Merrily They Roll Along

I unstrung them from where they had hung beside the Christmas tree, took their pictures, loaded them into a box, and took them to the post office.  And just like that, my time with the Knit Ball Pit was done.  It was fun to be a part of a group project.  I had hoped to make more.  My very ambitious goal was fifty, and then I dropped it back to thirty with hopes of having one for each day of NaBloPoMo2018, but that did not work out, either.  In the end, I contributed twenty-six.  I think that is a decent offering to the cause.  I know the group goal was set at one thousand, and the last I saw, there were over nine hundred, so I think that goal will be achieved.  Anyway, here they all are.
 

 

Right now, they are neither here, nor there, but should be there tomorrow.  I hope the recipients like them, and that they can bring a little joy into their days.   

Significantly Fewer than Seven

So, you know that each year there's an annual Mochimochiland holiday pattern, right?  The pattern is free with any $5 purchase.  I've been waiting for this year's offering, and my patience has been rewarded.  The pattern is for Sugar Plum Fairies, and I adore them so! 

I have more to say about sugar plums, but that is for another day.  Today, I'm showing you my offering for the Knit Ball Pit.  I used the Sugar Plum Fairies pattern to adorn one of the balls I had already knit.  I think it turned out pretty well.  

Another Sunday, Another Seven

I stuck with a style this week.  Decorating these was super-easy and super-quick.  I certainly need more of that, as I have a lot I am trying to do right now.  

Since some of the family has travel plans later this month, our Christmas gathering is a bit early.  By that, I mean it is Saturday.  I only have to buy for one more person, so that shouldn't be too hard.  I do have a plan to sew some zippered pouches and put small prizes in them, but I will wait to buy the prizes (candy cane, lip balm, Reese's tree, pocket tissues) until I see if I can sew them all.  

Sunday Seven

Well, like many a wearied NaBloPoMo-er, I took off the first of December.  I'm pretty sure I wrote an entry for each day last month, but I'm not putting up a badge to celebrate.     

Anyway, I set a goal, and so far, so good.  This week I decorated seven of the balls I had knit for the Knit Ball Pit.  I think those are the only royal blue ones I knit, and I don't plan to make more in that color.  It gave me too much trouble adding the face on those.  I enjoyed working on these, and I think I'm improving.  I liked trying out different things, and the more I tried, the more ideas popped into my head.  

It was nice to see that the goal of completing seven each week is achievable for me.  I want to do so much more, but I'm trying not to get ahead of myself.       
  

   

Should Have Set Aside More Time for This

Sure, I still have hope that increased experience will translate to increased speed, but right now, I am just slow.  Yeah, that could apply to many things, but tonight we're talking about decorating the balls I have knit for the Knit Ball Pit.  I have only finished a few, and I haven't even attempted any of the elaborate ideas I have.  And to make matters worse, I don't feel like they look as good as they should.  I even snipped and reworked one, but I'm glad I took the time for that because I would not have felt right sending it.  

Anyway, I'm thinking about making a bit of a schedule for the finishing work on these.  You know, something like embellishing a minimum of seven each week.  That seems doable and will give me time to get them off in the post before the end of the year.  Yes, it might be bumping up against being ambitious, but I think once I really get going with it, it will help me keep going.  Ah, if only I had set November goals, maybe I would be in a better place with all of this.       

No Tricks, All Treats

Feeling good feels good, and doing good feels good, right?  Help Stacey do more good in her NMO fundraising efforts, eh?  Would you like an added bonus for doing good?  There are prizes, so you can donate early, donate often, and spread the word.  And hurry, because this year's fundraiser is almost over!   

Blocked and Folded

Now the only thing left to do is deliver the finished piece.  Yep, I am done with the Lilac Leaf Shawl, and I am really pleased with it.  I could have finished it sooner, but I agonized a bit about just how many repeats of the center chart I should do, and then I procrastinated a little about the garter-stitch-kitchenering.  Since this is not for me, I was a little unsure about what finished dimensions to shoot for, and I could not remember just how much Jaggerspun Superfine Merino blooms/grows in the blocking process.  After some smoothing, measuring, draping, and guessing, I settled on one last repeat, and it was the right decision.  The finished measurements of 75" x 20" seem like a nice size.  

