allie knits

Moving to a new URL

2007-06-16T02:10:00.001-04:00

This will be my last Blogger post, I have created a site via wordpress (I succombed to Ravelry advice).
For the next few days, I will probably be playing w/ widgets, template, etc. But I am knitting voraciously and should have lots of silken progress coming your way soon.

My new site is also easier:
http://allieknits.wordpress.com
Link here.
My blogger page has always had a sort of funny link, so maybe this will make life in general less confusing (Oh, if it were only that simple).

Have a great weekend everyone!

Productivity

2007-06-13T20:22:00.000-04:00

I finished the Ballband Dishcloth last night at a friend's house.
Pattern: Ball Band Dishcloth from Mason-Dixon Knitting
Cast-on: June 11, 2007/ Finished: June 12, 2007 (<24 hour projects are great for summer!)
Yarn: Sugar n Cream Cotton in Cornflower Blue, Ecru, and Sage, using up leftovers
Needles: US 7
Thoughts: Quick projects are such a great feeling when you finish! I made this dishcloth for my mother, as I don't need them while still living at home. I loved how quick the 4 row slip stitch pattern went, so rewarding.

And now I know just what to work on next.
The Pick:

Rebecca White Silk Sweater in Regal Silk
I enjoy the silk and the pattern. I began writing this post and listing excuses not to work on this sweater. Now, however, I see that the problems are simple to fix and the sweater doesn't have too much left to go. I plan on picking it up right now while I read Pride and Prejudice for my summer reading challenge.

Here's a fun shot of all the dishcloths I've made my mother:

Knit, Knit, Knit as Fast as I Can

2007-06-12T02:11:00.000-04:00

This fall, I'll be moving into a teeny, tiny dorm room. And I have overwhelming amounts of UFO's, yarn, and books!
UFO's are my current focus.

Tonight I worked on a Valentine Pillow(something I cast on before I became a yarn snob). And ran out of yarn.

Then, I picked up my first Better-than-Booties Baby Sock and I screwed the toe up royally.

So far, my attempts at finishing these projects are failing miserably.

I received Mason-Dixon Knitting today from KnitPicks and I plan on making a few ballband dishcloths to rid myself of my overflowing cotton stash.

More progress and hopefully a few FO's coming soon.

Recent Obsessions

2007-06-07T00:05:00.000-04:00

I got my Ravelry invite this morning! It was very exciting: I've already added many projects and as much yarn as I could before my camera's battery died and I got tired of taking pictures. It's definitely as much fun as I heard it was-- hats off to frecklegirl and her husband for taking on such a project.
I bought a few books the other day:

Knitting Lingerie Style is such a beautiful book and with many patterns I love and cannot wait to knit. I ordered some elann Esprit last night so I can make the basic bra and panty set(Orchid Pink) and the thigh-high stockings(Chamois). Very excited!

I've been eying this book for a while. What drew me to it initially was the French Twist part, but Simple Sewing with a French Twist has many simple projects that I think even I could make.

Last, but most certainly not least, is Amy Sedaris' new book I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. It is amazing. I was reading it yesterday in the same room as Hunter and I kept bursting out laughing. He thought I was a little crazy, but I never said I wasn't. She makes me want to throw amazing parties and be just the quirky woman that I am. Love it... it's been my night-time reading for the past two days!

Also, I've been anxious to make nona's sidewinder socks, but I didn't have the right size circulars. I ordered a few of KnitPick's classic circulars so that I can knit them as soon as the needles arrive. They will be arriving with a couple more books, ones I've also been lusting after for quite a while.

Until next time, I will be wasting hours upon hours of my life, and possibly losing real-life friends, while I play with Ravelry!

Summer Knits

2007-05-29T14:09:00.000-04:00

Summer Projects
I have cast-on/swatched/purchased yarn for 3 different summer tops:

White Silk Sweater from Rebecca 33

I even took it with me to NC for Memorial Day:

This pattern is originally written to be knit flat in two pieces, but I wanted to knit it in the round, so I had to re-chart the lace, cast-on, etc.

Collared Tank from KnitSimple Spring/Summer 07

Cotton Twist

Rusted Root

Cotton Fleece

Summer Socks

After I modeled for Loopville, I bought some yarn (and they gave me a discount!)

I'm hoping to make nona's sideways socks

Adventure Bag Progress

2007-05-24T01:17:00.000-04:00

This bag has accompanied me everywhere this week and it's growing quickly!!

I have lots of pictures and little time, so a longer post will be coming probably Friday as tomorrow's Girl's Night Out, and of course I'll be taking the bag.

Randomness

2007-05-21T20:42:00.000-04:00

I have been intrigued by everyone's random things and found many of them to be like mine, so I tried to find some original ones (I know I'm too random).
Here goes:
1. I am a night person. Whenever I want to get things done, I start around 2 am and work, work, work until it's done. If I try to do it during the day, it doesn't get done.

2. I love French. I watch movies and TV shows in French whenever I have that option. I also love to listen to French music and sometimes translate songs and sing the lyrics in French. Also, I have a list of French knitting terms and sometimes I will read that for fun as well.

3. I hate heat. For a southern girl, that makes things tough. My pale skin and blonde hair is linked to my Norweigan heritage which prompts me to carry SPF 50 in my purse and offer it to friends whenever we go on an outdoor adventure.

4. I am a very idealogical person and believe that I will be able to do everything I want to in my life. Making my own beauty products, making my own clothes, baking bread, cooking with food from my garden, spinning my own yarn, having my own sheep, being completely sustainable while traveling EVERYWHERE as I begin school studying International Business, etc. You name it, I probably want to do it.

5. One of the most gratifying feelings to me is parking perfectly in a tight spot. Why? I don't know, but whenever I execute a perfect parking job I feel strangely proud of myself.

6. I have a fear of finishing knitting projects. Sewing seams, weaving in ends... it all scares me. I am a perfectionist and I always want my knitting to be perfect. The finishing/seaming of a knit reveals to me whether or not I'm happy with the project. Usually, there's something "glaring," but I suck it up and know that if it was perfect, I probably wouldn't be as happy with it.

7. I am an avid reader, or at least I used to be. Knitting has taken up a lot of my reading time and I have ADD, which makes it hard for me to concentrate on audiobooks. So, I now own more books that I have NOT read than I have. Luckily, I have learned how to knit and read, so this summer I hope to finish MANY of the books I own!!

Short and Sweet Update

2007-05-20T21:31:00.000-04:00

Oh, it's been a very busy week. Graduation, which included lots of family in town, left little time for blogging this week. I do, however, have some knitty news.
My new project:

A great felted bag for summer made with Cascade 220 (my first experience with this yarn and it's been a good one).

Next, I went to my LYS and they currently have the Vogue Knitting Summer 2007 trunk show in town. Since they have the trunk show, there will be a piece on a local show and I will be modeling one of the garments tomorrow on tv!! I'm very excited and it's also one of my favorite patterns of the issue.

Anyway, more pics, thoughts, and a whole lotta bag progress coming your way very soon!

Ta da!

2007-05-13T23:38:00.000-04:00

That can only mean one thing.
Yes, the Central Park Hoodie is finally finished and I wore it tonight! And I just realized that it also coincides with green for Project Spectrum!

Cast-on: November 14 ,2006/ Finished: May 13, 2007
Pattern: Central Park Hoodie from Knitscene Fall 2006
Size: 36" and fits great!
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted color #1233 , 4.5 skeins
Needles: 4.5 mm(US 7) and 5.5 mm(US 9) Clover Takumi for the body and 4.5 mm Knitpicks Options
Modifications: I read the double cable chart backwards on the back, so I made the sleeve cables match.

For a bit of randomness, I found this after emptying out the purse I took with me to Europe last summer. Which is perfect cause my lips have been cracking so much lately.

Determination and Its Knitting Benefits

2007-05-11T00:38:00.000-04:00

This week I've been taking a few AP exams, I went into 2 of 3 determined and sure of myself: English and Calculus... Government was disastrous. All the studying and just the feeling of determination (also the adrenaline rush of the end of the semester/high school!) made me determined to finish a project: The Central Park Hoodie.

