Christmas Gifts

Christmas is one of my favorite times of year. I really had a great one this year. I finished a beautiful dishcloth from my Monthly Dishcloth KAL.

I gifted the cloth to my mom and she loved it, insisting it was "too beautiful to use!" Hopefully, it will be used well and she'll need some new ones come Mother's Day.

I got some great knitting-related gifts this Christmas:

Home Knits by Suss Cousin

Inspired Cable Knits by Fiona Ellis

KnitPicks Options Needle Set

I've already cast on the Multi-Yarn Shawl from Home Knits using my new KnitPicks needles as straight needles. They're great, I absolutely love the pointy, pointy tips. I can't wait to knit more with these.

The orange color is a bit brighter in this picture than in reality, but I didn't have time (or daylight) to take a proper picture. When I have more progress, I will try to get a more accurate picture.

Since I had to find comparable yarns at JoAnn's for the project, Suss yarns aren't available around here. I held together a strand of Sugar n Cream cotton in Ecru and Lion Brand Fun Fur in Champagne, but the eyelash seems too long. See, it's in the far left of the picture. So would trimming it work well and make the eyelash appear a little less "bushy"??

Short and Sweet

I've been busy all day taking pictures of non-knitting-related material, but no knitting pics today. I've been continuing to work on my Clapotis today and I'm about halfway through Section 2 of 5. Ready for Christmas? Yeah right.

I bound off my mom's lovely dishcloth today which I love and could not capture the wonderful colors with the heinous light. I will block it tonight, weave in ends, etc.. and take a beautiful outdoor shot tomorrow.

I picked up a bit more white fleece from my friend and I am planning on slowly, meticulously spinning it tonight until I can get it right.

Happy Holidays to all!!

Spinning... more like Trying to spin

I was introduced to the art of Spinning yesterday (something I've been meaning to do for ages.) My boyfriend's friend's mother used to teach Beginning Spinning classes and offered to help me learn ages ago. She gave me some brown merino and white long hair roving plus a spindle. I have spun all of the white, but the "tension" (I don't know Spinning terms yet) is way off and I am continually screwing it up royally. I hope to be able to spin yarn for myself to knit with, eventually. This current batch, however, has very little to offer.

This picture makes it look a little better than it actually is, but I'm still learning. Anyway, hoping to have some decent yarn next time I give it a spin.

Gifting

I did a pretty good job as Secret Santa, I think he'll really enjoy this hat. Center Square is really a great pattern.

Specs-
Pattern: Center Square from Winter 2006 Knitty
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino in Black and Rich Red, 1 skein of each
Needles: size 11 16" circular, size 10 1/2 dpns
Modifications: None, but I really need to work on my tension while knitting continentally. I do knit very tightly with my right hand, so my left hand will look quite loose unless I can train myself to loosen the tension on my right hand.

Wish me luck, starting the New Year I'm going to knit continental as much as I can!

Christmas Knits... Falling a little behind

I cast on Clapotis for my grandmother. It's w/ DK weight cotton on size 6 needles since she lives in Florida on the coast... where it's HOT!!

I'm hoping to send it out by the end of the week, if I can find the time and learn how to give up sleeping.

Also, I've been working on the Irish Hiking Scarf in a lovely purple novelty yarn. The stitch definition for the cables, however, is almost nonexistant. So I'm not really sure what to do about it. Oh well, I don't think my mom will mind too much, so long as it's warm.

Crunch Time

Well, Christmas is in 13 days... that's right, 13. So far, I still need to knit a hat, a scarf, and I'm sure there are other things I've blocked out.

This hat is one of my new favorite patterns and I can't wait to knit it for myself. It looks finished, but don't be fooled. I didn't have size US 11 dpns, so I tried to use a circular needle with the Magic Loop, it's very gappy and horrific. I will either get some 11's or just use my 10 1/2's. Either way, my Secret Santa ought to really like this hat... I hope.

I do not have a picture of my Mom's purple scarf right now, but I will have one soon. Plus it's only about 5 rows into the pattern.

I had some friends over who thoroughly enjoyed learning to knit. See what I mean?


Her scarf is really amazing: RIBS ON HER FIRST DAY!!!

She also called me tonight to tell me she finished her first 100 g skein *tear* and needs my help in attaching the new skein. Oh so excited, yet another convert.

I went to Loops again today and picked up some great yarn--- which actually have intended projects, a rarity. Some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for Fetching, which I've already cast on (I'm almost done with the first right now, but I took the picture earlier), and some Mission Falls 1824 Wool for Cabled Footies from One Skein.

Another FO: Leg Warmers

Pattern: Leg Warmers from One Skein
Yarn: Luxury Alpaca DK (60% Wool, 30% Alpaca, and 10% Silk) in Deep Wine--

--this is the most accurate picture I could get of the color
Modifications: None, it's a really great pattern... and SO easy and mindless.
Started: December 5, 2005/ Finished: December 8, 2006
Thoughts: I've worn them constantly since I bound off. I love them so much and they are just so comfortable

FO: Painter's Scarf

I only had one skein of the DK yarn in my stash, so my scarf isn't very long, but I do like it a lot.

