Scared Sheepless

Jeni the Designer

2008-12-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

Anyone want to buy an Owl Cowl Pattern:

Thanks for stopping by.

2008-10-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

Fall must be for finishing, I have been on a rampage. In the last few weeks I have finished:

My mothers Minimalist Cardigan

28Thirty
All Seasons Vest
and
Mirage (still need finished pictures)

I have to admit Mirage may be favorite project ever. I love how it fits, I love wearing it. I can be obsess about my finished projects especially when I wear them, I find all the tiny flaws. This one I have yet to do this. I just love how great it fits and looks.

I was so into the finishing I started rummaging through my WIP to find things close to being done that I could finish. Sadly I don't have much else that doesn't need a whole lot of work before it will be done. I do have the Koslva that is very close and I am sort of working on that.

With all the finishing, that means one thing, startitis is in full swing. I started the Serenity sweater, and have two sleeves down and the body started. Here we come yoking!

Finishing is fun!! I wish I had more I could do that were closer to being done.

I think my next thing will be small projects I can finish quickly. Hats, cowls and such!!

2008-09-06T09:33:00.000-07:00

!

We made it home, begrudgingly, but home. The only good reason I was excited to go home was we stopped at IKEA. I had never been in an IKEA before, I had sent Mark previously to get me a yarntainer so he tried to warn me on how much more could really fit in our packed car. I did ok, I had to show restraint but the main reason for going was another yarntainer, more like a booktainer this time. And various other fun things.

Vacation was awesome I love that place. I realized when I got home I did not have any pictures of Mark and I together. Knitting was done, I stared a project right when we left and was obsessed. That pesky sweater for my mothers birthday did not see any action until the drive home. Many Barn raising squares were made (great drive time knitting). I also started the summer Year of Lace project. But of the duffle full of yarn I brought along, many projects saw little to no time, oh well I do have one finished project now blocking from the trip.

Puppies also learned to swim, this dog loves water... Helps when you have a friend!!

The Happy Place...

2008-08-06T13:33:00.000-07:00

I am off to the Happy Place for 2 whole weeks!!! I am beyond excited. So excited I am not sure I even have any current knitting content with pictures to blog about. Crazy I know. Odd how I rarely post, then post to announce I will be gone. You may have never known.

I have a whole duffle bag full of projects. And this unlike most vacations includes a whole crapton of knitting!!

2008-06-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Things are getting done over here, I promise. Including at the house (sorry no pics, but if the kitchen was clean it would be ready for pics), dog, yard, yarning, and so on.

The lace addiction has been set aside by sweater guilt, or more sweater multiplying which causes sweater guilt, so you see I must work on a current sweater in hopes of finishing so I can then start a new one. Yes a complicated process but we try and keep the guilt down over here.

First I have been working on Rusted Root for quite a while and just this week progress has been very quick. I just cast off the body and am ready to do my sleeves.

Some lace was going on, and I have a few others I want to start since my Estes loot was a big share of lace weight. I have started the Spanish Armada and it is coming along great. I am loving the lace in the round. I think this might turn out to be a kitchen curtain, have to use that lace somewhere right?

The little fella is growing too, getting so dang big, and cute.

2008-05-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Finished...

Laminaria Version 2, I know I only have one but I knit this twice due to crap dye lots and what not. But I love the outcome. Will I ever wear it, I am not so sure. More pictures here.

The hardest part for me about finishing this is that I have no lace project to go to now, nothing I have been looking at compares to this knit for me. I am a picky lace knitter, I love to knit lace for the sheer challenge of it. I don't really care if I ever wear it or not, but I want it to be fun and I have to really love the pattern. I think I am slowly becoming obsessed with the Herbert Nieblings stuff, it is amazing. Also hard to find patterns and what not for. Just look at this!

I am muddling through some stuff until I can find the next perfect lace knit for me. Suggestions?

2008-05-23T07:22:00.000-07:00

First a slight change in the blog location......

I hope the quarterly post does not turn into the semi-annual post. Things have been going on around her, knitting, gardening, puppying and so on. Oh even some dyeing, with wonderful help. Ok I was really helping her.

See that pretty green yard in the back.... I am ready for the garden to just be, water only. All this other stuff is taking away from knitting time.

Progress is being made on many fronts, like Michelle I seem to be all into blankets, fun portable and easy! The Barn Raising and my Modern Log cabin are getting most of the attention lately, mindless I tell you.

And there is the puppy!! He is getting big but still looks like a puppy to me.

It's the Quarterly Post... tada

2008-03-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

Like all the others in these parts, I am starting things left and right, right and left and some. I should follow the lead of Michelle and work on my wip list, darn ravelry does not let us hide from how many are really in that category. I did some finishing too though. I finished Mabel, but of course do not have a picture. I love it. I came ever so close to finishing Oblique, but there seems to be a yarn shortage, I swear I had enough for this project, I should have had enough. It has yet to be determined if I have used up all of the yarn I was using for this project, or if there is more hiding in the midst of the move. Folks I only have about 8 inches on the back and a button band to do.

In the frustration of lack of yarn to finish Oblique, I started 28Thirty, and was zipping along, then the new Knitty came out, and I fell in love with a beautiful shawl I didn't start right away like you would think, I held back I have some shop knitting ~~to do~~, to get done and I am so close. Then I caved and started the Laminaria from knitty, love it. It is coming along ever so nicely.

And now it is warm out and I am not sure I want to work on 28thrity and all of it's woollyness, so I am contemplating 2 other new items. Of course I ~~could~~ should work on some of the springier wip's, but well that is silly. I may start the summer-set-collared-cardigan with some Classic Elite Summer Set, or I may start soft-linen-feather-and-fan-cardigan which I just bought some new Soft Linen for in a smoky blue I love. Decisions, decisions.

Oh, Oh!! I also finished the Logan River Wrap, wanna see!

And I did start the Jeanie stole for a class, but am not loving the knit, love the look not the knit. So it sits, lonely.

I had this great idea about a month ago, or a great idea for me, it worked. Until I ran out of yarn. I was getting frustrated with how many things I want to make, how many things are almost finished on needles, how knitting on so many things in short stints didn't get me progress. So for one week I focused on 2 projects, Oblique and Logan River Wrap. At the end of the first week I had finished all but the back of Oblique (in fairness both sleeves were done before the week started, but still), and some of the back had been started. Also at the end of that week Logan River was done!! It was a success.

The next week I had to force myself to work on Jeanie and I wasn't into it. I kept working on Oblique too, knowing I would run out of yarn and hoping against hope if I just searched the rest would show up and it didn't. So I stopped abruptly on that project. At this point I do not think I can put laminaria down, so I declare it project 1 for the next week. Project 2, to be good; and work on a so very close in progress item (like the Boat Neck sweater )or start something new!!! To be good or bad... hmmm. I suppose we shall see how much I can shove in my knitting bag for knit night and decide later.

The new addition

2008-02-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

Look what has entered the Learnable household!

Meet, Mater, as in Ta-Mater!!

He has taken my heart already. Super good pup, that really means he had no accidents so far today.

There had been knitting going on, actually a decent amount. A new scarf:

There was demolition at the house, the kitchen was gutted and now all the right things that go in a kitchen are in the kitchen but the final product is not complete just yet. Finishing is a bitch, it takes so long!!

Oh you want more Puppy, pics....

Ohh look the new kitchen floor snuck in that one.

2007-12-20T07:16:00.000-08:00

I have a good excuse for not posting, not that I am a regular poster by any means. Yet I feel guilty for it, I shouldn't. Anywho. So the good excuse is we bought a house!!! We close and start moving tomorrow. Christmas is going to be a crazy time, ripping out cabinets painting and unpacking, oh wait did I say I was on call as well for work. Sounds like fun huh?

I have finished some things, like a Charlotte's Web Shawl and a Cobblestone for Mark. Another Hemlock for Mark's parents for Christmas too. But per usual I am short on pictures. I have been knitting, even feeling a bit guilty about how many items are on the needles I can't just buy more needles forever can I?

Hopefully the next post is full of a terracotta colored kitchen, a blue bedroom and who knows what else.

Happy Holidays!!!

Finished!

2007-11-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

I have a few things that have been finished up lately, for a while actually but didn't have pictures or forgot or whatever. So I present you Tangled Yoke, love this sweater, want to block it again though to even it up in front. Fits great, fun knit!!

I also finished up a big project, a lace shawl that I love the colors love the patterns, turned out wonderful. Bee Fields was fun.

For the last one, I started this last winter and knit up a few of these just never got around to finishing mine up, all it needs is a light felting now and it will be done!

Now don't think I haven't cast on for just as many as I have finished. I cast on for Oblique as well as Cobblestone. Cobblestone has been fast, the sleeves are done now it is time to do the body and then let the yoking begin. Of course I don't have pictures of either of this.

There are a couple things I have started thought that do have pictures, the Haruha Scarf is whipping up nicely in Red Rocks Fiber Arts Seacell. I started the Jay Walker scarf, then ripped it out, I need to make it wider break up the colors a bit more or something like that.

I am off for a week on the road, the best kind of road trip, where I am not expected to do any of the driving, and can knit all day!! I am trying to limit myself to the below projects:

Cobblestone
Hemlock Ring 2
Oblique
Cashmere Stolish
Honeycomb

I snuck a couple more in that I wasn't planning to take, ahh well. Have a wonderful Turkey day!!

2007-11-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

I do not know what it is that keeps me from blogging. I think about it often, I write blog entries in my head, but getting the pictures taken and the words typed out is not always as easy. Half the time by the time I do get around to it the pictures are way out of date and so on. It is sort of like losing weight or working out for me, I always have an excuse to put it off.

But today you get a blog post with out of date pictures, aren't you excited.

