Halfway Down the Stairs

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Epitome of Squoosh

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Medium weight (not usually my favorite sock yarn), but boy are they squooshy. This is the first pair of socks I am knitting from my Christmas books. This is from The Knitters' Book of Socks. These are Stepping Stones. I am imagining my eldest boy is going to want these for his chilly feet.

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Vamped

Pattern: My Vampire Boyfriend by Kate Atherley Yarn: Araucania Ranco Solid Color: 105 Orange Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: December 1, 2011 Completed: January 6, 2012 Note: Cabley and twisty goodness here.

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

So...

remember when I showed you my Coraline WIP? Yea, well, riiiiip! I didn't knit a swatch, and I probably should have on this one. I had to bump up the needles a few sizes and here is my NEW Coraline WIP. Sheesh. This one is desk knitting - it's getting a couple rows a day.

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

New Yarn!

So January is my month to add a little to the stash. I wanted some cashmere so I ordered some Smooshy Dream from the Loopy Ewe. Yum:

To my dismay, this shipment qualified me for a $25 Loopy Ewe GC, so I had to order some sock yarn, but I don't have that yet.

This was my last shipment from The Plucky Knitter. The color strikes me as very retro. This will go in my stash with my other Primo to be doled out in an appropriate manner! (No one actually believes this is wool when it is all knitted up!)

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Cauchy

I received a couple of sock pattern books for Christmas this year, and I decided to add some socks right into the queue. This is not one of them. This color is so decidedly for my husband, that I had to dig out a pattern acceptable to the male species in my house. This one is from Cookie A's Sock Innovations. This is Cauchy, perhaps one of the easiest patterns Cookie A has ever produced. The yarn is Fleece Artist Sea Wool and it was in a Cookie A Yarn Club shipment. As I've said before, it was most obviously made for my husband, so I will be knitting the Yarn Club pattern with something from my stash. Did I mention that I joined the Cookie A Sock Club for a second year? (My only club for 2012.) The patterns for 2011 are here. Of the twelve patterns, I have only knit four so far. I plan on burning through a lot of stash with these!

2012-01-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

Seriously, I have NOT deserted the internet quite yet!

Pattern: Sweetgrass by Sarah Fama Yarn: The YoYo Sock String Color: Berry Pickin Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: December 7, 2011 Completed: December 25, 2011 Note: This was a fast, easy-to-remember pattern. The yarn has a great soft feel to it, however, her Etsy shop is no longer in operation. The Sweet Sheep still carries her yarn.

School and Winter Lacrosse have started again, so that means my daytime hours are once again my own! I would love to make a collage of all of my 2011 FO's like I've seen on some of the other blogs, but I have not inkled out the how. In the meantime I can at least make a count of 2011's finished knitting projects!

Five hats, three sweaters, 27 pair(s) of socks, two shawlettes and one scarf!

I'm not big on resolutions, however, I like to set myself goals.

I want to keep working from my stash, more than I add to it.
Two pair of socks a month, again!
Four sweaters instead of three.
Continue to use up the spare individual skeins on hats.

2011-12-27T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hats Upon Hats!

The nieces were again clamoring for hats this year - so when I picked up the new Interweave Knits, Accessories 2011 and saw all of the berets and tams, I picked up some leftover balls of yarn and whipped out these two. These two are some leftover Malabrigo and some Plucky Primo Worsted. Seriously about a four hour endeavor for each of them. This particular pattern is the Gothic Tam by Rosemary (Romi) Hill. You can't imagine how cute these are on a fifteen year old girl.

2011-12-26T08:41:00.000-08:00

WIP Pink and Brown

This is some The YoYo Sock String pardon the Ravelry link, her Etsy store is not currently operational. I did find some of her yarn at The Sweet Sheep. This is my only skein of this yarn, and I am kind of sad that is appears to be going away, it's a lovely sock yarn. I am not even quite sure what the pattern is - guess you will have to wait for the FO! (Who knows how long THAT could be?)

2011-12-25T08:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays Everyone!

This is the image that evokes my childhood Christmas Seasons (and I know it is not the reason for the season, but I am a product of the Age of Advertising!)

Hermie and Rudolph, I loved that little elf.

And while I am at it, the image of this commercial has stuck in my brain for 45 years now. I cannot say why, but it is linked forever in my mind with the Rudolph Christmas special and the Original Grinch!

2011-12-24T07:57:00.000-08:00

Not Exactly WIP'ing Along

I knew Coraline would not be speedy knitting, but I love the fabric that I am getting. After Christmas, I imagine that things will pick up as I will not be so distracted by hats.

2011-12-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Coraline

It is nearly Christmas and I am finally going to cast on Ysolda's Coraline, and yet I am still working through my stash. Isn't it wonderful?

Also? I've posted over a dozen times in the month of December! I don't know how those professionals actually get something written every day!

2011-12-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

Caramel FO!

Pattern: Caramel by Isabell Kraemer Yarn: The Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted Color: Memories (gray) and Goin' Courtin' (red) Needles: US 6 - 4.0 mm Started: October 4, 2011 Completed: October 30, 2011 Note: I really, really did finish this back on Halloween, and it sat behind me for a month and a half waiting for photos, and then I accidentally deleted the photos, and now it is still waiting for the pin that I ordered for closing it (if needed). Anyway - I love this sweater and I would like to knit it again and get a little creative with the striping. I also did 3/4 sleeves because I love them.

This is what the pattern photo looks like:

I don't think the dress dummy has enough shoulders to carry it off. But I believe my sister will, and when that pin finally gets here (Thanks US Postal Service! It has taken Priority Mail six days to get from Texas to Minnesota!) She will finally receive her much-delayed birthday present!

The pin that I ordered from here.

2011-12-21T07:27:00.001-08:00

The Hobbit

I can hardly wait for this! Goosebumps!

2011-12-19T09:05:00.000-08:00

FO Here Kitty!

Pattern: Piton by Grace Anna Farrow Yarn: Sophie's Toes Merino Sock Color: Kitty Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: October 27, 2011 Completed: December 1, 2011 Note: The Holiday Sock Basket has been distributed and these are for me!!!! Easy pattern, great yarn.

2011-12-17T07:06:00.000-08:00

In Which I Am Losing It Altogether

I thought I had done an FO post for the Harold & Maude socks, but I guess I only did a WIP!

Harold & Maude

Pattern: Harold and Maude by Rose Hiver (a FREE Ravelry download!) Yarn: Zen Yarn Garden Bling Yarn (with 2% Silver) Color: Ruby Slippers Needles: US 1 - 2.25 Started: August 19, 2011 Completed: November 22, 2011 Note: These went into the sock basket and the end of the day on Thanksgiving, and promptly walked out the door with my eldest niece. Must be the glittery silver...

2011-12-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

My Vampire BF

A little bright colored yarn, a brilliantly named pattern, and there you go... a new project.

2011-12-15T13:32:00.000-08:00

Sooo. Christmas Eve...

I am making this for the family.

I have never made a trifle before. Anybody have any hints for me?

Recipe is here: Cranberry Coconut Trifle. I am wondering if I should have stuck with Jello and fruit? ETA: There is also a gluten-free version!

Also? Have you ever tried to find a Trifle Dessert Bowl? Sheesh!

2011-12-14T08:59:00.000-08:00

Impulse Shawlette

This is made from some hand-dyed alpaca that I picked up at the Cranberry Festival in Stone Lake a few years ago. It was so homegrown, I never entered it into my Ravelry Stash. We took an impulsive trip to Hayward this weekend for a Friday Night Fish Fry and a family boondoggle.

On my way out the door I grabbed a simple pattern and this skein of yarn (about 220 yards, I'm guessing - DK weight). I started this on the car ride on Friday night...

...and I finished on Sunday night watching some Wild hockey.

(HOW ABOUT THOSE WILD?)

The yarn is pretty hairy, but I love this closeup:

This is the Garter Ridge Shawl - easy peasy.

2011-12-13T07:09:00.000-08:00

"After" Pic of the Charlie Brown Tree

Hmmm. It doesn't look so bad does it? Nope. Oh wait...

