Working on the Groundhog Day gift for Matt. Goal: one pattern repeat of 12 rows per day. So far, so good. Also, working on baby hat attempt #2 for Madison, and a sweater for Madison. Need to add crap-loads of I-cord to the PSH for a February birthday, and get going on the Sytherin Scarf for a January birthday. Other than that...I'm dying to make the Silk Garden hat below, and actually cast on for my first grown up sweater (for me). I think I'm going to use all that sale Aspen that I got, with the simple raglan pattern from an old issue of Interweave Knits.

LINKS:

Not knitting, but still cool - sewbaby.com

I wish I got DIYnet. Cool knitting stuff!

Edit Eig hat on DIYnet - pattern here

Designed by Edith Eig; copyright 2002 by Edith Eig.

I want Tudor Roses. Controversy and skill level aside...I want to own the book to look through it, every day if I want to! I just might have to place another knitpicks order to get more aspen and more mohair, too. Oh, and My Little Sock Book - I wonder if you can get it there? Ooh, and some of that raibow-y Koigu PPPM...is that #122? Some of that baby yarn...maybe I'll need to place a few orders...

Knitting Resolutions for 2003:

1. Teach (help) at least one person. I know that Heather had a few sock questions, and my sister needs a brush-up. I could try to help them.

2. Finish most of the UFO's, but don't be afraid to frog stuff back to just yarn when a project isn't working.

3. Make some big projects.

4. Stop being scared of Cabling, lace-knitting, and sweaters in general.

In the vein of #4...here's some Aran inspiration:

aran newsletter

beginner Aran knitting

Pieces of String

knitting in canadian living - including this aran pillow

story of Aran

... and now for something completely different - MamaKate's lacy sweater

I googled "hippygoth" this morning. I am incredibly pleased to note that out of the 4 or so pages of repsonses, I'd say 60% of them were me. Way to corner a market! I also found a few links to this blog, which ROCKS, considering I haven't put up pictures, a commenting system, or even joined the knitting bloggers webring. My goal is to get all of that done by the end of my weekend (Jan 3 and 4) so that I can start making myself a real quality web presence. How's that for a new year's resolution!

Oh yeah - I completely, totally, 100% lost my mom's socks. I knit them for her in SEPTEMBER and then lost them before I could give them to her for Christmas.

crazy quilt socks

the yarn barn

aran knit list

Lamb's Ear Farm

london beanie pattern

knitting pattern from Victoria magazine

another knitblog...

I dreamt about blocking a not-yet-knit (not even cast on) sweater last night. I think I have a problem. *grin*

one piece garter stitch baby sweater

another mohair/worsted shawl

another shawl link

Simple Mohair Shawl:
(Cast on 1 st... *inc, knit across* each row till 6 yards are left and then bind off) on size 13 needles... 5 foot wingspan... 3 feet deep.

Today was an amazing yarn day. My order came from KnitPicks, and my back order from patternworks (the one they said wouldn't ship until December 31st) came too. Wahoo! Now I need to start Matt's groundhog day present (scarf) and swatch for his Wildfoote socks. It sounds funny to swatch for socks, but I'm going to be doing a pattern generator thing, and I want to get it just right. I want these to be perfect socks.

Finished a hat for my sister yesterday, and also swatched for the Slytherin Birthday Scarf. I wasn't sure if it would fit on a 16" circ w/ the number of stitches I cast on, so I increased a few rather than frog and try to cast on and count onto the circ again. Lazy, lazy. I hope it doesn't interfere too much w/ the finished product. I can always turn that row in if it looks too weird.

I also figured out how I want to do the baby's hat...start w/ 70 stitches. I cast on w/ red and am adding in a few green stripes. So cute! I can see why people like stripes. I hate the ends, but it is fun to keep working on it. Just a few more rows to finish this stripe...now I want to start the next one...well, might as well finish it...just flying off the needles!

Oh, and I finished a random sock yesterday, and NAILED the kitchener. I guess all the research paid off! That and the diagram in the Vogue Knitting on the Go: Mittens and Gloves instructions. Not sure why it helped, but it did.

shortrow wrap
Deb's Socks
Here is my dream project - as a kit! - Irish Mist
sock links
knitting links
lots of great knitting stuff
sock tips from about.com - pop-up heavy, but helpful nonetheless
sock pattern

opal free patterns

Marr Haven Wool Farm

the naked sheep

not knitting, but costume how-to's

yarn bags - I can't decide whether I like them or not

ruffled mitts

knitting links

www.purpletree.com

http://www.lisaknit.com - with henry's attic yarn!

heels and toes gazette

llama yarn

brown sheep yarn

the knitter

Getting burned out. Will talk about it later.

quick links:

applehollow.com

cheap regia yarn

sock links yanked from the knitlist/socklist


a generic sock pattern

Generic toe up sock pattern based on the "You're putting me on" toe up sock pattern by Judy Gibson

A chart for making socks based on number of cast on stitches

another sock calculator

www.fourseasonknitting.com

baby socks and more baby socks

Popcorn Top Kilt Hose (with photo) - Joanne Hinmon

american girl socks!

knitters-underground.com

note to self: garter stitch heel

kitchener - I still don't seem to be able to get it :(

stuff with garter stitch heel and lots more online

craploads of links i need to make clickable:

http://www.afghansforAfghans.org

http://www.fncyarn.com/

http://www.homestead.com/knittingfun/

http://www.littleredhenyarns.com/pages/1/index.htm

doll shawl

http://www.cs.oswego.edu/~ebozak/knit/ck-patterns/wee.aran/index.html

http://www.strickwear.com/yarns.shtml

http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/a37.htm

http://www.eweknitkits.com/

http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/tsc03kits.htm

http://lambsearfarm.com/

http://www.dawnbrocco.com/ArttoWearSocks.html

http://www.straw.com/cpy/cpyyarns.html

http://www.homestead.com/knittingfun/files/scarf1002.htm

http://www.homestead.com/knittingfun/lacepatterns.html

Just so you all know, I LOOOOOVE Knitters Review. I LOOOVE reading yarn reviews. Don't know why, I just do.

doll sweater pattern!

kool-aid dyeing

I want oodles of this yarn - merino

note to self: Jamieson's Shetland Knitting Book, vol. 1.


lots of yarn-ish links:

http://www.ellenshalfpintfarm.com/default.htm

http://www.simplyknit.com/

http://www.eknitting.com/

http://www.handworksgallery.com/

http://www.carodanfarm.com/

Finished one green sock for bob, and yesterday finished a green regia stripe for Julie. Thank God .

math and knitting - two great tastes that taste great together

I love love love the movie Rob Roy, and I'm on a major Scottish kick right now...how great would it be to knit the Rob Roy shawl!

