweater. Anyone who wants to venture into colourwork will find this fun. I just thought it would be nice mindless fun for my trip!

Monday, December 05, 2005

New Knitty.

So, knitty is up and pretty darn cute.



I'm in love with this sweater. Well, the neckline. However, minus the stripes. And I'm unsure about the construction. It just doesn't LOOK like it will fit well, you know? I mean, it looks good on her, but that whole shrug top dealie. You know how they get baggy and weird and not one size fits all crap. Knitting that up into a sweater is just a red flag. I know it is technically sized, but I'm picturing a baggy bit on the back where its attached, kinda like the part I hate on the Hot Lava cartigan.

But I really really like it. Maybe I just need to find another sweater with a similar neckline. Hrm.

Cookie's Sock looks so cool! Nice photography C ;) Do I like Festive? I think I just like the concept, as I have a few tops on my must knit list that look kinda like this. Oh, and then there's Danica, *sigh* but um, that could just be because there's a hot hot bald man in the photo, who is the designer. Yum. Honestly, I could care less if a man knits, its all about the lack of hair ;)

Anyway, nice balanced issue.

OTN: Struggling with gauge (or lack thereof in instructions) for these damn grannie slippers. I'm unsure with how much to pull the stranded yarn behind for the puckered look. 2 tries have turned out too big. Hrm. This was supposed to be a funny joke gift for my brother, but its turning out to be a damn chore!

Sunday, December 04, 2005

Buffy, the bunny slayer.



So I put a blue bow on Buffy. This pattern is eeh. From Knitty, I can't complain because it was free. "Bubby" is just not a proper bunny name. I also did a half assed job on the ears, but hey, I was already disliking the pattern by then.

Trying to use my my Andean Silk, since it has wool in it. It didn't work, this little one barely made a dent :(

Potato Chip Scarf



Made from some random Ebay nylon purchase, same as the "To Dye For" sweater. It didn't turn out long and luxurious, like I was assuming, its kinda short. Maybe 5ft. I used the pattern from Knitters Review. This will make a perfect gift for a little girl. I finished this on the plane home from St. Louis :)

Thursday, December 01, 2005

Its dead Jim.

Well, I took my camera to St. Louis, and its now dead. Ben is looking for the receipt to see if he bought the extended warranty. I use my camera almost as much as my laptop, so it will be replaced soon, if not fixed.

Since the cartigan (still no buttons, I haven't had time to block it or wash it), I've made a potato chip scarf, and started on a Bubby "bear". Its a rabbit of course... named Buffy. She needs some arms and legs and she's done. Honestly, I don't like the pattern at all. My bunny has this stupid top knot, and if you follow the patten, there's no way in hell you can stuff the head. Fortunately Elspeth made this little one before I did and mentioned that, so I stuffed while I was decreasing.

The potato chip scarf turned out WAYY to short, and I did an extra increase row for some extra rufflage. I'm making up words here. Anyway, 90 stitches wasn't enough to start with for an adult and my yarn but hey, its done. Oh, and it took me 3 hours to cast off. Talk about boring.

Anyway, it goes in the donation pile, with a few other scarves. That damn nylon cone is neverending. Sheesh. I need an interesting scarf pattern so something for it I guess.

Work is insane (still? again?), so not much knitting for me. Figures.

Monday, November 28, 2005

Arg.

I'm done my sweater, minus the buttons. I should block it somewhat somehow first. I finished it yesterday in a tattoo shop. Hehe. Oh, and it fits :)

I would take a photo but my camera seems to have died a silent death. Hopefully its the battery and will be up and running when I get home. If not, I guess I get a new camera for xmas.

Ugh.

Friday, November 25, 2005

I'm surviving.

There's nothing like a panic attack when you pack 5 hours of project for a 4 hour flight, and then have a 2 hour delay. Yes, I ran out of yarn...ugh. Then I had to go all low tech and read.

I'm pretty impressed I remember how to do that ;)

Then all over St. Louis looking for some damn Lionbrand Jiffy in BLACK. Michaels, Garden Ridge and Joanns denied me. However Hobby Lobby (there's only 1 here) rocked. Oh, and it was $1 cheaper here regular price. I figured starting a project where the yarn was "easily obtainable" was good. Hell I was wrong.