Yarn: Peru DK Luxury Yarn; 70% Merino wool, 20% Alpaca, and 10% Silk; 50g/124 yds
Pattern: Painter's Scarf from RYC book Classic Art
Needles: US 6
Started: November 24/ Finished: November 30
Modifications: Well, I only had one skein so it's a lot shorter than the pattern instructed, but 90" is longer than I would have made it anyway.

Lotsa Knits

I've been doing a lot of knitting this past week. I began a scarf from the Rowan Classic Art Pattern Book with some Alpaca, Woold, Silk blend DK yarn from A.C Moore.

I was knitting my 3" wide scarf on 14" needles...

So I went to A.C. Moore to get some shorter 9" needles.

Here's the scarf's detail:


I've been expanding both my book repertoire and enhancing my stash this week. I got the newest issues of Rebecca and Rowan at Loopville, it's the first time a LYS in my area has had my two favorite knitting mags.

So I snatched them up immediately.

Today I was shopping at a used bookstore and found Knit loves Crochet in excellent condition (seriously, I'm picky about used books) for only $9.50.


Also, I bought some more of the wool, alpaca, silk DK yarn I'm using for my scarf in a great taupe color. I'm planning on eventually making a nice winter wrap, probably from my new Rebecca!!!


I will try from now on to post more regularly... try being the operative word.
Happy Last Day of November tomorrow!! I will be making the December Monthly Dishcloth KAL cloth soon and I'm excited about the holidays.

Soon to come... wrapping up my holiday knits.

Finishing Up

When I got home today, I decided that I would finish a few projects that were near completion. My Mom's birthday Dishcloth, quite a bit late is finally finished.

I also finished the front piece of the Bridgetown Belt Bag.

I've been trying to get some gifts done for both birthdays and Christmas. Lately, my progress has been a bit boring, but I'll try to keep it updated with FO's.

Lousy pictures, I know, but a great simple gift.

Back Finished

Central Park Knitting and Finished Socks

A little late for Socktober, but I finally finished my Embossed Leaves Socks!! My very first pair of completed socks, you have no idea how exciting it is for me!!!

Pattern: Embossed Leaves Socks from Interweave Knits Winter 05
Yarn: Lanett Superwash Wool
Needles: size 1 1/2 Brittany birch dpn's. I love knitting with these needles until they inevitably break
Modifications: Needle size and number of cast-on stitches... I like tighter-knit fabric

Here's my swatch for the Central Park Hoodie:

Now I'm nearly finished with the back of the sweater:

Can't wait to crochet

Right now I'm bogged down with a lot of knitting projects, but since I taught myself to crochet this summer, I'd like to do a larger project and I found the perfect one.

I can't wait to crochet this!!!

Brand new hat for a brand new baby

I started this hat the other day for my cousin's newborn daughter. I love the purple and white stripes.

I've been going with a theme

Well, it seems like most of my friends have birthdays in September or October and I've been making lots of gifts for them. My most recent easy gift project is a simply bag knit with the magic loop method on sz 6 Susan Bates circulars with either Berrocco Cotton Twist or Plymouth Fantasy Naturalle.

The Cotton Twist has a beautiful hand.
Here's the bag:

I also finished the bag with Fantasy Naturalle

You can see the ruffle detail in this picture, but the color's way off.

Catching up

A local yarn store is going out of business and I've been stocking up:



I bought some yarn to finish my Somewhat Cowl, make the Simple Knitted Bodice, and finish my Bridgetown Belt Bag. I love the shimmer of the Berrocco Softwist


I'm also making these gloves from Weekend Knitting in Sinfonia cotton yarn to sleep in... my hands get cold.



My mom's dishtowel is nearly finished, a late birthday present, and the lighting in this picture is pretty awful.

No Exciting Knitting Content... sad

The Knit-Geek Questionnaire (unrelated to any swaps or secret pal exchanges)

1. What's your worst habit relating to your knitting?
I spend so much money on yarn for projects that are currently in my UFO pile. Also, I very rarely finish projects much larger than a sock, I have knitting ADD.

2. In what specific ways does your knitting make you a better person?
Patience is something I have in short supply, but knitting has helped me relax and take life one row at a time

3. How might you or your life be different if you were suddenly unable to knit?
If I were unable to knit, I would be wreck as a person. As a very high-stress person, knitting saves my sanity and lets me socialize with the outside world.

4. If money were no object, what one yarn, and what one tool or gadget would you run out and buy first?
I would buy enough Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran to make a beautiful sweater, wooden swift, ball winder, and a spinning wheel so that I can spin my own.

