My year in yarn

Taken from Knit Once, Purl Forever, with my modifications.

1. List your finished objects, or just list your favorite FO: I'll do both.
Finished this year:
Scarves - 16
Hats - 14
Ear warmers - 6
Ornaments - 5
Socks - 4 pair
Purses - 4
Shawls - 3
Ipod cozies - 3
Mice - 3
Stuffed toys - 3
Shrugs - 2
Dishcloths - 2
Stockings - 2
Booties/Baby socks - 2 pair
Wrist warmers - 1
Mittens - 1 pair
Blanket - 1
Cat bed - 1
Squares - 1

Favorite FO - I don't think I can choose one - for cuteness I'd have to go with the Cupcake Hat. For technique, I'd tie the Irish Hiking Scarf and the Basic Cable Hat. For use I'd say Clapotis.

2. List your works in progress: For my purposes, I'm counting the year end as Christmas. The works currently on the needles don't count. I know, sort of cheating, but that leaves me with only the Stripey Cardi, which is on hiatus until warmer weather (although it was in the 80s here this week).

3. What skeletons are in your knitting basket? None. I haven't been knitting long enough to have skeletons!

4. What's your favorite project? I really liked Clapotis, and have been itching to make another.

5. What project(s) will you never knit again? I can't think of any, though I did not like knitting witht the Jo Sharp Kid Mohair.

6. What was your major knitting accomplishment for the last year? Um, knitting?

7. What's your favorite yarn from the last year? It's a tie between Knitpicks Wool of the Andes, Merino Style and Lorna's Laces Shepard Sock.

8. What's your favorite yarn overall? Knitpicks Wool of the Andes - love the way it knits up, has lots of colors, is soft to wear and felts well.

9. What new knitting techniques have you learned? Knitting, purling, and increasing, decreasing, casting on and binding off. I also learned to cable, kitchener, do a 3 needle bind off, pick up stitches and turn a sock heel.

10. What are your knitting goals for 2006? I really want to do a more ambitious lace project, knit some patterned socks, learn fair isle and intarsia, make gloves, do a more complicated cable project, try to read a chart. Oh, and make my first sweater!!!

What about y'all? Any big plans? Tomorrow I'll tell ya what I want to knit next year! And I'll work on getting all y'all KAL participants up in the sidebar. Have a great New Year's Eve - be safe!

Friday

So there have been yarn shop visits and knitting, and new projects, but as I don't have a camera it is fairly boring to just *tell* you about. Besides, I know you want to see!
I will have lots of pictures next week, and I'm working on my "2005 retrospective" post for tomorrow.
Can you stand the excitement?
I miss my puppies and can't wait to see them tomorrow. Though I will miss the folks and my sissy.
Really, I promise MUCH more excitement soon! Stay tuned!

So, whaddija get?

Santa was very nice to me this year - And he even included some knitterly goodness! The Man got me Alter Knits and The Vogue Knitting Stitchionary. Both very pretty - can't wait to spend some time with them. The Girl (with dad's help) got me four balls of Joann's Wool/Cotton Blend in the pink color, and a sheepy tape measure! Now to find a pattern for this oh-so-soft yarn.
My brother and his wifey got me Montse Stanley's book which I am sure will be an invaluable resource (and they got me a Raechel Ray cookbook that I can't wait to use!).
Momma got me The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques which I almost bought the other day. Between this and the Stanley book, I should be able to do anything! (Right?) She also gave me "money for the 'important stuff'" and we will be going to the Fort Wayne yarn store - The Cass Street Depot sometime this week. AND she ordered me some oh-so-cute labels for my knitted goods! Guess this means I got to get busy...
I received many other non-knitting gifts (including the first seasons of Lost and Veronica Mars!) and Jen got me the Amy Butler pattern I've been coveting, so I can't wait to make that up in the new year. So pretty!

Almost done gifting the knitted goods. Sis has requested a Basic Cable/Irish Walking Hat of her own, so we will be dragging her with us to the yarn store so she can pick out what color she wants (she keeps mentioning cashmere..) and dad wants a scarf to wear with his new hat. Must make list for next year!

Sorry for the lack of pictures - I left the camera at home, but may post some with mom's camera later in the week. Off to finish MY new hat!

Happy Christmas Eve!

From one of my favorite Oak Ridge Boys Christmas songs~

On Christmas Eve Santa brought me no knitting time, a frogged sock and a pile of cardi parts.

(No pictures b/c of gd blogger!)

The sock, sadly, was ripped back upon reaching the toes because it was quite a bit too baggy for my taste. Oh well. I *will* restart these, if not next week, in the new year.

I'm really avoiding the cardi parts - I've never set in sleeves before, and I quite a bit nervous.

However, I do have a clean house, and I finally got around to putting up the rest of the decorations. And I'm glad I did - they do make it seem more festive.

We do not have The Girl this year for Christmas Eve, so it's a bit anticlimatic for us. We did get to steal her away for church tonight - one of my favorite times to attend service - all the little ones and some great hymns. I absolutely cannot keep a dry eye during the candlelight singing of "Silent Night." So beautiful. We even survived Christmas Eve dinner with The Man's granddad's wife's son's family (are you confused yet? I am!) who are arseholes. Luckily the patriarch kept his mouth shut, so I didn't have to want to hit him across the face so much this year.

We're doing some last minute gift preparations and then off to wait for santa!

