Nurse Shar Knits

Wicked!!

2008-03-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

She's done,the fit is great, I love it!

Wicked
Zephrygirls
Artyarns Supermerino
Size 8 options
Start 2/17/08
Finished 3/8/08

Not much going on around here, I'm desperate to start a simple brown cardi, Scoop from Chicknits,but I'm trying to talk myself into finishing my Gathered pullover first. I only have the sleeves to finish and I plan on doing those at the same time. However, my brown sweater bit the dust and I need another one now.
Decisions, decisions... Maybe I'll do a little swatch.

Stitches west 08

2008-02-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

Too bad we are not on G with the ABC along, because for me stitches west = G is for gluttony. I kinda over did it a little, which mean I will try not to add to my stash the rest of the year.

I had such a good time this year. I went to all of the events, the fashion show, student banquet etc, and I met a lot of awesome knitters.

I learned so much at the classes, more of that later. I think my flickr
stitches west set says it all.

Now I need to rest.

C is for

2008-02-11T00:23:00.000-08:00

Clapotis!!!!

Done, and I love it. Finally, I've wanted to knit this since I started knitting. It wasn't finished on the cruise because I left the last skein at home....I don't know how I did it either. There really wasn't a lot of time to knit because of all of the ports we visited and it was rather warm on the ship most of the time. After I knit as far as I could on Clapotis, I pulled out the gathered pullover and worked on it. I have to finish the right front, then it's on to the sleeves.

Here are the stats:

Clapotis, Knitty.com
Brooks Farm Four play
size 9 knit pick's Harmony needles
Started, 1/21/08
Finished 2/10/08

B is for

2008-02-11T00:14:00.000-08:00

Brandon,
My youngest child and only son doing what he loves best, playing basketball.

We're back from the cruise, tired and exhausted. I missed posting for the ABC along because of the vacation.

Bet you can't guess what my C will be...

Still obsessed

2008-01-26T23:40:00.000-08:00

and almost done. I probably won't finish before we leave for the airport tomorrow night, but it may be done before we land in Puerto Rico. I have 2 hours of airport knitting and 6 hours on the plane to work on it. I usually can't sleep when I fly so I plan to knit.
Off to pack now.

Obsessed

2008-01-22T22:20:00.000-08:00

I thought my next project would be the Gathered pullover. I started it as soon as I finished the Harmony sweater,I made quite a bit of progress
and then I reviewed my Ravelry queue. I was looking for projects to take on our anniversary cruise. You know that agonizing decision, how many projects do I take, big, small, simple, wool or cotton. My thoughts and sights fixed on clapotis. I've wanted to knit it since I first started knitting. 3 years and 1 aborted attempt and now I'm obsessed. I'm determined to finish it before the cruise so I can wear it and enjoy it. Although we're cruising Southern Caribbean and I know it's expected to be 75-80 degrees, inside on the ship the air is usually so low, I freeze. What better way to stay warm.
Wish me luck, we leave Sunday night. I envision a lot of late night, lunch and early morning knitting....and I still have to decide what knitting to take.

Finished

2008-01-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

TA!! DA!!

I met my goal and finished seaming the Harmony sweater last weekend. I'm very happy with the finished results. I've had such a phobia regarding seaming, which led to major avoidance of a lot of great sweater patterns. I can now say, I'm no longer afraid. One thing I did not realize is that it takes so long. I figured an hour or 2, wrong.

Pattern Stats and observations:
Harmony Cardigan Pattern from Trendsetter Yarns
Size 36
12 skeins Trendsetter Harmony Yarn
Size 10 addis.

The pattern was straight forward, however, there are no schematics on the pattern. When I was ready to block, I guess-timated what I thought would work. It worked out, but since it was my first time, I was unsure the whole time it was blocking.Thankfully I read Marie Grace's post on blocking and setting in sleeves the day before, what a confidence booster!
There is no finishing on the neckline so I added a slip stitched crochet edging to finish it off. The biggest problem..they totally overestimated the amt of yardage needed. I had 4 EXTRA skeins left ( actually 6, when I bought the pattern I thought about knitting a bigger size). Now I routinely buy at least 1 extra skein, but 4...I've already returned the extras.

Up next, Gathered pullover.

Sundays are for seaming

2008-01-13T09:30:00.000-08:00

...after basketball, a trip to Joannes for buttons and a trip to Costco for major grocery shopping, but after all that, Ill seam up my Harmony sweater. It's finally dry and I can't wait, wish me luck, this will be my first major seaming project.

I also finished one sleeve of the hubby sweater. The sleeve looks HUGE, I hope it fits, I really don't want to rip it.

A is for Amber

2008-01-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

According to dictionary.com

Amber: A hard translucent yellow, orange, or brownish-yellow fossil resin, used for making jewelry and other ornamental objects.

According to me:

This is my beautiful daughter, my Amber.

I've joined the abc along to help motivate me to post.

Oh, I did complete my goal for Saturday. I sat and knit most of the day. The back and both fronts are blocking now. I should finish to sleeves today. Next goal is to have a completed sweater by the weekend.

Saturdays are for knitting

2008-01-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday and raining; must be time to knit.
Goal: 1. Sit on chair ALL day and knit.
2. Cast on sleeves and make a lot of progress.
3. Occasional breaks for meals and biology.

Let's see how well I accomplish these goals.

Later!

It's a new day....

2008-01-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

and a new year. Happy New Year to all!!
I haven't been blogging, but I have been knitting.
I'm working on a new sweater for me. I saw the completed version in my LYS and I had to have it. So far, the back and both fronts are done. I plan to knit both sleeves at once, if all goes well, I'll have a new sweater soon.

I haven't finished the hubby's sweater, for some reason I have no motivation to finish it, despite some under the breath comments from him. I'm gonna try to work on it and gift it to him on our anniversary cruise later this month.

I don't do resolutions, but my hopes for this new year are to put more of my "free" time into knitting. I'm working on reducing my stash. I've sold some things on ravelry, and I plan to put more goodies up over the next weekend. I also want to slow down on buying until I'm "ready" to start a new project.

Many blessings to all, thanks for sticking with this rare blogger.

Just in time

2007-11-22T00:44:00.000-08:00

The dining room floor is all done and not a moment too soon.

Wednesday morning 8am:

Wednesday night 8pm:

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Major stash sale

2007-11-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

Just in time for those xmas gifts!

Check out my trade/sell tab or Ravelry, or my flikr account.

Thanks

Back from Hiatus

2007-11-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

I'm back from an unexpected hiatus, I haven't been anywhere, just haven't had the will to post. Now that I'm on ravelry, I'm not sure if I should maintain the old blog. In one respect, I love blogging because it enables me to meet you folks that love knitting the way I do, on the other hand, I'm not a prolific writer and trying to think of what to say sometimes puts me off. If there's anyone out there that would like to share a blog, I'm up for that.

What have I been up to? Well work has been hectic and I'm still negotiating a new contract, so that's taken a lot of my time and energy. I have been knitting, which has allowed me to keep my sanity.
I've finished my monkey socks and a couple of these seaman caps.

Current works in progress:
I'm 1 1/2 sleeve away from finishing the hubby's sweater.

I've started started the tangled yoke sweater, unfortunately, I'm thinking of frogging because I really don't like knitting with silky wool.

Next up my new crafting hobby, quilting.
My most local yarn store is actually a quilting store and every time I shop for new yarn, the pretty fabric calls out to me. I finally succumbed and bought this cute mini purse kit.
After I finished it, I decided to try my hand at a baby quilt for my daughters best friend's baby. I've already signed up for classes so stay tuned for more progress.

Our biggest work in progress is this,

My hubby ripped up the carpet in the dining room and is putting down tile. Deadline is Tuesday, we are expecting 30 people for Thanksgiving dinner, wish us luck.

That's about it. Coming soon, a hugh stash sale.

Success!!

2007-09-11T20:54:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited, I finished my Indigo Ripples skirt and it's my favorite knit to date. I wore it to work today, my negotiations skirt, and I received nothing but great compliments. A successful knit does a lot for a knitters confidence.

