Knitting is My Free Therapy

Moving My Blog

2010-03-21T20:10:00.001-04:00

I've moved my blog over to WordPress. You can find it at Knitting is my Free Therapy.

Poke Poke Are You Still Alive?

2009-12-02T21:39:00.002-05:00

Yes, yes I am. Crazy busy though! I got a job in August, although it's only a temp job through May. But, for awhile at least, I am employed and I can afford a bit of yarn.

I know that I've kind of left this blog behind, even though I've been thinking about posting. It took me a while to log in tonight because it apparently my password was wrong, even after I reset it. So, after 2 resets, I was able to log in

I don't know how much I'll be updating until after the holidays, and perhaps then it will be a fresh start. Perhaps a fresh start on another blog server.

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 4

2009-06-22T23:51:00.002-04:00

Start of week four already. I've got another good start on this pair of socks. I've completed the leg, heel flap, and turned the heel. I've gotten all of the stitches picked up and ready to start on the gusset. This is the best start on the week I've gotten so far.

This week I'm knitting up SWTC Tidal Wave Sock (pdf) pattern using Premier yarns, Deborah Norville Serenity in Sapphire. My color of the yarn is not the same as on the website though.

I was debating on continuing the pattern down the instep, but I don't think that I will. It will make the instep and sole quicker to knit up.

Here's to the fourth week!

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 3

2009-06-22T00:11:00.000-04:00

For the third week, I have accomplished my goal. This week I finished my Grey and Pink Lady Jaywalkers. I also started my next sock. I have one more repeat on the leg, then it's off to the heel!

Project June: Jaywalker Socks

2009-06-20T20:01:00.002-04:00

Month: June

Project: Jaywalkers

Completed: One sock, up to the toe on second sock

I've lacked on post a project for this month. I've been so busy just knitting socks and knowing that I've got to get a pair done each week. I wanted to stay on track with this for the year, so I've picked a project.

This is the third pair for the month and for the year. I thought it would be more difficult to stick with this pattern, the same two rows over and over, but it hasn't been so bad.

Just have the toe to complete on the second sock and I'll be done with another pair.

Sock Plunge III, Week 3 Goals

2009-06-16T00:14:00.002-04:00

So here we are, the start of week three, and I'm still on track. Yesterday I achieved a huge head start on this week by getting the entire leg knitted of the first sock of my third pair. Today, I've finished the heel flap, turning the heel, and the gusset decreases. I've got a good bit of the instep already knitted. I'd feel extremly accomplished if I could have this sock done tomorrow! It's quite possible, but life has a way of happening and destinies change. I just feel good about having this much of the sock done at the end of Monday.

I'm knitting the Jaywalker pattern in Patons Stretch, Sugar colorway.

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 2

2009-06-14T01:04:00.000-04:00

I feel like I did really well this week, completing my two socks, plus almost one leg of a new pair. When Thursday rolled around and I didn't have one sock completed, I wondered if I was going to make it this week. Lots of knitting. And yes, I did a lot of other things this week. So, for what I accomplished this week.

Sock Plunge III, Week 2 Goals

2009-06-08T13:07:00.003-04:00

Here we are on week two, and I successfully completed week one! For this week I plan to finish the second sock from each pair that I finished last week. I have the cuff completed, ready to start on the leg of the darker socks, and I'm through one pattern repeat on the bright colored socks, with one and a half repeats to go before I start the heel.

I feel like I've got a good start this week, so we'll see what happens!

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 1

2009-06-07T23:16:00.003-04:00

I finished two socks this week, plus got a start on both socks for next week. Not much of a start, but a bit is better than nothing. I met my goal for the first week of Sock Plunge III. Only 51 more weeks to go. 51 more pairs of socks. Yeah, I can totally do this.

Socks on Left
Pattern: Tessellating Lace Socks
Yarn: Yarn Bee, Walk Away, Toe Hold

Socks on Right
Pattern: Socks A La Carte
Yarn: Patons, Kroy Stripe, Mulberry Stripe

Sock Plunge III, Week 1 Goals

2009-06-01T02:39:00.003-04:00

Sock Plunge III enters it's first of 52 weeks. Goal? knit 52 complete pairs of socks in 52 weeks. Crazy, no?

Since this adventure starts on a Monday, my week will start on a Monday. Hopefully I'll be a proficient enough blogger to remember to make a post each Monday with that week's goals. And perhaps I'll be a proficient enough blogger to remember to make a post each Sunday with what I accomplished in the week.

We know that won't happen, so go ahead and laugh.

So, onto this week's goals.

First, of course, is to finish two socks. Two makes a pair, even if they are just one sock from two different pairs, right? Oy, did that make sense to anyone?

My plan is to have two different pairs going each week. One pair on my size 1 needs and another pair on my size 2. I'm hoping that it will break the boredom of a sock pattern, not cause second sock syndrome, and keep me going through this plunge.

Pictures will be posted on Sunday of completed work for the week.

Project May: Spiral Socks

2009-05-31T01:58:00.000-04:00

Month: May

Project: Spiral Socks

Completed: Both Socks

Aside from working through printing errors in the book, the socks came out fairly well. They fit, which is the most important thing. I was worried about the second sock coming out in a similar stripe effect after the cuff started to pool,but with the stitch count and pattern, they both worked out to be very closely matched. I'm thrilled with the yarn, and have some more already wound into cakes, waiting to be made into a wonderful sock.

Pattern: Socks A La Carte
Yarn: Premier Yarn, Deborah Norville Serenity Sock Yarn, Amethyst

(Yes, I did back date this...)

New Scale & Fiber Converter

2009-05-26T22:57:00.004-04:00

I got myself a kitchen scale today to weigh a skein of yarn after I've knit something with it so that I know how much I used for that project. I know, the 1st picture doesn't look that great, but that's just how it's going to be. I love that you can place the scale in the weighing bowl and place a lid over it. That feature will make it a joy to travel with. I don't know if I'll use the bowl when it comes to weighing the yarn. I'll try it out a few different ways and see what I prefer.

Now, I'm not a math person at all. I suck at math. Conversions I'm even worse at. So of course, I search on line to find a converter to do the work for me (I mean, why not?). This converter I've come across is great for fiber lovers. It converts yards to meters, meters to yards, ounces to grams and grams to ounces.

I can't wait to start trying this out. I'll be posting the link in one of my sidebars. You can also click here to get to the converter.

I've found another yarn count converter that I like much more. Click here for that one.

52 Pair Plunge

2009-05-25T02:20:00.003-04:00

I just joined a group on Ravelry called 52 Pair Plunge III.

I must be crazy.

52 pairs of socks in a year. 52 pairs of socks between June 1, 2009 and May 31, 2010.

Totally crazy.

Time to add another goal widget!

At least socks are portable....it will be the only thing I work on I think. Guess what my projects of the month are going to be?

How many pairs do you think I'll finish? Place your bets now!

I Have a Case of Startitis

2009-05-21T23:22:00.002-04:00

I have a major case of startitis.

I started a pair of Musica Mitts today during my evening knitting group.

Then I came home and casted on for another Weekender Lace Wrap (No picture yet!).

There's a shrug that I want to cast on and start working on, raglan style. I want to cast on for a Booga Bag with some yummy Malabrigo.

Oh yeah, and there are these socks that I just started. I've finished the heel and the gusset for the first one. Socks are from Socks A La Carte.

I also have a hat that I've started, Selbu Modern.

I've got an unfinished shawl I'm working on when I feel like it. I think I'll be good on projects...For now!

Flip Page Errors in Socks A La Carte

2009-05-17T23:55:00.003-04:00

Wanted to make anyone with this book aware with some printing problems I've come across. Taking this directly from a post I made in the Ravelry group for Socks A La Carte.

I was using my flip pages and found some problems in my book, so you might want to check yours. I’ve only done this with the heel/toe part because I think it’s just a case of mislabeling.

In my book I have two flip pages labeled for:
Dutch Heel with Star Toe
V Heel with Origami Toe
Round Heel with Star Toe

In my book I don’t have flip pages labeled for:
V Heel with Double Decrease Toe
Dutch Heel with Double Decrease Toe
Round Heel with Classic Toe

I hope that everyone can follow the next part. Post any questions you may have.

1. V Heel with Double Decrease Toe - This is the 1st flip page labeled V Heel with Origami Toe. This is the 7th flip page.

2. Dutch Heel with Double Decrease Toe - This is the 2nd flip page labeled Dutch Heel with Star Toe. This is the 15th flip page.

3. Round Heel with Classic Toe - There is not a flip page for this heel/toe. Both flip pages labeled Round Heel with Star Toe are that heel/toe combo. These flip pages are 12 and 13.

I Think I Like Socks

2009-05-16T05:44:00.003-04:00

These pictures say it all...Mind you, this is just what I have upstairs and could find....I know there's at least one 100g ball missing.

And yes, I did take the time to turn the balls into cakes. Cakes are better than balls.

