Finals are Over, Summer is HERE!!

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!!

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.