As I said, this is not my shawl, but something I am donating.  Recently, the newsletter for the lys put out a call for shawls, and I decided to participate.  The request comes from a local chapter of a veterans' organization collecting gowns for the Marine Corps Ball, and they are hoping to pair wraps with the gowns.  I have not decided whether or not I am going to make any more for this, but I have thought about perhaps weaving something.  I just hope what I have done is appropriate for the occasion and fits with what they are seeking.        

Happy Socktober!

Are they still playing Socktoberfest?  I don't know if they are, but I am pretty sure they were back when I played Personal Sock Club.  That was 2009, I did not start at the beginning of the year, and by the time I reached my July bag grab, I was done.  That month the random draw was Chalet Socks from Folk Socks and Louet Gems Merino in Navy.  Once I got beyond the enlarging of charts, I think it started fine, but then I just put it aside.  No, I do not remember the reasons why, but I would guess it is not an interesting or original story.  I picked the socks up a few times, but never really did much until this summer.  Along with the mittens, I decided that enough was enough, and it was time to finish, that is to say, effo or effoff.  

While there were times that I wanted to just shove them back in a bag and forget about them, or return the yarn to a state of stash, I continued.  Along the way, I began to enjoy the knit, and trying them on showed me that I was making progress, and that they would be wonderful socks. Knitting this pair also reminded me of many of the wonderful things about socknitting.  It was a great inspiration to sew that little bag, and now that they are done, I find myself thinking more about knitting socks more often.  I am relieved that I am thinking about making more socks, but not feeling the need to knit millions of them.  I already have too many things I feel that way about, and I do not need more.  

Of course, October is not just about the socks.  It is the time when Stacey organizes a fundraiser.  Donate early, and donate often.  I have knit a few things to add to the prize package.  The shawl is cashmere and the little knits are magnetic.

Bright Enough for You?

As I had been feeling the need for some colorwork, and Helen let me know of a need for mittens, I did not need more prodding to cast on for this pair. I chose bright colors and a fun pattern (pattern six, for those of you wondering--creative names, yes?) from Mostly Mittens by Charlene Schurch. I found my rhythm quickly and was soon through the thumb gusset on the first mitten. Then, I lost the love. I began to think that the mitten was too large. I wanted to be able to contribute, but did not want to start over. My mind began to wander, and I thought about charity knitting; the importance of quality work that meets the needs of the group receiving the knits.

Then I began to think about Caps for a Cure. I have been knitting along with them for a few years, and do a little bit of moderating work on the Yahoo list. We really do have a great group. We change centers every two to three months. Each round is sponsored by a member who has personal contact with the treatment center, assuring that the caps are going where they are needed and wanted, and learning about any special requests or requirements. For example, some places love the fun fur hats and cannot get enough of them. Other centers note that caps made in the colors of local sports teams are particularly popular. This orange Hermione Hearts Ron cap was perfect for our last round, which went to the University of Tennessee.

Anyway, I knew that the mittens were nice, and I decided to keep knitting them. If they were not the right size for this donation drive, I would figure out what to do with them later. I thought about a relative who has tiny, cold hands, long winters, and could do with something bright in her life, so that was a possibility. When I finished the first mitten and I still was not sure, I looked for a volunteer. I used both a niece and a nephew to check for sizing, and it turns out that I was wrong. The fit was good, so I did not delay in casting on for the second.

They are a cute pair of mittens, are very warm, and might be bright enough so that neither one goes missing.

Monday's Got a Little Love Around

Maybe I did not get completely caught up, but I made progress. I weeded in the garden and the feedreader. Clearing out what needs to be gone from the garden is continual, but in some ways, easier. It is simpler to know what should be removed. The long list from the feedreader is a bit more of a challenge. This go around, I just removed those where the blogger has ceased blogging for a year or more. The next round will be more of a challenge, but it needs to be done because I cannot keep up with it all, and the weight of trying has taken its toll. I reflected and evaluated, and was sometimes surprised at what I discovered, but will wait to decide for another day, but not for too long. I suppose it just reminds me of another situation, and that is what is makes this more difficult than it might normally be.

Anyway, I have been knitting, and the knitting has been good. I am nearing completion on another Hermione Hearts Ron. It is much further along than when I was taking photos last week. I need to finish it and get it in the mail this week, as we are reaching the end of another round over at Caps for a Cure.

I also finished knitting a shawl, but more about that later. You can see it unblocked underneath this pile of love. Fabulous friends attending Estes Park Wool Market saw these amazing Pygora/Firestar batts and thought of me. The loving gift brought tears to my eyes and brightened a dark day. I get choked up thinking about it every time.