I made some mods based on feedback from knitters on Ravelry.

Indigo Ripples skirt
Interweave Spring 2007
11 skeins Rowan Denim
Size 5 Knit picks options

1. I substituted sssk for the sl1k2togpsso.
2. I knit 16 1/2 inches of the stockinette portion.
3. I knit 50 rows of the lace then knit the ruffle.
4. I crocheted the tie with the yarn doubled.

The ruffle and the bind off takes FOREVER, but it's worth it. I love the finished results!!

Sockapalooza??

2007-08-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

Sockapalooza???
No I didn't join, but I did receive some socks from the very gracious Michelle from Miknits. She originally knit these gorgeous socks for her sock pal. As she finished the first sock, she had second thoughts because her pal stated she didn't like neon socks. Michelle offered up the socks to the first person who asked for them, and that would be me. I'm the proud owner of these Speedway socks knit with vesper yarn. I have them on lock down, because my daughter thinks they should be hers. So many many thanks to Michelle for not frogging and sending them to me.

One Monkey down

2007-07-30T06:24:00.000-07:00

One to go. I finished the first Monkey sock 2 weeks ago and the second sock is on the needles and has become my negotiations sock. I'm involved with some heavy union negotiations at work and we meet 3 days a week to "hash" things out. I was a little hesitant to knit during this meeting, but the first 3 days were all training. I got there early the first day, so I pulled out my sock and knit until the meeting started. Then at each break and lunch I pulled it out again. I didn't want anyone to think I wasn't paying attention, so I didn't knit during the meeting. By the third day, I knit throughout. Everyone is fascinated with watching the sock progress, which made me much more comfortable and gave me the courage to keep knitting during the presentations. Once we really get involved, I may have to put it away, but we'll see.

I'm also working on the Indigo Ripples skirt, I'm on the mindless stockinette portion which makes great TV knitting.

I made the mistake in taking my daughter, the 14 year old, with me to the yarn store. Mistake, because I acquired another project. It's not like I don't have a lot of projects on my to do list, just check out my ravelry queue. She just had to have this bucket bag purse, which she initially wanted for her birthday, no sweat that's the end of September, by the time we made it home, the end of September turned into the end of August. She wants it for the first day of school. I guess the skirt will go on the back burner. Here's a photo, it's very cute, she saw the shop sample and fell in love. The bottom is finished and ready for seaming, then pick up the edges and knit up the sides.

Fifi is still waiting in the wings. I'll cast on when the skirt is finished.

Ok, off to work for now.

Finally got that Monkey off my back

2007-07-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

NO, not my monkey socks, my neckdown KP&S top down cardigan.

Knit with Cashsoft DK, I don't remember how many skeins. This yarn is so soft, and it grows with blocking. After looking at my archives I realized I've been knitting this since October. Why did it take me so long.... well, this became my mindless, soccer knitting. When I got home, I always put it down for another project. That's when I had 3,4,5, things going at once. I decided to stop that foolishness and concentrate on one thing at a time and now it's done! Finito.
I decided not to add the ties to the neckline, instead I have some pewter clasps to use as a closure. I just have to look through my supplies to find them.

Overall, impressions: it's a very easy and mindless pattern, and if you knit it consistently, it really wouldn't take that long. I'm happy with the end result.

Whew!!

2007-06-28T08:29:00.001-07:00

I'm currently in the midst of a 2 week vacation. Unfortunately, we are not going anywhere this summer. I'm trying to get all of the "spring cleaning" done, that I didn't do in the spring. So far, I've cleaned and organized the hall closet "aka stash closet".
That was an eye opener, I realize I have a healthy stash, but ummm it's really healthy. However, it didn't stop me from adding to said stash yesterday.
I visited a new LYS and I couldn't walk out empty handed. I bought some sock yarn, and this beautiful alpaca silk." Eventually, it will be an Icarus.

I made another stop to pick up some Rowan denim for the Indigo ripples skirt."> I've been obsessing about knitting this for a few weeks now. I'm resisting casting on until I finish the cardigan,( 1/2 of a sleeve left) and cast on for Fifi.
Speaking of Fifi, I've knit a swatch ready to cast on.
Lastly, after seeing these everywhere, I've joined the crowd.Monkeys">

Enough, I'm off to knit, and plan my next yarn store crawl.

Up next

2007-06-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

Fifi:
The pattern picture does not do justice this this number. I would have never considered this top if I had not seen Nonnahs or Tetenknits finished objects on Ravelry. I will definitely add length to this number, but otherwise no changes.
I just need to swatch and block and I'll be ready to start this by the weekend.

Flickr

2007-06-10T20:37:00.001-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Finished vest

2007-06-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

I'm reposting this from the fitted knits along blog.
I finished my turtleneck vest and I love the results. I shortened the turtleneck to 3 inches, which is perfect for our California weather. Other mods: I added 2 inches to the length and I did increases from techknitting's website instead of the recommended ones in the pattern.

Contemplating crochet

2007-06-06T11:21:00.000-07:00

I learned the very basics of crochet when I was 11 or 12. My best friend's mom taught us how to chain, single crochet and double crochet. I vaguely remember crocheting a bright yellow vest. I remember being very proud of myself at the time.
Now 30+ years later, I think it's time to really learn how to crochet and read patterns. I've been following the weekly crochet lessons on crafty daisies blog. I've been checking out all of the >larger than life bags around blogland and I'm thinking about making one of these as well.

Yesterday I bought my first crochet book, all of the hooks and yarn.

Tonight I plan to cast on (?) chain on? Whatever it's called.

An invite

2007-06-05T07:29:00.000-07:00

The turtleneck vest is blocking, pre blocking I'm very pleased with the results. I should have a FO picture later today once it's dry. Here's a few pics.

I got my invite from Ravelry yesterday and I've been spending a lot of time familiarizing myself with the site. It has a lot of great features. I guess there is some kinda controversy because of the invites. Some folks believe it's an exclusive club and you have to be one of the "in" bloggers to get an invite. Nonsense in my opinion. I signed up the first or second day it was announced, I am by no means a popular blogger and I've been accepted. I guess some are just impatient.

Next up, I'm not sure, finish my cardi, rusted root, socks, or maybe a chevron scarf...

Tag, you're it!!

2007-05-23T00:31:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged to complete the 7 random facts meme. I'm sure you all know how it goes, so here's my entry.

1. I have 50 pair of shoes, if I buy another I have to get rid of one. My shoes are kept in nice plastic shoe boxes with a poloroid picture of the shoes on the outside of the container.

2. On my husband and my first date, we swore to each other that we would never marry again... We were married a little over one year later.

3. I secretly thought those pet owners that talk non stop about their dogs or cats were a little crazy. I'm now one of those crazy pet owners that talks a lot about my dog.

4. I hate to take medicine. At least 3 out of 7 days I forget to take my DAILY thyroid pill.

5. My favorite place to be is home. I love my neigborhood and my house.

6. I like to eat out and go to the movies alone. I hate when people talk to me during movies.

7. I don't like to wear makeup, lipstick in particular. The first thing I do when I come home is to wash my face and remove all traces of makeup.

Ok, If you haven't done it and you are so inclined, TAG you're it.

An end to monagamy.........No not yet

2007-05-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

There's been some unexpected cheating going on. I misplaced my Kp&s cardigan last week. It may be at work or in the back of my car under all of the soccer gear. I haven't had the inclination to clean out and search the car so I started a new project.
It should be a quick knit( note to self you have to knit for things to be a quick knit).
I've been watching this at the fitted knits KAL and since I had the book and the yarn in my stash, I had to knit one for myself.

I shortened the neck from 5 to 3 inches and I just started the back. I plan to work on his until it's done and then I'll look for the cardi to finish.

Just a look

2007-04-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

My thoughts as I drove by Michael's to drop my puppy off at the groomers. I thought I'd take a look to see if they had the new Cotton Ease. I wanted to see the colors in person. This is what just a look leads to.

5 skeins each of Lake, Snow and Violet.