Finished object! I finished a pair of socks for my stepsister Julie! Only a tiny bit of grafting on the second sock, and they are ready to go! What a huge relief. After I savored that moment, I cast on the next (and last) pair of Christmas socks!

kitchener!

"Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls" by Martha Waternman

rob roy shawl pattern, version 1 and version 2.

ooooh...sock chart

blackberry ridge knitting

Joslyn's Fiber Farm

possible clear boots shop

knitting pattern - nordic sweater in canadian living

dishcloth boutique

Measure Matt's Hands for Gloves!


I want to make Suki, and I need:

MATERIALS

[MC] Brown Sheep Co. Naturespun worsted weight [100% wool, 245 yds per 100 g skein], color: Spring Green; 2 skeins
[CC1] Schachenmayr Salsa [100% polyester, 65yds per 50g ball], color: Farbe 21; 1 ball
[CC2] Naturespun, color: Bougainvillea; 2 skeins
[CC3] Naturespun, color: Cherry Delight; 2 skeins

1 set of US #11/8mm double-point needles
1 32-inch US #11/8mm circular needle

To Do List:

by December 20th:
- Maddy's Sweater
- Present for Amy
- Julie's Socks

by December 25th:
- block Mom's socks
- Start and finish Bob's green socks
- something for Matt prolly socks
- Nicole's matching hat (w/ earflaps, but not ties, I think)

by late January:
- slytherin house scarf for Kris
- a working pattern for the Dr. Who (I forget which Dr.) sweater for Kris

by mid February:
- scarf for Matt
- scarf/stole for Jenn
- purple squid hat for Nick
- possible socks for the guys?

My god! That list is positively terrifying! And in there I want to knit myself some socks and gloves (maybe a scarf) from my tiny, yet tempting, Koigu stash. And I definitely want to make myself a sweater, but I don't really know where to start! Prolly w/ some Homespun and a Lion Brand Pattern...I would hate to make a lot of mistakes on a $8/100g yarn!

Nothing but a ton of links tonight. Hoping to finish the green socks for Julie this weekend, and make headway on a scarf for Amy. Should swatch up the sock yarn for Matt, and the hat for Nicole. Going to Northampton tomorrow, and will probably hit Northampton Wools - more sock yarn for Matt's socks, and 2 addi turbo circs. Possibly some yarn and needles for Nicole's Christmas present....

Oh yeah, and I subscribed to a TON of knitlists today. Let's see if I get any cooler :).

Today's Links:

maddy booties? or maybe a maddy haiku? what about this soft sweater? I've never made a sweater, but I've got to start somewhere...

baby socks

print these cable socks from home

aran?

baby sweater

craploads of Kitchner trivia

double toe-up socks and regia socks

sweater for me?

Oh my. I have a bad case of startitis. Good thing it's not fatal, eh? I started two scarves this week, just randomly. Question is...will they get done in time for Christmas? I haven't even cast on Bob's new socks, after I scrapped the grey ones (scrapped them for Bob, they will still be made, and probably given to Mom) - I think I'll make him some green ones.

knitting advent calendary

sock demo, and more sock stuff, and sock form - get Matt's measurements!

I kinda want these wristies, though my inner monlogue is sure I could knit them myself...

nice hat by mamakate

nordic fiber arts eye candy

oh yeah - knitting needles

Have re-evaluated a few knitting projects; mostly socks. I think the ones that I started for Bob are going to be too small, so I think Mom will get two pairs of socks this Christmas. Also moving along really well on the Purple Squid Hat. The recipient accidentally saw the yarn, but I had about 80 other projects lying around, so I'm sure he has no idea what it is or who its for. I need to swatch tonight; to get numbers to punch into the Harry Potter scarf thing from the Girl From Auntie (link below) and I need to swatch the Circus yarn and work out a hat pattern. I want to knit something for my niece, and didn't know what to do - then I realized that I have baby sock patterns somewhere, and now that I kind of know what I'm doing, I should (stress on "should") be able to make some baby socks. Also, need to block some socks and Kai's hat. I think the bottom will need to be stretched over something, or with clothespins or something.

Working up the courage to post this site on the Knit Bloggers ring. I want to get some pics and a comment bit up first.

harry potter scarf

needle case pattern

men's socks patterns

I desperately want this calendar/project book - the sock calendar

wildfoote socks, w/ pine tree cuff

knitting, pure and simple

ENORMOUS POST

historical costuming, more historical costuming, oh, and more Historical Costuming

scottish dress history

tons of knitting links

I want this sewing pattern - "historical" dress. Oh, and this one of sewing accessories. And think of how bad it would be if I could make my own bags!

knit blog templates

sock patterns - ample knitters, braided socks, the ample listers not for skinny legs socks, spinderella's free patterns, and the ubiquitous blueberry waffle socks.

american doll dress, and links.

historical knitting patterns

twisted german cast-on

Knitter's Magazine #54, Spring 1999 - get it!

http://www.pellatuliptime.com/lessons/straw/strwcork.html

http://www.knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=/review/profile/021121_b.asp

The �Sleeves in your Pi� shawl was designed by Gayle Roehm and featured in Knitter's Magazine, #61, Winter 2000.

I think my issue is that the only project I'm working on for ME right now is a pair of socks that I've dubbed the "ugly toe-up socks." They are made out of the ugly Sockotta yarn. The yarn itself makes a LOVELY fabric, I just got a truly ugly color of it. I did have a break through looking through the ample knitters gallery; I can switch to size 2's for the cuff. Since it's 2x2 ribbing, the size change won't be noticable, and then the cuff won't stretch unattractively. And I can whiz through the cuff on size 2s; my brittany size 1s are upset at the amount of stress I'm putting on them, and I'm unhappy that they don't have a nice smooth surface. How do my clover needles seem sticky but smooth at the same time? I don't know, but that's why I love bamboo for socks.

I got the GORGEOUS koigu pppm this week. I had forgotten the color, and that there were 4 whole skeins! I think that I will make myself a scarf AND socks, if I can stretch it. Maybe a small pair of lace cuff socks. I still want to make a scarf out of the autumnal koigu, but it might have to wait. Ooh, or maybe I'll make gloves and socks, or gloves and a scarf...or use the autumn for gloves...I'm just so excited, but I CAN'T start anything yet!

I want to finish up Nicole's tank top, too. I don't know if it will get done in time for Christmas, but I will need to work on finishing, and I think a tank top is a good practice. I want to make the shapely tank for myself, and maybe a striped sweater for my Molly 18" doll. I really want to get into full-sized projects, rather than scarves and socks, but I'm scared. I think if I make a sweater for Molly, I can practice construction, and make something nice. Or I can give it to my sister for her doll.