See that gouge on out of the bottom on the left? Hmmm...and a little further up on the right, is that a dent? If I took another picture from the other side, you would see another big area where the branches are not. It's ok. We love it just the way it is. (Even though the "soft white" lights on the bottom third of the tree are a totally different color than the "soft white" lights on the top two thirds of the tree - you can't tell in this picture!) Look on the bright side - the dogs have not tried to pee on it yet.

2011-12-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

Red Scarf Project

So, not only did I scratch up my eye, I picked up a cold virus at the same time which means it got infected. Boy! Talk about misery. Today is the first day I have started to feel better! In the meantime, I finally got all of our Christmas decorations up, and our tree, which qualifies as a true Charlie Brown tree this year. I wish I had taken "before" pictures! There is knitting news to be shared though.

I saw this pattern online and had the perfect yarn to cast on. Shortly thereafter, I knew it belonged to the Red Scarf Project.

Pattern: Wayfarer by Jared Flood Yarn: Beaverslide Dry Goods McTaggart Tweeds & Heathers Color: Wild Currant Needles: US 8 - 5.0 mm Started: October 21, 2011 Completed: November 4, 2011

Put this into the mail on the 7th, happily in time to get it to Foster Care for Success, even with the slower First Class mail!

2011-12-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

Here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!

I don't think I've mentioned this in a loooong time; but I love Sophie's Toes Merino Sock. I went through a phase of hoarding her sock yarn in every color she could come up with. I still have three skeins in my stash, but this one has always been one of my favorites. I've held off knitting with it for a long time, but the "giving basket" was full and I decided that I needed a new pair of socks. This yarn color is called Kitty. I'm sure you can see why. Even now this yarn is tempting me as I type....

2011-12-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

Help!

This is a totally selfish "Help!" I am trying to find something and I do not know if it exists. I any of my limited readers can help me, I can keep winding yarn here!

So, you all know what one of these are, right?

Well, mine has started to self-destruct, and actually whacked me in the head the other day. Since I leave mine up in my office 24/7, I would like to find a lovely yarn swift. That is actually really hard to do. So, any leads to a lovely yarn swift folks?

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

In the meantime, my eyes got tired yesterday and I rubbed them. I rubbed them kind of hard. I wear contacts. I woke up in the middle of the night with a weepy eye that ached. No, not ached. It throbbed and made me go "Owie! Owieowieowe!" People, I was like some giant cranky baby in the middle of the night! This all made me not sleep. My husband did not even stir once in the middle of all of this. (Guess who did all the midnight feedings at our house?)

There is a new medical facility in the vicinity of my home that has an Urgent Care that is not an ER, AND it is open 24 hours a day. It also takes my insurance card. This is one of those days when I have read the paper and I thank my lucky stars; I do know how blessed I am. (I HAVE insurance, I HAVE a car, for heaven's sake I HAVE a bed!) I wrote my husband a note, (Nope. Still asleep) I got in my car and drove myself to that new Urgent Care. There, a lovely nice doctor put drops in my eye looked at my eye through his bright-lighty machine and said, "There they are-two abrasions across your eye!" That lovely doctor gave me a prescription for antibiotics and painkillers (yes, I am a little loopy right now), that I was able to fill immediately in a vending machine in the lobby. I was home, medicated and asleep by 3:30 am. So the point of my whole story? I am kind of a knucklehead. What kind of a knucklehead wears contacts and rubs their eyes so hard they scratch their eyeball? Also, I am a lucky knucklehead. I am going to keep reminding myself when I walk by the bell ringers this Winter. I can most assuredly empty my pockets to spread the luck. I will remind myself not to be too busy to make that Toys for Tots shopping trip. I will happily bundle up those scarves and socks I've knit and send them off to someone who most certainly will be happy for a little extra warmth or brightness in their day.

So I did not intend to preach today, but I'm asking for a little help, so I thought I'd remind myself to pass it on!

2011-12-07T09:52:00.000-08:00

Harold & Maude WIP

This yarn is Zen Yarn Garden Bling Yarn (with 2% Silver) and it has been in my stash for ages...I got it in a sock yarn club - I can't even remember which one. This yarn made for a really pretty pattern, but was a little flyaway while I knit.

The pattern is called Harold and Maude and it was a Mystery Knit when I downloaded it. Very intricate, but I am happy with the results!

Thanksgiving was the usual crazy time around our house - the sock basket is nearly empty again! The remainders are being delivered to the PROP shop here in town. Now if I could only get my Christmas tree up!

2011-11-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Interpretation

of the Great and Powerful Oz!

Pattern: The Great and Powerful Oz by Dani Berg Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight Color: Flower Power Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Completed: October 19, 2011 Note: This yarn has been in my stash since I belonged to the STR Sock of the Month Club. That would've been many years ago.

2011-11-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

Red Scarf WIP

This has actually grown to 36" since the Vikes game on Sunday. (GO Vikes!) This may become a scarf for Red Scarf Project. I'll see how soft it is after I block it out. This is the Wayfarer Scarf by Jared Flood, I am using Beaverslide Dry Goods' McTaggert Tweeds & Heathers in Currant. I have not knit on straight needles (except for sock dpn's) in AGES! I do think this is a pretty pair of needles, though.

2011-11-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Have You Seen This?

The "Look Book" for Brooklyn Tweed's new fingering weight yarn. I haven't had the yearning for instant yarn gratification in quite a while, but this might do it. How about you?

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Artisinal...

Sock yarn, that is. I give Hazel Knits huge props for the beauty of her dye colors.

Rick's Cognac

Meadow

Coleus

This is a club you can actually join a month or two at a time, and you get some awesome sock yarn for your money.

Today is my 21st wedding anniversary. Wait. Is that possible? Sheesh.

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Drinks Are On Me...

or at least, on my yarn! This was another yarn club that I joined in the last year. I love Yarntini semi-solid yarns and this club appealed. I think there were some issues with the dyer taking on more than she could handle as the shipments got stretched out over a longer period than we were originally "promised". Actually, I think her main "helper", her husband, got pulled away to school! I am not sure she is going to do a club like this again. Her yarn is still available over at her etsy shop, however.

There was the Pink Squirrel colorway! (To read a GREAT story about the Pink Squirrel cocktail on the Orient Express, check out Pamie.com here.)

There was also Mai Tai,

Lastly, there was the Cotton Candy colorway.

I have hope with my new stashbusting drive, I will be using some of these within the next year!

2011-10-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

Smooth as Caramel

Especially when it's knit up with that yummy Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted. Feels very much like the Madelinetosh Tosh Sport I've worked with before.

It's supposed to look like this when it's done:

Free pattern here on this website. Wouldn't it be nice to have a warm Caramel to wear for Halloween?

Lots of ends to be sewn in though. Stay Tuned for end results!

2011-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

DUDE!!!!!!!!!

I haven't finished a sweater in AGES I am telling you. Then this pattern came along and my 19 year old son loved it and he wanted one. Enthusiastically. That does not happen often in my house of men. He even wore it OUT and allowed a photo of him wearing it to go up on FACEBOOK! (Of course, I am not allowed to post that photo, plus, for some reason, he is wearing it inside out.)

Pattern: The Dude by Andrea Rangel Yarn: Cascade Yarns Ecological Wool Color: Creme/Deep Brown/Heather Grey Brown Needles: US 4, 6, 10 and 11 Started: August 10, 2011 Completed: September 30, 2011 Note: Andrea did a lovely job writing this pattern based on the cardigan worn by The Dude in The Big Lebowski. It knit up quickly and easily fit the measurements of my son. Since he declined the zipper, it was even easier than she wrote the pattern!

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Plucky Thing!

So, while I did very little yarn shopping this year, that does not mean there was no yarn coming in to my home. I joined a couple of yarn clubs and didn't really get around to logging them into the stash until just last week. The first was The Plucky Classics:

There is the Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted in Goin' Courtin' (4 skeins).

There is the Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted in The Hills are Alive (4 skeins).

There is the Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted in Memories (4 skeins).

Also - there was this - but I've destashed it already:

This is Thornfield Hall, or it was. The good thing about this yarn is that it holds it value and people are ready to pay to get some!

The red and the grey up above are currently being knit into a very cool striped cardigan call Caramel by Isabell Kraemer. (Free downloadable pattern, by the way!)

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the Honey Badger video?

