Santa's Workshop

Well, here it is, the middle of NOVEMBER! Can you believe it? I have been steadily knitting to fill some of Santa's orders. As you can see, I've had lots of help from the "elves". I mean, how can you knit when there's a kitten on your knittin'? Christmas will be here soon and although my personal list of gifts to knit is short, several folks will be receiving hand-knit gifts because someone was thinking of them. My goal is to make the world cozy, so I hope that each gift brings a smile and some warmth to the recipient. My gift to myself is some personal knitting time after the holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh What A Day!

Whew...it's late...but I am just back from a quick trip to Atlanta, and Knitch, where I was lucky enough to spend the day with Claudia from Claudia Hand Painted Yarn, and unlocked the mystery of hand dyeing yarn. What a day! Claudia designs yummy colorways (see my previous post on the Chocolate Cherry). I learned so much and had a lot of fun. You get to use your creativity and get your hands dirty swishing color around to create color combinations. It was like a bunch of kids waiting for Christmas, waiting on the yarn to "cook" and then seeing what came out of the pot. I dyed three skeins. One is a 6-color colorway, primarily dark colors, with a pop of violet and turquoise. One is a "semi-solid", which is really a little more varigated than expected, in a plum, and the third is a "Knitch" colorway, which is only three colors, with a lime green and turquoise. I think I am going to make my Chevron Scarf from the plum colors...although there are two skeins of Socks That Rock earmarked for the project...I think it will be special to have yarn dyed by my own little happy hands! The Knitch yarn is destined for socks...A big thank you to Claudia...I think it is very generous of her to share her wisdom and talents with others...judging by my work so far, I don't think she has to worry about me putting her out of business ;-)

Home again, home again...

It's October 17th and it seems like it should be fall - cool air, leaves turning, pumpkins on porches - not so here in the South. Fall is my favorite season. I don't know why, but it reminds me of growing up in the Midwest with piles of leaves and back to school knee highs and trick or treating with a coat over your costume. I guess that's why I have had the urge to knit bags in wonderful fall colors. I love the browns and greens and oranges. Fall also reminds me of football games and homecoming mums...speaking of homecoming, I will be out of pocket for a few days. The husband and I are headed home for my, ahem, 20-year class reunion. There has been a lot of anxiety around here... I mean, what do you wear to face your prom date after 20 years? Anyhoo, I'll let you know how it goes. I have already packed my bag and selected my travel knitting (I love to knit on planes) I promised a friend some toddler socks, so that is the plan...and if I get bored with those, I have a bright red Odessa hat on the needles. So, I'll leave you with some pics of my fall bags (maybe it will actually drop below 80 degrees soon!)

A GOOD CAUSE

Breast cancer is a scary thing. I do not know many people who have not been affected in some manner. A family member, a friend, a neighbor. October is breast cancer awareness month. My hometown has decided to hold it's first annual "Junk in Your Trunk" benefit with proceeds to benefit local folks who may need assistance, whether it be gas money, a hotel room while taking treatments, a wig, those things that might not seem like much, but that can be a strain on many people, especially during trying times. It was mentioned that it was hard to find "chemo caps" locally. So, I thought, how about an Odessa hat. I think it is a beautiful hat on any given day, so why not as a chemo cap??? I hope it brightens someone's day.

PROGRESS?

Well, I'm not sure it counts as progress, but here are the two skeins of Socks That Rock all wound and ready to go...the Chevron Scarf has been on the backburner, although in the forefront of my thoughts, mainly due to a little endeavor my friends like to call a "home show". I have a friend who makes really yummy candles and really pretty jewelry, as well as a friend who makes wonderful natural soaps. We had a lot of people asking to see the goods, so instead of waiting for some sort of festival or bazaar, we decided to take the goods to the people, in their own home. It kind of works like all those kitchen goods, children's clothing parties I am sure everyone has attended. So, there is felting going on at my house....lots and lots of felting...fall bags, holiday bags, bags and bags and bags...and sadly, no Chevron Scarf...soon, though, soon...

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

There it was, sitting there all unsuspecting...two skeins of Socks That Rock...my very first skeins. I bought them to make the Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I can hardly wait to cast on! The colors are Terra Firma and Mesa...as you can see, Karma has already approved the yarn.

Oh, I got so excited about my yarn, that I almost forgot about the WIP...the Espresso Scarf. It is going fairly quickly and is a beautiful stitch pattern. The Cashmerino Aran is a lovely yarn to work with and I think it is going to make a very pretty scarf. I do think it would be even prettier in a lighter color so you could really see the stitch pattern.

Lil' Hat

A while back I came to the realization that baby socks were a much better gift idea than say blankets or sweaters. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I won't ever make sweaters or blankets, but given the time and monetary constraints, socks seem like a more practical idea. At first, I thought several pairs of socks would make a good gift...maybe even a pair for each day of the week....I then decided that what I needed was a hat/sock combo pack...thus the lil' hat. It is a pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Isn't it cute? The pattern calls for Mission Falls 1824 Cotton, but I decided to try some really yummy Manos del Uruguay Stria. Once again, I am not a fan of 100% cotton yarn...don't know what it is, but it is just a little fussy to work with. I did buy some Mission Falls Cotton as well, so maybe it will change my mind...

CAKE, ANYONE?

Upon request, here is a photo of the birthday cake. My sister came up with the idea and had it made - it was very yummy and I really hated to cut it (not really, but it sounds good)...On the knitting front, I am having fun getting the Ravelry site up, working on finishing some baby socks, and intend to make a few hats to go along with them as gifts. I am ready to move on to some bags and the Chevron Scarf ( I guess I should Knit-a-long since I joined the Knit-a-long). I may even finish the Campfire Socks (I wouldn't take that bet). Just stay tuned...

SOCKS ON A PLANE

Well, it's Labor Day, September 3rd, also my birthday...ahem...we won't be blogging about THAT! I spent the long weekend with family and yes, there was yarn involved...a birthday cake in the shape of a basket of yarn (complete w/ real needles!), yarn as gifts, and a trip to a LYS...there was knitting in public, and what I am calling "socks on a plane", a reference to this, which made me laugh out loud. I finished the colorful pair on the trip out, and made it through the gusset decreases of the purple pair on the return flight...there was a needle lost in the process - a size 0 dpn floating around somewhere on an AA Regional Jet...oh well, I did just fine w/ the 4 remaining needles...so, the sock saga continues. I am planning on gearing up on bags and maybe a scarf or two...the holidays will be here before you know it...

Little Feet

Alas, another FO. I thoroughly enjoyed knitting these little socks. It just seems too hot to knit the campfire socks...even the name is hot...BUT, I promised my sister a pair of booties as a baby gift. Instead, I decided on little socks. These are the infant size. I don't own Size 0 DPNs (probably for a good reason) so I did not make the newborn socks. These are knit in Artyarns Supermerino 4, I'm not certain, but I believe it is Color 122...very nice. I actually purchased two skeins of this yarn. Tragedy struck while attempting to wind it...looong story. Anyway, it is perfect for this project because at 191 yards a skein, an adult sock from one skein is dicey at best. The color is not as neutral as I had hoped for, but as quickly as these knit up, I will definitely make several more pairs.

By the way, I lied when I said I did not have anything else on the needles. I am working on the Clementine Shawlette in yummy Blue Sky Alpaca Silk...It is the second time around for me and this pattern so it is not quite as novel as the first time around. I did not get photos of the first one so I hope to finish this one for the record books!

Project: Bbay to Toddler Sized Socks by Miriam Felton

Yarn: Artyarns 100% Merino 4 fingering weight, Color 122

Needles: Size 1 DPNS

Modifications: None

AS PROMISED...

Here it is, Friday...I promised you pics of the recent FOs so, without further adieu, here they are...First the Sachiko Kimono Sweater by Erika Flory. How cute is this sweater? While I am not a fan of cotton yarn in general, I knit this in Lion Cotton Ease and found it to be just fine to work with. It is a 50/50 cotton acrylic blend so the hand and drape are very nice. Next, the Hedera socks. I love this pattern and I found it to be the perfect vehicle for solid yarn. I don't know about you, but I tend to get bored with solid sock yarns...So, as it stands, I only have one project on the needles, the Campfire socks...hard to believe. However, when I started knitting, I told myself that barring the occasional emergency (gifts or gotta knit now yarn), I would have no more than two projects going at one time. This was to self-police. One, to make sure I did not get bored, and two, so I would have incentive to finish something in order to start something new, and third to keep the house from being overrun by UFOs (unfinished objects). Now I getto decide on the next project. I am leaning toward felted bags - after all, I burned out the transmission on my wash machine and had to replace it...nothing like a little felting to break in a new machine!

Pattern: Sachiko Kimono Sweater (Infant size 6 mos.), by Erika Flory

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in Lime

Needles: Size 7 straight

Pattern: Hedera, by Cookie A.

Yarn: Lorna's Laces in Denim

Needles: Sz 1 DPNs

Alterations: Picot trim cuff

IT'S BEEN A WHILE...

I know, I know, I'm a bad blogger! I can't believe it has been almost a month since my last post. I don't have a really good excuse, but I did do some traveling, which included a trip to The Yarn Barn in Lawrence, Kansas (didn't buy a thing !!!!)....does that count???? I did do some KIP (knitting in public) in the airport and on the plane (which should make up for it). I also have a couple of FOs to show you, but alas, the digital camera is in New Mexico with my hubby, so you will just have to wait to get a look at them. This afternoon, my knit buddy, KS came by (bearing yummy banana nut bread) and we both decided to cast on for a pair of socks in Cherry Tree Hill DK weight...I am working on the Campfire Socks in Foxy Lady, which is mostly a red colorway (I Love RED) so I think they will be great for this winter/Christmas season...I was having a hard time deciding on my next project...it has been 100 degrees here for a week so that may be part of the problem..but I also have a lot of sock yarn just screaming to be picked up and knit, and they are all yelling "my turn, my turn"....so that is the other problem...decisions, decisions...I promise, this week I will post the FO pics...

A TRUE STORY

I went to one of my favorite yarn stores Saturday in search of some Blue Sky Alpaca Silk, and to replace my broken size 2 dpns. While I was gone, the mailman came running across the street to deliver a box. My husband was in the yard and watched as the box was dropped and rolled down the driveway, much to the dismay of the mailman. In an effort to make light of the situation, my husband told the mailman "it's ok, it's probably just yarn." JUST YARN!!! Well, in his defense, he was correct. It was, in fact, yarn. Five skeins of delicious sock yarn sent to me from The Loopy Ewe. So, for those of you who were wondering who, where, when, why and how, I give you 2 skeins of Louet Gems in Fern Green, 1 skein of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Solid in Nantucket Red, and 2 skeins of Claudia Hand Painted in Sea Dreams. I must say that the Sea Dreams is much lighter in color than I expected, but still the perfect vehicle for this sock. The other two yarns are for whatever patterns call to me from the Favorite Socks book. So, off I go to turn "just yarn" into "just socks".

DREAMING IN TECHNICOLOR SOCK YARN

My friend, KS and I have had several conversations about knitting patterns and pattern books. It seems that most, although pretty to look at and ooh and ahhhh over, contain few items that we will actually knit. It's sad to say, but true. So, we decided that it might be best if we work on a "single-pattern-as-needed-basis". Then I found this book and all that went out the window! What a wonderful collection of beautiful sock patterns. I keep turning pages and marking pages and dreaming about yarn and yarn and yarn. Today, dreams became reality....I ordered 5 skeins (yes, 5 skeins) of sock yarn from The Loopy Ewe...Yippee Skippee, I can hardly wait! So, as the I start to turn the heel on the mate to the Hedera, I am close to turning dreams into reality (or really pretty socks). Place your orders now...Christmas is only five months away!

ONE DOWN...

I finished one Hedera and I LOVE this sock. Want to know why???? because it is the best fitting sock I have made to date. Now, I know that the beauty of hand knit socks is that you can make them to fit. Well, darn it, so far I haven't really felt like doing the math! So, believe me when I say I love this sock. I think I have discovered the secret...size one needles. I am on to the second one - round two with the picot edge...

Pattern: Hedera by Cookie A.

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Denim on Size 1 DPNs

Modifications: 5-row Picot Trim at cuff

I also began my foray into the world of sock pattern design...I was into the second repeat when I snapped a Lantern Moon needle...so the project is on hold until I can get my hands on another set of needles...stay tuned!

SPINNING ROUND AND ROUND

Guess what I did today? My friend, KS, and I traveled to one of our favorite yarn stores. I can't really classify it as a LYS because is it about 160 miles away! The goal for the day was to learn to spin wool using a drop spindle. For those of you who don't know, a drop spindle is small and looks fairly harmless. Almost like a child's toy top. However, as I was soon to discover, it is not as easy as it appears. Apparently, this method has been used for at least 10,000 years...I know why...it takes that long to master the art! The class started at 11:00 a.m. and was to run to 3:00 p.m. Want to guess when I had my a-ha moment? Approximately 3:05 p.m. I enjoyed the class and learned some things, and am not at all giving in. However, do not expect a skein of sock yarn to roll off of my drop spindle any time soon! All in all, the day was good. KS got to spend some quality time with the yarn and pattern selection, and it was a pretty day for a ride. As a matter of fact, this was one of the many sites of the day.

FEATHERING YOUR NEST

For the past several weeks, we have had a family of birds nesting in the corner of our carport. There has been a lot of activity and, lately, a lot of chirpping going on. I think our little friends are about to leave the nest. My friend KS had a moment of clarity over the weekend, and she got me thinking about why people knit, and the different personalities of knitters. We had our monthly knit-in tonight and although it was a small group of 5 knitters, everyone there was a different type knitter. I tend to be a warm fuzzy knitter. It tends to make me relax. I like the feel of quality yarn and wooden needles. I like to be surrounded by baskets of yarn. I like knowing that I am creating something to adorn a friend or family member, (or myself). I like the idea that someone might think of me each time they slip into something hand made, just for them. Made by me with a warm heart and happy hands. So, I guess I am a feathering your nest kind of knitter.

PICOT BLUE

Apparently, nobody really had an opinion about what the next project should be...frankly, neither did I (HA)! I decided on the Hedera sock in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock...here is the beginning of what I believe is going to be a very pretty and very "serious" pair of socks. One thing I will tell you is if anyone ever asks you to put a picot edge on anything, tell them "not just no, but He** No!" Although it seems harmless, it causes eye strain, neck pain, joint pain and a bad attitude. No lie. Maybe it is just the fingering weight yarn and size 1 needles in the round...hmmm...anyhoo, I am now committed so there will be at least one more round of picot...I'll let you know how it goes.

MONKEY SEE...

It happened again...I finished my second Monkey and guess what...weird pooling of colors... not so much in the leg, but the foot...I have no one to blame but myself...I believe it is a gauge issue...just the smallest of variation in stitch size, and the whole thing is, for lack of a better word, whompy. See for yourself. I was worried about the size, but that doesn't seem to be as much as an issue as I had first thought...it's just a color thing. Again, I will defeat this. I have nothing on the needles right now. The Claudia's Chocolate Cherry is calling to me. However, the Hedera in a solid color seems a little more appealing right now....no chance of whompy color issues.

JUST ANOTHER TUESDAY

Well, not much new here...I blocked the Jaywalkers over the weekend and must say that not much changed. They are softer, but as size goes, mostly the same...oh well, they are now safely tucked away in the sock drawer waiting for the 90 degree weather to subside. I am almost through with the second Monkey and I believe the phenomenon continues...a much smaller second sock. I promise to address and correct this issue ( don't laugh - I stopped biting my fingernails cold turkey in the 9th grade) In the meantime, the granny square frenzy has subsided. Don't fear, I still have the acrylic next to my chair so I'll be ready when the spirit moves me. As for the yummy Claudia Handpainted Chocolate Cherry sock yarn, I believe I found the perfect vehicle...Ladies and gentlemen...drum roll please...I give you "Saucy" http://www.cidermoon.com/cm0127.html Nothing like some cables and size 2 needles to make you feel all warm and fuzzy. The next planned WIP was to be the "Hedera" socks http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATThedera.html. I just don't know if I can resist the Chocolate Cherry. Does anyone have a suggestion/opinion/give a hoot?

DON'T BE SO SQUARE

Here they are...six granny squares...1/2 of the Larger Than Life Bag. I did some math and decided that each color needed to be used three times, once as each portion of the square, and that would assure that each was different...it may be fuzzy math, but I think I can use the same "formula" and not have any two squares alike. Six more squares and then the fun begins...assembling the bag. Stay tuned.