Considering Monogamy

2007-04-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

I've been in a blah mood. I'm trying to focus on finishing projects, so I can enjoy new projects without the guilt. I finished the blue sky tank, and hated it. I added length but it's still not long enough and it was not flattering at all. It's in the basket to be frogged.
Next up were socks that have been lingering on the needles since December. Well here they are in all their glory. My daughter promptly claimed them as soon as they were off the needles. These were knit from yarn from one of the not so local yarn stores, La Petite Knittiere hand dyed merino from Capistrano Fiber Arts studio.

I have one and a half sleeves left on my top down cardi. This has become my soccer tournament knitting, thankfully we have another tournament on the weekend so I'll be able to knock out alot of knitting on the sleeves.

My last WIP is my forest canopy shawl. I'm just not loving it. I'm reconsidering the whole triangle shape and I don't love the colors in the yarn. I've put that to the side. It seems a shame to frog when it's almost done, but will I ever use it??

Since I only have the one true project, the cardi, I'm considering maintaining one project at a time, sort of. It's been frustrating dividing my attention between all of the projects. I'm also frustrated with not finishing anything, which deters me from wanting to post on the blog. I've decided for the next few months to try to have one home project and one work lunch time sock project. I'll leave those at work to knit if I don't have meetings. Not quite monogamy, but a lil sock on the side doesn't count.

Up next another cardigan, either CPH, Audrey from hot knits, or if it releases soon the new cardi from ChicKnits.

Later..

New Aquisitions

2007-03-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of traffic from the USPS this past week. I've limited my yarn purchases since Stitches West, but I can't say the same for books. This is what arrived this week.

I shouldn't have any need to buy another pattern or book for the next.....5 years. These goodies have joined the rest of these in my book case.

On finished object news, 2 are blocking and 2 to go.
I think I can reward myself and start a new project.

That's it!!!!!

2007-03-21T21:54:00.000-07:00

No NEW PROJECTS!!!!!
I started Flair, but frogged due to a mistake, then I decided to put the time into finishing some projects that are very near completion instead of starting a new one. I have four projects that are so close, a sock, a shawl, a tank and a sweater, all crying out to me to just do it and finish. I'm committing my self to working on these, nothing new until at least 2 are done. As soon as that happens, I'll start the Central park hoodie. There's no soccer this weekend and the hubby has plans to go 4 wheeling Saturday. I'll be able to knit uninterrupted all day.

Wish me luck.

2 FO's

2007-03-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

Productive week, just not of the knitting kind. I finished the 2 books that I was anxiously awaiting.Both were excellent.

I finished swatching for flair. Now on to knitting. We have a full weekend of soccer, so all of the stockinette will come in handy.

Wicked misbehaving

2007-03-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

It's been a long time since I've had a weekend free. Usually we spend both days with Soccer and basketball. Somehow, we had no plans for either day. If you think that sounds like a knitting weekend, you'd be right.
I spent most of Saturday, swatching for Flair and knitting Wicked. I took an unscheduled 3 hour nap mid day, but other than that, I knit most of the day. Today, after Church, grocery shopping and lunch, I sat down to do more knitting on Wicked. I completed all of the Raglan increases, took it off the needles and tried it on. The good news, I was pleased with the fit, I was between 2 sizes and wasn't sure which to go for,... the bad news, I can't stand the pooling on the collar area. Once I finished the ribbing, I decided to alternate skeins to break up the pooling. Unfortunately, I should have done that from the beginning. When I tried it on, I kept fiddling with the top portion, because it looked as if it was folded over.

I contemplated leaving it like that for a few minutes, knew it would bother me to no end, so Wicked is on a time out. She will be ripped and knit up again, in a solid. Switching between 2 skeins was getting on my last nerve... Arrghh,

Before stitches, I may have left it and settled. But, I've decided I want to be a better knitter and improve my skills. In order to do this, I forsee a lot of ripping in my future.

Wicked = time out
Up next, central park hoodie, or Flair....

Actually,this and this releases on Tues.

Knitting may be on hold until Friday.

Part 2: The classes

2007-03-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

One of the major reasons I go to Stitches is for the classes. Don't get me wrong, the market place is awesome, but most of what I bought I could of ordered on line. The classes, you can't get anywhere. Many of the instructors are famous authors. I have many of their books in my library. They are my role models.
So, anyway, I signed up for a full weekend of classes.

Friday: Superb seams and Advanced finishing with Margaret Fisher.
Within the first 5 minutes I felt that I got my money's worth. I've avoided knitting garments that needed seaming, because I was never confident I was doing it right. I didn't want to invest all of that time knitting, seam it, and be disappointed with the end result.
In superb seams we learned all of the seaming techniques, plus some tricks in how to pin the garment together, and how to ease effectively.

Advanced finishing, built on the superb seam class. We learned short rows for shoulders, various selvedge stitches and cast on techniques. I learned the knitted cast on, tubular cast on and bind off and various ways to graft seams.

Sat I took the fully fashioned and fabulous class form Melissa Leapman.
This class focused on full fashioned shaping and incorporating shaping into the design of the garment. Another great class. Melissa had a lot of her sweaters from some of her books to demonstrate the techniques we worked on. It's great to see the whole picture in a finished garment.

My second class was Basic Intarsia, from Nancy Wiseman. Her finishing techniques book was one of the first books I bought when I started knitting. All I can say is, I'm no longer afraid of Intarsia and I know how to do the Intarsia twist so as not to get holes.

On the last day, I took troublesome armholes from Judy Pascale. This class was FULL of great tips on adjusting patterns to get your sleeves to fit perfectly. We learned how to change your pattern and knit your sleeve from the cap down. This involves an "interesting" algebraic(sp?) formula to set up the appropriate decreases. This may be a technique to try next year.

Lastly I took Tricks and tips from Lily Chin. Yes, Lily Chin. We had such a blast. She's great! I can't tell you how many great tips she shared with us. Some include, knitting on buttons, adding beads without pre-stranding, and a whole list of others.

The plus side to taking these classes are the little tips you learn that aren't in books. Off hand comments the instructor makes that are great little helps to make your garment nicer.

One theme that was echoed by ALL of the instructors was to knit a full gauge swatch. Yea, every pattern says to do it, but I have resisted. I always knit a mini swatch, you know 3 or 4 rows, to "confirm" that the needle I thought will work does.
Well after stitches, I've decided to turn over a new leaf. Not only will I take the time to knit a swatch, I will wash and block it as well.

Part 3: The results

I'm officially a SWATCHER.
2 swatches for my next project, CPH, in Cascade 220 and Artyarns supermerino for Wicked.

2007-02-27T07:29:00.000-08:00

Part 1: The loot

I arrived at Stitches West late Thursday Eve. I remembered from last year how important it is to get there for the Thursday night preview to get a good look at the
goods. Last year I browsed on the first night and once I decided what I wanted and went back to buy it on Saturday, it was gone. I was determined that wouldn't happen to me again. I'd prepared a list of the goods I wanted to get a look at that have been receiving some buzz around the blogs lately. Namely, sea silk.
As soon as the doors opened, I went straight to the blue moon fibers website to purchase some lightweight socks that rock. Next, on to Brook Farms, to fondle some four play, 1/2 silk, 1/2 wool... Oh so yummy. My next search was for the elusive sea silk. Just as I was about to give up, I spotted it, and it is so lovely.

Take a look at a sample of the goods.

Next: Part 2, The Classes
Then: Part 3, The results.
See ya, off to work.

Next: Part 2, The Classes
Then: Part 3, The results.
See ya, off to work.

Home sweet home

2007-02-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

We're back from Hawaii. What was supposed to be 5 days at sea, 5 days on the Islands, and 5 days at sea coming home. Unfortunately, turned it into, 7 days at sea, 3 days on the Islands, and 5 days coming home. We were unable to get off the ship in Kauai and Maui. It was a bummer, but the weather was frightful. High winds and rough seas prevented the ship from docking at one port and us from tendering on the second port. All in all, even with the disappointment, we had a good time. We spent a lot of time together, talking, playing cards reading, and knitting for me.