I have decided I must always have one sweater on the needles that I love to knit, I am motivated to knit. At that point I thought, well why am I knitting anything that I don't love to knit, but we all have those projects for others, projects we love the outcome of but maybe not the knit. I love the Roam pattern, it is beautiful. I thought I had the best yarn for it, then it wasn't enough so I had to switch to another yarn I have had for a while. I started and it was looking very Rainbow bright, I trudged forward and it got better not so Rainboweske but I still didn't love it. Then I realized I am never going to use this yarn on anything else, I should do the seed stitch where the Rainbow is not so bad. They I screwed up the pattern increases and had to rip back, and there it sits. It even has a crappy blurry picture, how fitting. I do think I will go forward with this mainly because I can not think of anything else to do with this really nice Mountain Colors Mountain Goat yarn. I bet I do love it in the end.

Once I ripped out I needed something I wanted to knit on, so I grabbed more yarn in the stash wondering, just wondering if it would work for the Knitting Nature Honeycomb sweater. And guess what? It works beautifully, I am loving this knit and how it looks and how it even seems to grow quickly on size 1's. This is Classic Elite's classic silk which I seem to be addicted too. See the picture even turns out better when I like the projects.

I have also started a 2nd Hemlock blanket for a Christmas present, it is moving along nicely the second one is not near as fun though. I am on an Afghan fix, I am also making the Prairie blanket like Michelle made and Stacey is also working on. It is a fast knit, and since it is a Christmas surprise I can only work on it part of every week so I think the little break each week helps out. I have almost 2 of the strips down and I would love to make it larger as Michelle did.

I also started a new project out of some super soft super beautiful yarn that Mary Kay of Red Rocks Fiber Works this is some amazing Cashmere she dyed up for me. So soft, I wonder if I can felt it by just touching it. I do sort of recall that cashmere I don't think will felt, of course I am not really going to test that theory out. I put some stitch patterns together for this, little bigger than a scarf but not quite stole material either. It is very soft though.

I have some other odds and ends I am working on, little by little my niece's Starsky, the Vintage velvet I started last winter. Also another scarf out of some Rio de la Platta yarn I fell in love with. This one I am having a harder time finding a patter I like, not too boring but also it is hard to see a lot of pattern in this yarn. Well for a girl who likes to look at pictures in blogs I sure have been wordy today. Happy November!

Untangling the Tangled

2007-09-24T07:20:00.000-07:00

Tangled Yoke is getting there, I tangled, didn't like it, untangled and then re-tangled. Painful yes, but I do like the 2nd go round results much better. I am now working on the top collary thing. So very close!!

My other obsession of late has been the Hemlock blanket, it is finished and I haven't even blogged about it yet. Granted I do not blog on a very regular basis, so that may have some part of it.

Such a fast fun knit. I am thinking Christmas presents!! the one here was for my Dad's birthday!

I am itching to start Roam which I love. But I am not sure I have enough of any yarn to start the project. I wanted to copy The Knitty Professor but like her I don't have enough Plain and Fancy to make the sweater all in the same color, which I tend to like to do. I had a color I was so excited to use for this. So now what to do next? Or shall I search for some yarn for Roam? Hmmmm.

Vacation knitting.

2007-08-29T07:21:00.000-07:00

Ok on to what I knit on my vacation.....

I started Starsky Jr. for my niece, 2 sleeves and tad more were completed on this, it has not been touched since, don't tell my niece.

I spent the majority of my time on the Bee Fields Shawl, I would get up and enjoy the early morning quiet time by working lace on the deck, so relaxing. I got through the next section and have one more to do. I love how this is coming together, I so wish I could quit my job and knit full time. I have so much I want to do now and just can't find enough time for each one.

The green Boat Neck did not see the light of Canada, but was thought of fondly. Only sleeves to go!

My goal was to finish Tangled Yoke, now that goal was revised pretty early on to lets finish up the bottom half of Tangled Yoke right before you start the sleeves. This I did. And since then I have finished the sleeves and am YOKING!!! A few more inches and I can Tangle. Exciting. I am excited to finish this up, even if I do think the sleeves will be a bit tight and give me the sausage arm look.

All in all a great vacation and quite a bit of knitting was done. I even taught or shall we say refreshed Mark's Mom on how to knit. She knit years ago and it came back quickly.

Bliss.

2007-08-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

I went on one of the best vacations ever!!! See, quiet, tranquil, beautiful!!! Even came with a warm CU welcome. See that huge deck off the cabin, that is where I knit to my hearts content!!

With that view of the water... So pretty.

It really was wonderful, beautiful sunsets, tons of knitting and relaxing, no internet, no cell phones complete vacation from work, family and what not.

Occasionally there was some non-knitting to keep the boy happy. The knitting that happened will be in a post to come.

bzzzz

2007-08-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

I have been buzzing along on the Bee Fields Shawl, or I should say I was. Until the Ik Fall came out then it I went back to yoking happiness. I spent the bulk of the time at Camp Wannaknitknit working on the Bee Fields shawl, all weekend I said if I can just get to the next section, that took longer than I took, but I kept going and going. I am now half way done with the next section. I am loving this and have lofty goals of taking it with me on vacation and finishing it!!!

When the IK showed up last week I had to start the Tangled Yoke, had too I say. I was about to venture on a whirl wind tour of a few states what better way to pass the time than knit. I knit on hardly anything else all last weekend. I love how this cardigan is constructed, I really really am thinking I must knit all sweaters either in the round or by the yoking method. I love it. Could be that efficient side of me (maybe slightly too efficient sometimes, which is not always good).

I leave later this week for vacation, I am so excited to not work for a week!!! And of course the knitting to do list is growing exponentially. Come on I can take 3 sweaters and a lace project and think I will finish them all right? Granted one of them is for a child, one of the sweaters only needs sleeves, the lace project is already half done and the 3rd sweater is moving along. I hope to make progress on all of them.

I did finish the front and back of the boat neck sweater and I am excited to finish it, but this damn tangled yoke is getting in the way!!!

2007-07-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

I have had pictures for a new post for a while now, I take new pictures, I put pictures on Flickr for Ravelry yet I don't blog. I have pictures now though.....

I started a new project I couldn't resist, Bee Fields I love that their are different sections and it is going quite well so far. I can't stop knitting it, I want to see what the next section will look like, hopefully soon!

I have been working on some other things here and there, I finally finished the front of the Cabled Boat neck, only sleeves to go!!! Before I started the Bee I was still working on Tilly's Garden, feeling the need to wrap up some of my lace. I also botched a pair if slippers, they fit me they were supposed to fit a men's 14? A little too much felting. I am off for a weekend of knitting with all the local girls I am so excited!!! Knit, eat, knit eat.

Knitting Nightmare.

2007-07-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

What is the absolute worst thing you can think of to happen to a knitter, a knitter with a large stash? Yep water, a flood (well a shower running for hours and hours covering every floor in your single story home). I was out of town for 4th of July and while I was out this is what happened to my place:

There was carpet on that floor, all gone. Luckily most of my yarn was not on the soaked now removed carpet. There was a small amount on the floor that will hopefully dry out in time, one skien is part 2 of my Mystery Stole 3, please dry, please!!!

Just a few hours before finding out about this lovely remodel of my home, I did take some very fun pictures of current projects, here is a small taste of something optimistic to end with. Estonian Stole I have been working on.

2007-07-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

I said I was not going to go nuts on Mystery Stole 3, Friday morning I didn't even know the first clue had come out, had not thought much about it other than signing up for it. Last year I went a little crazy, obsessed, or as I like to say efficient with it. 3-4 days of each week last year was spent on Mystery Stole knitting, taking away from other knitting. I had not even thought about yarn or swatched. But I present you..... This is attempt 2, the first one I had to rip out from row 65 or so. Otherwise it would have been done Saturday. So much for not being overly efficient with Mystery Stole 3.

The yarn is Rio de La Plata sock yarn, in a maroon bison color, I just happened to purchase this at Colorful Yarns Friday evening. How convenient. Huh?

2007-06-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

I am in a mini funk.... I think. Last night I didn't want to knit this doesn't happen, I rarely ever watch TV without knitting at the same time. I saw whole commercials that I had only heard before and never totally seen. Who knew.

I did knit a few rows of the Madli at lunch though and hope to knit some tonight as well. I am hoping it is more about the projects I am working on Madli is to a point where you do the same 10 rows 31 times. I am about a 3rd done with that piece and all but.... Also cutaway is to the boring knit straight stockinette until it measures 11.5 inches. I don't even have far to go to the get to the 11.5. Any who I am sure I am in alarm for no real reason and all will come storming back.

It may a general funk, I need a serious break from work, I am burnt out. I am counting down days until this weekend, a 4 day weekend. A possible day off on the 7Th and then another 4 day weekend on the 14Th. I can make it until Friday, right?

The picture of cutaway is even boring. It may be my doom that I tend to like clean simple patterns to the busy aran's and ones with ton's of cables.

2007-06-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

I am hoping to slowly catching up on pictures of my knits. Since the last post was heavy on links and light on pictures.

The 2 projects getting most of my attention are the Estonian Lace Stole, and the Tahki Boat Neck Sweater. I ripped out the stole over the weekend and started over so there isn't much to take a picture of. So I present the front/back of the Boatneck:

The yarn is Classic Silk, by Classic Elite and I love this stuff, this is my second sweater in the yarn so far, and I already have more for a 3rd sweater.

Next up hopefully a more completed picture of the stole!

2007-06-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting, I promise. I have no project pictures, things have left the house before pictures could be taken. Other things are moving quite slowly, and quite honestly I would usually rather knit than take the time to take pictures and then, post (isn't that a silly idea).

But I do have one picture of the yarn I bought at Estes, I bought enough of each yarn to make a sweater.

