Trapped

The kids have a stomach bug. Again. I'm trapped in the house and have to shampoo my carpets. Please send healthy thoughts our way! ~~~~~ Just so y'all don't think that it's just been spinning here, may I present a finished pair of socks! Pattern: Scale Skin Socks (from the Six Socks Knitalong) Yarn: Polynesian Pools from Mama-E's These were a fun knit, but man did the second one drag. I made two modifications. Instead of swatching for gauge, I just casted on. Very soon I could see that they were too loose, so after ten repeats I switched to a smaller needle. Voila! Calf shaping! Then instead of continuing the pattern into the heel, I substitued with stockinette. Just a matter of preference. Bad picture, bad coloring, but it shows the different pooling throughout the sock. This is the most accurate shot of the colors. Indeed there has been more spinning going on. This was finished up last week, but it's the first time I've had a chance to spend more than two minutes on the computer. "Joshua Tree" South African Fine from Spunky Eclectic 194 yards, approx. 11 wpi I achieved a nice tight twist as well as a fairly consistent thicker yarn. I see mittens in my future. In fact the yarn calls so loudly out to me, that I had to put it away so I don't cast on. I have to finish some other things first! Two more rovings are being worked on, so I should be back later in the week with more handspun pretties for you.

Disclosure

I didn't mean for everyone to have to guess what the latest sweater is. I just forgot and then when I realized, I figured it would be fun to see what the guesses would be. It's Gathering Intentions from Inspired Cable Knits. So far I haven't lost interest, but progress is slow. I'm still quite enamored with the spinning and only work on this a little bit each day. About an inch more and then I can start the shoulder shaping. Of course, I'm not cold so there's really not a rush on this. BFL dyed with teal and purple by myself 4 oz., 400 yards I just love Blue Faced Leicester. It's so soft and the luster is wonderful. It's one of my favorites to work with. Which would explain the tons stashed away. After having success with the dyeing process, I turned back to the dye pot and came up with some other colors. Neither turned out exactly how I wanted, but I learned some things. I had alot of fun playing around, so I ordered some other wools to dye up. Colorways that I have in mind have been written down, so I don't forget. I tend to do that. Boys are calling... Have a great week!

Back in the Groove

I had a feeling that once I found the right project, everything would be just fine. I may have been right. Though, I'm only on the second ball of yarn and as I progress, boredom will eventually set in. It always does. For now I'm enjoying the cabling and super soft yarn. Just look at those cables pop! I'm still spinning away at night after the children go to bed. For far too long, I didn't spend alot of time doing it. The urge was there, but knitting always seemed to take top priority. I'm trying to make an effort to balance the two out. "Clover" from Hello Yarn 4 oz. Corriedale Wool 404 yards Really, I should get into the habit of measuring my wraps per inch while skeining the yarn. Forgetfulness is a common trait of mine and I never seem to remember until after I've tied it up. Oh well. In my real as a mommy, it's been a busy week. It was registration week for school and spent quite a bit of time trying to make sure I had all the necessary documents. Frankly, I can't believe I have a little boy going to school in the Fall. It seems unreal that he's that big. Sigh. On the other hand, I can't wait because he's driving me nuts!

Spin, Spin, Spin

Somewhere along the way of the past couple weeks, I misplaced my knitting mojo. I looked in the knitting basket, I looked online and I looked in the boxes of stash. Nowhere. I attempted to force it into existence by dragging out needles and lots of yarn. Nope, still not there. If anyone has any ideas to find it, let me know. I want to knit again! Thankfully, there's back up entertainment: the spinning wheel. Boy, is she ever getting a workout too! First, I finally finished this up. I did the first half months ago and started on the second right after Royd's leave in February. Love how this turned out. Plum Honey from The Yarn Wench 6 oz of Falkland Navajo plied, 700 yards Next up, I spun up some Superwash Merino. I was going for thicker singles this time. When I first started spinning, my goal was superfine singles. Once I got there, it was really hard for me to make them thicker. Of course, this was practice and it's not all that great. Autumn from The Spunky Eclectic 4 oz of Superwash Merino 314 yards This is a horrible shot of the colors, but it shows the inconsistency in spinning. Lots of practice is needed! This is what I'm working on now and below is what I'll be starting next. Well, I'm off to finish predrafting some more roving in preparation for tonight's spinning.

Bad News

Read it here. Comments Closed

Anniversary Socks

Pattern: Anniversary Socks from Favorite Socks Yarn: Paprika Merino Tencel from The Woolen Rabbit I finally bit the bullet and finished these up. Halfway through the second I got bored as I usually do and had to put them down. The other day it started to nag on me, so I fished them out of their bag and got to work. Easier said than done. I made so many changes, of course I didn't write them down and had a horrible time trying to figure out what I did. Lots of counting was involved and I only made one error in replication. I can live with that. When will I learn to write these things down!?! Overall the pattern was great but the changes I made were based on personal preferences. First, I made the diamond pattern over a panel of seven instead of six. It seemed off center to me with only six. Second, the cables nearest the back stockinette portion weren't separated by a purl so I added one. Third, I used four decreases on the toe instead of the three. I have to have at least one sock on the needles so naturally I started another one. I first saw these over at Pat's, and I just loved them. Digging around I found the perfect yarn. It breaks up the swirling colors without disrupting them. As for all those other projects that are lingering... well, I'm getting to them. Eventually.