I managed to complete the blue sky's alpaca tank, all that's left is the blocking and seaming, one sock, and 13 of 20 repeats of the Forest canopy shawl. I hope to finish the shawl prior to Stitches West next weekend.

I'll leave you with a Hawaiian Waterfall.

Aloha!!!!

2007-01-25T22:42:00.000-08:00

We are finally off to Hawaii via Princess Cruise's. I'm trying to pack now, and I'm obsessed with packing enough yarn and projects to knit on the cruise. See ya all in 15 days. Regular blogging to commence when I return.

It's a New Day

2007-01-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to report a finished object. Those have been so scarce around here that I should rejoice out loud.

I finished the hubby's scarf.I had a reprieve because we decided not to exchange Christmas gifts this year. Our anniversary is next month, 17 yrs, and we are taking a 2 week Hawaiian cruise, so that is our Xmas and anniversary present all in one. Since we decided not to exchange, I slowed down on the stealth knitting. I finished his scarf on New Years day. Next I'm going to knit a cap or mittens to match.

I'm not one for New Years resolutions, but one thing I plan to do this year is knit more and knit from my stash. I'm not going to join the knit from your stash group, because I don't plan to deprive myself. If I choose to buy yarn I 'm not going to beat myself up over it.

Here's one of my super cool Xmas gifts that I bought for myself.
It's an e-book reader, or as my daughter calls it, a book pod. So far, I have about 20 books loaded. It's going to come in handy on my cruise. I won't have to pack 20 books and take up valuable yarn space.

A new member of the family

2006-12-20T06:51:00.000-08:00

Isn't he adorable.

We welcomed him to our family last night. The kids were thrilled. They've asked for a dog for years, but we vetoed the idea because of my son's and my hubby's asthma.
We reevaluated that decision after visiting and staying with relatives that had a "hypoallergenic" breed. Neither my son or hubby were bothered by their dog.

This led to a lot of internet research on my part to find a breed with the same qualities and to Dash, he's a cavachon (bichon & cavalier mix), so far, no problems with either of the men in my life.

How much is too much?

2006-12-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

How much is too much to pay for a pattern?

I bought this book this weekend just to get this pattern.

I want to knit a few of these for my girls in the next few weeks.

Unfortunately, I had to buy the whole book just to get the darn pattern. I couldn't resist, although, I've tried.

How many times has this happened to you?

Well this pattern cost $19.

I guess $19 was not too much.

Testing

2006-12-15T14:38:00.000-08:00

I "upgraded" to beta blogger and I wanted to test a few of the features. Just ignore me for now.

Kicking and screaming

2006-12-12T06:02:00.000-08:00

I've been dragged, kicking and screaming into the Christmas gift knitting trap. My wonderful hubby on two different occasions, has hinted that he would like to have a knitted scarf. His exact words, "it's a shame with all the knitting that you do, I don't have a nice warm scarf to wear".... said on our way out to our son's soccer game Saturday night in 40+ degree weather. The second comment came when he "fondled" my latest scarf project, knit with malibrigo and mohair, and said, "hmmm this must be my new scarf". NOT....

So, that led me to some stash enhancement where I picked up this beautiful cashmerino yarn, in a nice manly grey/blue This will be his new soft, warm scarf. Pattern from last minute knitted gifts, men's cashmere scarf.

My only problem is I will have to do the stealth knitting, early am, late night and on my lunch hour.

Oh well, he's worth it. I'm actually planning to knit some nice warm mittens to match.

Keep moving

2006-11-20T05:39:00.000-08:00

Cause not much going on here. I'm swamped with work and the training of a new employee. As soon as this is done, I should have more time for knitting.
The only thing I've managed to do is knit up about another 4 inches on the cardi and I've done some minor stash enhancement. See not much going on.
Oh, BTW, I signed up for stitches west again this year. I'm taking classes everyday. I'm working on improving the skills. I'm gonna try not to buy much at the market, concentrating on things I can't usually get.

Thankfully, it's Thanksgiving week, which means I'll have 2 potential additional days to knit. This year we're going to my brother's for dinner. I'm debating if I can get away with taking my socks to knit.

More later in the week, maybe a finished cardi...

Toe ups

2006-11-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

Not much knitting going on around here. I've been in a reading mood and that takes away from the knitting. The top down cardi and the forest canopy shawl have made minimal progress.
I've spent some time trying to improve my skills lately. I took a toe up sock and short row heels class a few weeks ago from one of the not so LYS's; just in time for the beautiful Sundara sock club package arrival. This month's pattern is a toe up one. Unfortunately, I'm not confident enough, and I don't want to ruin that gorgeous yarn, to cast on for that project. I'm using some hand dyed superwash, from one of the not so local yarn stores, that I bought last month instead for my first attempt. I'm been procrastinating starting these because of the provisional cast on. I found this tutorial and it seems the easiest of them all. Around 9 last night I decided to go for it and I cast on.

I love the colors, and it goes with my sock pouch. These are my lunchtime knitting. We'll see how fast I can knit them up if I knit them exclusively on my lunch hour.

No holiday knitting for me, instead I'm shooting for quite a few finished items off my ever growing list

New arrival

2006-10-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Beautiful!!

A finished object?

2006-10-18T22:59:00.000-07:00

NOT, seems I forgot to put the thumb stitches on waste yarn. I kept knitting away, bound off the top, then... Oops. Oh well frogging to commence soon.

Instead of frogging right away, I started the next project on my list.

Avoidance.. Yea sometimes that's a good thing.

More purchases for potential avoidance moments.

A few Wip's

2006-10-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

Just a little bit of what I'm working on.
My main project was the cardi, that is, until I went to my son's night soccer game last weekend. Let's just say brrr it was cold, and my fetching handwarmers, just weren't quite enough. So, I cast on for the mittens and a new scarf. This malibrigo, is very soft and warm. Perfect for our "cold", California evenings.

Thanks

2006-10-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

for all the warm birthday wishes. I really appreciate it. Some minor stash enhancement occurred...yea I know, but it's for specific projects that will commence as soon as I'm done with my current project. Pictures and a real knitting post later.

It's that day again

2006-10-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday... to me, 43 years old today. I'm off for my yearly morning at the spa. Today I'm pampering myself with a salt and hot rocks massage. After, a mini yarn store crawl, then an early dinner out with the family. See ya all later!!

Books books books

2006-09-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

So in my effort to control/limit indiscriminate purchasing of yarn (that I will never have time to knit up), I've been increasing my library. Here are a few of my most recent purchases.
I've followed the blog tour of Lisa Kartus, author of knit fix, and I couldn't resist adding it to my references. I've found the answers to many of my problems in this book. I love how she identifies the problem and gives you the fix in simple easy to follow steps. I've used it many times already.

I've decided to knit a few things for my co-worker's baby, starting with some bibs from MDK. I found this pretty baby blanket pattern in this baby book.
I want to make it for her using some of my cotton ease stash, however, although she isn't due until December, the baby shower is next Friday and there is no way I'll be finish in time. I may knit it and gift it on her last day of work, or when she delivers. One of the "perks" with working at a hospital is that you have absolutely no privacy when you deliver. Labor and delivery is just across the hall from my department and we always "visit" before, during and after everyone's birth.

I'm off work today due to a nasty head cold and my nyquil is kicking in now. Off to sleep for a while and later I'll dig out some cotton ease.
***ETA*** Lion brand is bringing cotton ease back with new colors!!

Tomorrow, another birthday for my youngest daughter.

Are you ready for some futbol?

2006-09-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. Soccer season has commenced. Both my son and daughter are playing every Sat for the next two months. In preparation, I've started getting my gear ready. Ready for the freezing cold days, while I sit and watch, and hopefully knit. Exhibit number 1... Fetching from knitty. I added an extra cable repeat to cover more of the fingers and I couldn't wrap my brain around the picot bind off, so I did a regular one.

Next up.... maybe some mittens.

Mission accomplished

2006-09-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Happy 20th birthday!!

It was difficult to knit without my eldest daughter's knowledge. I had to do a lot of very late night and early morning knitting. I'd intended to knit during my lunch hour as well, but I had so many last minute lunch meetings that made that goal impossible. However, I did it, she was surprised and she loved it.