The 2 on the outside are Plain and Fancy, and the middle one is Broosk Farm, it is a heavier weight of the viscose yarn they had last year (meaning I won't need 000 to knit it). The Brooks is even superwash, very handy.

I have started many new projects, all pictureless:

Estonian Garden

Twisted Flower socks

Boat Neck Sweater

A few other as well I am sure.

Short and sweet until I have picturs that is.

2007-04-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Those of you that know me, know I used to have very few WIP it drives me nuts to not have things finished. I have to admit that list of WIP has grown exponentially lately. So I am trying out a new little process with new knits. No new, big projects like sweaters, shawls ect until an old project comes off the needles. So here is the story of the first progression of Project Free the Needles....

I finished this, I have to admit I like the yoking look, less seaming I am all for it:

Particulars: Summer Set Rib Yoke Cardigan, in Summer Time Knits from Classic Elite

Yarn: Classic Silk, in Paris green, ~10 balls

Needles: Size 2 and 3's

March 04, 2007 - April 6, 2007

This was a quick easy knit.

Once this was complete I had more Classic Silk burning a whole in my knitting bag. I had a pattern in mind. But this is where Project Free the needles held me up temporarily. I had to choose something on the needles to free before I could start my new sweater. So I finished up Mystery Stole (it was the item with the least amount of work to be finished, this sucker is long, long.

Specifics: Mystery Stole 2: Scheherazade Stole

Yarn: Handpainted lace weight, doubled

Needles: 4's (should have gone smaller)

Started July 2006, finished April 2007

With this done I could finally start the new sweater.

This is the Cabled Boatneck from Tahki Stacy, using Classic Silk again. Progress is a bit slow since Mother's day is near, and I am busy making 5 sets of washrags for the Mom's I know. Hopefully I won't have to take a sick day again this year to get them all done in time. And because I post so infrequently we will add pictures of such washrags here as well.

2007-04-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

I have also finished Seraphim for my Grandma, I am happy to admit she loves it. She even made my mother take it home so no one at the hospital would steal it. Of course no one would take it but if it makes her happy and rest easier she can enjoy it at home, which I am happy to report she is now doing.

Pattern: Seraphim Shawl

Yarn: VAlley Yarns, from WEbs, in Denim Blue (sort of purplish), 7 skeins, about 2 yards left over

Needles: Size 3

Mods: I didn't do all the repeats of stockenette before the charts began.

Started March 23rd, mailed out to Grandma April 2nd.

2007-03-23T07:34:00.000-07:00

I have the time to blog, I just don't. I think about it, then realize the pictures I would take won't be all that different than the last ones I posted. So I get lazy, and knit instead.

I am to the point of yoking on the cardigan, I have never done a yoked item before sort of fun, or it makes you seem like you have made far more progress than you really have early on. Also it makes it difficult to take pictures as well. I really love this yarn, wonderful to work with as well. I have done about 8 rows after getting it all setup for yoking. Hopefully this part will go fast.

I am also on a race to finish a new project, how quickly do you all think I can finish Seraphim? My grandmother is in the hospital and everyone else is sending flowers and such to cheer her up, but I wanted to do something else, and she is complaining to be cold a lot. So I started a shawl for her, and want to get it done soon!! I am using a 50% alpaca/50% Wool blend I picked up at WEBS last year, so it is pretty warm, I should have thought this through a little bit before starting, this would be a great fall/winter shawl for her and being it is spring I probably should have started something a bit lighter, which I have something in mind to make her a second one. But I already started this one, and don't really have a nice, not to silky yarn to make the second one just yet. I am one ball in, and really liking the look and feel of this yarn, just worried it will be to warm by the time it is done.

The second one I am thinking might be out of this stuff Socks that Rock, Seduction, oh so pretty. I have one hank now and love it, not enough for the shawl though, expensive but my Grandma is worth it. I might have to make another STR order soon, anyone else in?

2007-03-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

I have been stuck in a quick knit, no focus stage for some time now. I don't feel like I have accomplished much since Starsky was finished. Looking back I think I was just not really excited to be working on anything, new or old. But I have new motivation, new yarn to me at least and a fun pattern. This was all by accident, I was at the store over this past weekend, working on a scarf Friday and a sock (I never knit socks) on Saturday. Then a certain someone was looking at the new Classic Elite books and yarns at said store. I was casually looking over her shoulder, then I started telling her to go back a page, forward a page, before you know it I am buying yummy yarn to make a sweater. Wanna see!!! It is called the Summer Set Rib Yoke Cardigan of course I couldn't follow the pattern completely so I am using the Classic Silk in colorway Paris Green (the light green in the middle). I am loving this yarn and this pattern, I am finished with the back, well up to where I do all the yokey stuff. Wanna really see?

I have also been working on a Socks that Rock sock (in Roctoberfest), Monkey from the last knitty, trying to do it toe up and see if the pattern looks ok from that angle. Also working on my Vintage Velvet Scarf, I really love this scarf and wish it would just knit itself.

Not much else going on around here, working at home, trying to not turn into a hermit. I will say working at home helps me workout a ton more, I am going to finish the Runagogo challenge of a 100 miles before 4-1. So it will then be time to work on a new goal a more challenging goal.

2007-02-19T07:36:00.000-08:00

I took pictures, last week, possibly even the week before. Yes it was the week before. I have yet to post about these pictures, the reason for taking the pictures is to post. I should take new pictures before I post, but well it isn't sunny, it is dark, no pictures. Hell it might be interesting to just see what I took pictures of.

I have a new office, I love it, it is convenient, quiet, comes with a small gym, cafeteria, nap area you name it. Seconds away from my bed, how can I not love it!

I have been working from home a lot, 4 days this week, and 4 days every week going forward, until they tell us to stop or decide we are unruly, who knows. I even occasionally get some knitting snuck in, but for the most part I think I work harder, longer hours. But the perk of being at home doing it makes me not mind so much. So why I mention and gloat about my new office space is that I tend to blog at work. I blog when I am bored at work because when I blog at home I eat up precious knitting time, so this is why I am not being a good blogger!

OK on to knitting content since we all know how happy I am about work now, really I am loving my job. I have been knitting, I don't seem to have a lot of knitting mojo though. I am liking quick easy projects, instant gratification projects, so hats. Hats for all 5 of my niece's and nephew's. But I don't think I have any pictures of that of course. That would be silly. Apparently the one item I do have pictures of is Wicked who is getting neglected. But very soft and pretty so far.

I have also started a scarf, it is pretty, it is soft I like it, yet it moves slowly, very slowly. This is braided Mischief from Scarf style, I really like how it is turning out, lets see if I can finish it before next winter!

2007-01-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

Starsky is DONE!!!

Can you tell I am excited, I love to finish projects and love it even more when they are wearable but I love this sweater, finished project and all. It was a fun knit and I sort of miss knitting it. Even more now that someone else just started it in a beautiful color, pictures please?

I do wish the collar was a bit longer and folded over easier, but some steam blocking helped out with that some. I even think the Malabrigio gets softer after you block it.

Details: Starsky from Knitty

Needles: Size 7 addi natura's (that are now orange), 5's for the ribbing.

Yarn: Malabrigio in Rhodesian (8 balls)

Start: October 2006, finish January 2007

2007-01-19T07:37:00.000-08:00

I have moved, and mostly moved in even. I was pretty excited for this move for one particular reason, I was finally going to have my yarn out, be able to see how much I have, what I have and all that. Not have it in bins, and wonder what I have that would fit this or that pattern. I have to admit once it was all mostly out, I thought I had more, so that is good right? I can buy more yarn guilt free, then I found more yarn hiding. It isn't all out yet, but here is a sneak peak.

To my surprise there really was not much yarn that I had to think "oh yeah I have that" so this all tells me I am ready to buy more yarn. I have been on a lag since getting back from Rhinebeck, and soon may be the time. I do have plenty of projects I want to start now that Starsky is done. I need to pair it down and go.

Should I start:

1. Hour Glass, with Noro Iroha in a navy blue

2. Wicked, out of something I might have or might buy.

3. Sunrise Circle jacket, out of some Katmandu orange.

4. Another longer car coat type thing, with blue donagal tweed.

I just don't know. Some quality time in the yarn shop should hopefully help me decide.

This too will be filled with books and yarn hopefully soon!!!

2007-01-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

es, I know this is not 2006 anymore but I had all intentions of posting this before. But sadly I only post when at work, I won't interrupt valuable knitting time while at home to do it. Not even with a new fancy laptop, not even when I am snowed if for what seems like ever. Just how it is. The thought is to just throw a bunch of pictures out there since I have been busy and keep the words to a minimum. Yep Clapotis, and not even a damn Clapotis like some of my other attempts.

Yarn: Lorna's Lace, Lion and Lamb, colorway Black Purl, 3 full skeins and smidge of skein 4.

Needles: Size 4, addi's turbos

Surprisingly fast knit, considering my other Clapotis blunders.

Spiral Rib Hat.

Yarn: From Rhinebeck, I need to check the label on this. Not quite 1 skien, what to do with the rest of it?

Size 6 addi's. Quick one day knit here!!

This is the big accomplishment of the Blizzard Season, or so I think. Not quite done but getting oh so close, and maybe why I am starting all these smallish projects, so I don't have do do the finishing. I personally think my finishing sucks, and hopefully by the time I get a little closer on this one it will improve. That and some of the directions have me a bit baffled, pick up and knit , do I pick up then, knit, as in pick up all the stitches to be picked up then knit them all? Or knit them as I pick them up which I have never done. Maybe I can wear it like this with only the shoulders seemed and the sleeves set in but not seemed. I actually think I am going to lay it out and block it before I do any more seeming. I am working on an endless belt for this thing now though. Then I can worry about picking up for the collar right? After I get some expert advice and all.

One last thing to show you.