I picked up and knit the edging, the seams have been sewn and by tomorrow all of the (MANY) ends will be woven in and I'll have my FIRST completed sweater.
Stay tuned for more fibery goodness!

Relaxing Knits

2007-05-02T23:40:00.000-04:00

I've been relaxing this week before everything begins next week. Doing the daily rows of my KAL seemed to be just the trick. I had to leave in a hurry for a meeting and took a hat I'd started a while ago, frogged part of it, and left it sitting alone for months. It got some love today, but I forgot the book with the pattern and had to hope I could remember the stripe width (Candy Cane Hat from Handknit Holidays).
Yesterday I said I'd be trying some combination knitting and, people, I think I'm sold. It's so quick. My one problem is keeping a consistent gauge, but practice makes perfect, right?

May: Day 1

2007-05-01T23:13:00.000-04:00

Spring and the end of the semester has sent me into small project mode. I finished two crochet coasters yesterday.

Started: April 30, 2007/ Finished: April 30, 2007, but I still have to weave in ends and block them a bit.
Yarn: Sugar n Cream Cotton in Yellow and Cornflower Blue
Hook: G/6 4.25 mm
Pattern: Soft Coaster from Cozy Crochet

This morning I woke up with 2 KAL's Day 1 messages in my inbox. As soon as I got home this afternoon, I cast on my bookmark. I'm using some leftover sock yarn and size 0 Knitpicks needles because I don't own any size 1's. I decided for such a small project I would attempt to knit in the continental method. I think I've got it down pretty well, but I do need to work at keeping a constant gauge. It's even green for Project Spectrum, unplanned of course.

Once I finished my rows on the bookmark, I cast on my dishcloth. I am also knitting the dishcloth in the continental method... hoping to be knitting faster soon.

Also, I was watching Knitty Gritty with Annie Modesitt and she was discussing Combination Knitting with which I am completely intrigued. Tomorrow I will try to incorporate the combo knitting with the continental. Pretty excited, really.

My new set-up

2007-04-28T00:34:00.000-04:00

Finally, I got my own computer: such a gratifying thing. Before, I had to share with the rest of my family and sometimes they had more ~~time-consuming~~ important things to do than my blogging- they're Muggles, they wouldn't understand.

Last night, I caught up on the last two episodes of Lost. While I watched Lost on my beautiful new Mac, I decided I needed some mindless knitting. The Multi-Yarn Shawl is perfect: row after row of plain old stockinette.
I'm really hoping having my own computer will make blogging so much simpler, and already I think it does. Still learning the Mac, since I'm an ex-PC user. Wish me luck! Everyone have a great weekend of knitting!!

April Update

2007-04-24T18:35:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted in a few weeks and I really have no excuse-- just business combined with laziness. I've been taking plenty of pictures, but then I can't find the time to post. So, with graduation coming up in 3 weeks, I think, I will have much more time to knit and post. Also, this weekend I will finally be getting my own computer which will make blogging a lot less of a hassle. Now here's a comprehensive list of what I've been buying, knitting, crocheting, and thinking about kniting.

New Treats

I read Stephanie's new book in 2 days-- I couldn't put it down. I also picked up the new Rebecca mag, my favorite. I've found a project in my new mag that would be perfect for some ArtYarns Regal Silk I've had in my stash for about a year:

The shrug on the front is absolutely adorable as well-- I'm planning on making it with either Louet Euroflax or KnitPicks new CotLin.

While I was out buying books, I picked up some yarn to celebrate Lent's ending. I gave up buying yarn for Lent and it was fairly difficult, I'm happy I made it through alive. Anyway, the yarn is also in keeping with Project Spectrum's colors.

The soak is for blocking my Cabled Footies. The MIssion Falls 1824 Cotton is in a great bubblegum pink with which I plan to make a crochet cap from last summer's Rebecca:

Blushing Grannies
I loved this pattern the first time I saw it:

Blushing Grannies is from the Feb/Mar 07 issue of Crochet Today.

This is a close-up of the squares-- I'm really enjoying the crocheting. So far, I've completed 8. Blushing Grannies is destined to be my dorm bedspread next year, but I've got quite a few months to finish.

Choices
This week my LYS is having an anniversary sale and I've limited myself to purchasing enough Tahki Cotton Classic for one summer top. Here are the two I am trying to decide between. Any input would be great and color suggestions would also be helpful.

Tank from Knitting Nature

Tank from KnitSimple's Spring/Summer 2007 issue, I think.

PS for Spring

2007-04-02T17:40:00.000-04:00

Pink, Yellow, and Green

My Favorite Tree and a close-up of the blossoms:

Here are some more shots of flowers in my yard:

Fixation Gauge Drives Me Crazy

2007-04-01T23:38:00.000-04:00

Knitting with Fixation is a lesson in patience for me. I love the way it looks and stretches, but the tension is a pain in the neck.

I sat and finished the first sock while reading The Blind Assassin. The second sock I cast on at work, knit the ribbing, turned the heel and decreased the foot and knit it around for a few inches. That night I finished the toe, but didn't graft the toe together until this week. They still need the ends woven in and to be washed, but I will have a great pair of summer socks shortly!

Once I finished the Fixation socks, I've been working pretty much exclusively on my Somewhat Cowl, but I had a row or two of tension issues due to being used to knitting with Fixation. The rows aren't very obvious and I'm nearly done with the bottom ribbing. Once I have the body finished I will try it on and make sure everything is as it should or I may be ripping back a few inches to correct the gauge and/or waist increases.

I've not sewn another project but I've been doing lots of research and trying to organize a space for sewing. My family also went out of town this weekend to visit an aunt who is a master quilter and I have plans to "study" with her this summer. I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully I'll have some more time to sew this coming week!

More pictures will be coming soon and I am combing my stash for projects to work on for the April/May Project Spectrum Colors. Some might even include sewing projcts, I hope.

Sewing Extravaganza

2007-03-23T15:13:00.001-04:00

I put my sewing "skills" to work these past two days and made a bag I am proud of. My first project has MANY imperfections, but it's a tote for my knitting and any extra bag is good.
My main screw-ups were:
Using my rotary cutter and not making a straight line
Threading the machine wrong (the bobbin, too)
Sewing the top of my tote closed
Mainly, I just got very skilled at using a seam ripper and developed many new and interesting curses each time I made a rookie mistake.

Here she is in all her blue splendor:

And she's already been put to use in storing my Somewhat Cowl:

I don't have too much time before I have to go to work, so I'll leave you with some Project Spectrum shots I've been meaning to share. The movies I had to include because I watched them this week and was excited about their "blue-ness".

1. Periwinkle Fixation, 2. Blue Needle Case, 3. T-Pins on the Cheap, and Blue, Too, 4. AnotherBlueMovie-Bewitched, 5. Blue Plymouth Galway for Felted Bowl, 6. Blue-ish Rotary Cutter, 7. Periwinkle Fixation Socks' Heel Flap, 8. BlueMovie- AGoodYear, 9. My Blue Tools, 10. Periwinkle Fixation Sock, 11. Somewhat Cowl in my NEW BAG!!!, 12. My First Solo Sewing Gig

Cable Footies Finished

2007-03-14T20:41:00.000-04:00

I went to the SouthEastern Theatre Conference this past weekend. And it was a blast!! I took some knits with me to wear: Le Slouch, Bejeweled, and the Bridgetown Belt Bag. I wore them all and felt oh-so-crafty when I could remark that I did, indeed, "knit it myself."

The weekend was also filled with lots of knitting time. I cast on the One Skein Cable Footies before I left and finished them this evening. I always finish projects in the evening when it's hard to take a decent picture, but I don't possess the patience to wait until tomorrow to take a picture.

This is the actual color and all that remained of the two skeins (I included a pad of Post-Its for scale).

Pattern: Cable Footies from One Skein
Cast-On: March 6, 2007 / Finished: March 14, 2007
Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Wool- 2 skeins, color 23
Needles: Clover Takumi 4.5 mm (US 7) dpns... the reason I used 7's instead of 8's wasn't that I checked my gauge, but because I didn't double-check the pattens spec's. But they still fit!!
Size: Small (Women's 7 1/2 to 8 1/2)
Modifications: None that I can think of besides the needle size.
Recipient: Hunter's mother... hoping that some knitty goodness can change her heart toward me.