"Honey Badger don't care, Honey Badger don't give a sh**, it eats what it wants!"

(umm, NSFW)

Pattern: Honey Badger by Irishgirlieknits (free Ravelry download) Yarn: Alchemy Juniper Color: Blue Green Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: September 17, 2011 Completed: September 26, 2011 Note: Oh boy, this one has been in my stash for a looooong time. It knit up beautifully and made some handsome Honey Badgers! Honey Badger don't care!

ETA: I had this ready to go later this week, but since Turtlegirl beat me to the Honey Badger reference - I thought I'd throw this out right now!

2011-10-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

Great and Flowerful Oz

This pattern is actually The Great and Powerful Oz from the Wizard of Oz Woolgirl Sock Club that I belonged to. It seems like it was ages ago, but who can tell? Woolgirl is no longer a retail store, but she still does kits and clubs. The yarn is BMFA Lightweight sock yarn in the Flower Power colorway. This has been in my stash for AGES! I just checked, and it's been there for so long that the colorway is discontinued!

So.. you can see that I got an inch or two into the pattern and decided that there was no way I was going to continue the twisted stitches for an entire sock, so I improvised and it became the cuff. I like it this way. This sock should be finished this weekend, but we'll see how quickly I get the second one off the needles!

2011-10-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

Well this is just becoming ridiculous!

Actually, it has been ridiculous for quite a while. I must just be terribly busy with my normal life to be missing out on blogging for an entire month! It's not like I've been enjoying the local sports scene or anything. I mean. Seriously? The Twins, the Vikings, youch? In the meantime, coming off of the needles has been this:

Pattern: Wingmen Men's Sock by Wendy Gaal Yarn: Knitters Brewing Company Sock-aholic Color: Last Call and Butterscotch Schnaaps Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: August 6, 2011 Completed: September 14, 2011 Note: I seem to be clothing the college boy entirely in hand-knitted items. These went directly on his feet, and the next item I finished went directly on his back. It's rather delightful to have my gifts so well received.

So here you go off into the ether little blog post. Let's see if anyone is still reading!

2011-08-29T08:19:00.000-07:00

WIP WIP WIP!

So far I have the back and half of the left front finished of Dude. I would love to have this done asap for college boy. The weather has been gorgeous the last day or so. I am hoping it lasts through our last summer trip to the cabin. School starts on the 6th. If only the crazy were not starting already. Laptop repair, dogs to the vet, Puck to the dentist...

2011-08-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Jubilee Socks!!

Pattern: Jubilee Socks by Cookie A Yarn: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock Color: Oh My Darling Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: July 15, 2011 Completed: August 19, 2011 Note: Another Cookie A Sock Club Shipment. This Hazel Knits yarn doesn't seem as heavy as the last skein of Hazel Knits I've used. This may require more sampling....

2011-08-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

Trying to keep this rolling....

Posting regularly, that is. These are my boys after they took a sea kayak venture out on Lake Superior last week while we were in Bayfield. They did learn to "Eskimo Roll"....

2011-08-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Dude!

Let's see. This movie is a huge favorite at our house:

The 19 year old has requested one of these:

The pattern is here! I ordered the yarn from WEBS, and it is finally on the needles. (Since 19YO weighs a total of 145 lbs right now, a size small is in order). Football has started and this is the perfect sport knitting pattern.

2011-08-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

Wingman!

I bought this kit from the Knitters Brewing Company. It's called the Wingmen Sock. This is something new for me (two color knitting). It's been fascinating, I have a hard time putting it down. It has a short row heel, and I have already torn that mother back and am creating my own heel. Hate. Short. Row. Heels. Grrrr.

2011-08-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Sherbet

This is one of the socks from the Cookie A. Sock Club for June/July. The yarn is Hazel Knits and the pattern is Jubilee Socks. Spee-dee! The color is actually called Oh My Darling, but it reminds me of an orange pushup!

A sweater has actually been cast on and is beginning to steal my attention, so I am lagging on this knitting right now.

2011-08-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Cool Your Sugar Jets

The newest yarn for the Cookie A Sock Club. I haven't even finished pair one from the last shipment! Yet I am knitting away! (30% Silk!)

2011-08-11T13:13:00.000-07:00

Half a Calpurnia?

Pattern: Calpurnia by Chrissy Gardiner Yarn: All Things Heather Hand Dyed Sock Yarn Color: Skye Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: July 17, 2011 Completed: August 5, 2011 Note: These are for me! Finished them on Puck's 15th birthday as well! We got the Driver's Permit on Friday too! Love the cuff. Finished the heel Turtlegirl style as well!

This pattern was meant to be different front and back. I didn't get that when I read it the first time through, and knit the patter repeat the same on the front and back. I found I liked them that way, so I kept it. That is why it is half a Calpurnia - I completely ignored half the pattern! I am such a dork.

2011-08-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

Wyeast Socks...Why not?

Pattern: Wyeast Socks by Chrissy Gardiner Yarn: Fiberphile Hand-Dyed Yarns & Fibers MCN Luxe Sock Color: Lilacs in the Mist Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: June 20, 2011 Completed: July 16, 2011 Note: This one is cable heaven, also confusing. One must pay attention to the charts on this one!

Another pattern where I finished the heel gusset differently. Glad I moved on to the next style! However, this yarn color is delicious; like a grape popsicle.

2011-08-07T14:07:00.000-07:00

Sssssuperstar!

Life has been crazy, with a traveling lacrosse team, and kids taking drivers education and SAT prep courses. The heat, of course. The heat. A weekend in July watching a U17 team play lacrosse in Vernon Hills, IL - Sunday ended in a game played in 105 degree heat. Puck's team took the whole tournament and qualified to play in the National competition in Florida in December/January!

Pattern: Supernova by Chrissy Gardiner Yarn: Faery Fiber Sprite 4ply Merino/Nylon Blend Fingering Weight Color: Cedric Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: June 22, 2011 Completed: July 24, 2011 Note: This colorway actually reminds me of Van Gogh's Starry Night - one of my favorites. I've been doing my gusset reductions like this for about a month, and then Turtlegirl posted a "How To" and I realized she reduced in a different direction. This still works, but her way looks even better. You will see in a few days when I post some socks finished that way!

2011-07-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

What I've Finished...part trois

Pattern: Solid Socks Spring Blooms Mystery Socks April/May 2011 by Marcy Vandale Yarn: Zen String Lotus Toes(BFL version) Color: Ben Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: June 16, 2011 Completed: July 5, 2011 Note: Another minty color scheme. This one reminds me of an Andes mint. Not sure how long this one has been in the stash, but it's good to get the older stuff out in the air!

I believe Turtlegirl would say - Toe Pic!

2011-07-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

What I've Finished...part deux

Pattern: Pimpelliese by Christine Ebers Needles: US 3 - 3.25 mm Started: May 8, 2011 Completed: May 24, 2011 Note: This is some handspun Alpaca that I bought at the Shepherd's Harvest Festival in Lake Elmo this Mother's Day. It knit up quickly into this little neck scarf. Easy-peasy and very quick.

2011-07-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

What I am doing...

Wyeast Socks by Chrissy Gardiner from Spring 2011 Sockupied.

...and these, these are Supernova, also by Chrissy Gardiner. Who knew? I didn't mean to cast on two by the same designer. I had to sprinkle some semi-solid into the queue to break up all that variegated yarn I've been using up!

I'm up to 13 complete pair for the year, which is twice the number I'd set for my goal, but I've fallen way behind on the sweater plan. I'm ok with that, either one gets the yarn out of my stash!

2011-07-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

What I've Finished...

Pattern: Crystalline Socks by Debbie O'Neill Yarn: Miss Babs Yummy Superwash Sock & Baby Yarn - 2 ply Color: Peppermint Patty Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: May 24, 2011 Completed: June 17, 2011 Note: The color of this yarn particularly fits the name, don't you think? I wasn't sure about the pattern at first, but it definitely grew on me - I would consider knitting this one in a solid color. The main goal of this pair was to use up some stash, and this one has been in my stash for quite a while. Ok. Yikes, really quite a while.

2011-06-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

...and these....