Yes, I'm aware that sounded a bit dirty. That was the point. :)

Project May: Spiral Socks

2009-05-07T23:31:00.000-04:00

Month: May

Project: Spiral Socks

Completed: One sock

Getting through this pair quickly. Aside from dealing with a few errors, they aren't all that bad to knit. The toe decreases didn't have any errors, so that was a plus!

I'm hoping that I can get the second sock to stripe as this one did. I'll keep messing around until I can get it close to the same effect.

Worst. Project. Ever

2009-05-06T23:33:00.001-04:00

I'm glad that I got this kit for free, because I would have hated to think I paid the amount it retailed for. I despised knitting this with every stitch I knitted. I'm sure out there somewhere there's someone that enjoyed knitting this. The kit is for a elephant shaped baby bib, a hat, and rattle.

I have my reason for disliking it, as did someone else who knitted the same bib. The yarn supplied varied in thickness, even though it was the same brand of yarn. Along with that, the yarn seemed to be too thin to really work up well. Doing the intarsia wasn't enjoyable because of the yarn. Using metal needles wasn't a wise choice, but it was all I had at the time. As this was a gift, I needed to get it done.

I was knitting it for a friend of my aunt's. Her friend and her friend's husband are originally from India. It's good luck for an elephant to have it's trunk turned up, from what my aunt tells me. So when I was offered this kit, I knew it was perfect.

Off I went, started knitting, and disliked it from the start. It was difficult to work on because I just wanted to be done with it. I stuck with it to get it done and was thrilled when it was off the needles. I pinned it out to block it before sewing a backing on it. The bib stayed pin for a few weeks.

Finally got around to backing it, forgoing the crocheted edging. Lets just say the the backing didn't work out too well. That got removed, and I just gave the bib to my aunt. I was sick of looking at it and wanted it out of my sight.

And the finished project looks....Kind of scary. I've started the peanut shaped rattle, but it's not priority. The bib was.

If you would like to knit this kit, you can purchase it here.

Project May: Spiral Socks

2009-05-05T13:10:00.002-04:00

Month: May

Project: Spiral Socks

Status: Leg completed on first sock

I just started these socks from the Socks A La Carte book. I'm work with Serenity Sock yarn from the Deborah Norville collection in the Amethyst. I am loving this yarn! This colorway isn't long enough to self stripe, but I cast on in just the right spot to make it stripe. I'm hoping I can achieve the same effect on the second sock. Despite working around errors, these are coming along quickly and shouldn't be a problem to complete. These are also the socks I started on while waiting in line at the Vera Bradley sale.

May's Project of the Month

Pick Three...With Three Errors?

2009-05-04T12:33:00.003-04:00

I love the Socks A La Carte book. I love the concept of it. What I don't love is that I think I've found three errors...In each of my choices for my first pair of socks from the book. That's not real reassuring.

I'm posting this to my blog to see if it's just me, or if it's the book. One I know for sure is an error, the other two I need confirmed.

Cuff: I chose the Upward Spiral Cuff, page 29. There are four rounds to complete this pattern. Rounds 1 and 3 are the same, and those are right. Rounds 2 and 4 can't be done the way they are instructed and the stitches line up correctly.

Leg: I chose the Spiral Galaxy Leg, page 36. Rounds 13 and 14 should be omitted, otherwise you'd have too many knit rows and it would not come out like the picture shows it should.

Feet: I chose the Dutch Heel with Star Toe, page 50. I have just done the Dutch Heel, so this is the only thing I know to be wrong on this section thus far. I have checked with someone else on this one, so I know that this one is wrong. Row 3 doesn't work with the number of stitches you have.

If anyone else has found any errors, post them in the comments. I'm wondering how much errata there is. There has only been one errata posted to the SWTC website for the book, but I'm planning on e-mailing the address provided with what I've posted about. I do hope that this had just been a fluke and I'm not going to find anymore with the next pair of socks that I do, but with the one that's been posted, the one I know for sure, and the possibility of two others, I'm not too hopeful.

So, is it just me, or are these errors?

Weirdest Place I've Knitted? Could Be!

2009-05-03T21:59:00.002-04:00

If any of you are familiar with Vera Bradley, you probably know of the major sale in Ft. Wayne, Indiana each spring (and if you aren't familiar with Vera Bradley, the link is gladly provided). You have to wait in line to get into the sale, then you grab what you want, then you have to wait in line to pay for all of your goodies, and then you go home to admire all of your goodies and match bags and accessories and see what you still need and make your list for the next sale (last year they had a fall sale. Hopefully another one this year?).

I went up Saturday with my mom (she went Wednesday, the day the sale started, and got me what I wanted, plus some!), and had started a sock the night before so that I had something portable to slip into my bag.

I knitted in line while waiting to get into the sale. I knitted while I sat in a specifically taped off area with some of our VB goodies while mom went back to look around some more. I knitted while going through the weaving line to pay for all of our VB. I had young girls wondering what I was knitting, some other ladies saying, "Look, she's knitting!", and if anyone tried to grab something that was mine...well, they weren't going to get far (not that I promote violence with knitting needles, but when you're stuck in a group of women trying to grab a sought after bag/pattern that's dirt cheap, even though you didn't want to be stuck there, you do think about it....).

I do believe that knitting at the Vera Bradley sale is the weirdest place I've knitted...For now. Very public knitting!

Project April: Fluff Scarf

2009-04-30T14:01:00.000-04:00

Month: April

Project: Fluff Scarf

Status: Completed

This scarf was easy enough to finish. It just involved sitting down and finishing it. The shedding throughout was horrible, so that's going to mean watching what I wear clothing wise if I ever do wear this scarf. The yarn was fun to knit with though, soft and colorful. It's done, it toook me long enough, and I love how it turned out in the end.

April's Completed Project

(Yes, I backdated this...)

Knit Socks? Me? NEVER!!!

2009-04-20T23:01:00.005-04:00

I was one of those knitters that was never going to knit socks. I didn't want to waste my knitting time on something that no one's going to see unless I pull up the leg of my pants, show while the sock was a WIP, or carry around a finished sock. No sock knitting for me.

Then I have a really great friend (who knows how much I hate her in the most loving way for this) who tells me to knit just one pair. See if I like it, be able to say that hey, I knitted a pair of socks.

All throughout the leg I'm going on about how much I hate knitting socks, I'm never making another pair. This one pair is it and then I'm done.

Not the case. I was in love with socks as soon as I turned the heel.

So what do I get for myself on Saturday? Socks A La Carte: Pick and Choose Patterns to Knit Socks Your Way.

I can not wait to work on a pair of socks from this book. You can choose the cuff, leg, and heel/toe that you want to use for a pair of socks. It even has a section with the pages in thirds so that you can flip the page for each element of the sock to have a small "preview" of what your sock will look like.

Right now I'm working on a pair of Jaywalkers. I'm using
Patons Stretch Sock in the Licorice colorway. It's a yarn that pools, so I wanted to pick out a pattern that would work well with pooling yarn. I also decided to use this yarn with the pattern because the pattern doesn't have a lot of give to it. With the stretchiness of this yarn I'm making the smallest size given. The pattern is easy to remember and I'm loving how it's working up with this yarn.

It's an odd yarn to work with because of how it stretches. Talk about not holding the yarn taunt as you work with it. My knitting seems to be coming out evenly though.

Here's how the leg on the first sock looks. I'm working on the heel flap section now, and it should be easy flying with the rest of the sock after that. I really just want to turn the heel. It's just magical, the best part of the sock!

Project April: Fluff Scarf

2009-04-08T00:54:00.002-04:00

Month: April

Project: Fluff Scarf

Status: 80% Completed

I'm choosing this project for April because I am nearly finished with it, and I'd like to be finished with it. I had to frogged it when I was almost done knitting it the first time. Here's to hoping that doesn't happen to me again.

I'm following the One Row Reversible Scarf pattern (Ravelry page here). It's an easy, lacy pattern to follow. This pattern can also become mindless knitting after you get the first few rows established.

I'm knitting the scarf from Yarn Bee Featherwisp. Nice yarn in the skein, so soft to the touch, love the colors, love the shine. The one downfall? This yarn sheds like no other yarn! I've got more of this yarn in my stash. I can't wait to work with it, except for the shedding. Needless to say, this scarf, and any others, will be reserved for knitting at home. I don't want to leave a pile of fur somewhere. I'm much too nice of a girl for that!

This picture is not updated, but it's what I'm working on. I've gotten a lot more knitted than that.

April's Project of the Month

The Duct Tape Knitted Prom Dress

2009-04-04T18:01:00.004-04:00

Found this video while checking the news on CNN.com.

I know that Duct Tape can be used for absolutely anything. I've even heard of the Duct Tape Prom. But this is new to me.

No Motivation

2009-04-02T14:28:00.004-04:00

I've not had much motivation to blog lately. I've got some movies to blog about, some projects to blog about, and a trip to the frog pond.

I think I'm hiding how I'm really feeling, mentally. My sleep is so off. It's been hard to get out of bed this week and do much of anything. My sleep is so off. I'm thinking this is not a good thing and I need something done about it. But I just don't know what.

Something just isn't right. And I don't know what that something is. :(

Let's add that I didn't get the job. :(

Cross Your Finger, Toes (And Anything Else That Can Be Crossed)

2009-03-26T03:47:00.002-04:00

Job interview.

