Knit Fast, Die Warm

Don't know which I've been doing more...

2008-12-19T11:57:00.004-06:00

...knitting or baking, but both have been ongoing at the heezy. Don't have any pics of my current knitting, but do on the baking.

Christmas cupcakes!

They are vanilla cupcakes with a vanilla buttercream frosting. Sophia picked out the baking cups and the sprinkles. Both kids helped sprinkle. I actually received a compliment on these from my ten-year-old son. Those of you who know how rare that is can appreciate such an auspicious occasion.

Heads up...

2008-12-15T16:15:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the lame title, but what you gon' do? Just finished a hat for Sophia. I've had this yarn pretty much since I started knitting and have been wanting to use it forever. My desires were not in vain because this yarn is AWESOME. It is a bamboo-wool blend that is super soft and has a lovely sheen to it.

Pattern: Turn A Square by Brooklyntweed
Yarn: Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo dk in Babe 134 and Little Lilac 137
Needles: US 6 (4.00 mm) 32" circulars (magic loop)
Yet another win for the ever popular Brooklyntweed. Turn A Square, so called because of the resulting square of stripes formed by the decreases, is actually meant for an adult hat. However, because I was using a dk weight yarn and a smaller needle, I was able to stick to the pattern as written. The only thing I had to alter was the length at which I began decreasing---4.5" from the CO edge, as opposed to 5".

I also made an attempt at jogless stripes per this tutorial. As you can see, the result was a nearly imperceptible faux seam. Please note that all of these photos are pre-blocking.

Overall, the hat is a bit big on Sophia, but will still fit next year so I am muy pleased with this FO.

Mitten knittin'

2008-12-02T14:03:00.005-06:00

So the seaming of the baby sweater was really killing my spirit so after finishing one side, I put it down and started knitting something fun. I promised my mom some mittens so I started the Chevalier Mittens for her. With the exception of the thumb, the right mitten is finished. I also heart the Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool a lot. I would even go so far as to say that I puffy heart it. It's tweedy and rustic, yet soft and luxurious. I just wish there were a worsted weight version of it. I'm knitting these using the magic loop method so this WIP is flying off of my needles. I'm still using my cell phone to take pics so the brilliant golden color is not at all well-represented, but most accurately in the last pic. Someone who loves me should definitely buy me a new digital camera for Christmas.
I added a slit in the palm to make them flip-top mittens so she can use her digits without pulling them off...the mittens, not her digits.

I have tasted Heaven...and it is a cupcake

2008-11-25T10:59:00.007-06:00

Today's post features one FO and one WIP. They are both just in time for Thanksgiving. First the FO, not knitting related at all. It is food, though, so it counts as a craft of sorts. This is quickly turning into a knitting/cupcake blog. Check it out, I made Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes! Seriously, these are so good that if I were a crackwhore, I'd sell myself AND my crack for just one. Don't they look like tiny little pumpkin pies?! Even better, though, because they're cupcakes. I used this recipe for the cupcakes and for the rich and creamy cream cheese frosting, I used this recipe. For the dollops of whipped cream, I just used Reddiwip. (Am I the only one that finds it a little obnoxious that they spell whip without the h?)

The WIP is for my cousin and his wife who are expecting sometime in December. Her family has already given the requisite baby shower. However, his family (us) would also like to give them a few things for their new addition on Thanksgiving Day. I opted to knit a Baby Surprise Jacket from Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Workshop and purchased some nonknitter-friendly yarn. It's Cascade Yarns Cherub Collection D.K. in color 31, a celery green shade, which can be machine washed and dried. However, me being me, I misplaced my copy of Knitting Workshop this weekend. Time being of the essence, I chose to cast on something else instead. I broke out my copy of Baby Knits for Beginners by Debbie Bliss and selected the pattern for the V-neck Cardigan with Contrast Ribs. Fortunately, I had some Knit Picks Swish DK in the Storm colorway that worked for the contrast ribbing. I cast on Saturday evening and was able to complete the back, left, and right fronts by the end of the weekend. (I, of course, found the book about halfway through the back of the cardigan.)

Here they are blocking.

Note the many pieces. I am not looking forward to all of the seaming. Hasn't Debbie Bliss ever heard of knitting in the round? I opted to omit that step from the sleeves and I'm magic looping them instead. There are a crapload of ends to weave in as well. Plus, I'm not even sure that the size I've chosen (3-6 mos) will fit. Man, I wish this were going to my kid or another knitter. I am so paranoid about giving handknits to non-knitters and that my efforts will be wasted, unappreciated, and/or not valued.

Back with the knitting.

2008-11-10T11:45:00.004-06:00

Sometimes a knitter comes to regret what has been knit. It could be the finished object doesn't fit, maybe the WIP is a boring knit, or the yarn just looks awful in the pattern. Whatever the reason, some things will, inevitably, wind up in the frog pond. We call it frogging because you rrrrrip. Get it? Yeah, knitters are a quirky bunch. That's what happened with this sock. Once the yarn has been frogged, though, it's still knitworthy. However, after being knit up once and frogged, the yarn ends up kinky and gnarly-looking like this. Before reknitting with once-frogged yarn, I usually give it a bath to help it bounce back to its original state. I opted to forego that step this time and just started knitting with it. The difference is decidedly noticeable. Fortunately, it is only noticeable on the plain stockinette sole of the socks.

Needless to say, I recommend the bath.

The color is more accurately represented in the first pic and the pattern is more accurately represented in the second pic.

Pattern: TTL Mystery Socks-Cable Version
Yarn: Elann Sock It To Me 4 ply in Brick
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) circular

Election Night revisited.

2008-11-06T09:49:00.006-06:00

I could not be more pleased that President Obama is our new Commander-in-Chief. We held an election at home as part of our Election Day festivities. It should come as no surprise that he won by a landslide at our home.

Sophia votes in non-partisan green crayon.

Julian casts his ballot.

He takes the time to provide his political opinion.

Sophia casts her ballot so fast that her hands can't be captured on film. If you've never realized it before now...yes, we are ghetto. The minute my daughter gets in the house, the clothes come off. Well, usually she takes off her shirt and walks around in just pants for an hour or so. Eventually, though, everything comes off.

Although I couldn't have been happier with our new President-Elect, I was disappointed to learn that anti-gay constitutional amendments passed in Arizona, Arkansas, California, and Florida. The amendments in Florida and Arkansas effect straight couples as well. It jeopardizes benefits and health insurance provided to domestic partners. Most reprehensible in Arkansas is the forbidding of unmarried domestic couples from adopting or fostering children. It is unfathomable to me that proponents of the so-called "pro-life" agenda support the further reduction of foster and/or adoptive parents to scores of children. (I say, so-called because I have noticed that most who claim to be pro-life are, in all honesty, pro-en utero. They want you to carry your baby to term, but as soon as you give birth, bitch, you on ya own!) When being offered loving parents, do these kids really care about their potential parents' sexual orientation or marital status? California, as others have said, seems to care more about the rights of farm animals than those of people. I just can't comprehend the suppression of one of the most basic civil rights/liberties of an entire population of American citizens.

Sorry for the political rant. I'll be back with knitting content in the next post. Promise.

YES WE DID!!!

2008-11-05T09:42:00.005-06:00

I arrived at work this morning still hopeful and jubilant in the victory of President-Elect Barack Obama. It wasn't long before I was being weighed down by the negativity of a few cow-irkers' (to use a friend's phrase) comments. However, after watching Obama's acceptance speech, my spirit was once again bouyed. Still crying, I watched my sister's slideshow featuring the international reaction to his victory. To see the hope and elation on the faces of so many who are not American citizens, but feel the impending effect his leadership will have on the world...it is awe-inspiring, to say the least. I have, happily and faithfully, placed my family and my country in his hands and have no regrets.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

VOTE TODAY...

2008-11-04T09:42:00.005-06:00

Preferably, for Obama, but VOTE! I made Election Day cupcakes for the kids and the office peeps.