Pattern: Solid Socks Mystery Feb/Mar 2011 by Lisa Stichweh Yarn: Sundara Yarn Sock Yarn Color: Ember Over Flame* Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: May 15, 2011 Completed: June 16, 2011 Note: *See my post a couple FO's ago about the sock yarn color being called russet; in my mind this color is russet. I reduced the cuff by one repeat because the Sundara sock yarn is not a generous skein and I wanted to make sure I had enough to finish these. A very futzy pattern, but I really enjoy the finished product!

I know today is supposed to be WIP day, but maybe next Wednesday! Weather here has not been conducive to good photography.

2011-06-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

FO's Comin' Down the Pipe!

Pattern: Mongolfiera Socks by Corrina Ferguson Yarn: Madelinetosh tosh sock Color: Black Madeira Fig Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: June 2, 2011 Completed: June 8, 2011 Note: If you've read the Vogue article about Madelinetosh that just came out - she talks about this color. You can see the color layering in these pictures, and I am lovin' it! I also tried making my gusset reductions (a la The Turtlegirl!) at the bottom of the foot instead of the top. I am liking the result very much.

2011-06-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Sundara Yarn

This is my last skein of Sundara yarn. I just popped over there to see what she has been up to and the temptation to join the Sundara Yarn Collection is almost painful. Wander around over there and look at some of her colors. Spanish Tile and Buttercream are just mouthwatering. I'm not going to subscribe to the monthly, but I may just purchase a single skein of a little something....even though I am trying to knit down the stash!

PS. These socks are nearly done - I only ripped it out completely one time!

PPS. School is out and Puck's Freshman/Sophomore lacrosse team took the state Championship again this year!

2011-05-25T11:54:00.000-07:00

Just Another WIPday

2011-05-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

Twisted. Very Twisted.

Just look at all those twisted stitches. Is it a wonder my fingers were aching from this pair of socks?

Just look at how gorgeous these finished socks are! The yarn is extremely soft and squooshy as well.

Pattern: Twisted Mockery by Lisa Stichweh Yarn: Seacoast Handpainted Panda Color: Russet Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: May 4, 2011 Completed: May 17, 2011 Note: This yarn color is called Russet, but it seems to be it should be a sherbet-type name. Now excuse me while I go and pick mulch off of my new socks.

2011-05-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

Pimp My Yarn (and my new project bag too!)

I am sorry to tell you that I have lost the card of the woman I bought this bag from. It is unfortunate, because it is a great bag and it was a great deal! The ripstop fabric is the ticket. The sock monkeys are pretty awesome too.

This little scarflet is a free pattern that my friend Sue found on Ravelry. Pimpelliese. I do believe it is an unfortunate name, but a charming knit. The yarn was purchased at Shepherd's Harvest from a local producer called Enchanted Meadows. It is an Alpaca/Mohair blend in the Blueberry colorway.

And the wonderful basket that it is draped upon is my favorite purchase from Shepherd's Harvest last weekend.

I bought this basket from a little booth called Ghana Crazy. Go ahead and check out the website. I have a few of these similar baskets and they are so perfect for so many things. One of them holds my gardening tools and gloves. I have another at the cabin for my needlework projects. You should really read the history of this little business - I can't think of a group of people more deserving of my business!

In other news. We had a great (rainy, of course) weekend of Lacrosse. Puck's team won their final two, regular season games to finish first in their league (MBSLA Freshman/Sophomore HS). The High School season runs in the Spring, unlike the Youth (grades 3-8) season which runs from the end of May through the end of July. Playoff seeding take place on Sunday, and the games begin this week. I'm thinking they'll get a first round bye! All I know is that it has been raining for all but one weekend of their games. My spiritwear is perpetually soggy, a sad state of affairs, I know.

2011-05-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

Baskets, Buttons and Bottles....

Mother's Day Weekend (yea, yea, I KNOW I'm delinquent), the family took me out to Shepherd's Harvest in Lake Elmo for an hour or two. I managed to power my way through all the booths for a few goodies:

I bought a skein (or two) of yarn (one is already in a project). Some lovely Walnut Shell Buttons.

Those buttons will look great on the perfect sweater. www.magpiemisc.etsy.com - just in case you can't see it there. The gentleman I bought the buttons from was very nice as he handed me his card. The skein of yarn shown is Mackintosh Yarns - Handpainted Luxury Fibers - the yarn is Iona Fingering Merino/Cashmere/Nylon in the Artery colorway. So very, very soft.

I bought a fantastic basket, a pattern and a project bag, but those photos will have to come later. I think they are featured in a WIP post that will come later on down the line. In the meantime, it has been a long day of Lacrosse and I am WIPED OUT. Time to shut down and read for a while. Smooches!

2011-05-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Cookie a Sock Club Shipment #2

Pattern: Cookie A Sock Club April P pattern by Cookie A Yarn: Lorna's Laces Sneak Peek Color: Boysenberry Jam Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: April 28, 2011 Completed: May 13, 2011 Note: This was the easier of this month's two patterns. When the right yarn comes out of my stash, I will cast on the second pair. The yarn is a new yarn that is supposed to have temperature control properties. The yarn itself feels like a cotton sock when it is knit up. Not sure how I will like the finished product after some wear.

I've finally gotten around to photographing my WIP's so I'll drag one of those out for my next post!

This weekend is the end of the regular Lacrosse season; Puck's team is finishing tied for first place so there will be playoffs after Memorial Day Weekend. This Summer will bring the Travel Team season - Puck loves it so much!

Look! We had sunshine today!

2011-05-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Crazy Bad Photos

This is my latest finished pair of socks and for the life of me, they are better looking than they photographed.

This is another GREAT Cookie A pattern. Long repeats that fit together like a puzzle. The following picture is the two socks stacked on each other, even though it's hard to tell.

Pattern: Passerine Socks by Cookie A Yarn: Ruby Sapphire Yarns Sapphire Sock Yarn Color: Priya Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: March 26, 2010 Completed: May 3, 2011 Note: See comments above!

I've got a couple of pretty awesome WIP's to photograph; let's hope I can do a better job with them! With my apologies to all of the professional photographers out there!

I will be spending my weekend outside again, watching many lacrosse games, so don't look for me here!

2011-05-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

April Socks

Pattern: Lacy Mock Cable Socks by ScarlettKnits Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Mini Mochi Color: Blue? Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: April 10, 2010 Completed: April 28, 2011 Note: Yep. Definitely not the same dyelot.

Try as I might, there was no matching the stripes in these socks. For that matter, the label may have been a liar and these were not the same dyelot at all.

They do kind of look like Easter egg colors, don't they?

2011-05-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

Finished Since Feb 2, People!

Pattern: Flint by Samantha Roshak (A Sweater for All Seasons Club) Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Woobu Color: Raspberry Moose Needles: US 7 - 4.5 mm (that sounds HUGE doesn't it?) Started: November 20, 2010 Completed: February 2, 2011 Note: The sweater pattern was relatively easy, but I found the stitch reduction on the sleeves, in pattern, extremely frustrating and wound up just doing my own thing to get to the stitch count required. I also started out with a size 5 needle and was really off on the gauge so I bumped it up to 7s. The hem was very curly, so the sweater has been sitting on Cherry just waiting to be steamed out of its curliness. I finally got around to it this weekend.

DH had his knee scoped this weekend so I found myself with some extra time on my hands.

I took photos in between the hours I spent on the Lacrosse field keeping track of goals and assists in the very, very, VERY cold rain on Saturday. Puck's Lacrosse team won their games 15-2 and 16-0. They are hoping for some competition next weekend.

I am looking forward to wearing this next Fall!

2011-04-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Socks I Should Have Knit in a Solid Color

KA March Mystery Sock by verybusymonkey

Pattern: KA March Mystery Sock by verybusymonkey Yarn: Fleece Artist Nova Wool Color: Renaissance Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: March 9, 2011 Completed: April 10, 2011 Note: This sock yarn has been marinating in my stash very nearly from when I began my sock yarn stash. I was happy to get it used up. I believe this pattern deserves to be knit in a solid color and may actually reoccur in my lineup.

Now, if I can just get my finished sweater all blocked and photographed, I can keep up my stream of FO's!