In about 11 hours.

So freaking nervous.

I really need to get this job.

I don't even know what position it's for.

Another Goal For The Year

2009-03-20T22:33:00.003-04:00

As my list of things to knit, and complete, during 2009 seems to be an ever growing lists of items, I've decided to add another goal. Hopefully I'll be able to achieve one of the two.

My new goal is to knit a marathon. Yes, I'm going to knit a marathon. Using this widget from KnitMeter.com, I can enter my projects and the amount of yarn that I used and come up with how many miles I've knit. I've added the widget to my sidebar to remind me to keep track!

Because We All Need To Laugh Sometimes

2009-03-19T23:20:00.003-04:00

Hope you get a laugh!

I have seen this one in person!

Sad Day

2009-03-18T22:06:00.003-04:00

I've been away for a few hours, running errands and attending my journaling group. This isn't knitting related at all, but I need to post it.

I just learned of the passing of actress Natasha Richardson. It's a sad day all around. I've been following developments closely since I first found out about her ski accident. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, the acting community, and by her fans.

Project March: Vivid Rose Mitts

2009-03-17T23:20:00.000-04:00

Month: March

Project: Vivid Rose Mitts

Status: Both Mitts Completed

I finished the second mitt two weeks ago, after two solid days of working on them. Once you get going, these mitts become so easy to work. I'd love to make another pair of these some day.

I did have one problem, after I cast off. I put both mitts on, looked at them, and noticed that on the top of the left mitt, I'd done a k1p1 ribbing instead of the moss stitch. It wasn't all the way around the mitt, just on half of it. So I had to rip out the bind off and two rows to fix it. I hardly had enough yarn to finish the bind off for a second time.

I adore these mitts and I've received so many amazing comments on them.

March's Completed Project

Follow Me On Twitter!

2009-03-12T11:48:00.004-04:00

I added a new blog widget, Twitter! Now I can update what's going on if I can't get to blogging!

Movie Knitting: Stick It

2009-03-05T19:32:00.000-05:00

Movie of Choice: Stick It

Project of Choice: Skull and Crossbones Blanket

Stars (out of five): ***

What could be better than watching a movie about gymnastics? This movie brings out how catty and competitive that world can be (It's not called gym-nice-tics ya know). As a girl is forced to return to a world she once walked out out, Haley butts heads with new coach and teammates. She's also not one to stick to the rules and breaks them nearly every chance she gets. In the end everything works out in a stick and competitive competition.

This movie is mindless, a fun comedy to watch. It's from the writers of Bring It On, so it's got that flair to it.

I chose to work on my Skull and Crossbones blanket because it was there and I wasn't feeling all that steady at the time. It's coming along slowly, but that's the point of it.

Dark Star Beret

2009-03-04T03:40:00.000-05:00

I knitted this beret as a Knit-A-Long (KAL for future reference to any non-knitting readers out there) with one of my Ravelry groups. This pattern is yet another wonderful knit by Natalie Larson, called Star Crossed Slouchy Beret (available as a Ravelry download).

I used some Caron Simply Soft, black, that I had in my stash. It took less that a 3 oz. skein to make a single beret, so this is easily a one skein project. It also makes it a quick gift knit for those last minute birthdays or the holidays.

This beret has cables scattered over it, twisting in both directions. the decreases for the top are done with both k2tog and ssk. It's got a wonderful fit to it. This will most likely be one of my go to berets. I'm planning on making one in white.

Dark Star Beret

The Peachest of Baby Blankets

2009-03-02T15:12:00.001-05:00

This blanket was fabulous to knit. It's from the book 8-Hour Baby Blanket...Revisited from Plymouth. It was a joy to knit, and it did take 8 hours. Some of the other patterns out of the book may take longer, but any of the smaller blankets could easily be done in weekend.

I was commissioned to knit this blanket for a good friend (totally knit worthy!). After looking through some of the patterns in the book, she settled on the Diagonal Texture Baby Blanket. Knitting this blanket was enjoyable due to the fact that it wasn't solid stockinette stitch. Each row was made up of knits and purls, and was very easy to follow.

Done on size 13 needles and holding two strands of worsted together, the blanket works up quickly. I used Plymouth Encore Worsted in number 448.

If you need that last minute baby gift, go check out your lys and see if they have this book!

Movie Knitting: The Nanny Diaries

2009-03-01T16:00:00.001-05:00

Movie of Choice: The Nanny Diaries

Project of Choice: Fluff Scarf

Stars (out of five): ****

This movie, adapted from the book of the same name, was adorable. A coming of age story, a girl fresh out of NYU, trying to find herself. Annie becomes a live in nanny for an rich, uptown NY family. Not the job she was hoping for, she quickly learns of all the demands and strict rules that being a nanny brings. She uses her time as "field research" that will help her achieve what she really wants to do with her life.

I loved the main character of this film. Always trying to make he best of a situation, even when stuck in a corner. Watching the bonus features on the DVD gave a closer look at the book and how it came about. I haven't read the book yet, although it is in one of my many stacks of books to read. Check out the movie, check out the book, and see what it's like being on the bottom looking up.

I choose my Fluff Scarf to work on due to the fact that it was already out and I had been working on it. Plus, I wanted something mindless to work on while I was watching this movie.

*The opinions posted above are that of the author.

Project March: Vivid Rose Mitts

2009-03-01T00:35:00.004-05:00

Month: March

Project: Vivid Rose Mitts

Status: 1 mitt completed

I'm choosing this project so that I don't have the dreaded second mitt/sock/sleeve/anything else that comes in a pair syndrome. It really shouldn't be a problem for me to complete the second one, as the first one didn't take me very long to knit up at all.

The pattern I'm working from can be found here (opens in a pdf file). I love the pattern, although I'm not used to reading the charts from left to right instead of right to left. The first mitt doesn't look that great in places where I was doing some of he colorwork. I attribute the fact that I was stressed as to it not looking well.

Here's to Project of the Month: March. I've met my goal the past two months, so let's hope I can meet my goal for a third time!

March's Project of the Month

It's Times Like This

2009-02-28T21:34:00.002-05:00

The last few days have been mentally draining on me. Too much going on for me to really handle. To the outside world it may seem like nothing at all. To me though, I'm left wondering when the next thing is going to shatter my world or make me question life altogether.

I started working on a new project to work on when my head is too cluttered to be able to sit down and write anything out. I started a blanket using a lace skull and crossbones pattern that can be used in nearly anything. I'm doing the blanket out of black and white.

No pictures yet as I just started and I'm only really working on it when I'm in a bad state.

Can it please be March 26th already? I don't have therapy until then unless I just happen to get an earlier appointment because someone else canceled...

*sigh* Eventually things are going to look up. Somehow, someway. They always do.

Project February: Upstairs Shawl

2009-02-28T14:45:00.002-05:00

Month: February

Project: Upstairs Shawl

Status: Completed on the 2nd; sent out on the 27th

Finished so early, sent out so late. Basically, I just sat and knitted the rest of this shawl in one day. I wanted to get it completed, I wanted to get it sent out, and I wanted to move onto something new. Completed. Check. Sent out. Check. Started something new before it was sent out. Check. I really do hope that the recipient likes it, as it is a comfort shawl. Only time will tell.

I did enjoy knitting the Upstairs Shawl pattern and I do plan on knitting it again in a lace weight yarn. I do think this pattern could be adapted for nearly any weight of yarn and come out beautifully.

For this shawl I used Hobby Lobby's house brand, Baby Bee, in Sweet Delight Pomp Crayon. For a yarn that is mostly acrylic, it's got a soft hand to it. The small silver thread wrapped around it caught on the needles a lot though, so that was a pain. I believe that I used two full skeins and just a bit of a third. I'm not exactly sure. The shawl was knitted on size 8, 24" circular needles.

Overall, I do like how the shawl turned out and would easily make it again with this yarn as a gift.

I feel safe posting pictures, so here they are. The pooling doesn't seem as noticeable when you're looking at the shawl as it does when you're looking at the pictures.

February's Completed Project

Movie Knitting: Burn After Reading

2009-02-27T17:27:00.001-05:00

Movie of Choice: Burn After Reading

Project of Choice: Fluff Scarf

Stars (out of five): *****

The Coen Brothers present to you another great movie, Burn After Reading. What do you get when you mix a group of people together that somehow have ties to each other, yet aren't aware of it? You have a movie of demise, longing, cheating, hilarity, and down right stupidity (only in the best way of course). This movie held my attention for the entire 96 minutes. There's nothing like watching what one person's actions do to another and how that affects someone they are linked to and what one person can think of another's involvement with an organization they aren't linked to in the slightest. Smart acting, with most parts being written for the actor or actress portraing that character. For a lot going on at once, it's easy enough to follow along if you're paying attention. The story wraps and weaves it's way around, coming to an ending when you're just trying to figure out the start.

Choosing the Fluff Scarf to work on was probably a wise choice as I didn't have to pay attention to what I was doing. It was much easier to focus on the movie...Otherwise, something might have been missed.
*The opinions posted above are that of the author.