Here are my wish list projects:

from Interweave Knits, Fall or Autumn 2001:

* the possum yarn Irish Mist set
* the gathering bag
* the caramel/denim toddler sweater

Funny how that one magazine has so many amazing projects! I just look through it over and over again. And I read the instructions for the Irish Mist set over and over - I think that when I do get around to knitting it, it will come out perfect! I'm tempted to order a couple skeins and knit the scarf part, just for practice, mind you!

* shetland lace shawls, particularly this one


how do I drop the yarn overs? I will have to experiment. I hear another koigu swatch calling...

Incidentally, I flipped through the Knitter's gallery online...and I will probably buy it, for one reason and one reason only - I am an advanced beginner without the confidence to design a scarf on my own. Otherwise...I wouldn't bother.

rats. My schedule this morning was so messed up that I left my knitting stuff at home. I have a project in my drawer at work, (actually, technically 3 - 2 socks and a scarf) but I left the sock instructions at home. I'm at the turning the heel/picking up stitches bit, and I'm not yet confident enough to do that on my own! But I can work on the scarf a bit, and that will be a nice change of pace.

heels turned on Julie's green socks. Web's tomorrow?

knitting wish list for tomorrow

size 11 circ

10,9,10.5 dpn

vogue knitting on the go, gloves and mittens

web's for k.secret.s.s.
(jamieson's shetland wool looks good - maybe gch aspen?)

new Knitters

1 skein apart to go w/ my Koigu for the Rockstar scarf.

wizard scarf

knitted stockings - for under a kilt, perhaps?

I will finish the Thursday Thumb Twiddler later, I promise!

cat toy swirl ball


The Thursday Thumb-Twiddler

1. Would it disturb you much if, upon your death, your body were simply thrown into the woods and left to rot? Why?

Hmmm. I don't know. Maybe if it was for a good cause, like the body farm or something. I'm pretty into cremation, I don't want to rot in a casket. Rotting in the woods is fine, I just don't want to be a box full of mush.

2. The head of the Postal Service calls you up and tells you that you've been chosen at random to create a postage stamp with anyone or anything on it. What would you choose?

3. What's the longest line you've ever stood in?

Not a whole lot to report, knitting-wise. Did 14 rows of sock yesterday during a boring re-training at work. Started casting on Bob's Grey Christmas Woolease socks. Am contemplating making hat for my sister out of the leftover circus to match her socks...

knitting article

knitted cat toy

trinity stitch shawl pattern

"troop" knitting

And here's the friday five, a few days late.

The Friday Five - late, again.

1. Did you vote in your last elections?

Yes, I did. I did a lot of research before I voted, too. Was still a little stumped on Massachusetts ballot questions 3.

2. Do you know who your elected representatives are?

Um, most of them, yes. State representatives, and reps to congress.

3. Have you ever contacted an elected representative? If so, what was it about?

When I was in high school I used to send/sign a lot of letters about environmental causes in Upstate NY. I've participated in a few other letter/email campaigns since then.

4. Have you ever participated in a demonstration?

Not exactly, but I did do some lobbying on Earth Day in Albany. It was really cool to have face time with some state reps and let them know how serious we were, and even though most of us were too young to vote (this was high school), we could still make our opinions known.

5. Have you ever volunteered in an election? What was the result?

No, I haven't volunteered in an election.

This entry was SUPPOSED to be posted on Thursday, but I didn't have time to do anything other than email it to myself....

Knitting news...well, I finished Mom's red socks. I haven't grafted the toe yet, because I hate it, but I will get to it. I think the problem is that I haven't managed to successfully do it once. I think it is one of those things that I really need to watch someone do it. Maybe there is a clip out there online somewhere that shows toe-grafting. [note - since I wrote this, I sat down w/ the step-by-step directions in Interweave Knits, and made a nicer toe than I'd ever managed - still not perfect, but I'm starting to understand the concept.]

Got my Pony Pearls size 3 dpns today, which was great, but the invoice said that my other yarn (more Koigu pppm and Noro Kureyon) and my Koigu scarf booklet won't be sent out until NOVEMBER 21st! Yipe. I kind of wanted to get a scarf done by Christmas for Matt, and I don't know if one month will be long enough. I'm making pretty rapid progress on all my other Christmas projects, so it might be okay, but still. And still no sign of the 3 month old Mary Maxim order that I was assured would be sent out Monday. That pair of socks is supposed to be for my sister, and it would be nice to start working on that. [note again - I was surprised on Friday to receive both the Koigu pattern booklet and the very very very late sock yarn from Mary Maxim!]

I really like the afghan I started for Madison, big and cushy, and hopefully will use up a lot of the extra acrylic yarn I have lying around. If I can get the acrylic stash WAAAAY down, then maybe I can start working through the nice stuff I've picked up randomly. Projects, projects everywhere! I should probably start w/ the S.S. for K, and bring the PSH for N with me this weekend. I'm going east for my grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary. Someday, if I'm really brave, I might post the pictures from the 40th anniversary. Pretty painful.

The Thursday Thumb Twiddler

1. If you could change anything about the way you were raised, what would it be?

I think I would have wished that my mom was a little more vocal about the junk I was eating in Junior High...but she was so depressed then, and didn't have a lot of energy. I don't think that I would wish that my parents didn't get divorced, but I do wish that my dad was more involved with my life.

2. Have you ever displayed in your home a hated, ugly, and useless gift, just because the donor happened to be paying you a visit?

No, not really, but I wore some pretty awful clothes that relatives bought me.

3. If you were writing a new children's book, what might you choose for the setting, and who might the main character be?

I used to tell a story to a little girl I baby sat about a cow and a girl farmer. I liked that story alot.

intensely cute baby bootie pattern and of course socks, socks, and more socks.

Yarn should get here soon...I hope.

I just realized that while I am supposed to have a lot of back ordered yarn coming in the mail, I've been pretty good about not buying yarn these past few weeks. I did buy 4 skeins 2 weeks ago, but that was to finish some already started works in progress. I also realized that I have not been finishing this this week as well as I have been the last 2 weeks. I blame it on my shortage of #3 dpns. I did start yet another new project...but it is a stash buster! I'm using lots of leftover acrylic baby yarn to make Madison an afghan.

I'm a little excited. The rest of my Patterworks order (including Matt's scarf yarn) was supposed to ship on Friday, and the Opal sock yarn from Mary Maxim that I've been waiting for FOREVER is supposed to ship tomorrow. Both very exciting. I gave my sister the blue circus socks early, since she was having a bad week and came out to visit this weekend. I also got to go to Webs, the legendary yarn store. I loved it. I could easily spend a million bucks there. I got the new Vogue Knitting, and the new Interweave Knits, another set of size 2 dpns, and two size 1 twenty-something inch circulars for socks. I have to agree with the general consensus about Vogue Knitting this time. Except for that cover hat, I'm not really interested in the patterns.