Quick, small projects have been what I've been thriving on lately, but I'm not totally sure what my next small project will be. But whatever it is, I'll keep you posted!

Busy, Busy, Busy

2007-03-12T22:36:00.000-04:00

I cast on a pair of Cable Footies from One Skein last Wednesday. I finished the first Saturday

and cast on the second yesterday and I am nearing the finish line. My second pair of socks has been fun-- worsted weight makes the project go by so quickly!! These socks are for my boyfriend, Hunter,'s mother, who enjoys hating me. Bribery works sometimes, doesn't it??

At Urban Outfitters, I bought Sew U and I CAN'T WAIT to learn how to sew. A little while ago, I played around with my mom's old machine and stitched some muslin, just to get the feel of the machine. I have a long way to go before I achieve anything wearable, but I'm still very excited.

College decisions have been nearly finalized and if I go to the nicer, more expensive school that I love, I will be making many sacrifices in the name of frugality. I'm hoping very much that I can take handmade objects to the next level. Wish me luck!

Le Slouch Off the Needles

2007-03-01T17:53:00.000-05:00

I really wanted to finish this hat by last night and I did!!! During Lost I wove in yarn tails (something I hate!!!)
Anyway, Le Slouch is done and I wore it today in the nasty rain. But my hair certainly stayed dry!

Pattern: Le Slouch(pdf) by Wendy Bernard (one of my fav. designers)
Cast-on: February 26, 2007/ Finished: February 28, 2007
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Jean Née (50 cotton/50 acrylic) in a color I can't quite define (brown, gray, hints of mauve)-it's color 5, if you're curious. I used a little over one skein. This yarn is SO soft, I can't stop stroking it! And that sheen... I plan to use it for a sweater one of these days- my new LYS has LOTS in stock!!!
Needles: Clover Takumi dpns 8's and 9's
Mods: Well, it wasn't on purpose, but when it came time to pull the yarn through the rem 6 sts, I had 10 and was too lazy to do anything about it. It looks fine, so I'm not going to worry about those 4 extra sts.

Psst!

2007-02-28T17:21:00.000-05:00

For Project Spectrum...

Hunter playing w/ adorable Bichon Frise pups.

Puppies playing with a blue dishtowel are precious... and such a contrast!

I'm still knitting...
Wicked is nearly finished- but I don't like the seed stitch border at the bottom. So I may frog it and knit some ribbing instead.

Le Slouch was cast on Monday with WAY too many stitches, I decided that 68/4=27. I'm not sure what I was thinking. Anyway, I restarted knitting from the much too big beret and I'm nearly to the crown decreases, again. So, I should be finished with pictures by at least the end of the week!
I tried on my Le Slouch this afternoon for my mom and she asked what that kind of hat was called-- the one without a top!! So obviously NOT a knitter!

Sleeving It Up Nice

2007-02-22T23:37:00.000-05:00

This is all I had time for today, but hopefully I will finish the sleeves by the end of the weekend!!

Weekend Knits

2007-02-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

For the past week, I've been working mostly on Wicked. I finished the pocket knit it onto the sweater, finished the seed stitch border and bound off the body. I'm moving right along. I still need to do the sleeves, but that won't take long. Hoping to have this finished soon (I know I said that a week or so ago, too). The pose in this pic is pretty funky b/c I was talking on the phone while taking it.

I went away for the weekend and took a small project with me: Rutabaga from the Spring 07 Knitscene. And I finished it! And I love, love, love it!! I can't stop touching it-- I now love Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece.

Pattern: Rutabaga from KnitScene Spring 07
Yarn: 1 1/3 skeins Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in Teddy Bear (the name fits the color PERFECTLY!!!) See how much is left of the second skein?
Needles: KnitPicks Options US 10 1/2 , of course, and Clover Takumi 10 1/2 dpn for strap and 3-needle bind-off
Modifications: None- a very well-written pattern
Notes: I LOVE this bag and have plans to make another one as a gift to have on hand, but that probably won't happen anytime soon.

Monthly Dishcloth February Exchange:

I received a beautiful package with two dishcloths, candy, note cards, and some beaded stitch markers.
Also, on the card, she wrote my name the same way I do (something I've never seen before and I got ridiculously excited):

Hope everyone has a great week!!

Truckin'- A Post of Wicked Pictures

2007-02-14T22:13:00.000-05:00

It's been a week/weekend of progress. Wicked is nearing the finish line-- it will be my first completed sweater!! My excitement has kept me going round after round.

I marked the pocket placement with some new stitch markers, I had to make a special trip, but it was worth it.

The pocket is nearly finished in this picture. I cast it on this morning...

And by 9 tonight it was a part of my sweater!!

I stil have 2/3 of the seed stitch border left, but that will take very little time, I was just getting a little burnt out (I've spend probably um... 5 hours on this sweater today).

In Other News (or some Bejeweled Eye Candy):

This is Maggie, Hunter's dog. She's so sweet and I love the contrast of my violet Bejeweled and her fluffy white fur!!

Hopefully, I will be onto the sleeves of Wicked or done with it next time I post. I will be out of town this weekend, so knitting will definitely be on the agenda!!

Happy Valentine's Day to All!! I hope it was memorable, at the very least!

Update: Actually KALing in a Timely Fashion!

2007-02-08T18:53:00.000-05:00

Cable Net Socks (Project Spectrum):
I enjoy making socks (granted, this is only my second pair), but the tiny needles do hurt my eyes a little bit. Once I'm through with the ribbing, the stockinette and cables will be easier... I HATE purling in the round, or at least switching the yarn like in the ribbing.

Wicked:
I've been making this sweater while reading Wicked and listening to the Wicked soundtrack. I put the sleeves on scrap yarn last night and I haven't had a chance to try it on yet. But hopefully I will do that tonight or tomorrow.

Central Park Hoodie:
I have the back and both fronts finished. The ribbing on the sleeves is pictured below and I am hoping to finish this sweater by the end of the month, with any luck!

Got Gauge??

2007-02-05T23:31:00.000-05:00

Well, I was swatching for my Cable Net Socks for Project Spectrum, and I'm 2 stitches off! So instead of buying needles, which I can't currently afford, I'm just knitting the socks a few sizes smaller. It's nice when I actually use my head. So I've cast-on my socks and knit the first row of ribbing.

This time, in order to avoid SSS (Second Sock Syndrome), I will knit the cuff of one sock, then the other, etc.

Loving lace so much! I am well into the second chart of the Hidcote Shawl and I am LOVING this pattern and so excited with every pattern change. The worst part for me is knitting the WS rows... so many tiny stitches to purl!!

My goal is to finish Wicked by the end of this weekend, so wish me luck. I love the color, pattern, yarn, and the Knitpicks needles. Basically, it's one of my favorite knits and I am very excited to see it coming along.

I <3 Wool!!!

2007-02-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

I don't know what it is, but everything I've been knitting lately is woolly and wonderful. Today, I spent my time working on Wicked, Central Park Hoodie, and my Hidcote Garden Shawl.
I love the feel of wool as it winds through my fingers and I am always reminded that no fiber will ever be as perfect (to me) as wool!!
Anyone else who loves wool and cannot knit with anything but, a shout-out is encouraged...
I LOVE WOOL!!!

Scarves, Socks, and Snow... Oh my!

2007-02-04T00:17:00.000-05:00

Two Finished Objects

I woke up this morning and began to knit with a vengeance. I finished Hunter's blanket, finally!! Only 13 days late. Since he had a regional swim meet today, he took a nap with the blanket this afternoon. I will post a picture of him and the blanket together soon.

Cast-on: Summer 2005/ Finished: February 3, 2007
Pattern:
Yarn: JoAnn Sensations Rainbow Boucle (acrylic/nylon blend) I bought this yarn WAY before I became a fiber purist
Needles: US 10 Interchangable needles, Adii 40" circular, and Susan Bates Quiksilver straight needles, I got so bored with this project that switching needles made it more bearable
Notes: I started this pattern when I was still a relatively novice knitter and it is SOOOO monotonous. I will NEVER make a garter stitch blanket again!!!