Some parting gifts - Hear some lovely music courstey of Norma.
And some cuteness courtsey of Sknitty.

May your holidays be wool-filled! And may Santa leave chocolate in your stocking! See ya next week - live from Fort Wayne!

FOs, KALs and Knitaversarys

Lots of excitement today - hold onto your seats!

I realized that I never shared some FO pictures with you - bad knitter.

Here is the Felted Ipod cozie for The Man
Pattern: mine - just a large rectangle seamed up the sides
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes leftovers from his hat
Needles: Clover Bamboo US 8s
Dates: Started and finished in one day about two weeks ago. Felted the same day.
Mods: It was way too wide and I was afraid to felt it more, because it wasn't very tall. So I tried felting it in the sink, but that didn't work. So I got out the scissors and whacked off a few inches on the side and reseamed it up. It could be prettier, but I don't really care! If he wants a new one I'll teach him to knit! I put the ipod in a plastic bag and then put it in the cozie to dry. I had to knit this up quickly on the one day he left the ipod at home!


The Man's xmas socks
Pattern: from Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns
Yarn: Paton's Kroy in Chelsea Heather - about 2.4 balls
Needles: Susan Bates US 1 DPNs
Dates: Started back in October, finished Sunday December 18.
Mods: none
Thoughts: They are a bit stiff, but I think they'll soften up with washing and wearing. They seemed too lose on US 2s, and I've been searching for a set of US 1.5s for a good middle size - I will be ordering some in the new year. I hope he likes them - they are wrapped up inside his new custom designed Converse sneakers under the tree!


Fun Fur Scarf for The Man's co-teacher
Pattern: mine - cast on 10 stitches, knit until long enough
Yarn: Lion Brand Fun Fur in Fireworks - about 1.1 balls
Needles: Clover Bamboo Sz US 15s
Dates: started and finished on Saturday December 17
Mods: none
Thoughts: not as bad to knit with as I was worried about. I am slightly irritated that I had to buy another ball 'cause The Man didn't think the length of one ball was enough, but just a few rows with the second ball was. Oh well.

All of the baby cardi pieces are knit and waiting to be seamed - I just don't want to mess with it, but I'm going to have to if I want to get it done by the new year, 'cause I really don't want to drag it on my trip.

I am LOVING the Leaf Lace socks. I just wish I had felt better the last two days - two days of knitting wasted! These are so soft, so pretty and I really like the pattern. So far they fit like a glove. I really wanted these done before the trip too, but that's going to take some serious getting down to brass tacks. We'll see.

Today marks my one year "knitaversary" - this time last year I finally dug out my knitting kit that dear Sarah got for me for Christmas the year before, and with the help of the "Barnes & Noble Guide to Knitting and Crocheting" learned how to cast on and knit. Because no entry would be complete without a picture, I present to you, for the first time seen on the blog, the first knitted item I made.


It's pretty horrible. It's a tie for those of you who can't tell (and I couldn't tell if I didn't know) and The Man proudly wore it to work on Christmas Eve - awwww. Now it just hangs in his closet. I'm suprised he hasn't burned it yet - it's pretty godawful.

I didn't learn to purl until I sat down to teach Sarah, and someone it all came together.

The first few knitted gifts have been given and were well-received. I hope all the other folks like theirs!

*BREAKING NEWS*
I'm starting a KAL! You can call it whatever you want, selfish, just for me, whatever, but the "official" name will be the "It's NOT a gift!" KAL.
Details:
1. "It's NOT a gift" KAL begins unofficially whenever your holiday knitting is done, and begins officially on January 1.
2. You can knit WHATEVER you want - as long as it's for YOU!
3. You didn't have to do any gift knitting to join us.
4. KAL will go as long as I receive updates!
5. Leave a comment or email me at knitnlit AT hotmail DOT com to join.
6. I'm aiming for Saturday updates - I'll keep ya posted on that! Updates will start Saturday January 7.

Whew, this is a long entry! That's what happens when you neglect the blog. Before I go off to knit my fingers off, I need your help. I've got to get to packing for my trip to Indiana. But what knitting to take? I'm really hoping to have the socks done, but if not, I'll drag them. And I realized that I don't have a good knit hat - and it's COLD up there! I've got the yarn to make a basic cable/irish walking hat for myself, so I plan to work on that on the plane.
But what else? The yarn for the Turtleneck Shrug? For the Ribby Cardi? For the Leaf Lace Shawl? Some sock yarn? For my Jaywalkers?
Thoughts and advice appreciated! I may stop in tomorrow with some FO pictures (cross your fingers!), but if not I'll be posting from Indiana! Enjoy your holiday season if you celebrate something, and if not, have a great weekend!

Diversions

Not much going on here - feeling like shit. (pardon my language mom)
It's a good thing the holiday knitting is done, 'cause nothing's getting done now.
I hope to have actual knitting content tomorrow. For now, stupid quizzes.

You Are Dancer

Carefree and fun, you always find reasons to do a happy dance. Why You're Naughty: That dark stint you had as Santa's private dancer. Why You're Nice: You're friendly. Very friendly.

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Christmas Elf Name My Christmas Elf Name is Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com

I actually like my elf name.

And for those of you who have to work tomorrow and need a break: Pimp your Nutcracker

Off to bed.

Stick a Fork in ME!

'Cause the Christmas knitting is done! Woo Hoo!!!!!