UM...Love Your Head

This week we will start with a glimpse into my brain.

Burrito :: Bean
Spike :: Watermelon
Tougher :: Than She Seems
Mock :: Mercilessly
Slurp :: Slap
Knock :: Try
Conference :: Call
Madness :: Sock
Minds :: Alike
Connection :: Missed

I went in search of a different pattern to use for a chemo cap, and when I came across the Hermione Hearts Ron, it seemed like a good choice. I used Plymouth Dreambaby DK because it is so soft and is an easy-care yarn. I was able to finish this one pretty quickly, and think I will start another tomorrow. Either that or maybe an Odessa will be up next.

Speaking of heads and brains and the love they need, please keep my five-year-old niece, Katie, and family in prayer. She is still not awake following a car crash Friday afternoon. They were able to take her of the vent this afternoon. I have not been able to get up to the hospital to see her as I have been taking care of my nephew.

Too Small Tuesday?

Awhile back, I found a bargain on eBay, and now I am playing with this new-to-me toy. It is a nice distraction. The directions from the booklet resulted in a lot frustration, much wasted yarn, and a long timeout for the loom. I am not sure if weaving is the thing for me, but it will be fun to explore. My best discovery has been a better way to warp the loom.

Since I wanted to have three scarves for the Red Scarf project, I thought that perhaps I could weave something that would work. Since I still had more of it, I decided to use the TLC Amore. I like the finished scarf, but fear it is not quite big enough. The length is 60" if you include the fringe in the measurement, and it is about 5" in width.

Anyway, I may try for another, but really need to concentrate on getting to the post office. I actually do not have so much difficulty with going to the post office, but rather with getting everything packaged and ready.

That's Amore

Since life goes on, and a moebius is not always the answer, I am following other advice. It has been said by many that looking outside oneself and helping others is a good way to move through a difficulty. I can see some wisdom in that, and now you can see (two pictures of the same scarf--one shows color better, the other better shows texture, though neither photo is quite right) another finished donation for the Red Scarf Project (there's still time).

Pattern: The Corrugator
Needle: US 6
Yarn: Red Heart TLC Amore (I won this in a contest at Michael's. It is very soft, snuggly, and easy-care for the college student)

Quick as a Bunny Rabbit Butterfly

When the pattern for Olivia's Butterfly made its way to a friend's Rav queue, it caught my eye. I added it to my queue, and there it sat. Then I remembered that this round we are making hats of all sizes over at Caps for a Cure, and decided to give it a go. It is so quick to make and so cute. I used some worsted weight crochet cotton. I had my nephew try it on with the promise that I would not take his picture in this obviously girl's hat. He otherwise approved of the feel of the hat and its color, and the fit looked right to me.

This puts my total of hats for this round up to three. I just have to remember where I put one of them and then get them in the mail. Gee, that is becoming a theme for me, eh?

Simply Red

It is Red Scarf time again, and my needles are busy. I am knitting the second, and just getting around to showing the first. The discussion about the need for quality scarves stirred my heart. I am pleased with this scarf, and glad to have a contribution to offer for this important project.

Pattern: Palindrome
Yarn: ONline Linie 21 Marly

Wednesdays are for the Random, Right?

I am working on a super-secret-deadline-lace project. If my calculations are correct, I must complete 27 rows, which totals around 2500 stitches (give or take, what with changing stitch counts) each day to finish in time. I have remembered to include time for blocking and drying. I am currently choosing to believe that my biggest challenge will be the sharing of the one magnetic board for my two current chart projects. Yes, they are both deadline knitting.

On a local Freecycle group, I saw a curious posting. Offer: Bachelorette Accessories

Yesterday's Ten on Tuesday topic has been detrimental to my productivity. I have been playing games and having fun.

I have lost part of a fancy hat I began knitting in September. I had the opportunity to check fit on the intended recipient, and it is nowhere to be seen. It is in none of the cleverly organized places it should be, and asking me where I last saw it is not helpful.

Scarves are often stubborn, tricksy, and false. I have been knitting on what is attempting to be the Red Corrugator of Doom often, and sometimes for extended stretches. It is not yet 36" long. I wanted to have at least three good scarves for the Red Scarf Project, but this second scarf is out to get me.

Not that I do not enjoy having you here, but I thought I would send you away in hopes that you will win prizes. The deadline is today to enter for Hillary's contest. You have a week to make it over to where Phyllis is giving away some beautiful fiber.