Once I finished the blanket, I decided to cast off my Bejewled and weave in all the ends. I wore it to work tonight, even though I haven't blocked it yet. And every time I looked down, I DID feel a little fancy!

Cast-On: January 16, 2007/ Finished: February 3, 2007
Pattern: Bejeweled by Lisa Shobhana Mason
Yarn: Universal Yarn Inc Eden Silk (wool/silk blend) Color: Sky
Needles: Clover Takumi US 8
Modifications: I think my scarf is a little shorter than the pattern instructs, but only because I didn't want to run out of yarn
Notes: I can't wait to use this yarn again. It is a treat to work with and has great stitch definition. Definitely a favorite!

Project Spectrum

I took these pictures on Day 1 of PS and haven't had a chance to post them yet. Thursday happened to be the only "Snow Day" we will be having here in east TN.
White and Gray:

I posted my yarn for the Cable net socks and began swatching a few days ago. I've been focused on Hunter's blanket for the most part and haven't done too much swatching yet.
Blue:

Miscellaneous

The Yarn Haven just opened replacing my old LYS Knit n Purl. The selection is beautiful and the owner is SOOO sweet. If you're ever in Knoxville, check it out!! I bought a couple skeins of yarn to make a beret next fall, because I don't really have the time now and it's almost warm again.

Qui crochet? C'est moi!!

2007-01-30T18:50:00.000-05:00

I've been crocheting this week. I went for a walk this afternoon and took my crocheting with me. It's just a dishcloth from Cozy Crochet, but it makes for a very nice, relaxing project.

Aspen went with me, but I don't think she was too impressed with my crochet skills. I think she's just jealous that I'm not making anything for her.

Project Spectrum begins in two days: Blue, White, Gray
I'm ready to cast-on Cablenet with my beautiful new sock yarn.

I found Knitting Nature at a used book store.

Check out this price:

Exciting, huh? I can't wait to make a project, once I've corrected all of the book's errata.

Oh-so-Fetching

2007-01-25T18:50:00.000-05:00

Well, last night I finished Fetching and I am very happy with the results.

Specifics:
Cast-on: December 12, 2006/ Finished: January 24, 2007
(Basically I made one and then made the other a month later- so about two full days)
Pattern: Fetching from Knitty Summer 2006
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran- Black
I used one ball and began the second ball with about three rows left. I'm not really sure what I'll do with the remaining ball of Cashmerino Aran, but I will find something to do with it.
Needles: Clover Takumi DPNs 4.25 mm (US 6)
Modifications: Knit 8 rows after final cable twist, instead of 4. Then I used the traditional cast-off instead of the picot bind-off: it was too floppy for me.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this pattern and I will definitely knit them as gifts in the future. They are quick, easy, and oh-so-fetching!! The Cashmerino Aran is so soft and feels great against my hands.

Realization Dawns

2007-01-25T16:45:00.000-05:00

So, I moved over to the new Blogger today and I'm starting to get used to it. But I found something shocking!! People had left comments on my blog, lots of people and I hadn't realized!! So I have changed my setting and comments will hopefully come through to me and I will be able to respond to all of you great and supportive knitters.

I really do apologize if I overlooked a comment of yours, but I'm very happy to know I will never miss one again!

Keep reading! You guys are so great!

Satisfaction

2007-01-24T22:33:00.000-05:00

I finished my Fetching gloves today!! I am also getting ready to finish my cabled dishcloth, and I am very excited about making a felted bowl from One Skein out of Plymouth Galway. This is just a brief update, but I'm hoping to have a more comprehensive post this weekend!!
Signing off with warm and fetching hands!! FO post to come..

Progress

2007-01-20T14:39:00.000-05:00

I finally finished Chart 1 of Hidcote Shawl-- I had an issue with the last row, because when I started Chart 2 I had one stitch too few. It's all worked out now and I am very happy with the progress.

I frogged my Icarus and here is what I've done since. It's not too much since I've been working mainly on Hidcote.

Wicked has been coming along nicely and is such a fun knit, I love watching it grow!! This is the first KAL on the Sexy Knitters Club that I've participated in. Hopefully, I'll have time to finish it before the KAL's over.

Still loving my Bejeweled and it just keeps growing. I'm nearly finished with my first skein and I bought another so that I can definitely make it the length that the pattern instructs.

Knitting Along, Singing a Song...

2007-01-16T19:29:00.000-05:00

Today is the first day of my Monthly Dishcoth Mid-Month KAL. I cast on in a light forest green. This cloth is cabled, so it will be a fun knit!

The January KAL cloth was a snowflake and I really liked this pattern.

I cast on my Hidcote Garden Shawl last night and nearly finished the first chart, which is what I'm working on right now. The yarn looks more purple than red in this picture, but here's my progress thus far:

Finally, I cast on Wicked last night for the Sexy Knitters Club:

Here's a more accurate color picture:

No Longer a Noro Virgin!!!

2007-01-15T15:18:00.000-05:00

I purchased my first skein of Noro Kureyon last Tuesday so I could make a ribbed hat pattern that magically appeared in my possession(seriously!): it was an omen. So I cast on Wednesday evening and sewed up the back seam Friday night. I must say that the resulting hat is very warm and cozy, perfect for winter. Here are some progress shots and the FO.

Cast-on: January 9, 2007/ Finished: January 11, 2007
First FO of 2007!!
Pattern: Vogue Knitting Ribbed Cap, like I said it magically appeared from a magazine of some kind, basically knit flat in 4x4 ribbing
Yarn: Noro Kureyon in Color 183
Needles: Clover Takumi US 8's
Mods: None, great pattern, but next time it will be knit in the round

My Bejeweled is growing...

Here is the KnitPicks order I received last week. Shadow Yarn in Sunset for the Hidcote Garden Shawl KAL

and Palette Yarn in Fawn and Blue for Eunny's Endpaper Mitts.

Colorwork and lace are definitely my weaknesses.

Also the blanket I need to finish for BF Hunter's birthday next Sunday

A fun little quiz with a not-so-surprising result.. Of course I'm merino wool!!! What Yarn are you??

You are Merino Wool.You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to keep you close because you are so softhearted. You love to be comfortable and warm from your head to your toes.
Take this quiz!

Posting, a little late

2007-01-14T20:14:00.000-05:00

Well, new year usually means trying to get things done, and so far, I've just been procrastinating. Even about blogging! Anyway, I have a few projects to share:
I've been swatching for Wicked in order to participate in the Sexy Knitters' Club KAL. I love the orange of the Patons Classic Wool, so I'm hoping to have it cast on by the end of the week.

Bejeweled is definitely one of the most entertaining projects I've done in a while, it seems like every time I pick it up it grows infinitely. Can't wait to block it into lacy goodness and wear it constantly. The yarn is Universal Yarn, Inc., Eden Silk. For some reason, the yarn feels better in the skein than in the scarf, but once it's had a nice Eucalan bath that ought to change.

I though Icarus and I were getting along just fine, but then the knitting gods as usual reared their ugly heads(that's my story and I'm sticking to it). I had been reading the chart from left to right because that's how I learned to read (books). I guess I figured that I knew everything. So, I read Eunny's blog and all of her lace primers and I realized that starting over was exactly what I needed to do, and now it's coming along very nicely.

Plus another book full of ideas: the new Knitscene(one of my favorite mags)!! I already am planning to make the Ladybug(scroll down: it's #20) headband out of some leftover black Patons Classic Wool from Center Square.

Knitting New Year's Resolutions

2007-01-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

1) Knit lace--
I cast on the Icarus Shawl last night with Skacel Merino Lace in a beautiful teal-green. I will take a picture once I have a little progress and some daylight.
I'm about to purchase KnitPicks Shadow in Sunset for the Hidcote Garden Shawl KAL.

2) KAL's--
I will do both of the dishcloths for the Monthly Dishcloth KAL monthly. I am planning on saving them up and give them as a Mother's Day gift.
For Knit the Classics, I plan on reading the monthly selection and participating in the KAL if I am moved to do so.
Sexy Knitters Club- I bought some Patons Classic Merino in "Paprika" for a different sweater, but I've decided to use it for Wicked instead- the short-sleeved version.