Some random photos for you - piles of completed gifts.


All have been wrapped (except for the ones going to Indiana with me, as I can't wrap them due to TSA security regulations), and the ones that needed to be mailed are gone!

It is SUCH a relief to have these done! And I have to say that I have NO desire to add anything else to the list. You can see the complete list in the sidebar - 44(!) things I knitted! Wowzers.

I have no expectations of recreating this event in any future years - hopefully I'll be employed next Christmas, so my knitting time will be very diminished. Although I did do a great deal of this in late October/early November. Perhaps if I start now for next year.....um, no. Love you guys, but it's time for me!

But first I must get those other projects off the needles - the baby cardi and the Leaf Lace Socks. The sockpal socks do not count toward the "done by '06" list since I just started them.

I've gotten the back, both fronts and 1 1/2 sleeves done on the baby cardi - one more 1/2 sleeve and then it will be seaming time! I've also made some great progress on the Leaf Lace socks - love this pattern. More about it tomorrow!

Why was I absent from the blog all weekend? Hmmm, this might have had something to do with it.

That's right, I'm a master! I'm not sure it's helping though, as I apparently did not get the great job I interviewed for - I never got a phone call, but she wanted the person to start today, so I guess I'm out. C'est la vie. Something better will come along.

Maybe a completed baby cardi tomorrow? One finished sock?

Books Books Books

I've added some knitting books to the library recently. A quick review:


Purchased from the library book sale: Knitting Know-How, The Complete Book of Knitting and Debbie Bliss - Bright Knits for Kids.
The first two are reference books - Knitting Know-How is arranged like a dictionary - and has diagrams and pictures for everything from how to measure each part of your body to knitting hoods and many other garments.
The Complete Book of Knitting is more in-depth - it has detailed descriptions of different weights and content of yarns, descriptions of a variety of notions and several simple stitch patterns.
I think both will be handy, for different little things.

Bright Knits for Kids is a bit, well, bright. Most of the items are very cute, though I would change the color scheme if and when I make them. A good "just-in-case" book for any additional kids knits I may need! Lots of cute fair isle and cabled patterns.


On Monday I had a stressful morning, including getting run off the road by a moving van (I'm OK - there was no curb or anything - just a bit of pavement and hard ground, so I was able to get out of his way safely). So to cheer myself up, I decided to stop by Half Price Books on my way to JoAnn's. I've found a few gems in their knitting section before (including Knitting on the Edge, Knitting in Plain English, and my biggest score - The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns). Monday was another great find. I got Debbie Bliss - The Celtic Collection, Debbie Bliss - Nursery Knits, and the Best of Knitter' Magazine - Shawls and Scarves. All these for $17!!!
The Celtic Collections is beautiful - patterns for all ages, cables and fair isle, easy to more challenging. I cannot wait to make several sweaters from this book!
Nursery Knits is great too - more of the same, but for babies. Also some cute booties, and stuffed toys. More babies to knit for please! Send them my way!
And I love most of the patterns in Shawls and Scarves. I was apprehensive at first, because I wasn't really impressed with Socks Socks Socks. But this one is very well done. There are several patterns that I can't wait to knit up, including the Lotus Blossom Shawl.

If you have a Half Price Books near you, run to check these out! They also had several SCARY Vogue Knitting books from the 80s, that aren't worth the $$ for laughs now, but if they are ever in the clearance section, you'll see them here!

Maybe I don't want this job I interviewed for - it would cut into my knitting time!

Speaking of cutting into knitting time, I volunteered to be an "angel" for a sock pal who never got socks. I'm very nearly done with the Christmas knitting, and I never blogged about it, but I felt left down my the pal I made socks for. I received beautiful socks (that I wear the first day they are clean!), but the knitter I made socks for never mentioned them on her blog, and I only heard that she got them when I emailed her to check. I also have a sneaking feeling that she dumped whomever she was supposed to knit for because she never mentioned that either. At any rate, I wanted to cheer up someone, and I needed another project I could work on in front of The Man, plus I really needed a yarn buying "fix" and this was a great excuse!

I went back to Jennings Street Yarn (no website), since I was in the area, and was much more impressed this time. The owner had restocked her Trekking sock yarn and had nearly three full bins of it. I picked up a skein for my sock pal and one *may* have jumped into the bag for me. The owner was also very nice to me - I was wary because I had heard mixed things, but she was helpful and polite.

The blue/grey is for sockpal socks, the pink and brown is for me. The Man even said it was "very nice."
This is my first time knitting with the Trekking, and while I'm only about 1 inch into the cuff I'm enjoying it. It's very soft, and I can't wait to see what it feels like as I get further along.

I'm not planning to have these done by Christmas or the end of the year, but I hope to have them done in early January. And I hope this time they are appreciated!

And mom, I hope this was more exciting for you than yesterday! :)

Holiday Crap-tacular!

We interrupt today's regularly scheduled blogging to bring you late breaking holiday tackiness!

On the advice of fellow knitter Jana, we visited a house down the street from her tonight. She has no blog to share this with you, and I feel compelled. It would be wrong to withold the tackiness - and I just couldn't deprive you.



Yes, they are teddy bears. Yes, they are on carnival rides. Yes, they move. The owner of the house, who is very nice, btw, MADE these. Made them twice - the first set made some years ago was purchased by a man in a Corvette who drove up and made an offer. So, if you want teddy bear carnival rides, email me and I'll tell you where to find them!

