Week 4

Finished objects for week four.

First, the pair of green socks in the photo below are last weeks Warm Woolies Socks. They were done in green patons classic merino. Done with 36 stitches, 10 rows of 1x1 ribbing and 15 rows of stockinette, 18 rows of heel flap stitches, 11 gusset stitches each side, back to 18 stitches for bottom, then 20 foot rows before decreases. I think this makes a nice sock and started the second pair, which I finished this week.



I sent off my other package of socks to Warm Woolies this week. I will probably make two or three more pairs before I send these off.

Here is my first waffle rib scarf for the Seaman. Sorry the picture is so dark. It is a lovely color burgundy, doesn't do it justice, the picture. I finished this at the beginning of this week. (I think)

Here are the beginnings of the baby gifts for Baby J. I have decided on Bibs and cloths to match as well as burp clothes. Finished these two, plus another two this week. Michaels had a great sale, $1.00 a skein, so I stocked up and will make as many as I can.

Also in the works is this Blankie of Baby J. It is made of Bernat Cottontots. The yarn is very soft. I am using size 13 needles and double stranding. It doesn't show it very well in the picture, but the colors are Sunshine, Lemon Berry, Sweet Green and Pastel Dreams in ombre.

I do not know the sex of the baby, or what colors they've chosen yet, but I know J's favorite color is yellow and yellow and green are good baby colors.

I have worked a little on the top down ragalan for Warm Woolies. I took that with me to knit night this week. We had a lot of people there this week and it was so nice seeing everyone again. I really have missed going.

It's been a long hard week and the winter is not doing much good with my depression, this week has been bad and I imagine it is going to get worse again before it gets better. I keep trying, but I am just not snapping out of it all.

Week 3

Here are my completed Hedgerow socks! I am so pleased with how they turned out. Done on magic loop, size 1, with Knit Picks Essentials Kettle Dyed in Wine. I can't wait to wear them.



I finished the socks in 14 days so now I have the rest of the month to work on a Sweater for the Warm Woolies 10 for 10. (I think that's what it's called). Anyway, after a great deal of searching my Leisure Arts Pattern book for the Top down ragalan, I found it! and I began early on the KAL. There are some of us over at Warm Woolies on Ravelry who are doing sweaters for the challenge.

And here is a SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!

I finally got to go to see my knitting friends. It's been so cold and the weather has been too dreadful most Thursday nights for me to venture out. Anyway, Cozy Cabin had a cabin fever event yesterday (and today, I believe), prizes, sale, food.... and sit and knit.

Anyway, I got to see my friend Carolyn and she had a birthday gift for me.

Look at it!!!

A skein of the Socks that Rock yarn! I have only seen it and touched it at Rhinebeck. (didn't buy it because the line was HUGE to say the least) Anyway, I don't know where she got it from, but it is called "rare gems" and it is just marvelous. I truly think that other knitters are the only ones who "get it" when it comes to giving a skein of yarn to a fellow knitter as a gift.

I would love to make a pair of socks, but I just can't see hiding something so pretty on my feet! So I think I have decided on a scarf pattern. This way I can enjoy it and show it off to others while I wear it, then, maybe if there is some left over, maybe I can squeeze a pair of shorties out of it too. We will see!

Thank you Carolyn.

Now, I know I've mentioned I am in a Stash Knit Down group on Ravelry. Well, I ENHANCED my stash yesterday! I had christmas money that I was saving just for this event and I was able to get - MORE SOCK YARN!! Like I need more!? But I did. A skein of Opal in Blues and a skein of Trekking XXL in Neopalitan colors, and some others, but I can't mention everything because I am in the Oddball stashbusters swap and I don't know if my downline will read my blog at all and I don't want to spoil her surprise.

I was also bad and I did order from Knit picks the beginning of the month. That order came in and soon I hope to be showing you some Selbuvotter knitted mittens.

OH! I almost forgot, but I don't have a picture. For my 52 in 52 this week, I did finish a pair of single strand worsted weight socks for Warm Woolies.