A few in Interweave caught my eye, particularly the Golden Ruching Shawl, and the Dotty Drape Shell. I also really like the Leaf Cravat...I had been considering ordering some stuff from Loop-d-Loop, and now I can try this first to see if I'm up to the patterns. I really liked the Impressionist Cardigan, but I'm depressed at all the Jazz/Portrait combos I've been seeing lately. I just can't even remotely afford it!! My sister was wearing a sweater this weekend that she got at Gap/Old Navy that is EXACTLY like the Lacy Bell Pullover, which I thought was pretty darn cool.

sock pattern for regia yarn, and a sock pattern for that Tabby-colored yarn I have. Might need another skein, though.

I'm a little late on the Friday Five, but I really wanted to answer them. Plus, well, I have a few other projects going on, so I don't think I'll be updating any online journals as frequently as I may have in the past. So I'd like to at least stay on top of things with the Friday Five and the Thursday Thumb Twiddler.

Friday Five:

1. Were you raised in a particular religious faith?

Um, definitely Protestant. My Mom's family church was a Congregationalist church, and I liked that alot. My Dad's church was a Methodist church, and that was pretty good too.

2. Do you still practice that faith? Why or why not?

I still have faith, and I'm still spiritual, but I do not often attend church, and when I do, it is usually Catholic services w/ my boyfriend's family. I don't very much like Catholic church. I think I would like to find a nice Congregationalist/Presbytarian, Methodist church, and go sometimes when I want to be quiet and listen to happy hymns. Catholics don't seem to have any happy songs.

3. What do you think happens after death?

This changes frequently. I think I have it narrowed down to two. Either Heaven/Hell or Reincarnation. I can't decide. I like the idea of Heaven, and eventually ending up somewhere good, but then I like the reincarnation idea that you have a few different tries to get there.

4. What is your favorite religious ritual (participating in or just observing)?

I've always been a huge fan of Easter. I should have been Catholic, I swear. They take that whole crucifiction thing VERY seriously. But then again, my favorite part of Easter is the joy of Resurrection. I love Easter services where you sing all the happy, joyful hymns. The miraculous ones. My second favorite hymn is an Easter hymn. The one that goes:

Up from the grave he arose (he arose)

With a mighty triumph o'er his foes

He arose a victor from the dark domain

And He'll live forever with the saints to reign...

5. Do you believe people are basically good?

I wish I did. I think people are born good, but some people's family's ruin them.

I'm kinda dressed up today. I'm wearing fuzzy slippers, and the bear hat that was SUPPOSED to be for the nephew, but is way too big. I also knit myself some "bear cuffs" to cover my wrists and knuckles, which match the hat. They are pretty warm. I think I should knit a less bulky version to wear at work anyway.

I'm almost done w/ my sister's circus socks. I definitely needed the second skein. I'm hoping to make a pair of short socks out of the skein that is left over. I think I might give Nicole her socks this weekend, seeing as she's had such a crappy week.

Need to do serious work on the second red sock, Jenn's scarf, and the second pair of Regia socks.

socks and more socks

Ah, the Thursday Thumb Twiddler

1. Would you prefer to have had more or fewer sexual partners in your life?

Hmm. I can think of one specific person I would rather have not slept with. And a few who I wish I did. So I guess that averages out to more.

2. You accidentally come across your teenager's diary. If you choose to, you can read it without anyone ever knowing. Do you? What if it were your spouse's?

I like to think I wouldn't read my child's diary. But, to be brutally honest with myself, I probably would. As for spouse, again, probably. I am always dying to know if more is going on his head then he lets on...

3. You work for an ad agency, and the assignment is to come up with a slogan to get people to eat more fish. What would you suggest?

Fish - It's not just for food poisoning any more!

two socks on two circ's...i think i need two longer 2's...here's one for toe-up...

Yesterday the car broke down, which was bad, but I got craploads of knitting in, which was good. Finished Mom's Red Sock, and the pair of bearcuffs.


a knit/fiber blog

easy sleeveless sweater

sock heel info

Don't feel like knitting today, too hung over. I missed the Friday Five, too. But I got a lot done on Mom's red sock, and found a link for 2 circular needle socks.

one hour scarf, and the ribbon shawl

I [heart] the sock yarn palette [/heart]. Especially considering that I love socks at the moment. I haven't really failed a sock yet, even though I'm only one pair, one singleton, and one half-new sock into sock knitting. I think its the dpn's, and the complete lack of seaming (grafting sucks, but doesn't really count). I'm in love with the toe-up pattern I chose, but w/ tiny yarn...72 stitches on size 1 needles actually hurts my wrists after a while. It makes the 48 stitches on size 3's seem like a breeze, and the 24 stitches on size 11's are a joke! Isn't it nice to have so much variety!

My current most desperate project is the bear cuffs to match the failed bear hat. Those + improvised brown pants = Work Safe Halloween Costume. It will be a little cutesy, but warm.

I'm working on Mom's Red Wool-Ease socks at work, and they are coming along swimmingly on the Swallow size 3 dpn's. It's a free pattern I got at Michaels, and I hated the garter check at first, but now that I have several rows done it looks pretty good. And I have TONS of Wool-Ease in Cranberry, so I can make them a little longer than the Regia socks. I do so love how soft those socks are getting! Even Matt thinks they are really soft, to the point where I said, "So, do you want a pair?" he said, "Well, maybe."

Phew. This is going to be a long entry today, because I am not tired of writing about knitting/yarn yet.

I think the major problem w/ the toe-ups is that I hate, hate, hate the yarn. I hate it in the lace scarf, and I hate it on the sock. Plus, size 2's seem like they would be too big, but 1's are splitting the yarn. Could be that the Brittanys, though. Bought the set before I heard all those scathing remarks about Brittany size 1 dpns. I do like the fabric that is being created, and I might even buy more Sockotta yarn someday...but never in this color. So much uglier than I ever thought possible. Maybe some blues.

I'm strongly considering ripping the baby afghan I started for Madison and completely starting over. I desperately want to make her one, but I keep sucking at it. Maybe if I just do a simple something w/ two yarns held together? I just don't know.

I guess that's enough for now. I've gotten it out of my system. :)

Thursday Thumb Twiddler

1. If you were able to take a one-month trip anywhere in the world, with money and vacation time no object, where would you go and what would you do?