If you have your own neighborhood holiday crap, post your pictures and let Carola know~ you can win sock yarn!

More gifts off the needles!

And more added to the list. Sigh.

But first - what's done?

This!

Pattern: City Shawl by Stephanie Japel
Yarn: Lion Brand Chenille Thick and Quick - 2 skeins
Needles: Target US 13 metal needles
Time: Started several weeks ago, finished Sunday December 11.
Mods: I went down to a US 13 from the 15 the pattern calls for. I did this because the chenille yarn and my US 15 Bamboo needles were not being friends. I also bound off when I ran out of the second skein.
Thoughts: Great, quck and easy pattern. Next time I will: Use a different yarn. I've learned that I hate chenille, but I had this in the stash and it was what the pattern called for. I'm thinking a bulky weight wool yarn for next time, and I'll stick to the 15s next time. I hope it will be warm and appreciated by the receipent - it's not quite as big as I would like.


Christmas ornaments!

Pattern: from Handknit Holidays by Leigh Radford
Yarn: Odds and Ends - mostly Wool Ease
Needles: Clover Bamboo Sz US 7 DPNs
Time: On and off last week
Mods: None
Thoughts: Great cute quick pattern! Endless color and striping possibilities. I would eventually like to make more of these, but not right now. I made 5 total - one was mailed before the photo op.

Best part of this project - I learned to hook! The pattern called for a single crochet chain for the hanger, and I was completely clueless, but I read the directions and did it! It was a bit tricky to manage the yarn under the hook going through the loop without getting caught on the loop (does that make sense?), but I think that's mostly a practice thing. Or maybe I used a hook that was too small. I don't think I'll be switching to crochet anytime soon, but it is nice to have a useful skill!

Mousies!

Pattern: From Knit Knack Kit by Kris Percival
Yarn: Odds and ends - worsted weight
Needles: Sz US 6 Susan Bates
Time: Saturday and Sunday Dec 10 and 11
Mods: None
Thoughts: Love these! Cute and quick. Tricky stuffing the catnip, but I managed. I see lots of these for kitty warming gifts in the future!



A modeled HiP photo for you - I kind of like the way it rolls up, gives it some personality.


And finally, someone helped daddy put the lights on the tree last night - he's such a good helper!

The list is slowly but surely shrinking. I also finished two more super secret gifts, but no pictures for now. Only one more of these to go!

I'm starting to feel "holidayish" - the tree is (finally!) up and decorated, and I listened to my Oak Ridge Boys CD today (I know, ghetto - it's like admitting the Neil love. But I love this CD - blame my mom!).

Mom was bugging me about her gift, and The Man said to tell you mom, that it is knitted adult diapers. Sorry to ruin the surprise!

Job interview tomorrow - for a "real" teaching job.....fingers and toes crossed!

I promise book reviews tomorrow (I hope!).

Tuesday is...crap - 12 Days to Christmas!

So really it's Knit-a-long day, but I don't have a whole lot of excitement for you in these parts:

Warm Hands: Nothing new - want mittens for me!

Weasley: Finished the HiP scarf last week!

Irish Hiking Scarf: Really want a pink cabled hat for me!

Branching Out: Right - after Christmas

Scarf Style: Want. Turtleneck. Shrug. Now.

Jaywalker: Mmmmmm, Koigu. It calls my name as I knit 5 million Chrismas gifts.

Naked Stix: Cat Bed, HiP Scarf, City Shawl, Mom's Gift, Two Super Secret Presents, One Sock, 6 Ornaments, Pinwheel Blanket DONE. Left to do: Leaf Lace Socks, Second Man sock, baby cardi, two super secret presents, fun fur scarf for The Man's co-teacher.

I did succumb to the KAL - I joined 4(!) more:

Handknit Holidays: 6 ornaments done. I bought some yarn to make the Log Cabin socks for me and The Man. Want to make lots of things from this book.

Evelyn A. Clark KAL: Will start after the Holidays. Knitting Leaf Lace Shawl for this.

Six Sock KAL: This month's sock really doesn't appeal to me. Next!

Knitting on the Road: This month's sock is Whitby - when I ordered the extra yarn for The Man's socks I threw some more in to make the shipping worthwile. These will be for him in a slightly varigated green with blue heel and toe (his request).

In other excitement, the gifts to be mailed are finished and wrapped and boxed up, ready to go to the post office tomorrow. The tree is lit and decorated, and I plan to do the "rest" of the decorations tomorrow. Miles had a good time helping daddy with the lights - picture tomorrow.

I wanted to have more excitement for you, but I am turning into a pumpkin. I should stop posting so late at night.

Odds and Ends

Spherey is finished!

Pattern: Spherey by Jess Hutch (link takes you to pattern book).
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Daffodil, Knitpicks Merino Style in Strawberry
Needles: Sz US 6 Susan Bates DPNs
Dates: Saturday Dec 10-Sunday Dec 11
Mods: None
Thoughts: Cute! I was a bit sick of it by the end, but I think most of that was the working on 4 DPNs rather than 5. I'm a fan of 5, but I only had 4 sz 6's. Just something about how I hold the 5 feels better than the 4. I really want to make some of the other patterns, so look for those to come in the future!


I also went through all of the pile of knits to attach tags to them tonight. Yes, I made tags!


