Chrissy's Random Life: A Knitting Blog

Just a Reminder...

2009-06-18T20:44:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to remind anyone who's still subscribing to this feed, that I've moved over to here. Please update you're RSS feeds/links.

Thanks y'all!

Noro Striped Scarf...

2008-09-03T07:38:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a highly addictive project right now. I mean, can't put it down, knitting instead of eating and sleeping, addictive.

I'm referring to the Noro Striped Scarf made famous by Brooklyn Tweed.

Here is my progress so far ---

I picked up 4 skeins of Noro Silk Garden (original weight) from the Three Bags Full Anniversary Sale last weekend (omygod it was a zoo in there, but that's a story for another day).

I cast on first thing Sunday morning, and couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what color each new stripe will be, and how it will interact with the next stripe from the other ball.

This scarf may be fairly plain, but it is certainly not boring to knit. I also love that the 1x1 rib looks like stockinette, but without the curling.

At this rate, I'll have it all done by next weekend!

Seedy Slouch Hat!

2008-08-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

I test knit this hat for the designer, Christa Giles, a few months ago, but I had to wait until it was released before I could post about it.

So, here it is ---

Of course I've forgotten which colorway I used, but the yarn in Malabrigo Silky Merino, and the pattern only takes 1 skein!

In case you're interested, the pattern can be downloaded from Ravelry here. It's a quick knit, and it looks great on.

And the back---

I know I'll be getting a lot of use out of it this fall. The only annoying thing about this hat is all the increases at the top (it's top down). I found them pretty fiddly on dpns. Seriously though, the finished product is totally worth it.

I'm going to make myself another one out of the Malabrigo Silky Merino I picked up from Three Bags Full yesterday (it's turquoise).

Saturday, Woo Hoo!

2008-08-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend was another much needed weekend for me, especially after a fairly hectic payroll week!

Proof that I still knit socks -

It's funny - I get a very different feeling when I knit socks compared to any other projects. I think it's serenity. This one is going to be knit in one of the patterns from Sensational Knitted Socks ( the first one). I'm not sure which one, but I'll have to decide soon, because if the ribbing gets any longer, it'll just be a ribbed sock!

Juno Regina is going really well. I'm in the boring middle part, which is pretty much 42" of the same lace row followed by a purl row. I think I need a day of two off from it. I am about 30" into it. I just remembered that I have yet to take a picture of it.

Stu and I just got home from a nice walk down at Kits beach. We grabbed some Starbucks and sat on a bench 10 feet from the water and watched the sunset.

I spent the early half of the day at Three Bags Full on Main Street attending their 2nd Anniversary Sale. There were lots of deals to be had, as well as cupcakes. It was really nice to be surrounded by "my people". It's funny, because I heard at least two other people use that exact phrase today.

This morning I told Stu "I have to go to the yarn store. My people are congregating" . He found that highly amusing.

Here's my haul from all the shopping this morning -

If you go to my Flickr page you can see exactly what everything is.

I had a great time, and I'm looking forward to doing some more knitting!

PS. The Cherry Tree Hill Super Sock was 50% off!

A Few Realizations....

2008-08-24T17:40:00.000-07:00

This particular colorway is my favorite yarn color ever!

The bottoms of Redd's feet are very hairy.

Isn't it great when vacations are productive? ;)

For Those Who Wonder What I Do When I Have Too Much Time On My Hands...

2008-08-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

WInners!!!!

2008-08-18T18:12:00.000-07:00

Alright, thanks to the random.org we have 2 randomly selected winners!

I'm totally excited to announce our two winners!

In no particular order:

1) allergicmom

2) knittinginpink

Congratulations ladies!

Email me and let me know which color family you like most, and whether you'd like 100% superwash merino or 70% superwash merino 30% seacell.

Hot Weather & Hot Lights Don't Mix!

2008-08-17T21:50:00.001-07:00

I just finished photographing *most* of the yarn I've dyed up so far, and boy are the lights for my lightbox hot!

I decided to finish off with a group picture - and here is some of it!

All 100% Naturally Dyed!

All of these will be up in the shop at some point tomorrow. I'm glad you guys seem to be enjoying the Pattern Tamers. I know I am!

I'm trying to get back in the habit of blogging, so forgive me if I post fairly frequently.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot - I still haven't taken any pictures of Juno Regina yet! I'll try to get some tomorrow. For those who don't know, we're having a Juno Regina knit along on The Manic Purl.

I'll also be announcing the winner(s) of the contest (started a few posts ago if you're behind on your reading). You still have about 2 hours to enter!

See you guys tomorrow!

ETA: *By naturally dyed I mean that I only use dyes I extract from plants. I only use alum as a mordant - because it's not considered particularly harmful.

Afternoon Plans...

2008-08-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

I plan on playing with these -

Mini-skeins of yarn (each one is only about 6 inches long).

I'll be fiddling with acid dye colorways. Hmm.....what could I be up to?

One last reminder that you have until midnight tonight (PST) to drop me a line if you want to win some naturally dyed yarns (see 2 posts previous).

Home For A Rest...

2008-08-16T15:36:00.000-07:00

Today is day one of my one week vacation! I desperately need some R&R and I'm looking forward to a week of knitting and relaxing.

I'm going to leave the yarn give away open until midnight pst tomorrow night - so if your interested, make sure to leave a comment on my last post.

FYI - I just got Episode 9: Olympic Knitting up on Libsyn, so check your iTunes if you've been waiting for another episode of The Manic Purl Podcast.

I got my first order from Eat.Sleep.Knit last night, and I've "run" my first mile of their yarn marathon! This is going to be the easiest marathon EVAR!

The pictures are of the goodies from Eat.Sleep.Knit ----

2 skeins of J.Knits Lace-a-licious! in Boston (blue) and Pueblo (green-ish), 1 skein of Claudia Handpainted in Teal Party (teal and brown), and 1 skein of Yarn Love Marianne Dashwood in contentment (blue, green, grey).

Have a great weekend!

A Few More Buttons...

2008-08-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

I figured it would be best to have some Yarn Sprout button options for those who are interested.

For those who like the pinks -

For those who like the purples -

Remember to link them to www.yarnsprout.com!

Now for the good stuff -

Are you interested in a free skein of Yarn Sprout 100% Naturally dyed yarn?

In an attempt to get Yarn Sprout "out there" a little more, I'd like to give a few skeins away. The only catch is that you need to have a blog so you can blog about your experience with Yarn Sprout!

Leave me a comment if you are interested in a free skein, and I'll draw names from a hat in a few days!

Yarn Sprout Button...

2008-08-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

As requested - here is the Yarn Sprout button!

Please save it to your own server. Thanks!

For those who are interested - I managed to get the 8th episode of The Manic Purl Podcast up last night, and I am now knitting a bunch of lace.

The Big Reveal...

2008-07-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

Alright guys, I know I've been absent for a while, but I can finally show you what I've been working on!

I'm excited to announce that Yarn Sprout: 100% Naturally Dyed Yarn is now open for business!

I'll be adding more stuff later this week, so don't forget to bookmark the site!

I'd also be forever appreciative if you'd help spread the word!

Summer Lounging

2008-07-27T20:41:00.001-07:00

redd, originally uploaded by Martin Lopatka.

You'd never know that Redd is afraid of cameras!

I just wanted to pop by and let you guys know that there will be a big yarn-y announcement later this week.

Stay tuned....

1 Month...

2008-07-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been almost a month without blogging. I feel like I've forgotten how to type!

I am alive and well, and I really appreciate all the inquiries into my well being.

I wanted to pop on here, and let everyone know that my absence is not from some big falling-out with knitting, nor is it from a desire to stop blogging. It is simply caused by me overcommitting myself.

When it rains it pours, and for some reason this always has me go and find a hose to spray myself with at the same time - if you get what I mean. My mom always says that I never have nothing going on.

We did finally find a new person at work, but somehow - and I really have no idea how this happened - I have even more work to do! I still love my job, but honestly, I love it more when it's not taking up 10-12 hours a day.

Our new person is excellent, and the perfect fit, which makes me endlessly happy. We also have got 2 other new people in our office, and 3 new site supers, and for some reason I've become the go-to person for questions, which is also creating a lot more work for me. Of course, with expansion comes more new people, and my payroll has ballooned in the last month and a half.

Today is our work barbeque for 150 people, and somehow I am in charge of that too!

On top of all this - I have decided to start my own business with the hopes of one day working full time at it. I'm not quite ready to launch yet, but you guys will be the first to know when it's good to go. I'm pretty sure you'll be interested in checking it out.

As for the podcast - I am not abandoning it - it's just on a temporary hiatus.

We are all in good health, and the cats are having a wonderful summer of catching bugs and waking up at the crack of dawn.

I promise I'll be back soon.

Hugs to all!

Chrissy :)

Black Sheep Gathering 2008 - The Haul

2008-06-29T05:50:00.000-07:00

Here's what followed me home from the Black Sheep Gathering this year. I think I'm going need a bigger coffee table if I keep this up. I had to go get another storage bin last night to keep all this stuff safe, and it filled the whole thing!

And yes, those are 8 hanks of Socks That Rock, and enough fiber for more than 3 sweaters. Hey, I never claimed to have self control.

If you want more details, I talked about the festival on the podcast this week. I'm also going to be talking about it more in the next few shows.

Now, considering it's before 6:00am on a Sunday, I'm going to go get myself a Caramel Machiato from Starbucks.

Have a great Sunday!!

Well, Well...What Do We Have Here...?

2008-06-09T18:41:00.000-07:00

Could it be? Is it? Why, yes! It is a finished pair of Monkey socks!

Pattern: Monkey by Cookie A. (free on Knitty.com).

Yarn: Yarn Love Elizabeth Bennet in the Awakening Earth colorway.

Needles: 2.5mm 32" Knitpicks circular needle.

Started and finished in less than a week! I wasn't sure how much yarn I'd have for these, so I opted for only 4 ankle repeats.

More on the podcast this week. I almost sound normal!

Mr. Greenjeans - Modeled!

2008-06-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

We finally got a bit of sunshine today, and I took that to mean that it was meant to be that I get a few pictures of me modeling Mr. Greenjeans.

This is my favorite sweater ever! It fits perfectly, and the color is really great on me - if I do say so myself!

I think I will definitely be knitting at least one more for me (and maybe one for my mom).
This is the medium size and it took about 3.25ish skeins of Dream In Color Classy in the Blue Lagoon colorway (teal is my fave!).

I had to wear my new Love (1) Ravelry tee, because that is really how I feel about this sweater.

I can't believe how slimming it is. I guess it nips in at just the right place.

The only alteration I made was knitting plain ribbing on the sleeves, and ending the bottom of the sweater with a bit of plain ribbing. Other than that, it's knit exactly as written.

PS. The podcast will be back next Saturday (I've been battling a really bad sinus infection all week and I still don't sound normal).

Well, what are you waiting for? Go knit your own Mr. Greenjeans!

Apparently I Fell Off The Face of The Earth!

2008-05-31T08:21:00.000-07:00

Mr. Greenjeans is finished!

In the end I opted for 4 buttons.

The yarn I used was Dream In Color Classy and I just used 3 and a bit skeins. This yarn is fabulous!

The colorway is Blue Lagoon.

Sorry to be a bit absent from the blog lately. Work has been crazy and the podcast has been really time consuming.

I'm going to spend the rest of the weekend relaxing - and doing minimal stuff for work. I might go and get a new Lexie Barnes bag - you know the one that's just little and rectangular and has a detachable strap? I think it would make a great summer purse. For some reason I like that yellow and brown-ish colorway. I've got to ditch my huge white leather purse. It's too heavy and definitely needs cleaning. It's actually a lot more grey and dingy than white.

I hope you're all having a great one!

PS. Episode 5 - Do Not Fear The Short Row is ready for download.

More Wool Tourism is Afoot!

2008-05-14T06:49:00.000-07:00

I am so totally jazzed! Stu and I decided to drive down to Eugene, Oregon and go to the Black Sheep Gathering in June! Woot!

Does anyone know which vendors are going to be there?

I am officially on a seriously strict yarn diet - but I am going to go nuts when I'm at Black Sheep. Stu already knows this - I told him I was going to take his personal amount too (each person gets to bring a certain amount through customs for free).

I'm making super great progress on Mr. Greenjeans. I'm almost done the body. I'll definitely be finished by tonight - then it's just the sleeves and the ribbing. I'm on track to make my goal of finishing before the weekend.

I'm also hard at work on the 3rd Episode of the Manic Purl Podcast. It'll be up Saturday morning.

By the way - I just had an awesome customer service experience at the Loopy Ewe. Everyone go shop there to support a fabu store!

I hope everyone's having a great week!

I Heart Mr. Greenjeans...

2008-05-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

This is exactly how far I've gotten working on Mr. Greenjeans ----

Front

I already love it! Seriously. I cannot wait to finish it so I can wear it!

So far it's fitting me perfectly, and the yarn is so soft and squishy.

Side

I love the Dream In Color Classy in Blue Lagoon. It is so totally my color. I actually think that I border on obsession with teal.

Back

I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm just about to start the cabling.

By the way - The Manic Purl - Episode 2: Lace Stole My Heart is up. It is also searchable on iTunes! Woot!

Look What I Did!

2008-05-06T19:44:00.000-07:00

ETA: Now on iTunes! Click here to subscribe!

I made my very own knitting podcast!

I just uploaded the first episode! Can you tell I'm excited?

I'm still waiting for approval from iTunes, but I'll let you know as soon as I'm approved.

For now, you can download The Manic Purl from Libsyn. Click here to get to my Libsyn page with the link to listen.

My show notes can be found here.

I hope you guys like it.

Hanami is Officially Finished!

2008-05-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

Technically the Hanami Stole was finished yesterday, but officially I didn't finish it until today when I unpinned it from my blocking foam.

Since Hanami is cherry blossom inspired, the first thing I did was go outside and take a picture of it in a cherry tree. My street is lined with them, and I figured it was appropriate.