5. What knitting technique or project type are you most afraid of (if any)? What, specifically, do you fear will happen when you try it?
Fair Isle/Scandinavian knitting patterns, which I adore. My colorwork thus far has been simple intarsia that somehow manages to get tangled and I worry that Fair Isle will get even more tangled, plus I have learn how to knit continentally.

6. Who is/are your knitting hero(es), and why?
Stephanie Pearl McPhee, the Yarn Harlot; Meg Swansen and her many ingenious techniques; Kim Hargreaves who has the most designs on my "To Knit" list; Nicky Epstein's creativity amazes me and I love the ideas.

7. Do you consider knitting, for you personally, a mostly social activity, or a mostly solitary activity?
Solitary: I knit as meditation, relaxation, and reconnect with my thoughts. It's great.

8. Is there a particular regional tradition in knitting that you feel strongly drawn toward (e.g., Fair Isle, Scandinavian, Celtic, Orenburg lace)? Any theories as to why it calls to you?
Fair Isle and Scandinavian knitting impresses me and I am drawn to the colors and designs.

9. If you were a yarn, which yarn would you be?
100% Bamboo- I am natural, but love the bright colors and drape. I feel that as a cheerful, friendly person the classic eclecticness of bamboo is a perfect fit

10. Some statistics:
(a) How many years have passed since you FIRST learned to knit?
2 and 1/2

(b) How many total years have you been actively, regularly knitting (i.e., they don't have to have been in a row)?
1 and 1/2

(c) how many people have you taught to knit?
at least 10

(d) Roughly what percentage of your FOs do you give away (to anyone besides yourself, i.e., including your immediate family)
75

11. How often do you KIP (knit in public)? i.e., once a week, once a month, etc. Where do you do it?
Daily

12. If a genie granted you one hour to stitch-n-bitch with any one knitter, living or dead, who would you choose and why?
Madame DeFarge (does she count?) I am just forever intrigued by the fact that her knitting was the condemnation of thousands by the guillotine.

13. What aspect or task in knitting makes you most impatient?
Finishing, I hate sewing seams and weaving in yarn ends.

14. What is it about knitting that never lets you get bored with it?
The plethora of knitting patterns available will never let me quit.

15. Describe how and where you most often do your knitting - where do you sit, what is going on around you, what tools do you use and how are they (dis)organized?
On the couch, watching TV (seasons of Friends, movies, etc.). All my yarn, however, is stashed in my bedroom in a yarn specific shelf.

16. Which one person is the recipient of more of your knitting than any other?
My mother, she loves knitted dishcloths and I am a member of many dishcloth-knitting KALs

17. What's the oddest thing about your knitting, or yourself as a knitter?
I'm really not sure, probably everything

18. What do you see yourself knitting - if anything - twenty years from now?
I still have years to go before I have children, but I figure in 20 years I'll either be knitting for my children or their children.

19. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only ONE SKEIN of yarn, which yarn would it be and what would you do with it?
A cone of sport weight cotton to make into some nice summery clothing that I could always knit into something else after frogging.

20. If you were allowed to own only one knitting-related book, which would it be? (you'd be free to browse others, but you couldn't keep them)
Stitch 'n Bitch, it's how I taught myself to knit and has some great classic pattern that could be updated for most any look.

21. Is knitting the new yoga? Why or why not?
Yes and no. Yes because it produces the same therapeutic, relaxing effect. No because it does not relax the body in addition to the mind.

EDIT: This last question added by Caroline:
22. What important thing are you trying to put off doing whenever you knit?
Cleaning, doing the things I'm supposed to get done other than knitting

First Day of School

Today was the first day back to school, it wasn't too bad, but definitely tiresome.
During the assembly this morning, I sat and knit the entire time. I didn't have the chance the rest of the school day, but I did later on this afternoon.
My Bridgetown belt bag is coming along nicely, I made the "pouch" piece today, but couldn't finish because I ran out of yarn for the last 7 rows. It kinda sucks. I'll go look for some more of the same dye lot this weekend.
I'm really excited about this pattern and here is my progress, mostly from today.
The knitting is being modeled with my favorite French bag with the poster "Tournee du Chat Noir."

Rearranging priorities

I have decided to knit some different projects for a bit of change in my knitting repertoire.
I pulled out a drawer of UFO's and decide to put them back in a different order.

This fuzzy pillow is obviously something I started years ago... pink and fuzzy, what was I thinking?

The gauge fairy caught up with me and I have succeeded in making half a shrug the size to fit a giant instead of my tiny (5', 100 lb) mother.

This is a cute project, but I will pick it up again soon. Until then, it will sit here untouched and unloved while I continue to more fortunate projects. I hope it can forgive me my wretched behavior.

I love this pattern, but I think I have a fear of finishing it because I love it so much.

Yoga mat bag, with a ridiculously simple lace pattern, is being cast on yet again because I have just achieved an understanding of lace knitting.

My newly prioritized, organized drawer: