Shawl & Stitch Markers

I am finally back to where I was knitting my All Over Lace Faroese Shawl that I got at The Knitting Zone earlier this year. I am knitting it using Superfine Merino that I had purchased awhile back. I am trying to do better about knitting up my stash, and this has been an enjoyable process. While I love to get new yarn, (those three skeins of Alpaca Cloud in Tide Pool for my Pacific Northwest Shawl will just have to stay at Knitpicks for now) it helps me to feel better about myself and more responsible when I use what I already have. Anyway, I started knitting this on Monday at our meeting, but started over again at the Friday meeting. I had been up to row 21 (as I am, again), but I wanted to make a change and fix an error, so I re-started the shawl. However, when I got to row 17, I took a stitch marker break. I put up the knitting and got out the beads. I snipped and bent wire, strung beads together and put them back, but finally managed to make a few stitch markers. Since this shawl does not have sections using the stitch markers bordered by yarnovers, I get to use what I made. So, when I went back to knitting, I replaced my plastic stitch markers with the crochet cotton hanging from them with the new ones I had beaded. This little picture shows two that I made. I figure it would be better to show the stitch markers than the small bit of progress on the shawl. Once again, you can see my Kangaroo lying underneath. I guess I've been productive lately, as I also have my first package ready to be mailed to my Secret Pal. I just need to go to the post office. Speaking of Secret Pal, my spoiler requested a picture of me, so I was brave and put on a dress and allowed myself to be photographed. Doesn't something like that deserve chocolate? Of course, then I'd just have to do another exercise video, so maybe not. Maybe, I'll just get back to my shawl.

Pedro's Blanket

Yes, they were calling the baby "Pedro" before they even found out that it will be a boy. Funny people, eh? This is my first lace baby blanket. I made it about 36" square, and only suffered a small burn "killing" the acrylic. That was also my first try at acrylic murder, and I must say that I am rather pleased at the results. Now, the world just waits for "Pedro." I think that the baby will actually be called John, but I'm growing rather fond of referring to him as Pedro. I finished off the edges of the blanket in seed stitch while the winds of Katrina blew all about us. I used (with a bit of variation) the lace up through Van Dyke and Rib from the Kerry Blue Shawl from Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman. The blanket was a joy to knit, and I hope that the joy follows Pedro for life.

Baby Booties

Here are the baby booties that I donated today. Yes, that is indeed my Kangaroo beneath them. I had knitted nine pairs, but one went to work with my mom for a baby shower. She also brought all of those cream cheese mints we made last night. That recipe sure makes a bundle of little mints. Working together, it seemed like we would never see the bottom of the bowl. She used the mold of baby booties and I used one of a flower. I even had to bring some home because she ran out of space. I will get back to baby knitting soon, because another baby I know of to be debuting towards the end of January or beginning of February has been predicted to be a girl. Now I get to knit a blanket for a baby girl. Time to chart and swatch some more. The other good news about these babies is that I get to use up the oodles of baby yarn I had been given that I was unsure of how I would end up using.

Sweatin' & Stitchin'

I’ve begun to put together my first package for my Secret Pal. I spent time reading through her archives, and I think I have some nifty ideas for extra little goodies over the coming months. This is such a joy. I’m getting ready to exercise, and then I can get myself packed up to go knitting at Barnes & Noble. Maybe I should try to leave the coffee alone this time, but I love it so much. We stayed knitting last time until the voice over the p.a. system announced that it was time to close.

Last week I picked up Simple Socks Plain and Fancy, and it is a fabulous book. Oh, I’ve been going through it just picking up more little tidbits to improve my socknitting. My mind wouldn’t focus well enough to work the different cast-ons, but I’ll have plenty of opportunity to use them later. I tried her directions for a short-row heel last night, and it turned (pardon the pun) out so well. I wish I would have read through and tried these directions before I sent that baby sock pattern to my grandmother. This heel is so much easier and nicer. I’m still knitting the baby socks for charity (due Friday), and then I have my Dobby socks to knit. I still have to pick up some Lion Brand Lamé in Gold and in Silver for accents on the sock with the Golden Snitch. Of course I also have to cast-on for my husband’s socks, but those will be toe-ups. In the meantime, it is baby socklets all the way this week. My needles are itching for some lace, and wouldn’t you know it, Knitpicks has been tempting me some more. Now, be good, Sarah. Speaking of being good, it’s time to pop in a dvd and start sweating.

Groovy Night

Getting together with other knitters is so great.  I went to a meeting tonight, and it was such a blast.  It was just the three of us, but I really had a wonderful time.  We had a new knitter, and as it turns out, she is someone with whom I attended high school.  I cannot believe how sketchy my memory is from that time period, but I’m not complaining.  I’m just hoping that I don’t have one of those “back in high school” nightmares tonight.  Then again, the iced coffee might just have sleep sufficiently chased away.  This just really has been a good night.  I got my copy of the new Switchfoot cd in the mail today that I won off of the radio.  The cd has its official release tomorrow.  Some birthday gifts I ordered showed up in the mail, too.  Hobby Lobby has all of its knitting needles, crochet hooks, and accessories ½ off, and the books are ½ off, too.  So, I stopped in and picked up a couple of things.  I have never tried the Lion Brand needles, so I’m giving some of their dpns a go.  I’ve been knitting little baby booties lately because so many people keep announcing that they are expecting.  It seems like most of these new people are due to make their entrances into the world at the end of January or beginning of February.  I’m also knitting these booties for a drive for young mothers that a local radio station is sponsoring.  I checked to make sure that my handknitted booties would be groovy, and it’s all thumbs up from everyone.  I’m excited about getting my Secret Pal soon.  Some sort of gmail issue is preventing us from all being matched up already.  This is my first go for the whole Secret Pal exchange, but it sounds so neat.  

Secret Pal Questionnaire

I've signed up to participate in Secret Pal Six, and here's my questionnaire. I feel so greedy answering about all these things I'd love to have, but I look forward to spoiling my secret pal with things she'll love.

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?

I prefer natural fibers and high quality yarns, but I try to not be a snob. I like for my yarn to be soft, and pleasant to work with and wear. I'm putting a lot of time and care into my knitting, so I try to use the nicest yarn I can.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?

I have given the ol' drop spindle a go, but I'm not very good at it. I do crochet, but haven't done much of it lately.

3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)

I avoid smoke like the plague.

4. How long have you been knitting?

I think it's been about four or five years now.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Amazon and I have one with Knitpicks.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

Lavender

7. Do you have a sweet tooth?

Mmmm.....chocolate.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?

I dabble with the beads from time to time. I try to put in some time on the drop spindle. Home exercising to various workout dvd's has been cutting into my knitting time for the last two years, too.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

R.E.M. and Toad the Wet Sprocket have been spending a lot of time in the cd player, as well as contemporary Christian music.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

Purple is my favorite. I guess I'm less of a fan of orange and yellow than other colors.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I'm married. We feed wild, stray cats that make their way to our front porch, but won't let us pet them. We also have fish.

12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)

I want to be a good person. I hope to grow, improve, and develop greater wisdom and understanding throughout my lifetime.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?

Oh, that is so hard to decide. Jaggerspun Zephyr has always come through for me, and it fits my pocketbook. Alpaca and merino have never let me down, either. I want to give Knitpicks' yarn a try, because I've heard they're very good and they're affordable.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

Anything harsh. I prefer my challenge in the pattern, not the yarn. Yarn is my friend, I don't want to do battle with it. I'm also putting much care into my knitting, and want it to be used once completed, not cast aside. I like soft, pettable yarn. I've also not had such good experiences with chenille.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?

Shawls, Lace, & Socks.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Shawls & Socks.

17. What are you knitting right now?

I've got socks, a scarf, and a shawl on the needles.

18. What do you think about ponchos?

I think that they are not particularly flattering to most figures (mine, included). I am willing to knit one, on request for a loved one, though.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?

Long, circular needles are the best.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

It depends on the yarn and the project. I've had good results with all three, but I have the fewest bamboo, and would like to expand my selection of bamboo needles.

21. Are you a sock knitter?

Yes, I am. I do dpn's, and circ's.

22. How did you learn to knit?

Books and the internet mostly, and then I've gotten some help from knitting buddies once I found a group in town.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?

The left Selbu Mitten from Folk Mittens has been waiting for the right one to be knitted for about three or four years, but I haven't even cast-on for it.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?

I guess I don't really have a favorite, but llamas always make me smile. I used to buy the Sanrio stuff when I was a kid, and I still think it's pretty nifty, even though I haven't gotten any in awhile.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving. I love the food, the family time, and taking time out to be thankful.

26. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn, needles, patterns, books, bad habits, and obsessive thoughts.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I'm not subscribed to any magazines, but I do occasionally purchase an issue of Interweave Knits.

28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?

I don't know why I haven't gotten Knitting Into the Mystery, yet, and I'd love the Barbara Walker's for design, Module Magic, & Treasury of Magical Knitting for trying something different.

29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??

I've always wanted to knit a wedding ring shawl. I guess that might be my knitting equivalent of a life dream. I'd also like to knit Fiber Trend's Sheep Shawl.

ETA: 30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?

My foot is 9 inches long, just over 9 inches around the ball of the foot, my ankle is just under 9 inches, my heel height (center of medial malleolus to floor) is 2 1/2 inches. I like handknitted socks, be they plain or patterned, toe-up or cuff down.

Little Boy Blue

No, not really. Then again, it's not quite Kerry Blue either. I have begun knitting a baby blanket for a baby whose entrance to the world is set for January. I am using the pattern for Kerry Blue from Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman as a guide for the gift. I have considered knitting this pattern as a shawl before, but I think I'd do some charting first. I think I'll be doing some charting for this blanket, too. I chose this as the inspiration for this baby blanket for "blue" in the title (supposed to be a boy), and the reference to Mobile, AL in the description of the shawl (mommy-to-be's family lives near there). So, I am off on a new knitting adventure, working from the center and working my way out on this cuddly gift. I'm pleased to see improvements in my knitting and finishing techniques. I finished the hood for my Kangaroo, and I must say that I'm easily a bit impressed with the way I sewed the seam on that. Now I just have the sleeves and the rest of the seaming. Oh, yeah, and the elastic cording. Hmmm...I've still got to buy that stuff. Oh, poor, pitiable, me! I must go shopping. And speaking of shopping, if I am accepted for participation in Secret Pal 6, I will get to shop for and spoil someone else. How very exciting!

FO Central

Okay, so two doesn't really qualify me for living in the land of FO central, but I'm thrilled with my progress. I completed Soleil and Mary Ann's Cashmere & Pearls Lace Scarf. I had the opportunity to show off the scarf at yesterday's knitting meeting (if I had shaved my armpits I could have shown off Soleil, too). I was pleased by the oohs and ahs over my work and confirmation that I had chosen well for my beads on the project. What made me even more happy, though was to see so many of my knitting buddies, some of whom I hadn't seen in awhile. We really do have a great group of knitters. I have been thrown by a new dynamic in the group, but I've determined that what has been most difficult for me is recognizing that what irritates me about this new element mirrors a deficiency in my personal skills. Have you ever noticed that sometimes a person whom you find a bit annoying has a character flaw which you are reluctant to admit you also share? When I make this realization, whew, it's like holding that lighted 10X magnified mirror up to myself. It's scary, ugly, humbling, and a bit embarrassing. It just goes to show that there is always room for improvement in life.

Back on the FO topic, I have progress to report on my Kangaroo Duo from The Purl Stitch. I have completed the front. I had already finished the back, but the front was left at the 2/3 mark for months. It languished in a pile while the mercury snaked it's way up the thermometer. It isn't any cooler here, in fact it's even hotter now than when I unceremoniously stuffed it away for later, whenever that might be. However, I found myself in need of some mindless stockinette, so I pulled it out of hiding, and lo and behold, I might wear this when the weather finally does turn off cooler. Speaking of weather conditions, I hear the thunder rumbling in the distance (not far off enough), so I must get off the computer.

Autumn's First Knitting

Aunt Sarah's Knitting Camp

In a weekend filled with teething and tears, fevers and frustration, knitting prevailed. Okay, so I'm being a bit silly, but knitting really did come through over the past few days. I was helping watch the neices and nephews at my mother's house, and it was a bit chaotic. The baby was sick, the weather was not conducive to getting outside to play, so we got out the needles and did some knitting. I had taught the twins a bit of knitting before, but this was the first time either one stuck with it long enough to complete a "project," as they like to call it. Austin says he doesn't want to learn to knit, he just wants to make a "project." Well, his washcloth is coming along nicely, but he was able to entertain himself with the blocks and didn't spend as much time knitting as Autumn did. Now, I knit in the continental style, but everyone I have taught to knit chooses the English/American style. However, this weekend, Autumn wanted to know more about the way I knit, so she is doing a bit of continental now, too. That makes me feel a bit more confident in my teaching abilities. She took to that k2tog quite nicely, too. So, at the end of the weekend, Autumn was able to show off and carry home her washcloth. Now, my knitting did not progress as much as I would have hoped, but all said, this was a good knitting weekend.

Mindful Day

Sunday being an introspective day, I've done a few quizzes.

Are you a knitter?
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I came up Granny on this one

What Kind of Knitter Are You?
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Pegged me as a Knitting Goddess

What kind of knitting needles are you?
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Labeled me as Interchangeable

What kind of yarn are you?
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Categorized me as mohair

I'm contemplating my next project, and think it will be a shawl for my mom. I have the Heartstrings All-Over Lace Faroese Shawl in mind for her. I have never knit this one before, but I have the pattern, and I think I might even have the yarn for it in my stash.

I'm also in the mood to dye. Yes, I know it I ought to consult a psychiatrist, but this time I'm just talking about Kool-Aid and Wilton food dye. Too bad I'm all out of money, Kool-Aid, Wilton food dye, and vinegar. We've definitely got the heat going necessary to solar dye. Perhaps I can dig around and discover that my resources are not so drained.

Topping it off

Well, I've completed my Eros Shell. I need to get someone to take pictures of it for me, or I need to con someone into modeling it and I'll take the pictures. I really am pretty pleased with this project. I now can honestly say that I have knit a garment, and it fits. I have even begun another top. This one is Soleil from Knitty. I am knitting it in Plymouth Wildflower DK in a lavender color. I have already cast on and done one pattern repeat of the lace at the bottom. This is the first thing I have tried out from Knitty. I think that it is a pretty nifty online resource. I really found the article about choosing the correct size to be very helpful. In fact, I not only am using the information for knitting Soleil, but I also used it for my Eros Shell. Now, I just have to keep convincing myself that I can wear sleeveless tops.

Shell to Scarf

Well, I completed the back of my Eros Shell, minus the neckline and around the armholes with Wildflower DK. I'm taking a day or two (or whatever I need) break from it before I begin the front. I had more experience to familiarize myself with directions for shaping, and I have greater confidence in my abilities. Whilst taking that break, I decided to begin a new project. After all that stockinette, I knew I needed to get some lace on the needles, so I began Mary Ann's Cashmere & Pearls Lace Scarf by Sivia Harding. I wasn't able to immediately locate a source for 4mm glass pearls locally, so I am using 4mm AB Crystal Bicones. I've decided to knit this with my Pink Misti Alpaca. This is my first time knitting with alpaca, and I absolutely love it. I've been doing my chart prep work. I always make a copy of my charts so that I can mark them up without messing up the original. I write the number of plain knit stitches when there is a string of four or more consecutively within a row. It makes it easier to follow the chart as I knit because I don't have to stop and count boxes. I should make pretty good progress on this scarf because it's only 39 stitches across at its widest. That seems like such a small number, especially after finishing Kiri where towards the end I had over 300 stitches in a row.

Meding the Eros of My Ways

Yes, kids, Aunt Sarah has seen the light. Okay, so I just took another look at the pattern and realized that I was not doing all that I should have been doing. On the needles is my Eros Shell. I am new to knitting garments. I had been clicking along the stockinette portion. I only occasionally got out my tape measure because I knew it would be awhile before I reached that magic 14 inches. Well, my brain didn't register the part of the instructions which directed: At the same time, increase at the beginning and end of the row every 2 1/2 inches, or some such thing. That's right, I have not been making my increases. Ugh! Oh well, I now have a better understanding in my feeble brain for shaping garments. Now I must measure, mark, frog, and remember to breathe.