Today was a perfect first day for this shawl's debut. The weather is very warm (18 degrees celsius), but there is still the spring coolness in the air. I think shawls were made for spring and spring was made for shawls. They complement each other perfectly. This one will be great dressed up or dressed down. I wore it today with dark wash jeans and a black tank top, and it did not look one bit out of place.

As usual the magic of blocking has impressed me to no end. I thought the blossom end might look weird, but as soon as I blocked it the eyelets opened up and the falling blossoms were revealed. The basket weave section also opened up nicely, and the few mistakes I made in that section do not show nearly as much as I thought they would.

I am definitely going to have to pick up some blocking wires. I just used a ton of blocking pins, and the fabric comes to a little peak in every spot that I had a pin. It's not all that noticeable, but I'd still prefer to have perfectly crisp straight edges. I've heard something about running cotton string through the stitches on the outside of the shawl and then pinning the string out, but I haven't tried this yet. It seems like blocking wires would be easier.

Here are the details one last time:

Pattern: Hanami Stole by Melanie Gibbons of Pink Lemon Twist.
Yarn: Fiddlesticks Zephyr Laceweight in Pewter (a lovely silvery gray).
Needles: 3.5mm Addi Turbo lace needles in the 32" length.

Spring feels as if it has now officially sprung here, especially now that my 2008 spring shawl is done. I'm enjoying this Sunday with a Caramel Machiato beside me and I'm blogging from a chair on my deck.

Like the Gwen Stefani inspired "tall" hair? I can't decide whether it looks silly or cool on me. I'm leaning towards cool. Especially when I'm wearing my oversized sunglasses.

Hanami Success!

2008-05-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

I did it! I managed to finish Hanami! It was touch and go there for a bit. I am so happy with this!

Pre-Blocking

It's currently blocking, and I'm going to take it outside for some post-blocking pictures tomorrow. I managed to meet my goal of finishing this knit before the cherry blossoms were gone. Every tree on my street, is heavy with cherry blossoms, and I now have my own little piece of the season.

A taste of Hanami blocking

Started: April 5, 2008

Finished: May 3, 2008

Stats:

Pattern: Hanami Stole by Melanie Gibbons

Yarn: 1.5 balls of Fiddlesticks Zephyr 50% merino 50% silk laceweight in the Pewter colorway

Changes made: None

Would I knit it again? No, but I am absolutely smitten with this one and I'm glad I knit it.

Etsy Finds of the Day...

2008-05-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

I am convinced that I have found the cutest bowl ever. It's meant to be a cat dish, but I bought it to use as a candy dish. The little cat on the side reminds me of Redd.

I just couldn't stop thinking about this bowl, so I had to buy it.

The seller is Bailey Bowls. She was super friendly and really nice. Go check out her shop.

My second find of the day was these little bowls---

They are small bowls for salsa and guacamole! The maker of these bowls is LaPella Pottery. These are going to be perfect for chips and salsa on the deck this summer.

I really let myself splurge on these with my birthday money. They are all things I really really like, but would not normally buy for myself. I am so thankful that I was able to order these pieces, and I know that I will have many years of enjoyment from them in the years to come. They are real birthday keepsakes.

Chart E Finished

2008-05-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

It ended up being a bit of a late night last night, but I persevered and managed to finish Chart E of the Hanami Stole. That means it's just charts F and G and I'm finished. The end is officially in sight.

You can see that by the end of Chart E the stole is starting to get pretty holey---

Here's a close up of the holes---

My plan for tonight is to go home, then go up to Starbucks and pick up a Venti Non-Fat Caramel Machiato, plug in some Lime & Violet, and sit my butt down on the couch and finish Chart F before I go to bed, then hopefully I can get Chart G done tomorrow morning and spend the rest of the day yarn shopping.

I've made myself a deal that I'm not allowed to buy any yarn until I've finished this stole, which is difficult, because I have birthday money burning a hole in my pocket.

By popular demand, here's my haircut ---

I've decided to grow it out for the summer, so it was just a trim -- nothing drastic or anything. I'm really happy with what he did with the color. I'm a blonde again! Er...I mean....what are you talking about? I was always a blonde! Yeah, that's it. Seriously though, my hair is normally dark blonde, so this looks pretty natural.

Sorry the pictures aren't great. I took them yesterday after work, and I didn't really do anything to set up the picture or make my hair look nice.

Hanami Continues...

2008-05-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hanami is officially too big to take decent in-progress pictures. Nevertheless, I wanted to show you my progress, so here it is---

Click picture to make bigger.

As with all lace, it doesn't look very good pre-blocking, but I think it's going to be great once it's blocked.

Here's a closer look at the blossom part of the shawl ----

Click picture to make bigger.

I have now finished Chart D. I didn't manage to get anything done on it last night, because I was out getting my hair done. My appointment was at 4:30 and I didn't get home until 8! It was totally worth it though. It had been 7 months since my last haircut.

I'm going to start working on Hanami as soon as I get home tonight (no plans after work=lots of knitting time). Hopefully I will be able to get Chart E done. Hopefully.

To be totally honest, I'm ready for this project to be done. I enjoy knitting it, and I am pleased with the results, but I am ready to move on and do something else, so I'm going to make a real push to get this done by the end of the weekend.

I hope to be back with pictures of Chart E tomorrow!

Have a great day!

Spinning Color!

2008-04-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

My shipment from Blue Moon Fiber Arts arrived yesterday, and I picked it up after work. It was such a dreary and rainy day yesterday and I couldn't help by start spinning this ---

It's from roving in a Sheep to Shoe kit in the Sherbet colorway. I assure you that this colorway will brighten even the darkest day.

The fiber is 100% superwash merino - which I hadn't spun before - but I really enjoy spinning it. It's very easy to spin.

I was most worried about splitting the roving evenly into 3 vertical strips, but all my worry was for nothing, and everything split easily and evenly on the first try.

I am 2/3rds of the way through the 1st strip of roving, and I'll probably get this portion finished tonight.

Toe Up...

2008-04-28T07:42:00.000-07:00

I am using my new Knitpicks metal dpns for the first time, and I am really enjoying them. The tips are nice and sharp, but not puncture your finger sharp, and the shiny metal looks pretty with the yarn. The surface of these needles is also slippery, but not too slippery.

I'm using my basic toe up sock recipe, but with the type of short row toe that Cat Bordhi demonstrates on youtube.com. There is not one visible wrap or one tiny hole in this toe. The only different thing I do is when I slip the stitch to wrap it, I slip purlwise, even though Cat says to do it knitwise. I've tried both ways, and for me slipping knitwise leaves a bit of a hole.

Cat's short rows have made me a total toe up / short row convert.

I'm using 2.25mm needles for this sock and the yarn is Lana Grossa Meilenweit 100 Cotton Maya in color number 7026. The blend of this yarn is 45% cotton, 45% wool, and 10% polyamide. It's a nice blend and it feels very soft and smooth.

Start As You Mean To Go On...

2008-04-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

Those who listen to Cast On will recognize these wise words as words often spoken by Brenda Dayne.

Today is my birthday and as I start my first day as a 25 year old, I have decided that this will be my theme for my coming year.

I kicked off this morning by starting as I mean to go on.

I woke up early and sat my butt down at the spinning wheel and by the end I had finished the first bobbin of singles for the sock yarn I'm going to making (it's been sitting mostly done for a month now). I'll spare you yet another picture of this stuff, since it looks the same as it did in the linked post.

Then I decided to spin a bobbin of thick and thin yarn out of some 100% BFL roving that I picked up from Yummy Yarn a few weeks ago.

100g of 100%BFL dyed by Yummy Yarn

After all that spinning I went for a nice early morning walk up to Starbucks and started my 25th year off with a Caramel Machiato.

Just as I was about to start getting ready to go over to my parents' house for my B-Day brunch, I got a phone call ---- It was my bestest friend in the whole world, Martin, calling from Amsterdam!

I also started a sock using my new Knitpicks dpns (I bought the whole sock set). So far I'm really liking them (more on these in a day or two).

While we were with my parents, I delivered my mom's slightly late b-day present (which she loves).

B-Day Gift for Mom: Dream In Color Smooshy in Nightwatch.

Stu and I went on a brief yarn crawl after brunch at Urban Yarns (total bust. no service. meh yarn). Three Bags Full (where we ran into my knitting group, and I developed a love of All Hemp Lux yarn). All I ended up buying was some Seacell and Merino roving from Birkeland Bros. Stu got to see the giant carder in the back (I hadn't realized that he had never been in there before. Bad knitting husband! hehe.

All-in-all it was a good birthday, but as usual I am glad it won't happen again for another year.

I have a fair bit of B-day money --- Does anyone have any knitting / fiber suggestions?

Finished: April Socks

2008-04-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

I managed to finish my socks for the April for the Sock-a-Month KAL. They were quite quick to knit, and start to finish they only took me less than a week.

The Yarn: Dream In Color Smooshy in Nightwatch. Purchased from Three Bags Full on Main Street.

The Pattern: Garter Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks. Everything else in this sock was improvised.

This yarn is particularly smooshy. I've used 2 other skeins and neither were as cushy as this skein. It was weird - it almost felt like it had some cotton in it.

I've got these socks blocking right now. It seems that so far the blocking has relaxed them and made them a bit less dense than they were. We'll see what they're like once dry.

Knitting At The Speed of Light...

2008-04-20T17:19:00.000-07:00

...Or darn close to it!

I finished sock one of the pair of socks I started yesterday. I only cast on late yesterday afternoon, so I think this makes this one of the fastest socks I've ever knit. It helps when I have amazing yarn to knit with.

Garter Rib motif from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch

I've already cast on for the second one, and I'm done a few of the cuff rows. I'm going to see how far I'll get with it tonight.

Sock #1 in Dream In Color Smooshy - Nightwatch

As I wrote yesterday, I was using this sock to try out a new way of working my wrapped stitches, and the new technique worked!

I double wrapped each side heel stitch and then used Cat Bordhi's technique. She is truly brilliant!

My other alteration, using 60% of the stitches for the heel to make it cup my heel better worked like a charm! It fits as perfectly as any heel flap sock would.

I think I am now an official short row convert.

Those Darn Short Rows!

2008-04-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a wee break from lace knitting for a little bit of sock knitting. I'm just knitting a quick pair out of this ----

It's Dream In Color Smooshy in the Nightwatch colorway. The true depth of color in this yarn really cannot be captured with a camera.

As I started to think about the construction of the sock I was about to make, my attention turned to the heel. I had a dilemma -- I like to knit a short row heel, but I like the fit of a sock made with a heel flap.

I had to remedy this. I had to figure out a way to perfect my short row heels.

What was it I didn't like about my short row heels?

The heel area never seemed to cup my heel.
I could always see those darn wraps!

My solution to the first problem is to use more stitches for the heel flap. I will use 60% of the total sock stitches instead of 50%.

For the second problem, I am going to use Cat Bordhi's method of concealing wraps. I'll still do double wraps to avoid holes. I'm just going to work with them a little differently. Her tutorial is quite hilarious!

Tools of the Trade...

2008-04-18T09:52:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share some of the lace knitting tools that I find indespensible. I thought all of these were pretty common knowledge, but after reading a few threads on Ravelry, I've realized that they may not be as well known as one would think.

I will tell you this --- Without these tools, I would not be knitting lace. It would be too frustrating and annoying. Seriously.

The first indispensable tool is a row counter. I have 4 of these red ones and one of the little green ones. If you care which row you're on, you need one of these.

The second indispensable tool would have to be stitch markers. I wouldn't even try to knit lace without these. Place them between each repeat, and you just have to worry about that repeat. You also become aware of problems more quickly. Don't make lace knitting harder than it has to be.

The third indispensable tool is my Chart Keeper. I swear I would lose my mind without this, and would definitely lose my place.

I found this one at Michaels. It was marketed towards cross stitchers and crocheters. For such a useful tool it was relatively cheap too. I got this one for $9.99.

Here it is in use---

You place the magnets so you can keep track of where you are in the chart. I put the two smaller magnets on each side of the repeat that is knit several times within one row.

Speaking of lace knitting, it's time for a Hanami Stole update ---

I have now finished Chart B. It's coming along nicely, and will be very luxurious to wear. I can tell already.

Slow Progress...

2008-04-17T16:30:00.000-07:00

Another day of flu-ey goodness has resulted in more knitting.

I finished Chart A ----

Chart A is a nice relaxing break from the uber concentration required by the basket weave section of the pattern.

I am still feeling really bad, so sorry about the short post, but I just can't handle anymore and must return to bed.

Tell Me --- What Does Shipped Mean to Knitpicks?

2008-04-16T19:18:00.000-07:00

Because I think we have VERY different definitions for the word "shipped".

According to the Knitpicks website and the email they sent me on April 7th, my order was shipped on April 7th.

According to the Knitpicks email I just receive a few minutes ago, my order just entered the Canadian postal system today. It's the freakin' 16th! They truck their orders to the border! WTF?!?

All 7 Basket Weave Repeats Done

So now it's scheduled to be delivered on April 22nd. That is officially 12 business days (certainly not the 5-10 business days that they said it would be).

If something is going to take 12 days, then tell me it's going to take 12 days. If something is going to actually ship on the 16th, then tell me it's going to be the 16th.

Maybe I'm just grouchy because I have the flu. I have been sick since Monday and have been getting steadily worse, so I went to the Dr. today. He told me that I'm not allowed to work for the rest of the week.

Finished Transitional Chart

My illness has been extremely unpleasant, but has allowed me the time to do lots of knitting on my Hanami Stole.

I have now finished all 7 basket weave repeats and the transitional chart.

10 Days In...

2008-04-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

I am officially 10 days into knitting the Hanami Stole, and while I wouldn't say that I am enjoying it more than anything else I've ever knit, there is something about this pattern that compels me to push on and knit one more row.