I also made ballots and a ballot box for the kiddos so they can "boat" as Sophia would say. I have an Election Day menu in mind for dinner tonight, too. Our Election Day fare includes all-American hamburgers, potato salad, and baked beans. I'm so excited!

What it is?

2008-11-03T09:26:00.009-06:00

Just a quick update to share Sophia's last-minute/under $5 Halloween costume. (Julian decided he was too cool for trick-or-treating this year.) I thought she was a plate of neato covered in awesome sauce. You be the judge. By the way, sorry for the crap photos. It is really hard to photograph something constantly in motion.

I give you...the Bride of Frankenstein.

She was consumed by her desire to go back to her coloring and was getting a bit irate at this point. Also, please disregard the unkempt nature of my porch.

For the wig, I used a pair of old tights to make a stocking cap and hot glued fiberfill into the basic shape I wanted. My dad owns a shoe repair store so he had spray-on shoe dye, which he used to color the wig. For the tattered wedding dress, I bought a little girl's slip from Goodwill and put it over a white turtle neck from last year's Princess Leia costume. For her face, I used black and white eye shadow from my own make-up bag. Total time spent=1-2 hours. Total money spent=$4.37.

Well, they no longer bear an air of mystery...

2008-10-31T13:43:00.005-05:00

As the French say, zey are finis!

This was a great KAL and I am so glad that Kirsten, more commonly known as Through the Loops, made the time and effort to create such a flawless pattern. She has given me back my sock knitting mojo. Plus, I employed three new, never-before-attempted (by me) techniques: two-at-a-time on two circulars, magic loop, and two-at-a-time on one circular.

Pattern: TTL Mystery Socks-Basic Version
Yarn: Yarn Pirate's BFL Sock Yarn in Neptune
Needles: US 2 (2.75 mm) circular

Note how uniformly the stripes turned out. The only thing that could improve these socks is being photographed with an actual digital camera, as opposed to a cell phone.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, PEEPS!

Bringing Socktober to a close

2008-10-31T10:22:00.006-05:00

Last night the kids and I made mummy cupcakes to take to Julian's grandparents. We get together there every Halloween for dinner and trick-or-treating. The cupcakes are red velvet with cream cheese frosting bandages and mini reese's pieces eyes. I brought a few to work, too.

Also, there be knitting content. Show some love for my Basic Version TTL Mystery Socks.

Clue #4-The Foot:

Clue #5-The Toe is done, but I lost all of my darning needles. I had to wait until this morning and get more so I can kitchener stitch the toes. I'll let you in on a little secret. I brought my socks into work so I could graft the toes. I even went without socks so I could slip them on and wear them for the rest of the day. Ha! Yes, I am ghetto! Photo update to come later this afternoon.

Peep this, yo!

2008-10-28T14:54:00.004-05:00

Just a brief update on my Basic Version TTL Mystery Socks

Clue #3-The Heel Flap & Heel Turn

Look what happenened after I picked up stitches to begin knitting the foot. Yep, that's a broken needle. I dropped 80-90 of my stitches. Seriously. Fortunately, I was able to refrain from spewing the kind of profanities that might put me in dire straits with Child Protective Services. Took me an hour and a half to recover and reknit all of the dropped stitches. Not cool. From now on, I'll stick with my trusty Knit Picks needles.

Unfortunately, with all of my energies focused on both versions of the TTL KAL Socks, I haven't worked on any of the UFOs sitting in my project bags. Ah, well, c'est la knitting.

What is up, Sock?

2008-10-20T14:26:00.004-05:00

I spent the weekend working on my TTL Mystery Socks in the Basic Version. Because I have never before attempted Magic Loop, I only cast on one sock. I'm feeling very comfortable with the technique, though, and put my first sock on waste yarn and used the other end of the skein to cast on for the second one. Now that I have finished up both socks through Clue #2, I'm going to put both socks on my needle for the duration of the project.

Clue #2-The Leg (There are two of these guys now.)

To be continued.

Sock update

2008-10-17T14:50:00.004-05:00

Okay, started Clue #3-The Heel Flap & Heel Turn last night. It's my favorite heel flap, eye of partridge. They're being modeled by Julian. Yes, people, I have the feet and legs of a 10-year-old boy. Unfortunately, my big ass is still that of 31-year-old woman.

Clue #3-Heel Flap & Heel Turn

More sock news to come next week! Hope you're enjoying your Socktober as much as I am!

Same sock, different yarn

2008-10-16T14:28:00.007-05:00

I couldn't control myself. In the downtime between clues, I cast on for another TTL Mystery Sock. This time I'm using some BFL Sock from the Yarn Pirate in the Neptune colorway. It was the Booty Club yarn for August.

Because of the variegation, I opted to do the Basic Version. Since the 56 st size ended up being snug, I cast on for the 64 st size. I'm also doing another new-to-me sock technique, Magic Loop! I wanted to cast on so much that I didn't even bother to wind the yarn into a ball. I'm knitting directly from the skein. Dangerous, I know, but so far so good. (I'll probably screw myself tonight just because I typed that now.)

Clue #1-Basic Version
After the way the previous Yarn Pirate skein pooled, I was not expecting the striping effect that I'm getting. I love these geeky little knitterly surprises that only other knitters understand.

Long time, no knit.

2008-10-14T14:38:00.007-05:00

It took Socktoberfest to pull me out of my knitting malaise. After my return from Washington in September, I fell into a total funk. It's really hard constantly being away from the ones you love. I did knit a hat for Shawn, but I don't have access to my model at the moment so I won't feature that FO on this blog any time soon. While knitting said hat, I had a bit of a setback. I decided to dunk my hand in hot oil.

With a man down, it took a little bit longer to finish BD's hat. Once completed, I set up residence in my newly found situational depression. Not to mention, I have been really stressed about money and knitting makes me think too much. Still, we're closing in on the cooler weather, I hope, and making something from nothing always makes me feel better. So I'm back in the game!

In acknowledgement of Socktoberfest, Through the Loops has created a Mystery Sock KAL over on her Ravely group forum. Ravelers can queue it here. Non-Ravelers can find it here. There is a basic lacey version which is ideal for those variegated yarns and a cabled version perfect for solids and semi-solids. Every week a new clue is posted. I got a bit of a late start as I had a WIP occupying my required needles and I was reluctant to take it off. I couldn't stand it anymore and put the WIP on stitch holders. I spent the weekend catching up to the rest of the group. Also, I opted to attempt a new technique for me-two at a time on two circulars. The hardest part was the logistical quagmire of getting both socks cast on, joined, and facing the same direction. Probably took me a lot longer than it should have to figure this out. Friday, I cast on for the cable version in the smallest size using some Elann Sock It To Me 4-ply that I had in my stash.

Clue #1-The Cuff

By Sunday, I was nearly finished with Clue #2-The Leg when I noticed a major hiccup in one of my cables. When I tried to fix it, I ended up screwing it up even more. I finally finished my repair job and, therefore, Clue #2 yesterday.

Clue #2-The Leg

They're a bit snug, but will stretch with wear and will be fine as long as I don't toss them in the dryer. I'm anxiously awaiting the posting of Clue #3-The Heel tonight. If you're wondering as to the crap quality of my photos, they're done with a cell phone. I can't seem to charge the battery and camera batteries currently fall under the "unnecessary purchases" category.

It's time for SOCKTOBERFEST!

2008-10-03T13:09:00.002-05:00

The best thing about October? Socktoberfest! All the encouragement you need to finish those sock WIPs and cast on for new socks. I do have an FO to post, but I'm waiting to get a picture of Shawn wearing it. There hasn't been a whole lot of knitting going on. Hopefully, Socktober will resolve any lingering melancholy and get me knitting again.

Spotted this on Knitter's Delight blog.

Win a free handbag at Handbag Planet!