But all is good, and I'm halfway up the yoke on my sweater. I say 75% done? I wish it were closer to 100% since its COLD AS HELL here. The weather channel said it would be in the 40s to 60s here. Ya right. Try 20s. Assholes. I threw out my winter jacket here at the gym (actually left it in the lost and found to be donated) because the lining was just falling apart again and I didn't want to resew it. Ended up buying a jacket that has no pockets. Damn women's jackets.

Anyway, besides freezing my ass off, and my inlaws yelling constantly, things are well. We went for sushi for lunch with friends, and they are all out now.

Peace and quiet....and knitting :)

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Bulky Beanie



Making hats is pretty damn fun, mostly because they take nothing to make. This Bulky Beanie is no exception. I thought I was running out of yarn, so I did modify the pattern a bit, but it fits Bens head fine.

My plan on when I get back is to use up some of my scraps for baby hats. Fun!

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Cable Hat



I finished the Cable Hat I think on Thursday but forgot to take a photo of it. Anways, its a really cute pattern, and fits Ben's head fine. A keeper. I've found out the cable backs are way harder than cable fronts. Oh well!

On the needles: A basic bulky beanie made out of that leftover Moda Dea!

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Changed my mind

I'm making Ben a Cable Knit Cap instead of another London Beanie. Its the last of my Wool Ease!

Aw yeah! Getting rid of it! Of course, it takes a bit, since even the 20% has me weezing and my hands blotchy.

And in another "doh" moment....Cascade Sierra. So pretty, I have it in purple for the Julia Tank. I bought some for Lisa, and wanted some myself.

What was I thinking? 20% wool? On my body? Can I not read? I'm peeved because this is so pretty. *sigh* And I didn't notice until someone posted about it on the knittyboard or somewhere random I visit.

I'm not ready to part with my Silk Garden yet. I'm not ready to part with my Sierra yet, but I'm going to have to. UGH.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Thank you



Thank you Secret Pal. Wow, its all so soft. The alpaca is wonderful and soft, and I've never owned any Debbie Bliss before... I just noticed that. Its awesome!

As an extra bonus, you'll notice that my Secret Pal wound the 665 yards of alpaca for me. Very thoughtful and sweet!

Now off to the couch so I can flip through the book!

Irish Hiking Wrist Warmers



Irish Hiking Wrist Warmers, made out of Bernat CottonTots. Washable and dryable, and for my 17 year old niece. These were such a quick knit. 2 leisurely evenings and they were done! I did use a size 6 needle, instead of 8, and they are still a little big. I'll have to pop them in the w/d to see what the final result is.

I still have at least half a skein left. That's LOTS of bunny ears.

Monday, November 14, 2005

Yay for Birthdays



Elspeth rocks my socks. She is such an amazing friend, and I would have never met her if we didn't both have this knitting obsession thing going on. She's thoughtful, kind and an honest person. I'm so glad to have her in my life.

Of course, its dark as hell and the flash wasn't cooperating with me. The roses are a nice deep velvety colour. I'm still giggling about them.

Thank you Elspeth! I'd call you but I'm a dumbass and can't find where I filed away your number. DOH! I suck!

PS: Excuse the Superman/Batman card I made for Ben, it was on the table still! Heheh!

Spiderweb Caplet numero 2.



Spiderweb Caplet #2, nickname: fuzzy muppet. Yes, you can't see the lace pattern, but honestly under white or in the light you can. Made of Joann Sensations, a little less than 2 balls. Its fuzzy and warm for a winter night.



And I started the Irish Hiking Wristwarmers. I went down to a size 6 needle, and used Bernat Cotton Tots. The photo is of the darn thing blocking, it was still wet when I woke up. This pattern is so fun, yet, too vague. The person who made this modification to the scarf pattern used a size 8 needle and Cascade 220. I tried a size 8 and Cotton Tots is the same gauge as 220, and it was HUGE.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Sirdar Snowflake Sweater



The muppet sweater. Its big and fuzzy and muppet-like. Now, I have to say, why is everything I knit, and get gauge on (YES, I checked the gauge on this) too big? Am I a retard who can't measure? I mean, I take my measurements monthly. When making garments, if it has my exact bust size, I generally make that size. This is HUGE on me. I knit a 39" and I have a 38" bust. This will fit my xxl friends fine. Its a nice comfy sweater, but not what I thought it was going to be. I was worried it would be too tight! Hah.

This one will go in the washer and dryer. And no, I didn't "block it out" because it would have been insanely huge. The only other alteration is that I skipped 2 rows on the neckline, for a deeper v-neck. I forgot it would add to less shoulder space, but eh, I like that too. Overall, it looks cute with jeans, half falling off of me. I think.



Thursday, November 10, 2005

The question:

For work:

Do I list something as "knit" because that's what is in the system, and what will be printed on the invoice, even when its cr*chet? Will only knitters who love the big mouthless cat hate me, or should I educate the average customer, even if it will show wrong on the invoice....

And is it bad that I skipped ordering 99% of the cro*chet items in the catalog? Heh.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Not very fun

Well, I'd take a photo of my sweater in progress, but honestly it just looks like a big black fluffy muppet died on my coffee table. I'm on the last sleeve, then just the neckline to do.

If I get time to knit this week, besides my scheduled knitting appearance tonight, I'll have it done by next week. And I'll model it. And I'll wear a tank top under it since everything I take a photo of looks sheer. Damn bathroom and flashes.

Its my birthday next Monday! YAY!!

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Even better.

So I just found out another couple is pregnant. They would surely appreciate the Knithuhlu plushie.

BUT

They are calling their little one "The Squid" since its head looks all funky and weird in the ultrasound. So instead, they get this.

Aw yeah.

Oh, and the Jayne hat was a hit. In fact, he was Jayne for halloween and wore it. I'd say just that was a success, but hell, he hasn't taken it off much since I gave it to him! He keeps telling me its the best gift ever.

Its always worth it to put a little thought, and a lot of love into something.

The womb still has to be made first. But that's after xmas gifts as well!

I had lots of good stuff here.

Well, my blogger application ate my post. Bastard.

The AntiCraft is a cool new knitting webzine. It has some funky patterns. I especially like Eternal Embrace, Snowball's Chance in Hell, and Bad Juju will always make a cute gift.

On the sweater, I'm just about to start the bust increases on the front. You divide for the neck, and how I see it, there will be 2 triangles because of the raglan shaping. Then after the sleeves are done, you pick up along the neck, the live stitches on the sleeves and the back and do the neckband that way attaching all the pieces. Pretty weird. Seam the sleeves and sides (if it fits) and ta da! If the sweater does not fit (NO stretch to this fuzzy stuff) then it gets a corsetted ribbon on the sides. It all depends on if I can get it over my boobs ;)

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Always thinking...

So as I'm still knitting the back of my sweater, I'm thinking of xmas pt 2. That's xmas for MY side of the family. They get their gifts in December, you know, around the real xmas. The inlaws get Thanksgiving (American Thanksgiving) gifts and a little trinket in December.

It honestly works out better.

So I only have 3 gifts for December, which is cool.

1. Niece (17) -Pink arm/wristwarmers ala voodoo/irish hiking scarf/new mag pattern I got. Need something nice and pink. Or girly. Or something.

2. Sister Inlaw -Grey fuzzy Joann Angel Hair Spiderweb Caplet. Oh, soft, fuzzy and warm!

3. Brother -Wants a skull and xbone hat. Not sure he's getting it. Heh. So a hat and slippers of some sort or something. Not sure how I'm going to outdo the damn Skull Scarf he loves.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Dads Socks



They turned out great. And yes, they look wide and big, but they fit Ben perfectly. I love Cascade Fixation!

Problems? None, since I made this pattern for my Brother Inlaw as well! I changed the gusset and toe decreases to make more sense.



The start of my Snowflake sweater. Yes, its fuzzy, but check out that shaping. Okay, I'm scared, but this is only a few hours work! And yes, I have a little stitch marker on there so I can tell what side is the right side. Um, ya. It sure is acrylicy soft!!

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Finished!

I finished the socks....and forgot to get a photo this morning. Doh! I'll do it tonight.

Now the question is....

I have a month. Do I knit up a few felted bags, and slippers to go with the stuff? Or instead of slippers, I could always BUY my FIL slippers, or make him a STL Cardinals pillow or something. Hrm. That might be fun.

Decisions.

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

I got books!

I got some more books. I can't help it!

SENSATIONAL KNITTED SOCKS

Okay, I flipped through this book, and it honestly looks kickass. TONS of information, and many many MANY sock patterns. And when I mean "sock patterns", I don't mean, "here is a ribbed sock", "here is a cabled sock" stuff. Its more like "here are 4 stitch pattern repeats" and so on. They have cute charts layed out for you to figure out how many to cast on for each size and so on, so no more patterns written only for womens medium.

GORGEOUS KNITTED AFGHANS

This book looks really inspiring. Yes, I'm on a "looking at afghans" kick. The patterns are rated, and they cover a really broad range of looks. A pretty damn kickass afghan book. If you own one afghan book, it should be this one.

7-DAY AFGHANS

Okay, I KNEW this had cr*chet in it, but I didn't know it was the majority of the book. While they do use yarn I can buy at Michaels or Joanns, that doesn't redeem it. Okay, so if you have a few knitted afghans, why do you need 2 feather and fan projects? I looked at this one AFTER the GKA book and damn these people are fuddy duddies. There are also duplicates on the cr*chet patterns. Waves/Zig Zags/Chevron play a big role. Just in case you can't figure out how to make zig zags thicker or thinner or something. I paid $12 and the only thing stopping me from returning this is that I'm very very very lazy. And I might like to do maybe probably not 1 project.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Hello.

I gotta find some suitable Alpaca for a damn Yorick Scarf.

Okay, its not all that, but Its a SKULL SCARF. Hello? Yep, I gotta make it.

Figures.

Also, it seems that Ben is quite sensitive to Alpaca, so no scarf for him. Hah!

Friday, October 14, 2005

Pretty cunning, don't ya think?



Jayne "Cunning" hat, from the series Firefly. Araucania Nature Cotton. Its big, since I made the large, but its a gift. I have no good photos of it on. Heh. I'll have the birthday boy model it.

Thursday, October 13, 2005

Some photos for today



Dad Inlaws sock. It fits Ben perfectly, and well, they have the same size feet!



Jayne's "Cunning" Hat. I think the thick thin cotton gives it a true space cowboy futuristic look. I should have this done by the end of the weekend. Note: this is a truely dorky hat, and will look truely dorky on, that is the point.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

I guess I need pics soon!

Probably tomorrow. I finished 1 sock for my FIL. Yay!

Also, in the mail I got my Jayne Kit from Heather and damn this girls instructions are thorough! She even made the pom pom ahead for me and included a little bottle of fray check for the yarn...AND stitch markers. Well and above the call of duty. I'll knit that up in the next few days, I have until next weekend.

When will I get to start that damn black sweater? Sheesh.

Monday, October 10, 2005

Spiderweb Caplet

I decided on the Spiderweb Caplet from Stitch N Bitch Nation for my coworker. It took maybe 4 hours of knitting. I used Moda Dea Ricochet that was $2 a ball. I used 2. Heh. Her wedding and favourite colours are fall colours.

Changes: I did an extra 9 rows of pattern (it was looking really really short), and I did an Icord instead of cr*chet for the ties. Screw cr*chet!! I don't care if it was a single chain, I still haven't taken that darn class!



Friday, October 07, 2005

Oh dear.

Okay, I've done it again. I need a quick easy project that looks impressive for a bridal shower. I was thinking the Perfect Pie Shawl from Weekend Knits. I still haven't made anything out of that darn book yet. Good way to start...don't have the book on me to say if its "easy" or not.

Any quick shawl patterns or anything like that? I have that pretty turquoise Shimmer I can use for something....if I wind it. She's not that amazing a friend, hence the easy, with lots of wow factor. Maybe Branching Out or something? Maybe the Airy Scarf? Who knows.