Movie Knitting: The Dark Knight

2009-02-26T22:52:00.002-05:00

Movie of Choice: The Dark Knight

Project of Choice: Lace Stole

Stars (out of five): *****

I haven't seen many of the movies that make up the Batman franchise, and I'm not much of an action movie type of girl, but I didn't want to miss this film. I should also state that I wanted to see Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker (which was amazing). This movie goes beyond my expectations. There is no shortage of suspense as the story weaves it way around. The story also has some unexpected events happen, events that make you questions the integrity of the characters (well, unless you're a huge Batman fan I suppose!). Who's on what side? What does the villain really want? Who's going to be the one that is saved? Or better yet, what's going to be blown up, flipped over, or torn apart next? The acting is superb from all cast members, the special effects top notch, the set design spectacular.

Knitting did not come easy during this film as I was glued to the screen, especially during the last half hour. If you haven't seen this film, I recommend checking it out.

*The opinions posted above are that of the author.

What Have You Done?

2009-02-24T09:43:00.000-05:00

Stole this from another blog. :) She knows who she is.

Bold what you've done, mark in another way what you plan to do, and leave anything else alone!

Afghan
American/English knitting
Baby items
Bobbles
Buttonholes
Cable stitch patterns
Cardigan
Charity Knitting
Combination knitting
Continental knitting (does trying count?)
Cuffs/fingerless mits/arm-warmers
Darning
Designing knitted garments
Domino knitting
Drop Stitch Patterns
Dyeing Spinning Fibre
Dyeing with plant colors
Dyeing Yarn
Entrelac
Fair Isle knitting
Free-form knitting (If by this is meant I made it up as I went)
Fulling/felting
Garter stitch
Gloves
Graffiti knitting
Hair accessories
Hats: Cuff-up
Hats: Top down
Holiday related knitting
Household Items
I-Cord
Intarsia
Jewelry
Kitchener stitch
Knitted flowers
Knitting a gift
Knitting a pattern from an on-line knitting magazine
Knitting and purling backwards
Knitting art
Knitting for a living
Knitting for pets
Knitting for Preemies
Knitting in public
Knitting Items for Weddings
Knitting on a loom
Knitting smocking
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars
Knitting to make money
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Knitting with alpaca
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Knitting with beads
Knitting with Camel Yarn
Knitting with cashmere
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with cotton
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Knitting with dpns
Knitting with Linen
Knitting with metal Wire (disliked it but was interesting)
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Knitting with silk
Knitting with someone else's hand-spun yarn
Knitting with soy yarn
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Knitting with wool
Knitting with your own hand-spun yarn
Lace patterns
Long Tail CO
Machine knitting
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Moebius band knitting
Norweigan knitting
Participate in an exchange
Participating in a KAL
Pillows
Publishing a knitting book
Purses/bags
Rug
Scarf
Shawl
Short rows
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Slip stitch patterns
Slippers
Socks: toe-up
Socks: top-down
Steeks
Stockinette stitch
Stuffed toys
Swatching
Sweater
Tassels
Teaching a child to knit
Teaching a Male how to knit
Textured knitting
Thrummed knitting
Toy/doll clothing
Tubular CO
Twisted stitch patterns
Two end knitting
Writing a pattern

Steal this and post it on your knitting blog!

Movie Knitting: Step Brothers

2009-02-23T20:52:00.003-05:00

Movie of Choice: Step Brothers

Project of Choice: Lace Stole

Stars (out of five): **

Tonight I rented Step Brothers from RedBox (gotta love free rental Monday!). Normally, I love Will Ferrell, but this movie did nothing for me. Sure, it had it's funny moments, as his movies do, but it didn't seem that anything really carried this movie. There were more F-Bombs dropped than I think I've ever heard in a single movie before. I've heard every word in the book, and it seems like every word was used in this movie. The storyline was unique and different, but it just did not play out well. The writing was horrible and repetitive. The acting seemed off, even forced at times. This movie will not be one of my recommendations to see. With this being all that I can say about this movie, that should be considered a good thing, as there's nothing good about it.

*The opinions posted above are that of the author.

Oscar Winning Moment 2009

2009-02-23T03:38:00.003-05:00

I feel totally compelled to post this here.

Yes, I know it's not completely knitting related, but she has been known to pick up the needles. I just love her speech!

Oscar Night! Part Two

2009-02-22T23:42:00.005-05:00

I greatly enjoyed the Oscars this year. I love how they presented some of the major awards with winners gracing the stage, each one addressing a nominee. Loved the musical numbers, too! Watching the "In Memoriam"...It makes you realize how many great people were lost in the past year.

Slumdog Millionaire, a movie that was supposed to go straight to DVD, doing so well! Penelope Cruz winning Supporting Actress. Heath Ledger winning for Supporting Actor, his family taking the stage to accept his award. Kate Winslet, who I love, winning Best Actress! And I'm not afraid to admit that I did cry. I loved her speech! Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black winning for Milk. Now, for Best Picture...The winner is...Slumdog Millionaire! A fantastic night for this movie!!!!!!

So many great movies and the people that made them possible were nominated this year, and I have yet to see any of them! It's time to start watching. This year's Oscars has to be one of the most amazing!

I managed to get a few rows completed on the stole, enough to finish another pattern repeat. I was too entranced to knit on it much...

And so many good movies coming up later on in 2009!!!

Oscar Night!

2009-02-22T21:24:00.003-05:00

I love watching the Academy Awards! I love seeing what dresses are hitting the red carpet and who wins what awards. And for a toned down Oscars, I have to say I'm enjoying it. Also, I realized that I seriously need to do some movie watching!

So, what am I knitting during the Oscars? I just finished a beret, the Star Crossed Slouchy Beret with some Caron Simply Soft from my stash, in black.

Now it's onto the lace stole I feel like I've been working on forever. I am finding it very difficult to just sit and work on it. I don't know what it is about it that's making this project turn into one that I just don't enjoy working on. So, here goes to working on that and hopefully making some progress.

Updated Sidebar Widgets

2009-02-12T23:42:00.004-05:00

I've updated my sidebar widgets with the projects I've completed this year. Five so far! And the year isn't even a quarter of the way over.

Anything with a star in front of it's name means the project is completed. I'm getting down my list. I've noted the projects that have already been started. I feel like I'm doing a lot of the little projects right now. There's a shawl that I can't wait to start though.

I'm having a huge case of startitis because I so badly want to make all of those projects listed. I also want to finish the projects so that I can put them to use before it starts to get warm here.

I started a new scarf today and, while it is knitting up quickly, I don't know if I can get it knit up quickly enough to wear it before it gets warm.

I have too many projects started again. I'll never get anything finished...

Is This A Bad Thing?

2009-02-12T02:24:00.002-05:00

I'm going to admit something. My bedroom is a mess. Like, you'd never believe I was a Virgo if you saw my room and how disorganized it was mess.

I am thoroughly scared by the amount of yarn I am finding as I start to clean my room. Scared as in, "I forgot I bought this" as I find a bag with yarn in it. As in, where am I going to put all of this yarn and how am I ever going to use it all scared.

Anyone know of a yarnaholic anonymous? I think I need one...

Knitting Update

2009-02-11T15:51:00.004-05:00

With the sun breaking through the clouds of a really rainy day, I figured I'd do a quick update.

I've got some projects completed that I need to blog about. I've got some frogged projects to update. I've received some gifts from friends that I need to post. Oh, and one very humorous situation that just wasn't all that funny at the time - and one I wish I had pictures of.

So, there will be new blog posts in the near future. In the meantime, get lost in a game. Boomshine can become addictive, as I've found out.

Springing Forward In Completed Socks

2009-02-03T00:06:00.000-05:00

I've completed my first pair of hand knit socks! Yes, there are mistakes, one of which I didn't catch until the one sock had been completed for a few days. It's just in the decrease area for the toe, so it won't be noticeable to anyone except myself, unless another knitter notices it.

I was sucked in the moment that I turned the heel. There's just something so magical, wonderful about that step.

I love how the socks fit, I love how hand knit socks feel on my feet. I may not knit another pair anytime in the near future, but this won't be the last pair that I knit!

Springing Forward Socks

These socks make the second project of January that I've completed, and second on the list for 2009.

Super Bowl Knitting

2009-02-02T00:25:00.002-05:00

Was that not an exciting Super Bowl? It would have been much better had the Arizona Cardinals won the Lombardi, but I guess you can't have everything go your way (story of my life actually). I love an underdog team and wanted to see them win so badly!

During the game I worked on the shawl that I want to complete by the end of the month. I've completed almost two full pattern repeats today, working on it during my knitting group that meets on Sundays and during the game. It knits up so quickly once you get into the rhythm of the pattern.

I have to say that the ads this year were pretty good. This though, is my top favorite!

I want to thank everyone for the comments! I'm thinking about doing a weekly post on Saturday responding to some comments that have been left. I don't know why I didn't think of that idea sooner! So, look for that to be coming your way.