3) Current Projects--
Multi-Yarn Shawl from Home Knits
Central Park Hoodie from Knitscene
Hush-Hush from Knitty (picked it up last week and then took it to a movie today!)
Candy Cane Hat from Handknit Holidays
Bridgetown Belt Bag from Interweave Knits (nearly ready for FO post!!)
Hunter's Birthday Blanket (to be completed by January 21, wish me luck!)

4) Knitting Journal--
I began a knitting journal with all of my current projects and plan to include the pattern name, cast-on date, finished date, yarn, needles, modifications, and a snippet of yarn. It's a plain composition notebook, but I'm hoping to spice it up with a stamped cover. Once it's beautiful, I'll post a picture.

5) Finish Stagnant UFO's--
Irish Hiking Scarf (only recently stagnant- for Mother's Day now)
Clapotis from Knitty (ditto- for Grandma's August birthday now)
Baby Socks from Interweave Knits (the baby turned out to be a girl, so I decided blue and yellow socks can go into my hope chest when they're finished)
Somewhat Cowl (just do it!)
Valentine Pillow from Hollywood Knits Style (nearly out of yarn, but also don't feel like knitting with fuzzy pink yarn)
Afghan Squares for Taylor's Afghan from 100 Afghan Squares to Knit
Loopy Pillow from SnB Nation

6) Knit from Stash-- Keep yarn buying to a minimum: sock yarn or yarn for small projects

Happy New Year to all!

Christmas Gifts

2006-12-26T22:41:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-21T18:09:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-20T00:21:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-17T21:40:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-12T22:26:00.000-05:00

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

2006-12-09T23:25:00.000-05:00

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

2006-11-30T21:29:00.000-05:00

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

2006-11-29T18:22:00.000-05:00

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

2006-11-20T18:14:00.000-05:00

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

2006-11-15T23:06:00.000-05:00

Central Park Knitting and Finished Socks

2006-11-13T18:37:00.000-05:00

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

2006-10-15T15:06:00.000-04:00

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

2006-10-12T17:42:00.000-04:00

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

2006-10-10T22:55:00.000-04:00

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

2006-10-09T22:17:00.000-04:00

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

2006-08-16T17:53:00.000-04:00

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

2006-08-11T23:55:00.000-04:00

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

2006-08-10T21:43:00.000-04:00

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:

Long time, no blog

2006-08-08T22:15:00.000-04:00

I've been spending my summer knitting, reading other knitters' blogs, books, magazines, basically anything I can get my hands on.
During the summer, I cannot keep a schedule to save my life, but since school begins again on Friday, I knew I would be re-establishing my usual schedule.

Update on WIP's:

The Somewhat Cowl

Bridgetown Belt Bag

This is the basic shape of the strap but I folded it over in order to take a picture.
Detail shot:

A Few FO's:

Mom's Birthday Present

I finished the blue cloth at the park today while watching Hunter climb on a log over the water:

Crochet-lings:

I ordered SnB Crochet: The Happy Hooker and have begun to teach myself (yet again) how to crochet and the best news of all?!?!? I FINALLY GET IT!!
I made a little coaster (Sugar 'n Cream)

and a flower pin (Plymouth Galway) both from Cozy Crochet.

Summertime

2006-06-19T00:41:00.000-04:00

This has been the project I've been focusing on this summer thus far. I took it on the plane with me to France, but lacework and planes, not the best combination. Once I got home, I really began to work on it and finished the first half last weekend, but have only just begun the second half. I am really loving this pattern, although there are some issues in the pattern. It's from Saunshine and it's a great way to use up the rest of my Cotton-Ease stash.

While in the Loire Valley, we went to visit Chambord a palace of King Francis the 1st. While wandering through this massive stone chateau, I found a loom with many lengths of beautifully dyed wool (Sadly, the closest I came to any yarn the entire trip). I am very jealous of those with dying and spinning abilities. Sometime in the near future, I would love to at least attempt those tasks. Luckily, I found out the other day that my, um...., boyfriend's best friend's mom dyes and spins her own yarn, so maybe I won't have to learn all on my own.

Back to France, I have begun a scrapblog to catalogue all of my pictures I took in order to conserve paper and share pictures with friends, etc., on-line. Check it out if you have the time, but it's not nearly finished and will have many more pages added presently.
Anyway, I have high hopes for finishing my Sweet Tank by the end of June. I will keep the blog updated (seriously) with progress, at least weekly. Keep on having a great summer and if anyone gets bored, check out the Monthly Dishcloth KAL blog for a couple of lines of a dishcloth pattern daily!
Hope everyone is having a tremendous summer!!

A Break from the Hubbub

2006-06-16T00:35:00.000-04:00

I have been way too busy to post in about a month. So this is a quick update since I'm tired and I'm SO ready for bed.
On May 29, I left for Paris. I spent a few days in Paris visiting the Musee des Invalides which houses Napoleon's tomb, the Louvre (which is great to see after reading Da Vinci Code, also reread the book on a train from France to Spain) and experienced a whole new caliber of shopping. The whole time, however, I did not have time to shop for yarn. I did, however, take a picture of a few skeins in Chambord (a castle of Frances the 1st).
From France we traveled a full day to Barcelona where the heat is sweltering and I do not understand a word. French is my language which I can speak decently and understand minimally. But that's saying a lot compared to my Spanish-speaking skills: Hola! and Quantos? and Perdonnas-mes when I run into people on the streets. In Barcelona, we looked at this beautiful mosaic park (which I will post pictures of tomorrow when my eyes will stay open), went to yet another church, went to a topless beach (I envy Spanish women's self-confidence), and experienced a true Spanish bullfight (mindnumbingly dull, or so I thought). Madrid was our last visit and also has the best shopping in the entire world. Everything was very cheap and seemingly well-made. If I hadn't spent so much in France, I could have bought about three times as much stuff in Madrid. Oh well, it was all a ton of fun and I should either post a couple pictures or just leave a link to my scrapblog.

Finals are Over, Summer is HERE!!

2006-05-26T16:22:00.000-04:00

I'm a little bit excited about the summer, I guess you could say. I've still been knitting, as much as I can with everything going on. I meant to post last week, but the internet went berserk and it's finally doing alright, plus I got a brand-new digital camera which I decided to figure out how it works. So here goes...

Embossed Leaves were coming along, but then I snapped a needle right in half. And I don't have time to get a replacement before I leave, so I guess I won't be able to knit on my flight. :(
On a happier note, I will be storing the Somewhat Cowl (from Wendy at Knit and Tonic) in my checked luggage so I can work on it during the trip.

Then here's a halfway decent picture of the stitch markers I made for this project, needed very small ones. And also a pretty good representation of the color.

Sadly, I am out of time, but I will finally have time to post again Mid-June so I hope everyone has a great summer!

~Allie

Une Chausette a Fini!!

2006-05-16T17:13:00.000-04:00

My first sock is done!! I finished last night and I'm so proud of myself. In a celebratory effort, I cast on for my second pair of socks today.

This picture isn't the most flattering and it makes the foot look enormous...

but they fit me perfectly.

I cannot wait to have my very own pair of handknit socks. By the way, the comfort far surpasses all other socks I've worn before. I'd always heard that once you try handknit socks you can never revert back. It's an addiction, but that's alright since I'm addicted to knitting as well.
I got a little bored the other night (I messed up a pattern repeat on my sock and was too lazy to unknit the rows) and began the cutest little striped baby hat for an Acting teacher at my school whose due date is soon approaching.

Since she's having a boy and I have a lot of Cotton-Ease in my stash, little Devin will have a nice and soft blue hat with green stripes.

I got the pattern from Melanie Falick's Handknit Holidays.

Last, but certainly not least, is my Monthly Dishcloth group swap cloth. I was trying way too hard to make the cloth fancy by doing too many colors and making the dishcloth want to be a little bag.

Needless to say it's not working out and I need to send it fairly soon. Any great dishcloth patterns out there? If not, I'll be creative and make up my own... or something.
On another note, finals are fast approaching as is my trip to France. When I return there will be an overwhelming amount of pictures. Along with me on all of these adventures is my trusty friend and savior:

Embossed Leaves Nearing the Finish Line

2006-05-12T20:00:00.000-04:00

I've been making some progress on my sock today. This is how long they've gotten.