Due date: 1 week. Heh. Looks like socks are on the back burner ;)

I always do this to myself. Figures.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Busy.

Work has been busy. Everything is coming along, I just don't have time to knit. Then when I do have time, I run off and redesign my site. Ya, just because I'm not busy enough with the day job.

Oh well. The father inlaw sock is started, and I'm using a basic pattern. I found the wine colour Fixation at Cottage Yarns. In fact, they only had a single left. I tried to peer through their sale stuff, but honestly I don't need more. Plus, the other woman digging in the basket was hoarding all the black. Grr.

Today I need to leave work early and take Raven (the bunny) to the vet. Wish us luck. Hopefully her weepy eye is just allergies. Ugh. Poor bunny. Then off to pick up my drugs at Walgreens, Flamenco, bring burritos home to feed the husband, and then off to knitting!

I will knit today dammit! Tuesdays are too busy.

Friday, September 30, 2005

OMFG

I finished my Mother Inlaws socks last night, and guess what? I'm a dumbass. One is at least an INCH longer in the leg length than the other. WTF? I'm going to pray to the washing machine gods to help me with this one. UGH. I shouldn't have tried the one on before I finished the second, I actually think its stretched out a bit more.

Sock one: jog in the pattern at the arch.
Sock two: forgot to pick up wraps and its longer. Oh, and there's a weird wrap from me getting the yarn tangled in the DPN's near the bottom of the foot. Brilliant.





And at the 7am photoshoot, I wore one inside out. Thank goodness you can't tell. At least I cropped out my skull pjs ;)

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Its all your fault.

I went up a plastic tote size for my yarn, and its full.

Its all "your" fault. You, yes you...reading this. My stash is exploding! I'm eyeing bigger sizes....but I have all this fabric taking up room. Ugh.

Need to get knitting! Must finish Mom Inlaws sock. Next in line are my Father Inlaws socks, and start on something black.

Yes, I'm making this:



Yes, its bulky. Yes it will be black. But it will be damn comfy. The only problem I see is uh, trying to READ the gauge. I probably won't try. I jsut want a comfy black fuzzy sweater. I'll cross my fingers that it will fit :P

If it ends up in the "what the hell was I thinking" pile that's fine. I just need something black to knit dammit!

Monday, September 26, 2005

Okay Locals...

Cascade Fixation: in Wine (#3794). I need a ball. Who carries Fixation (besides Hollis who happens to carry the brighter red? ) in our area?

You know me and uh, shopping where there is wool. Ew.

Pretty Comfy



Got a bit of knitting done this weekend. Unfortunately, I did mess up the heel and it knocked everything a stitch off....but, oh well. I'm at the heel of the second, which I will do tonight. It is pretty comfy, which is why its stretched out a bit compared to the one on the needles. Notice the lifeline? Yes, I rock, and probably won't even need it now that I added it. Figures.

I sent off a huge package to my secret pal today, I hope she likes it!

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

That sucked.

Well, I learned a new heel, sort of. I got very confused, upset, had to frog, and then pouted a bit.

But now I have a heel. Not sure that the pattern on the top of the sock will match up but right now I'm not caring. I'm calling it artistic and leavig it. Next sock, I'll lifeline before I mess up the heel a bunch of times. Damn SRW!

I'm convinced the pattern is wrong. Then again, last week I was convinced that eating your weight in chocolate was impossible...

Saturday, September 17, 2005

"Little" Mens Cashmere Scarf



Childs scarf, based on the Mens Cashmere Scarf in Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Its only 40" long...hehe. A great stash buster, and perfect for charity. Made of Lionbrand Wool Ease.

2 balls to go! Yay!

I also got some black Austermann Favola in the mail. Yay! That will be a Rebecca top or sweater. Not sure yet.

Thursday, September 15, 2005

Whoa.

Where the heck did I learn to read? Noro Silk Garden is only 10% wool!

10!

Aw yeah.

I thought I would get more done!