I know it's really hard to see - I can't figure out how to manually focus it. But they say, "Handmade for you by Jenn" on the front and the back has care instructions depending on the fiber used. I attached them to the knitted goods with some red and white ribbon and safety pins as needed. I think they look really cute, but I have some ideas to improve the next batch. I bought a pack of 25 "creative tags" from JoAnn's for $1.99 and printed out some labels and stuck them on.

The Man called me today from work and asked if I had time to make a scarf by next Wednesday for his co-teacher. Sure honey....

You know you knit/craft/sew too much when one of the employees at JoAnn's says "I see you in here whenever I'm in here!" And then tells you "See you later!"

In exciting news, I have a job interview on Thursday! Woo Hoo! Send positive thoughts my way on Thursday at 8:30 CST. I need all the help I can get!

I'm thinking we need a "selfish" KAL starting in January. After all this holiday knitting, we deserve some selfish knitting time! Anyone interested? Email me at knitnlit AT hotmail DOT com or leave a comment if you are interested, and I'll get it started! And if you're interested and have any technical know-how and want to make a button, feel free!

Another FO and some new knitting books tomorrow!

Half finished

Spherey

Will he have legs and arms tomorrow? Tune in to find out!


One xmas sock for the man


I encountered a small problem with these socks. I only got this far with one ball of yarn:

So another has been ordered, but knowing how long herschners takes to ship, I'll be lucky if the yarn is here before Christmas!

That's pretty much the excitement 'round these parts. I spent a great deal of time today starting The Man's second sock, and I'm almost halfway done with the leg. My fingers and toes are crossed that these get done. But since they are secret knitting, that makes it harder. However, it does give me time to "publicly" knit other gifts. I think I can, I think I can...

My imagination has left me

And I can't think of a clever title. Forgive me.

First things first - the ankle is somewhat better. The swelling has gone done quite a bit, and the bruising is light. It still hurts to move side to side and to bend it, but I can bear weight on it. Thanks so much for all your well wishes - and I do recommend it for getting knitting done! But it does hurt, so there is a downside....

Before I fell, I got some knitting done! I think I was inspired by my knit-a-long update - all those projects half done! Must do someting about it...

One:

Pattern: Pinwheel Blanket by Genia Planck.
Yarn: Red Heart Baby Sport
Needles: Susan Bates Sz 6 DPNs and Circ.
Dates: Started early July, finished Wednesday December 7.
Mods: None
Thoughts: Had to cast on twice, tricky but doable. I really liked the pattern until I was up to about 50 stitches between markers. Next time I'd use worsted weight yarn and place markers at the yo spots, sometimes I'd be chugging along and forget and have to tink back. I would have finished this a long time ago if I had just worked on it. It ended up about 18" in diameter. I would like it bigger, but c'est la vie. I did three rows of seed stitch for the edging and bound off. It doesn't lay flat, but I think that's OK.

Two:

Pattern: HiP Scarf by Alison Hansel
Yarn: Lioin Brand Wool Ease in Burgundy and Gold
Needles: Susan Bates Sz 7
Dates: Mid November -December 7
Mods: I did fewer repeats because it is for The Girl, not an adult. I also tried a seed stitch edging to help it lay flat, but that didn't help much.
Thoughts: Great, fun pattern. Quick and easy! It did not block well, but that of course, is due to the acrylic. I do kind of like the way it looks twisted up. I'll try to get a modeled picture for you this week.

Three:

Pattern: Cat Bed from Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitters Handbook
Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun and Fun Fur.
Needles: JoAnn Sz 10.5
Dates: February -December 9
Mods: I used a bulkier yarn than the pattern called for.
Thoughts: TOOK FOREVER. But when I actually worked on it, it went really fast. As soon as I finished sewing the bottom to the side and sewing up the side, I put Cocoa in it and she laid right down. Must like it! Speaking of liking it, I think we have some other fans:



Maybe they each need their own? Perhaps next year....

I also finished mom's gift, but no pictures yet! You'll have to wait until after Christmas. But I'm really happy with it, and I hope you like it mom!

I can see the light - I'm almost done! I've made a few changes to the list - took off Nephew's mittens 'cause we bought him a cool toy, and took off another toddler hat, as I'm making something else that I hope to have done to show you tomorrow. I've gotten several ornaments done, but I'll take a picture of them all at once.

Just keep knitting, just keep knitting, just keep knitting....

Well, that's one way to get the holiday knitting done

Twist your ankle getting the Christmas decorations out of the garage closet. I'm confined to the couch. I should have all of my holiday knitting done by tomorrow at this rate!

Wa Wa Wa Wa Wednesday

We have a tiny bit of ice and they have already closed school for tomorrow. Bleh. Now, if I had to go, I would be cheering, but this ruins a day of top secret knitting for me. Ah well, I'll have to find other things to work on - maybe some sewing projects instead.

Today I have a tiny bit of stash enhancement to show you.

One word - cashmere.


Bought on ebay - 300g of a laceweight cashmere blend. What to do with this? It's not quite enough for a sweater (I don't think), so some sort of wrap/shawl seems appropriate. But what? Any suggestions?

And for my Jaywalker socks -mmmmmm, Koigu.


This is my first Koigu. It was on sale in the Knit Happens online store last weekend, so I snatched up two skeins. No one in the area sells it, and the only place I've seen it is Hill Country where it is $12.50. At Knit Happens regular price it was $10, on sale for $8, so even though I though shipping was a *bit* expensive, it was still cheaper than buying it at Hill Country. Plus they didn't have such a pretty color.