This is one of my favorite questions! I have a pat and perfected answer here, but here is the quick and dirty: I would go to Brazil and work with the children and mothers there. Educate the mothers about breastfeeding and water boiling, and help the children any way I can. Either that, or go and work in an inner city day care, HeadStart, or after school program. How about a knitting program afterschool? Or dancing and stretching?

2. How do you react to people who talk loudly while the movie is playing?

Sigh loudly, and hope they'll get the point. Maybe hiss "sshhh!" if I'm heartily annoyed.

3. What meal do you look forward to the most?

I like the meal/snack at the end of my work week, when I get home, and curl up on the couch with something tasty, and know that I don't have to go to work the next day.

Just a bunch of links...

tips on wrapping heels

knitting geek's socks and shawls...

sock pattern

oz yarn has free patterns


I started Mom's red socks w/ grey heels and toes. I'm not sure I like the wool-ease free pattern. It has garter stich checks, and while I think they will be fine for Mom, Bob's socks w/ be plain. I think I'm in love with socks. And scarves. My Koigu came today. Well, I think its mine. It might end up being Matt's...I got about 60% of my Patternworks order. Unfortunately, all the stuff that's back ordered is the stuff I wanted to work on right away...

I want to make a cardigan for Madison for Christmas. Maybe I'll try the pattern from domesticsphere.blogspot.com. Either that or the one in the old Interweave Knits that I have. I'm thinking of using Kool Wool, perhaps in Melon. Will have to see what I can find...

Very little actual knitting content today. We got a fabulous new cat from the shelter. His name is Virgil, and he's wonderful. I started the second Circus sock, and finished the second horn on the devil hat. That's about it for knitting. Oh, and I unravelled and hid Jenn's scarf - I think I'll wait for the size 13's to come, and try knitting it in a stockinette with the occaisional purl line for contrast.


1. How many TVs do you have in your home?

one plugged in, one unplugged

2. On average, how much TV do you watch in a week?

ooh, tricky question. I probably actively watch about, oh, 10 hours a week? But I frequently have the tv on BBC America or TLC for background noise while I knit or read. I think I would do that less if our stereo actually worked.

3. Do you feel that television is bad for young children?

I feel that too much television is definitely a bad thing. Having worked in Day Care, and as a nanny, I can also say that there are times when it is ESSENTIAL for you (and the kids) to be able to turn on the tv or put in a tape for half an hour until you all can deal with each other again. I don't like it when kids know the channel line-up, and what shows are on when, but knowing that Friday night is movie night, or if Mom needs quiet time, 'tubbies go on, that's okay.

4. What TV shows do you absolutely HAVE to watch, and if you miss them, you're heartbroken?

Hmm. I used to have a few shows, like Sunday night Fox that I just loved watching. Then we had no cable and only got ABC and PBS. We watched "Three guys, a girl, and a Pizza place," later known as "Three Guys and a Girl" religiously for two seasons. We also watched that other show that I can't remember, Will and Grace, Dharma and Greg....and then we got cable, and it was all Law & Order, all the time. I guess right now I would say that I love Trading Spaces, The Dead Zone, and I could very possibly fall in love with Birds of Prey.

5. If you had the power to create your own television network, what would your line-up look like?

Dinosaur shows, horse movies, foreign/indie movies, Trading Spaces/Changing Rooms, A Baby Story, Forensic Science, and a few guilty pleasesures like Three Guys and a Girl, Birds of Prey, and maybe the occaisional Wonder Years or Sister, Sister.

Wow. It's been a few days, huh? I have recovered (mostly) from the failed-bear-hat-for-kai trauma, with the help of the little demon hat. I only have one horn left to go, and it *should* fit, provided that the rim stretches a little bit more. I also finished a Circus sock, but think that I made the calf bit a little too long, and the second one is going to come up short. That's the problem with sock patterns that are one skein, when you only bought one skein...I wish I knew a good adaptable toe-up method. This and this might help. I'm also wondering if the socks might be happy with a little fulling, or if that will even work with that yarn. Oh well. They might just end up being my socks, after that horrible holey heel incident. I have plans to make cute socks for Mom and Bob, matching ones. I wanted the Circus socks to go to Nicole or Mom...maybe Nicole because they match that tank top that I keep forgetting about. Well, forgetting on purpose. I don't know how I'll ever knit a whole sweater if I get bored just doing rows of stockinette on this tank top!

I ended up missing the deadline on the Michaels contest, which makes me a little sad, but was my own fault entirely. I started a new project, a lace scarf from the Sockotta pattern. I love the pattern, and I like the feel of the yarn, but I hate (*HATE*) the colors of the yarn. It is a red/green/gold/brown ombre/space-dyed with very short even repeats, and a white binder. It looked MUCH better skeined up online. It's the first time I've ever been really disappointed by ordering yarn online. Oh well. You live, you learn, right? I would love to just finish it and dye the whole thing deep brown, but I'm not really sure how that would work, and besides, I think I'll just give it to someone I only kind of like, but want to be impressed with my work.

I ordered yarn for Kris's project, but I can even let that wait. I told her already that she's not getting a present in December for Christmas, she gets a combined present for her birthday in January. So I have a little bit of time on that. As for Nick, I finally, finally FINALLY found the perfect project for him. Now I just have to design it! I also ordered yarn for Matt's present. If I'm running late, it can always be for Valentine's day. I'll be using Kureyon for it, and I'm kind of excited. I have a skein of Silk Garden that is waiting for me to perfect feathers and fans, then be knit into a scarf.

Just found this about grafting. Why couldn't I have found this days ago?!

note to self...oh, and I do love this bag. Too bad I need another ball of DecoRibbon...

Thursday Thumb Twiddler

1. You're at a friend's house for Thanksgiving dinner. You find a dead cockroach in your salad. What do you do?

I would put the salad to the side, and try not to gag. No, I probably would not mention it to anyone.

2. What particular historical document (or portion thereof) do you think every person (or at least every citizen of your country) should know by heart?

Tough question. I have such a hard time memorizing things. I think the Miranda Rights are important to know, even though its not a historical document. I think that the Declaration of Independence, while stirring, is not necessary. Maybe the Bill of Rights, or perhaps the constitutional amendments. I had a great history professor in high school who had wonderful mnemonics for the amendments. I can remember that the 17th amendment is the one that proposes term limits for senators (sev-en-teen, sen-a-tor).

3. A follow-on to last week: what five TV series have or had the best theme song with lyrics?

* Cheers (it's obligatory, but good)
* Myster Science Theatre 3000
*
*
*

I finished the socks...finally! Not really happy with the finishing of the toes. I followed the steps for weaving the toes, but it just doesn't seem strong enough. Oh well, next pair should be better, right? And of course, after I attached the ears to Kai's hat...I just looked at it. It fits me. I have a new hat. I guess I will be making a second attempt, but not from that pattern! Though that gives me an idea for Nick...he liked the Lizard hat...