Gift knitting is very stressful, I don't know how you all do it. Although, I'm contemplating doing some baby gift knitting for a co-worker.

Birthday wishes

2006-08-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

We've entered the family birthday season. It began yesterday with the first. We celebrated our daughter's 19th birthday. Now every 2 weeks for the next 6 there will be a birthday in the house. Here she is with her best buddies before we went out to dinner yesterday.

This has spurred me to finish long ago request. My other daughter requested a scarf last winter/spring. Unfortunately, I haven't got around to it. Well her birthday is next and I thought I'd surprise her with this.

I've been working on it when she's not around so she won't see it until she opens the gift. That has meant a lot of late night, early morning and knitting at work to complete it on time. Wish me luck.

Out of the mouths of babes

2006-08-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

Why don't you stop reading about knitting and knit...Per my 13 year old daughter.
We spent the day Saturday reorganizing the stash. I've been thinking that my stash was getting a lil out of hand. I had various stash hiding places around the place. Some was in a bedroom dresser drawer, the garage, a hall closet and the patio room. I decided to take the time to go through it all and catalogue it. This is it all on the patio floor. Much more than I realized. Here are some of the highlights.

The whole enchilada:
Cottonease:

Koigu:
Lorna Laces:
Various Sock yarns:

I plan to post some of it at the destashing blog later in the week.
One of the things I realized is I have two various buying habits.
1. I buy for specific projects. Once I see a project that I like, I'm obsessed with the thought of buying the yarn/pattern etc until I buy it.
2. Impulse buying, if I hear of a yarn sale, of the perfect yarn that everyone is coveting, I have to buy some just in case. The first habit I can live with, the second I realized turns out to be most of the yarn I plan to sell.

So, what have I learned? No more impulse buying without a specific project in mind.
Now you didn't think I'd say that I was going on a yarn diet. That would be absurd. :)

Despite my best efforts.....

2006-08-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

Some minor stashing occurred this week. I happened to drive by a not so local yarn store Wed and I couldn't resist the urge to stop. I picked up a few treats for a couple of patterns that I've had my eyes on. I love the colors in the Katia Jamaica. I'm very close to some finished objects, so now I'm at that point of trying to determine what to knit next.

**Update** My son and mother in law are doing great. There were no lasting side effects from the accident. Thanks for all of the kind words.

Mom........... Everyone's ok

2006-08-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Not exactly what you expect to hear when you receive a call on your cell phone from your 19 year old daughter. However, those were the words she said to me when she called to tell me that my mother in law and my son were in a car accident yesterday. After a deep sigh of relief and my heart rate calmed down, I proceeded to ask ok what happen. This is when it temporarily got worse. Apparently, my MIL car was hit by a car from out of nowhere ..... Her car proceeded to spin, a couple of times, deploying both air bags, finally stopped facing the wrong way on a major local street. Both were taken to the hospital via ambulance and observed for many hours. Thank God, both were only banged up and bruised, but essentially ok. My daughter, who was not with them at the time, happened to call my MIL just after the accident occurred. She immediately drove to the scene and made the call to let me know what happened.
It just so happens, I was nearby with another daughter, and was able to get to the hospital quickly.

Today I stayed home from work to keep a close eye on both of them, they are indeed fine. I've spent most of the morning counting my blessings and thanking God for airbags. Without them, the outcome would not have been good. Oh and the car.... It's totaled, but who cares it's replaceable. My family isn't.

All I want to do is knit.......

2006-08-05T20:33:00.000-07:00

But, I don't. Actually there is a reason. I've been working my butt to the bone,if only that were true, but I have been working 12 + hrs 3-4 days a week. I can't seem to catch up since my vacation and I'm actually doing the job of 2. The good thing is that relief is in sight. My manager is hiring another case manager, ASAP. We hope to have good candidates so the job will be filled quickly. My thoughts are 1 month till hired, then I'll train her for 1 month, then my life will be mine again.
I've been working sporadically on the camisole but not on my socks at all. I also cast on for a longer term project, the bias wrap shawl from the new valley yarns co. I'm in no hurry to finish it, especially due to our warm weather.
Some minor.... ummm a little stash enhancement occurred recently. I couldn't resist some knit picks main line when it was on sale. The colors are very pretty. One day, month or year it will become a cardigan.
I getting the urge to do a major stash reorganization soon. There are some things I know I'll never use and I plan to get rid of it. I'm not sure if I'll sale it or swap. More on that to come in the next few weeks.

Before and after

2006-07-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Camisole top before:

After:

I've been slowly knitting this top this week, all the while thinking something wasn't right. I couldn't put my finger on it, my gauge was on, but I had too much length for where I was in the pattern. I kept reading the pattern trying to figure out what went wrong. Finally this morning, I read the increase instructions and realized I'd knit 2 additional rows between each increase row. No wonder I had so many inches. Once I tried it on my suspicions were confirmed. I also realized it was going to be a little larger than I'd hoped. This whole ease thing is still confusing to me. So I spent a few minutes ripping out my work and telling myself that knitting is not a race. I'm not in competition with all of the great knitters in blogland. The goal is to get a finished product that I'm proud of, proud to wear, not to be the first or the fastest. I think if I focus on this, I'll be more satisfied with my progress.
I'll cast on one size smaller later today. I'm off to see monster house with the kids.
Have a great weekend everyone!!

We're back

2006-07-17T07:24:00.000-07:00

Safe and sound, after some scary moments, which included: a fire at 2 in the morning, a hurricane, and loss of power. Because of these events, we were only able to visit 2 of the 3 scheduled ports. It was a little disappointing, but overall we had a great time. This was the first cruise the hubby and I took our kids, so it was very different from our usual relaxed vacation.
Due to the additional time at sea, I was able to get some knitting done. One calla Lilly sock is almost done, and I'm to the armholes on the camisole.

I have another week of vacation so I plan to work on these exclusively.

Cruise by blogging

2006-07-14T08:48:00.000-07:00

Ok!! Quick cruise update.
We are supposed to be in Cabo San Lucas right now, but...We are trying to outrun a Hurricane and our ship has just lost power!!!
yikes

More later.... where's my life jacket.

Cruising!

2006-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

We are off to cruise the Mexican Riviera. Be back in a week. Making the trip: petals, ballet camisole and peaches and cream cotton for MDK dishcloths.

See ya
Shar

2006-07-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I couldn't resist, I casted on for the ballet camisole with my new knit pick needles.

First the needles, one word, sharp. I didn't realize how much I push the tip of the needles while I knit. Definitely the sharpest needles I've used. But, I love them. They feel just like Addis with a thinner, more flexible cord. The join is smooth and seamless. I'm sure they will be my number one needles. The only thing I'd change would be to be able to join the cords to expand the length when you want to try on your garments.

I'm preparing my knit bag for our cruise. I'm trying be realistic and limit what I bring. As of today I'll bring the camisole, petals sock and the shawl. We'll see what actually makes it into the suitcase.

Now off to work for me.

Enhancement

2006-07-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

Major enhancement occurred this weekend, no not my boobs; yarn, needles and patterns. I think I'm out of my knitting blahs. I've noticed when I'm not into knitting, I'm not into stashing either. But the feelings, the love is back. I made a trip to my new favorite yarn store, Unraveled, and picked up this On-line clip mercerized cotton, grey cotton classic, and four skeins of Koigu.
The On-line is for the new ballet camisole from Magknits, cotton classic will become CeCe and the Koigu is for shawl.

I picked up these patterns and trekking sock yarn from my local yarn store. I have the yarn in my stash for the sweaters. I plan to knit these once the weather cools down.

I also received the knit pick needles on Saturday. I plan to test them out on the camisole. They look and feel great and the cord is very thin and flexible.

I'm off to work. I decided not to take today off because I'm off for a 2 week vacation as of Friday.

Ole' Soleil!!