I found the first two basket weave pattern repeats frustrating. I almost gave up. The only thing that kept me going was telling myself that it would get better. It had to get better.

Guess what? It did get better.

Once I was a few rows into the 3rd repeat, I actually started to enjoy knitting the stole.

One of the things that this stole has taught me is not to give up on a lace pattern until several repeats have been knit.

I'm not really a lifeline kind of gal, nor am I a "rip it back" kind of gal. I'm more of a "oh look, I'm left with two extra stitches at the end of this repeat, I think I'll K2tog and that'll fix it" or "oh look, two stitches short, I'll go back two stitches and knit into the front and back of both, and that'll fix it".

With that, I'll tell you that the first two repeats are not a pretty as they should be, but my mom always told me that if a blind man on a fast horse wouldn't notice then it was good enough. Wait, maybe that wasn't my mom. That doesn't sound like my mom. She's more of an "anything worth doing is worth doing right (i.e. perfectly)". Maybe it was my dad that gave me this gem? Stu? Probably. I really can't remember. All I know is that it is advice to live by (for me anyway).

I have now knit 5.5 of the 7 repeats. I'm debating whether or not I should add another repeat or two to the basket weave, but I think I'll reserve final judgment for once all 7 repeats are finished.

Swallowtail Shawl?

2008-04-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

So, apparently in my lace obsessed frenzied state, I could not help casting on for yet another lace shawl. Somebody save me from myself!

I've been thinking about the Swallowtail Shawl from the Winter 2006 Interweave Knits for a few months now. On Saturday after a nice get together with an old co-worker of mine, I headed over to Three Bags Full to pick up some lace weight for the Swallowtail Shawl. Thankfully, this shawl is fairly small, and really doesn't take that much yarn, so I only needed one ball of Fiddlesticks Lace Weight. This yarn is 50% merino and 50% silk.

The colorway that spoke to me this time was Basil.

I also had to pick up another Addi lace needle, since my only other lace needle is currently hanging out with Hanami.

I cast on for this one on Sunday (yesterday) late in the afternoon. I have to admit, I was bad and skipped my knitting group so I could work on lace. Lace knitting + Knitting group = Disaster.

It's coming along very well and is quite an easy pattern.

I even managed a few rows this morning before work!

I'm going to be working on this at the same time as I work on the Hanami Stole. It is my goal to have both the Swallowtail Shawl and Hanami Stole done by my birthday as a give for myself. I have until April 27th, so there is going to be a lot of knitting going on at my house in the next two weeks.

Fun With Polymer Clay...

2008-04-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

I have decided to very briefly venture into another craft, just to give it a quick try.

I picked up some polymer clay (Primo to be exact) last weekend, and decided to give bead making a go.

I bought one package of blue, one of black, and one of silver. With these colors I made blue mixed with silver and black mixed with silver.

Here they are just before baking ---

I just popped them in the oven at 275F for 25 minutes and it seems to have done the trick!

Here they are after baking---

I think they turned out pretty well and I think I'll likely do some more experimenting with this craft, but I will definitely be sticking with the fiber crafts (they're a lot easier on the hands).

I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them yet, but I think that some of the black and silver ones might be destined for a bracelet.

I hope everyone is having a restful and crafty Sunday.

Found: Best Knitting Reference Book Ever!

2008-04-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

I finally got my copy of the Knitter's Handbook by Montse Stanley, and I love this book!

I actually took it out from the library twice and both times I contemplated "losing" it so I could keep it for myself (sshhh...don't tell my mother-in-law who is a librarian for said library).

The main problem I have with library books (other than the fact that they aren't mine and have to be returned which I usually forget) is that I tend to hold them at arms length (and not because of eyesight!).

Because I know the book is not mine, I tend to try not to get too attached and therefore I end up not seeing much of what the book has to offer.

When I ordered the Knitter's Handbook from Amazon, I knew it had lots to offer, but it wasn't until I had my very own copy in my hot little hands that I realized just how much information this book is packed full of.

Looking for a new way to cast on? This book has approximately 35 different ways to cast on.

Want to knit with beads? It shows you how to do that too.

Suspicious of selvedge? How 'bout 14 different kinds? That should suit your every need.

Buttonholes? Montse shows you just about every kind your heart will ever desire.

Seriously, this book has so much information in it. It is well written, easy to understand, and contains clear pictures.

I am so glad I picked this book up. I'm even more glad that I could get it from Amazon.com so I didn't have to steal it from the library (their copy was a little ratty anyway).

I know that a lot of people are in search of a comprehensive knitting reference book, and I wanted to share how useful I find this book, in the hopes that others will find it to be as much of a treasure as I do.

It's cheap too. I only paid $13.57 US.

So, what are the knitting books that you can't live without?

On Making Sock Yarn...

2008-04-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

I'm spinning up some more sock yarn. This time it's going to be 2-ply. I don't know what it is about it that makes me like it more than 3-ply.

Here is some more of the roving I picked up from Yummy Yarn a few weeks ago at our Sunday get together. It's 130 grams of BFL.

I figure that 130 grams is about enough for a pair of socks, but really I have no idea, since I have yet to knit sock out of any of my so called sock yarn.

So far I'm just about done the first bobbin of singles of this sock yarn, but I have high hopes that the rest should go fairly quickly.

I think it is turning out really well, and my singles are definitely getting more even and a lot thinner! Soon I'm going to have to do 3-ply yarn to make it heavy enough to do anything with! Hey - - Maybe that's the point of 3-ply!

I don't know what it is about the BFL, but sometimes it breaks when I'm spinning it and it is so hard and very frustrating to get it going again. I go back to where it seems to be pretty well spun and I keep tension on it as I pull it through the orifice, but for some reason it still falls apart a few times before I can get it going again. This hasn't happened with any of the other fibers I've spun, which makes me think it's something BFL specific. Not a huge deal or anything, it just drives me a bit crazy.

The Never-Ending Sock Project...

2008-04-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

I call these socks my travelling sock project, and by that I mean that when I go out they come with me.

I know some people think I work on them, but as you can see from my progress that is not a correct assumption.

Remember back a few months when I took part in the Apres Christmas Sock Swap? No? I didn't think so. Anyway, here are the socks I made for my pal (for those who don't remember).
They are the Diagonal Cross Rib socks from Favorite Socks.

I knit the pair for my pal out of Dream In Color Smooshy and I liked the pattern and yarn so much that I decided to make a pair for myself.

I foolishly made them much taller than I normally do, and then I got distracted by spinning and knitting a sweater, so as you can imagine, these socks have been slow going.

I have decided that I am ready for them to be off my needles, so I am going to make an effort to actually work on them when I take them with me. I will remember that they are not a companion, but a pair of socks that should be worked on.

Don't get me wrong -- I really like knitting them. The pattern is easy to memorize but is interesting enough not to be boring.

It is my goal to make these socks my April Sock-a-Month KAL socks, which means I will be finished them by the end of April.

I think I can do it!

L-A-C-Y It Ain't Got No Alibi, It's Lacy...It's Lacy...

2008-04-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

I was bitten by the lace bug this weekend, and its bite compelled the purchase of two Pink Lemon Twist patterns. The Hanami Stole and Swan Lake (aka Mystery Stole 3) are both in the queue now.

This was my first time ordering a pdf pattern of the interwebs, and I love how instant it is. I entered my credit card info then downloaded the pattern. No waiting or anything. The first thing I did after downloading was to email both patterns to my gmail address so I would have a back up just in case. As you likely know, I haven't knit a lot of lace. I find it requires too much attention and generally causes a whole lot of frustration.

The last lace I knit was the huge Shetland Triangle (Wrap Style) I knit for myself last year (out of fingering weight Koigu). Actually, it was last April.

That's it -- I proclaim that April is for lace! Apparently there is something about this time of year that makes me want to knit lace.

Back to the lace at hand ---

I cast on for the Hanami Stole on Saturday morning, but couldn't work on it all day because we were at the Canadian Health Food Association trade show at Canada Place. The company Stu works for had a booth there. We had a great time, but unfortunately there was no knitting or lace. Generally the only trade shows I will entertain have to at least contain fiber in some form (not the kind you eat!).
I did a few rows on Saturday night, and learned the valuable lesson that you should not work on lace when you are tired. It is not a myth people!

I also realized that I needed some sort of chart keeper to make the repeats clearer. I actually managed to find one for $10 at Michaels. I couldn't imagine using a chart without it now. It makes such a huge difference.

A chunk of Sunday was also spent with Hanami, and I am now 3 rows into the second basket weave repeat. It is looking great, and I am even enjoying the lace knitting process.

My goal is to have this stole finished before all of the cherry blossoms are gone.

Delayed...

2008-04-08T08:15:00.001-07:00

Redd Lounging in the Sun, originally uploaded by Eord.

I know I promised to reveal the project I've been working on today, but things have been delayed slightly.

The truth is that I didn't get a chance to take pictures last night, and I don't want to reveal a project without pictures.

I'll bet you're wondering what has delayed me, aren't you?

Yesterday I made an attempt to retrieve my last two packages from the Point Roberts post office, but I got stuck in nasty traffic on my way there, and didn't make it in time.

I'm hoping my parents will pick my stuff up for me sometime this week, but if not, I will be picking it up on Saturday.

When I got home I got sidetracked with a Blue Moon order (which took care of the last of my tax return).

Seriously, I will take pictures tonight. In fact, tonight will be devoted to taking pictures and knitting.

PS. Stu got a promotion!

Pink...

2008-04-07T07:45:00.000-07:00

My house has definitely been filled with lots of color since I started spinning.

I wanted to share some pictures of my first attempt at 3-ply sock yarn after setting the twist and everything.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I haven't been brave enough to cast on for a pair of socks out of this yet. I will do it when the time is right.

I did start spinning some more Yummy Yarn roving for some 2-ply sock yarn. I'm going to ply it tightly for some added strength. I'm about half way through spinning the singles so far, and will share some pictures of it with you as soon as I can.

Once I finish spinning the sock fiber I've already started, I think I'm going to take a little break from spinning for a couple of weeks (we'll see if that works. It's like saying your going to take a break from air!).

You see, I have good reason to take a break. My birthday is coming up at the end of April (the big 2-5! Ha!), and I already know what Stu is getting me. He's already ordered it.

I'll give you a hint --- It takes several weeks to make, starts with "W", and attaches to my spinning wheel. Most spinners will know what it is, but if you don't, I will tell you when I get it.

Tomorrow I'll show you what I am doing in lieu of spinning. I really want to take a few pictures of the project before I start talking about it, but I will tell you that it's good.

In fact, I'm debating whether I should head home right after work to work on it or if I should go to Point Roberts to pick up my new Elizabeth Zimmermann Knitting Workshop DVD (I finally got arrival confirmation on Saturday evening after the post office closed, and they are closed on Sundays too, so this is my first chance to pick it up).

Have a good Monday --- I hope it's not as rainy where you are as it is in Vancouver. I just keep muttering something about April showers and May flowers.

Orange...

2008-04-04T07:41:00.001-07:00

My most recent spinning attempt appears to have been quite fruitful. It has been a busy week both at work and at home, and yesterday was the first evening I was at home. I took the opportunity to do some spinning, which I had not indulged in since Sunday.

I was instantly drawn to this roving ---

Orange, brown, and blue are not normally my colors, but I had a really good feeling about it this time. The roving is more from Yummy Yarns (her shop can be found on etsy). The fiber is 100 grams of 100% Corridale.

This was my first time spinning with Corridale and I really enjoyed it. It was easy to spin and I am pleased with the results.

Speaking of results, I had intended to make a two ply super bulky yarn, but what I ended up with is more like a dk weight. Oddly enough, I think this means my spinning is improving.

My singles are becoming noticeably thinner and more even. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I actually started out fairly even, so with my improvement I'm producing some very workable yarn. Well balanced too.

Now I just have to figure out what I'm going to make with it. When I had planned to make it bulky, I was going to knit a hat. Now I have no idea!

I have also discovered one more thing --- I prefer the process, look, and feel of 2 ply more than 3 ply.

Mail Call! And Spinning...

2008-04-02T18:18:00.001-07:00

I put in a fairly big Amazon.com order on Saturday night, and I've been checking the tracking information every 10 minutes since Monday. The split my order into 3 shipments, but the majority of what I ordered (5 books) came together, and I got my notification that they had arrived this morning.

I had them sent to a post office in Point Roberts, Washington so I could get faster shipping times and cheaper rates. The only problem, so I thought, was that they post office closes at 5pm, and I only finish work at 4pm. It's a 30 minute drive without factoring rush hour traffic or border waits.

I made great time and only waited about 2 minutes at the border.

So far, the new additions to my library are:

Things I Learned From Knitting (Whether I Wanted To or Not by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka the Yarn Harlot.
Harmony Guide: Basic Crochet Stitches
Start Spinning by Maggie Casey
In Sheep's Clothing: A Handspinner's Guide to Wool by Nola Fournier and Jane Fournier
The Alden Amos Big Book of Handspinning

The Alden Amos book is published by Interweave Press (so you know it'll be quality). It's almost 500 pages and looks remarkably like a textbook. I'm most excited about this one.

I can't wait to crack these babies open!

I also made a small (read: LARGE) purchase at my knitting group last Sunday. Yummy Yarns was there with a huge bag of handpainted roving, and I think I bought almost half of it.

This is 130 grams of BFL ---

Which turned into this---

It's 3 ply dk-ish weight sock yarn. I'm not sure exactly what the yardage is like yet, but I'm pretty sure 130 grams should get me a pair of socks.

I'm extremely interested in acquiring more quality spinning books, so if you have any recommendations, don't be shy.

I'll be in the tub with a book if you need me...

The Final Sweater Reveal!

2008-03-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

The button holes have been attached, and the buttons sewn on.

I thought I might be pushing my luck with the afterthought button holes, but they went well.

I would like to sincerely thank everyone for your kind comments about my spinning and subsequent crazy sweater making.

Quite honestly, I am in love with this sweater!