This picture doesn't really do the color justice - it is a lovely mix of dark and light pinks, purples and yellow. I've got it lying on my coffee table keeping me motivated to finish all this holiday knitting!

Finally, before I drag myself off to bed, I cannot say enough thank yous for all the wonderful supportive comments. I know I don't respond to each of you (mostly because of blogger's stupidity), but I read and treasure each and every one. And to all you lurkers out there, I know who you are! Don't be shy, say hi!

Today my baby is one year old. He weighs *just* a bit more than he did here. Add a zero after that 8 lbs, and you'd be close. He's so sweet. He got a new stuffed goose for his birthday and daddy gave him one of the pork bones from dinner. Yum. Love you Miles Davis! Happy Birthday!

Tuesday is Knit-a-long Day!

Quickie update - pictures tomorrow!

Irish Hiking Scarf KAL - Scarf done and two pseudo-Irish Walking Hats done.

Branching Out KAL - um, ripped 3 times. Will re-cast on after the first of the year.

Cover Your Head KAL - 9 hats done! Woot! At least one toddler one to go, plus hopefully one for me!

Weasley-a-long - 34 inches (of 60) done on the HiP scarf!

Pinwheel-a-long - Stalled. Not worked on in weeks. I'm thinking it might be time to bind off and call it done.

Scarf/Wrap Style - um, nothing done since I ripped Ruffles. I really want to make my freakin' Turtle Neck Shrug. Must. Complete. Holiday. Knitting.

Warm Hands - one pair toddler mittens completed. Hoping to make another pair before Christmas.

Naked Stix - nothing completed yet this week. I'm making up for all those FOs from the last two weeks!

I plan to join the Jaywalker KAL after the first of the year. What yarn to use? Come back tomorrow!

Other projects -

Kitty Bed is 3/4 done.

Baby Cardi has one front and the back. Stalled

Stripey Cardi - um, no progress in months.

Leaf Lace Socks - no progress since starting holiday knitting.

The Man's socks - halfway done with the foot! I'll take a pic tomorrow. Almost one done!

Mom's Gift - about 1/4 done. Chugging along.

City Shawl - about half done - hard to say as it keeps getting bigger, but I'm into the second section of just knitting (no yo's), and almost ready for the last section.

I think I've added more gifts to the list - I forgot that The Man wants a new ipod cozie (his old one doesn't fit the new pod), and he wants it felted (of course). Jen suggested that it match his hat, so I'm going to try that out. I also think some family members need ornaments, but we'll see. And there are three kitties that need catnip mousies, so I need to get those done too.

Sorry for the long lists and lack of pictures lately. I'll have some tomorrow - maybe of FOs in the snow! Wow! Apparently it reallly is going to snow, though not accumulate. Too bad.

Patterns, Patterns, Patterns!

Ok - just a quickie tonight before I fall asleep sitting up.

I'm SO excited about the new Knitty! While there are several patterns I really don't care for, there are some I can't wait to make.

Here's my list:

1. Kate is super cute! I just got Jess' booklet about two weeks ago, and haven't talked about it yet, but I love it! Can't wait to knit up some super cute stuffed toys!

2. Tempting II is MUCH better than the original. I tried making the original back in the spring, and just got discouraged. Plus the giant bow just wasn't me. This one though I think I'd wear often.

3. I sort of like Blanche Neige, but I'm just not sure about the fun fur.

4. I think I might make Cheesy Puffs for The Man someday, but not in orange.

5. I love the Pomatomus socks, can't wait to cast on!

6. And the Thuja socks are nice too. Two sock patterns! Woot!

7. I really like Mrs. Beeton, but would like to try to attach them as cuffs on gloves, as I don't see myself wearing them much alone.

But my top two are:

8. Tubey - Can't wait to make this - I love the construction of it!

and

9. Bristow is Fab! Love the cabled design, love that it is Knitpicks yarn!

I ALSO got my Interweave today! Woot!
Here's what I'm liking so far -

1. Fair Isle 101 Pullover
2. Bi-color Cables
3. Pearl Buck Swing Jacket - love this!
4. Brilliant Retro
5. Embossed Leaves Socks


And last week I finally broke down and bought Knitscene - just a few from this one as well.

1. I like the Ruffle Wrap, but maybe without the ruffles....
2. I like the Cashmere Duo - I would probably make just the sweater - I really like the shaping.
3. Fingerless Mitts, Pompom Scarf, and the Hobo Bag
But my favorite is the Inside Out top. I think I'll work on this after holiday knitting is done. I know, I know, other things to do too.

While we're on the subject, I checked out "Knit Hats" from the library to see if they had a felted had pattern that I liked (they didn't). But they do have a pattern for a double knit earwarmer that I am enamoured with. I think it'd be a great way to learn double knitting, and I like their motifs.

I'm getting used to this sitting on my ass stuff. I think I need to now, with this list, PLUS all the other patterns I want to make! As The Man said at dinner tonight, "Jenn would like a job where someone paid her to knit." Well, duh!

Five Fab Finished Objects!

Boy I sure can come up with those clever titles....Maybe there's an award for that.