2006-06-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

She's done.
When I first began knitting last year and I discovered the wonderful world of knit blogs, one of the first garments that drew my eye was Soleil. Initially I was so intimidated by the thought of knitting a garment, a garment with lace, a garment that I hoped would fit. As I mentioned previously, this yarn was the first real yarn I bought from a real yarn store, when I had no idea what I was buying, how much to buy, or what I would use it for.
All I can say is I love it and I will make another one soon. I bought the yarn for it already. More online Egyptian mercerized cotton in a lovely green colorway. I loved knitting with it and I love how the blocked version feels and fits. So here's the crappy mirror shot.

Modifications: I added another row of lace. When I make it again,I'll decrease more on the straps. They are a little wider than I'd like but overall, I'm happy.

Mail call

2006-06-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I arrived home to discover a package at my doorstep. I thought my new knit pick needles had arrived. But when I opened it, I was surprised and overwhelmed by the well put together items. This is the first month of Sundara's sock yarn club, the petals collection. This month I present calla Lilly. It's absolutely gorgeous. These are going with me on my vacation next week. We are going on a 7 day cruise in a week and I was struggling with what to take to knit.

Yes, in the background that is Soleil blocking. Finally finished.

There's a new needle in town

2006-06-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

and I have to have them. While perusing blogs this morning, I stopped by Bron's blog. She mentions the new knit pick's options needles that have hit blogland. Of course I have to take a look. Now I must admit, I own just about every needle out there. I have my Denise's, Addi's in every size 24 length, boye's,clover bamboo's, and a couple of crystal palace bamboo. I don't have any inox or ebony needles, only because I haven't been able to find them. Basically, I don't need any more. But since when does need and knitting go together. After I write this post, I will order those needles and maybe some yarn while I'm at it.
On the knitting front, Soleil is progressing, I've divided the front and will finish the back this morning. If all goes well, I should have a finished object soon. Then off to the next big project. A cotton ease log cabin quilt

Happy birthday to ...

2006-06-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

My son, he's 12 years old. He's definitely growing up. This is the first year that he did not ask for video games for his birthday. On this years list was clothes. Basically, Basketball shorts, jerseys and a pair of Jordon basketball shoes.
All to match his remoldeled bedroom.

Oh... what are his favorite colors... One guess.

And she's off

2006-06-08T22:18:00.000-07:00

To high school
I had a long post that I'm too tired to recreate now, maybe tomorrow.

First dance

2006-06-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

Dress $58.00
Nails(hands and feet) $40.00
Hair $75.00

The end result

PRICELESS

Hiatus over

2006-05-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

I'm back, I think from a self imposed blogging hiatus. I'm not sure what precipitated it but it happened.
Things have been hectic in the household. My 3rd daughter is graduating from middle school. Most of my off time has been spent preparing her for many big events. First off, the "promotion dance". Her very first dressy school dance. We found a very pretty dress, shoes, neckless, earrings, purse... you get the idea. Next is the promotion ceremony, which means, you guessed, another dress, shoes, etc. And no, she couldn't wear to same dress, or shoes or earrings ... At least we are finished, with the shopping. Next up, the primping: you know what I mean... hair, nails, hands and feet, eyebrows, whoa. So much, but she is so excited, and her older sisters are as well.
With all of this, only a smattering of knitting has occurred. I'm to the heels on my socks and to the stockinette body of Soleil.

Think pink

2006-05-05T07:02:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been stuck in a blue phase. It seems everything I've knit and all of the yarn I've bought has been blue. I think it was getting me a little down. It sometimes feels as if I'm knitting the same thing over and over again.
Last night I tried to do a little organizing of the stash. I'd bought a new rubbermaid tub and started to rearrange. I came across this find.
This is the first "real yarn" I bought when I first start knitting. Of course, my first yarn purchase was some squeaky red heart from Joanne's. This yarn was my first purchase from a "real yarn store"..

As I look back, I realize I had no idea what I was buying. I saw the color and picked up 6 skeins and I pretended I had a project in mind, cause I didn't want to look dumb to the real knitters in the store. I cast on last night and let me tell you, I love the feel of it. It's 100% Egyptian mercerize cotton.... and it's pink.
Below is some wonderful handpainted yarn I received from Heather for answering a question correctly on her blog. Thank you Heather!! The colors are rich and gorgeous. These will become my first pair of toe up socks. I am trying to resist the urge to cast on.

I'm beginning to notice a new color theme.

A little enhancement

2006-05-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

In an effort to focus on smaller projects.

Ooooo,ahhhhh, ohhhhhh. I can't wait to cast on.The opal is calling my name.

Mental health day

2006-04-26T17:31:00.000-07:00

I took a mental health day from work today. My weekend is going to be so busy with working at our team's soccer tournament. Sat and Sunday will be spent working the tounament. Checking in teams, field patrol and restroom duty. So, today was my relaxation day. Although I didn't do much resting. I made the trek to the not so local yarn store. I wanted to get some self patterning sock yarn so I could concentrate on 2 socks on 2 circs without worrying about following a stitch pattern. I plan to knit these up on my lunch hour and during the tournament if I have free time.
Of course I couldn't walk out without picking up something else.
I also pick up the Mason Dixon book. I didn't realise it was such a big book. It's gorgeous, the colors, the prints, the stories and the patterns are wonderful. I started a little project from it as well. My daughter saw this page and immediately requested some to hang in her room. Believe it or not, these are the colors on her wall. VERY VERY bright blue and green.
My focus for the next few weeks will be small projects.

A new body

2006-04-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a better photo of my blue gables on my new body. I got her on sale 50% off from Joanne's.I was able to get the measurements perfectly, although, her boobs are a little, um alot perkier than mine. Overall I'm pleased.

Sleep positions

2006-04-23T07:39:00.000-07:00

According to this
website, this is my sleep pose. It couldn't be more wrong.

Find your own pose!

This is my true sleep position, at least we start out this way.

Find your own pose!

What's yours, take the test yourself.

Competing hobbies

2006-04-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

I feel as if I'm cheating on my knitting. I love to read and I love to knit. I find myself each day trying to decide which I'll do if I have a moment of free time. Lately, I've tried doing both. Read in the morning and knit in the evening. Doing both has slowed down the productivity, not that I've been very fast in my knitting, but this has slowed me down even more. But today, I finally have a finished object and I love it. Presenting, blue gables, forgive the bad mirror shot, all of my photographers are out today. I still have to block it, but the ends are weaved in.

Green Gables
3 skeins cotton fleece, Malibu blue
size 7 and 5 addi turbos
added 1 inch to length

Up next, a trip to sleeve island and seaming of the shawl collar sweater.

Halfway point

2006-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

I've decided after I finish my gables, I'll work on some of the small projects my family has requested. I think by doing this, (they will get off my back),they will be very happy and I can concentrate on me again. First the scarf for my daughter.
My youngest 2 are on spring break, unfortunately they think mom and dad are on spring break as well. The minute we reach the door after work, they have our evening planned. Monday it was the to the park for 3 friggin hours. Tues, movie night, which worked out for me, mindless knitting. Wed off, cause mom and dad were TIRED. Tonight it's skate depot, ouch. Friday, speed zone. Saturday.... Who knows if I'll make it to Sat.
I hope to sneak some knitting time in to finish this.

Who do you knit for?

2006-04-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

Or what do you knit? I've been accused of being a selfish knitter. You see,after the first couple of months of knitting for my youngest daughter, who was very eager and accepting of my knitting, I've primarily knit for myself. I consider myself so new at knitting, so for the last year I have knit things in an effort to learn something. A new technique, a different garment, socks, shrugs, pullovers, shawls. Also to learn a different fiber, laceweight, dk, worsted weight, all in an effort to learn. So yesterday, my eldest daughter, who has asked me to knit her a scarf hmmmm about two months ago, asked when her scarf would be ready. Now I must admit, I did start a scarf for her, but it hasn't been a priority. It's a simple knit 2 purl 2 blah scarf. I'm probably half done. But, I have no motivation to finish it. Sad, I'm such a bad mom. It really won't take that long, but in my defense, I don't have a lot of time to knit. When I do, I want to enjoy it. I want to work on finishing the marble sweater, or green gables. I want to start 2 socks on circulars or toe up socks. I want to knit things that I can wear and feel proud about.
I know my knitting has improved because my family has started asking me to knit items for them. The eldest wants the scarf, a cap, and Lelah. The youngest wants felted clogs, wrist warmers, and a whole pattern book of sweaters. My son wants a pullover vest, and my husband wants socks. How am I to cope with the pressure. I can't possibly add all of these things to my to knit list, and continue to knit for myself. I'm really torn with how to accomplish all of this.
How do you do this?? Any help would be appreciated.