2011-04-28T07:43:00.000-07:00

The Lost Month

I have spent the last month in a crazy place. Like an alternate spot in the Universe where nothing is quite the way it should be. Everyone is home now (including College Boy), Vancouver is still in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but not everything can be as it should be, right?

I have several completed projects, and two that are nearly there. The last couple days of April will be devoted to completion and showing off!

Cachoeira by Kristi Geraci

Pattern: Cachoeira by Kristi Geraci Yarn: Fall Creek Fibers Gold Mill Sock Color: Red/Purple - Sept 10 Sock Club Shipment Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: March 10, 2011 Completed: April 9, 2011 Note: This sock yarn club was discontinued nearly as soon as I joined it. I am someone who does not mind, even enjoys, the pooling of hand-dyed sock yarn so I was not disappointed with this pair of socks. The pattern is mostly ktbl knit stitches (twisted knits) and purls - so definitely one of the slowest patterns I have ever worked on. I think the end result is quite lovely, though I do not knit with yarn this dark very often, it was a challenge in the evenings.

In the meantime, Dr. Who has started up again - only twelve episodes this year - so must enjoy them all!

2011-04-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Hard-to-Pronounce FO

Pattern: Haleakala Socks by Cookie A Yarn: String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn Caper Sock Color: Lotus Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: March 10, 2011 Completed: March 24, 2011 Note: The color of this yarn is really hard to replicate on the computer. The first picture is definitely more true to life, but even that is not quite "salmon" enough. What you can't tell by the pictures is how darn soft this yarn is, and really, how quickly this knits up.

The next Cookie A kit will be coming in two weeks and I can hardly wait! I actually may get the three other pairs of socks finished before I get the next kit - wouldn't that be something?

This is for my friends who have been missing pictures of Vancouver. The Rose Garden at UBC. I'll be heading back up there in three weeks to bring College Boy home for the summer. How did that fly by so quickly?

2011-03-31T08:22:00.000-07:00

WIP Week (Part Two)

I am finally getting around to a pattern I downloaded from last Spring's Sockupied. This skein of Ruby Sapphire will be the passerine socks (cookie a.). It actually is cast onto the needles, you just can't tell from this photo.

These are the Cachoeira by Kristi Geraci from the Spring 2009 Knitty. Tiny needles and lots of purling. This would get my vote for putzy sock of the year.

Guess what! Next you get to see a FO!!

2011-03-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

New Hardware (that I love!)

This stitch marker came in one of my sock yarn kits. I am not sure which one (I mean which kit). It's gorgeous and I plan on doing a little shopping at this Etsy shop.

2011-03-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

Putting Together Sock Kits

There is a lot of wishful planning going on here. I am really off of my pace of last year - 2 pair/month - but things could change! What do you think of this pretty, pretty ~~Malabrigo~~? Madtosh! I am an idiot. And lazy.

2011-03-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

WIP Week (Part One)

I have many pairs of socks on the needles.

Here is pair number two from the Cookie A Sock Club. This pattern is entitled Haleakala Socks- and the pattern came in a straight and twisted version. I went for the twisted version - look to see this pair finished first. String Theory Caper Sock (they just put a bunch up at the Loopy Ewe, in case you're interested. Yummy cashmere sock yarn.)

This second pair is SKA March Mystery Sock by verybusymonkey. Look for this pair to take a little longer because I had to wait for clues to be released. Also, I believe this pattern was intended for solid color yarns, but I like to ignore directions. The yarn definitely distracts from the very clever pattern, but I like them anyway.

There are two more pair on the needles, but they didn't get posed for their photo. I'll show those to you later this week.

We've been busy this week with HS Lacrosse tryouts. The fingers are crossed for Puck.

2011-03-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

Artisan Sock

Macro Time!

Pattern: Gentian by Lisa Stichweh (free Ravelry download) Yarn: Hazel Knits Artisan Sock Color: Band is lost - it was a club color Needles: US 2 - 2.75 mm Started: February 25, 2011 Completed: March 9, 2011

Note: This pattern repeat was so long I only had to knit it twice on the leg and twice on the foot, the yarn is a little heavier than my usual yarn so the whole thing finished up really quickly. LOTS of cabling in this sock pattern, but can I tell you how much I love these socks? I feel like I knit two miniature Aran sweaters.

Evidently the Wild and the Gophers were terrible last night, but our HS team won their semi-final round and there will be a Championship game tonight. Eagles v. Hounds!

2011-03-11T05:31:00.000-08:00

Pretty in Pink

Cliche? Probably. Polar opposite of green? I don't know, I'll have to check a color wheel.

As you may have guessed, given my penchant for knitting socks, I jumped on the Cookie A Sock Club when it was announced. (I know! Expensive! I have forgone birthday and mom's day gifts for the year!) Anyway, the first shipment arrived last week, and the patterns came via email around the same time. It was a 25 page leaflet that included cookie recipes and two sock patterns (actually, two sock patterns and the second sock pattern had two variations!) We only received one skein of yarn, some yummy String Theory Caper Sock (in the Solas colorway). We did get a discount code from String Theory, and I promptly ran off and ordered a second skein of Caper (pictured above - in the Lotus colorway), so I could knit both patterns in Cookie's intended yarn. Also? Cashmere.

I have finished the first of the two patterns that I chose to knit:

Ripple Leaf Socks:

Pattern: Ripple Leaf Socks by Cookie A Yarn: String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn Caper Sock Color: Solas Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: February 21, 2011 Completed: March 9, 2011

Macro!

Note: Really, I have very little to complain about. The pattern was great, the yarn was lovely. My brain did not cooperate when I started the second sock and forgot that there was a left and a right (mirror image) to this pattern. So there's that. Somehow I think I am the only one to do anything about that. I have moved right on and cast on the pink yarn to make the second pair from the Cookie A Sock Club - Haleakala Socks. Yep - say that one three times fast.

The kiddo's high school won their quarter-final state championship hockey game last night, so we are moving on to watch another tonight. Yay! Good thing I love hockey.

2011-03-10T05:44:00.000-08:00

Drinks Anyone?

It's funny to me; when I look at the older, hand-dyed yarn in my stash, to notice how I have gravitated away from the multi-colored yarns. Don't get me wrong. I am still happily knitting away with my variegated and self-striping yarns. But I have some serious love for these shaded, single-color skeins.

And really, how could I resist a color named after a colorful cocktail.

Pink Squirrel anyone?

Yarntini MCN sock. 80/10/10 merino/cashmere/nylon, 420 yards. www.yarntini.net

2011-03-09T04:29:00.000-08:00

A Very Slow Project

Maybe it's the needle size after so many socks on size #1s. Maybe it's the slipperiness of the Addi needles. It has taken me forever to get this far on this project. However, I believe it still qualifies as a WIP!

I've taken to setting myself a goal of ___ inches, then I can knit some socks.

This is the Evergreen Vest by Deborah Newton:

This is from Interweave Knits Winter 2010. I am making some changes to the pattern - mostly I am leaving the pockets off and I am going to lengthen it a little bit.

In the meantime, we are still living the hockey fan lifestyle at our house, but I do have multiple FO's to recap. If I could just get that cardigan blocked - I'd have a big one to show you!

2011-03-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

Deciding Where to Start

Should I show you an FO, or some pretty yarn, or the latest WIP?

All right, FO it is.

Pattern: Nuppy Diamonds by Chrissy Gardiner Yarn: Yarntini Variegated Sock Color: Cosmopolitan Needles: US 4 - 3.5 mm Started: January 21, 2011 Completed: February 24, 2011

Note: My first two pair of socks for 2011 took forever to finish. I don't know why. I'm already halfway through my second two pair. Part of it might be the quantity of purling in this particular pattern. They are finally done, and I love them. I noticed a lack of pink socks in my sock drawer. I know that I knit with plenty of pink, where do they all go? I am suspecting my nieces of sneaking all the pink out of the sock basket. Well, these are mine. No sock basket for these! Oh, and this pattern is part of the Indie Socks CSK - so this pattern will not be available to the public until July.

In the meantime, It's been hockey all the time (watching) over here. The Wild are hanging on, barely, but they've been fun to watch this year. The high school is trying to battle their way into the State Tourney and the Gophers are trying to look like a good team. Still, hockey seems to be the only option this year if you want to see your team win once in a while.