I know I will get lots of use out of it. In fact, I am wearing it right now.

The Evolution of a Sweater...

2008-03-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

Learning to spin has been perhaps the most invigorating thing I could have done to my knitting.

The roving: Colonial Wool Top in Norther Lights

Apparently, a women's sweater does not take 1500 grams of roving to make. It takes more like 900 grams.

It's a good thing that I am absolutely smitten with this handspun, because it looks like I'm going to have lots of it left over. Honestly, I love this stuff so much that I wouldn't mind an entire wardrobe made up of this.

So here's how it went ---

The is what I wanted it to look like

Sunday March 16, 2008:2:30pm - I picked up 250 grams of Colonial Wool Top in Northern Lights from Birkeland Bros.

9:30pm - Began to spin first bobbin.

10:15pm - Completed first bobbin and realized that this wool had a much different effect than others.

Monday March 17, 2008 -

4:15pm - Began second bobbin and didn't stop until I finished.

6:30pm - Plyed the singles together.

7:30 - Realized that I was in love with this yarn and had to have a sweater out of it.

Thursday March 20, 2008 -

4:30pm - Bought all of the Colonial Wool Top in Northern Lights from Birkeland Bros., adding another 1250 grams to my original purchase of 250 grams.

5:10pm - Spun til midnight.

Pre-steeking

Friday March 21, 2008 -

6:00am - Awoke early (even though it was a holiday) because I was compelled to spin and ply. Spent the whole day spinning (until we had to go for dinner. Ugh, eating takes up valuable spinning time).

Saturday March 22, 2008 -

6:00am - Spun one more bobbin full, then plied it with another single.

8:30am - Decided to cast on for a sweater out of the handspun even though I still had two more bobbins ready to ply and another 250 grams to spin. Knit in the round from the bottom up, based on EZ's percentage system.

11:00pm - Finished the body in the round up to the armpits.

Sunday March 23, 2008 -

8:00am - Started the first sleeve in the round.

Post-steeking - SUCCESS!

3:00pm - Finished the first sleeve to the armpit and started the second sleeve.

Monday March 24, 2008 -

5:30pm - Completed second sleeve and joined sleeve to body for yoke.

Tuesday March 25, 2008 -

5:15pm - Started yoke.

9:00pm - Yoke was finished, so I prepped for steeking.

Do you know how nerve wracking it is to experience your first ever steeking attempt on a hand spun sweater? I thought I felt chest pains!

It was okay though. All went well.

10:00pm - Started collar.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 -

Knitting sweaters in the round is da bomb!

4:45pm - Finished collar. Picked up stitches on one side for border.

Here it is in all its glory!

9:15pm - Done! (minus the buttons and button holes, but I'm going to do afterthought button holes once I find some buttons).

More pictures will follow once it is blocked and has buttons.

Heavenly Colonial...

2008-03-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

I uploaded these pictures to this blog post three days ago. For three days I have intended to write this post!

I wanted to show you what I am working on (here it is in single form)---

This was spun from some Colonial Wool Top in the Northern Lights colorway that I found at Birkeland Bros. last Sunday.

Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting into. It is extremely soft, slightly shiny, and very easy to spin. And the colors? Oh, the colors! They are beautiful!

As soon as I started to spin up my first single out of this I was hooked. I knew that this was the yarn for my fantasy sweater (the "perfect" sweater I have been dreaming of since I started knitting). Since I had only picked up a 250 gram bag of the delightful stuff, I returned to Birkeland Bros. later in the week to raid the rest of their stash of this color.

Addicted...

2008-03-18T21:06:00.000-07:00

I think it is officially safe to say that I am totally addicted to spinning. I think about it at work, I dream about it at night, and in the hours between work and sleep I can be found in front of my new best friend - the Ashford Joy.

Spun single 100% BFL

I've learned that I prefer to spin dyed roving. I picked up some Yummy Yarn roving at Three Bags Full on Sunday, and I am loving them. They are all BFL - my new favorite fiber.

After Navajo Plying (click to enlarge)

I admit that when I said I wouldn't let spinning interfere with my knitting, I may have been less than accurate. Spinning has taken over my life. I am now one of "them". I have joined the ranks of the annoying knitters who have purchased a wheel and now spend most of their time talking about spinning. I'm sorry to all the non-spinners. I know how annoying this is.

After Navajo Plying - Another View

I feel very similar towards spinning as I do sock knitting - I started out wondering why on Earth anyone would take it up, but once I tried it, I was hopelessly addicted.

Last night I dreamed of Navajo Plying....

Yes. I Bought A Wheel. What of it?

2008-03-10T07:19:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd let you in on my whirlwind love affair with spinning on a wheel. As you can tell from the title of this post, I did in fact buy a spinning wheel.

Here it is in it's box. The Cat is wondering what I've brought home.

So here's the story --- A few years ago I decided I wanted to try spinning, so I bought myself a drop spindle. I was pretty good at it, but I really did not enjoy the drop spindle aspect of it, since it required my arms to be over my head for long periods of time. I did however enjoy the drafting, etc.

I figured that I might like spinning on a wheel better, but since wheels were so expensive, I figured I'd never be able to get one, so I cooled a bit on spinning and put it aside.

Fast forward to Saturday. We were at Fibrefest and wondered into the Birkeland Bros. booth to just look at their spinning wheels. Well, I ended up trying one. I liked it. Ohhh...I really liked it.

I tried the Ashford Traveller for about 15 minutes, and enjoyed it so much that I thought it was the wheel for me. The only catch was that it was $510+tax. I consulted with my financial manager (Stu), and he told me that I could afford this wheel if I wanted it, but this price point I figured I'd better think about it.

Between Saturday afternoon and Sunday night, I new I had to have a wheel. As soon as Birkeland Bros. opened on Sunday I headed into their shop, and told them that I had so much fun yesterday, that I wanted to buy a wheel.

They remembered me from Saturday, and Cara (the owner) said that from what she saw I was a lace spinner, and I should try this other wheel which had better ratios. She introduced me to the Ashford Joy.

I was skeptical about whether I would like the Joy as much as the Traveller, but truly it was much better.

It treadled more smoothly, and it was easier to spin on, and is ever meant to be portable, so it comes with its own bag. The catch this time? It was$795! Ouch!

I bought it anyway, then tried to figure out how to tell Stu. It turns out he was okay with the slightly larger expenditure.

Here is my new wheel in all it's glory!

After my exciting purchase I headed to the knitting meetup that it held only a few blocks away from Birkeland Bros.

It was a lot of fun, but honestly I was distracted by my new purchase that was sitting in the trunk. I will definitely be heading out to the next knitting get together.

Now, Abigail cautioned me that spinning could cut into my knitting time, but I have come up with a solution. I will take my spinning time from my sleeping time. I get far too much of that anyway ;)

PS. I haven't even tried the new wheel since I got it home. I've just been staring at it. Oh man, I think I might need an intervention.

Fibrefest 2008!

2008-03-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at Fibrefest 2008 in Abbotsford yesterday. Our time was made even better since we had Caliope (Rav link) with us. I was happy to have another knitter to chat and shop with, and Stu was happy that he didn't have to participate quite so much. Caliope also introduced me to Veggiegirl (Rav link) and her adorable little 5 month old son (he's the cute little one watching me spin!). It's so cool meeting other knitters!

This year Fibrefest was at the Ag-Rec Centre instead of the huge Tradex like last year, and it was quite different from last year. It's true that I didn't buy anything but a lemonade last year (technically I think Stu bought it), and this year I did buy a bunch of sock yarn, but still I think it was better last year.

There were a lot more animals last year, including a llama show, and an alpaca shearing, and angora rabbits. This year, there were only a few alpacas (they were definitely beautiful, just not plentiful!), two llamas, a sheep and a lamb, and two cashgora goats.

There were also way more shoppers last year.

On the bright side, we did get to see some awesome vendors, including Yummy Yarns and Rabbitworks Studio. This was the first big show for both of these local indie dyers and they both had really fabulous yarns.

Local-ish yarn stores including Fun Knits of Quadra Island and Knitopia of Langley - I think, were also there. These were the stores I scored my sock yarn from, oh and I also scored some teal lace weight merino from Knitopia.

I had intended to take a ton of pictures, but really, I only got the one of the Fibrefest sign a few blocks away from the building. I know, it's pathetic. I had given Stu my camera bag so I could shop with both hands, and I never got it back from him to take pictures. Caliope and Stu each got pictures as well, but it was only of me spinning (the most exciting part of yesterday).

We ventured into the Birkeland Bros. booth to take a look at the spinning wheels, which I have always been curious about, but they've always intimidated me. The knowledgeable staff showed me how the wheel worked, and I started spinning! On a wheel! An Ashford Traveller to be precise. It took me about 2 minutes before I got the hang of it.

It was funny, because as I was spinning there were people coming up and saying to the other people they were with, "We'll I'd like to spin, but I'd never be as good as that", referring to me. Other people thought I worked there! I think I have found my calling!

I am seriously contemplating buying a wheel. Maybe today. It could happen. Seriously.

Jazzed!

2008-03-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but Stu and I are going to the Abbotsford Fibrefest today, and I am totally excited. We went last year, but I just wasn't feeling it. This year, I am JAZZED!

I can't wait to see the fibre animals, and some of the awesome yarns that will make their way there. I'm still thinking about some handspun angora from last year. I'm also hoping to meet some people that I only know online.

I will definitely be meeting one person from Ravelry, because we are giving her a ride out. I'm also really excited to meet her.

I've been making the most of my time while I'm not able to exercise. I've been spending as much time as I can knitting socks.

I was hoping to get 3 knit this week, but I only managed to knit 2. Hey - A pair of socks in one week is pretty good.

Sock Specs:

Pattern: None. Top down with short row heels.

Needles: Unique 6" 2.5mm dpns.

Yarn: Regia Kaffe Fassett Design Line in color #4260.

After knitting several pairs of socks with short row heels, I have realized that a heel flap actually fits my foot significantly better. Unfortunately, I prefer to knit short row heels and toes. Still, I must return to the heel flap.

Already Finished a Pair of Socks for March!

2008-03-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

First of all - I can't believe it's already March! This year is flying by.

I also can't believe that I've already finished a pair of socks for March! To be honest, it's been a struggle to finish a pair per month for the last few months, but right now I really feel like I am in a great knitting groove.

I'm glad I'm feeling the knitting, because I really can't do anything else right now with the stress fracture in my leg. I did try to do a bit of walking today, but after only 1 block of slow walking I was feeling pain. I guess I'm not ready yet.

This pair of socks marks the first time I've knit a pair 2 at a time using magic loop. I was inspired by the new book 2-At-A-Time Socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes. I didn't use her method, but I was inspired to try the technique (I did the toes separately, but then put them on the same needle once the toes were done).

It turns out that I don't really like knitting socks 2 at a time. I do like not risking Second Sock Syndrome, but I just didn't enjoy the experience as much. I think it's because there's just too much going on. I also found it more difficult to prevent ladders for some reason.

Sock Specs:

Yarn: Yarntini Sport Weight (260 yards) in the Twistini colorway. (Purchased at Twisted in Portland, Oregon).

Needles: Addi Turbo 32" 3.25mm circular.

Pattern: I made it up as I went along. 2 @ a time toe up on one circular using magic loop.

A Finished Pair for February...

2008-02-28T17:19:00.000-08:00

I finished the Austermann Step socks last weekend, but then promptly forgot about them. It was only this morning that I realized that I had not documented their finishing here, and I had to wait until I got home to get a picture.

Let me tell you, a ball of Austermann Step goes a long way! I had about half the ball left when I finished these.

I love this yarn. It is so soft. Slightly splitty, but totally worth it.

Yarn: Austermann Step in color #21 purchased from Twisted in Portland on our trip at the beginning of this year.

Pattern: No pattern (I made it up as I went). Toe up with short row toes and heels.

Needles: Inox 6" 2.5mm dpns.

I spent the day at a WCB (Worker's Compensation Board) seminar, which covered WCB, Employment Standards, and Canada Revenue Agency info. I feel like my brain has been shoved full of information.

If your looking for me, I'm the one with the glazed over look in my eyes.

Portland Nostalgia-ish...

2008-02-24T16:22:00.000-08:00

I've been hankering for another trip down to Portland, Oregon for a few weeks now, but since it's not really feasible to go right now, I opted to knit with some yarn from there.

I picked up this yarn at Twisted. The yarn is Yarntini DK weight and the colorway is Twistini, which is dyed specifically for Twisted.

This was also a really good opportunity to try two socks on one circular. I'm only using a 3.25mm 32" Addi and it's a bit tight. Another time I think I might opt for a 40", but the needle size is about right.

(Redd says "Hi" from his sunny spot on the coffee table)

How I Split the Yarn Into Two Balls---

I wanted to split the yarn in half so I could knit two at a time, but I didn't have a scale or anything, so I had to improvise. I would all the yarn with my ball winder and swift, then I began winding a ball from the center pull. Once I thought I was nearing the half way point, I started another ball from the outside end, and wound that until it was about the same size as the first ball. Then I went back and forth until I had two same sized balls.

This method worked really well for me, and I will definitely do it this way again.

It's a Sock!

2008-02-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

Did I mention that I have been running? Did I also mention that I managed to really screw up my ankle last Saturday? Not the one that just happened, but the one that happened over a week ago. I am still limping, and keeping it elevated whenever I am not at work. This led to a weekend in bed, and a new sock!

It's toe up using a short row toe and short row heel. Both are double wrapped, so there are no holes. I can't remember where I got the no holes recipe from. I just did this from memory.

The rest of the sock is plain stockinette with extra long ribbing at the top.

I used this sock as a good excuse to learn a new cast off technique. I used Elizabeth Zimmermann's stretchy bind off. It was really easy, and I am extremely pleased with the result.

I am hard at work on the mate for this sock.