Good news

2006-04-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

It fits, whew.... So saying, Bad news, I'm still going to frog, after I finish the sleeves and sew it together. Once you see it, you'll agree. Surprisingly, I'm not that heart broken about it. It's the right thing to do, otherwise I won't be satisfied with the end result.
Here's a flash of my stash project. I like it very much.

Back to knitting!!

Slightly Worried

2006-04-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

I'm nervous about the marble sweater. First you know about the different color skein issue, second, I think it's too big. The front and back are on the blocking board now. As soon as it's dry, I'm going to pin it together for a test fit. The thing is, I love the pattern, and it knits up fast, but I really hate to think about frogging it. I really committed to doing a project that needs to be seamed. I want to improve my knitting, and as Linda said in one of her post, go for the extra spicey. I know the way to improve is to move away from the safe projects, to make mistakes that need to be fixed. We learn from our mistakes, but darn it, I will always hate frogging.
So, instead of starting the sleeves of the marble top, I started a new project.

One good reason to have stash yarn. You're always prepared.

Awe Inspiring

2006-04-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

Check this Stashout.
Be prepared to drool.

Why......

2006-03-29T22:32:00.000-08:00

Impulse buy + stash yarn = Next project.

Novice at work

2006-03-25T19:14:00.000-08:00

So, I'm knitting the marble sweater and things are going well. I knit up the back in no time and have been working on the front. All is going well, until I got the the v-neck shaping. The pattern said Work to last 3 sts before marker,(center) k2tog, k1, join 2nd ball of yarn and work as follows...... Ok so I'm thinking what, join 2nd ball of yarn? Do I now knit with both yarns together....nah that can't be right?? Ok do I start a new skein of yarn now?? Well that makes no sense, who would join a new skein in the center of the sweater, on purpose.... Can't figure it out, see I'm still a beginner. Anyway, so what do I do, I start a new skein of yarn, the whole time thinking this can't be right. I knit and knit thinking how do you get a V neck out of this...Something is not right
Thankfully, while reading other blogs I found this entry and bingo it all makes sense. Duh....
After frogging back and working on it today, I'm almost back to where I was..

I should finish the front and I'll start on the sleeves tomorrow. I'm going to do both sleeves at once. I hope to be ready to seam it up next weekend. Wish me luck. Oh as you can see, I'm having the same mismatched skein issue on the front. I know I should stop frog and re knit, but I can't tell the color difference until after it's knit up. For now my plan is to knit it all up, decide if I can stand the difference or not. If not when I frog, I will be able to tell which skeins are the same and leave out the lighter ones. I think I'll end up with one extra skein.

Oh !!!!

2006-03-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Oh my aching tooth. Just returned from the Dentist. I want to knit, knit, knit. I can't due to the pain, pain, pain. Off the couch for drugs. Marble sweater update later....

Be careful what you wish for...

2006-03-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

In my last post I wished for rain. My daughter plays soccer and I'd hoped if it rained hard, we'd get out of a weekend of soccer games. I mean this is Southern California, we do nothing in the rain. Everything stops and we go on storm watch mode. We have emergency broadcast announcements warning of heavy flooding and mudslides. So of course, there would be no soccer....WRONG, Saturday afternoon with heavy rains and a light dusting of SNOW, my daughter played soccer. Thankfully, our coach decided to forfeit our game once the snow started, the officials stated they would only call the game for lightning. The girls enjoyed it but they were cold. The parents, well, let's just say, we were not happy. My day of knitting, gone... My fingers took hours to thaw out.

Sunday morning, with cloudy skies and intermittent rain soccer was played.
Lesson learned, don't wish for rain.

Here's my progress on the Marble shawl collar sweater. The back in finished and since this picture, I'm halfway through the front. It goes quick when I have time to knit. As you can see, there's a big difference in color in the skeins. I'm trying to ignore it for now but since this is the back I may ignore it. We'll see how the front goes.

As promised, yarn porn

2006-03-15T07:22:00.000-08:00

Lorna Laces Worsted: Not sure for what yet but I love it!!
Karabella Marble for my shawl sweater and some Kareoke for wrist warmers.
For more felted clogs for the family.
Malibrigo, oh so soft, for the Ballet wrap sweater.

And the winner is.....

2006-03-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

It's a tie, the darn packages arrived on the same day. Of course, so how do I decide. I whip up a "swatch" ( yea I'll call it a swatch) of both yarns. Both are to die for... but, I couldn't resist the shawl collar pattern. Wendy, I saw your comment this morning, definitely the right decision.
This will be my first project that has to be seamed. I knit up a few rows last night and completed to picot edge. That was so simple and it looks so pretty. I'm not sure why I thought it was hard.
I just heard the weather forecast and it's supposed to rain the whole weekend. Aww shucks, that means no soccer games. Guess I'll have to sit in my comfy chair and knit all weekend.

Oh, and did I say I bought lots of yarn.
Yarn porn later..

I've been a bad bad girl.....

2006-03-07T06:03:00.000-08:00

After my great stashing event, aka Stitches west, I bought more yarn, a lot more. I ordered yarn for the ballet wrap top last week from webs and I've been anxiously waiting it's arrival. In the mean time, I've been finishing some of the numerous projects on the needles. Here's one here.

Thuja socks from Knitty.

So, back to my purchases, as I said I ordered from webs, and have been waiting, and waiting for the package. I haven't ordered from them in a while and I didn't realize they were so slow. I'm used to knit pixie, yarn in 2-3 days. Since I'm so impatient,in the interim I've been reading my favorite blogs, one of which is Wendy's. I love the shawl collar sweater she just finished. I tried to resist ordering the pattern and the yarn, but I couldn't. It's all webs fault. If my other yarn came sooner, I would not have succumbed to temptation. I would be happily knitting the ballet top now. So it's a race, whichever package arrives first is the project I'll start. But, what if they both arrive the same day, no, that won't happen.

My new baby

2006-03-03T23:03:00.000-08:00

No it's not a wheel. With all of my other hobbies, knitting, gardening and reading, my hubby would kill me if I got a spinning wheel. I'd have to help him, I can't add another hobby....that would take away from knitting time.

Stitches west goodies

2006-03-01T07:41:00.000-08:00

I thoroughly enjoyed stitches west, unfortunately my wallet wasn't as happy.
First are the kits: A mini lace wrap(poncho, I couldn't resist), 2 shawl kits and a cute scarf kit for one of my girls.

Next up:Socks that rock yarn, do I have to say more. Once I saw them in person, I couldn't pass it up.

KOIGU!!!!! Who cares for what, probably socks, and I bought the Carley shawl pattern.

Last up, reference material to improve the knitting.

Not too bad, next year watch out. I think I was slightly overwhelmed with all of the choices. I tried to not buy just for the sake of buying. Everything is ear marked for specific patterns. Now if only I could clone myself. I have enough patterns and yarn to knit this year and next.

Oh and by the way, I made that OTHER purchase too, more on that next time.

Finally a FO

2006-03-01T07:27:00.000-08:00

Finally essential stripe is finito. I started this on my cruise in December and through all of the illnesses and new job, I've finally finish. One thing I've learned with this project is,, I hate weaving in the ends. Multiple color change = too many freakin ends to weave. I don't think I could ever get into intarsia or fair isle. Once I'm finished knitting, I want to be finished.

Since I took this picture, I've weaved the ends in. Whew, that took a while. I'll try to get a modeled shot on the weekend. I tried to take the old in the mirror picture, but for some reason I couldn't remember how to turn off the ole flash on the camera.
Here's what I've been working on since finishing the essential stripe. Thuja socks from knitty with artyarns supermerino. Very soft.