2011-02-25T08:52:00.000-08:00

I'd Like To Thank My Niece...

for leaving her (really very scary) baby doll at my house.

I needed a model for these recently completed baby hats, and well, no babies here.

BOO!

Gooseberry Hat

Pattern: Gooseberry Hat by Suvi Simola Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Merino 5 Print Color: 5220 Red Needles: US 4 - 3.5 mm Started: February 3, 2011 Completed: February 9, 2011

Note: This pattern was quick and easy. I actually knit two of these in six days. I knit them for a friend's charitable group, and I've been too sick to hand them off. I may need to sterilize them before I do hand them off. The pattern is a free download off of Ravelry, the original website is not in English. The yarn is a perfect yarn for baby clothing, soft and squishy. (There was one knot in the yarn, which made me unhappy).

(Ugggh. That doll is seriously creepy.)

Also? February is continuing to worsen as it goes along, Puck woke up with a seriously croaky throat this morning. Just when I thought he had escaped unscathed and right before his Freshman year of Lacrosse Captain's Practices are set to begin, the VIRUS strikes.

2011-02-23T07:42:00.000-08:00

I Can't Believe...

I've been AWOL for over three weeks. I mean. I've got FO's, and new yarn and some WIP's. (Ummm, way to mix military and knitting acronyms in one paragraph. Wow.)

I can only plead that I got sick. I got the sickest I have been since I got married, (thank you dear, for those germs). As I huddled in a blanket, trying to breathe, I did a little knitting. Mostly, I stared off into space trying to think of another way to get air to my lungs, as obviously the nose and mouth thing was not working correctly. Guys - that lasted for ten days. Ugh. Then came the sinus infection.

Oh. I also watched a lot of hockey. GO WILD!

I did, however, finish a pair of socks.

If I Only Had a Brain' Socks

Pattern: If I Only Had a Brain' Socks by KellyK Designs Yarn: Zen String Bambewe+ fingering Color: Agate Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: January 22, 2011 Completed: February 5, 2011

Note: Evidently, Zen String is now Wildflower Whimsy. Who knew? ~~This yarn was part of the Oz Sock Club~~ from Woolgirl.com - Woolgirl used to sell sock yarn, now she just does clubs and kits. The pattern was easy to learn and knit up pretty quickly. The yarn is definitely a bit fuzzy, but made a nice fabric. She does her Eye of Partridge heel differently than I normally make it, (alternating the slip stitch row EVERY row, instead of purling on the WS. Not wrong, I just didn't like it.) and that made for a bit of pulling and a denser than usual fabric. I would change that next time. Correction: The yarn was not part of the kit - it was from my stash. I destashed the yarn that came with the kit and just knit the pattern - which WAS a part of the kit.

I'm heading out to my knitting group this morning, but I promise some pretty yarn, some more FO's and a new sock club before I disappear. Again.

PS. Hey did you hear about all of our snow in Minnesota?

2011-01-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

A New Way to Look at WIP's!

Really, really closely! Can you tell I've just figured out how to use the macro feature on my camera? I am such a dork.

2011-01-28T08:28:00.000-08:00

First Pair of 2011 Finished Socks!

For once - the color in one of my photos is actually very true to the real thing. At least on my monitor!

Pattern: Simple Skyp Socks by Adrienne Ku Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Mediumweight Color: Bella Coola Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm Started: November 1, 2010 Completed: January 21, 2011

Note: I started these socks just before I started on the Sockhead Hat Binge before Christmas, and they never really got going until after the holidays. As much as I love the colors in STR, I really do not like knitting with the Mediumweight yarn. The socks that result are often too heavy for most of my footwear. I will say that this pattern was fantastic for the pooling that usually occurs with STR. I may even be able to find a boy to wear these.

2011-01-27T05:09:00.000-08:00

Speediest Sock Yarn Club. Ever.

So - I'm sitting here listening to Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline because I'm feeling some retro country today.

At the end of last year, I kept clicking onto Plucky's updates just a few minutes or a couple hours too late. I really just wanted to try one skein of her sock yarn, but was having no luck whatsoever. (She's actually got a few odds and ends up today for sale!) Finally, I lucked upon a three month sock yarn club membership. These three skeins arrived in my mailbox so fast and furiously that I never got around to showing them off. So up above we have Sisters, the red is Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland) and ROUS. Sisters is named for Rosemary Clooney & Vera-Ellen as the sister act in White Christmas and ROUS is ROUS (Princess Bride). They are three different bases - but they are all wonderful. Merino Lite, Primo and Merino/Cashmere/Nylon blend, respectively.

Oh, and in case you were wondering - the inspiration for Sisters is pretty darn clear:

2011-01-22T05:02:00.000-08:00

Brambles Beret!

Pattern: Brambles Beret by Amanda Muscha from Knitty Yarn: Brooklyn Tweed Shelter Color: Wool Socks Needles: US 5 Started: January 6, 2011 Completed: January 12, 2011

Note: Well, I was very curious about this yarn, pictures I had seen showed a gorgeous range of colors. Let's say I was not disappointed in the two skeins I ordered. I would say the amount of vegetable matter is comparable to that of most Noro yarns (not my favorite, either vegetable matter or Noro). Let's just say I'm not sure I would pay the price for a sweater's worth of this yarn, although I should never say never. Also, 5 may have been a bit small for knitting with this yarn. I've got to say that the hat did block out beautifully.

2011-01-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

A (New To Me) Yarn Club

I saw a shipment of Hazel Knits Sock Club* back in November and I really wanted the Coleus/Meadow shipment. I joined for the minimum amount of time. My December shipment was really quite breathtaking. However, Collegeboy nabbed one of the skeins for his Sockhead hat as soon as I had it out of the package. The little sheepie bag is delightful and I would like about a dozen of them. Some day I hope to have a picture of the finished Sockhead hat I made for CB. I won't be seeing him until April though, so it may be a while.

*If you are looking for a Sock Yarn Club that is a good deal, I highly recommend Hazel Knits. You pay for two shipments that are mailed approximately three months apart. Each shipment contains two skeins, dyers notes and an additional goodie. I have been in some sock yarn clubs that advertise "goodies" that are pretty junk-y, with little perceived value. I do not believe that is true of the items I have received from Hazel Knits. This is just my opinion, and I received no compensation for my good review.

2011-01-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

What's Goin' On?

There are a couple things on the needles and I managed to collect a few, not great, pictures!

Yes, I know. Not a great picture. This is the beginning of Flint. That is a Ravelry link. Back in Novemver, I joined the Sweater For All Seasons pattern club, I plan on using these patterns to meet my goal of 4 sweaters this year! I bought the yarn for this one (using the club discount), from Blue Moon. The plan is to use stash for the remaining three patterns. Progress has actually been made to 1/2 of the first sleeve.

This is a second sock. A very boring second sock. Simple Skyp Socks. I may have overdosed on socks last year. Luckily, my goal is only to knit one pair/month for 2011. I think I can handle that. Also, that is Mini-Chef on my iPod. It's a free app and it takes minimal attention and I can play and knit at the same time.

The boys are off boarding in Michigan for the weekend so the dogs and I get to take care of my volunteer association's year-end books. Yuk.

2011-01-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

Second post of 2011!

Pattern: Sybaritic by Hunter Hammersen Yarn: Lisa Souza Blue Faced Leicester DK Color: Valentine Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: November 1, 2010 Completed: December 18, 2010

Note: I started these as part of a November KAL, however I got sidetracked by half a dozen Sockhead hats for Christmas gifts. This was the final pair of 2010!

I've made no progress on the Flint this week, but I cast on a Brambles Beret with some of Brooklyn Tweed's Shelter last night (I'm using the Long John's colorway). Chalk it up to curiosity, I just wanted to experience the yarn....

2011-01-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

Yet Another Unexplained Absence...

Please accept my apologies. In the meantime, the family Christmas looked like this:

I know, it looks crazy doesn't it? Two are mine, three are my sisters and SIX are my brothers (three are only temporary). The age range is 2 1/2 to 19! You can see the evidence of my knitting on several of these young people, and they were quite happy to receive. At the end of the day, I had requests for two more Sockhead hats. One hat is finished and living in Vancouver already.