Kiri Completed

Kiri Shawl

I've just begun my eleventh repeat of chart two on the Kiri Shawl. This is such a lovely shawl. Many thanks are due to Polly, who generously shares this free pattern. I am not knitting this in KSH, but rather with Jaggerspun Zephyr in white. I have applied to join the Yahoo!Groups KAL, and am awaiting approval. I am interested to read the experiences of other knitters with this shawl. The directions call for twelve repeats of chart two, so it would seem that I am getting close to working the edging. If you have never knitted from charts, might I suggest doing the Kiri. I know, many people are intimidated by lace and charts, and here I am suggesting you try knitting this shawl which has both. Hear me out, please. First, this is a free pattern. Second, there are both charted and written directions. Third, you have your choice of yarns for this shawl. Maybe mohair isn't as magical to you as it is to others. While KSH is recommended, you do not have to use it. I have seen it knitted in a cotton yarn (whose name I cannot recall), and I am working it up in Zephyr. This shawl is to be a gift. I mean for it to go to a June bride whom I have never met. She is my stepfather's niece. I hope she's a shawl kind of gal. I truly need to get the needles clicking, because the wedding is just over a week away. Yes, I got the date wrong in my head. I must finish this and get it in the mail.

Christmas 2004 Knitting--Yes, my brother's hat wasn't finished, and one nephew has his scarf on backwards.

Back from the frog pond

I managed to frog back to start over on the foot of the sock. I ended up knitting a few more plain round on the toe, and I have now started the Blueberry Waffle patterning. We'll see how it goes, but I expect it will be what I want. I also went down a needle size or two. We'll see how I like that, too. Time for me to get off this ol' computer and get down to knitting. Besides, my back hurts and I need to stretch.

Put Your Right Foot In...

...or maybe that's the left foot. I finally finished knitting one felted clog for my sweetie. Time to cast-on for its mate now, eh? I'm glad to make progress on this project. I am not pleased with my current socknitting effort. I cast-on some Sockotta, but wasn't sure what my ultimate pattern would be. I started toe-up, 2-on-1 circular, and worked up through the toes, and that's where the trouble began. I picked a cable pattern, charted, knitted a repeat, and I don't like it! Time for a trip to the frog pond, I suppose. I should go back to one of my earlier ideas and work in the good ol' "Blueberry Waffle" pattern stitch. In fact, now that I think of it (uh-oh, thinking is dangerous), the first time I got this yarn out to begin a pair of socks, that was the pattern I was going to use. Now it's toe-up, but, I think that's the pattern I will use. I'm also tempted to cast-on a pair of socks in some self-patterning yarn (don't know which, it doesn't matter) to also have for mindless car/traveling/waiting socknitting. I really shouldn't, though. Blueberry waffle is simple enough. I could do what one of my buddies from the NAKG, does and always cast-on another pair of socks as soon as I finish the last pair so that there are always socks on the needles. Sounds like a pretty good idea to me, but then again, I'm not the best judge of ideas. The last of my Christmas (2004) knitting is ready to mail. Yes, I know, I'm bad. I did get a thank you call for a late graduation shawl I mailed off last week. Well, before I do anything else, I'm going to get those mittens ready to go to Alaska.

Insomnia

I can't sleep, so I'm giving this "blog" thing a try. I knit, and that's what this blog is to be about, if I can figure out how to do this right. I ought to be working on my "Kangaroo" from The Purl Stitch, but I'm not. Well, truth be told, I really should be sleeping, but since that's not happening, I could be making progress on my knitting. I'll give myself this credit: I completed my Christmas knitting. I just had to do some felting. Once it all dries, I'll send it off in the mail. Better late than never, eh? I could work on my DNA or the Felted Clogs, too. That WIP list isn't too bad.

1. DNA Scarf (oldest WIP)
2. Felted Clogs (that yarn seemed more blue in the shop)
3. Kangaroo Pullover (about five more inches till I shape for the neck on the back)

Then I've got my future list of projects I'd like to make sometime soon.

• Socks
• Felted Daypack (IK Winter 2004)
• Lace Shawl
• Fair Isle Sampler hat (IK Winter 2004)

I'd also love to get a start on some gift knitting. I promised that I would finish a pair of mittens for someone. That lovely, lone mitten has languished in solitude for years. Well, it's morning, so I guess I'll give sleep another try.