I'm baaaack

2008-09-16T11:50:00.006-05:00

Truth be told, I've been back for a while. My knitting has totally fallen by the wayside. I haven't knit a thing since we left for Washington. I finally cast on something Sunday so there will be knitting content in my next post. I did, however, take a gazillion pictures while in Washington so, for your viewing pleasure, here are a few slide shows.

Pics around the house and some out and about.

We hung out in downtown Olympia one afternoon and stopped at Heritage Fountain near Capitol Lake so Sophia and Shawn could play. As usual, I documented the event. Momma and cold water do not mix.

The next afternoon we drove up to Lake Cushman only to discover that the beachwear Sophia and I had chosen was ill-advised. I think he must forget sometimes that we live in Mississippi and have no tolerance for wind or cold. Fortunately, like any good boyscout, he had an extra shirt and a blanket. It was so beautiful and peaceful up there, though. The drive there and back was chock full of scenic delight. I'm extremely envious of the inhabitants on the lakefront and the surrounding area.

As always, it was a painful goodbye. We missed Julian like crazy, though, and were happy to see him. As a thank you to Julian's grandmother for taking such great care of him, I gifted her with the Hemlock Ring Blanket.

No big uns

2008-08-22T10:02:00.005-05:00

After the Hemlock Ring, big projects are on a temporary hiatus. In addition, on Monday, Little Miss and I will be departing for Washington to visit the fam. (Julian, unfortunately, has to stay home because of school.) Plus, football season just started so lots of practices to attend. So, I'm working on smaller projects. I am itching to start a sweater, but with the cost of yarn for an adult sweater being upwards of $50 (I'm a yarn snob and I make no apologies for it.), I'm compromising and knitting one for Sophia. Alas, it will have to await our return from WA. For your viewing pleasure, though, here are a couple of things. First, this is made of adorable.
Pattern: Keychain Sock Blocker Sock
Yarn: Noro Kureyon Sock in color 180
Needles: US 1 (2.25mm)
Ravelers queue it here.
The cutest thing was that it came with 3 mini skeins in a sock kit (which sucked) that I bought.
Seriously, could you die from the cute or what? This is the only joy I really got out of the sock kit. Super cheap way to sample new yarns, too. I'm dying to make myself some Noro socks now. This next FO has been finished for a couple of months now, but I just got around to sewing the button on last weekend. For the purposes of these photos, it is merely lying in repose.
Pattern: Baby Bib O' Love
Source: Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in Terracotta and Lime
Needles: US 6 (4.00mm)
Ravelers queue it here.
This is just another bib for the layette. I love the colors and the idea of the single striped-strap, but the join of the solid strap looks like garbage. I was pretty sick of knitting it, though. I have a third OTN for another cousin, but I ran out of yarn on the second strap and haven't bought anymore yet. Clearly, I am over knitting the bibs. However, I am not over the Mason-Dixon Knitting. Little Miss is always interested in whatever I'm knitting, but Julian...not so much. He is interested in felting, though. Purposely ruin the knitting? Awesome! He really wanted to help me felt something so I'm obliging him and doing the Felted Box pattern from Mason-Dixon.

It probably took me all of two hours to finish the bottom and the first 3 sides. It's knit with bulky yarn and held double throughout-yowza. I couldn't finish it last night, though, because I made a lasagna and then we were doing this for TWO AND A HALF HOURS!
Despite the fact that he's on a baseball field, it is football practice. There is a single football field shared by the high school, middle school, and little league. If I ever win the lottery, I'm building these kids a sports complex.

Next week, there may be knitting, but there may not be posting. See you when I see you!

Reason #4684546 of "Why blocking rules"

2008-08-18T16:00:00.005-05:00

I finished knitting my Hemlock Ring Blanket on Thursday. On Saturday, I took a pre-blocking photo for proof of what it looked like prior to blocking-a hot mess. The finished size was just under 3 feet. Not cool, right? I mean this thing is supposed to be a throw not a lap blanket for an infant. Not that I wasn't planning to block it anyways, but more incentive. It needed to get big.

Well, she growns up and she growns up.

Pattern: Hemlock Ring Doily Throw
Yarn: Cascade Eco Wool in color 8087
Needles: US 8 (5.00mm) DPNs and 24" & 47" circulars
Ravelers can queue it here.
By the way, if you click on any of these pics to enlarge them, try to ignore my crappy carpet.

Finished size after blocking? Just over 5 feet. This is one of those FOs that a knitter can't help, but love. I just want to scream from the rooftop, "SERIOUSLY, LOOK AT IT! I MADE IT! WITH THESE TWO HANDS & NO HELP FROM ANYONE!" Hemlock, soon you will leave my home forever to make your way in the world, but I will not love you any less. There was a single error in the original pattern, but it has been corrected in the pattern link provided. This pattern was so simple-upon completing the vintage doily pattern, you knit one round of feather and fan followed by four knit rounds and repeat until you reach the desired size and the bind off is just as simple. The payoff is exquisite. Further example of why I <3 the brooklyntweed. The yarn is also a new favorite. Wonderful to knit with and the colors...mmmm. Cascade Eco is an undyed Peruvian wool available in 21 colors of sheep. However, Eco + is the same yarn that has been dyed in some equally awesome colors. When I ventured into Stitch Niche to make my yarn choice, it was very hard to choose between the Eco and the Eco +. Plus, this stuff is heavy on the yardage. Approximately 500 yards per skein. It took less than two skeins for this throw! I've promised Sophia a blanket and will probably go with the Eco +. Can't wait!

On the blocking front, I didn't have NEARLY enough of the flexible blocking wires so I improvised and pinned most of it, then creatively used straight wires when I started to run low on T-pins. The only negative about the blocking is that when I soaked it, I used the leftovers from a sample of citrus-scented Soak from last week's handwashing. Yeah...apparently, that stuff doesn't keep or there was some kind of chemical explosion between the yarn and the detergent. Something happened because this poor thing reeked! My socks that I first used the sample on smelled fine. Fortunately, the smell is quickly dissipating. From here on out, though, I think I'll stick with the unscented.

Also, just to prove what a horrible mom I am, I made my kids model it which was not easy since they were watching cartoons just over my shoulder.
A directive of "Say cheese" was not enough of a deterrant to draw full smiles or their full attention.
"Say fuzzy pickle," on the other hand, worked.
Yes, I know, my children are drones to the idiot box.

You've Come a Long Way, Baby!

2008-08-13T13:59:00.005-05:00

Happy Knitiversary! So this week is my Knitiversary-I have been knitting for an entire year! Woohoo!!! I thought I'd celebrate by updating with one of my first projects. Technically, it was a success. Appearance-wise, though, it's a bit of a mess.
Pattern: Monkey by my other knitcrush, Cookie A.
Yarn: Schaefer Heather in the Rosa Parks colorway
Needles: US 2 (2.50mm)
Like all Cookie A. patterns, this one is awesome and probably the most popular sock pattern available. At least, it is on Ravelry. I loved knitting these and they practically flew off of my needles. However, things I've learned since making these? Don't do a pattern that you want to show off in something this dark and stripey. Also, this yarn fuzzes like a bastard (see the last pic-click it to embiggen it) and the bleeding...oh, the bleeding. These have to be washed last on handwash day because the water always looks like I washed my hands after murdering someone. Not cool. In short, not worth the $30 I shelled out. Still, they have sentimental value because they are the first socks I ever made for myself and they are a perfect fit.
This is a more recent FO that I did last weekend between socks. What better way to combine my love for lace, bobbles, dishcloths, and all things Mason-Dixon Knitting?
Pattern: Mason-Dixon Washcloth
Source: Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream in Country Side Ombre
Needles: US 8 (5.00mm) DPNs and 16" circular
Last, but not least, is my Hemlock Ring Blanket that has been hibernating for a month or so. I, finally, picked it up again the night before last and finished up the final round before the BO round. I also started the BO round and continued working it last night. I'll be working on it tonight, too, and, possibly, tomorrow-lotta stitches to bind off, fellas. Remember this guy? He's gotten so big.
Still, not even halfway through binding off, but check out the expanding feather and fan.
This is me...still binding off.
It's worth it, though. Check out how nicely this edge is coming along.