2010 Knitting Roundup

Kmkat posted a spreadsheet about her 2010 knitting mileage. Well, that's just a personal challenge in my little brain, so I pulled some numbers from my Ravelry page.

1 baby gift
12 hats
26 pair of socks
2 sweaters
1 wrap

I used a total of 16,988 yards of yarn or the equivalent of 9.65 miles of yarn! Many of the socks went into my sock gift basket and very few remained after Thanksgiving. I picked out one pair to keep and the rest will be donated. With the exception of most of the Sockhead hats, I also donated most of the hats.

My goal this year is to continue to use up my stash yarn - I hope to knit at least three hats in January. I am participating in Samantha' Roshak's sweater KAL this year, so I plan to finish at least 4 sweaters and I hope to complete 12+ pair of socks. Flint is the first sweater in this KAL and I am just about ready to start on the sleeves. Hopefully, things will settle down a little so I can get some photos taken and share some WIP and an FO! I barely got photos of most of the finished Sockhead Hats - believe it or not!

Well, the sun is shining, so I think I am off to take some photos!

2010-12-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

The Gift That Keeps on Giving:

So, on Thanksgiving the Sockhead hat was picked up by my 14 year old niece and worn very adorably all day long, she was told that she could keep it. Now, I have requests from three nephews and niece's older sister. Here is my progress on the hat for older sister:

Puck, the reluctant model.

Isn't that a great color? However, I do not believe that is the color that she really wants. So I have knitted another.

The youngest boy has requested black. Done.

I believe the yard bunny now has a permanent modeling job.

The 17 year old wanted a deep red. This is as close as I could get.

That five inches of 2x2 ribbing just kills me. The stockinette is a piece of cake in comparison. The 21 year old wanted Green so his is next. You're actually going to have to wait for that photo!

Thank Goodness it's snowing again! Some sort of light to take photos!

Collegeboy (previously The Teen in these pages), was home for three, very brief days over Thanksgiving. He was skinny and happy and busy the whole time he was home. Upon arrival in Vancouver, he began to feel unwell and eventually went to the hospital with Strep Throat. He's only ever had Strep before once in his entire 18 years! You mothers out there probably know what I said to him, right? "You're not getting enough sleep, your immune system is compromised!" (Really. Staying awake until 2 am and then going to an 8 am class is not enough sleep!) He is deep in the throes of Exams for the next week or so and will be home again on December 20! Yay!

However, I have a much better story that illustrates the bad choices that those youngsters make once they are out on their own. Not a terrible story, just kind of gross, and ultimately a bad choice! CB has met a friend attending UBC and he is originally from England, let's call him Our Young Brit, or OYB. He's a great guy who took time out of his day to drive CB to the airport at 4 AM on Thanksgiving morning. I believe he's a rather popular young man on campus and belongs to several social and sporting clubs. A contest was held amongst the men in one of those clubs for some sort of BMOC title - OYB was foremost in the competition. At one time there existed a Facebook video of the competition where OYB swallowed water from glasses containing 24 goldfish, one after the other. Yes you heard me, 24 live goldfish, while the crowd egged him on. I do not know if OYB won this contest, however, I do know that OYB has had a little problem ever since and has made two trips to the hospital to rid himself of those pesky little fish which evidently have refused to leave the premises. See? Bad choices!

Now, wasn't that a lovely holiday story? I hope to be back with less gross entertainment soon!

2010-11-27T03:14:00.000-08:00

Friday FO! (Well, it was Friday, now it's Saturday)

In case anyone was wondering, that was the infamous sock basket that was beneath Wednesday's FO. (That's the basket the family gets to wade through for a pair of hand knit socks to bring home!) The basket now has only half a dozen pair left in it.

I worked my way through 25 pair this year. I performed an airing and a culling of the stash earlier this month so I've been making the effort to work some of the other yarns into my project list. I used a fat and cushy merino/cashmere blend to make up a cabled stole. This baby is warm. I give you the Turnaround Stole by Lily Chin:

Pattern: Turnaround Stole by Lily M. Chin Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa Tibet Color: Brown Needles: US 10 - 6.0 mm Started: November 6, 2010 Completed: November 19, 2010

Note: Warm and heavy and will be my new winter warm-up!

2010-11-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

I Don't Blame You...

if you've given up on reading my blog. I'm like one of those bad friends that always promises to call, and then doesn't.

However, I can deliver on my FO promise.

Snicket Socks!

Pattern: Snicket Socks (free download at Ravelry) by Sabine Riefler Yarn:

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight Color: Red Clover Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: October 25, 2010 Completed: November 1, 2010

Note: Love how this pattern turned out! Once I got through the leg of the first sock, the pattern was engraved in my brain and it just flew along! The color of this STR is just gorgeous - so rich and sunny.

I am ready for the big turkey cookathon tomorrow. At this point, I am just eagerly anticipating the arrival of my college boy! It's been so long since we've seen him, I'm just hoping the weather doesn't throw a monkey wrench into the works.

2010-11-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

Club Stash

This is from the Oz Sock Club through Woolgirl. Paca-Peds in the Scarecrow color. It's got a really nice hand, I'm just not sure about the color.

This is from the Badass Woman's Sock Yarn Club from Kitchen Sink Dyeworks. The colors are great - I am not wild about her yarn base. She is donating to the cause of each woman that is featured. I have one more month of this club. I'm very torn.

Aaaaaand, I did two months of the Hazel Knits Sock Yarn Club because her solid colors are gorgeous! It's a good thing I've knit over 25 pairs of socks this year, and I've managed to de-stash about a dozen skeins from my Ravelry Trade/Sell Stash page in the last month.

Today I am dumping out the stash to get it all organized, and make sure it's all on my Ravelry page, and perhaps move a few skeins over into the destash page!

Also, why didn't anyone tell me that Bloglines was back?

2010-10-31T08:03:00.000-07:00

Random Information

I finished a pair of socks earlier this week using Sundara Sock Yarn. Her colors are so rich and saturated, I would love to go back for more. But, time to stash burn, you know? I found a list on her website that I loved, so I'm sharing it with you:

Patterns with Sundara Sock Yarn:

Hedgerow Socks by Jane Cochrane for Knitter's Review

Red Skies at Night scarf by Saccade Elyse (Ravelry link)

Candlelight Shawl by Saccade Elyse (Ravelry link)

Paul Atwell socks by Emily Johnson and her Family Trunk Project

Gerda hat and mittens by Emily Johnson and her Family Trunk Project

Portlandia Cloche by Emily Johnson and her Family Trunk Project

Garden Gate socks by Emily Johnson and her Family Trunk Project

Julia socks by Emily Johnson and her Family Trunk Project

True Love socks by Thayer Preece

Prickly Pear socks by Thayer Preece

Coming Together socks by Thayer Preece

Twinkle Twinkle socks by Alarming Female

Come Dancing socks by Alarming Female

Bleeding Heart Lace socks by Evelyn Clark

Twining Leaves Lace socks by Evelyn Clark

Foggy Seas scarf (Ravelry link) by Jennifer de Graaf

Storm Water Cowl (Ravelry link) by Kim McBrien

Chic Chevron Cowl (Ravelry link) by Theresa Grant

Verdaia shawl (Ravelry link) by Jodie St. Clair

Gauntlets (Ravelry link) by Barclay A. Dunn

Le Facteur sweater by Sarah Fama (Ravelry link)

Hidden Path socks by Sarah Fama (Ravelry link)

Hootenanny socks by Amy Herzog

Lace Rib Pattern Socks by Karen Kahane

Gauntlets by Barclay Dunn (Ravelry link)

Final Socktoberfest FO!

Pattern: Rhodie Gus by Kirsten Kapur Yarn: GypsyKnits BFL Superwash Fingering Color: Rose Garden Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: October 24, 2010 Completed: October 31, 2010

Note: This yarn is a very fine fingering, and the color is lovely. It appears her shop is closed right now, but there is a lot of her yarn stashed away on Ravelry. It was hard to capture the true green in this photo - but take my word for it - it's green.

It's a beautiful Autumn day here for Halloween. Watchin' some football and starting some new projects....