Fetching revised. The exact pattern just cabled all the way up. I really like how they turned out, I only only wish they were a bit taller for the fingers, I even extended the pattern a bit there. I also promise to not wear them with the Clapotis.

2006-12-26T07:41:00.000-08:00

What else could a knitter ask for than almost 3 days of being snowed in? Technically I could walk to the local bar, and maybe I did but I was without a car for a good 2 and a half days. There was a whole lot of knitting going.

I have almost finished the back of Starsky, so so close, once the back is done the rest is all just the finishing knitting. I am excited to get this one pretty close to wrapped up.

I have also started and completed a CandleFlame scarf for myself, I was packing away some yarn and found this Rio de la Plata that I really liked, decided to start a scarf then and there. I just need to kitchener the 2 sides together and it is done!!!Not the best picture but you get the idea right?

And last on the list I started a Vintage Velvet for me at last!!! I knit on this during the holiday festivities at my parent's house. This picture really sucks, bad lighting, plus shiny yarn and a flash just don't mix well. But at least you can see the color from this picture.

I do have a couple of FO's to report as well. I will save that for another post.

2006-12-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

Why I worry that I have not posted in forever is beyond me, since I am not sure all that many read, or even know this little blog exists. Anyway...

Now that I am done traveling, and done with all of the currently planned Christmas knitting I think I have a little time. I did think today, oh wouldn't it be nice to knit up a wine cozy to go with the wine that I need to take to Teds mother's house. Oh and wouldn't it be fun to wrap scarves for my sister, mother and sister-in-law around their stockings. Not sure any of that will happen. But it was a thought.

I do have pictures, if nothing else... I finished 4 ponchos for my niece's, 2 need fringe, unless I decide the curl method looks cute, and i just might. I also knitted up a white elephant gift for the work Holiday luncheon, that my co-worker received, boy what company pride we have here. Twisty Turns , from Wrap Style as well, I need about 5 more inches and it will be ready to be contrapted. This is a close up of the ribs, it is really long at this point.

I have been working on the

I have finished all but the zipper on my hoody from the Vogue, it is quite cute until I put it on, I am not sure the shoulders drape quite right where I attached them to the body. Live and learn I guess.

Look at all these pictures. It is crazy in here. I have a picture of me in my Klara as well, crappy picture and well I am not sure I think this sweater looks great on me but here it is. Don't I look thrilled.

2006-12-15T07:41:00.000-08:00

I tend to only blog at work, at home I am taking away from precious knitting time. Or something like that. But since I am gearing up for a week off work, I should probably post before I go, huh? Not a whole lot of knitting has gone on as of late. I wish I could say there was more. I am plugging along on Starsky, it is slow going with the cable pattern on the right and wrong side, I have been completing about one repeat a week. Not a whole lot of progress let me tell ya, motivation to finish things has been somewhat low. Not real sure why, I am not casting on for new things. I blocked the Noro cowl again to see if the cowl would sit better since I have knitted the cowl over twice as long as it says too, I still don't think it sits right, and one sleeve is all wonky!! so more cowl and possibly a re-knit of a sleeve. No picture of that of course.

There is also the annual white elephant gift at work, last year I did a knitted tie, this year I went with a ear warmer thing, with a bad application of our logo. It didn't turn out horrible but well I like the tie better. Next year I should get to this earlier and not have to rush, then again who wants to spend a ton of knitting time away from other knitting on something that will sit in someone's cube. Fun and all but doesn't need to be elaborate or anything!

I have been working on a second Vintage Velvet as well, for Miss Tiffany of Colorful Yarns. It was a great deal we did, well not sure how is making out better I think it is me. But her Vintage Velvet is coming along, I hope to have this done sooner rather than later!!!

I have also been working on my Lion and Lamb Clapotis, in the Black Pearl color, I love it, it is soft, an easy knit and I have started the decreases. Sadly I have no pictures of this beauty. I have been busy with many things Christmas not really one of them though. I am in the process of finding a new home for me and my yarn, this is not the easiest task. It seems like it should be much easier. But my Yarn and myself seem to be quite picky we both want ample room for our things, and room to grow as well. Hopefully soon I will know where I will be moving come January!!!

2006-12-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

I have been knitting I promise, just not as much as usual. Somewhat a busy schedule and some just kinda ehhh. A mini knitting funk. Maybe I have so much I want to do and so little time it is a bit overwhelming so I just say fu$%#@ it. We'll see if this coming weekend can prove to be more productive.

No Starsky pictures, it really has not grown much at all. I have finished a little something for Colorful it was a super fun fast knit. And ohhh so pretty!! Of course now that it is on display I worry about it, if it looks as good as it can, did I mess up, could it be softer and so on.

I have started another one for Tiffany, in a toast color, not pictures of that either. The Clapotis using the Black Purl color of Lion and Lamb is coming along, almost done with the straight rows.

Here is my current dilemma, last year for the work white elephant Holiday exchange I made a tacky knitted tie, with our company colors. I want to do something this year as well, it needs to be quick and simple. I am sort of thinking, ear warmer thing, you know the band that goes around your head. I will use chunkier yarn this year too for a quick easy knit, any other ideas? Most of the folks in my group are men so..... It was the ear thing or a hat, not sure which would be preferred.

2006-11-09T07:44:00.000-08:00

To post or not to post... I have some progress on Starsky, but well it looks just like the picture I posted last time, it is just the right front instead of the left. Not too exciting. I had to rip most of the Irish Hiking Scarf, and it is much slowly coming back to life. Once I wound up the second ball I bought I realized the dye lots were similar but not quite the same, you would definitely notice once the second ball started up, so I ripped and am now alternating. The local girls know I tend to rip a lot, I never make a project just once, I usually make a project 2-3 times with one complete output. But I would much rather have something usable than try and figure out a way to make something usable, you know? So the progress on that is about the same as it was before.

Now I do have a little something to share, I took a toe up sock class last weekend. Well part one of a 2 part class, I mean did you all see how much sock yarn I have bought recently, I should really be making a ton of socks. I finished my homework for the week, get to the point of turning the heel, the sock went surprisingly fast on my size 0 needles. I don't love the sock, it is a bit too wide but I wanted to be at the heel for class so I didn't rip. Plus I can't find the second skein of this yarn, which I would need for the second sock, so who knows what will become of this sock(s).

I also forgot the best thing about fall on my last post. I love putting on a winter coat to find money in the pocket!!! It has happened twice so far this fall, I should run off and check all the pockets but somehow that might be jinxing myself you know.

2006-11-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

I received ISE III scarf right on time, on the 1st. I even worked from home so the nice people of the USPS hand delivered it to me!!! It is beautiful!! I love it and the goodies my pal sent. I wish I would have known my pal Ina was also at Rhinebeck, we could have met up. It looks like she even had my scarf along. Thanks so much Ina I love everything, how did you know I love, love dark chocolate?

2006-11-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

It feels like Fall, now I know that is an obvious statement, but it has been cold, you can still smell the leaves, in Boston the leaves were still beautiful the house has been cold because I am too cheap to turn the heat up. Large branches have fallen in my yard due to snow, sweaters are flying on the needles, college football is here (has been here for a while but...) new TV stuff is on, it is FALL. I love it!!

I am dutifully working on Starsky it is turning my hands orange, hopefully it is just that one or so skeins. It is coming along, 2 sleeves and almost a front done. But this is turning into serious knitting, head down, don't bother me knitting. Cable pattern on the RS and WS knitting, serious stuff. I had to change projects during Grey's last night so I could watch my weekly porn. It has slowed down but I feel I am still making decent progress.

I had to start something new, now that my ISE Scarf for Jen who took some amazing pictures of it, I will steal it and put it here. I need to make one of these babies for myself now!!! I was thinking about one in my left over lime blue, but since my ISE Pal made me a My so called Scarf in lime blue I think I will find another yarn to do mine in. So for my lighter knitting I started a Irish Hiking Scarf with some of the Briar Rose yarn I bought at Rhinebeck. It is so pretty I love the colors. It is moving along great too!!

I have also thought about joining the NaKniSweMo I bought yarn for Hour glass in Boston and I could do it, I really could do that and Starsky in November I have faith. I have also determined that knitting is as much about enabling as anything else, I buy yarn because all of you buy yarn, I wouldn't know about the sales and such if you girls didn't tell me! I wouldn't join all these things with deadlines if other girls didn't blab about it!! I blame all of you for my stash that is ever growing, my deadlines that are ever looming and maybe even one day my ulcers from knitting stress. There are others out there that are just as bad too. Just because I didn't name you doesn't mean you are not an enabler too! And until I find some self restraint I will blame all

Rhinebeck

2006-10-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Or as someone accidentally called it, Yarnbeck, how funny is that?

The weekend was great, it was wonderful to see Cyn she was a wonderful hostess, yummy food and all. The weekend was action packed, including a stop at WEBS where some purchases were made. It was a wonderful time of year to go, I was hoping the leaves hadn't completely changed but feared they may have. No, it was beautiful, I should go to Rhinebeck every year to just see the leaves. Of course I took about no pictures of the leaves and about ummm 2 pictures at Rhinebeck. This being one of them. Rhinebeck was overwhelming, so much yarn and I am not even postive we saw it all. It was hard to resist any of it knowing some other knitter may come along and snatch it up. So I didn't resist much. I tried to be good, but hell I was at Rhinebeck I may never go back, you know? So here is the whole lot between the 3 of us. We did pretty good ehh? It is easy to tell what is Stacey's but Cyn and I bought sort of meshes together, except my new love of the orange, red yellow combo.

Here is my Rhinebeck loot, I don't have a pictures of the WEBS stuff just yet, will work on that. I will work on a detailed breakdown soon.

I also finished both sleeves of Starsky while I was away, I am loving this sweater, only the yarn is turning my fingers orange, like I ate a crap load of cheetos or something. Pictures of that to come soon as well.