OH MY! Busy am I!

First I just have to send a belated thank you to my SP Jeanine. She is just so awesome! She has sent me a subscription to Interweave Knits!!! I am so thrilled about that. I can't thank you enough Jeanine. You are just great.

Now, on to some knitting.

Thank you Ali for helping me to obtain this pattern for the "farmers market bag" I have been working on this one for a gift. It is made with Soy Wool Stripes and it going to be awesome. Notice, more stranded knitting!!

Aren't the colors just great? Wish it wasn't a gift!

These are the pair of peds for R. She asked for some of them for christmas. A super quick knit done in the Red Heart Heart & Sole yarn. Almost used the whole skein. Perfect.

This is the completed scarf for my brother for christmas. Done in Brown sheep Nature Spun. Love this yarn. Love that it's made in the USA! You should try some.

Here is the waffle scarf I made for my sister in law, Jill. It's a lovely color yellow. Also Nature spun.

I also did one in Victorian Pink for R. Also in Nature Spun!

NOW! Stash enhancement! These little cakes of Beauty are Berroco Ultra Alpaca purchased at the Cozy Cabin http://www.cozycabin.biz/ (hope that link works)

I also bought my first addi Turbo needles to try for some sock knitting. I have been told they are just awesome and I can't wait to try them.

Toni has had the store in her home since June and has done so well, that she has expanded to a store front! How cool is that?!! I think it's awesome! Plus she got in new yarns, AND she also has fabrics for quilters. She is getting more of those in in the coming weeks. It is all so exciting.

Yesterday was her first day in the new store and I went to cheer her on and sit and knit for a few hours. It was such a thrill to share with her and my knitting friends.

Oh, and I have to say thank you, once again, to Carolyn for letting me borrow her ball winder. It will get tons of use this next week as I make more of these adorable cakes out of my hanks.

I have updated my Ravelry projects and added some more of my stash, primarly the sock yarns. And boy does that eat up alot of knitting time!

Gotta go!

Working hard

I haven't blogged because I am working hard on knitting projects and I just spent 45 minutes getting the basics entered into Ravelry, without pictures, to atleast have a track of what it is I've been working on.

I finished my Polar bear stranded stocking, plus I completed another one (except for the heel) for DH. I have completed a Moose Stocking (Except for the heel) and have started the second one.

I have completed one plain rib sock for myself and started the next, doing it with magic loop and loving it.

Plus, I completed one Campfire sock - which is what I started in the hotel at Rhinebeck - and have started the second sock for that pair as well, doing the magic loop.

I started on Kelly's Penguins Scarf. Making it with superwash Lambs Pride. Never used it before and I am liking it very much.

Went to Cozy Cabin yesterday for a sit and knit. Had a very nice time. Wore my nubby, WITH the buttons, that I put on the day before, but I am still not liking the closing of the sweater. This one was a true learning experince. I have decided that I DON'T want to take out the button band and try again! So I will find snaps and put them in the two places where it is gapping. And Barb! I'm sorry, still no picture of me wearing it. I am so bad about getting pictures taken of myself for things. Keep watching though, I promise one soon!!

News! Pictures! Packages!

Okay, first things first. I came home today to not one but TWO packages. Both are from the dishcloth swap that I was in. The first package is a great cloth by beginknitter. Also included was a neat bracelet with the word "hope" on it. We all need that, don't we.

Next, a package all the way from Stafforshire England! The package says "royal mail" on it! I love it. Ceri included a cloth that is so squishy and not one but TWO skeins of kitchen cotton in perfect colors for my kitchen!


If either of you take a look at my blog, thank you so much. I enjoyed the swap alot and I hope that you did too.

Here is the beginnings of my CLAPOTIS. I am using Elsabeth Lavolds silky wool. I absolutely love it. You can see some of the stitch marker that I got from Glitterbear, from the odd ball swap. They came is SO handy and made me smile while knitting.