2010-10-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

Mystery Sock from Through the Loops

Pattern: TTL Mystery Sock by Kirsten Kapur Yarn: Apple Laine Apple Pie Color: Hey Baby Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: October 1, 2010 Completed: October 29, 2010

Note: This has been a fun project. It's kind of nice to attack a pattern like this, a little bit each week.

From a distance, I think this yarn is a pretty color, but when you get close up to it, it resembles an exploded clown.

In the end, these will go into the sock basket and they will find a good home somewhere.

2010-10-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

Yarn Club Shipment:

I managed to get into the last three shipments of hand-dyed yarn from Fall Creek Fibers yarn club. This has been some beautiful yarn. She also mixes teas and dyes fiber. I loved the tea sample that she sent. I have the house to myself for the weekend, so I am putting together sock kits from my stash and finishing up some projects on the needles.

2010-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Shur'tugal

Pattern: Shur'tugal by Alice Yu (free download at Ravelry or Socktopus) Yarn: Sundara Yarn Sock Yarn Color: Autumn Rose Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: October 8, 2010 Completed: October 22, 2010

Note: I finished this one by the skin of my teeth! I have to stop making the top of my socks so long!

I think I am in a color rut:

This is the Snicket Socks pattern in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Lightweight in Red Clover. At the rate I am going, I may finish two more pair before the end of the month!

2010-10-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Tribute

Pattern: Tribute by Brenda Patipa Yarn: Mama Llama Original Sock Color: Brown Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: October 4, 2010 Completed: October 21, 2010

Note: Love this pattern, but I had maybe 20 feet of yarn left at the end. That rarely happens to me!

So this would be my second pair for Socktoberfest - actually I've finished two more pair, but you'll have to wait for them!

The sun is finally shining this afternoon so now I wish I had waited to take my photos!

2010-10-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Not Quite Wordless Wednesday

Puck and an Elk in Banff

Lake Louise

Inukshuk

2010-10-13T14:24:00.000-07:00

Wordless WIP Wednesday

2010-10-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Look at Me Go!

Pattern: Kansas by Christina Wilkins Yarn: Sophie's Toes Merino Sock Color: Starry Starry Night Needles: US 2 - 2.75mm Started: September 28, 2010 Completed: October 5, 2010

Note: Pattern available exclusively for the Alice Kit as part of the Woolgirl Wizard of Oz Sock Club. Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists and his Starry Starry Night one of my favorite paintings. I also love Sophie's Toes sock yarn. If you are me, how do you resist this yarn? Look at how it knit up:

2010-10-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday FO (Sock Pair the 20th*)!

Cotty Socks:

Pattern: Cotty by Irishgirlieknits Yarn: ShibuiKnits Sock Color: Brown Needles: US 2 - 2.75mm Started: September 20, 2010 Completed: October 1, 2010

Note: I've been wanting to try this pattern since I first saw it. This yarn has been in the stash for, well, forever. It's an easy knitting yarn and an easy pattern, I would like to try it in a monotone dyed yarn.

*The goal for the year was to finish 2 pair/month using up a good chunk of stash yarn. I believe I am well on track. Especially since I have another FO to show off later this week.

2010-09-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

It's FO Time!

Pattern: Jeeves by Sarah H. Wolf Yarn: Happy Fuzzy Yarn DK Superwash Merino Color: Vampira's Garden Needles: US 4 - 3.5 mm Started: September 13, 2010 Completed: September 22, 2010

Note: This yarn has been in my stash for so long, I wasn't even sure it was still around, but it is! I loved how this yarn was working up until I hit the huge flash over the heel. However, it happened on both socks - so at least they match? I don't wear the DK weight socks too often, so this pair was intended to be donated from the beginning.

I do love this pattern, it was very easy and knit up really quickly.

On a side note, is everybody ready for Britney Spears on Glee tonight?

2010-09-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Learning Something New Every Day!

Now this post has absolutely nothing to do with knitting and everything to do with my son who is in his Freshmen year at University of British Columbia. Be envious of him, Vancouver is everything you think it must be.

We had a "conference" call with Eldest on Saturday. This means there were five of us (me, hubby, Puck and Eldest's Aunt and her partner) in a car driving home from dinner and we decided to call son and put him on speakerphone.

Eldest glibly informed us that he had just returned from Longboat practice at Jericho Beach. (That link is a webcam for Jericho Beach which is updated every ten minutes during daylight hours.)

Evidently, October 2 & 3 are Day of the Longboat and Eldest is participating on a team with his dorm-mates.

Do you suppose he is studying at all?

PS. If you click over to the Longboat link and watch the video, I am in love with that song and I have downloaded the entire album "Grand" by Matt & Kim.

2010-09-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

New Stuff!

I joined Badass Yarn Club over at Kitchen Sink Dyeworks. She dyes each month honoring Badass Women. This month's honoree is Meg McGlamery - read about Meg here. The yarn is 70% Merino, 30% Seacell. I believe this is destined to be some Crosswaves socks.

The Turtlegirl was showing off some gorgeous yarn last week and out of curiosity I clicked over to the Lotus Yarns etsy shop. Bad idea. I now own this colorway entitled Hairdresser on Fire. I may even knit some socks for my hairdresser, just because. This yarn is 10% cashmere and OMG, the softness is so comforting!

Also, Knitting Like Crazy is having a sale over at her Etsy sight - 20% off all of her sock yarn. My personal favorite is Mom's 1970's Kitchen. Someone needs to stop me before I undo all of my 2010 sock yarn destashing by purchasing one of each of these colors!

There. Enabling done for the day.

2010-09-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

Rainy Day FO's

Pattern: Clandestine by Cookie A. (Free pattern on Knitty!) Yarn: Fall Creek Fibers Powder Mill Sock Color: Green Needles: US 1 1/2 - 2.5 mm Started: September 7, 2010 Completed: September 19, 2010

Note: This yarn is 50% silk (I forgot that when I was knitting and for some reason assumed it contained Bamboo). Either way, both fibers are a bit inelastic and the yarn was a little splitty. The end result, however, is a gorgeous pair of socks. As with any Cookie a. pattern I've ever knit, the end result is a piece of art (due to the pattern, not to me!)

As for Fall Creek Fibers, I joined a three-month yarn club and I would purchase any number of skeins from them. Especially this one. Her hand-blended tea gets a thumbs up from the college boy.

I am off to a movie with the mom, and then packing for the weekend trip to the cabin.

2010-09-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

What To Do...

I have another FO and some yarn acquisitions, but no photos, so those updates will have to wait.

I want to show you a photo of the beautiful place that my eldest boy is living:

This is the Rose Garden at UBC. Mountains and ocean in the distance. Every time I think about this, I wonder why he will EVER want to come home. Can you tell that I am missing him today?

Also? Tame elk in Banff. Seriously, there was traffic, buses and cabs zooming buy, right behind me.

The sign right behind this guy read: The Elkhorn Lodge - Vacancy. He paid us no attention at all.

2010-09-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

Dorothy Gale Socks:

This was my WIP bag after I got home from Vancouver last week.

The green yarn is destined to be a pair of Cookie A socks and are actually 25% knit up already. The Dashing Dachs (blue/brown) yarn is from Woolgirl's Oz yarn club. I finished the Dorothy Gale Socks this afternoon:

A little photo shoot in the sunshine:

Pattern: Dorothy Gale Socks - fingering by Bethany Whitney Yarn: Dashing Dachs Dach Sox: Fingering Superwash Merino Color: Dorothy Needles: US 0 Started: August 26, 2010 Completed: September 13, 2010

Note: I don’t usually knit on 0’s - but once I memorized this pattern, it was a pretty easy pair of socks to work on in the car.

Meanwhile, I have been trying to get excited about Vikings Football this year, but I am finding it hard to recapture last year's excitement after the debacle in New Orleans (both of them!) The Gophers are just trying to overcome their coaching. I have been happily watching the Twins and waiting for Hockey to start again.

High School has been great for Puck, and I think Teen (or should I say New Adult?), has been thriving thus far in his university atmosphere. I am slowly getting adjusted to only one teenager in the house (at least, only one that belongs to me).

I took my mom to see Wicked last night, and I didn't think I would love it as much as I did. I now would like to see it at least a half dozen more times. The woman that played Elphaba had a voice to rival Idina Menzel, and I think she was the standby. I was blown away.