The Other One with the Socks

2008-08-11T14:16:00.004-05:00

I'm almost ashamed at how many sock WIPs I have NOT going on right now. Well, somehow I managed to have 3 different socks on the needles. Only they're not actually "on the needles" because I have finished the first sock of each pair, but haven't cast on for any of the second socks. In fairness, I just finished the first of the Basketcase Socks last night. Finished with a MAJOR faux pas, that is. Okay, I had issues with this sock from the start. First, I deviated from the pattern by using two circulars instead of dpns. No problem. My next adjustment was to use fingering weight rather than DK weight which meant an increase in the number of stitches. No problem. I also added a 5th pattern repeat on the leg to make the sock longer. We're still good. Then I get to the instep where, apparently I'm supposed to readjust the stitches and center for the instep pattern. Exsqueeze me? Baking powder? Well, hmm, okay, I've got 72 stitches and the instep pattern is worked over 18, never mind, I'll just continue with the leg pattern. It looks centered to me. I read ahead to the toe decreases and, uh oh, hmm. Alright, I'll just do the traditional toe decreases and I calculate that I'll need to finish with 16 total stitches and kitchener stitch together. Easy. I get to the toe and run out of yarn. In retrospect, that 5th pattern repeat probably wasn't a good idea. Awesome, I'll just start on the second of my TWO balls of yarn and hope that having a smaller cast on tail will be enough to compensate for what I used on the toe of sock I. I, finally, kitchener stitch the toe and go to bed. Lying there happy in the knowledge that it was complete and I had taken dilligent notes in preparation for my second sock, I realized that I hadn't grafted 16 TOTAL stitches, but 16 stitches on each needle. THAT'S 32 STITCHES, PEOPLE! @#$&%*! I didn't have the heart to get out of bed and make sure that it will be the requisite 9.5" to fit BD's foot. So help me, if I have to pull out that toe, I will kill. Le sigh.

I bought some Maizy a couple of months ago. It is comprised of 82% corn fiber and 18% nylon. Feels a bit like cotton. It's very splitty and a little hard on the hands, but I don't care. I still love it. By the way, it's really hard to take sneaky photos at the grocery store.
With it, I made one Sock of Kindness.

In my opinion, this pattern and this yarn do not mix. I've been debating whether or not to frog it and do a straight up stockinette sock. The only modifications I made were the usual. I used my favorite twisted rib cuff.
I eliminated the short row heels and used an eye of partridge with a garter ridge heel flap instead. I also opted to do a German/Band Strap heel turn.
The heel flap is hardly even noticeable, though, with this variegated yarn so it was kind of a waste to use something so pretty. It is actually the same heel flap I used here. So pretty, though, when it's done in a solid.

Okay, one more and this one is a beauty. It's pretty and it fits perfectly and I love it. How can you go wrong with a Cookie A. pattern, though? I actually had this on hold for so long and I don't know why because the Pomatomus socks just sing. They are that awesome. I think I zoned out when I got to the toe and to make up for the length, I only worked the decrease rounds on the toe. The colors are most accurately represented in these first two pictures.

Arggghhh! I've got Secondsockitis!

Nuts about Peanuts

2008-08-08T09:28:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was a shit day at work. I had a few technical issues that nobody not in the same occupation would understand and then some asshole stole my lunch out of the freezer. Needless to say, I was pissed and in a Jesus-take-the-wheel-before-I-kick-someone's-ass kind of place. So I get home and there was a notice to pick up an insured package at the post office. I was expecting a birthday gift from my sister so it was a welcome respite after yesterday's shitstorm. (In case you're wondering, her name is pronounced McKay.) I had no idea what to expect. All I knew was that my sister traded 15 or so handknit washcloths (I haven't even knit that many for myself.) for a handmade item from one of her BOFF (best online friends forever), K. Voss. Anywho, I rip open the envelope and spy this pretty little package AND had the foresight to snap a picture before opening it.
Isn't that pretty? Great presentation goes a long way. I opened it up and saw the result of my sister's collaboration with her good friend and I could not help myself-I teared up.
I know most of you are thinking, "What the? Is that a peanut?" Yes, it's a peanut, but there is a back story that carries with it a great deal of sentiment. For those not in the know, Baby Daddy has always referred to me as "Peanut." Well, it originally started out as Peanuthead. In the first month or so of our relationship, he mentioned that I had a small head and I told him that wasn't the first time I'd heard that. I told him how my sister said I had a peanuthead and instead of saying, "I don't need any comments from the Peanut Gallery," she would say, "I don't need any comments from the Peanuthead Gallery." From that point forward, I was always Peanut to him and what was once a joke at my expense, quickly became a term of endearment. Still, it all started with my sister. The fact that it is an original, organic, custom-made piece that took her friend the better part of a month to make especially for me only increases its value tenfold. I don't know all of the technical aspects of creating a piece of silver from start to finish, but I know this started out with an actual peanut inside (hence the organic part) and when she fired it, the peanut was incinerated so the interior is hollow. How cool is that? It is probably the best gift I have received in years and it will be a constant reminder of my two best, and most beloved, friends.

Thank you, Kathy and Mequet, it is loved.

The One with the Socks

2008-08-07T11:52:00.006-05:00

This will be a two-part update because it would be too pic heavy if left as one post. The first FO is an oldie, but a goodie. I actually knit these at the very beginning of the year before this blog was a gleam in my eye. I just got around to adding it to my Ravelry Projects, though.

Pattern: Jaywalker
Yarn: Bernat Sox in Hot Tamale
Needles: US 1.5 (2.50mm) DPNs

Bernat Sox was originally dicontinued, but it looks like it's back in action. I bought mine off of Ebay after it was discontinued. I normally don't care for knitting with purely synthetic yarns, ESPECIALLY, sock yarns. Let's face it, feet and non-breathable fabrics DO NOT mix well. Plus, the fabric produced has little to no stretch as is the case with these babies which is one reason I had to go up a needle size. The other reason being I am a tight knitter. (In this case, by "tight" I, literally, mean tight and not super awesome.) However, I LOVE these colors and could not help myself. It was a yarn that I had to have. The Jaywalker pattern was originally published in the now defunct Magknits (hence the lack of linkage) and republished as a free Ravelry download. There is a reason it has been done to death...a few, actually. It is super easy and it looks really cute with any yarn. In all honesty, it is a little boring for more advanced knitters, but the finished product is totally worth the tediousness. These are super snug and take a bit of effort to get on, but I still wear them quite often.

One more FO and we'll call it a day. I recently purchased several books from Knit Picks while they're having their Annual 40% Off Summer Book Sale. (It ends tomorrow so get 'em while they're cheap!) One of which was Cat Bordhi's Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles. It is a technique that I've been wanting to give a chance so I thought I'd try it out. It is way easier than I imagined. I don't think I'm yet willing to fork over my DPNs, but I tend to knit closer to gauge and a little faster on circulars. Here are my first socks done on circulars.
Pattern: Columbine Peak
Source: Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles
Yarn: Yarn Pirate BFL Sock in Cupcake (July Booty Club)
Needles: US 2 (2.75mm) 32" circulars
(Ravelers, queue it here.)
The book calls for 24" circulars and a smaller needle size, but I used what I had on hand. As such, these are a teensy bit loose. However, since nobody I love enough to gift with handknit socks has a foot as small as mine, I'll still be sporting them this winter. Since we live in Mississippi, that should be the first couple of weeks in January.

For any interested parties, WIP photos:

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-08-06T15:23:00.006-05:00

My birthday was actually in July, but I'm just now blogging about my gift/FO to myself. For some reason, I can't seem to convince my ~~Baby Daddy~~ loved ones that I want knitting-related items for my birthday. This year I bought my own.