I went to the baseball game, and didn't get a hell of a lot done. It was cold, gloomy, and I had "real fans" who were my coworkers screaming behind me for 10 innings.

Do not adjust your screen, these really aren't black!



The scarf is turning out cute! Kinda Really mindless.



No work on this since Tuesday at knitting. Its going to be pretty cute, as well as pretty comfy!

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

I know, I shouldn't have started it

Well, last night I tried to go to bed early, but failed. I was tired, and didn't want to look at a sock. I cast on for the Mens "Cashmere" Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.

I know I only do one project at a time, but there's that sock clause. Anyway...its the easiest pattern in the world, I'm embarrassed that its a pattern. Row 1: *K3 P1* till last 3, K3 Row 2: K. I hope I don't get in trouble for posting that! Haha!

Anyway, I have good reason to start this project. I figure by the end of knitting tonight, I'll have my ribbing done on my sock (its only 12 rows) and be into lace. I don't want to do lace at the baseball game tomorrow.

Yes, I'm going to a baseball game, in JEANS. And you thought you knew me? Hah! Okay, its for work, and I have to go. But I do own jeans now, thanks to Elspeth holding my hand at the mall ;) Of course I'll be wearing my black cowboy hat that I bought last year for the event. Its all about sun protection! And I know that HoJo knits at baseball games all the time, and since I never fit in with my coworkers, its a perfect venue to get some things done.

And eat garlic fries.

And get rid of Wool Ease stash.

Did I mention garlic fries?

Monday, September 12, 2005

Figures.

I guess I should have bought that bubble gum pink Cotton Ease. I need to make a Womb and that would have been perfect.

Doh!

Sunday, September 11, 2005

A full day

Well, yesterday Elspeth and I ventured to HoJo's house for shopping! It was a lot of fun, even if I did get weird and dizzy. Freaky. I blame it on my first trip to Los Altos! Hehe! HoJo, I don't think its yarn related, but annoying none the less.

I had to check out the alpaca ROOM. Wow, the colours were really great (even the not black), and now I just need some master plans for them. I generally don't knit with anything DK weight, but I know I'm going to now! I bought a Katrina Bear and had a hard time deciding on the colour.



I decided on Navy. Its a purply navy and really pretty. I have eyes for the critter (who will more likely end up a bunny) and they are black. So if I got the black, I'd have to make a panda or something, which is totally doable, but well, I want to try out the yarn in a basic pattern first. Its really soft, and for a good cause. You can get them on her site.

Oh, and I finished my Rustic Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It was going to charity until Ben fell in love with it and told me I owed him a scarf.



Unfortunately, even the 20% wool in the Wool Ease was killing my eyes and throat. Not like the "I'm going to die" that I get from going to Stitches or being around roving, but annoying enough to rush to finish off my stash of it so I can be rid of it all. I have 3 more balls, which is no big deal at all. I have projects planned, I'll just have to do them quickly ;)

Bad news is that my coveted Silk Garden I've been drooling over (virtually) is 20% wool. Ya. If I make something in Silk Garden, I want it for MEEE and to WEAR it dammit! Ugh. I think I just need to cut out everything with the "W" word in it. Not like they ever really go below 20% anyway. Bastards.

Cast on for Mom Inlaws socks. They are the Pretty Comfy Sock by Debbie Young. Charts! Okay, its written out, and honestly, I need to start this with the longhand instructions. Socks and charts are a bit much for me at the moment. I've never done a SRW. This will be interesting!

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Not again.



Damn you KnitPicks. I just fell in love again. And made with Elegance? Crap. This one is on the list, but I won't buy it until I make room for making it.

Damn, I love this. A lot. And Elegance comes in black ;) And its very wonderful *sigh*

Thursday, September 08, 2005

Diplomacy at its finest.



I know which one I should knit, but really, which one would I use more. The cartigan. But, the sweater has shaping...

The sweater also has 3/4 sleeves. Hrm.

Damn. I can't decide.

Damn, I think I like it.

Well, I thought I wouldn't like it. I was just avoiding it, knowing the price and the hype. Plus, I love what I have right now.