***************

The Friday five are very hard this week, and I'm not done with them yet.

The Friday five!

1. If you could only choose 1 cd to ever listen to again, what would it be?

Tom Waits, beautiful Maladies (the island years)

2. If you could only choose 2 movies to watch ever again, what would they be?

Dirty Dancing, The City of Lost Children

3. If you could only choose 3 books to read ever again, what would they be?

many waters, by madeline l'engle;


4. If you could only choose 4 things to eat or drink ever again, what would they be?

water, tortilla chips, salsa,


5. If you could only choose 5 people to ever be/talk/associate/whatever with ever again, who would they be?

* matt (obligatory, but true)
* mom
* oscar wilde
*
*

My office is so cold. I am wearing fleece socks, a wool hat, a t-shirt, jeans, a long duster/dress, and a wool shawl (made by the S.O.'s mom for a wedding). My fingers are still practically numb. I'm drinking coffee just to keep warm, and my little clover size 2's keep falling out of my freezing fingers.

Do you feel sorry for me yet? No? Here's the next sad story:

I got cocky. I finally finished a project...but wait, there's more...I finally finished a project that a) looked like it was supposed to, b) fit the way it was supposed to, and c) looked good. That was my Regia sock #1. Then...I picked up Kai's hat to finish it. I love how fuzzy the purl side (which, it looks like from the picturs is the RS) and it's still soft after being worked for so long. It looked fine until I sewed the seam, and then Matt said, "Uh, he's not a conehead. And that's way too big." And he was right. It just looks funny. So now I have a dilemma. I'm afraid Matt's mom and Grandmother will see it at the birthday party and tell me how wrong it is. And I'm a little embarassed that it came out wonky. I followed the pattern religiously, used the right yarn and needles (its amazing how long it took me to learn that) and it just looks funny.

sigh. Two year olds hate hats anyway, right? I was hoping he'd like this one because it is very soft, and has bear ears. He could pretend while he wore it. Matt suggested that I slip it to Heidi on the way out. The other idea is that I can "forget it" at home, and mail it to Heidi and Kai later, with the disclaimer, "It came out funny and big, and he never has to wear it, but I wanted you guys to know that I really wanted to make Kai something all by myself." Which also sounds kind of lame. I am just a big knitting lame-o right now.

But on the other hand, tomorrow is looking to be good, but busy. In the morning Matt and I need to register to vote, so that we can vote against Mitt Romney (its a moral imperative) for state governer (MA). Then, we need to go to the UPS main office so that I can pick up my package from One Fine Yarn that I have been longing for. After that, I need to have a lunch ready for my crafting circle friends. So far it looks like one sewer, a knitter (me), two crocheters on for tomorrow. Later I hope to have a Saturday afternoon as well, where I'll lose a crocheter, but gain another one, and a random crafter...she has Modge Podge, and knows how to use it. After lunch and a sewing machine examination, I hope to finish my poor remaining Regia sock, so I at least have ONE finished project to show off on Saturday. Then Matt and I are off to the mall to pick up a toy for Kai's birthday, to go with the hat (maybe) and the Pooh CD we picked up in Florida.


Time for Thumb-Twiddling Thursday:

1. Does not having done something before make it more appealing, or less?

More appealing...I like new things, I like doing new things, watching new things, hearing new things, trying new things. Just not always a huge fan of eating new things, though I will eat new things if there are no fish or mushrooms involved.

2. If you could have a large stain-glass window in your house, what would you want it to depict?

Something Epic. Angels or Jesus. Angels and Jesus. Or dinosaurs.

3. A change of pace. What five TV series have or had the best instrumental theme song?

Funny you should mention that - Vegan Nick and I were discussing instrumental theme songs just yesterday. My favorites are:

* X-Files
* Magnum P.I.
* Scarecrow and Mrs. King
* I Dream of Jeannie
* Bewitched

http://yarnxpress.safeshopper.com/133/cat133.htm?532

knitting goals for today/tonight specifically:

* unravel the 5 yr old scarf (done, with thanks to Nick)
* finish the body on the Regia sock (done, and then some...8 rows of heel are done, too)
* finish crown shaping on Kai's hat

I started photographing my WIP's with the hopes of putting them up as inspiration. I have to say that I really don't like the Cro-Knit afghan anymore...I just have to make myself finish it. I wish I had started another afghan...maybe something out of Sirdar Snowflake. Oh well. I'm hoping that a border will make it somewhat nicer. I could try a nice edged border, from the Debbie Bliss book.

Good news. Almost finished with Kai's hat. I'm at the shaping and ear-knitting stage. The Circus sock is coming right along also. It's going to be so hard to go back to that slow tank top after all these zippy little projects! I cannot wait to get my new yarn to start with socks and scarves for everyone. I definitely want to make a scarf/stole out of Eros for someone. I think if I cast it on the long way, it might go fast enough to not drive me crazy. I think that sale yarn that I picked up from Ames could probably be used instead of Homespun...I wonder if I can find a short project for it? Maybe this hat. Or this scarf.

knitting goals for the week:

By Saturday the 12th, I would like to have:

* finished the circus socks
* finished the second regia sock
* and I better have finished Kai's hat, as his party is Saturday.

Note about my Regia socks: I deliberately did not start them at the same pattern point, so that they'll be slightly different. I think it should look cool...we'll see how that works out.

I don't think I'd ever have the patience to do a whole sweater on size 3 needles! It is gorgeous, though.

nice shawl pattern for microspun...and one for some really thick socks

ooh...the tubular cast on. I need to learn it. neat hat from the same page...with additional free patterns

The Friday Five, ladies and gentlemen.


1. What size shoe do you wear?

Womens 8 1/2 wide, which works out exactly to a comfortable Men's 6, 61/2.

2. How many pairs of shoes do you own?

More than I wear...probably 15? But I rotate through the same 7 pairs or so.

3. What type of shoe do you prefer (boots, sneakers, pumps, etc.)?

Sneakers. Definitely sneakers and boots, though right now I'm feeling pretty emotional about mary jane style sneakers.

4. Describe your favorite pair of shoes. Why are they your favorite?

I have a few pairs. I love my old boots. I wanted a pair of Doc Martens so bad when I was in high school, but they were far too expensive. I got a pair of black work boots instead that were about $30 less, and so much more hard core. After a few years, I touched them up with a few spots of glitter nail polish. They are still around and kick ass.

I also *heart* my red platform sneakers that I got at the salvation army for $5.

5. What's the most you've spent on one pair of shoes?

Probably about $45 for the last pair of sneakers I bought. I have shoes that probably cost more, but I got them as gifts.