Oh, before I forget ---- The yarn is Austermann Step in color #21.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2008-02-14T16:47:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is having a great Valentine's Day. I know I've already eaten too many chocolates and cinnamon hearts - but it's been full of yumminess.

I woke up to a great surprise from Stu (I'll let the pictures tell the story) -

I very subtly hinted at these earrings last week when we walked by Ragnar Jewellers in Oakridge. They are 14K white gold, but they aren't too heavy. I think they are just perfect!

In other goings on-

I know I've been gone for a while. I really haven't been feeling myself lately, and I haven't been knitting or doing anything I wanted to talk about. It's been all I can do just to get my butt to work in the morning.

For many years I've struggled with um, let's say low-mood issues. I shall not use the "D" word here even though you all know what I'm talking about. I've been great for several years (since '02), but as I said to my doctor yesterday - "I seem to have fallen off the good mental health wagon". So, if I have not seemed like myself for the last 6 months, you now know why.

Anyhoo -- I'm dealing with it, and things should start improving in the next little while. I'm looking forward to my knitting obsession to reappear.

It's really hard for me to even mention any of this to anyone, so there will likely not be any more about it here.

Did I do a good job distracting you with earring pictures while I talked about other things?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Getting Better...

2008-02-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

I managed to knit about 1.5" of a sock on Friday. I know - very impressive! I decided to knit another pair of Diagonal Cross Rib socks (the same as the teal colored ones that I made for my Apres Christmas Sock Swap pal).

I'm using Dream In Color Smooshy. Such scrumptious yarn!

I managed to get out for a workout yesterday. I was feeling pretty bad yesterday morning, and I got out for a 4k walk/jog before I had to stop --- I just didn't have the lung capacity.

Over the course of the rest of the day I ate way to many chocolate covered coffee beans, which seemed to give me enough energy to try to go for another walk/jog last night. I did a bit less running than I usually do, but I managed to finish my usual 9k route.

I'm feeling pretty sore today, since yesterday I had thought I wouldn't be doing any more cardio so I hit the weights pretty hard in the afternoon. Oh, and the lunges and squats! Needless to say, I'm pretty sore today, but I have high hopes for a good jog this morning.

It's true - if you start slowly, you can get yourself in better shape to jog. I never thought it would be possible.

Day 2: I Want to Go Out and Play!!

2008-02-01T07:35:00.000-08:00

2 days of blogging in a row? That can only mean one thing --- I'm still pretty sick. I really thought my day of rest yesterday would lead to a miraculous recovery and I'd be feeling a lot better today.

Unfortunately, it looks like this cold doesn't want to leave no matter how much rest and vitamin C I throw at it!

I'm trying one more day of rest because I'm afraid it's going to get worse and end up as bronchitis, and I'd really prefer it if that didn't happen.

I did spend a large chunk of yesterday sleeping (I was awoken by a phone call from some older lady with a thick accent asking me if I was concerned with the events of the world today, and did I ever ask myself why all this was happening. No kidding. Then she started going on about God, even after I told her I couldn't talk. I had to hang up.).

Does anyone remember the old days when the good looking Jehovah Witnesses would come to the door dressed up nicely in suits? Anyone? Maybe they should be asking if the state of the world and their being reduced to telemarketing concerns them! It's just not an effective marketing strategy.

Anyway, the long and the short of it is that I am sick, I don't want to be sick, I am not enjoying my rest, and I will be very happy to return to work and running as soon as possible.

PS. It's possible I will knit today, and will therefore have some good eye candy for you tomorrow.

Apparently It Takes Sickness For Me To Slow Down and Blog!

2008-01-31T07:52:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been great! I started my new job with the old company I used to work for, and everything has be going really well there. I've also started a walk/jog program. I'm at the point now where I'm walking about the same distance I'm jogging. I'm really enjoying it, and it's going really well.

In fact, everything was going swimmingly until Monday when I started to come down with something. Tuesday and Wednesday were miserable, but I had to work because this week is a payroll week (I'm doing payroll now), and I had to get everything processed and uploaded to the bank by Wednesday afternoon.

I stayed late yesterday and managed to get everything done, but I'm afraid that a whole bunch of stress and a long couple of days have not been conducive to getting rid of a cold.

I woke up today feeling even worse than yesterday! So, needless to say, I'm home today. Ugh! All I want to do is go to work and then come home and go for a jog! I can't do either!

I'm really hoping that a day of rest today will make me feel much better for tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to jogging again.

It's funny, it seems that every time I start exercising I stop blogging. I'm going to try to reverse this trend.

I hope everyone is having a better Thursday than I am!

Finished Hemlock Ring Blanket...

2008-01-11T07:49:00.000-08:00

It's finished, and ya'll didn't even know I started it!

I picked up the yarn for this project on Sunday, since my LYS was having a belated Boxing Day sale.

I cast on on Monday night, and have spent quite a bit of time on it since then. I cast off the last edging stitch last night just before I went to bed.

First thing this morning the throw had a nice lukewarm bath in Aquae scented SOAK, and is currently pinned out on those foam puzzle pieces.

Here it is before its bath ----

Specs:

Started: January 7, 2008. Finished: January 10, 2008.

Pattern: Hemlock Ring Blanket modified by Brooklyntweed.

Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool. Color number 8085.

Needles: 32" 7mm Addi Turbo Circular.

Modifications: I knit to row 50 of the chart, instead of row 55. I figured that 5 rows wouldn't make much of a difference, and I was right. I also did a bit of a different bind off. of starting the bind off repeat with a k2tog, I used a skpo. So my last row looked like K1, *SKPO, O, k2tog, etc. This made sure there were no lumps and bumps that didn't look pretty.

Notes: I used the Magic Loop until the piece was long enough to not Magic Loop anymore. There is a mistake in Row 35 (I found the fix on the Yahoo Group for the Hemlock Ring KAL).

I'm glad I made this, because it's really cute and really didn't take me all that long, but I don't see myself knitting it again. It was a pain in the butt to have the rounds be so long, and it was getting a bit tedious with the long repeats.

Souvenirs...

2008-01-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

Our trip gave me the opportunity to pick up a few souvenirs. Granted, most of these souvenirs came from Twisted, but still, I figured I'd share them.

First, our trip to Imagiknit in San Francisco brought 2 skeins of Manos. My first Manos I've ever bought. I'm excited to try it. I'm thinking some mittens and a hat. I'm resisting the My So Called Scarf, since I've already knit it 3 times, and I'm pretty sick of it.

On to the things from Twisted....

First is a skein of Zen String. This colorway reminds me of a tropical aquarium.

The next is Zen String in Neptune. No picture does this yarn justice.

Next is grass colored Zen String. This one is sport weight, and I can't wait to try it out.

Surprisingly, I'd never used Austerman Step before, so when I saw it I thought I should give it a try. It wasn't until I picked up the first ball that I realized how soft this yarn is! I had to get two! It's even softer than the other yarns.

Of course you've already seen the Twisted souvenirs from round 1, so you know I'm not hurtin' for yarn right now. Apparently I quite like Zen String. Who knew!

Chrissy's On The Go Sock Pattern...

2008-01-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

I got the pretty pink socks finished last night just before I went to sleep (about 2 minutes to be exact).

It occurred to me that the pattern I use quite frequently is completely in my head, and I've never written it up. The great thing about having the pattern in your head is that you don't have to take it with you everywhere.

I used 2.5mm needles and Lana Grossa Meilenweit Cotton Fantasy, which is 45% Cotton, 45% Wool, and 10% Polyamide. The colorway is #813. These socks feel really silky.

I think that others might benefit from this simple pattern, so I wrote it up this morning.

It is easy to memorize, and simple enough that you can work on it while distracted (making it great for car knitting, bus knitting, and SnB knitting).

If you are looking for a simple yet satisfying sock pattern that nicely lends itself to dpns, magic loop, or 2 socks on 2 circular needles, then you may wish to give this one a try.

Chrissy' s On The Go Socks (PDF).

The pattern is also in my sidebar.

On Knitting In The Car...

2008-01-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

As you all know, I have spent quite a bit of time as a passenger in the car over the last 5 days.

My car knitting is a little strange, which keeps me from being a particularly efficient car knitter. I don't get car sick or anything (I can and do even knit without looking), but I spend a lot more time thinking about knitting than actually doing it.

It's weird, I spent almost the entire time in the car thinking about pulling it out of my bag, and if I manage to get that far, I just end up sitting there with the knitting on my lap.

Knowing this, you won't be surprised that I didn't get a ton of knitting done on our 4 state road trip.

During the flat expanse from northern Nevada to southern Oregon I did manage to get the the heel turned on some plain vanilla socks I started the day before we left. Before the day was through I even finished the entire foot and toe decreases.

The toe grafting had to wait though, because while I did remember to bring a Chibi with me, I didn't think I'd make so much progress, so the Chibi was locked in the trunk.

The following morning I grafted the first toe and cast on for the cuff of the second sock. I worked on the cuff of the second from Portland to home, which meant that I could start and finish the heel flap and turn yesterday. I'm already most of the way down the foot of the second one. At this rate, I should be done by Monday.

The thing that surprises me most is that I managed to actually knit in the car, instead of just thinking about it.

Where Did We Leave Off? The Last Leg...

2008-01-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

The last part of our travelogue ended with us arriving in Reno, Nevada on Wednesday evening.

We got up on Thursday morning to a beautiful sunny day and headed out to Jimmy Beans Wool after grabbing a quick coffee at Starbucks. I didn't find anything at Jimmy Beans, but it was neat to go into a store that has become very well known in the online world.

Our trip through northern Nevada, towards Bend, Oregon was amazing. Stu and I have never seen scenery like that. It was breathtaking. For the last bit of Nevada and the first part of Oregon we seemed to be the only people on the remote one-way highway. I don't think many people go to Oregon using highway 95 and then turning onto highway 78. It's definitely the scenic route!

After many many hours of straight road all of a sudden you get spit out into a curvy sharp downhill road with no guardrails or anything. It was so beautiful that we decided to stop part way down (there was a small area to pull over at the side of the road). Neither of us have ever experienced silence like this. There was literally no sound!

We even managed to enter a different time zone for an hour or so! We experienced Mountain Time briefly in eastern Oregon.

We arrived in Bend, Oregon for dinner at about 6:00. Originally, we were going to spend the night in Bend and then push onto Portland and then Vancouver the next day, but we were still up for driving, so we carried on with our travels after dinner in hopes we would reach Salem that night.

What we didn't realize was that we were embarking on a very bumpy and curvy one-lane highway that would take us through 100 miles of mountain pass. It was dark and had poor visibility, but when it started snowing heavily part way through the pass, it was downright scary! There we were alone in the dark, winding, and very snowy mountain pass in a car with all-season tires.

We pushed on and made it through to an awesome Best Western in Salem, which gave us free cookies and bottles of water when we arrived and a complementary breakfast at Denny's the next morning.

Friday morning in Salem was the first rain we had seen on the whole trip. Other than the brief mountain pass snow on Thursday night, we had blue sky the whole time.

Stu and I realized that we had driven at least one mountain pass every night after dark for our entire trip. In future trips, we are not going to be doing that!

After breakfast at Denny's we headed for a mall just outside of Portland. I scored an awesome pair of tax-free Silver jeans, before we got back on the road for Portland.

Originally, we were not going to double back over Portland (we were going to stay further east), but I was so taken with Twisted and we enjoyed Portland so much on the way through that I really wanted to go through it again.

I did stop in at Twisted and it really is the best yarn store ever. I have never seen such an awesome selection of sock yarn, and they could not be nicer in there. I have declared it my LYS away from home. If you knit socks and there is any way for you to get to Twisted, you should go. You will not be disappointed. Hey, I drove through a snowy mountain pass at night so I could go.

We arrived in Seattle at 4:15pm for an early dinner at possibly the best vegetarian restaurant in the world (I ate here a ton when I was growing up). It is so good that it makes you ask, "Meat who?". Even Stu likes the food there! It's called the Sunlight Cafe and is on Roosevelt.

At this point we were close enough to home that we were quite anxious to get there, but we had one last mission. We had to stock up on Lily Sugar n' Cream

dishcloth cotton. For some reason the dishcloth cotton that is stocked in Canada seems to be almost exclusively Bernat (which I don't like). We finally found a good selection at Jo Ann in Bellingham, so I am fully stocked again.

We only waited in the border line up for about 3 minutes on the way back, and the border guard was weird -- he didn't even take our ID and stuff out of Stu's hand. He just asked if we were both born in Canada, value of goods coming back, and how long we'd been gone. Not even where we had gone! We've never been ushered through the border so quickly and with so few questions.

We arrived home before 9:00pm to two very happy cats. I can tell that they missed us, and we missed them too. We've never been away from them for that long before. It sounds like they had fun visiting with Grandma and Grandad though.

All in all, we are glad to have gone, and are glad to be back. Don't tell Stu (this is what he gets for saying that he doesn't want to read my blog!), but I'm going to head over to my LYS today to partake in their belated boxing day sale. Ssshhhhh.....

Home Again, Home Again...

2008-01-04T21:31:00.001-08:00

We're back! And exhausted!

*Here we are in northern Nevada.

Full details tomorrow. I promise.

From California to Nevada!

2008-01-02T22:02:00.000-08:00

We woke up in Redding, California this morning to this not particularly scenic, but inoffensive view from our motel room. The room was surprisingly not too bad.

We did a short drive around Redding - and spotted the coolest thing ever ---

Those are oranges growing on a tree in the middle of a parking lot!

We actually really enjoyed Redding. It seemed to be a clean and friendly town.

A little way past Redding is a town called Corning, California. They are famous for their olives. In fact, there are olives growing by the I-5 for miles!

When you pull into Corning, the first building you see is this one---

It's basically a store that is devoted to olives in every flavor possible. They also have an olive tasting bar that is quite yummy. We got a jar of pitted Kalamata olives in olive oil, and a jar of Napa wine green olives (made with wine vinegar), and an awesome olive/Corning themed fridge magnet. I can't wait to crack these open when we get home.