This is what I purchased.

Now most knitters know that they are looking at roughly $40-$50 worth of Noro Silk Garden. Fortunately, in recognition of my birthday (or summer whatever), my LYS was having a yarn sale. I bought it for a long anticipated handknit gift of love to myself inspired by my knitcrush. Seriously, the guy is God's gift to knitting. Wanna see what a $40-$50 scarf looks like?

Pattern: Noro Striped Scarf ala brooklyntweed
Needles: US 7 (4.50mm)
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden in colors 252 and 264
So I HATE, HATE, HATE knitting scarves, not to mention 1x1 ribbing, but I am in love with this. It usually takes me an agonizingly long time to knit scarves, but this took me approximately a week. I loved every knitting minute of it. I'd make long, slow love to it on the beach, but it's handwash only. Anywho, here are the gratuitous money shots of the MANY colors.

So, yeah, HB to ME! I'm worth every penny!

Another One Bites the Dust

2008-08-05T10:57:00.004-05:00

Despite the lack of blogging, there has been knitting in the Knit Fast, Die Warm home. Blogging is like knitting, when it becomes a chore, it's time to step back for a bit. Plus, Ravelry is stealing all of my blog time. To update on the Boyfriend Socks---remember this guy?(My 10-year-old son is modelling so it doesn't quite fit.)
Well, he's on his way to the frog pond. I should have considered the fact that all of those cables would eat up my yarn like a mutha and I would probably need, at least, one more ball. An unfortunate fact which I realized at this point.
Like someone once told me, "Honey, that's as tall as you're gonna get." Plus, note the short-row heels (not a fan) and what they sometimes leave in their wake. Yep, a hole, despite having picked up an extra stitch or TWO!Alas, this yarn (Knit Picks Risata in Umber), which I lurve, is headed for bigger and better things.

In successful FO news, there was this:

Pattern: Garterlac Dishcloth
Yarn: Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Company Peaches & Creme in Fiesta Ombre
Needles: US 7 (4.50mm)
Ravelers queue it here.

and this:

Pattern: Tribble
Yarn: Scraps of Lily Sugar 'n Cream Solid in Black and Lily Sugar 'n Cream Ombres in Summer Splash
Needles: US 6 (4.00mm)
Ravelers queue it here.

The dishcloth was way more work and attention than I am normally willing to put into a dishcloth. I think entrelac looks beautiful, but I don't think garterlac has won me over yet. Maybe in a solid, it wouldn't look quite as messy. The Tribble is also a little involved for a scrubber, but it just comes out so darn cute that I want to do tons more. Also, I am constantly making washcloths between projects so it is the perfect way to use up all of those dishcloth leftovers. I ended up giving this one to my dad who normally is not appreciative of the handknits. When he said, "that's cute," the opportunity to gift him with my knitting was not one that I could let pass. (With him not being a fan of small animals or children, it was also the first time I've heard him say "cute" in a manner that was not sarcastic.) One of my knitting goals for 2008 is to have only handknit washcloths used in my kitchen and bathroom and I am quickly approaching that goal.

Let's all go to the drive-in...la da da da

2008-07-07T11:15:00.004-05:00

So, the family spent the 4th doing all of the aforementioned. On the 5th, we had another fun family adventure in mind---the Sparta Drive-In. It was pretty awesome. Why these have gone the way of the Dodo is beyond me. Actually, it's not beyond me, we have corporate America to thank for that. Multiplexes rake in way more dough. Still, it was a blast. We were able to sit comfortably, bring our own food, and see a triple feature. We saw Wall*E, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and the Incredible Hulk. My mom, son, niece, daughter, and I stayed for all of the movies while my sister, brother, and their 2 youngest sons left after the second feature. I think I may be the only one who made it through all three movies without falling asleep at all. That's saying a lot since we were there from about 6:00 pm until roughly 3:00 am. Also, there was some KIPing (that's "Knitting In Public" for you non-knitters) amongst our family. Photographic evidence can be seen here.

What did you do for the 4th?

2008-07-05T12:45:00.003-05:00

We drove up to spend the weekend at my sister's in Cookeville, Tennessee. We arrived at around 3:00 in the morning on the 4th of July. After sleeping for about 4 hours, (which was apparently a sufficient amount of time for the children) we headed out to Rock Island State Park. Within a half hour of arriving, we were rained out. After a brief nap, we went to dinner at a local sushi restaurant because who doesn't eat sushi on the 4th of July? That's as American as it gets, pal. After which we headed to the Putnam County Fairgrounds to watch the annual fireworks show. And now, I present thee with a slideshow of the day's events for your viewing pleasure.

Fun was had by all.

Baby Mama Drama

2008-06-13T10:51:00.006-05:00

My cousin recently notified me that she and her husband are expecting their first baby. I can't tell you how ecstatic I am about this news. She's like a sister to me. More importantly, though, this is the first baby to come along since I've been knitting! I am committed to knitting an entire layette for this baby. She's barely a month along and I've already completed the first of many pieces for her or him. I've been working on the Boyfriend Socks for my BD, but can't do so monogamously or else my hands would look like this.I broke out my copy of Mason-Dixon Knitting. This book has quickly become my go-to-guide for quick knitted gifts and, now, baby knits. I found a simple project to work on while I put the sock down to give my poor digits a break. I have loads of cotton yarn in my stash, so I picked out a color that I consider unisex and went to it.

Pattern: Baby Bib O' Love
Source: Mason-Dixon Knitting
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream Solid in Grape
Needles: US 6 (4.00mm)

I found the perfect button at my LYS. I couldn't decide if I wanted to make the buttonhole strap striped, variegated, or solid as the rest of the bib. In the end, I just didn't have a second color that would work with my yarn and the button so I knit it in the same solid. (Waiting around to buy a new color was out of the question.) For reasons beyond my control and understanding, I cannot manage to neatly sew on a button.
This took me 3 days. If I were working on only the bib, I imagine that I could make, at least, a couple of these in a day. I <3 you, MDK.

Sock it to me! (Lame title, I know.)

2008-06-04T12:57:00.003-05:00

I had to scour the Earth to find a more feminine toddler sock pattern than most available online. Nearly every pattern I found was simply ribbed or stockinette. I was looking for something lacy, but not too fussy and I didn't want to buy an entire book for one pattern. Oh, and it had to be free. Thank God for Ravelry. The intended size of the pattern is age 5-7. However, my gauge is super tight so going down a needle size or two was completely unnecessary. They took hardly any time at all to finish.

Pattern: Socks for Little Witches (Ravelry link)
Needles: Knit Picks Nickel-plated DPNs US 1 (2.50mm)
Yarn: 1 skein of Knit Picks Felici in Mixed Berries

If you don't have a toddler, then you are probably unaware of their irrepressible penchant for scribbling on their own bodies with whatever writing utensil is at hand. An example can be seen on my daughter's right leg in the picture above and here:
Another typical toddler ritual? The removal of shoes upon being seated in a restaurant.
Currently in the works is a pair of Boyfriend Socks for BD. Unfortunately I'm using size US 0 (2.00mm) needles so my hands may look completely gnarled and arthritic when I'm finished. This is my first time knitting toe-up socks. The pattern recommended using a figure-eight cast-on, but everything I've referenced noted that it was extremely fussy and was often unsuccessful on the first attempt. Instead of sending myself into fits, I opted to use the magic cast-on. My first attempt to cast on was successful, but knitting from the cast-on was not. I dropped 4 or 5 stitches and had to start all over again. It would probably be easier with circulars, but I'm a DPNs kinda gal. It was extremely awkward to knit from the cast-on. After the first few rounds and increases, it got much less awkward and is now knitting like a regular cuff-down sock. I think they are turning out quite lovely.
Close-up of the pretty little cable.