2006-10-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

I actually have made some progress all around lately. I worked on some projects that just need some finishing. I have finished a new project, and I have started a new project. This past Sunday I worked on the Noro Cowl, all it needs is the cowl, it is seemed, ends are weaved in I just need to pick up the stitches and go. The stitches have been picked up, I have about a third of the cowl done. I am liking how it is looking, hopefully this will be complete fairly soon.

The new project is the Starsky from knitty, I love this pattern and I am loving the Malabrigio I am using for it a dark burnt orange. And I am knitting on 7's can you believe that, I can't recall the last time I knit on 7's being the loose knitter I am. This is exciting stuff. I have also realized I have more consistent stitches with bamboo needles, why have I not figured this out before? I love this color so much.

I have also finished my secret pal scarf it is ready to go, I am going to be dorky and mail it from Rhinebeck what a knitterly place to mail it huh?

So Thursday late night Stacey and I get on a red eye to Rhinebeck, hopefully Cyn doesn't mind too much picking us up at like 5 am, before the T in Boston is running. I am so excited to knit, shop, visit, shop, knit.

2006-10-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

Everyday Tweed is done!!! I blocked it and finished up all the finishing last night. I am loving this sweater, and am excited that I have used some of my Estes yarn finally!!! I do have a good 300 yards left, hmmm maybe a scarf or something.

Pattern: Everyday Tweed

Needles: 4's (knit picks new interchangeables) and 3's (addi's) on the ribbing

Modifications: I didn't really do the body and sleeves as the pattern called for I took the sleeves off and kept going with the body, apparently you are supposed to pick some stitches up under the arms, oops.

Yarn: Plain and Fancy, bought 6/2006 at Estes Green/Purple/Grey variegated

The edging has a real simple picot edge, that you actually do one row of YO, KTOG then knit about 6 more rows and create a hem, it was much easier to whip stitch and didn't take near as long as I though it would. Here is a close up of the edging.

2006-10-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

I have no pictures, it is disappointing I know. but you see, my hard drive crashed last Wednesday night, the night before I left for my Grandfather's funeral. Luckily it was a work computer and all is better now. But you see I can't find the software for my camera, I recall loading the software right before going to NY and having to move everything out of main floor of the house so the floors could get re-done. It could be anywhere, literally. So if anyone has a powershot, or a canon, might I borrow your software?

And if I had taken photos there is nothing new, just more progress on what you all have already seen. Everyday Tweed is near done, maybe a couple inches on one sleeve, make sure the other sleeve is long enough, then pick up stitches for the neck do the hems and finished!! I didn't even run out of yarn, and I am sort of baffled that it will only use up 3 skeins of the Plain and Fancy, maybe a tiny bit of the 4th skein. What to do with 300 plus yards of the leftover skein, hmmmm.

The scarf for my secret pal is done being knitted, I just need to kitchener the 2 sides together and be done. I was really hoping to get it in the mail this week, but no. I haven't really been working on much of anything else, the clapotis has seen a little bit here and there in the car driving 7 hours to Kansas. But while I was gone it was mostly all about the Everyday Tweed.

I do want to enforce my finishing Sundays again this week, send good vibes this way. Cutaway I am having trouble getting into because I am a little worried it won't look so hot when I am done. Maybe more blocking will help, isn't that the cure all? This weekend I think I will focus on finishing the Noro Cowl, it only needs the cowl picked up and put on, the seaming is done for goodness sake. So look for the Noro Cowl FO next week, and wish me luck finding the camera software.

2006-09-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

I get obsessed, I knit and knit and knit on one project it is crazy. This is how things get done, this is why when I have 3 or 4 projects on the needles I can go crazy!! I started The Everyday Tweed last week and I can't stop. I love the colors, a purple/green/gray this is for the Grey's Anatomy KAL. I suspect I will need another project before the season is over. This also means Sizzle, hasn't been sizzling at all. But these colors this pattern it is so pretty!!! And a close up of the pretty colors, ball one is knit all up. I hope I have enough of the Plain and Fancy to finish!

My niece has also taken an interest in my knitting, way back when I had some extra yarn and needles with me so she tried to knit, she sort of got, but not really. But she was interested that is the important part. So for her Birthday I got her a knitting machine, now don't think ohhh all fancy. You crank this one, it comes with 400 yards of eyelash yarn. I have yet to see it perform but I hear it is working great!! It sort of scares me.

I finally posted on the ISEIII blog, they made me do it. I don't want to get kicked out and all get blacklisted. I finished up the first half of the scarf and started up the second half. I am excited to finish it up so I can start one for me.

I wanted to also comment that even though I started Sunday Finishing, I skipped a week and then worked a tiny bit this past Sunday on seaming up Cutaway. Soon we will know if it is wearable or not! LimeBlue is wearable though, that is exciting!! Here is hoping that this Sunday with no plans can be Finishing Sunday, Mystery Stole and Cutaway are screaming at me!! Then there is the Noro cowl, and green gables to finish. All these projects are they having babies when I am not looking?

2006-09-20T07:50:00.000-07:00

I have finished something, I recently realized as I was cleaning up pictures here at the blog that I haven't finished anything in a while. Wait, wait I finished 2 somethings. One of them I have no finished picture, oops. It is the Purple Gable for mom, she actually wore it yesterday. You know how you analyze your knitting all day the first time you wear something you have knit (I am not the only one right)? I think it might be worse when someone else wears a knitted item of yours, I kept thinking hmm maybe we need more increases for the hips, and is it too tight around the middle. Sorry mom. But she loves it or at least pretends too.

I have also finished the Lime Blue Cardi, I love this sweater but I need some advice here. I don't want to rip things back but do the sleeves look too funny, one has pooled a ton and well the other did not. I like the pooling and am quite sure I can't find a way in hell to replicate it, I might have a better chance to rip the pooling sleeve to look more like the unpooled sleeve. You tell me your opinions. Well see if I am lazy and rip, live with it or what. And now the picture of the two sleeves up close and personal.

So girls does it look super funny? Is the curse of never knitting the garment once still with me. Oh wait I did have to re-knit the top part of this way back when.

2006-09-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

Along with some finished projects I also have some new stuff going on, some old stuff found at the bottom of the pile and such.

I started Sizzle while coming home from NY, but didn't get far. Put it aside until other things had finished. Now I am cruising along. The colors are not quite as bright as in the picture. I love the Bamboo yarn, Southwest Trading Company Bamboo to be specific.

I have also pulled an old Clapotis out, since the previous one is forever the "damn" Clapotis this one is more appealing, I like the colors and may even use it one day.

The last knitting item to get attention is International Scarf Exchange knitting. I have chosen Malabrigo yarn in an Apple Cinnamon color, I think that is right. Light pink and light brown, I hope my pal loves it!! I borrowed the free pattern from the FiberBrunette, super easy and love how it looks. I see one for me coming soon!

I am also contemplating starting The Everyday Tweed with some plain and fancy as well. The Purple/Green stuff I bought in Estes, I must use some Estes yarn soon, how horrible would it be to get to Estes time next year and now have used my yarn!!

2006-09-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

I have so many projects that are so close to being done, and they are not ones that I have given up on, just ones that have been pushed aside. This bugs me to no end, I am practical, I love to knit but I also love to use my knittables. Wear them, or at least fold them up and put them in the closet like I would wear them one day. I hate the piles project pieces. So I declared Sunday my finishing day, and the first Sunday finishing went rather well.

I completed clue 6 of Mystery Stole on one end of my stole, leaving clue 6 to do on the other end. If I don't run out of yarn. It will be close, this sucker is long..... See the new finished floors too, they look wonderful!

I have also finished up the knitting on the Cutaway, all that is left is seaming. This shouldn't be to bad. I just hope the bind off on this one doesn't make the round parts in front bunch too much.

Also finished is the Purple Gables for Mom, she just needs to try it on ok the sleeve length and then I will sew in the sleeve ends. See this makes me feel better I have made progress on some items that have been neglected. Until next Sunday.

2006-09-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Tennis was great, vacation was mostly great, traveling with my mom and sister, ehhh. We are going to need a 5 year break before I am ready to do this again and forget all the annoying things about family.

So this is most likely just going to be a quick sneak peek into the vacation with some more details later, but well if I never get to the details the overall info is here. Thursday night we saw one of the most amazing match I have ever seen, Agassi vs Bagdahtis, the last winning match of Agassi's career. Friday even James Blake made a tribute to Agassi by wearing this throw back Agassi outfit (I think I had a poster of Agassi in this outfit in my room, in err Middle School I hope.) We saw many other big names and great matches including Martina Navrativola which I had never seen play before. I could have stayed and just watched tennis I love it. If only I could pay attention to knitting while watching. OK this might be a tennis only post with others to come (where else can I post all the pictures)...

I saw the up and coming new Russianish Nicole Vaidisova as well as the old favorites. Lindsay Davenport she hasn't retired yet but I think it may be coming soon. There was also Roddick, Mauresmo, Serina, Hewitt, Janvokic.

So much tennis I loved it. I couldn't come home with out an addition to my collection as well, who knew I collect rubber ducks. Isn't he cute!!! OK now onto, maybe some knitting and other purchases made.

2006-09-07T07:51:00.001-07:00

There was some non-tennis happenings as well, and a lot of touristy things too. I didn't partake in the super touristy day of Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the double decker bus ride in the rain, I needed the break from the family. So I met up with the no longer in Denver, super missed Cyn it was great to see her!!! I met up with her, and some of her friends for a great breakfast, she did all proper over on her blog with links and all, go check it out.