Project February: Upstairs Shawl

2009-02-01T02:55:00.002-05:00

Month: February

Project: Upstairs Shawl

Status: Half Way Completed

I've picked my project for February. Pictures and info will have to wait though, as it's a gift for a friend, and I don't want to ruin it by posting pictures of the yarn and how the project is looking.

I've picked this project because it's something that I need to get done, as I've been working on it on and off since late October, early November.

Here's to February!

The "Other" Four Letter "S" Word

2009-01-28T08:05:00.003-05:00

The other four letter "S" word could be one of two words right now. Let's start with this one.

Sock.

Yes, it's a four letter knitting word. I swore I'd never knit socks, never waste my time on a knitted project that no one would really see. What is the point? No, I'm not going to knit socks and you can't make me! EVER.

No longer can I say that. I have started knitting a pair of socks, my first pair of socks. These will not be my last pair either.

No, I will not like knitting socks. No, I will not like the feel of them on my foot when I try them on. No, I will not love turning the heel.

Damn.

I'm knitting the Spring Forward pattern from Knitty. It's a lovely lace pattern that's quick to memorize. My yarn choice is Lion Brand Sock-Ease in Cotton Candy. I didn't want to spend much money on sock yarn if I ended up not liking to knit socks.

Lion Brand Sock Ease

Hot pink, light pink, lime green, and purple make up the colors in this yarn.
Fingering weight, 438 yd, 75% Wool, 25% Nylon

And now, for the other "S" word. SNOW. Oh, how I despise the snow when many inches fall. I won't be going anywhere today. I'll be lucky to go anywhere tomorrow. Nothing like a day to knit! These pictures are outside my window.

So, either be glad you aren't here right now, or wish you were here, whatever you fancy. I have no idea how many inches fell here, but I'm sure I'll be aware when I go and bring the toter in from trash day this morning!

You Must Watch This

2009-01-27T23:57:00.001-05:00

A good friend of mine sent me this video on Ravelry, and I had to post it here. No intro is needed! Enjoy!

Project January: Endpaper Mitts

2009-01-26T23:30:00.006-05:00

Month: January

Project: Endpaper Mitts

Status: Completed

I didn't blog much about the project choice for January. Since I had already finished one mitt, I decided that finishing the other mitt would be plausible by the end of the month.

Eunny Jang designed these wonderful mitts, and you can find the pattern on her blog, here. If you haven't done a stranded project, these mitts would be a perfect first project.

I made this pair using dpn for the cuffs, size 1, and two circular needles, size 3, for the colorwork. Until this project, I had not used the two circular needles knitting method. It was probably not the wisest choice, particularly for a stranded project, but it worked. My knitting was tighter using this method, but the mitts have stretched a little with wear.

I used Red Heart Ltd.'s Heart & Sole for this project in the Mellow Stripe and Black colorways.

I love how they turned out, and are my favorite pair of the three pairs I've made.

January's Completed Project

I've Decided on a Layout

2009-01-24T18:04:00.002-05:00

Okay, I've been going back and forth, looking at each layout. I've decided to go ahead and stay with the white background. I think the simple layout will allow the pictures to pop out more, that is, when I post them.

I'll add color through my text. If I remember, I'll just change my font color each month. I know, you're all thinking, "Like she's going to remember." :-p

Widgets will be added again in the next couple of days. I also need to become better about tagging posts.

I need to collect some knitting blogs to start reading and to place on my list. What should I be reading?

Okay, it's time to get the blog back on the topic of knitting. I do need to post my project for January because I'm nearly done with it! Perhaps I'll post it when I am completed.

And now to return this blog to knitting.

Opinions Wanted!

2009-01-24T00:42:00.003-05:00

Alright, I've been screwing around with my blog for the past couple of days. I've got this original blogger template up, and found a tutorial that helped me to make it three columns wide, which is what I want.

I loved the colors and the cheeriness of the other template. I also like how clean this one looks. If I keep this one, I'll change some font colors.

It's really a matter of deciding at this point. I may just keep this one. What do you think?

Thanks For the Comments!

2009-01-23T15:19:00.003-05:00

Thanks so much for those that left comments about my new template. I think I'm going to keep it. Screw IE! I love the template, the colors, and the fact that it's three columns. I can't find another three column template that speaks to me as this one did.

So, my blog is either gonna look great (cuz Firefox is great!) or it's going to look sucky (cuz IE is sucky).

And this is a knitting blog so I guess I oughta post a knitting picture. And obviously screw the grammar for today in this post! I'm allowed to do that once in awhile, right?

Some Malabrigo Lace. Because we all love Malabrigo in any form.

ETA: Using this template has also taken away some options for when I post, either editing a post or creating a new post. And frankly, I'm not excited about that. It's like the older blogger, I think. So, I think I'm going to revert back to another template, or find one that work and allows me the options I want while making a new post. I guess I'm just not gonna be happy about this.

New Template

2009-01-22T23:28:00.006-05:00

It was time for a change in the look of my blog. It was just looking so depressing and sad in the dark colors, and I couldn't find the right combination that elicited joy from myself.

So, I found this template and loved it! I'll get around to adding my widgets again and getting the look just right. I've been doing editing within the html, so if something looks off, let me know. I know the title is huge and way off if you're using IE as your browser. I normally use Firefox, so it looks like it should to me.

Enjoy the new cheerful look!

ETA: I've been screwing around with the html stuff, and I know I'm never going to get it to look how I want it to look on both browsers. So, if anyone has any ideas, I'd be very appreciative. For now I'm just going to leave as is.

How Exciting Is This?

2009-01-22T16:44:00.003-05:00

It's become some sort of obsession of mine, checking my Ravelry project page for comments and to see if any of my projects have been favorited by other members.

What a surprise today when I saw that a project not previously favorited had been favorited.

What's even better about it is that project was favorited by the author of the book in which the pattern came from!

Now, about the project.

I had been joking around with some friends on how I could knit practically anything. I mentioned handcuffs and that I found this pair that I wanted to knit in a book I had just gotten at the library called Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track.

Being the person I am, I decide to knit a pair for a friend (who I don't talk to anymore). I'm given the most perfect yarn for the project from a friend that's in my knitting groups. Black with beads from ICE Yarns. Blend that with Lion Brand Lame in silver, and you have the most perfect cuffs!

ICE Yarns Bead Fancy, Black with Rainbow Beads.

This yarn was fun to work with, even though some of the beads are difficult to see on the black yarn.
82% Polyester, 18% Sequins

Lion Brand Lame in Silver.

I wanted something to add to the cuffs, and I knew this would be the perfect addition.
Fingering Weight 65% Rayon, 35% Metalized Polyester

Finished Project

Overall, this was a quick, fun, and easy knit. It took no time to knit these up and have them put together. Make sure you check out the book, too!

Knitting Projects for 2009

2009-01-21T23:11:00.012-05:00

There are some projects that I'd like to get completed before the end of 2009. I've got the list in my head, so now it's time to put it down in my blog. The list will contain projects already started and in need of finishing, or projects that I want to start.

All links will open in a new window/tab.

*Warm Color Fingerless Mitts (picture)

* Wrap in Malabrigo Lace (picture)

* Fluffy Lace Scarf (picture)

* Celtic Knot Stole (picture)

* Winter Twilight Mitts (pattern)

* Leaf Lace Shawl (Ravelry)

* Lacy Accents Scarf x 2 (Ravelry)

* Plymouth Confusion Scarf x 2 (Colorcard)

* Fingerless Mitts for a friend

* Comfort Shawl

* Baby Blanket

So, the list for 2009 has been made. Now, for how the "Project A Month" will work.

Each month, I will choose a project to complete. Most likely the choice in project will be something that's already on the needles. It doesn't matter the length in time that it's been on the needles. By the end of the month, the project will be completed. I'll choose the project-of-the-month a few days before the new month begins, and will try to make it a point to post the project and the stage it's in on the first day of the month.

I'll be posting the project for January in a few days. I just needed to get updated photos taken, then uploaded. That is one thing that I'm not good about. Perhaps that will change in 2009!

Knitting Plans 2009

2009-01-18T22:27:00.002-05:00

Here are my knitting plans of 2009.

1. Finish at least one project a month.
2. Update Ravelry as needed
3. Use more yarn from my stash and stop buying so much! Only buy if there's nothing in my stash that will work.
4. Update my blog. Try for once a week.

Let's see how long these plans hold up!

What I'm working on now (links to my Ravelry Project Page):

Warm Color Endpaper Mitts
Cheshire Cat Stole
Fluffy Lace Scarf

So hopefully sometime this month one of the three will be completed!

Happy 2009!!!

2009-01-01T00:05:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a year full of knitting!!!!

Apparently, my resolution is to knit enough to empty four of my containers of yarn. Yeah right. This was made for me, not by me.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T22:10:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a great Christmas!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

2008-11-27T20:29:00.003-05:00

To everyone in the states, Happy Turkey Day! Hope it's been a good one for you all.

I know I haven't done a great job of keeping my blog. I don't know why I don't keep it up. I just...don't. Makes me kind of sad really. But oh well.

I've been doing loads of knitting.