After Corning we made a b-line for San Francisco, and we made it for the early afternoon. I hate to say it, but neither of us were particularly impressed with this part of California. We were both really excited to travel to San Fran so we were both quite disappointed to see that it was so crowded and dirty.

I did get a pretty picture though ---

Before we left, we stopped in at ImagiKnit. It was a really huge store with a great selection, but the staff was weird. Really weird. When I first got in the store one employee asked if I needed any help while simultaneously looking me up an down (seriously, from head to toe - which is really weird at 1.5ft away!). Then when I had picked up a few things and was waiting in line she came up to me again and asked if I "needed any help while waiting in line". Seriously weird.

Once we escaped San Francisco we went through the mountains and finally landed in Reno, Nevada a little after 9:00 tonight. Here's the night view from our motel room ---

It's like a mini Vegas with tons of lights and casinos.

Did you know that Jimmy Beans Wool is located in Reno? Can you guess where I am going tomorrow?

Beginning the New Year in a Different Country...

2008-01-01T23:13:00.000-08:00

We awoke in Newberg, Oregon this morning to a beautiful sunny yet foggy picture. Here is what we saw from our hotel room at the Best Western Newberg Inn ---

We've noticed that on a whole, Oregon seems to be quite foggy / misty, which gives it a cool mystique.

We wanted to head up to the Columbia Gorge Premium Outlets mall, which is east of Portland (Newberg is south-west of Portland). We knew that if we went to the outlet mall first that by the time we were going back through Portland, Twisted would be open.

The outlet mall was a bust, but Twisted proved to be a very worthwhile stop. They had a great selection (perhaps the best sock yarn selection I've ever seen!). The staff were friendly without being annoyingly so (they even offered to wind my 3 balls of sock yarn even though they were quite busy).

I felt very welcome at Twisted, and would not hesitate recommending it to anyone reading. In fact, I'm thinking of stopping by on the way back through Portland!

I scored 1 skein of Yarntini Sport Weight, 1 skein of Yarntini Fingering Weight, and 1 Skein of sport weight Chewy Spaghetti. There was much OMYGOD - ing and Squeeee - ing.

Interestingly, Stu and I both agree that so far we have felt most at home in Portland - perhaps because it has a similar feel to Vancouver.

We continued down the I-5 to Woodburn, Oregon (not far south from Portland) to stop at yet another outlet mall before continuing south down the I-5.

There is a section of the I-5 that is very straight and flat and there are numerous sheep farms filled with a ton of sheep (and some alpacas!). I think I must have said, "Look! Sheep!" about 100 times!

We drove and drove and crossed into California a little after 7pm.

Our goal for tonight was to make it to Redding, California, which we managed, but we didn't get to our motel (America's Best Value - Ponderosa Inn) until about 9:30 tonight, and we are exhausted from a very long day of driving.

The weather is cool and clear and the air is dry. In this climate, I was surprised to see a bunch of palm trees, but I guess they need to be reminded that this is California!

We will push on to San Fransisco tomorrow morning. I have to admit that I am having a lot of fun doing this travelogue. Talk to you tonight!

We Made It To Oregon...

2007-12-31T21:09:00.000-08:00

Here we are in a town called Newberg, Oregon. It is about 20 miles south of Portland. We arrived at about 6:30 tonight, and I'm looking forward to seeing Oregon in the daylight.

We stopped at a few places along the I-5 in Washington on the way here, including Seattle Premium Outlets, Village Yarn & Tea in Shoreline, Washington, the Sunlight Cafe in Seattle and Weaving Works.

So far my yarn experiences have rated a "meh". I did get to see the Noro Kureon sock yarn and I absolutely hate to say it, but it was really disappointing. It doesn't feel all that great and it seems a little thick and thin in places. I may yet buy some though, just to try it. The sample I saw at Village Yarn & Tea looked surprisingly good.

We just finished one of the best Mexican meals we have ever had. We tried a small restaurant called Cancun Mexican Restaurant, and we both ate until we were stuffed and had leftovers and had our salsa bowl refilled and the bill was $10.95!! Very yummy! I'd highly recommend giving this place a try if you are ever near Newberg, Oregon.

I am so glad I've got my laptop and wireless internet, so I can jot everything down from this trip before I forget. The hardest thing about being away is missing the kitties.

Well, I'm exhausted and I think we'll be having an early morning tomorrow. We're going to try to go to a couple of yarn stores and a couple of outlet malls tomorrow morning, and after that we'll be heading south. We're not sure how far we'll go --- Maybe all the way to California!

More tomorrow. I'll actually get my camera out tomorrow.

P.S. The reason we're staying in Newberg is that the room with a jacuzzi in it was $30 cheaper here than in Portland. There. Now everyone knows I'm jacuzzi tub obsessed.

Finished Diagonal Cross Rib Socks

2007-12-30T09:11:00.001-08:00

I managed to finish the pair of Diagonal Cross Rib Socks for my Apres Christmas Sock Swap Pal (it's a secret so I can't tell you who she is). I was actually surprised how quickly these knit up, but I'm glad they did because I can get them mailed before Stu and I go away.

Here are the specs:

Yarn: Dream In Color Smooshy in Blue Lagoon (I have about 1/3rd + of the ball left).

Needles: 1 32" 2.5mm Addi Turbo for doing the magic loop.

Pattern: Diagonal Cross Rib Socks from Favorite Socks.

Notes: I enjoyed the right cross more than the left cross, and if I was to do it again, I think I'd use the right cross for both socks. I also think the pattern stands out better with the right cross.

We're heading out for a little post-Christmas getaway. We're going to head down to Oregon (perhaps farther to Idaho or so) and do lots of shopping along the way. I feel like I really need to get away from the phone constantly ringing, the cats creating messes all over the place and all of the other crap that is driving me crazy. I need a vacation!

Any recommendations of places to stop in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho? How about recommendations of what to do on New Years Eve in Oregon? I think we'll be in Portland.

I'm hoping to post from the road, since I'm taking my computer and camera with me.

Happy New Year!

My Mom Jokes That I Married Santa...

2007-12-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I have a very generous husband. Here's proof ---

Technically, this isn't even a Christmas present. It's more of a "we made it to the end of the year" gift.

Did you know that you can use a Mac on a network full of PC's? How 'bout that you can upload Flickr photos right from your desktop? The only downside is that it doesn't work with my old multifunction printer (it's on its last leg anyway so no biggie)

I'm off to count my blessings (and figure out how to use a Mac!)...

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas!!

Edited to add: It's snowing! Christmas Day and snowing!! It's very wet and there isn't going to be any accumulation, but it's exciting none the less.

Smooshy.

2007-12-24T07:45:00.000-08:00

I finally tried it.

Does anyone else have a problem using their yarn that they anticipate will be amazing to work with? I always have to make a second trip to the LYS to pick up the same brand in a different color specifically to use.

For example, I went to the LYS a few weeks ago and bought 2 skeins of Dream in Color Smooshy, but I couldn't bring myself to use either of them I had to return last week to buy more to use! Hey, if crazy means buying 4 skeins of Smooshy, I'm in!
I am currently using the Blue Lagoon colorway (my teal obsession continues). The pattern is the Diagonal Cross-Rib Sock from Favorite Socks. I've used this book more than any other knitting book I own.

At first the pattern confused me a little bit. I was knitting into the back of the second stitch on the left needle by placing my needle between the first and second stitches. I realized that my pattern wasn't looking quite right, so I tried not going between the two stitches and just going in from the back, and that worked.

On my sock, the first two pattern repeats are screwed up and don't stand out like they are supposed to, but I'm using it as part of the design, because it just looks I like I've eased into the pattern and not just screwed it up.

**Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of me through this unpleasantness with the old job. If I didn't respond to your comment it's because you're email is not set to show to me when you leave a comment. I really wanted to be able to respond to everyone individually. I really am blessed to have all of you.**

Have a very Merry Christmas!

One Year Ago Today....

2007-12-23T07:32:00.000-08:00

...My life was forever changed, and I wouldn't have it any other way...

"We may not have it all together, but together we have it all."
Author Unknown

The Best of Intentions...

2007-12-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

I'm out. I gave my notice and my bosses pretty much both had temper tantrums and and told me that two weeks wasn't enough notice and that they'd need at least a month to a month and a half of notice. I've worked there for less than three months (by 5 days) and by law I don't have to give them any notice (and the person who did the job before me for 20 years only gave them 5 days notice).

One of my bosses had the nerve to say that she didn't realize there was a problem (even after several formal meetings about the problem). I think someones head has been up her butt!

Anyway, I don't want to get into all the gritty details, but with the unprofessional way they treated me today, I say screw the notice. I'm not going back.

I even have a new job already! I'm going back to my former company, but in a much different role. I will be taking care of all of their HR and payroll. I'm glad to be going back.

Now, I know I promised knitting today, but I've had a really draining day, and I didn't get the pictures I wanted, so could you wait until tomorrow?

I want to give a heartfelt thank you to every person who commented and/or contacted me regarding my last post. Your support gives me a lot of strength and it means a lot to me to know that I am not alone and have such great people in my corner.

This is Why I Don't Talk About Work..

2007-12-19T07:17:00.001-08:00

I am taking the day off today. It's Wednesday, but I have a migraine and have been under enough stress over the last few months that I'm surprised that I have not been permanently medicated.

This stress may come as a surprise to some people, since I haven't really blogged about it. You likely did notice that I have basically fallen off of the face of the earth when it comes to blogging.

Will you listen to my story if I promise to tell you about knitting tomorrow?

A few months ago I started a new job. The old job wasn't unbearable or anything, other than ticking me off once in a while, but the new job was so full of promise and more money.

Even on the first day at the new job I had a bad feeling. Everything was a mess, the person training me had never actually done my job before, and there was not one second to breathe.

I told myself it had to get better. It hasn't gotten better. Only worse.

My position is actually two positions (when I applied they were hiring for two positions, but when I got the job it was clear that they were not going to be hiring anyone else).

I have been talking to my bosses and telling them quite seriously that this is more work than one person can do (I am the master of prioritizing, but when two to four huge projects have the same due date and time, there are just not enough hours in the day).

I have been telling them that I can't continue to work like this and that I would be leaving if the workload could not be remedied for 3 months! 3 months!!

We have even had a few meetings that confirmed the problems. The meeting about two months ago showed my amount of work per week at 52 hours (not including any organizational projects, which are numerous and required). They kept saying that they would get someone in to help, but had not done one thing to start the process of hiring someone. All the while the bosses were getting more and more demanding of my time.

Finally, by the end of last week I was at the end of my rope and had come to the realization that help was not on the way. Things were not getting better (even with constant reminders to the bosses), and I could not take it anymore. So Monday morning I turned in my resignation letter saying that for the sake of my health I could not work there anymore.

Well, now they were taking it a little more seriously. (that was not my intention, by the way). My boss asked me to give him until Tuesday to see if he could figure out a way to remedy the situation, and I agreed to give him that time.

We were supposed to meet at 3pm (I leave at 4), but we didn't meet until 4:05 and I was in there until 5:30. Guess how much time my duties should take in one week? 63 hours! I'm supposed to work 37.5 hours. No wonder I'm totally stressed!!

Apparently I'll be getting an assistant. I'll believe it when I see it. They had several months to remedy the situation and it took a resignation letter to have them appear to do anything; this makes my angry and the amount of time that has passed has made me bitter. Not to mention that they have already been promising someone to help for months and have not gotten anyone.

They say I'm a really good fit, so they want to keep me (I'm not easily offended and people can be themselves around me and I'm nice and cheerful, and I quote "not a bitch" (I love that one!), and people feel comfortable around me), but I have a feeling that they want to keep me as much because it would make them look bad to the owners if they couldn't retain staff that they hired (a lot of people who have been there for a few decades are jumping ship).

So, the jury is still out. I may stay, I may go.

I know my husband would be more than happy if I quit right now and never ever went back. Actually, I probably would be too.

Thank you for listening to me. I try to keep the work stuff out of here as much as possible, but it's been overtaking my life lately, and I just needed to get it out.

I'll give you a hint about tomorrow's knitting content --- It's a pattern from a sock book that starts with an "F" and the yarn starts with an "S" and ends with a "Y".

It's a Hat! With Cables!

2007-12-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

Apparently, even with all of the crazy going on, I still knit.

I don't know why, but I've been in the mood for cables lately. I think it may be the time of year and the coziness of cables.

The Pattern:

This hat is from a pattern I found on Ravelry. I was looking for a good men's hat. It's called the Caramel Cable Hat and is designed by Iris Wilde.

The Yarn:

I used 2 skeins of Mission Falls 1824 Wool, which is 100% merino superwash.

This is my first time using this yarn, and I love it. I just wish the yardage was better. It's so soft and squishy. At some point I will definitely knit myself a sweater with this luxurious yarn.

The Needles:

I also used a 16" 3.75mm circular Addi Turbo needle and once the decreasing got to be too much, I switched to a 3.75mm set of Crystal Palace double pointed needles.

The Mods:

I only did 3 repeats of Chart B because I was worried about having a hat that was too gnome like. Then after I moved onto Chart C - I spent the rest of the time second guessing myself and thinking the hat would be too short. I decided to go forward and trust my judgment, and I'm glad I did, because the hat is the perfect length.

I also repeated the very last row one extra time, because there was something off with the stitch count for this row (even though I followed the pattern exactly), so even with this extra row of decreasing, I was still left with 15 stitches, when it should have been 13. I don't know if it was me or the pattern, but as far as problems go, this was about as minimal as it gets.

The coolest part?

Call me a geek, but I think that the coolest part of this hat is that there are decreases in the cables, but you can't see them because they are done in the center of the cable on the row before the cable cross. By decreasing this way, the cable at the base of the hat is actually larger than the cable at the top. This blew my mind!

I can't believe how on top of my knitting I am this year (the secret is to start in the summer). This hat was the last thing I had to knit for Christmas.