Then on to shopping, now I am sure it is no surprise to the local group that well we didn't take any pictures. It is the great plan that we may be the least photographed knitters... We started out at School Products which was a unique yarn store they had a ton of cashmere blends and what not. I bought one little skein of 100% Cashmere, it is so so soft. Cynthia didn't show a picture of what she bought I suspect maybe because there was some Koigu with some pinkish (no, wait it had to be purple) in it. Really pretty no less.

It was rainy and not the best of days, but we trudged through it, I was just happy to not have conversations like:

Mom: "How far is the Empire State building from our hotel?"

Me: "I don't know."

Mom: "How long will it take us to get there?"

Me: (trying to be nice) "Mom if I don't know how far it is how will I know how long it will take?"

As so on and so on. I call them filler questions, like when I do something obvious and someone asks about it. I buy a shirt at the US Open, my mom is like "oh do you like that shirt?" No mother I bought it because it is fricking ugly!!! She likes to fill the space has to talk regardless, quiet is not good for Mom, so she asks stupid annoying questions that drive me crazy and bring out the worst in me. Ok so onto the shopping.

I had wanted to get a bag, not any bag a bag you can only get in NY not one I would be able to find at home, or see someone else with at home. We hit a two stores, I found the bag in the second store. Verve it was a small shop with a ton of bag's all so beautiful and not all so affordable. I came home with this little (well actually the biggest purse I own). I really love it and feel less and less guilty about the price the more I look at it. I don't even have enough crap to fill it up, yet.

There was also some Vacation knitting, I bound off the body of the Green Gable for my mother on Tuesday night, I have the sleeves to go and it will be done!! I didn't think I had knit much while I was out there but apparently I had. I am pleased with how this is looking, I hope it sill fits Mom ok when I give it to her. Can I knit every pattern top down in the round, I love it!!

And since I was on vacation and calories don't count, which also means if you start something new just for the fun of it, even if you have 10 things to finish at home, there is no guilt there either (Not really true but I can try and fool myself). I cast on for Knit and Tonic's Sizzle I have not made it far yet, apparently the guilt set in about when I walked in the door and say the lime blue cardi, cutaway and my very own Green gable that needs to have some work done on them...

I was gone for 5ish days girls and I came home to so many blogs to catch up on, the most amazing one was Nachaele she updated 12 times while I was gone and was also packing, cleaning and moving. I am not sure I can squeek out that many posts in a month!

2006-08-28T07:53:00.000-07:00

Ahhh we have pictures, thank goodness!!! I have made progress on my current two main projects, Purple Gables for Mom and the Lime Blue Cardi.

Lime Blue, I just finished up the body and have barely started on the sleeves, this yarn is still so so soft, and I love the color.

Purple Gables is going quickly, I had taken off the sleeves so Mom could try it on and it was a little tight I ripped back and am ready to take the sleeves off again now.

I was going to try and take only two projecrts to the US Open this week, but I think I have to take at least 3. Purple Gables is going so fast, and I would like to have it close to done since Mom will be there to continually try it on. I am also going to take Sizzle to start on,using a red/orange Bamboo. And the Hourglass, using the Purple/Green Plain and Fancy. If nothing else I have airplane knitting time.

I am so excited to get away, I need the escape right now and this will be the first trip traveling with my Mom and Sister, I hope it goes well so we can keep traveling together. I also get to see the super missed Cynthia!!

2006-08-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

This blog has been neglected, the camera has been MIA so the blog has been as well. So you get a pictureless blog. And as all the local knitters know, I look at pictures more than I read the content of blogs. So I must keep this short..

I have been in a knitting funk of sorts, progress is getting made but nothing completed yet.

- Lime Blue Cardi is close to being bound off, then just sleeves to go!!

- Cut Away, poor cutaway it should be done, it only has finishing to do. But little to no love in a while.

- Mystery Stole 2, I was gung ho while new clues were coming out, I must be done before I can start the next clue, well now that all the clues are out I am fizzling a bit. I have almost finished clue 6 on one side, I am wrapping up the edging and then I can do the other side. It won't take long.

- Madli just might be dusty.

- I have started a 2nd Green Gable for my mother's bday. Not real far on that yet.

- My fall/winter knit list is growing and growing, Starsky, hourglass, Tubey, another coat like sweater out of Big Girl knits, plus another cardigan out of Big Girl Knits. Oh Sizzle, a Noroeske cardi too, out of Malabrigio though. And much more.

I can't be in a funk I have a ton of knitting to get done before spring!!

2006-08-04T07:54:00.000-07:00

I think I may be a big C knitter. We all know what a big K knitter is about, but the big C whether I just made it up or not may fit the bill here. I will get to what the C stands for soon.

I start to then realize a great friend to all of us Denver Knitters is moving soon, which is a sad event with a few nice perks. She will be near Knitter fantasy lands like Webs and Classic Elite which has a discount store there as well, how could all of us pass up a chance to go visit. I mean really!!! This doesn't even mention all the yarn stores in the greater Boston area. Cynthia her very own self, just sent out this email listing her new shopping list:

1) (more for me than you) IKEA is 35 minutes away from my apt.

2) WEBS is 1.5 hours away

3) the Classic Elite Warehouse is 45 minutes away.

4) Rhinebeck: THREE hours!!!

5) Maryland Sheep and Wool: 6 hrs.

So I start thinking, hey I want to visit Cynthia in the near future, I should make the best of it. Now I wish I could check off all of her items on the list above but I will take what I can get. The other night for giggles I start looking at plane ticket prices. Then I look here at the Vendor list for the New York Sheep and Wool festival, seriously look at all of those vendors, it is madness. I look back at the plane ticket prices to Boston, they are pretty cheap. How do I pass this up. I type a few quick IM's to Cynthia and before you know it I bought a ticket. I am going to Rhinebeck this year, I am also going to see Cynthia!!!

I am beyond excited, I am already being a little nerdy and looking up vendor websites and such. I may need a second job between now and then to afford any yarn though!!

So as you can imagine a big C knitter stands for CRAZY!!!

2006-07-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

My feed didn't seem to update the last time I posted. We shall see if wakes up this time or not.

The knitting guilt continues, poor poor Cutaway it has seen no love and it is so close to being done. I started another new small project this week, one with a deadline of August 5th. It is the one Stacey is making for her niece. I sure hope mine turns out as cute. Here is the beginning of the back. It knits up fast, hopefully it knits fast enough to be done in time.

I have also finished up the first half of clue 3 for the Mystery Stole. I made a couple mistakes but I don't feel the need to rip it out or point them out for that matter. And this of course means Madli too has seen no time on the sticks. She will grow again one day. Especially if I take Cynthia up on her offer for us to race to the finish. This could get dicey, do you think she would notice if I dropped a stitch for her?

I also got to take my sleeves off the Lime Blue Cardi this week, I am loving this knit, I hope the Malabrigio doesn't pill as much as I am told it does, it can't it is too soft and pretty too. It is even starting to look like a Cardigan.

I have felt like most of my time has been either knitting or working, it makes for a boring to blog about life.

2006-07-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

Mystery Stole 2 is so addictive. I can't stop knitting this thing!!! Hopefully tonight I will have both parts of Clue 2 finished so that I can go back to normally programmed knitting. I thought I would only do half then work on other projects but I can't. I will say it is going really fast, compared to Madli which now is the same thing over and over it is quite refreshing to have 50 rows of completely different knitting. Below is a crappy picture of the progress so far. I have some gaping holes on the right side of the top of my clovers I need to figure out some trick to get those all prettied up.

This picture is worse than I thought, sorry!

Dad's surgery went great, the doctor said it went perfectly, which we rarely ever hear when it comes to his health. He was in good spirits yesterday so that is encouraging. It may be a long 6 months of rehab though.

2006-07-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

Only one new little bit of info the rest is all progress yada. I signed up for the Mystery Stole 2, I have my yarn picked out and I cast on, I may redo this though my provisional looks a bit sloppy. The yarn is actually darker green than the picture shows, darn camera it is smarter than me again.

I am up to 15 and a half repeats of Madli, that is exactly half way done for the body. I would really like to see this thing move along so I can get onto another lace project. I have bought some gray pearl color lace from handpainted to make my Grandmother a shawl for Christmas. Just need a pattern and the Madli done!

I am also getting through the Cutaway nicely, all that is left are the sleeves, and I am working on both now.

Over the long weekend I had plenty of time to work on both and was pretty happy with the progress. I am itching to finish both. I also want to start a new sweater out of my Estes purchases. I am currently thinking Hourglass with the Plain and Fancy we shall

see. The long weekend was wonderful I really needed the break and enjoyed every minute. So much that I am taking another 3 day weekend this weekend, and a 4 day weekend the week after. And in other good work news, my least favorite co-worker quit today!!

Hopefully a lot of knitting will go on this weekend, Dad will be having surgery (nothing life threatening, shoulder replacement, dude is my Dad old enough for this, does this mean I am old now too?) tomorrow which sucks but does mean I will be doing a lot of sitting around knitting. Grandma will be in town this weekend as well which is always great. I wish she lived closer. Have a great weekend!!

2006-06-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Like all the other local girls ssss(plus a few more) I was off to the Estes Park Wool Festival on Saturday. Michelle was so kind to host us all Friday night so we could get an early start from the same location Saturday morning. The good news is that I had money for lunch, and didn't use the plastic at all, I took cash hoping if I had to transfer to plastic I would realize I was in trouble. It worked. I will admit I had hoped to bring some cash home though. Below is the new stash enhancement:

Brooks Farm Yarn Limited Edition Superwash top left, 2 balls of Trekking top middle, Plain and Fancy Sheep and wool top right and bottom right. Some 100% Alpaca in Colorado Red bottom left and the big purchase was Brooks Farm Yarn 100% Kid Mohair on the bottom middle. Isn't it beautiful!

2006-06-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

I also have some progress photos to share.

First up the Cutaway pattern, the back is almost finished.