Apologies for not posting yesterday - the blog had technical difficulties (it was not viewable in some browsers) and before fully investigating the difficulties, I republished the blog (in an attempt to save it) and lost ALL of the info in the sidebar. So I spent a great deal of time yesterday and today repairing those lost links and things. Almost back to 100% now!

OMG - my weatherman just said it *might* snow here Wednesday! Of course, being Texas, it won't, but it'd help put me in the holiday spirit!

I did drag out the Christmas dishes and work on a tiny bit of decorating tonight, I hope to have more motivation tomorrow. We're planning on getting our tree Wednesday.

But on to the knitting!

The Scarf of Doom is finished! (aka Irish Hiking Scarf)


Pattern: Irish Hiking Scarf from Hello Yarn
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Chocolate 3.5 skeins
Needles: Sz US 8 Susan Bates Circ
Dates: Late Oct to Thursday December 1
Mods: None
Thoughts: I bound off in pattern and it made the BO edge wavy, so the two sides do not match. However, I think that lends some "authenticity" to the scarf, so I'm leaving it. I will BO knitwise next time. I would love to make one of these for myself, but the pattern did get SO boring. At least I learned to "read" the cables and stopped having to keep track of my rows.

Bunny Hat has a face!


However, bunny is not smiling. Not sure how I feel about that.

Pattern: from Target Knitting Kit
Yarn: from kit - some cotton/acrylic blend I think
Needles: Sz US 7 - from kit
Mods: Made up my face pattern and did not use their thread to embroider. Used stash yarn instead.
Thoughts: I really don't like how the ears look on this and if I make another I'd use the pattern from SnB Nation.

And The Girl's Stocking is finished!


Pattern: mine again using basic sock "know-how"
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease in White and Green (I know, not the "real names," you get the idea)
Needles: Sz US 8 Clover Bamboo DPNs
Dates: Cast on Friday, finished Saturday
Thoughts: I like the heel a LOT better on this one, but I think the foot is a *bit* too short. It's been great for my sock knitting techniques to have these to practice on.
I've decided that my stocking will wait until I get all the gifts done, and probably after I get some of the other "on the needles" items finished. So I'll have one next year, and that's OK. No one would put anything in it anyway! :)

And Pasha is done!


Pattern: Pasha from Knitty by Alexandra Virgiel.
Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver in Black and White with Yellow bits in Knitpicks Wool of the Andes.
Needles: Sz US 6 Susan Bates
Dates: Started Wed or Thurs, finished Friday night.
Mods: None
Thoughts: I think mine would look "nicer" if I hadn't used acrylic yarn, but c'est la vie. It's purely for kitsch value. I'm not sure why my beak doesn't look like the sample in the pattern, because I followed the directions, but I still like it. I love knitted toys - they are really fast!

One more super secret gift is done!


More details after the holidays.

OK, must sleep now - more excitement tomorrow (hopefully), but now go look at the new Knitty! It rocks - I want to make over 75% of the patterns, but I'll talk more about that tomorrow too.

No Pictures

The Man left the camera at school. So you'll have to imagine lovely FO pictures of the Irish Hiking Scarf (aka the Scarf of Doom), a bunny hat with a face and pictures of Pasha parts. I'll understand if you come back tomorrow.

To entertain you instead I have some lists! Woo Hoo! I LOVE lists. I have a lovely little pad of paper and a pen in my nightstand drawer for late night lists. I carry around a notebook in my purse for lists. I primarily use my planner for lists. (Of course, I invariably have 3 or 4 copies of the same list.)

Inspired by Kris' monthly goals, I've decided to list my December goals.

1. Finish all Christmas gifts. (This one alone should be all I have on my list)
2. Get everything off of the needles EXCEPT for stripey cardi.
3. If time allows, make a few mousies and tiny sweaters/gift tags for extra gifts.
4. Start Turtle Neck Shrug
5. Basic Cable Hat for ME!!!
6. "Plan" Cabled Mittens
7. Swatch for Ribby Cardi

To keep up with number 2, I plan to join the Naked Stix by 2006 KAL. However, I will make an exception for the stripey cardi. It really is more of a spring/summer knit, and I really don't have the motivation to finish it right now. So there.

What's left to finish for Christmas? Look on the sidebar. I almost cast on for one of the Super Secret Surprise gifts tonight, but I'm feeling lazy.

So I've been spending too much time at home, and it's starting to show.

Things I've learned from staying home too much:
1. Dogs sleep all day. Is this normal? Is this healthy? I'm worried.
2. Why does the day go so damn slow when you are at work, but when you sit on your ass all day suddenly it's time to get The Girl from school?
3. Why do I forget to eat if no one else is around?
4. Bloglines: can I check it too much?
5. From that, I clearly need more blogs to read as I can't spend all day reading blogs yet.
6. I am lazy.
7. Daytime TV sucks
8. Why can you send out several (10) job applications that take you a minimum of 30 minutes each to complete and NEVER HEAR ANYTHING.
9. I'm crabby when I don't have "stuff" to do (ie: other than knitting).
10. Why when I'm home all the freaking time do I never do the dishes?
11. Why is it that when I have tons of time to get stuff done I end up doing nothing?
12. Snickers makes an excellent breakfast.


I've also learned that there are other crafts I want to persue. I recently bought some blank cards, scrapbook paper and stamps to make my own Christmas cards. Clearly I am insane.