I also stared to turn the heel on my second Monkey sock and hope to finish it soon. My sock blockers arrived from the Loopy Ewe so I should be able to block my socks and see the final product. I bought the plastic sock blockers so that they would not warp over time. They are red and actually, I think they would make great Christmas decorations hanging from some pretty ribbon :-)

GRANNY SHOT

Ok, it's not knitting...it's crochet! My mother taught me to crochet and knit a long time ago - most likely because I begged her and drove her crazy with questions. Needless to say, I didn't really keep up with either. When I decided a few years back to craft gifts for Christmas, I picked up the crochet hook. It was amazing how the stitches came back to me. However, when I discovered the knitting needles for the second time, I was hooked (no pun intended). I don't know why, but I really LOVE to knit and it makes my hands very happy. So, imagine my surprise when the Larger Than Life bag came into my life. My friend, KS, dangled the pattern in front of me, and then Cara, at January One decided to join the cause...so, here they are - the first three of twelve granny squares(1/4 of the way there!). I must say, I am enjoying putting them together and they do work up quite quickly. I am using Red Heart Soft Yarn - 100% Acrylic in six colors. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

AND...look what arrived in the mail today fromThe Loopy Ewe (www.theloopyewe.com)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! It is two skeins of the yummiest Claudia Hand Painted Yarn (Louet) in Chocolate Cherry (don't you love the name?) finerging weight, 100% merino wool...Right now I have no idea what it will be but I am enjoying just running my hands over it...stay tuned...

ANGER MANAGEMENT

I met a gal at a local yarn store who makes these fabulous felted bags. Not so much the bags themselves, but the magical needle felting she applies to them. She taught a class not long ago and I decided I needed to learn one more skill. Although I had great visions of artistic designs, I left class with not much to show but a bag full of roving, some very sharp needles and a new outlet for venting frustration. I picked it back up at home, ripped out the first attempt, and ended up with something I could live with. All this to keep a promise I had made to the local chamber of commerce - a bag they could auction at their annual fundraiser. Well, a few weeks and a few drops of blood later (did I mention the needles are VERY SHARP?) I produced a bag and I am proud to report it brought a pretty decent price on silent auction.

RAINY DAYS AND MONKEYS...

Ok, ok, so the song goes "rainy days and Mondays always get me down" Well, nothing depressing about a rainy day here - we have not had rain for at least a month...it rained and rained and rained and it was glorious! It was a perfect day to finish my first Monkey. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html. I love this pattern and it was the perfect vehicle for some Cherry Tree Hill (I think the colorway is Monet - I lost the band) I have no idea what project this yarn was intended for, but it was probably an impulse buy because the colors are yummy. I think it looks like fruity pebbles...anyway, here's the monkey...This sock is a little big on the Sz 2's so I think the next pair will be on Size 1 needles. It is a very stretchy pattern so I think it will be fine. If not, I'll find someone with a very narrow foot and very thin calves ;-)

Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock (Monet?) 1 Skein

Needles: US Sz. 2 DPNs

LEARNING CURVE

Not much throws me when it comes to tackling a new project. If it does not turn out quite as expected, well, I chalk that up to a lesson learned. This is true of my first pair of Jaywalkers http://magknits.com/Sept05/patterns/jaywalker.htm. There was so much talk about these socks I knew I just had to make a pair. I found some gorgeous Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock and decided to treat myself to some personal knitting after the Christmas bustle. I finished the first sock in Topeka around Groundhog day. I finished the second sock last week (yup, MAY)... Lesson Learned: Do not hesitate! Knit the second sock and SOON! Wellllllll.....hmmmmm...see for yourself. The second sock turned out much nicer than the first. The striping pattern in the yarn is as it is supposed to be - the first one is kind of blotchy. The tension in the second sock is a little tighter - I think...it could be the first one is somewhat stretched out from being worn and admired...I have not blocked them yet, and that may make a difference. All in all, I don't think anyone else will notice when I slip these bad boys into a clog this winter, but I know they aren't as they were intended. Still, it's all good :-)
Yarn: Lorna's Lace - Shepherd Sock - 2 skeins
Needles: US Sz 1 DPN's (a/k/a Toothpicks)

TOO WARM FOR WOOL

In my world, you get a whole month to celebrate your birthday. Mostly because, well, honestly, the gifts don't always arrive or go out in a timely fashion. One of my best friends requested a scarf for her birthday, which was last week. Not a nice linen or cotton scarf. Not a nice pastel, summery, wispy scarf, but a true SCARF. What kind of goofball asks for a wool scarf in May? Alas, I did not want to disappoint, thus, the Argosy Scarf http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTargosy.html. I must say, it turned out quite nicely and she loved it. So, while it is 97 degrees right now, one day it will be cold enough to enjoy the Argosy.
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Lite (3 skeins)
Needles: US Sz 7 Straight