I finished the clap today, scarf size and I still have some stitches to drop, and to weave in the ends, but I just love the weight of it and the look. It is a definite gift possiblities to it.

This next photo is of the new Bartlett yarn I purchased at the Cozy Cabin (HI Toni) last night before going to sit and knit. Anyway, the colorway is "terra cotta" it is the 2 ply and I am planning to make the Obverse Jacket, by lisa shroyer from the fall 2008 Knitscene magazine that I bought last week.

There are so many FABULOUS patterns in this magazine. I really, REALLY want to make the nubby cardiagn by deborah newton, but I am afraid I am just not experienced enough for it. I am going to make it though. Because I just love the classic look of it.

I would also LOVE the big ivy scarf by christine lorin made of Aslan Trends Artesanal. It just looks so soft and cuddly.

Those are my favorites. but I like a LOT more of them!!! smile

I sent off my package to my downline SP and the tracking says it has arrived. I got an email from her this evening, but she didn't mention the package. GEE I hope no one stole it!! I'll be on pins and needles until I hear from her.

Pictures this weekend, I promise!

Well, last night was knit night at B&N and we had a nice crowd. Two tables! It was great!

I have managed to get to the decrease rows on my CLAP and I am extremely happy with it. I am already planning on a full size one. Now just to decide which yarn to use...........

Since I have been working on this, my socks are on hold, somewhat. But I will finish them right after this before I start the next project. I want to get back to a pair of socks a month.

I sent along a wonderful package to my downline and the tracking number says that she got it yesterday. However, she didn't post it on her blog yet, or email. I sure hope she received it and it didn't get stolen. These things make me worry! sigh...

Okay, tomorrow is Saturday and I promise (hand over heart) to put up some pictures of all the things I have been working on.

Catching up!

I have disappeared, I know.

This working a full time J O B is cutting, seriuosly, into my knitting time and my life.... sigh..

It's a good job though, and I am very happy and fortuante to have it. So, believe me, I'm not complaining.

However, it means that I seem to find no time to update my blog, and I'm sorry. Like I have TONS of people reading it?! But, I like to use it to keep track of my projects, learning and progress.

Knitting is my SANITY!

Okay, since Mr GreenJeans.

I have done THREE "Amanda's Squatty Sidekicks". The first out of Patons Classic wool mernio. I used a nice deep blue and a varigated, to make like a stripe. That came out nice, ended up going to R. Then, she liked that one so much, she wanted another one to wear with her jeans, so I found Paton's Classic has a cute "new demin" and "washed" denim and THAT one came out really cute. Then, I made one for myself out of Noro Kuyeon, that was meant for a Booga bag, but became a sidekick in stead.

Boy, is that Noro difficult to felt. But I love it. Then, I also learned how to make a lining and I sewed that one in place and I am now sporting that bag around. It has a vintage button on it.

Then, I started, out of Trekking XXL, sock yarn, an "old shale scarf" which is a feather and fan pattern, and I had some difficulty in the beginning, but then I was just perking along. Went to take a picture of it, and when I went to do the close up, I realized, somewhere along the half way of what I had already done mark, I messed up the rows and it had to fronts, one at the top on one side and one at the bottom on the other side.

sigh....

STOP AND ADMIRE YOUR WORK!

Which, I didn't do.... So after a few minutes of thoughts, I ripped the WHOLE thing out, and have decided I will try the scarf AGAIN, but another day, in another colorway and pay closer attention!

I also made a Arnolds Felted bag. It is a small tote, that I didn't have chunky wool for, so I used the rest of the denim yarns, and it came out cute! I am hoping to line that one as well.

Now, my current project is Lace Ribbon scarf, by Veronik Avery. I have been wanting to do this one for a while, and now I am, and I'm enjoying it very much. It calls for Classic Elite Alpaca sox yarn, but I am using some of my reclaimed yarn, it is a lighter weight wool and I reduced the amount of pattern columns to make it a tad smalled because of the slightly heavier weight yarn. It's coming very nice and I am really enjoying, AND ADMIRING my work.