I can't believe that I didn't knit at all yesterday. Hopefully I'll make up for it tonight. Gotta get those pictures up. Tomorrow I'll have a lot of free time...I should register some domain names and get some webhosting. But tonight...Circus Sock, here I come!

fuzzy galore

alternative toe finish - from the sock guy

resources

Joy of joy of joys...I finished the first sock. The first sock ever.
I better cast the next one on right away, before I lose momentum.
I also managed to check off #2 on the morning's list...I'm onto the face decreases on Kai's hat, and #3, cast on the circus sock as well. It's kind of tricky right now, I'm trying not to do it backwards.

goals for the morning (knitting related):

* finish and photograph that one regia sock

* get past the ribbing and start the stockinette on kai's bear hat

* cast on the circus sock

* pack skein of yarn to start second regia sock @ work

* find some yogic stretches to get this horrible kink/stiffness out of my neck/shoulder/upper back

http://craftydiva.blogspot.com/
http://www.harrumph.com/rabbit/
http://www.knitjapan.co.uk/fushino.htm
http://www.shemadethis.com/main.htm

I should get around to the friday five some time
knitting contest at michaels.com

jamie's knitblog

http://www.knitpicks.com/

http://www.knitzme.com/

mama kate's knitblog

what i ordered from one fine yarn:

IV_SUM02 Interweave knits summer 2002 1

IV_win0102 Interweave knits winter 2001/2002 1

IV_FALL01 Interweave Knits fall 2001 1

PY_S089 Plymouth Sockotta pattern - lacy scarf and socks 1

SOCKOTTA05 Plymouth Sockotta 05 summer 3

SG_31 Noro Silk Garden 31 1

ADR_FLAKE_40 Adriafil Flake 40 pastels 4

Shipping: USPS Priority or UPS ground: $5.50
Sales Tax: $0.00
Total: $75.31

I should not have worn a skirt today. I'm freezing. Bored, too. I'm resisting the urge to start the new pair of socks in Circus. They should be lightning fast to knit, but I am making myself finish my first pair of socks, and also Kai's hat before I start anything new. I think that I'm going to make a lot of Christmas presents this year. This will be the year of the Knit-Gifts! I have a few scarves in mind to make, and I wonder who will be the lucky recipients...I'm also thinking of making some slippers/socks. Don't think that Nick will end up with pirate slippers. I just can't find a pattern I can modify enough. I need a pattern that has a section on the top of the slipper in stockinette, so I can either chart or stitch over a skull and crossbones pattern. Hmm...What I like best is the Debbie Bliss booties I knit for Madison that ended up WAY too big. But I'm not sure. I might just make a pair of socks with skull and crossbone detail...

On a separate crafty note...those flat pants on Domestic Sphere look like a cute, non threatening gift for Kai...I need to get that kid's measurements!

sweater pattern I might ACTUALLY be able to make for myself

kool-aid dyeing

No Idle Hands: The Social History of American Knitting, by Anne L. Macdonald

I want this knit sack.

tonight's yarn lust topic - looks like similar palette and composition to Circus....

legwarmer pattern

another knit blog, or two...ok, three

Oh yay!! Knitty.com is FINALLY up!!!

another crafty blog, with tons of links

handworksgallery.com...they have some nice kits. Expensive, but nice.

OMG. The perfect pattern for Matt. Too bad it's extra-spicy.

one more knitting blog link. promise. (i think this one is a duplicate anyway.)

Finished Projects of 2002:

scarf for nicole, started in fall 2001 as a xmas gift that ended up being a birthday present. the scarf was striped w/ 2 colors of chenille yarn. one color was a burgundy, and one color was a dark blue w/ burgandy flecks. i knit it on my size 10 bamboo needles, which i love. added some fringe. this yarn shed a lot, and i probably wouldn't use it again if i knew the name, which i don't since i got the yarn out of the bargain bin at my LYS. Sadly, I mailed this off to my sister before i took a picture. Or i took a picture on the digital camera i got for christmas, and then erased it accidentally.

assorted baby projects for my niece madison. finished two pairs of cro-hook booties, one HUGE pair of booties that will prolly fit her as slippers when she's 4 from debbie bliss, a small hat from debbie bliss, and one more pair of booties in that supersoft plymouth baby dk w/ microfiber.

Viking Patterns for Knitting

toe-up sock info

sockguy's other talents

I'm such a knitting geek. I stayed up last night working on the sock...I just HAD to see how the heel turned out. I was thrown off a little by what I think (hope) is a mis-typed number, so had to see if it was going to be okay. I really think it is. I was also feeling guilty about delaying Kai's hat...but I think I have time to finish this sock first and then get back to the bear hat. I've got at least two weeks. I need to prioritize my projects. I think the slippers are going to take just too damn long. Maybe a pirate Christmas stocking? Actually, that idea has a ton of merit...I'll get back to it later. The tank top has ceased to be interesting, but at least it's fast. And of course, the baby blanket. I want to make a scarf for Matt, but need to settle on a pattern and order some yarn.

Got a huge bag of yarn from the yarn fairy. I need to find out where she got it from, and whether she wants the granny squares back. If not, then I think I'll need to make some plain crochet or knitted squares to finish off the afghan, and then either return it to her, or donate it to charity. Some of the yarn I'm going to donate to Day for learning and the kids, and some of it, well, most, I'm going to keep!

Matt said he wouldn't wear anything handknit, and I rebut him by saying that he wears the scarf that his ex made him.

ooooh...michaels contest

and a yarn/knitting book

berroco skirt pattern - and a turtleneck shell pattern

cool sweater pattern from rebecca-online

I've started Kai's hat, and also a sock. Deco-ribbon scarf, too, but I'm not sure I like how its coming out. I don't want to rip it again because the yarn is all crinkled now. Maybe I'll pick up another ball and just make a really, really, really, LOOOOONG scarf. And another ball of fizz to make a fizz striped scarf. I do love how soft it is. Maybe a hat? So many projects, so little time. I need to take some pictures and put them up. Maybe actually seeing only 20% of my sister's tank done will motivate me....and the 30% completed baby blanket....and the 10% complete slippers...and so on....

yay! Kai's project came in the mail today...and the pattern DOES include bear ears. I'm thrilled. I also started a knitting needle inventory last night - I meant to mention it, because I was very excited about it. I think I'm going to start my slippers today, and just plan on finishing the bear for Maddy. The afghan just won't be done by Saturday, and trying to get it done is totally stressing me out. Now I have time to finish it and the hat and mail them. As long as they are done by, oh, Thanksgiving, I think I'll be happy. I really want to get back to the berocco tank and now Kai's project. Maybe start a pair of socks, finish that bag, and make a pair of slippers....Sigh. So much yarn, so little time!