Pretty impressive, huh?
Here's some detail on the leg:

I have one and a half pattern repeats to go until I work on the toe. My very first sock is nearly complete.
I have to agree with the Yarn Harlot when she says that socks are a lesson in adherence and commitment.
I will finish them soon and post pictures ASAP.
I'm also currently reading Moll Flanders and I'm very much hoping to start Pride and Prejudice this week for Knit the Classics .
It's getting way too late for me, nearly 8:30. Just kidding, I'm completely exhausted so I'm heading out.
'Night all.

Catching Up

2006-05-12T19:40:00.000-04:00

This will be a text-only post, with a picture post coming up next. For the last two weeks, I have been VERY busy and haven't had any time to post. Here's the basic run-down of my last two weeks:
3 AP tests (3-hour long tests which begin early and are designed to fail you) So.. um, that was tons of fun: I took English, U.S. History and Environmental Science. Luckily, it's all over.
Prom. Enough said. Hours of getting ready, going out for a fancy dinner, and then dancing the night away or something akin to that. You know, for such a celebrated rite of passage, it's not quite all it's cracked up to be.
Anyway, I haven't had too much time to knit and I just wanted to first post irrelevant knitting stuff and then, with another post, move on to knitting.

Sock, Day 1, Again

2006-04-29T14:45:00.000-04:00

Since my sock was too small and I wanted it so badly to be for me, I measured my gauge and frogged the sock, then restarted yet again. I bought sz 1 1/2 Brittany's b/c of the woman at my LYS's suggestion. Sadly, I knit way too tightly for 1 1/2's and don't have enough money currently to purchase 2's(LYS doesn't do returns on needles). Anyway I cast on 72 sts instead of 64 and have knit 5 of the 18 rows of twisted rib cuff. I want my first pair of socks to be PERFECT!!

On Wednesday night I went to Target and purchased a shelf for all of my knitting stash. The shelf has cute little colored bucket-like drawers which fit into it.
I filled them into specified containers: current projects, yarn intended for specific projects, cotton stash, random stash along with leftover yarn, and circular needles not a part of my interchangeable circulars kit.

On top of my shelf I have my final compartment for projects that need to be finished. My scarf, striped bag, and a pile of Taylor's afghan squares are currently occupying that space.

I am hoping with all of my heart to make my Embossed Leaves socks in the perfect size and will keep you posted with all of my progress and pattern changes.
Next projects I hope to make: cabled shrug with ArtYarns Regal Silk, and then the Somewhat Cowl which the Sexy Knitters have been knitting, but I cannot afford the yarn to make such an extensive project right now.

Socks, cont.

2006-04-24T22:57:00.000-04:00

I have been continuing to work on my Embossed Leaves Socks and have finally come to a problem: the heel flap. For some reason, while I was working the short rows, there are 22 sts left on the needle instead of 18. I will continue to look at my work and find out if I can fix it.
One other little problem: they're tight on my feet. I can get them on, but it takes some effort. They may end up being a gift for my mom (who has TINY feet). I've modeled the socks to show how absolutely beautiful they are. I just can't get over it.

Not only do I model the sock, but my new phone thinks it's pretty cozy.

As summer is nearing, I decided to do something drastic: chop off all of my hair, basically. I really like it though. And it will be a lot easier when I'm traveling in Europe.

Sock Progress

2006-04-23T23:12:00.000-04:00

So, I've frogged my sock about 3 times, but it's coming along nicely now. Now that I've learned how to do a rib cast-on. Look for a video on how to do it here.
I've had a couple of issues with ladders, which is normal for a first sock. But since it's only on the ribbing, it's not quite as obvious. It goes away once I'm below the cuff.

Even though this picture doesn't show the details quite as well as the first, it's the only picture true to the sock color. It's very bright and absolutely gorgeous.

I will continue to post my progress. Since I truly began the sock last night (once I found the correct cast-on), this is Day 1.
To Be Continued...

First Pair of Socks and A Venture Through the New Vogue Knitting

2006-04-20T23:18:00.000-04:00

I began my first pair of socks today: The Embossed Leaves Socks from the Winter 2005 issue of Interweave Knits. I bought some gorgeous Lanett wool sock yarn to make me some summer-colored socks. I also purchased some Brittany birch needles in size 1 1/2 (LYS owner's suggestion, the pattern called for 2's). I absolutely love the lace pattern and plan on posting a wee bit about these daily.

I was so looking forward to getting this book the other day. Now that I've purchased it, I've found it to be an indispensable resource for knitters, especially on their first pair of socks. BTW, there is a simple sock pattern in the book, but I felt it wouldn't be challenging enough. I hope I didn't jinx myself by picking a more complicated pattern.

Last, but most certainly not least, is the new Spring/Summer 2006 issue of Vogue Knitting. It is my favorite issue so far. I was photographing the pictures and had so many on my camera, I chose the most interesting. The skirt on the cover is my absolute favorite knitting pattern I've ever seen. It's just like something I would look for in a clothing store, which makes it absolutely brilliant.

A large aspect of this issue is crochet, as shown by this wrap/cardigan with beautiful crocheted edging. I would love to learn how to crochet this kind of edging, but I don't seem to have the co-ordination. Maybe I will pick up the new SnB book The Happy Hooker and try yet again.

So, wish me luck on my socks, I will keep you posted.

Happy Easter!

2006-04-16T23:22:00.000-04:00

Recently, I've felt really boring, as if I had nothing to say whatsoever. Anyway, today is Easter, so Lent is now officially over(Yay!!). Once again, I can buy books and yarn. First order of business is the Yarn Harlot's new book Knitting Rules, which I have been lusting after since it first appeared at the book stores. I really want to buy some sock yarn and finally make beautiful socks (I love Gems Pearl yarn), but I still need to concentrate on Taylor's afghan. Progress, however, is coming along slowly, but steadily. Right now, I'm waiting on pictures to load, so it'll be just a minute before the progress is witnessed by others.
I received the Spring 2006 issue of Interweave Knits and I must say I've found some patterns I want to make SO badly, and yet, I cannot.
Here is the first pattern which caught my eye, but sadly, it was an ad for Blue Sky Alpacas. I was very sad, but will soon be heading to my LYS to look for that pattern.

Next, socks, obviously. The green are my favorite, but it may just be because I don't especially like the picot edging on the pink ones. So, since, I love this pattern and they are the perfect, lightweight summer socks. It is likely that I will try to make them over my few months of freedom this summer, before the hell that is senior year begins.

The Bridgetown Belt Bag. At first, I didn't completely appreciate it, but then I saw the beautiful patterns and simplicity of the design. I was hooked, what can I say? The designer's blurb above the pattern mentioned using it for bike commutes, and I'd been wondering myself where to put all my stuff while I'm biking, or at least, when I'm thinking about biking. And voila! the solution to all of my problems is right there in front of me.

First pattern of the whole mag I am lusting after incessantly, which is pretty good. This tote makes me smile. Circles and bright colors basically make the world go round. Even though this tote may not ever happen, I love it and the thought of just looking at this picture sustains me.

Because today is Easter and also the 16th of the month, my monthly dishcloth group will be beginning our new pattern tomorrow. I am very excited, dishcloths have a very therapeutic effect on me, even more than other knitting projects. They're just so quick and pretty. Anyway, I have my yarn and needles all set out to go tomorrow. I can't wait to see what it looks like!

I am hoping to have more to post about in the coming week, but I can never be too confident. I am very excited about dropping by Borders tomorrow to pick up Knitting Rules, and also taking a friend to my new fav LYS Loops, it's been open less than a month, but it's absolutely brilliant.
Oh! I almost forgot. My next project, seriously, is going to be a gorgeous shrug made from my Artyarns Regal Silk which my KTC pal sent me. I've been swatching and I am looking forward to wearing it SO MUCH!!!

