Picovoli

Pattern: Picovoli Yarn: Knitpicks Shine Sport, Hydrangea Do you have any idea how hard it is to take a picture of yourself that is semi-flattering (three kids and age have really taken over for the worst) and in focus? I tried to get the hubby to take some, but he really couldn't be bothered. Here's the details. This took less than two weeks to finish and could have been done sooner, but I had to rip out a few inches. I decided to incorporate some short rows to give me a little bit more room in the bust but had put them about four rows too low. That lost me two days of knitting. Then there was the inconvenience of the kids being sick. To keep the edges from rolling I used a hemmed edge on the bottom and single crocheted around the neck and sleeves. Overall it was a great little knit that I may use as a template for a future sweater. The yarn was great to work with as well. I'll definetely be using it again and am coveting some of their worsted weight. Since casting off I've been working on the Manly Sweater while I contemplate my next project for myself. (No rush to finish his sweater since he won't need it for quite awhile) I'm waivering between a lace stole or a t-shirt. Front runners right now are Print O' the Wave Stole, Nothin' but a T Shirt, or maybe even Chickami. I almost forgot, I'm thinking about Soleil too. Here's something to check out. Speaking of, obviously Royd hasn't deployed yet. We still don't know when but it won't be for at least a month. Everythings up in the air as of now. Which means we can't make any plans farther than a month in advance. I'm starting to get frustrated because we're due to move back to the States in May, if he's not deployed. Of course, if he goes downrange, it means that we'll move after he gets back. The thing is that the longer he's just sitting here waiting to find out if he's going or not, means our move could be delayed more and more. Does that make sense? As much as I have enjoyed the opportunity to live overseas, I'm getting about ready to go back home. I miss it.

Gotta Love the Trekking

Pattern: Melanie's Twist Socks Yarn: Trekking XXL color 106 I sucked it up and finished 'em up. Not for a lack of love, I just wanted them done. I looked through my WIP basket and realized I had way too much in there. My earlier cast on craze left me with lots of projects and not enough time. I found myself consistently cycling through them, but progress was scant. I figure if there's less to work on, the perceived progress is greater. The original pattern didn't specify left or right increases or decreases. I left the increases at a simple M1 left, but subsituted a SSK on the first half of the pattern repeat. I thought this resulted in a clearer twist and also helped me keep track of where I was. Instead of my usual heel, I used a Eye of Partridge and think it turned out quite pretty. Hopefully next week I'll have Picovoli finished. I have to rip a few inches out due to a miscalculation of the placement of my short rows. Other than that, it's looking good! Now, where did I put that other skein of Koigu...

Commitment. Or a lack of.

I've been trying to stay faithful to the current projects on the needles. For over a week I've remained vigilant and worked on two pairs of socks in anticipation of the start of SoS. I'm not competing for the most pairs done, but would like a fresh start when it begins. The problem began when I received my yarn last week for Picovoli. I was good and put it away along with some Luna and went about my business. Yesterday I caved and merrily have been knitting away on some delightful stockinette in the round. Surprisingly I'm enjoying working with this yarn. Although it's mostly cotton, it has just enough give to not cramp my hands up. I can't wait to wear this! My first three ply is almost done. I need to dye up another half ounce to finish what's left on two of the bobbins. Although I carefully weighed the roving before I spin it, I kinda lost out due to inconsistant spinning. One bobbin was spun just a bit thicker than the rest so I lost some yardage. Somehow something else ended up on the wheel in the meantime. This is merino/silk that I'm spinning at over 40 wpi (my control card doesn't go thin enough!). Can we just say that it'll take me forever.

Stuck on Socks

Yarn: Lana Grossa Meilenweit Cotton Fun Pattern: top down on 64 stitches with a 3x1 rib I finished these up on Friday minus weaving ends that was done today. Nothing special to say about these except that I used over 45 gms on each sock when I usually use less than 40. With these finished, I quickly dug through the sock stash and pulled out a few more balls. Now I have Trekking, Koigu and handspun to occupy my time. I think they're a pretty good mix to keep my attention. The handspun is a bit hard on my hands to knit (I'm doing them on 2 mms to get a really tight fabric) so I'll work on the Trekking to give my hands break. Then when I don't feel like concentrating, the Koigu does the trick. Haven't gotten much knitting done since Sunday though. Poor Marc had to have his first round of shots yesterday and they hit him pretty hard. He'll try to smile and be cheerful, but he can't help whining through it all. Tylenol and cuddles to the rescue!