The Frog Pond

2008-05-28T15:38:00.004-05:00

By the time I picked up Sophia from daycare Friday, I was ready to start decreasing for the toe. It was at this point that I was able to try it on her. It was way too tight. With a little tugging, we probably could have gotten it on her foot. I know my daughter, though, and she would never have worn them so I ended up frogging the whole damn thing and starting over with the called for needles-US 1 (2.50mm). My fingers thanked me, though. This is what we knitters call frogging due to the distinctive rrrrip, rrrrip, rrrrrip.
When I started over, I kept the twisted rib, but changed the heel flap. I went with an eye of partridge heel. The lattice-like appearance just looks more feminine and it seemed to mimic the lace pattern of the sock. It's a little loose around the ankle, but better too loose than too tight.Also, please note how I completely color-coordinated my pajama bottoms to match her socks. (Totally intentional.)
I completed Sock the First a couple of days ago, but due to Sophia being ill haven't picked up Sock the Second.

This weekend also brought some fiber candy to my doorstep via the USPS. It was intended to be socks for Shawn because he really needed his horizons broadened as far as color is concerned. However since he's being a great big baby about the socks I was knitting for him and frogged, I think I'll use it for myself. I present Socks That Rock-Lightweight hailing all the way from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. The colorway is Henpecked and wouldn't that have been ideal for Shawn? I love this yarn so much that I want to marry it and have its little yarn babies.

Where have I been?

2008-05-23T13:31:00.003-05:00

I managed to horribly infect my sinuses so I didn't do any knitting for a while. Upon my recovery, I was desperate to produce an FO and my Hemlock Ring Blanket was just not progressing fast enough. I'm actually closing in on the final rounds, but it will take forever to bind off and block and I need something now, PEOPLE! I placed an order with Knit Picks last week and received it a few days ago. Among other things, I got one skein of Felici, a really soft, self-striping yarn. Bonus? It's machine wash and dry.
I heart this yarn and will definitely be ordering a couple more skeins for use in a future sock project for myself. Right now, though, I'm using it to make a pair of socks for Sophia and one skein will be plenty. I chose a pattern from Ravelry called Socks for Little Witches (Ravelry link so if you're not a Raveler, don't know how you can get your hands on this pattern.) I cast on yesterday with the same number of stitches in the pattern, but used US 0 (2.00mm) needles to compensate for the size as my Pumpkinhead has very skinny legs and is the size of the average 2 year old. I decided to go with a twisted rib (k1 tbl, p1) cuff rather than the called for single or double rib. I love the look of the twisted rib and it seems to work much better with socks than a traditional rib.
Also, if you've never used US 0 (2.00mm) needles, check out that picture. That's a paper clip I'm using as a stitch marker. Look at it in comparison with the needles. Yeah, my fingers hate me and want to meet me behind the school at 3:00 so they can kick my ass. These tiny socks fly, even on 2.00 mm needles. I made it past the heel turn, picked up stitches for the gusset, and started my decreases for the foot before the end of the night. I made one more mod and chose to employ a reinforced (k1, sl 1) heel flap instead of the stockinette heel flap referenced in the pattern. With the upcoming three-day weekend, I may be able to finish these by Monday. Check it, yo.
My camera decided it didn't want to continue with that whole focusing thing (which really pisses me off-Thanks, Kodak!) so I had to take this crappy pic with my cell phone. Still, I'm crossing my fingers that these fit Sophia. We're going to try them on when I get home. Further updates to come.

For those of you who read blogs with no pictures

2008-05-07T09:05:00.002-05:00

I took the kids to Michael's Saturday so Little Miss could pick out some yarn for a top. Although I'm not normally a fan of unnatural fibers, I've heard good things about Lion Brand Cotton-Ease. I let her choose the color and she picked "lellow" or, as Lion Brand refers to it, Maize. In retrospect, I probably could have gotten some good stuff from my LYS for about the same price. However, this stuff is machine washable. I also went to the local library (I use that term loosely.) and checked out Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears to aid me in my attempt at knitting without a pattern. People, our library still has the 1971 edition! I think it's the only good knitting book they have. Back on topic, I'm still in the design phase. At this point, all I am sure of is it will have short sleeves and be knit completely in the round. I'm going to thoroughly document my progress for my own benefit. Later, gator!

Photoshoot with BD's "face cloths"

2008-05-06T12:59:00.004-05:00

I made four new washcloths for Shawn for his birthday because he liked mine so much and even tried to steal one of mine, but I could not allow that. Anyway, here they are for their photo debut. (Click pics for closeups.)

The first and my personal favorite is this one.

Pattern: Double Lattice Cloth
Needles: US 7 (4.50mm)
Yarn: Elmore-Pisgah Peaches & Creme in Camel

Y'all know I loves me some ballband dishcloths so made another in colors that aren't as "bright" as those previously used. That's the comment BD gave when I showed him the original one I made. The colors remind me of s'mores.

Pattern: Ballband Dishcloth
Needles: US 7 (4.50mm)
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream in Warm Brown and Natural Ombre

Here's one you've already seen, but it was for him so I included it. I dub thee, Mr. I-don't-photograph-well!

Pattern: Diamond Drop Lace
Needles: US 8 (5.00mm)
Yarn: Elmore-Pisgah Peaches & Cream in Ecru

Also, did a better version of illusion knitting/magic stripes. I even used the Saints' colors. Incidentally, this is the one that most impresses non-knitters.

Pattern: Fleur de Lis Illusion Dishcloth
Needles: US 7 (4.50mm)
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream in Black and Elmore-Pisgah Peaches & Creme in Camel

Maybe not an entry everyday so much as every WEEKday

2008-05-05T10:34:00.005-05:00

I didn't actually get to work on my current WIP this weekend. I spent the entire weekend toiling away on warshrags for my BD. I even blocked them since they're going to be gifts. Could I be any more devoted to this man? I don't think so. For those interested, (and if you're reading this, then you must be interested) here are a couple of progress pics of my Hemlock Ring Blanket. By the way, these photos give absolutely no hint as to the beauty of this pattern. I LOVE working on this. Plus, it fits in nicely with the Earth element for Project Spectrum

This is another fantastic design by Jared Flood. It's simply a center made from a vintage doily pattern with expanding rounds of feather and fan stitch done in a heavy worsted weight. (Incidentally, Cascade Eco Wool is the motherlode of yardage and I love that it comes in the natural colors of the wool. I love this yarn.) The beauty of his designs are so deceptively intricate and result from an inherent simplicity combined with great yarn choice. For that reason, I will not substitute another yarn unless absolutely necessary when working on one of his designs. Pretty much everything he's done is in my Ravelry queue-Koolhaas, a striped Noro scarf, and the Cobblestone Pullover.

Note to self: Seriously, you need to step up your game with the photos already.

The one about the warshrags

2008-05-03T18:31:00.004-05:00

So...I tried to update yesterday, but my internet connection was down. Two days into my blogging-everyday vow and I've already broken it. C'est la vie! Anywho, I've been knitting mostly washcloths lately. I love that feeling of instant gratification. Shawn wanted me to make some for him because he liked mine. Since his birthday is Cinco de Mayo, I'm working my fingers to the bone to finish them. Unfortunately, his color choices are really boring so I've decided I will no longer ask what colors he would prefer and, instead, choose whatever colors I want to knit or consider appropriate. However, only one of these is for him.

The first in my "Warshrag" series is for the March Mid-month from the Monthly Dishcloth KAL.
Looks likes stripes, right?

Psych, it's a bunny. Granted, it doesn't look much like a bunny, but I do like the concept of illusion knitting/magic stripes. I actually ended up doing another one with a fleur de lis for Shawn. (Update on that is for another day.)

Pattern: Illusion Bunny
Needles: US 7 (4.50mm)
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream in Hot Blue and Elmore-Pisgah Peaches & Cream in Ecru

Also from the Monthly Dishcloth KAL is the April dishcloth and my first go at bobbles.