Quick note

2006-02-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

Much to say, unfortunately I can't. My computer is still down at home so this is a fly by post from w....
I've finished my essential stripe and I'm very please with the end result.(Pictures pending) I'm trying to finished some of the many unfinished projects I have on the needles now. Those include some socks, clapotis, vintage velvet,and a ribbed scarf for my Daughter. Once these are done, I'm casting on either Wendy's Something red or the ballet top from the winter Interweave.

I have lot's of pictures from stitches. Of course the stash was enhanced, but not too bad I think. I learned a lot of new techniques from the classes I took. One of those was a switch to continental knitting class. I think I finally have the technique in my brain, I just need to start a stocking stitch pattern to practice. I missed the dinner meetup with other CA bloggers, that was a bummer. My fault, I thought it was Friday instead of Saturday. If I'd had my, soon to be acquired laptop with me, I would have been able to double check the email for the correct day and time. Maybe next year.

Hopefully my next post will be from my new laptop and it will be filled with Pics.

The attack of the Virus

2006-02-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

I think I've finally recovered from the dreaded flu virus, I'm back to knitting and happy with my progress (2 inches away from a FO). Now what happens, my computer was attacked by a virus. I've worked on cleaning it up the whole weekend. I think I have every thing resolved, except installing new virus scan software. This means no blogging from home (internet) until that is done. Shhh I'm sending this post from work, hence, no pictures.

I'm preparing for my trip to stitches west. I'm looking forward to the weekend of knitting, knitting and knitting. I've signed up for three classes and I've refrained from stash enhancing for a month. I've made a list of a few things I plan on buying with the yardage counts so I don't over or, heaven forbid, under buy. I hope to come home a more proficient knitter, now if only I could find a way to add hours in a day....

I've also decided to buy a notebook. I want to have access to a computer when I want to use it. yea, I know I'm spoiled, youngest child syndrome.

Return of the living dead

2006-02-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

So, as I alluded in my previous post, I've been sick. Somehow 10 days ago I contracted the creepy crud....also known as the flu. Now usually this is a pretty short lived phenomenon.... A couple of days of crap...mucus, fever, aches, cough and then you are done. Unfortunately the crud which has attacked me, won't release it's hold on me. I have coughed and coughed and coughed until I'm ready to succumb. I missed 4 days of work last week and upon my return I've warned my co-workers I plan to infect the office so they may feel as bad as I have. I've been to see my doc, who has prescribed various "goodies" which aren't doing a damn thing. I am assured that it has not turned into pneumonia. According to my Dr, this strain of flu has been especially virulent on the young- I was very happy to hear at 42, I'm considered young, finally I get good news .
Enough whining, I am getting better, so I'm told, as manifested by my ability to do a little knitting. I have one final sleeve on my essential stripe and I will be done, although I may have to do the neckline over, it's puckering and I don't know if it will block flat. I tried to get the magical pick up 2 skip 1 trick down, but.... We will see.
Besides being sick, my new job is getting in the way of my knitting. Due to an irregular schedule, orientation x1 month and my inability to blog, read or comment while at work, I can't get into the knitting groove. Prior to my transfer, I must admit, I wasted, spent a lot of time reading and commenting on blogs at work, Shhh, don't tell anyone. At my new job, I can't do that, now for me, reading and responding to blogs gives me a huge inspiration to knit. It pushes me to finish so I can start something else. Now this may not be so bad if I had a chance to at least scan some of my favorites when I get home. Unfortunately, my four children have decided they need our computer more, for such off the wall things as homework.... The nerve. I'm contemplating buying a notebook computer, so I can blog when I want... So there. Now do you thing that's a frivolous and totally selfish desire. Help me out, let me know what you think. Should I or shouldn't I? That is the question.

FO pictures soon. I'm back and ready to commence knitting, blogging and interacting again.

Very sick...

2006-02-02T18:58:00.000-08:00

I've been very sick, which is very bad for knitting. Will be back soon, with a finished object or two. I trying my best to recoup and get back to my beloved bloggers, whom I get much inspiration from. Up next, stitches west....can't wait.

Interruption

2006-01-12T21:52:00.000-08:00

We interrupt this program ( the essential stripe) to bring you a finished object. I didn't get much knitting done in December and I've been itching to finish something. Of course, it would have been nice if it was one of my works in progress, but it wasn't.
I was feeling a little left out at xmas. You see, I always get my brood, new pajamas and slippers for Christmas. They get to wear their new things on Christmas eve, so when we all wake up and open gifts, everyone, looks nice in their new stuff for the opening presents pictures.
Usually one of the kids, will get my hubby and I new slippers as one of our gifts. But... this year, somehow I was forgotten, each child thought the other was buying mom slippers, and none of them did.

So, since I was forgotten, I decided to make my own. These our Fiber trends felted clogs, pre and post felting.

They fit perfectly. As soon as they dry completely they will be on my feet all of the time. Made with lambs pride bulky they knit up very quickly.

Now back to the previously scheduled program, finishing the ES.

A new year

2006-01-02T17:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not one to spout New Years resolutions, however I do have some goals related to knitting I'd like to accomplish.
I want to improve my skills, by trying projects that are a little more difficult. A few weeks ago, I mused that I wanted to make a finished garment for myself. I'm almost there on that goal. Here's my essential stripe.
I'd like to try my hand at fair isle, make more socks, toe up, cuff down, short row heels and toes, set in sleeves and increase my speed.
Now that the holidays are over, I should be able to spend more time relaxing, which means knitting and reading.
I wish every one a very happy and prosperous 2006. More posting to come.

Victim #2

2005-12-21T20:48:00.000-08:00

Sickness:
Victim #2 has succumbed to the dreaded flu. My son finally recovered and has been up and about today. Now my hubby is sick. My hubby who has asthma as well, and is requiring breathing treatments every 2 hrs, flu meds every 4hrs, and frequent checks to be sure he's "ok". Yes he's one of those men, that are dying when they are sick, especially when he has his very own "personal nurse" at home.

Shopping:
On the Xmas shopping front, I'm almost done. I was able to manage to get out for a few hours yesterday and get all but one bought and packaged up. I'll have to "borrow' the hubby's truck tomorrow to pick up one very large gift that wouldn't fit in my van.

This ray of sunshine arrived at my door today.
I think it's screaming to become a shawl or wrap.

I doubt I'll have time to knit or blog over the next week, so Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, etc, etc, etc.

1 week left!!!!!

2005-12-18T05:37:00.000-08:00

There's only one week left until Christmas and I am not done. I'm starting to feel pressured. I need to shop. Thank the good Lord I decided against knitting gifts. So why am I pressured?? One week should be enough time to hit the stores and finish shopping....true, however I have a sick child at home. The flu bug has hit, despite the good old flu shot. My son, also has asthma, so we have to watch him closely to be sure his asthma isn't triggered when he is sick. If it does, he'll receive breathing treatments every 2 hours and maybe a course of steroids. Needless to say, I will be by his side all day watching him closely. In addition, if one child has it, it will surely make the rounds to the other 3, as well as Mom, Dad and Grandma. I'd planned to shop all day today and finish...yea right. But alas my plans were dashed.

On the knitting front, the essential stripe is coming along. I should join and begin working in the round today, if I'm able to knit between being Nurse and Mommy.

Back in the saddle again

2005-12-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

We're back from our weekend getaway. We did nothing but read,
knit
and relax.

When we returned, the xmas lights went up.

Today I started my new job. I think this is going to be a very good move for me. One thing I will have more time for is knitting. Here's my progress on the essential stripe. So far, I like the way it's coming together.

Sailing!!

2005-12-08T22:21:00.000-08:00

We are finally on our way for our 3 day cruise. I'm very happy to get away relax and unwind.
Hopefully, knitting progress when I return. I'm taking 2 projects. The essential stripe and vintage velvet. I'm trying my best to resist adding more projects to the suitcase, we'll see. I have 12 hours to think about it before we head out.
Back on Monday!