Daily Dishcloths

2006-04-08T14:53:00.000-04:00

I find that during the week I don't have a lot to post about, I want to, but I guess my life's a tad boring. I come home at night, eat, do some hw, knit, read, and then sleep if I have time. Plus reading my daily blogs and e-mails. I really do not know what I can say that's too exciting when I've been working on the same project for a couple weeks and am having a little trouble progressing.
So, last night, I decided why should I spend all of my time on one project without making small projects at times when it seems really tedious?
So that's what I did... I began, knit, and completely finished my monthly dishcloths KAL cloth:

This is my favorite cloth that I've made so far, but I did alter the pattern so that the watering can was reverse stockinette instead of garter stitch
While I was at the dishcloth working, I finished 2 other cloths.

This one I made forever ago, but kept forgetting to weave in the ends and now it's somewhat stretched out and I'm too lazy to block a dishcloth.

I knit this cloth while I was at the beach at the end of March and really enjoyed making it, so here it is finished and sewn together as best I could. I used the kitchener stitch to graft the sides together. Why? Because I'd never tried it before and a dishcloth is a pretty insubstantial project if I'd messed up.
Since I posted all of my recent dishcloths, I have yet another to show all of you:

This just goes to show that knit dishcloths put up with a lot, I've been using this cloth for two months, washing it on a fairly abusive cycle and it's holding up just dandy.

In Other News:
I am still working on Taylor's blanket and I'm still only on the 6th square, which means I'm almost half-way done with the checkerboard square.
This morning I had to get up bright and early to take the ACT, again, so wish me luck!!

There Are No Words

2006-04-03T20:52:00.000-04:00

I just spent the last 20 minutes writing a post full of emotion and seemingly interesting venting I have needed to proclaim widely, but my computer decided to take a break on me. Needless to say, I was not happy. It will take me even longer now, but I need to put a decent post out there soon. So, here goes...
Monthly Dishcloth KAL began on Saturday, but I have sworn to myself that I will knit nothing (including dishcloths) until I finish Taylor's afghan. Even though I've only managed 4 squares so far, it is becoming tedious and I long for variety, but I must be strong.
The Sexy Knitters Club KAL also began Saturday and I absolutely adore the Somewhat Cowl and wish I could make it, but I both lack the funding and I cannot buy yarn for myself until Easter (I could kick myself for my Lenten sacrifice: no books and yarn).
Knit the Classics KAL is on yet another new book, while I'm still reading February's book Woman on the Edge of Time. Once I finish that, I will still have to read Life of Pi and Moll Flanders in order to catch up.
I love being a part of each and every one of these groups, I'm just feeling guilty about being unable to keep up with all of the others.
In addition to all of the books I need to read for KTC, I decided to re-read the Harry Potter series and I'm currently 200 pages into Prisoner of Azkaban. Not that reading Harry Potter is stressful, since I want to do it, I just feel a little too busy, I guess.
I have a lot of trouble carving productive time out for myself, which is funny considering I'm an avid reader and knitter. I apologize for my venting of my current frustrations, but what's a blog for?
I decided I might post a picture of all of the books I am currently reading, need to be reading, and the ones I am required to have read in just a few short months.

Life tends to be overwhelming in fits and starts and right now, I am feeling the stress of upcoming research projects and exams, including the ACT on Saturday.
I guess that's about it, but it's great to just get all of that out and to reflect on my current emotions.

~Allie

Afghan Progress and Spring Blooms

2006-03-31T16:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Emily and I returned to Loops to pick up more yarn, already. So far these are the squares I've completed. I've had a bit of trouble with the intarsia, but for the most part I am very much enjoying the project. Since my Show Choir went to competition, I have 3rd period basically free at school, which makes for great knitting time. I have to make 15 of this specific square, and I've almost finished 3.

Here is an up-close and personal shot of the square, you can pretty much see the stitch definition of the hearts.

Last night, while I was knitting, I began to think of Savannah and how I taught her to knit barely 2 months ago. Time flies so quickly, but I had a few wonderful years with her and I will always respect her dying wish: to remember her. Savannah will not soon be forgotten and making this afghan for her sister, Taylor, has been a really great outlet for my grief, it's just been very rewarding.
Moving on to brighter and better things...
Spring has sprung upon us, and, with it, my favorite tree is blooming beautifully. Sadly, a picture does not do it true justice, plus it's overcast today (there's been a tornado warning issued), so I can just blame the picture on the lighting.

Here are the beautiful flowers. I always know Spring is truly here when my beautiful tree begins to bloom outside my bedroom window. This tree has been in my front yard forever and it has become a part of my seasonal traditions and my family always takes Easter pictures in front of the tree after church.

This year is going by so quickly and I feel like I'm almost missing it, but it's been pretty good so far. I cannot wait for this year to be over and for my senior year to be here, just so I can get through all of this.
Since March ends today, I would like to wish everyone a Happy April Fool's Day, especially the members of my KTC group as we begin reading Daniel Defoe's Moll Flanders

~allie

Mystery Swap Package and Afghan for Taylor

2006-03-29T18:42:00.000-05:00

I received the most amazing package from Carrie for the KTC April Fool's Day Mystery Swap. She gave me two books: The Maltese Falcon and Designer Knockoff. Also I received wonderful things like 5 skeins of ArtYarns Regal Silk, a bookmark, Marie Claire magazine en francais, a pop-up map of Paris, and a small book about Paris: Passport to the Soul. In addition to all of this, I received Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans and Vanilla Mint Velamints. How great is she?

My friend Emily and I went to the new yarn store in town: Loops. A mutual friend of ours, Savannah, had been suffering from leukemia for nearly 8 years and passed away last week on March 22. Her younger sister, Taylor, is only 12 and is having a very hard time with her sister's passing, so Emily and I have decided to make her an afghan from 100 Afghan Squares to Knit. We purchased 7 skeins of Wilflower DK, thus far, but Emily currently has the pink and green in order to start a square. The heart blanket we are going to make is absolutely beautiful and I am very excited about beginning to make it and use intarsia in a project for the first time.

Beach Time and Disneyworld Adventures

2006-03-23T17:40:00.000-05:00

The title sounds like this might be interesting, but don't be deceived.
I left Wednesday, March 15, to hop on a tour bus for the next day and a half in order to go to Disneyworld. The show choir from my school, the Treblemakers, had a performance in Epcot. And this is how we were made up:

That's my friend Allyson (right) and me (left).
Our program theme was '80's Fame. Don't you love my bangs?

Here's another fun picture of Allyson and I, with my favorite Disney characters, Mulan and Mushu:

On the trip down to Florida, I finished my striped scarf, which I also have pictures of, but I have to admit I had picture-taking issues.

Now, all I have left is adding the fringe:

I also finished my Checkers tote and bought the fabric to line it with, and planned to complete it at the beach, but I didn't have time.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the Disneyworld adventures.

Just to update: I sent my Knit the Classics gift exchange package yesterday to Becky.
Since I gave up buying yarn and books for Lent, I have been doing fairly well. The only thing I've purchased is yarn for others and for projects for others, and the book for my KTC book swap. So, I'm really proud of myself for my progress and efforts.

~Allie

Project AND Pictures

2006-03-12T22:39:00.000-05:00

Here is the project I started last weekend, beginning with the pattern in Weekend Knitting:

Here's my progress so far on Friday:

Here's my current scarf, which I somewhat fashioned after In Her Shoes:

I love the colorways from this scarf.

Then, finally, here's my progress on Hush-Hush:

I have about 4 inches to go and then the top lace section.

So, those are my current projects, sorry for the picture overkill. I hope you like all of the projects.