Pattern: In the Meadow
Needles: US 7 (4.50mm)
Yarn: Elmore-Pisgah Peaches & Cream in Ecru

The next is one I did for Shawn and as a substitute for the April Mid-month dishcloth which I thought looked too much like a previous month's cloth. By the way, this photo doesn't accurately represent the detail. I think a better yarn color choice, not to mention lighting, would have resolved that.

Pattern: Diamond Drop Lace
Needles: US 8 (5.00mm)
Yarn: Elmore-Pisgah Peaches & Cream in Ecru

Last, but not least, is my favorite. I'm absolutely doing more of these. I love the color choice and pattern so much. I love it so much I want to take it behind the school gym and get it pregnant.

Pattern: Ballband Dishcloth
Needles: US 7 (4.50mm)
Yarn: Elmore-Pisgah Peaches & Cream in Sunburst and Lily Sugar 'n Cream in Summer Splash

Although I got the pattern out of Mason-Dixon Knitting, it is not original to the book (which they state in the book) and therefore, readily available for free online. Also, if you're debating about whether or not to buy this book, do it. I cannot sing its praises enough. Fun read and great patterns and it seems that Knit Picks, as usual, has the best price.

Note to self: Take better quality and more artsy photos in the future because these suck!

This, I vow...

2008-05-01T17:00:00.002-05:00

I will post everyday for the month of May. I have been so crappy with the blogging lately. I'm completely obsessed with Ravelry right now. Tomorrow, there will be some photo goodness.

SERENITY NOW!

2008-04-16T09:39:00.006-05:00

I finally got my package from Knit Picks that they shipped on MARCH 14! Thanks for your attention detail, USPS! It was returned because I moved without leaving a forwarding address. Exsqueeze me, baking powder. I know you're new, but I think all the kids toys in the yard would be a tip off that I hadn't moved. Apparently, that's only if she were delivering a package, though, because all of my other mail still got delivered. Luckily, I have horrible credit so when I do actually move and she continues to deliver my mail there, nobody will want to steal my identity. Long story longer...the good folks at Knit Picks shipped it back without another shipping charge. (Lucky for my mail carrier.) I got it yesterday and could not wait to crack open my copy of Mason Dixon Knitting. I read through some of it while perusing the patterns and found myself chuckling. A funny book with patterns-SCORE! I immediately cast on for the ballband dishcloth, despite my current WIP overload. I love a good warshrag and needed something that I could give some instant gratification. I like the finishing instructions, "BO loosely. Remember to take off your apron and hairnet before leaving the house." heh

In other knitting news, I have some FOs and WIPS. I just have no pictures to upload, at the moment. I promise to get photos and update WITH pictures before the week is out because my sister will call me a lazy ho again if I don't.

WIP update-Ribbed Shrug progress

2008-03-28T11:56:00.006-05:00

Currently still working on the Two-Tone Ribbed Shrug from Fitted Knits. I'm using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in color 610 (gorgeous color suitable for Project Spectrum) and I'm getting gauge, but it seems a little bulkier than the one in the book. I think it may be the result of my yarn choice. I don't know how I feel about it right now. I guess I'll find out when I'm completely finished. Hopefully, the ribbing and some blocking will make me feel better about it. I'm kind of negative about most things, but completely optimistic when it comes to my knitting. Here's a not-entirely-accurate WIP shot. Since this was taken, I've completed the entire back, sleeves, seaming, picked up stitches, and commenced with the ribbing. I'll probably be able to finish late tonight or early tomorrow.
Also, received my Learn to Spin Kit yesterday and dove right in. I'm disappointed to say that I can't figure it out after numerous attempts. The "instructions" are not super helpful to the layspinner. Actually, useless wouldn't be an inaccurate term. (You can get the same for free online or at the local library.) A little more definition about developing a leader and spindle technique are essential. At least, I got the spindle and fiber. Looks like I'm heading to the library this weekend to recheck out Lee Raven's Hands On Spinning. If that doesn't help, I think I may need face-to-face instruction or a video tutorial when it comes to spinning. I refuse to accept defeat! Spinning will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine.

Poor Neglected Blog...

2008-03-26T14:59:00.016-05:00

I have some FOs to post...woohoo! The first of which is abstract at best.

Pattern: The Empty Tomb
Yarn: Lily Sugar n' Cream in Hot Green
Needles: Knit Picks Options US 6 (4.00mm)

Okay, let me first state that I have no problem with the obvious religious implication of this pattern and that I recognize and appreciate the creative initiative involved in designing any knit pattern. That being said, what guest visiting my humble facilities and randomly picking up this washcloth would recognize this image? Still, it's a washcloth so I'm not terribly disappointed.

Next up we have a gift for my momma. (That's right, I'm 30 and I still say, "Momma.")

Pattern: Polly Outhwaite's French Market Bag
Yarn: Patons SWS in Natural Plum
Needles: Knit Picks Options US 8 (5.00mm) and Knit Picks DPNs US 8 (5.00mm)

Overall, I liked the pattern. However, if you are considering felting with Patons SWS, do yourself a favor and DON'T! I had to felt this sucker 4 or 5 times to get it sturdy enough. At that point, I was running the risk of ending up with a shallow bowl rather than a basket. I decided not to test my luck and settled for what I had. Also, this yarn is normally super hairy and after felting...nightmare. I had to shave it a kajillion times. I actually burned out my crappy little shaver. Still, she loved it and I stuffed it to the gills with her most recent yarn purchase for its internet debut. Sorry, there's no before felting picture. I vow that will NOT happen again.

And for my finale...an FO that's perfect for Project Spectrum. (Don't you just love azaleas?!)

Pattern: Sara Galley's Hug Me Shrug
Yarn: SouthWest Trading Company Bamboo in Fiery Red (1 Skein!)
Needles: Knit Picks Options US 6 (4.00mm)

I finally got her to tear herself away from that purse in this pic, but I was pushing it by trying to get her to say cheese.
Like the pattern, but working from both ends of the skein? It's a lot like working with Britney Spears, pretty soon you just end up with a hot mess on your hands...as seen here.
Other than that, this pattern went quickly and is a great way to use up that random, but lovely skein of DK weight yarn you've had lying around for too long. Plus, my little Pumpkinhead looks too cute in it.

Apparently, I have zero self control

2008-03-19T15:41:00.007-05:00

Things I have purchased in the past week:

Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in color 610 for the Two-Tone Ribbed Shrug from Fitted Knits. Obviously, I'm omitting the two-toned part.

Knit Picks CotLin yarn in Key Lime for Knitty's Brighton.

Two hanks of Knit Picks Bare for a Kool-aid dying session with the kids. (I'm involving them in this year's Project Spectrum.) Fun!

Mason Dixon Knitting because I don't have nearly enough projects that I want to do.

Last, but not least, a Learn to Spin Kit because I need to be more obsessed with knitting.

Seriously, zero self control. I need help...carrying it into the house.

Whoopsie

2008-03-12T10:44:00.006-05:00

Obviously, I tweaked with my blog a bit. I like the layout better, but I do miss the polka dots. (They're cheery.) My little pumpkinhead has been sick all weekend. As my momma says, "She's got sick eyes."

Normal:

Not normal:

I decided to make Sara Galley's little shrug out of this to cheer her up. She loves the handmade goodies. I knew that I wasn't going to have enough to do the ruffle edge on the sleeves so I decided to do a picot-edge bind off. I was binding off the last sleeve when I came to the conclusion that there simply was not enough in that single skein to finish. I ended up pulling out the whole thing. As it turns out, that was the best choice. Yesterday, I received my "mystery bag" from Discountyarnsale. There were only a couple of skeins that I was really pleased with so I don't think I'll take that chance again. One of them was a gahhhgeous skein of Southwest Trading Company Bamboo in fiery red (which makes it perfect for Project Spectrum) and it has 250yds/100g ball so I'll be redoing the shrug in that. It will be to die for and handwash only. I think it will pair lovely with a light brown/taupe tank top I have in mind for her, too. I promised myself that until August, my knitting would be all about me. I guess if it's something I want to knit, it still counts as being for me. (I'm quickly turning into a big fat liar.) I have some FOs, but have yet to get any pics.