But I finally looked at a photo. And I think I like it. Its actually, closer to love. I feel dirty. The is a feeling of betrayal coming from behind me from my first love.

But I think I need a Jordana Paige Messenger Bag.

Blah.

Give me a few minutes while I try to dislike it. Its blue and black, it might be more than a few minutes. *sigh*

I'm not a bag junkie, so this is a big deal!

Oh dear.

I'm making Samus.

Now, do I swatch that Alpaca I already own (that was deemed for the Hourglass sweater), but I might have the exact yardage or buy something new?

Muahahahah!

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Secret Pal 6

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

One word: No. I do prefer natural fibers, but honestly I'll knit with anything that's not wool.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

No, I don't want to spin, and I'm afraid of crochet. Read back a few posts, I have a mental breakdown when it comes to crochet. I'm deathly afraid of it.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

WOOL WOOL WOOL and LANOLIN. Please don't send WOOL to me. I break out in hives, it swells my throat and I can't breathe. Its not nice to kill your secret pal. Don't worry if yarn or something has been touching wool, but don't send WOOL in my package. Please.

4. How long have you been knitting?

Years :) This time around about 2?

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yup! Amazon is here, and you can see my Froogle list there (a work in progress, but mostly knitting).

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

I like fruity over floral I guess.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Oh yes!

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I make soap, jewelry, sew, quilt...so many things. I've dabbled in just about everything! I LOVE being crafty!

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I *heart* MP3s :) CDs are good too. I like 80's poppy stuff, goth/industrial and things like that.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

Black. No, really. Black. "Knit it in Black"...get it? Black. I love jewel tones. Pastels just won't work out. At all. Also, I hate brown. I would take pastels over brown.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I have a DH, a kitty (Bella) and a bunny (Raven).

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)

To work full time on my soap company ( The Alchemic Dragon ), to own a house, and to win the lotto. Oh, and "move back to Canada" is high on the list too.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Alpaca, soy silk, bamboo, cotton....mmm...love.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Wool That whole death thing again. I'm not to into those ladder novelty yarns either, but they look cute in some scarves I guess.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

I've been into tank tops and summer tops. Now besides xmas gift socks, I think I want a few sweaters. I get the most use out of cartigans, but ALL potential sweaters must have shaping to them. Toys are fun too.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Just about everything is fun to knit!

17. What are you knitting right now?

Xmas gifts!

18. What do you think about ponchos?

I think they are a special version of hell.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Circs actually. Straights hurt my arms.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Bamboo...*swoon* I still haven't tried any Addis!

21. Are you a sock knitter?

Yep! But no wool ;)

22. How did you learn to knit?

My grandma taught me when I was 3. I picked it up again as a teen, and then again a few years back.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

About 3 days old. I tend to finish off things before I start another.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

BUNNIES!!!! And for birds: Peacocks. I have a huge back tattoo that's peacock wings.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

My birthday, November 14th. I'll be 30! Yay!

26. Is there anything that you collect?

Bunnies. Yarn. Hobbies *smirk*

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

None. I pick up Rebecca when I can, I don't have very many and am going to build up my back issue collection (I have 28 to current)

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?

The new book by Joan McGowan-Michael that will be out in the spring (White Lies Designs). I do love books, but don't have any from specific companies like Rowan (Calmer, yummy!) or Debbie Bliss books. Those would rock!

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??

I haven't bought Rogue yet, but I'd like to. As I said, I'm on the hunt for fitted patterns. My waist needs the shaping ;)

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

BIL Socks



My brother inlaw's socks are finit! Yummy Cascade Fixation in Denim, 2 balls. The pattern is from Knit Socks! I think they look kinda funky (in a good way).

And just because I can't have my needles bare, I cast on for the Rustic Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts.



Not really a "pattern" mind you, its just a scarf knit length ways instead of width ways. I'm stash busting with some Wool Ease. In fact, I think I still have too much Wool Ease, this might be a damn shawl! Oh well!