Right now I'm working on:

~ another pair of Endpaper Mitts
~ plain scarf
~ Celtic Knot Stole (still)
~ bookmarks for my Journaling Group
~ sock yarn hat (almost done)
~ surprise for a friend

I'll update as I'm able. I'm doubting I have many readers anyhow. =P

Like there's anything of interest ever posted here.

Oh, and as a side note. I'm getting ready to organize my Photobucket account, so there may be some broken pics until I get around to fixing them...

I Forgot!

2008-11-05T22:21:00.001-05:00

I forgot to post yesterday! :(

I got wrapped up in all of the election stuff.

Now I'll probably go back to not posting for a month.

Blah.

Knitting Update

2008-11-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

Just a bit of a knitting update.

I haven't worked on my stole lately...Just kind of sitting in a bag.

I'm working hard to get a shrug done. I have 15 days and I'm half way done. I can do this!

Other Things Than Knitting

2008-11-02T12:59:00.001-05:00

So yeah, to get through the next month...there's going to be posts about other things than knitting.

Like how freaking sore I am from dancing at a club nearly non stop for four hours last night/early this morning....

Uh Oh....Has It Been That Long

2008-11-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Have I not posted anything since my birthday?

I've been going through a lot of...stuff...to keep the language clean here....The past few weeks.

And now I've joined NoBlgPoMo....To post a blog entry every day for an entire month!

How many people think I'm already setting myself up to fail?

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T23:35:00.000-04:00

Hope it was good for everyone!

Birthday Girl!

2008-09-20T09:48:00.001-04:00

Today is my birthday! Happy 25th to me!

On Fire! (Okay, Nothing's Really On Fire....)

2008-09-12T10:32:00.000-04:00

That's just the name of my WIP wrap. I'm working on another Weekender Lace Wrap. For this one, I'm using Crystal Palace Panda Wool Print.

I love how easy this pattern is to follow. It quickly becomes "mindless knitting."

Here's how it's looking so far. The colorway is called Red Cinnamon.

Strawberry Lemonade!

2008-09-08T01:35:00.003-04:00

I finally finished my Endpaper Mitts (pattern here). I titled them Strawberry Lemonade because of the colors that I chose. I used Bernat Baby Solid. The colors look very similar, I know. That wasn't my intention, but sometimes you never know how colors are going to look once they're knit together in close proximity of each other.

I made this mitt first. It's even and nice. Why is that? After each round I spent time untwisting the yarns! That did not turn out to be the most enjoyable thing to do, but I continued with it because, well, it was working. The mitt was getting done and it looked nice.

This mitt was the second one. To make this one, I used the combination knitting method. The yellow is quite loose, as I was holding that yarn in my left hand and I am right handed. It doesn't look as nice as the first mitt, but you can see the pattern a bit better.

And here's a close up of the pattern.
What I learned from this pattern: Italian tubular cast on, kitchener rib bind off, color work, combination knitting.

And on a side note: I was unable to reach my goal of having the first knot done on my stole, but I was okay with it. I *am* closer to finishing it though.

The Green Knot Looking Thing

2008-08-21T16:15:00.005-04:00

For lack of a better title....I'm not so enthusiastic about blogging right now. I'm not enthusiastic about much of anything right now. A summer cold has struck and has completely made me miserable.

So, just a little bit of something that I've been working on. I fell in love with the Celtic Knot Stole pattern and knew that I had to make one. When my LYS had the yarn sale going on, I found this shade of Cotton Fine and there was just enough of it for the stole. I don't have much done yet, as it takes a bit of time to get through each pattern row.

I figure I have about a third of the first knot done. This is a project that will be something to work on only when I am alone and will not be interrupted. My goal is to have the first knot fully done but the 28th. I better get to knitting!

When Life Gets In The Way

2008-08-18T22:58:00.002-04:00

I know that there have been a lack of blog posts here lately. I apologize for that, especially when I was updating regularly!

I have done so much knitting! I don't have much to show for it though because of working on so many projects at once!

I'm planning to do some uploading of pictures in the next few days, and hopefully will have some decent blog posts. I love the scheduling feature and will probably be using that for my next few posts, just so it doesn't seem like I've completely abandoned this place.

Life has been crazy. Blogging hasn't been a priority. Knitting has been though, and I find that comforting.

Until later...

The Pink Beret

2008-06-30T16:32:00.002-04:00

I was looking for a beret pattern a couple of weeks ago. I wanted something new to knit, but something that I could knit quickly. I came across this beret pattern and knew that was what I wanted to make.

Instead of using both size needles called for, I stuck to a size 8, 16" circular for the entire project. The pattern is extremely easy to memorize. There are two ways to make this beret, and I chose to make the more slouchy one. I chose to make it out of pink Sugar 'n Cream because it's the only worsted weight cotton in my stash.

I really like how it turned out. I think the next one I make will be the less slouchy one. If I don't like it, I can frog it and go back to the slouchy one. There's not really a reason to keep around something that you aren't going to wear!

Rock On!

2008-06-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

I made my guitar strap back in February, but I never blogged about it. I used this pattern from Knitty. I'm really not that thrilled about how mine turned out. It twists and won't lay flat, and it comes unattached from my guitar because the button hole has been pulled out. So, to get it to stay on, I need to stitch it tighter. Stitching the fabric backing on it was tedious and took me longer to do than to knit the strap. It's pretty much just a decoration on my guitar now. I don't play seriously, just whenever I feel like picking up my guitar and strumming a song, so it's not like many people are going to see it. It's too long also, which is my own fault.

So, here are the pictures so you can see what it looks like. I used Plymouth Encore Worsted in brown and two colors of Dazzlelash in brown and turquoise.

Aren't I Just The Cutest Thing?

2008-06-23T11:24:00.000-04:00

This happened a few days ago when I was working on my Springtime Wrap. I was minding my business, knitting along, when my ball of yarn fell to the floor. And who better to be right there than my sweet, innocent little cat? Oh, she was ready to play, saw the opportunity, and ever did she take it. Back and forth across the floor went She-Ra, chasing after the ball of yarn like it was a mouse. She wrapped it around everything that she could. My purse, the leg of a chair, and through her cube. Why shouldn't she carry it around in her mouth when it became small enough (although I don't think that really mattered to her)? She was having a ball (ha ha) with the yarn. You'd think she'd never have seen anything like it before. She had it in and out of her cube a couple of times. I'm surprised it wasn't a tangled mess. I knit it up while she was kindly unrolling it for me, as I figured I shouldn't waste my time trying to figure out where she had it all unless I tugged on it and it didn't move. You know she was doing it purely out of love for me. "Mom, I bet you can knit this up faster if I play around with it and unroll it for you!" Isn't she just the cutest?

I Love Surprises!

2008-06-19T14:42:00.000-04:00

It's great when you make the trek out to your mailbox to see what awaits you. What could be better than seeing a large envelope with your name on it?

I've gotten two great things recently from members of Ravelry.

From my RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) Group, I got a new journal. Each month, members of the group make a list of items they wish they could have, and if someone has them, they get mailed out, sometimes as a surprise. It's a great way to find some things you would like to have, and a way to find new homes for those items that you no longer want.

I got another package recently from another group I'm part of. It was a wonderful surprise that I had no idea to expect. I received a lovely pair of hand warmers in my favorite color combination! They're fantastic and I love them. I'll always be reminded that I have friends out there who care and who know just what to do to cheer me up!

Oh, and how pathetic is it that I'm looking forward to Disney Channel's Camp Rock to air tomorrow night?!

I Can't Sleep

2008-06-18T03:53:00.002-04:00

This is one of those completely random posts that have nothing to do with knitting.

I think I'm about to scream.

All I want to do is sleep. I know I've screwed up my sleep royally, but really, this is over the top. I was tired around 11:30 pm. I stayed up to watch the end of the NBA Finals (why, I don't know. Guess I wanted to see the Celtics blowout), and the news. And then I tried going to bed. I couldn't fall asleep after a half hour. So I got out of bed and journaled. Then I went back to bed. I still couldn't sleep.

Now, I've been at this for quite some time. It's almost four in the morning. I'm still awake. I still don't know if I can fall asleep. And I actually planned on doing things today that involve um, STAYING AWAKE.

Any advice on this, other than taking meds to put me to sleep?

A Little Wrap With a Twist of Russian

2008-06-17T20:35:00.005-04:00

After a bit of fighting with my wrap, I've finally knitted the first skein completely. I had to frog a large chunk of it one evening after finding a mistake, and I hadn't moved my lifeline as I should have long before. I became angry at myself over something little. It must be that perfectionist in me. I never believed I'd get through the first skein of yarn. Have you ever had one of those skeins that you felt was never going to end?

After one skein, my wrap is 16 inches (42 cm) long. The picture really shows how the color is pooling, although looking at it while knitting it shows a completely different look. I like how it's turning out, almost like rosebuds. Perhaps I should rename it my Rosebud Wrap?

While surfing around the forum on Ravelry today, I came across a thread about weaving in the ends of the yarn. One person posted about the Russian Join, and curious, I took a look at the link which lead to a tutorial on how to execute this join. I thought that I would try it for this project as there isn't a great place to weave in the ends except right along the edge where there is garter stitch.