~allie

Book Swap Info

2006-03-04T11:28:00.000-05:00

Book Swap Info:
Yarn:
1. What is your favorite type of yarn/fibers? Cotton and wool
2. Any yarns/fibers you absolutely hate? Not a big fan of acrylic and eyelash yarns
3. Any type that you would love to try but haven't yet? Cashmere or silk
4. Any yarn allergies or sensitivities? No
5. Favorite colors? I love blues, greens, pinks, and peach: either very bright colors or pastels
6. Favorite type of thing to knit: socks, lace, fair isle etc.? I love to knit dishcloths, scarves, have yet to try socks, but have a feeling I will love it!
7. Any knitting tools you would love to have? Basically, I just need to get some more dbl ptd needles, I only have 4's, 6's, 9's, and 10½'s
8. Favorite tools you already have? I really do not have tons of gadgets, but I don't know if I have a favorite one
9. Favorite knitting designer? I love Rebecca magazine, so I guess I love any of their designers
10. Favorite knitting book? I love Handknit Holidays and Hollywood Knits Style, I tend to like the more modern and trendy fashions or very classic cardigans
11. Any knitting books you would like? I really want the Rebecca magazine Home edition
Food:
1. Favorite foods/flavors? Chocolate: especially with espresso beans
2. Foods/favors you dislike? Not a fan of spicy foods
3. Any food allergies? Not that I know of
4. Do you like tea or coffee? tea: fruity varieties, like raspberry, and coffee: chocolate varieties or traditional is excellent
Books:
1. Favorite genre? I can't say that I have a favorite genre, I love books of all sorts
2. Favorite authors? Jeffrey Eugenides, Megan McCafferty, Richard Wright, too many to name, I seriously love ALL kinds of books
3. Top three favorite books? The Crimson Petal and the White- Michal Faber, The Virgin Suicides- Jeffrey Eugenides, Bridget Jones' Diary- Helen Fielding
4. Anything you dislike to read? non-fiction
5. Do you like to listen to audiobooks? No
Cassette, cd or mp3 format? None
Misc:
1. Other hobbies besides knitting? Reading, watching movies, cooking(sometimes), watching Friends and Sex and the City, speaking in French to get ready for my trip to France this summer!!!
2. Do you collect anything? Books and yarn, I guess
3. Favorite scent? Vanilla is the BEST
4. Any scent you dislike or are allergic to? Musk
5. Music that you like or dislike? I like all kinds of music except rap. I love relaxing music to knit with and soft rock, even sometimes I love classic rock, country, bluegrass, whatever... you really can't go wrong with music

Olympic Crash and Burn Survivor

2006-03-02T22:53:00.000-05:00

So, I am a Knitting Olympic dropout, but I guess I figured that would happen. I've been reading the Yarn Harlot's blog where she's been talking about having trouble with project monogamy, and I simply can't do it. I have about 4 inches and then the top lace section before I finish Hush-Hush. But the Olympics made me a little sick of it, so I bought some BEAUTIFUL Plymouth Galway yarn and used the Random Stripe Generator to make myself a beautifully bright horizontally striped scarf. And I must say that it is coming along wonderfully.
I have a digital camera and I've been trying to teach myself all the ins and outs of posting photos of my WIPs on the blog, but I'm a busy person, so it'll probably be another week or two before I get around to it.
Happy March to all. I just wanted to comment on the beginning of Lent. I have given up purchasing yarn and books. *gasp* I will try my best, but this is an even bigger challenge than giving up chocolate, which is what I did last year. I will keep my efforts posted. I need to vent to someone who understands a life without buying yarn. And by yarn, I mean no needles or any supplies!!
One way I will have to get around it though is for the Knit the Classics April Fool's gift exchange, which I am very excited about. I will be making a small project for the recipient,Becky, but I will not disclose what it is. I will need to purchase some yarn and a book for that. But it doesn't count if it's not for me, right?
Another great thing about the beginning of a new month is the dishcloth KAL, I just love instant gratification. It's really empowering. I also love shamrocks and everything!!
I hope I've done the past week of my life justice, it's really just a hodge podge of thoughts and events.

~allie

Not Much News

2006-02-19T16:07:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've written and for good reason...

I've had a pretty boring week, so I don't have a whole lot to comment about. I am continuing my work on the knitting Olympics, plus finishing my mom's "Christmas" gift and doing my dishcloth KAL. I didn't have school Friday and also have tomorrow off, so I am hoping to get beaucoup de knitting fini.

I have been continuing to read Woman on the Edge of Time and would readily recommend it to all who feel unsatisfied with the world we are living in. It really makes you think about how you are polluting the environment and understand what you can do to help the world. Every little bit helps.

In addition to reading and knitting, I purchased the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth, who has to be the most amazing man alive. That movie is almost more addicting than knitting. *gasp*

Since I don't have much more to say, I will head on now and try to come up with a much more exciting life and report back as soon as possible.

~allie

The Olympian Strives for Her Best

2006-02-13T16:39:00.000-05:00

This morning, I woke up to a tremendous surprise... School was cancelled, I could stay at home and sleep for hours. I got up close to noon and turned on a season of Friends while I knit and knit and knit. So I have made some progress this afternoon.
Also, I mentioned my friend's cover-up I am contemplating making. It's actually from Victoria's Secret, so I'm attempting to design my first pattern, but luckily I have an idea of how to do it. I just have to make sure she likes my ideas.
Well, wish me luck and all that good stuff!

~allie

Ready, Set... Knit!!

2006-02-12T20:02:00.000-05:00

The Olympics is off to a decent start, but I have to admit I haven't been knitting much more than usual. I'm going to try to knit for about an hour each night before I go to bed, in addition to reading Woman on the Edge of Time for a while each night as well. Luckily, I have some ridiculous obsession with watching the Olympics, so I oughta be up late anyway.
A bit of a roadblock is a friend wants me to knit her a cover-up for spring break and I feel compelled to because she's been through a lot lately and deserves a handknit project. I will make it a part of my Olympic project and not let it make me feel discouraged or behind, after all I am challenging myself.
Also, a shout-out to the knitting podcasts which I love and listen to religiously:
Cast On
About Time
I would listen to more of them, but I am very impatient and for some reason I feel compelled to sit still and stare at the computer while the podcasts download.
But if you haven't listened to these podcasts, I would suggest you check them out, they're very inspirational and, personally, they make me feel less like an idiot about my fiber/knitting obsession.
Happy Knitting and Good Luck to All During the Knitting Olympics,

~allie

Knit the Classixtravaganza

2006-02-07T15:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I was going to write a post, but it turned out that Blogger was being worked on. So, I went shopping after school yesterday to look for the Knit the Classics books for the next few months. Since I was on a budget: $10, I was surprised that I was able to buy two books for that price. I bought Moll Flanders and Woman on the Edge of Time.
I started reading WOTEOT last night before bed, it's interesting so far, although I did fall asleep with it on my lap. Finding an appropriate project will be difficult, but I'm sure the further I get into it, the more the fated project will appear to me.
Today is my catch-up day, I am so behind on everything. My house is a mess and I seriously need to do my laundry, I just threw that in (which is my excuse for taking the time to blog this.)
Still working on Hush-Hush and loving it. It's so beautiful and the way the yarn knits up is just so slinky. I'm really excited about getting it finished, so I'm trying to not start anything else until it is completely finished.
Knitting Olympics Decision- I've decided not to knit an entire project start to finish and abandon my existing UFOs. So I'm going to knit daily and try out challenging stitch patterns and colorways. I will be challenging myself in a different way, but I will still feel gratified if I finish my first garment during the Olympics.

~allie

Googloogling

2006-02-05T14:35:00.000-05:00

So, I was playing around with my good friend Google today and came upon a website called Knit the Classics. I was amazed at my good fortune. Not only is it a reading group, which I love, the group knits projects which are relevant to the books. I have to say that I am extremely excited about this prospect. My goal right now is to figure out how to add buttons to my blog. I certainly hope I can, since computers sometimes mystify me.
Well, it's Super Bowl Sunday, not that it means too much to me, it just means I get to go hang out with some friends and pretend I care who wins.
Anyway, I just wanted to announce my newfound happiness about Knit the Classics, and also to express my dilemma about whether or not to compete in the 2006 Knitting Olympics. I just don't know, I already have so many projects I am working on.

~allie

all about allie

2006-02-05T03:01:00.000-05:00

My first blog- I'm not exactly sure what to put, but here goes, a simple introduction. I'm allie, an obsessive knitter, lover of all kinds of music, and an addict of the written word. My life revolves around these things.
Well, right now I am working on this precious nightgown pattern off Knitty.com in Camomile yarn, but I think it will end up being a tunic-length tank. Sadly, I'm afraid I don't have enough of my turquoise to finish the entire pattern, so I make have to change colors for the top lace section. I'll worry about that when I get to it.
Since this is my first post, I'll leave it that. Just a brief intro and whatnot.

~allie