I love this hat, and I love that the pattern is so unisex. I'm seriously considering making one for myself in the new year.

How is your Christmas knitting going?

Where Have I Been?

2007-12-09T08:52:00.001-08:00

I was going to start out be apologizing for being absent for so long, but I'm really trying to blog for myself, so I'm not going to apologize. I will say that I'm sorry if you missed me. I missed you too!

I've been busy doing this new thing...I think they call it exercising....

For the last two weeks I've been doing a ton of walking. I decided that it was a little silly to not exercise because it cut into my knitting time. So, everyday at lunch I've been walking as fast as I can for 15 minutes one way then turning around and walking 15 minutes back (although some days I come close to skipping the "back" part :p

Stu and I have also been walking in the evenings (last night we did a 25k walk, which was very hilly and damn cold!).

I've also made some major changes in how I've been eating. My diet is now about 98% vegan. And seriously, I feel great! I have more energy than I've had in years, or possibly ever!

How did this all start?

Well, it was a culmination of things. First, I've gained "a few" pounds, and have been becoming more and more miserable about my physical state, and of course, the more miserable I was, the more crap I ate, etc, etc, etc.

Second, the right book landed in my lap at the right time. It was the stern talking too/dose of reality I needed. The book is called Skinny Bitch and it changed my life. Seriously.

Aside from cutting out nearly all meat, I have also cut out white flour, white sugar, and white rice. Instead, I'm using things like dehydrated cane juice and agave nectar (super yummy and doesn't f*ck with your blood sugar), and whole wheat flour, and brown rice. Don't worry, I'm getting lots of protein too. Mostly from beans and some tofu (I'm one of those strange people who actually likes tofu).

I have also cut out cheese. I figure that if I can't use it responsibly, I can't have it at all. So far, this has been the most difficult thing to eliminate, but it is getting easier. And if absolutely necessary, I allow myself a very small amount no more than once a week.
One of the best things about eating this way is that I HAVE to cook. It is a lot harder to go out and pig out or get take out, because I'm not eating most ingredients the restaurants use. This is making me have to cook and pay attention to what I am eating. So far I've made up some really awesome things. In fact, I'm finding this type of food actually tastes better than the over-processed crap I normally eat.
I also found an awesome website called The Post Punk Kitchen. I made their vegan pumpkin muffin recipe (with a few alterations) and it was awesome. I even got the muffins to rise! I took them over to my parents' last weekend and they were a hit. Although, things that taste remarkably similar to pumpkin pie are usually a hit. They were so good, I made them again this morning.

The results so far?

I have a ton of energy, my skin looks better, and the best part? I can pull my old jeans on again. I tried to put them on before all this stuff, and I couldn't get them over my hips, not a chance. Now I can get them on. Not done up. But on. And that's good progress.

Honestly, the real best part is that this is sustainable and I am seeing results.

My So Called Scarf #3

2007-12-02T20:22:00.001-08:00

Okay, this is a plan b post. I had intended to upload a tutorial I put together on how to knit the right and wrong sides of My So Called Scarf, but I made it too big, so I can't upload it anywhere for now.

I spent the entire day today working on the scarf for my brother's b-day on December 6th, and I finished it early in the evening. Woot!

Since it looks basically the same as it did in my last post, so I won't repost the picture until I have one of him wearing it. I will say that I'm very happy with it.

There has been a ton of snow here this weekend, but right now the rain is in the process of washing it all away. We're in for very heavy rain for the next few days. I mention this, because I have been making a point to get out and power walk at lunch everyday, so tomorrow I already know I will get soaked. Actually, the walking is why there has been less knitting around here. That's half an hour less knitting everyday!

Here's Redd partaking in his favorite weekend activity --

I did venture out yesterday evening to go to the LYS. I picked up some yarn for a Christmas present hat for someone and 2 skeins of Smooshy. Will share pics very soon. I was hoping to get to these yarns today, but that didn't happen. Hopefully tomorrow.

The Lace Bug...

2007-11-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

I've been bitten again. The last time the lace bug bit was in the spring, resulting in one Sea Silk Shetland Triangle from Wrap Style, and one slightly heavier weight one in raspberry colored Koigu.

This time when it bit, it wanted lace weight wool or a wool blend. I found an overflowing cupboard of Fiddlesticks Zephyr Wool-Silk in my LYS, Three Bags Full.

Fiddlesticks Zephyr Wool-Silk is a 50/50 blend of merino wool and tussah silk (tussah silk is from wild silk worms, and is collected after the silk worm is done with it, making it the humane silk).

A deep plum color would be made mine, for it's resemblance to a AE sweatshirt I tried on at the AE in Bellingham was unmistakable. Stu said the color was great on me, but I opted for the familiar gray instead.Plum is destined to be a Print O' The Wave Stole by Eunny Jang. I will be knitting it in one piece instead of 2 halves grafted together. Life it too short for ugly graft lines in pretty lace shawls. Too. Short.

Pewter also spoke to me. It's silvery tendencies had me envisioning a lacy rectangular shawl, not to big, but sporting an extensively intricate border.

Likely the Pewter will be turned into something from Victorian Lace Today. Exactly what, I am not sure.

My So Called Scarf - Take 3!

2007-11-20T06:49:00.000-08:00

When I finished my Azul Profundo Malabrigo My So Called Scarf a little while ago, I wore it over to my parents ' house where my brother saw it, and almost wouldn't give it back!

The only way I got it back was to promise I would make him one in the same pattern and same color. I had to get this yarn from Personal Threads in Nebraska, because it was the only store I could find that had 3 skeins of the Azul Profundo color.

I'm making it twice as wide as the original pattern, so I needed lots of extra yarn. I figure I might need part of the third ball, but if not, I'd be more than happy to use the leftovers to make something for myself.

This scarf is 60 stitches across, so it will be nice and toasty.

As you might be able to see, I'm using 2 dpns to knit this scarf, because Redd gnawed on my 8mm bamboo needles and totally destroyed them.

I'm going to be hauling this scarf to work as my lunchtime knitting for the week, and hopefully I can get most of it done by next weekend.

Considering this is my third My So Called Scarf I am surprised that I am not totally sick of this pattern. I think it's the perfect mix of mindless yet stimulating. I know that some people are intimidated by this pattern, but seriously, it's easy. Just do it!

I Don't Know What You Call Them, But 'Round Here, We Call Them Pirates...

2007-11-18T06:43:00.001-08:00

I am so glad that this knit is done. It was a PITA from beginning to end, which was entirely my own fault. That being said, I am pleased with the results, and I think the recipient will be quite happy as well.

Specs:

Yarn: 1 skein Cascade 220 - Black
1 skein Cascade 220 - White
1 bit of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran - Black (for lining)

Pattern: We Call Them Pirates by Hello Yarn.

Needles: 3.25mm 16'' circular Addi Turbo x 2 (I used one until I had decreased too much, then I knit in the round using 2 circs.

My Own Project Issues:

First of all, I think I picked a horrible week for doing color work. I haven't been getting enough sleep, it has been insane at work, busy at home, and I've been really distracted, because my Grandma is in the hospital and I'm really worried about her. This leads me to my first complaint, which is that I had to pay too much attention which was unenjoyable for the above reasons.

The second is that I used some dishcloth cotton for the provisional cast on; this made it difficult to pick up stitches in the first place, but when I went to pick up the stitches for the lining, it was even worse! So, bad choice in provisional cast on yarn.

The hat turned out a bit too big, so I followed the pattern's advise and got it wet, then threw it in the dryer for a little bit. This left it the perfect size, and very slightly fuzzy, not felted. I did this before doing the lining (which I still think was the right choice, because I didn't use the same yarn for the lining, so they would not have shrunk up at the same rate. Unfortunately, once the hat was totally dry, the provisional cotton was still soaking wet, making picking up the stitches 10 times worse.

Here's the hat part way through the lining---

As you can see, all of my complaints were from what is going on with me personally, and a bad choice of cast on yarn, followed with some good old fashioned deadline knitting (did I mention this is a Christmas present that has to be shipped overseas, and therefor has to be done ridiculously early?).

Even with all the odds stacked against it, I am impressed with the simplicity of this pattern, as well as the ease and speed with which I was able to knit it up.

Would I do it again?

In fact, once things settle down a bit in the new year, I think I'll probably knit myself one with some hot pink skulls on a black background.

My Favorite Socks?

2007-11-16T16:26:00.001-08:00

You know I live socks, handknit socks to be precise. I knit them like a fiend. I wear them like a zealot! So you may be shocked to know that this is my favorite pair ----

I do have a favorite handknit pair, but as for my overall favorite, your looking at them! They're the ones I want to put on on a Friday night after a long week, they're the ones the I reach for after swimming in freezing water at the cabin.

Strange isn't it? So that begs the question --- What are your favorite socks? Are they handknit or commercial?

Redd is already enjoying his weekend---

These are some of my favorite pictures of Redd.

I'm looking forward to a weekend of knitting, listening to podcasts, and relaxing.

There might even be a few blog posts!

Have a great weekend!

Lexie Barnes Knitting Bag!

2007-11-13T06:21:00.000-08:00

I have to share my latest knitting acquisition. It's a knitting bag designed by Lexie Barnes!

This bag is in my colors, pink and black, and has little skulls all over it. How cool is that!?! It is also waterproof, which is of utmost importance when it comes to Vancouver's rainy weather.

It has a ton of room in it, and looks stylish enough to use everyday. I think it's even got enough space in it to use as an overnight bag.

It has a very small zippered pocket on the outside near the top. This would be a good fit for a cell phone or iPod.

It also features an outside pocket that would be a perfect place to keep a magazine or your pattern.

The inside is a very pretty pink and has a ton of pockets. I have to say that this bag is refreshingly well constructed, and I can see it lasting a very long time.

You may wonder how I can spend $130 on a knitting bag (guilt free even!). I have a budget. I have been sticking to my budget for the last month, and it is going well. Basically, I get my spending money every Friday, and I have to spend it on whatever I want. That means I can't be buying things like toilet paper or milk or gas (those are accounted for separately in my budget).

So, for the bag, I saved for a bit and was able to buy it for myself. It is so nice to be able to buy something so frivolous and not feel guilty for it.

For the first time in my life, money is not stressing me out. I mean, I used to agonize over every penny I spent, because I had no idea what state my finances were in. I really didn't know if I could afford that latte I was buying. My solution was to charge it and feel stressed and guilty. (Thankfully I have a really low credit limit).

I came home about a month ago, took my debit and credit cards out of my wallet and gave them to Stu to hold onto. I just couldn't deal with it anymore. I am now using cold hard cash instead of my credit and debit cards. I get my cash on Friday and I have to budget that money until the following Friday.

I know that I can afford to spend every penny I spend. Honestly, I have never felt so free!

* The reason I am blogging about this is that money issues are normally something one keeps to oneself, but I'm hoping that my experience can help others.

Finished Drops 103 Jacket!

2007-11-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

I actually finished it mid-week last week, but didn't get it blocked or put the buttons on until this weekend.Unfortunately, the only picture that shows the whole sweater while I wear it is very poor quality. (I snapped this on my way out the door yesterday. For some reason, all the rooms with mirrors are on the dark side). You at least get the gist of how it hangs ---
Of course I had to get a close up of the shoulder seam since I used the new technique of sewing up the seams and then attaching the sleeve to the body. I'm still very happy with the results. I've been going around telling everyone to look at my shoulder seams!

Now, my buttons are not placed evenly, but i think it makes it look very funky. The funny thing about these buttons is that I actually bought them about 3 years ago from Fabricana in Richmond. I dragged Stu and Martin in there with me to find buttons for my first cardigan (it was a disaster, knit out of cotton before I knew how cotton behaved). I think they go perfectly with this jacket, so I just cut the buttons right off my old cardigan.

There is only one thing I would do differently if I was making this jacket again. I would add an inch or an inch and a half to the sleeves. I like my sleeves long, and I found myself tugging on them yesterday while wearing the jacket out and about. Here's one with the cuff detail---

And here we have an oh-so-flattering torso shot. This one was more to show how the color worked out.

Specs:

Pattern: Drops Jacket (No. 103-1.

Yarn: 7 skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in Forest. I used only about 20 yards ( maybe less) of the 7th skein.

Needles: One 32" 5mm Addi Turbo circular needle.

*Remember, delurking is delightful!

Sleeve Attachment: There Is More Than One Way...

2007-11-08T06:57:00.001-08:00

Usually when I attach a sleeve, I do it before I do any seaming (other than attaching the shoulder seams). This time I choose to try something different, hoping it would give me slightly more professional results.

I sewed up the side seams then I sewed up the sleeves before attaching the two together. This left me with a better idea what everything would look like as I was sewing the two together. All in all, this method caused me less grief than sewing everything up pose attachment. The first sleeve took me two tries to get everything to match up how I wanted, but the second one took me no time at all.

As I would for the other method, I began my sewing at the top center of the sleeve cap, and worked my way all the way around going counterclockwise.

As of last night, the whole thing has been seamed, but I've still got to block it before it's big unveiling.

I needed strength last night while doing all of this seaming, so Stu made a very yummy dinner of salad, followed by perogies with lots of garlic and onion and sour cream for dipping.

I'm going to try to get the jacket blocking tonight, but I have to work at my old job (I'm getting sooo sick of it, but I think this is the last time so I'll tolerate it). I am really looking forward to the long weekend.

Friday's coming!

Caught Off Guard...

2007-11-06T06:56:00.001-08:00

Was anyone else caught completely off guard after work by daylight savings time? Yes, I changed all the clocks on Sunday, that's not what I'm talking about. What I'm talking about is getting home from work at 4:3o, sitting down at my computer to read my email for a few minutes, and then looking up 15 minutes later, and I was sitting completely in the dark!

I was going to take a few pictures of the Drops 103 Jacket (which is coming along swimmingly), but it was pitch black before I knew it.