Not sure if I mentioned before but this is Jo sharp Soho summer cotton dk yarn, in a slate color. It is really soft I am liking this knit and it is fast. I have a few more inches before the back is done.

I have also been working on the Madli's Shawl it is quite a bit slower knit but enjoyable.

2006-06-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Call me the copycat. Stacey decided to make the Noro Shrug, so I made it along with some others(Cynthia, Michelle..). Wanda went and made a Green Gable, so I went and made one too. Kim bought this awesome Vera Bradley Bag, in Java Blue, so I got one too (see behind the picture of the shawl). Cynthia started the Madli Shawl, I just bought a ton of lace weight and didn't really have plans, I have been looking for a not so girly frilly shawl, so guess what? With Cynthia's help I started the Madli Shawl last night, even knit on it over lunch today. I am loving this, it is addictive, Cyn was right about that.

Just so everyone doesn't think I am all copy cat, I did make the Noro Cowl (still needs to be seamed) and I know a few have yarn to make it now too.

I have also started on the Cutaway pattern, which no one else I knit with is working on currently. It is going really fast I have about 3 inches before I can start the arm hole shaping. Good think I have the shawl now for some excitement.

2006-06-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

I have tried all week to post this entry, and by now all the original pictures are out of date, but good news I have new pictures, complete pictures, well complete as in pictures of it blocking as we speak.

~~Green Gable~~ Pretty Blue Gable is now complete, I knit this with Rowan all Seasons Cotton, in a shade of blue color I don't know right now. This was a super quick knit and I even added sleeves. I was amazed that I switched out the yarn, didn't really swatch, and it still fits. Of course that is after one or two re-do's which is normal for me I always knit things at least 3 times over before they are complete. I am working on this, believe me. I have also started a lace project, a stole, there isn't much to see yet. I really really want to knit this stole. Isn't it pretty? Lace and Intrelac all in one, am I crazy? Here is what I have started on my beginning lace stole.

He was so good when we got him, no chewing nothing bad, he was mellow and just happy to be where we were. He is digging, and he even escaped twice yesterday to go sit on the front porch, well until the neighbors dog went by then he took off to their house. We are all learning slowly, but I will admit it has been a lot better than I anticipated and he doesn't seem to have any interest in yarn, which is the biggies relief. He is still quite cute though. Not all that photogenic yet, we'll work on it.

2006-05-23T08:01:00.000-07:00

You know the drill, you get pictures or all sorts of rambling. Today you are lucky it will be crappy camera phone pictures.

I have blocked the cowl, in an effort to postpone seaming since it is too hot to wear it anyway, I blocked so that it did not get lonely on me.

For Mother's day I made all the mom's I am quasi related too slippers, last count was 7 pairs. The last pair is the only one that would smile pretty for the picture, and will be mailed off tomorrow to Grandma.

The Kyoto has been ripped, I blocked it too so that the cowl would not be lonely during blocking. After blocking the stitches looked much better but the size was still off, I was pretty sure of this but hated to rip unless absolutely necessary. Hence no picture of Kyoto.

Since Kyoto was off the needles, and the slippers consumed a good portion of knitting time I decided a new project was necessary for my knitting peace of mind. I cast on for Green Gable last weekend and am plugging away. I'm loving the yarn and how this looks, the color is a bit off here though. A few other random projects seem to be hiding in my knitting bag, but nothing that is getting much attention.

2006-05-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

The last post was all words, this time we will go for the visual side of blogging:

I finished my modified OSW, with sleeves, I stole the mods from here. I believe it was the August 18th, 2005 post. Basically I just joined the sleeves in the round, where the original pattern has you do the rib on the sleeves, then decreased about 2 stitches every inch until it was long enough for me. I used to be photogenic or maybe I just preferred the way I looked before and would allow pictures of myself. (yes my kitchen really is that color of green, not sure it will be staying for the long haul).

I have also been working on felted slippers out the wazoo, one pair yesterday turned out quite odd, so I am unsure if I screwed up the pattern of if Rio de la Platta just doesn't do much for the felting world. I need to finish 3 more pairs by Sunday!!

See our new Garden Friends, Fred and Dizzy the Lizard.

I have also been working on Kyoto, I am unsure if my gauge is off, or if I need to make a smaller size, or if I just want my sweater to be big and comfy. Cynthia helped check gauge yesterday, and came up with 4, 4.5, and 5 stitches per inch. Not real consistent, I think I might keep going and see how big it turns out, or if I need it to be smaller. Who wants to rip, then again how often do I hear that something is too big on me.

I have some new yarn pics as well. I should really take pictures more than once a month.... The bulk of this yarn is for Ted's sweater when it gets colder, I will have to post a picture of the pattern I am going to use. I also bought some Noro Silk Garden, and some more Kureyon. Not real sure what i am going to make with either yet, some ideas but we shall see.

I think because of the two Noro purchases I must restrain myself from buying yarn untile Estes, I am out of control. Unless of course I need to buy yarn to finish a started project. I can do this, it is only a little over a month.

2006-03-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

Will the week ever end so I can go frolic in the mountains and knit to my hearts content? This last couple weeks at work has been grueling. I am used to being fairly busy, but this putting out fires once a day and non-stop crap is enough. Thankfully it has not included too many extra hours, but I am just drained when I leave this place. the worst part is that it has not given me adequate time to update my blog. Now that is just rude.

I un-boundoff the Noro Shrug and added a few inches to the collar, so much that I used up all the yarn and didn't think to realize I needed some of that said yarn to seam up. Don't look too close I seamed up partly with other random yarn. I really like it, it fits well too. It might be a little baggy on the sides but I can deal with that.

I didn't wait long to cast on for the next project, another Noro one. This one I am almost done with the back, it is a super fast knit. Not sure if the knit two buy one is getting me to knit faster or what, but when I finish this sweater I can buy another lot of yarn for a new sweater. Hmmm maybe I need a special treat if I knit 3 then buy one. I must ponder this.

The only other exciting news is that I finally have a real dryer. I was using this old piece of crap that was in the house before we moved in, it seriously took about 3 hours to dry a quarter of the laundry out of the washer. The floor vent on the kitchen floor and a drying wrack was faster. My father came by to see the new digs and I sweet talked him into installing the right electrical outlet so I could move the new fancy dryer from the garage into the house. I love it, I have been playing with the settings and what not, who knew dryers could be so exciting.

2006-02-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

I have finished the Knitting Olympics, obviously I did not pick something challenging enough for myself or my drug test will come back positive for steroids. I pick the former. I really like the socks, they are soft and very warm. I originally had a little trouble with gapping holes in my heal turns. But in the end they turned out good with a little cinching here and there.

I have since started the Shrug Stacey made famous, out of Noro Kureyon color 92. It is knitting up fast, but I had to go down to 6's to get gauge when the pattern calls for 9's. I originally bought Kureyon colorway 88 which was just too bright for me, I knew I wouldn't wear it when all was said and done, after much obsessing about it. So if you are interested in some Kureyon color 88 hop on over to my eBay auction. Sunday, Stacey met me at String to pick out some new yarn (for me) and ask some questions about the Shrug, since they are having a class for it. And that is when I got my new beautiful color. Here is a picture of what I have done so far. I am excited to see this thing, grow, I will need to go back and get 5 or so more balls since they only had 5.

I have also been slowly working to finish the "damn" clapotis, as I call it now. The third do over and hopefully it will be done, it was my lunchtime project today.

2006-02-08T08:06:00.000-08:00

I think Clapotis has started a love hate with me and my knitting. I have been knitting but with no real purpose. I did start Clapotis over for the 3rd time, and I tell you what this Plain and Fancy Yarn most likely would not take another undo and redo, so this is it kids. It is at the half way mark and will go into hiding until the Knitting Olympics is over.

I have been working on getting used to DPN's, is it me or do I feel clumsy all of a sudden? I am thinking about trying out the 2 circular method, if I can get up to Shuttles by Friday. Here is the practice sock that of course will not be done by Friday and will wait as well. It seems to be pooling, as I just learned what pooling is. But really isn't pooling a mathematical thing, won't every yarn pool with just the right pattern and such? Since this is practice I am not real worried.

After I ripped out Clapotis the 2nd time I needed a quick pick me up, a quick knit I could finish. I was in Knitty Cat perusing sock yarn to start some training and I found Noro Transitions yarn to make a quick scarf. I think the colorway is 13. The scarf is supposed to have a little angora at each end of the skein, out of my 2 skeins only one of the 4 ends had it. I do like the scarf it has already gotten good use.

I noticed that the opening ceremonies are Friday at noon Mountain time, does that mean cast on is then, or when they actually air the opening ceremonies on TV?

2006-01-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

I have finished the Cable Sweater from Vogue Knitting Fall 2005.... Finally

Not that great of a picture, but here it is.

Pattern: Cable Sweater Vogue Knitting Fall 2005

Yarn: Rowan Big Wool in color 24, Cassis and Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Marmalade, here is a closeup of the yarns together:

Needles: 15 US Denise Circulars

Started: After Christmas before New years.

Finished: 1/15/2005

I am really happy with this sweater, I have worn it already and love it. I wish I would have gone down another size of needles for the cable on the cuffs and bottom. It also probably needs to be blocked again.

2006-01-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

As everyone else has joined Kim's stash along, I have decided to enhance my stash to catch up, not really but I do have yarn envy. I tried on Saturday to enhance with Cyn she was along for the ride, after the Saturday meeting at Borders. She was good, and I was not near as bad as I would have liked, leaving Strings with the beginnings of Spork, and another ball for my cable sweater from Vogue. We dropped by Knitted Peace as well but left with nothing.