FO-February Washcloths

2008-03-05T11:50:00.007-06:00

I've finished the Monthly Dishcloth KAL for February. I'm currently working on the March one.

Patterns: Valentine Candy Box and Finders Keepers
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream in Hot Pink and Elmore-Pisgah Peaches & Creme in Ecru
Needles: Knit Picks Options 4.50mm (US 7)for the Valentine and 4.00mm (US 6) for Finders Keepers

Still loving the KAL and still trucking on the # One Husbands. In other fiber news, I am itching to take a spinning class, but I cannot find a single class/workshop in my area. I think I may have to go away for the weekend to Tennessee or something which is insane and not at all cost-effective. Is it stupid that another reason I want to move to Washington is to live in a more knitting/fiber friendly community? Never mind, I know it is and I don't care!

FO-January Dishcloths

2008-03-03T15:11:00.006-06:00

It's kind of driving me crazy referring to these as dishcloths because I have no intention of washing dishes with them. They go in a basket on the bathroom counter and the children have been threatened with cleaning out the kitty litter box if they mess with them without permission. They're my current and favorite obsession. These are from the Monthly Dishcloth KAL for January. I'm trying to catch up to March. I told Shawn, "Just be happy that I've finally found a way to love football."

Pattern: Football and Diamond Lace
Yarn: Lily Sugar 'n Cream in Brown and Elmore-Pisgah Peaches & Creme in Earthtone.
Needles: Knit Picks Options 4.50mm (US 7)

I know these are kind of boring, but they're quick, cute, fun, practical, and cheap to make. What more could you want?

Sock Progress

2008-03-01T13:34:00.007-06:00

Finished the heel of Shawn's sock and it is gorgeous. Personally, I think its beauty is wasted on a man's sock. Not to mention, these socks are turning out pretty enough for a woman, but strong enough for a man. They look like Christmas socks to me. Also, he's a very tiny man so even though they fit me, they will still fit him.

Close-up of the fabulous heel:

Edit: Okay, didn't realize at the time I posted, but those pictures were horrible. They have since been replaced. I think I had the macro setting on. I took the new one with my cell phone. It's pretty good in a pinch.

What's a knitter to do?

2008-02-28T10:09:00.008-06:00

I am so torn about what to knit with my hank of Blue Sky Cotton. I want to use it for my March dishcloth from the Monthly Dishcloth KAL or the Baby Bolero from One Skein. Sophia loves to wear the stuff I make for her, but I'd also like to make something for myself. With all the work that goes into it, why are we always knitting stuff for other people? Oh, who am I kidding? If it fits her, I'll make Sophia the Bolero. In other knitting news, I've completed the leg of Shawn's sock. I also began the heel flap and was about 8 rows into it before I realized that I forgot to switch the freaking colors. Argghhh! The heel flap in this pattern is different from any others I've done. Usually, I just knit the heel flap stitches back and forth slipping the first stitch of every row. This one has me slipping every other stitch and purling the first and last 3 stitches of every knit row. It will be interesting to see where that's going.

French Quarter Fun

2008-02-26T14:06:00.006-06:00

Saturday, I took the kids to the French Quarter. New Orleans is only an hour away, but we hardly ever go. I gave them time to sleep in so we didn't end up in NOLA until late morning/early afternoon.We started out from the RiverWalk and the kids got a glimpse of the Natchez setting off.
The first thing we did was hit up Cafe Du Monde for coffee (hot chocolate for the kiddies) and beignets.
We eventually cleaned off all the powdered sugar. They look so (deceptively) sweet in this picture.
We headed over to Jackson Square and caught some street performers. This one, in particular, freaked Sophia the hell out.
We stopped in at a toy shop for the kids and a knitting shop for mom-The Quarter Stitch.
Since I let the kids each get something for $10 or less, I had to abide by the same rule. Presentation is everything, folks. Check out the care taken with my single hank.

And what fiber gem lies within its depths? Why, it's none other than the cottony goodness that is Blue Sky Cotton. I believe the color is lemongrass and it's softer than most luxury blends I've felt.
Needless to say, I was pleased as punch with my purchase. Also, alliteration is my favorite literary device. For lunch, we headed over to Cafe Maspero. Julian had a monster burger. I told him that it would be as big as his head. He was just double checking.
I had their muffaletta which is actually on the small side. They're traditionally the size of a dinner plate. My personal favorite can be had at the Napoleon House. The best thing about Maspero's is that we can eat there for less than $15 which includes tax and tip.
I always try to maintain some semblance of modesty and decorum when we're out.
Another character Sophia did not care for was the giggling voodoo zombie.
The most fun had all day for the kids? Throwing rocks in the river on the way back to the car.

Goodbye, streetcar.

Goodbye, Jax Brewery.Goodbye, Natchez. Goodbye, St. Louis Cathedral.
Goodbye, French Quarter!

Could I be any more dense?

2008-02-25T09:11:00.008-06:00

Ran into a little hang-up with my thrummed mittens this weekend. I did not get the afterthought thumb. After much googling and a remedial explanation from an online friend (geeky to have online friends, I know), I finally understand. Still, with the thumb issue this weekend, I could make no progress on the mittens. Instead, I chose to cast on for another project. (I try to avoid having more than one WIP at a time on needles.) Shawn (my baby daddy) has been clammering for a pair of red socks with white toes, heels, and cuffs. I have no idea why this particular color combination is so important to him. When I asked, he simply said, "I've never had red socks before." Beyond Bobby Ziegler's Thuja socks which I have already made for him, pretty yet manly sock patterns are hard to come by-I got lucky with this one.

Pattern: # One Husband Socks
Yarn: Elann Sock It To Me 4 Ply in brick and cream
Needles: Knit Picks Nickel-plated 6" DPNs 2.50mm (US 1)

I think they're more pretty than manly, but luckily my man is so manly that he is not afraid to be pretty. Plus, not hurting my feelings is very important to him so he'll wear them regardless. Also, check out my lovely beaded stitch marker. I made a slew of them a couple of weeks ago. Seriously, you can find a tutorial for anything on the internet these days.

Thrummed Mittens-WIP

2008-02-22T11:08:00.012-06:00

My current WIP is a pair of thrummed mittens for my mom. She's a travel nurse currently working in South Dakota. Last I heard, it was -2 there...hence, the thrummed mittens. Also, these pics were taken with my cell phone, so the colors are a little off.

Pattern: Vague-I'm using Yarn Harlot's Thrum-Along Instructions.
Needles: Knit Picks Nickel-plated DPNs 5.00mm (US 8)
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Tulip
Thrums: Roving Colonial Wool in Purple from The Flying Ewe

This is my first attempt at Thrummed Mittens and the Thrum-Along instructions are easy to follow. Of course, I haven't gotten to the thumb yet, but she gives a super helpful how-to-thrum tutorial. These are such a fun knit. I knew that the thrum stitches would look like little hearts, but still seeing them actually knit up that way is so much fun. I went up in needle size because I knit super tight and because I didn't have 4.00 mm DPNs. The 2oz of roving I bought was more than enough. If I ever try my hand at spinning, I can always use the leftovers. Here's a pic of the inside.

I am loving these mitts!

New To Blogger

2008-02-22T10:49:00.005-06:00

I've chosen the name Fiber Slut because I don't think I'm so much a Yarn Ho as I am harmlessly slutty. This blog will be dedicated to my knitting and any other crafting attempts. Let's face it, I will likely rave or bitch about anything as I see fit. Mostly knitting, though.