Hexed

When I learned that the 8" square I knit for a community afghan was lonely, I was not sure what to do. Then I remembered a long-abandoned crochet project someone gave me several months ago. I told the organizer I would examine the contents of the hibernating piece and see if it might be something that would work.

Let us fast-forward through the weaving in of many ends, gauge issues, seaming, and steaming. That brings us to the finished piece.

New Things

I lack the words to adequately address this day. Instead, I turn to what I have done with my needles. Today seemed to be the right time to begin something new. I decided to begin by honoring a commitment. A friend is in charge of organizing a community afghan, due to be raffled in February. A while back, she asked if I would knit a square for her, and I agreed. Last week, she finally posted the specifications for the squares needed for the afghan. This might be my last year contributing to this project, and I did not want to procrastinate. I searched the stash of yarn suitable for the project, fished out the appropriate needles, looked up a stitch pattern, and set to completing the task. The square is ready to be delivered to the organizer, and waits to join the work of others.

At the end of the day, it seemed right to take a chance on another new project. The Lilac Leaf Shawl from Knitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush feels ready to knit. With my yarn choice, I am not taking a simple approach to the piece. My desire is to knit this from my handspun. Additionally, non-solid yarns and lace do not always work well together. It remains to be seen whether I have chosen well, but I intend to spend the rest of my evening discovering.

Plans Change

My Friday of sitting to knit and spin was not. Due to unforeseen complications, today was another day of watching my nephew. He has been so great that he is spending the night, too. We played a lot of video games, and engaged in general silliness.

Anyway, I still took time to knit today. I worked a few more rounds on the llama earflap hat. I have one more small chart before I begin the crown chart. I will have enough yarn to knit a few of these if I so choose. I think these kits could be nice gifts for fellow knitters. I am not planning anything, but the idea just struck me.

I worked on more hats for Jean. My nephew had cold ears and put on one of the finished hats. It did not take long before he needed to take it off because he was too hot. I take that to be a good sign. My husband continues to admire the growing pile, and thinks it would be a good idea to make some hats to keep.
I did not get to the re-start of my mom's Peacock Tail and Leaf Scarf. I began it on Monday, but had to frog it. I began knitting the first chart in stockinette instead of garter lace. I was halfway through that chart when I saw my error, but it looked like it would work, so I continued. I worked the change in stitch count and began the main chart. It was then that I saw it would not work. I also wonder if maybe I ought to go up one needle size. What do you think?

My only disappointment in frogging this is that I had hoped it would be my mom's birthday present on Friday (December 5), but that does not appear likely. I have backup plans, so I am not too worried. It will be a wonderful gift whenever I finish it.

Speaking of gifts, I want to knit Miralda's Triangular Shawl (rav link) for someone. I may want to spin the yarn for it, too. I just thought of my bag of CVM. Yes, that could be lovely. Maybe I should make one for me, too.

Hats Everywhere!

I decided to settle in with the wool and knit some hats for Jean. I do not know how many I will be able to knit, but I love knitting them. I just need to remember when I put that other bag of yarn. Wait! I do believe I sorted it into its proper bins. Imagine that, eh? Yes, the yarn I want to use is in one of the bottom containers. I will get to it when I need it. I do have a bit of other yarn to knit with for now.

Anyway, these hats are great for on-the-go knitting. I grabbed one of my smaller knitting bags, a needle, an assortment of yarns, and carry it with me everywhere. I am close to finishing the second hat. The automatic knitting has soothed me when I worried, and helped to pass time when I have needed to wait. I think I have knit half of a hat in Costco. I definitely need to take this with me to the grocery store tomorrow.

I am pleased with the way I have been doing jogless color changes as I add the stripes. It is fantastic to completely use some small balls of yarn that I have been saving. For example, I am completely out of the green I have used on these first two hats. I think the next one will have mostly red along with an oatmeal. I am getting to remember other things I knit as I work through each small ball of yarn.

I feel strongly about doing quality work when I knit for charity. I sometimes worry about it a bit more than is helpful. What have helped me to quiet those concerns have been the compliments on what I am knitting. I tried the first hat on myself to see that it would fit a somewhat larger head. Then I tried it on my husband. He said, "Oooh, this is a nice hat. Who is it for, buddy?" I think maybe he needs a new hat, too, but he will have to wait.