Oh but Sunday I made up for it. Wanda told me about a sale at Strawberry Tree, so I headed over. Once there I realized I needed to hit the ATM to cover all my stash. Conveniently so, Wanda busted me by walking in (and seeing me in the same cloths as she did Saturday, but come on it is a Sunday right?) as I was gathering up to pay. Yep that is 56 balls of yarn. Hey at 35% off how can a girl enhancing her stash resist.

I am hoping possibly if the yarn works out to use the Brown Jo Sharp DK Wool tweed for the Rogue. If it won't work then I am sure I will find something else for it. Once I got home I started looking through books to see if the yarn I bought would work for the patterns I wanted to knit (I know that is all backwards). I think I might need more yarn of most of them to get anywhere, unfortunately. The sale does go until the 15th!! I think going forward I need to keep a list of "things to Knit" and their gauge with me so I can buy more responsibly. I have a couple ideas so far. I have officially out grown my current way of organizing yarn (big 5 gallon or so ice chest looking tubs, you know you see beer in these often). Hopefully the move that is looming in February or March will help fix all of that.

2006-01-02T08:09:00.000-08:00

I think I successfully missed all the good yarn sales, too bad it wasn't on purpose. I tried heading out Saturday to see if there were any leftover sales, no real luck. Unannounced closures at the Knitted Peace I was really hoping for some left over sales there. Strawberry tree was closed for Inventory, so I ended up at String briefly but did not end up with anything, nor were they having a sale. La ti Da had 25% off of everything, but the selection was limited, I did get some Calmer, in a tealish green, a book and some sock yarn (this will be my first sock attempt). I did hit a few on line sales, got quite a few book on sale. I also bought this Vera Bradley bag, I hope it is not too big and I should have gone smaller. Now I just need somewhere to take it. The Donut Maker (my boyfriend) and I were also out the day after Christmas looking at such bags and came across a luggage sale, so hey why not. But I got him to throw in another bag I will use for knitting as well. I hope I can get some good use out of both of them pretty soon. So you seem my dilemma in not joining Kim's stashalong. Being a newish knitter, and not getting sufficiently prepared I just couldn't do it, right? If it is any consolation I did from September until Christmas last year without buying any yarn other than Christmas gift stuff. So there is my justification.

The Christmas knitting was finished in time, minus the scarves for my sister, mother and sister-in-law. One was complete but I liked it so much and was not sure it was something any of them would wear so I kept it. I was also going to possibly give the so called scarf away but it was not finished, and the same goes, my female family member's seem to be very conservative. And well no one oohhed and awwed over the so called scarf while I worked on it Christmas day. Seems to me then it is mine. I have 3 scarves to show off that are finished including the "So called Scarf" I am not sure I shouldn't rip it out but I think I am the only one that will notice the mistakes. I have another two skeins ofManos del Uraguay in coloryway 114, any other scarf ideas for it?

It didn't seem like I had a lot of time to knit last week, between Avalanche and the Nuggets, family crap and all. But this weekend has been all knitting, well almost. I have been working on the V-neck pullover from the Fall Vogue. I am liking it so far, easy to knit. This picture is from last week, I know have the back, one sleeve completed and the other sleeve started. I am not going to do the frilly edges, instead I have added a rib around the bottom and sleeves. I have also been playing with the idea of starting a Clapotis with some Interlacement yarn I picked up in Estes this year. Anyone know how to get that smell out of the yarn?

2005-10-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Isn't it great that briefly before my office has the big move to Northglenn, that I can run off at lunch get to Shuttles, Spindles and Skeins shop for about 30 minutes 45 if I don't mind a hour and a half lunch, (which I don't) and get back to work. I do usually feel rushed but that is OK. I can also do this with The Stitchen' Den. Yesterday, I only went to Shuttles. I had a plan, I knew what I wanted what I needed, and from some act of God that is all I did. I bought 1 pattern and 6 skeins of yarn, to make my two nieces poncho's for Christmas. Now me, I am not much of a poncho girl, I am of the belief that just because something is in (if it even still is) doesn't mean it looks great on me. I do admit one caught my eye in the new Wrap Style book. One of my niece's is loving ponchos, so I figured I would buy some yarn find a pattern and make her one. Well, I have 2 niece's so I can't just make one right? Hence the 6 skeins instead of 3. I think I will go with the unhooded version we shall see, maybe to make theirs a bit different other than color I will add a hood to one.

Speaking of niece's and things I have made for them, I finally got a picture of my neiceice and I and the quilt I made for her. This quilt was the death of me, by this time I had started knitting and not so much of the quilting, my machine was having issues, so I was having issues. But I think it turned out good. Isn't she cute?

I am slowly making progress on my Ribby, it is not all that fun anymore since I have a few other projects going. I have to admit that I stress with too many projects, like who to spend the most time with and such things. I feel now that I just need to get a couple done and go from there. I hate having unfinished things, like the Hoody that needs to be finished up, and Ribby. But of course I started the Wrap I listed below from Wrap Style, I need to finish the Michigan scarf (which I spent all lunch today on) and do another damn bag for my sister in law. My efficiency gene is getting me too, I think I need to get them all done NOW.

2005-10-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am making a lot of progress on the Hoody from VK. Amazingly enough I think I may even wear it one day. I always worry that I do not like my tension it always looks too "homemade" will I actually wear this, but I think I will. Is it possible for certain yarns to knit faster? I think this Cascade 220 knits so much faster than the yarn I am using for the Ribby. I have just finished the back of the hoody, I think it looks great. I started on one sleeve, somehow I forgot to do both sleeves at the same time I usually do, but well not this time. That is Navy and light Grey in case you can not see it so well.

I some other good news, it didn't take Elann long to get the yarn I need in the right color in to finish up Ribby. I am excited to have that on the way to me now. I hate unfinished projects. I hate leaving books unread. I am stressed out by the number of projects I want to make and the lack of time to make them. Anyway I should be able to finish up Ribby soon.

I received the Yarn to make the VK single cable sweater. Also last week I received Wrap Style which I really like, I was going to make something similar to Twisty Turns and had the yarn waiting, and waiting. But in black. I am hoping it will be an easy quick knit. I never thought I would like ponchos, they just don't seem to be me but I like how some of them in this book look.

Starting on Monday I will be spending a ton of time at the Pepsi Center watching these sexy boys. I am excited to have hockey back and have season tickets back. Well even if they are my boyfriends tickets, who else can he take. Here is the dilemma, can I knit at a hockey game? I tried while watching on TV last night and I miss so much. I can't imagine skipping 2-3 nights a week of knitting all together, so I think I must take the knitting and knit in both intermissions. What else is a girl to do?

2005-09-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

While on vacation I only took 2 projects and that was a difficult choice. I hated to leave Ribby behind but I knew I was too far along to make it a trip project, and I thought I might need something easy but yet not utterly boring. I choose to make another Klaralund because of the issues with the first one, being 6 bazillion sizes to big. When I got home I only had about 10 inches left on the second sleeve to finish and it would be done. I have a pre seaming picture.....

I am quite pleased with this one. It may be a touch small but I have yet to block it and hope to get a little there, and well if I ever lose that planned weight loss it would help as well.

I wanted to leave for vacation at a good stopping point on Ribby. So I stayed up late the night before liftoff, I needed to complete the 2 front panels of Ribby before I left. I needed to have just the sleeves to finish when I got back. I was successful. I am still not thrilled with how the stockinette looks on this project. I feel amateur (I am I know) that my stockinette is bumpy, loose then tight just not smooth and flowing. I started to wonder if it was just the yarn, or partially the yarn since the stockinette on my Klaralund looked so nice. I have started to wrap the string around my pinky and I think it helps but I am not convinced I will truly wear this sweater when it is complete, because well it looks handmade in the beginner variety. which makes me wonder why I bought so much more Peruvian Wool to make yet another Ribby one day....

The bag I made for my grandmother which I thought would be a big success, deemed this response in a thank you letter from her: "Thanks for my bag Jeni. I sure like the bag you made for your mother, maybe one day you will make me one like it." The only difference between her bag and my mother's bag are color. One navy and Grey, one maroon an charcoal. Go figure.

This weekend I get to start Ribby's sleeves and hopefully start a Christmas blanket for my father, I would really like to use some of my other wonderful yarn just waiting to be made into a sweater.

2005-08-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend knitting, reading, officiating tennis, knitting and reading. Exciting huh? If only it was not the truth.

I managed to finish up the back of the Ribbi and the beginning of the left side. The farther I get along the more I feel inclined to rip the whole thing and start over. That would give me something to do on the way to NY and such. Hopefully I will be done with round one before we leave, and can decide if it is too small, yet another reason to rip it and start over other than the uneven stitches and horrible looking decreases around the armholes. Here is where I am at.

I had some time to work on my grandmothers felted bag, (I will remember to look up the book and pattern on that one) while at the movies last week. I saw The Island, even though it was entertaining it had a crappy plot. This has turned into my non-distracting project that I can do in the dark or at work during lunch. It is getting close and with my brother heading off for a visit to Grandma soon I have a deadline. I believe I am about 10 or so rows from starting on the base of this one.

I have also decided to make a second Klaralund on our trip. My first turned out huge, really really big. I think some of it was stretching during blocking, it also had some mistakes I would like to fix, so I will most likely go with smaller needles and a smaller size. This also gives me the chance to get a new color since I was not thrilled with the first colorway. I bought Noro Silk Garden in #88 for this. Lighter colors with not so many dark striping. I really did like the colors of my first Klara but there were these large brown/'blackish stripes I did not like so much. And well it being my first sweater I didn't worry as much about the coloring as I did the look and when I started looking at the coloring more I realized it was just odd looking to me. So hopefully the lessons learned the new color will make for a happy second round, even if expensive.

The Michigan scarf has received no attention, and it does have a deadline but it could be fudgeable since the deadline is while I am in NY and I can't very well give it to the person while we are in different states. Nor is it all that much fun, once the bag is done it will be come my distractable project.