Saturday, September 03, 2005

Nice

Well, I got some Decadence in the mail from my Secret Pal. Thanks SP :)

I got 3 skeins in Grape, and its really nice. What to make? I'm inspired to make a sweater or cartigan or something for me! What would you make? Gauge is bulky at 3-3.5 stitches per inch. I want a sweater that has shaping at the least. I'll definetly order more in order to accomodate, but I need a pattern first!

I also got some Shimmer. SO nice. The colourway is Turquoise Splendor, and I have 2 hanks (880 yds) of this laceweight gem. What do I make? Obviously something lacey! Hehe! I never research those types of projects.

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Total eclipse of the Soleil ;)



Thanks SO much to Lu for taking time out of her knitting to do the crochet edging for me. Its confirmed that I am probably only 50% crochet gimpy, and the other 50% has to do with the hooks I own.

If I am in this state when HoJo opens her store and has her first crochet class, I promise to be there!

And the specs: around 3.5 balls of Schachenmayr Micro in 0099 (black folks, black). Size 5 needles. If I was to make this again, I would keep decreasing on the shoulders, since its a bit wide for me. I'm having a curling problem even after steaming but I'm sure after I toss it in the wash and dry it flat it will be perfect. I just wanted to wear it today!

Oh, and the back:



Okay, I know I don't have to say this, but these are self portrait bathroom shots, so all lumpiness and weird creases are because its 8:15am. Even check the clock, sheesh.

Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Dear Body,

Please stop producing so many hormones. You make me look like a nutjob. I might be a nutjob in private, but I don't need the public to know it! Hehe!

Love, me.

Monday, August 29, 2005

FUUUUCK

That's fucking it. Who am I paying to do the fucking crochet on this stupid fucking tanktop.

This is ridiculous. The crap keeps on splitting, and everything is so tight that I can't get the loops to go and GRRR!

This is going in the damn garbage if I have to finish it. FUCKING CROCHET.

Well, that didn't work out

I was going to have my Soleil done by today, but that would have required me knitting this weekend. I didn't really do that. Hell, I didn't do much besides have a nervous breakdown yesterday (don't worry, I'm fine and found it to be pms).

So I guess I'll finish it tonight. I'd wear it tomorrow if it fit, but well, I have to do inventory at work tomorrow and that means me getting pretty damn dirty in the warehouse counting pencils and TVs and such. Its already shaping up to be a nightmare so its not looking good.

Anyway, need to finish off the front of the damn thing. I won't try it on until I finish knitting. Oh crud...I forgot about the cr*chet. UGGG!

Can't believe its almost September. I need to get those xmas gifts cranked out pronto! (xmas in St. Louis is Thanksgiving, unless I'm completely not finished).

Friday, August 26, 2005

Time? Where did it go?

Wow, I've been making soap lately, so no time to knit. Not really activities that go hand and hand. Oh ya, and that darn day job gets in the way too.

At least I've started the V-neck for Soleil. I have no fear of running out of yarn this time. That's a pleasant change for me!

Monday, August 22, 2005

Rebecca

I got my 2 Rebecca's from England today! Yay! Unfortunately, I'm not rushing to make any of the patterns. Some are cute, but nothing I'm going to drop my current projects for. Oh well.

I think I'm in lust with their spring/summer issues more. But that's okay, I still love them!

Damn charts too! One day I'll have strong chart foo. One day *sigh*

Soleil



Well, I didn't get a chance to knit yesterday, but I have a few more rows till I start increasing for the chest. This is a nice pattern, even if I did mess up the lace in the back. Nope, not gonna fix it. The Micro is still nice and soft, I hope it fits!

Friday, August 19, 2005

Soleil

Its a cloudy day (at least by the airport) so this morning I cast on for Soliel! Yay! This better be wearable ;) I have to do cr*chet again. Eww!

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Its socky!



1 sock done. Another started. I just found out I have a new baby (quote: "if it sticks", heh) to knit for, so that will be fun. She's a coworker, and she's um, completely weird? Is that polite enough? Now why would I want to knit something like that? Because well, I can go insane in the planning and she would appreciate it. Or I can make more bunnies.

I need to start Soleil. I keep putting it off. It will be my first chart reading *beam*. Heh, its such an easy chart too ;) Watch me screw it up.