The Russian Join was easy to accomplish with this yarn, surprisingly. I think it has now become my favorite type of join, and one that I will use on anything that I possibly can! If you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out. No more wasting time weaving in your ends!

Here's a closer look at the wrap as I work on it.

Other Russian Join Tutorials

*KnittingHelp.com ~ Scroll down to Joining A New Color Yarn to find the video

*Knittinganyway.com ~ Picture tutorial

The Wrap Report

2008-06-11T10:45:00.002-04:00

I've decided to try and become better about posting pictures of projects while they are in the WIP stage. And with needing knitting to help me get through the next couple of weeks, now is the best time to start!

This is my Springtime Shawl. To make this shawl, I'm using Crystal Palace Maizy Springtime, the yarn made partly from corn fibers. It's a sock yarn, but as I don't see the need of knitting socks, I decided to make the shawl. The pattern is also a Crystal Palace pattern, the Weekender Lace Wrap. It's a very easy four row pattern repeat. I don't know why I had so many problems with it in the beginning. It just didn't want to work with me! I put in a lifeline, just incase I would somehow screw this up. I'm bound to screw up something so simple. This one will be just a bit longer than the pattern states as I have a bit more yarn than called for.

I also really like the way this pattern is showing off the colors of this yarn.

Here's a closer look at the pattern and the colors. I'm almost one fully skein into the project, and I have four skeins total.

Okay, that's it for this edition of The Wrap Report!

(OMB, I can be so cheesy sometimes.)

Anxiety and Knitting

2008-06-10T14:28:00.005-04:00

My anxiety level is high right now. It's over something a bit silly, but understandably, anxiety provoking for myself. I'll just have to deal with this for, oh, for 16 more days (and how horribly sad is it that I've already started a countdown?).

Obviously, this means turning to two things: my journaling and my knitting. Hopefully one or the other will help my anxiety level lower a little bit. Or, I can look at it as a way to finish projects.

So, lets see what I can get done in 16 days. Maybe I'll have a rare thing called a Finished Object?

I fixed my error in my Juno Regina last night, so it's off and running with that again. What I'm knitting now is so tedious and boring, yet oddly relaxing at the same time because I don't really have to think about what it is that I'm doing. But, I know with time it will become something that people will look at and go, "Where did you get that?" or "You made that?"

I also frogged my beaded scarf again. Eventually that will turn out how I want it.

Off to do some knitting or writing. Watching cartoons sounds like a plan, too. I love cartoons!

And speaking of cartoons, I picked up the coolest book at the library today. It's about all of Nickelodeon's cartoons! The cover of the one I have looks different and isn't slime filled, as this one is. I must have this book! I must have the slime filled version! There's not a lot of reading in it, but it's filled with pictures from the shows. Storyboards, cells, production pictures among other things. If you love Nicktoons, especially some of the older ones, grab this book!

I actually blogged about something other than knitting. Wow.

Blogoversary and Four Hours of Sleep

2008-06-09T21:09:00.003-04:00

My blog is a year old today! I should really pat myself on the back for managing to keep it going for a year, even though there was those many months that I didn't post anything. Poor little blog was abandoned. *pats blog lovingly* I thank Ravelry for helping to bring my blog back to life.

I think I've maybe gotten four hours of sleep. That's a big maybe. Although it could be closer to five. I don't know how I've managed to not crash and burn, but I'm sure that will come later. Given the time it is now though, I'm worried I'll be up all night again. Or well, there's always cartoons to watch!

I missed a YO in my Juno Regina, and I did it before I dozed off for a whole 20 minutes or so this afternoon, so I'm going to go fix that. At least YO are easy enough to fix, and it's not that far down. *note to self: do not work on Juno Regina while tired, even though you're on the easy part.*

Thanks for all the comments! Record for one day!

What Do You Do When....

2008-06-09T04:51:00.001-04:00

It's almost five in the morning, you can't sleep, and you've been up since eleven yesterday morning?

Knitting isn't helping. Any other suggestions?

The First Appearance of Juno Regina

2008-06-08T14:12:00.005-04:00

In April (I think), I came across lace weight Malabrigo. I didn't have anything in mind to knit with it, but it was Malabrigo, and it was lace weight, and I had just gotten into lace knitting. Surely I would find something, right? So out of Stitches and Scones I went with my Malabrigo, ready to look on Ravelry for a pattern.

I don't remember how quickly I came across this pattern, but when I found Juno Regina , I pretty much knew that was what I was going to make. It would be my first complicated lace pattern, and my first pattern were I really needed to pay attention to, and follow, a chart. Plus the fact that I could actually sit and concentrate on a pattern such as this.

I cast on for Juno Regina on May 1, 2008. It started out simple enough and moved quickly. I think the picture on the left is after I finished chart one. I'm not really sure though. Just a guess. After finishing each reapeat of the chart, I made sure to add my life line. It would be just like me to mess up and not have that in and have to start all over again!

Throughout the process of knitting the most complicated portion of this project, I only needed to rip out to my lifeline once. Although I only had to frog one time, I'm positive there are many mistakes throughout the first half of this stole. No project is completely perfect though, right?

I think I took this picture after completing all repeats of chart three. The design is somewhat difficult to see in this colorway right now, but that will change after blocking. I wasn't sure how this colorway would knit up anyhow, looking at the skein. For now, at least, any mistakes are hidden. Chart three and four were finished on June 5.

I'm now knitting the easiest part of the stole. I'm going to knit until I almost run out of yarn from my first skien, and that will take me awhile! Since I'm at that part though, I can take this WIP to places and not have to worry too much that I'll screw something up. Just in case, my lifeline is going to stay in place for awhile! Then I'm going to knit the second half of the stole before grafting them together.

I've got some other WIPs that I'll be blogging about soon! I finished a beaded hat, and I'm working on the matching scarf. I've also got another lace shawl in the works.

Thank You Danner's!

2008-06-01T12:24:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was the last day Danner's was open for business. A lot of good times in the shop. I'll miss the shop dearly, but knitting circles will continue elsewhere. I'm so greatful for that!

News article here.

I stocked up on yarn during their sale, so I'm set for awhile. How about a little show of yarn? I know you all like that. :)

More From the Sale

2008-05-15T12:44:00.002-04:00

So, I got a few more items from the sale yesterday! Maybe "few" is an overrated word right now. I got so much more! And to the right is what I got. I don't have the time right now to post individual pictures, but you can see it all in this picture.

Yummy yummy yarn! More shawls coming my way!

The Damage Has Been Done

2008-05-14T11:27:00.004-04:00

So what do you get when your LYS has a huge sale?

You get......

ALL OF THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, all of that yarn and all of the books. I got a good bargain on all of it. Plus, for once, I actually had projects before I had the yarn. Amazing, isn't it?

I'll be using the Cotton Fine to make the Celtic Knot Stole (links to Ravelry). It will be lovely in that shade of dark green.

I'm making the same same shawl from the Panda Cotton, Panda Wool, and Maizy. I'll be making the Weekender Lace Wrap from Crystal Palace Yarns. The shawl made from the Panda Cotton will be for my mother.

The Malabrigo is a gift, and boy, did the Malabrigo go quickly yesterday.

The purple/black/white/blue Sockotta is for a holiday gift for a friend. And the holidays are going to be here before I know it!

The other colorway of Sockotta is for me, as is the Encore Worsted because I knew I'd need it for a project later on.

I'm extremely excited about the books that I got, even though I'm not really into buying knitting books. I've been wanting the Vouge Stitchionary books for ages. I called and had those held for me just so I knew I'd get them. I'm going to learn to crochet, so I got the Happy Hooker book. I know a little about crocheting, but not enough to actually do something with it, other than make a simple square. Time to build the knowledge in that area. I got the Son of Stitch'n Bitch because there are a few patterns in there I really like. I don't have a guy to knit for, but maybe I will one day. I've looked at the Vouge On-The-Go Cables book a few times and thought I would grab that too. I also got the book of pattern for Plymouth's 8 Hour Baby Blanket. I really didn't even look through it!

Overall, the sale did me well. I have some new yarns in my stash, some new books to knit things from, and the stitch dictionaries with which to design from.

The Power of Email

2008-05-12T23:37:00.001-04:00

Okay, seriously, I need some help here. And trust me, the "shouting" is worth it.

MY LYS IS HAVING A 50% OFF YARNS, BOOKS, NEEDLES.

What am I going to do?!?!

Ideas, comments, something, anything?!

I Have Finished Objects!

2008-05-12T12:15:00.002-04:00

*All links are to patterns today.

Okay, so I really only have one finished object. But one is better than none, right?

Just a few minutes ago I finished my Branching Out Scarf for a gift. The pattern and I didn't get along all weekend. Thankfully I had my lifeline in and could tear out to that spot. I want to make a hat and scarf for myself using this pattern, but it's time for a break from it.

My baby blanket was a hit at work. Everyone was commenting on it. The comments weren't really a big deal since it was so simple to knit, even though I appreciated them. The simplicity of projects don't warrant such wonderful comments in my mind I guess, even though they are nice. The baby blanket is just like a large dishcloth. The basket of goodies was taken to the recipient this weekend I believe.