I have to go to a stupid class tomorrow (to "learn" how to manage my classroom because clearly my 39 hours of graduate work and 3 years of teaching experience haven't prepared me for this), so I plan to try to sneak in some sock knitting - The Man's sock is languishing. Because this is the unofficial end to my week o' sitting on my ass, here's what I've accomplished:

1. Finished The Man's stocking.
2. Finished and felt The Man's hat.
3. Knit all of the pieces of Pasha except for one wing. Sewed the feet together.
4. Cleaned the study/craft room.
5. Organized the "future teacher" materials (this includes over 200 books and lots of CRAP)
6. Bought Santa's gift for The Girl.
7. Read a story to The Man's class.
8. Made copies for The Girl's teacher.
9. Filled out 3 job applications.
10. Went to the post office twice.
11. Tried on 10 pairs of jeans, none of which fit.
12. Watched some crappy movies.
13. Hung the outside Christmas lights.
14. Cleaned out the garage.
15. Did one load of laundry.

Seems like there should be a lot more there.

OK, I've even bored myself now. Be gone with you. Pictures tomorrow!

Long(er) post

For Jen - I promised her a long post, so here goes!

First, some knitting content!

The Man's stocking, it is done!


Knitty Gritty:

Pattern: Mine, using Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns for socks.
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Ranch Red and Green
Needles: Clover Bamboo US 8 DPNs
Dates: Started Tuesday November 22, finished November 30.
Mods: I cast on 60 stitches and then followed Budd's instructions for a 60 st sock. I did not do as many rows on the heel flap as called for, and I regret it now. I think it makes the stocking look a bit funky. I did ten row stripes and just knit until it seemed the "right" size.
Thoughts: Most are up there with the mods. I do love the wool-ease though - knits up so nicely but is machine washable! I'm not thrilled with the stocking, mostly because of the heel, but I'm leaving it alone for now, and if The Man doesn't like it I'll knit him a new one next year!

And The Man's hat is done! Pre and post felting pics.



Knitty Gritty:

Pattern: Mine, using the Fisherman's Hat from the Knitting Pattern a Day Calendar for a guideline. The Man specified the stripe pattern.
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Winter Night, Grass and Daffodil.
Needles: Clover Bamboo US 10.5 DPNs
Mods: I cast on the same number of stitches as the pattern called for, but used larger needles. I knit the bottom in green until I had 25g left (had to get out the trusty scale The Man had to register for last year - I think I've used it more for knitting than he has for cooking!), then started his stripe pattern. I had to modify the given stripe pattern, as he wrote it for a non-felted hat then decided he wanted it felted - improv time! There are skinny little green stripes between the yellow and blue, but they are very hard to see. I did decrease a bit more rapidly than the pattern called for, but I was afraid I would run out of green yarn - of course, I have a bit left over now, but c'est la vie. I had to run it through the machine twice, as the first time it only seemed to felt lengthwise, not in width. It is better now.
Thoughts: It needs to be longer next time. The decreases make the top stripe look wavy. I'm not sure I'd ever want a felted hat - I think it's not quite the same as having a snug-fitting hat.

It is still wet, (over 24 hours after felting) so no modeled pics. I had to hide it in the garage for a bit yesterday and now it is hiding behind some fiber-fill under the craft table in the study. I think he may have seen it, but I'm crossing my fingers that it is still a surprise.

I cast on for a new project today!


This is the back of Pasha. I'm about to cast off the black and start the white belly. It is a top secret knit of course, so I have to hide it from the kids.

WARNING: RAMBLING AND SOME NON-KNITTING CONTENT TO FOLLOW. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED.

Things I've been thinking:
*I had to watch this ass clown on the Today Show this morning. This s*it pisses me off. Why don't we give people more reason to hate the US? OK!

*Great blog! Go check it out!

*Woo hoo! I can take my scissors on the airplanes now!

*The damn Ferrero Rocher commercials make my dogs bark! You know, the ones with the doorbell.

*Bored at work? Need an excuse to not clean the house? Go here and test your skills. Warning - may be addicting.

I have more to say but I really want to sleep now, and frankly, I have to have something to talk about tomorrow!

Details

Here's what's new:

Little Boy Mittens
Knitty Gritty:
Pattern: From Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns sized for a 2-4 year old
Yarn: Red Heart Sport Weight (Kids or Baby)
Needles: Lion Brand US 5 DPNs
Dates: Cast on several weeks ago, both mittens finished Saturday November 26.
Mods: I decreased rapidly on the thumb because I was afraid that it would be too long for the little one. I hope they fit since they are a gift!
Thoughts: I LOVE THESE! They are SO cute and I love that the varigated yarn makes them look stripey! They were fast, and cute! I can't wait to make a pair for myself. I want mine to look like this (but mittens, not gloves - to save my life I can't find a picture of the mittens on the Gap website!).

So cute!


I need advice on the bunny hat - it's been in this "finished" state for about 6 weeks - all it is lacking is the bunny face. I can't decide what to do. I started to embroider it with the floss in the kit and decided it would take me FOREVER to do with the thin floss. So, I have to decide - embroider it with some black acrylic stash yarn, or leave it as is. What do ya think?


Final thought for today - these are my favorite winter socks, store bought of course since I just started knitting! I'm thinking of trying to recreate them - this pair is a big baggy and I'd wear them more if they fit better. I'd embroider the snowflakes on of course.

That's it for today - I hope to have more exciting stuff tomorrow!