Went to knit night on Thursday. When it is just Carolyn and I, I feel like I just talk too much and don't let her get a word in edgewise, but I so enjoy the company. And having someone to talk with about knitting.

I am enjoying my job and did get my first pay check AND I haven't really spent it yet, just have it deposited in my account, looking pretty.... sigh

Excitement!

Well, here it is, the Yarn cake I have been telling you about. Isn't the hand dyed color just Awesome!

Now we'll talk about my reclaiming day that I had yesterday. This charcoal grey one is 70% shetland wool and 30% Acrylic. It is a mens XL and I am planning to make this one into a cobblestone sweater for my brother for Christmas. I think it will be great!

This pink one is just yummy, it is a Ladies Large Gap stretch. 98% Lambswool and 1% Lycra and 1% other fiber. That part has me a bit worried, other fiber.... but it is so yummy I couldn't resist it~!

And here is the AWESOME sweater!
It is 100% ALL PURE WOOL Made in Ireland and it is a Women's XL. I have it in the sink as we speak I am so excited about this one.
It was a beautiful knit sweater, hardly worn and too large for me, so I am trying to think of what to make of it. I was able to get almost 1,400 YARDS out of this sweater~! I could make TONS of small stuff or I bet 2 sweaters if I plan it all right! Yahoo for me. And for only $2.50!

Tonight is sit and knit, I am so excited that this group seems to be starting and going. I have such fun knitting with new people, seeing new projects and yarns, and most of all talking with people who have the same interests as me!

I am SO excited!!!

First things first.

Here is an update on Mr GreenJeans. I have gotten through the sleeve increases and I am working on my pattern/ribbing repeats now. Very easy pattern to remember, and I even successfully learned how to cable without using a needle! Makes life much easier.


I think have even learned how to use my camera well enough to get a pretty good close up shot. I am anxious to see it when it is done and blocked. I have to spend more time doing this as I can be intimidated by new things when I don't understand them.

So far, I have to say, I like the stitch definition I am getting with this reclaimed yarn.

Last night was Sit and Knit night. Met two new NE PA knitters. Both of these lovely ladies brought wonderful yarns with them for their projects and I got to see up close and personal, Manos and Debbie Bliss Cathay. Both very nice choices.

That is one things about living in an area where there are no local yarn stores, you don't get to touch and feel things. So this was really nice being able to see and touch these two yarns the other gals were using. I'm already looking forward to next week.

NOW, for the REAL exciting news!! I was eavesdropping, using the radar feature, at Ravelry yesterday and there came up a note about someone looking for sample knitters. I didn't know what that was, so I looked further at the group. I won't mention who it is yet, because I don't know if this type of thing is for general public (like the general public reads my blog?!) Anyway, it is a yarn company, they send you their yarn and a pattern for you to knit for a sample for their trunk shows. Then as a thank you for knitting, they send you some of their yarn for your personal use. Isn't that COOL? And I was chosen. I am so excited about it. I can't wait to get the package in the mail. That really made my day yesterday.

Sit and Knit!

Sit and Knit! I met two really nice knit friends last night. Michelle and Felicia, from our Ravelry group, Northeast PA Knitters. I really enjoyed the night, all the talking, and just being out with other knitters. I sure hope that more people will join us in the future. We are hoping to do it every Thursday night.

Here are the dish cloths I have been working on. I am making them for Jill for Christmas. I have one green one left to make and then I am going to try doing the one for this week, a bit late, on the Dishcloth Weekly KAL that I joined on Ravelry. I have also joined my first swap on that list. Michelle and Felicia talked about the swaps they have been in and it really seems like a fun way to meet people and to get a surprise in the mail.


I was able to get the toe decreases done last night while we talked. I didn't want to do the kirchner for the toe because I always like to try them on before I do that, and being in B&N I really didn't want to take off my shoe and sock to try it on.

On a life side note, I taught Rachel how to touch up dye my hair after school yesterday. She did a very nice job and I am happy with how it came out. Makes me feel much better to have my roots done!