Off to work on something else. My Juno Regina is coming along nicely. I'm almost finished with my Awareness Ribbon Scarf that's a gift.

Playing Hooky From Knitting Group

2008-05-08T12:30:00.003-04:00

I played hooky from knitting group last night. I had something else that I needed to do...Like purchase a gift for my mother for Mother's Day. I had a specific gift in mind and only a handful of places to go and get it.

I wanted to get her a wallet to go with a Vera Bradley bag she had gotten last week. She got a bag in "Yellow Bird" but it didn't have much of a bird on it anywhere. The wallet HAD to have a bird on it. Luckily I found one! I also got her some sticky notes in the pattern and a new notebook for me.

All in all, it was a good change to get out and do something else instead of going to knitting. Plus, I did call to say that I wasn't going to be there and why, even though I gave warning on Tuesday before I left my LYS.

I hope everyone survived without me, but I'm sure they did! I guess I'll find out tonight and I'll take some heat next Wednesday.

I am proud of myself for not stopping at a LYS not far from the Vera Bradley store that I went to. Although I would have liked to have gone, the last thing I need right now is yarn. Yes readers, I said it was the last thing I needed - for right now.

Week One of Sock Class

2008-05-07T11:16:00.002-04:00

Three students + one teacher + one super long needle + two skeins of yarn = an adventure.

It was an adventure! We slowly got started on our socks. A mess of yarn, a mess of needles, and mass confusion. We all got started on our socks.

Homework was to knit 1 1/2" of the cuff ribbing.

Hopefully everyone will get what to do. And hopefully we'll all have a pair of socks by the end of May!

One Class Down, One To Go

2008-05-06T13:05:00.004-04:00

So last month, in April, I taught a class on double knitting using the Star Scarf pattern. I only had two people, so it was quite an easy class to teach and it was fun. My students both made wonderful projects. I'm so proud!

Tonight starts the second class that I will have taught. This month's class is "2-At-A-Time Socks."

Here's the irony of it all.

I have yet to knit a single, entire sock.

I don't know how many people are in this class, so I'll find that out upon arrival at my LYS tonight. I know of a few people that wanted to take it, so we'll see how many actually registered.

I know how to do the socks on Magic Loop, as I've started a pair. I just - never got around to finishing them.

We'll see how things go tonight...

Ice Cream and Knitting On a Windy Day

2008-05-01T12:07:00.002-04:00

Yesterday my LYS was invited to have their knitting circle at Baskin Robins for 31 cent scoop night. It was a little windy, a little cold, but fun. Even though hardly anyone showed up to knit. But that's okay, because who can complain with ice cream for 31 cents?!

It was a good time. I worked on my Sunshine Bright blanket to help keep me warm. It's almost getting too big though to take anywhere. I have about a month left to finish it. I have no idea how big I'm making it, so we'll see what happens.

The Leaning Tower of Malabrigo...(And Lots of Photos!)

2008-04-30T11:46:00.008-04:00

Okay, maybe not so much a leaning tower. It is a tower of Malabrigo though, which I wound last night at my LYS. All the pretty colors of Malabrigo, just waiting to be knitted up into something. The larger skeins are the Worsted Weight Malabrigo and the two smaller skeins at the top are Lace Weight Malabrigo. Isn't it just lovely?!

With the larger skeins I'm going to make the Booga Bag. The yellow and purple will be one bag, the green and purple another bag, and the pink/blue/purple another bag. With the lace I'm planning on making Juno Regi na from Knitty. Just so that I'm not left with a bit of the pattern to go and no yarn, I'm going to knit it in two pieces and then graft them together. I was given other ideas, but I think that grafting is the way to go.

And just because I feel like it, I'm going to post all my Malabrigo pictures!

It's just lovely, isn't it. Of course, I can't get Blogger to make everything organized the way I want it. Go figure.

I got some other yarn too, that I still need to take pictures of. Eventually it'll have to be done so that I can get it up on Ravelry in my stash. At least with Ravelry my dear readers, you know that you'll eventually get pictures of my yarn and FOs...And in some cases UFOs.

Tonight's knit in is at an ice cream place! How awesome is that?!

2008-04-30T11:27:00.003-04:00

Ignore this space. Just testing something.

The Baby Blanket is Done!

2008-04-28T00:06:00.002-04:00

So, my baby blanket is done, completed, off the needles. Just need to weave the yarn ends in. I'll do that tomorrow when I can get a needle.

So now that leaves the Sunshine Bright Blanket and the lace scarf and hat.

I acquired the needles I needed to make the hat in the round, as I didn't have a size 8 16" circ nor dpns that I liked using. New bamboo needles. Yummy!

I also finished up a garter stitch scarf due back to my LYS on Tuesday.

I've got to get some pictures up of the new yarns I've gotten in the past two week. That will happen eventually...

Okay, it's off to bed with me. Work tomorrow!

Too Many Gifts, Not Enough Time

2008-04-22T12:10:00.003-04:00

Okay, so the time is winding down in the school year and I'm working hard to get things done that are gifts for people I work with. One thing has to be sent through school mail, so that's one of the top priorities, as it's for someone I worked with last year. And she deserves something really nice.

Now, onto the projects.

First up is the baby blanket for someone at work. She's due any day now. We're getting together a basket. What could be better than putting in a hand knit blanket? She's having a girl as far as we all know, so it's in pink and white. I'm using Bernat's Sweet Stripes.

I've gotten a bit more done since I've taken this picture. I hope to have half of it done by tomorrow.

Next up is a lace scarf. I'm using the Branching Out pattern from Knitty. I'm also going to use the lace pattern to make a matching hat (because a scarf can't just be by itself. It MUST have a matching hat.

This pattern is so easy! I'm really into lacework right now.

I have no new pictures of my Sunshine Bright blanket. I should take a new one of those and post it though.

I have another update planned, so it shall come soon!

Felted Bag Disaster...:(

2008-04-14T00:03:00.002-04:00

So, I worked really hard on this felted bag, did it in my favorite colors, striped it, everything. Well, now I have HUGE holes it in from where I joined my colors. Like, huge, most likely unrepairable holes. So, my options right now are:

Try to stitch up the holes.
Cut more holes in the bag and line it. Make it have a "worn" look.
Cut off the edge where the holes are and then restitch that edge.

I'm thinking option number 3 is my best option. I'm already going to have to cut off the straps and figure something else out. The straps were my fault though. I made them longer than the pattern actually said to, but I thought that it would be okay because it was supposed to be a huge bag. The bag to me looks smaller than the pattern said and...well, I'll figure something out.

Has anyone got ANY ideas for me?!

Knitting is My Free Therapy

Moving My Blog

*Poke Poke* Are You Still Alive?

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 4

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 3

Project June: Jaywalker Socks

Sock Plunge III, Week 3 Goals

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 2

Sock Plunge III, Week 2 Goals

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 1

Sock Plunge III, Week 1 Goals

Project May: Spiral Socks

New Scale & Fiber Converter

52 Pair Plunge

I Have a Case of Startitis

Flip Page Errors in Socks A La Carte

I Think I Like Socks

Project May: Spiral Socks

Worst. Project. Ever

Project May: Spiral Socks

Pick Three...With Three Errors?

Weirdest Place I've Knitted? Could Be!

Project April: Fluff Scarf

Knit Socks? Me? NEVER!!!

Project April: Fluff Scarf

The Duct Tape Knitted Prom Dress

No Motivation

Cross Your Finger, Toes (And Anything Else That Can Be Crossed)

Another Goal For The Year

Because We All Need To Laugh Sometimes

Sad Day

Project March: Vivid Rose Mitts

Follow Me On Twitter!

Movie Knitting: Stick It

Dark Star Beret

The Peachest of Baby Blankets

Movie Knitting: The Nanny Diaries

Project March: Vivid Rose Mitts

It's Times Like This

Project February: Upstairs Shawl

Movie Knitting: Burn After Reading

Movie Knitting: The Dark Knight

What Have You Done?

Movie Knitting: Step Brothers

Oscar Winning Moment 2009

Oscar Night! Part Two

Oscar Night!

Updated Sidebar Widgets

Is This A Bad Thing?

Knitting Update

Springing Forward In Completed Socks

Super Bowl Knitting

Project February: Upstairs Shawl

The "Other" Four Letter "S" Word

You Must Watch This

Project January: Endpaper Mitts

I've Decided on a Layout

Opinions Wanted!

Thanks For the Comments!

New Template

How Exciting Is This?

Knitting Projects for 2009

Knitting Plans 2009

Happy 2009!!!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!

I Forgot!

Knitting Update

Other Things Than Knitting

Uh Oh....Has It Been That Long

Happy Halloween!

Birthday Girl!

On Fire! (Okay, Nothing's Really On Fire....)

Strawberry Lemonade!

The Green Knot Looking Thing

When Life Gets In The Way

The Pink Beret

Rock On!

Aren't I Just The Cutest Thing?

I Love Surprises!

Poke Poke Are You Still Alive?