I'm still working on the collar, but I've only got an inch or so to go. The collar construction is quite neat, since you increase 2 stitches on each side several times, so you end up with little wing type things on each side of the collar, which get sewn to the top of the double moss stitch on each of the fronts the fronts. Doing it this way makes the collar wrap around and be very turtle-necky.

Here's a little picture of the state of the stash (the bottom bin has FO's and my needle case in it and that's about it (maybe some dishcloth cotton). So, I'm still making good destashing progress.I know it's a bit of a side note, so back to the Drops Jacket ---

Unfortunately, I could not take this project as my lunch project today, because I need to wind another skein of Malabrino (Forest) Worsted to finish it off. I thought that 6 skeins would be plenty, but it turns out that I'll need to to use part of the 7th skein.

So for lunch, I worked on a dishcloth.

Goodbye fish tank---

There has been a bit of a change in our living room too. Our last fish died (don't feel bad, we were waiting for it), so we got rid of the fish tank tonight!

A Weekend In Tuscany...

2007-11-05T06:45:00.000-08:00

My Socktober socks this year are extra special!I only knit one pair, but they were a test knit for Abigail's new sock pattern called Tuscany, which she has just released today!

I knit them over the weekend last weekend.

Specs:

Pattern: Tuscany by Abigail 1870 Pearl.
Yarn: 1 skein of Cascade 220 Paints in color number 9930 (make sure you don't do to many leg repeats if you're only using one skein). 6 max.
Needles: 3.5mm 32" Addi Turbo circular.

These were a very quick knit, and I really enjoyed every minute of them. They had just enough detail that they were not boring for even a second, but it only took me a few rounds to memorize the pattern repeat.

These would make an excellent gift. Especially if you haven't started your Christmas knitting yet!

Thank you Abigail for letting me be the first to knit these!

Fuzzy Feet!

2007-10-30T17:38:00.001-07:00

Here they are---

And a view from the side---

In just two evenings I managed to knit and felt this pair of slippers.

I used the recommended yarn, and knit them exactly as called for, but I think I over-felted them a bit, because they are now very very small.

Specs:

Pattern:Fuzzy Feet from Knitty.
Yarn: 1 skein of Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in M-82 Blue Flannel.
Needles: 7mm 32" Addi Turbo circular for magic looping.

Here's a before shot of the first one--

And here is the after comparison---

As you can see, they're a little small!

I've already started a second pair out of black Cascade 220. I'm knitting them a bit bigger in the hopes that they will fit my feet once felted.

Top Secret & A Sneak Peek!

2007-10-26T06:57:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a top secret project right now. It's a test knit for someones new pattern. It shouldn't be too long until the new pattern is revealed, and I will show it to you then. What I can say is that you will want to knit this pattern, and you will enjoy every second of it!

Here's the yarn I'm using---

It's Cascade 220 Paints in color 9930.

...And here is a sneak peek of the Drops 103 Jacket I've been working on. This is the left front--

I've also completed the back, and a couple inches of the right front. The yarn is Malabrigo worsted in Forest. Very pretty!

You'll notice the pictures were obviously taken in daylight. I didn't end up having to work at the old job yesterday, so I actually spent some time at home when it was light out. Today's supposed to be a beautiful sunny fall day again, and thankfully I don't have to work after work today either!

I can't wait to get home and start knitting!

Wait a Minute!

2007-10-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

I was going to blog on Saturday, then Sunday, and now it's already Wednesday and still nothing from me.

I have literally about 2 minutes this morning before I hop in the shower. I have knitting progress, but it is pitch black outside, and there is simply no way to get a good picture.

I've been working a lot. First, there's my regular job that I go to for 8 hours, then I go to my old job and work there for 2 hours after work.

Hopefully this week will be the last of that. I'm finally training a competent new person to do my old job.

Seriously though, I will be snapping pictures asap so I can show you the Drops jacket I've been working on.

It's bad when you get up in the morning and are so tired you just want to go back to bed, but instead of being able to come home after work and relax and knit, you have to go to a second job that you don't need or want and get paid significantly less for than your regular job.

Man, I need a weekend.

Mid Week...

2007-10-17T18:30:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting to take some knitting/crocheting pictures so badly, but it has been so dark and rainy and crappily lit around here that I don't think I could do any object justice.
So here's an update of what's going on with me:

I have decided to relinquish my credit and debit cards to Stu. I am totally out of control! My thought process is totally flawed. I think, "well, I'm stressed about not having money, maybe I should go to Chapters and look at knitting books". OR "Hey, I have a 40% off Michaels coupon, is there anything I could possibly buy from there?" God help me!
I found an awesome samosa place that's half a block from my work (80 cents for 2). Woot!
I feel like I'm settling in to my new job.
I'm still working my old job a bit.
I need new tires for my car.
I'm crocheting a doily!

I'm going to go spend some quality time with my Malabrigo.

My Herringbone Hat for My So Called Scarf...

2007-10-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

After I finished the My So Called Scarf for myself, I decided I needed a hat to go with it. When I saw the My Herringbone Hat, I knew I had stumbled on a perfect hat for my ensemble.
I now have some great winter wear. I even managed to wear my scarf to the Apple Festival at UBC yesterday morning while I wondered around tasting apples and eating scrumptious apple pie before lunch. Our good friend and neighbor Gill came along with us, so we also had very good company.
I can't wait for cooler weather so I can wear the hat and scarf together.

Specs:

Pattern: My Herringbone Hat by Moonfrog.
Yarn: 1 and a very little bit skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in Azul Profundo.
Needles: 8mm Crystal Palace DPNS.I knit the herringbone band until it fit around my head in the way I wanted it to. When sewing the two herringbone ends together, I just winged it. It's not totally invisable, but it's close. I couldn't replicate it if I tried, sorry.

I also picked up more stitches than called for, but I can't remember how many. I do know it was one per edge stitch. I then knit until I estimated it was almost long enough, then followed the decreasing directions.The only thing I would change if I made it again is that I would start the decreases a few rows sooner. It's a bit of a tall hat.

Books & Malabrigo...

2007-10-13T17:36:00.001-07:00

Boy oh boy, do I have some scrumptious new goodies! All of these are thanks to the Rising Canadian dollar/lower USD. I have a US address I use in Point Roberts, so I can also take advantage of the lower American postage costs. All I have to do is go down, pick the stuff up and bring it back across the border. Easy-peasy!

First, the books!
I placed my first ever Amazon.com order last Monday morning. I am now the proud owner of 4 Elizabeth Zimmermann books! Knitter's Almanac, Knitting Workshop, The Opinionated Knitter, and Knitting Without Tears. I'd better be careful, I'll have other knitters trying to break in to get at all of my knitting books. I can't wait to start reading!

My other package was full of Malabrigo! Talk about a heavenly box! I don't think the border guards got my enthusiasm.

3 skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in Azul Profundo. This is the same color I used for my own My So Called Scarf. I had to get more, because when my brother saw my scarf, he wanted one. I tried to convince him to have a different color or different yarn, but with no success. He wanted the exact same one.

I'll be using more than 2 skeins to make his scarf nice and long.

...And 7 skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in Forest. This luscious yarn is all for me. I will be using it for this Drops Jacket that so many people have been knitting. I even think it's an attainable knit for this year.

The reasons I had to get the yarn in the US were

My lys did not have any more Azul Profundo.
My lys charges $16.95/skein
Personal Threads charges $10.95/skein
The Canadian and US dollars are pretty much the same.

I was very impressed with Personal Threads in Omaha, Nebraska. They shipped so quickly. I ordered on Monday afternoon (Monday was a holiday), and on Wednesday morning at 8am my package had arrived at the post office. Everything was packaged well, and I'd definitely order from them again. PS. They are also Lime & Violet's LYS. Cool, huh.

One Down, One To Go...

2007-10-10T16:57:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it, but I knit a whole sock this weekend! It's a tall sock too (8-9" leg)!

The pattern is the Sky Sock from New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi. Instead of putting the heel increases on the heel side, the increases are on the top of the foot/ankle, as you can see in the picture below: Here is the view of the increases that the wearer sees. Quite subtle in this yarn, but it adds more interest than a plain "regular" sock.

I finished the sock off with a star toe (from the toe section at the back of the above book).

The one thing that this book didn't seem to cover was the gusset decreases. At the end of the heel turn, I had all of the heel stitches on one needle, so I just decreased every second round at the end of each side of the top of the foot. I like the look it created.
I'm already about 2.5" down the second leg. Unfortunately, it's a fairly boring knit though. Too much stockinette for my liking. I'm hoping to be all done the 2nd by the weekend. Eeek! It's Wednesday. I'd better get knitting!

Giving Thanks....

2007-10-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving, as many of you have heard, and I'd like to invite everyone, Canadian or not, to give thanks this weekend. I have made so many connections with our American neighbours, and those from numerous other countries, and I feel like I have been invited to share in their holidays, and I would like to extend the invitation back.
Join me today as I give thanks for...

A husband that I love, and who loves me back as much as I love him.
Two of the best kitty cats in the entire world. They have made my life so much richer, and I could not imagine life without them.
A family who is always there for me, and who I can sit around with all afternoon chatting and drinking coffee.
In-laws who are generous and always welcoming.
That I have two families who want to spend Thanksgiving with me.
The fact that the yarn is plentiful and gorgeous.
Knitting
Finding an online knitting community that kind and encouraging.
The last year of my life; I have had one of the best years so far, and I attribute it to the above.

What are you thankful for?

I have also chosen this weekend as my personal kick off Socktober. I haven't been knitting many socks lately, and as incentive to get Socktober off with a bang, I wanted to use a yarn that spoke to the time of year.

I went out yesterday and found one. It's by Fleece Artist, and it's called SoMoKo in the Jester colorway. It's a fairly new yarn from them, and is comprised of 65% Merino, 20% Kid, 10% Nylon, and 5% Silk. It is a really interesting yarn to knit with. It has that slight scratchiness of the kid mohair, but the shine of silk and nylon, as well as the softness of merino. It's a neat yarn to knit with. To me, the feel screams fall, which complements the color nicely.

P.S. The all of the pictures are of that one skein of yarn.

Ta-Daa!!

2007-10-06T07:43:00.000-07:00

The scarf is officially finished! I'll let you in on a little secret--When I'm sick enough to stay home from work, I sit in bed and knit like a mad woman. I just hate to have an unproductive day.

I know the pictures kinda suck, considering I've got a bad cold and I'm in my pjs, but I knew that yesterday was the last day of sun that we're supposed to see for a while, and I wanted to get them taken.

Spec Recap:

Yarn: Malabrigo in Azul Profundo (127) approx 1 1/3rd skeins.
Needles: 8mm Clover straights.
Pattern: My So Called Scarf.
Mods: I cast on 36 stitches instead of 30. For me, 36 sts is perfect for this scarf.

My Thoughts on the Pattern and Yarn:

I really really really enjoyed this pattern. Generally I don't like knitting a pattern more than once, but I think I will be knitting this one again and again.

And, Malabrigo is the best yarn ever! It is not itchy at all. I was actually really surprised, because it looks scratchy in the hank. Don't be fooled. It is pure heaven. I've managed to buy 5 skeins of it in the last 2 weeks and knit up 4 and a bit.

Ideas for Leftovers:

To use up some leftovers, I decided to make a hat to go with the Little Sky Socks I made from Cat Bordhi's book New Pathways for Sock Knitters . I just winged it with the hat. I cast on 64 sts, followed by a 2x2 rib for an inch, then plain stockinette. I ran out of the Bobby Blue Malabrigo, so I blended the two colors together with a bit of improv fair isle, before switching completely to the Azul Profundo.

The reason I did the bit of fair isle is that I've seen a lot of people run out of yarn for a project and just straight up switch to the new yarn color. This sharp change just never sits right with me. It looks a little too accidental.

I think that the blend makes the change look a bit more intentional.

My So Called Scarf...

2007-10-04T18:19:00.000-07:00

I may not seem to blog all that frequently right now, but everything will be settling down soon. I started my new job almost 2 weeks ago now, and it is going very well; however, there is a ton to do, and a ton to learn, which makes me want to avoid any typing when I get home.

I'm really enjoying my work days ending at 4pm now.

Unfortunately, I've managed to come down with the bad cold that's going around, so I wasn't there today. I'm hoping my day of rest will make me feel a lot better by tomorrow.

Don't worry. I've been knitting during every free moment I've had. I'm about 10 rows away from being finished My So Called Scarf, and it'll be done by the end of the evening tonight.

Have I mentioned lately that I love Malabrigo? I feel like I can't stop knitting with it. I also found a great place to take pictures in the apartment. Our new pale blue sheets provide just enough reflected light when it's sunny outside (this is the first sun we've seen around here in a while).

Here are the scarf specs -

Pattern: My So Called Scarf

Needles: 8mm Clover 10" Straights

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted in Azul Profundo

Don't think I've forgotten that it's Socktober! The reason I've been trying to get the scarf done quickly is so I can devote the weekend to sock knitting. Stay tuned to see which sock I'll be working on.

Have a great Friday!!

A Finished Pair for September...

2007-10-01T16:38:00.001-07:00

I almost didn't make it! At 4:30pm yesterday I realized that I hadn't finished a September pair of socks for the Sock-a-month KAL. Luckily I found something quick to knit and was finished the pair by 10:30pm. I won't be cutting it this close next month!

I weighed my options, and realized that my best bet was to use this tight timeline to try out a little pair of worsted weight socks in the Little Sky Sock pattern from Cat Bordhi's new book, New Pathways For Sock Knitters.
I used some left over worsted weight Malabrigo in the Bobby Blue (27) colorway.

I was fortunate enough to pick up this book about 2 weeks ago from my LYS, and I'm happy I did. I am also happy I started with a little sock instead of diving right in with a big one. I think the combination of unfamiliar construction along with lettered stitch markers may have caused me a little confusion, but it all was sorted out in the end. There is something about the Malabrigo that is not letting me waste a single scrap. I believe it is as close to heaven as a yarn can come.