Huge sigh of relief. Just spent almost 2 hrs organizing my knitting. Feeling pretty good about it too. I don't feel too guilty about the 3 baby projects I'm working on since I got to spend some time at work on the cro-hook afghan. I would say that I'm about 40% done. Maybe I'll leave the hat at home, since its going to be too big anyway, and bring the bear to finish...I think that makes the most sense. I should also try to embroider the face on first, since I'm going to use yarn...hmmm....I love projects! Can't wait for Kai's hat project to get here!

really cool hat pattern...nice looking.

Congratulations to my stepsister Sarah and her husband Eric...their daughter, Madison Page (or is it Paige) was born at 11:55 pm on August 23rd (that's last night). Maddy weighed in at 8 pounds, 2 ounces, and 19 inches.

We're going to go see them in a week...I guess I better finish that little stuffed bear, and that afghan...I'd love to do another hat, too.

sock patterns

What are my favorite knitting books, yarns, needles?

cool sock knitting animations

local project linus coordinator:

Springfield, MA
Contact: Sue
(413) 783-9165
sstano@smith.edu

Ripped one row of the tank top I was working on. Even though the directions say Wrong Side, it also says to knit....and that would turn the purl-side out, which is NOT the way it is supposed to be. So I will try starting the decreases on the right side, since I'm supposed to do it knit-wise, and then knit to the end. We'll see what happens.

I also picked up that afghan I was making for Sarah's baby. We know now that her name is going to be Madison, but I'm not supposed to know yet. So ssshhhh...its a secret. It is a cro-hook pattern, which is cool. I made two pairs of booties really quickly with this layette set. Not the bonnet or sweater, though. They weren't as nice. I think if I used a really nice, soft yarn it would be cool, but I was still in my acrylic phase when I picked this up. The afghan is coming out nicely, though, and soft. I really do like the Bernat yarn with that shiny bumpy finish - I'll have to look up the name of it.

I think I want to work on a practice sock. I have some sock yarn coming in, and I am excited. I also can't wait to feel the Sirdar Snowflake yarn. It looks so soft in the pictures! And I'm excited to be starting Kai's birthday/Christmas present. I just hope I can successfully negotiate a pair of bear ears! I also can't remember if I ordered the sweater pattern. I really meant to...oh well. And maybe make the rainbow blanket for Maddy.

Got my 1 1/2 inches done on the Berroco tank top for my sister...time to start the decreases. I'm absurdly happy about the body shaping in this. Do enough baby booties, and grown up garments get VERY exciting. I'm also thrilled that I ordered more actual Christmas supplies today; the sirdar snowflake yarn for the kitty/bear hat, and some sock yarn. I'm going to teach myself socks - do you think I can finish a pair for Christmas? I need to pick up some black acrylic for the pirate slippers. I think I'm just going to make a black pair of these and then either embroider, or outline a skull and crossbones. Have to find some graph paper for the pattern. Maybe Jenn I. has some. They have an I-cord tie, which I can manage. There are instructions for making an I-cord on dpns, but I have a knitting knobby to make I-cord. Problem is, I CANNOT figure out the directions. I am such a dork. I'm sure I'll find better instructions somewhere on this great vast internet. Here are some instructions - I'm not sure if they are much clearer than the ones I have at home! Oh, and here is a knitnet I-cord link.

Time to create a works in progress list.

A. I currently have (4) afghans in progress, 2 of them likely to be finshed *some day*, 1 to be done hopefully by early October - Christmas at the latest, and 1 that I am debating just ripping and starting over with a new pattern.

B. J-random Knit Bag; it was a free pattern at Michaels, with size 13 needles and Lion Brand Wool-Ease� Thick & Quick, in Pewter. 50% done.

C.

knitting blog that mentions Jamie!!! oh joy.

interesting trendsetter yarn

ooooh...i need this yarn...oh, and the pom-pom yarn to make that sweater - great connection for filatura di crosi yarn

Wish List:

need to do a knitting needle inventory!!

i know i need: #6s, #7s, and #8s

love this woman's site and envy her knits!

brit knit blog

another Jennifer's knit blog

one more knitblog

Debbie Bliss's page

Originally written:

sometime in early August

harry potter knitting

I need to stop clicking next in the knitting bloggers webring

totally cute blog

I love this afghan - too bad I have too many other WIPs, and planned projects

patterns

I was reading a knitting blog of a girl who complained about going to her local yarn store (abbreviated LYS - I got a kick out of that) and just feeling out of it. She wasn't approached, no one asked her if they could help her or what she was working on. I have that same problem at my LYS - I love the store, but no one there seems very interested in me, and I feel very novice-y,even though I'm starting to get some experience.

I'm wondering about turning the thrashed green pants I have into a skirt - I think I should wait until I get my sewing machine, though. I also would love to make corsets from my old army pants. I would LOVE that,seriously. My obsessions are getting too intense...must stop.

maybe this will be my next project.

Originally written:

July 30th, 2002

You know, knitting is approaching serious illness status with me. It has been less than 72 hours since I finished the hellish job of completing all those self-imposed baby projects for my step-sister's baby shower. And I burned out my wrists knitting like 8 hours straight. And all I can think of is, "When can I start my next knitting project?"

I finished a total of 5 pairs of booties, 2 singletons, and one hat. One pair came out so bad that I didn't even give it to Sarah, but hey, it was a learning experience. One pair came out too big; I was so enamored of the yarn that I didn't pay attention to the guage and the booties came out huge. That was after ripping them, too.

The last pair was the one that came out the best. I got both the pattern and the yarn from
patternworks.com. the yarn was a yellow/blue ombre, plymouth dreambaby dk. It was incredibly soft. I also made a hat. The hat and the too big booties were from a debbie bliss book, called either simple knits or easy knits. I didn't finish any of the baby afghans I started. I'm not sure if I'll go back to them or not.

I went back and ripped the ripple afghan kit that Nana gave me. I had it for 2 years, and had only succeeded in mucking up the crochet. Since my knitting confidence has improved, I went back and started it again, by ripping the whole thing, and casting on with
the proper size circular needles and stitch markers. Maybe after I've finished my Christmas projects I can start it up again.

I would really like to knit Kai one of those sirdar hat thingies that look like dog ears or lizard spikes that they sell in mary maxim. A sweater too. And I want to make pirate slippers for Nick, or maybe big stripey socks, and a tank top for my sister. And finish that knit bag...I don't know who that is going to. I just want to be knitting. Maybe I'll pick up that big needle bag when we're at the house tomorrow. I just seem to think better when I knit.