Oops!

Well, I did it. I went ahead and ruined a pair of socks. I wear a size 9 so these clearly will not fit me. Funny, but I can't felt on purpose, but on accident it's not a problem at all. Actually, it wasn't the washer's fault. I forgot to fish them out when I threw the load into the dryer. Oh well... Does give me freedom to cast on for another pair? I've been trying to be good and not do that. I'm still only on the heel of the second Anniversary sock and had promised myself that they would be done before starting another. As things go, I got bored and started perusing patterns and yarn. Hold yourselves back... It's not a sock either! Ever since I got this book, I've admired these gloves. I've never done gloves before and hadn't any desire to either. For whatever reason the thought of doing all those fingers scared me. Now I've only finished one little pinky, but I don't think it's that bad after all. I am, of course, free to change my mind at any time. Sadly this the only progress I can really speak of right now. I've been sucked back into spinning the past few night while the Cable Down Raglan looks at me from it's knitting bag. I suspect that until I'm finished with this bobbin, it'll remain the same. Happy knitting (and spinning too) everyone!

Where's Spring?

According to the calendar yesterday was the first day of Spring. So, why then did I wake up to snow this morning?!? To make it even worse, Housing turned off the heat about a week ago and we're freezing. Brr. Thank goodness for handknits! I've got alot to show today and am having the hardest time putting it all into one coherent post, so bear with me. Pattern: Ellen's Stockings from Folk Knitting in Estonia Yarn: Koigu, P2405 You may have seen these lurking around the blog for awhile now, but I couldn't reveal them completely until now. I had knit them in a swap with Pip and Tom and I wanted her to be surprised. In return, this is what I got. Fabulous felted bowls! I have serious issues with felting so I am quite pleased. Thank you, thank you!!! Yes, Saffy has been put aside for something new and more exciting. I'm doing the Cable Down Raglan from the lastest issue of Interweave in Calmer. It's all Rachel's fault that I started it, including my choice of yarn. So far I'm really enjoying the pattern and am excited to wear it. For whatever reason I doubted how much yarn I'd need and over ordered. I haven't even finished the fourth ball yet, so I think I will be quite set with lots of leftovers. Look, an almost finished mitten! Hey, guess what? It's getting frogged! I made a decision yesterday that although I love the color combination (still can't get an accurate picture) and the pattern, it's just not doing it for me. I can't put my finger on why exactly, but I feel good about it. I'm quite sure that there some other colors in the stash that will make me even happier.

Clean Sweep

We've been enjoying beautiful spring weather the past few days. Winter coats, boots and warm handknits have been put away into storage for next year. As much as we'd like to spend all day outside basking in the warm sunshine, there are little ones schedules to deal with. So in the time that we're forced to spend inside, I've taken advantage of the spring cleaning bug that bit. This year spring cleaning takes on a different perspective. Sometime this fall we'll be moving back to the States. I know that once the hot weather hits and without air conditioning, I will not feel like doing what needs to be done. So, a little bit each day I attack a small project. Slowly but surely closets, bookshelves and random boxes are being purged of unneeded items. It's kinda overwhelming at times to see what we've accumulated over the past three years. Yarn: Sunshine Yarn in Grasshopper Pattern: Plain Vanilla Socks ** When exactly we are moving is still undertermined. Late last year it was put out that redeployment would most likely happen in late June. Now, this wasn't "official" but it gave everyone something to look forward to. Well, that's three months away and still there hasn't been an announcement as to where this still holds true or not. I understand why the powers that be won't say is because of the fear that if the redeployment date changes, there will be some very unhappy people. Right now we're in limbo and it's starting to get frustrating. One Anniversary Sock down, lots of modifications I guess at this point, I'd just to like to hear something. Anything. It's fine if the guys don't come home in June, I wasn't really expecting a ten month tour anyway. So, I guess in the meantime I'll continue to go through our stuff and prepare the best I can for what could be a move late this summer, or possibly winter. Big difference, huh? **You may have noticed Anemoi in the background. Reknitting them has commenced and I'm really glad I did. They're coming out much better this time.

WIP Roundup

After I finished the two sweaters last week, I found myself with some free needles. Ok, so maybe two sets is just a drop in the bucket, but you know what I mean. I kept flip flopping as to what to start next. Finally, I dragged out the ecru Denim and sat down and casted on for Saffy. So far there's one sleeve and the second is ever so slowly coming along. Denim is like knitting with kitchen string. Actually it's not that bad when you're doing it, but afterwards you can feel it. I mistakenly had a knitathon on Monday and payed for it all day Tuesday. So, in small doses I will be working on this and maybe by the end of summer it will be done. Remember that it shrinks when you wash it so, you have to knit 20% more. Perhaps I didn't think this through... In the meantime I've been working on a few socks as well. Front-Back: Sunshine Yarn, Merino/Tencel from TWR and Koigu* Anyone remember me saying a couple months ago that I was going to step back from socks? It's proving to be harder than I imagined. I had intentionally not joined the Sock A Month 3 knitalong for the purpose of not feeling the pressure to constantly be knitting socks. Instead, I'm more tempted. There's just too many great patterns out there and gorgeous yarns in the stash not to. Hopefully I'll have at least one pair of socks done by next week. Happy knitting everyone! *Pip, here's your sneak peak at some special socks that are on their way to you!

Odds and Ends

Thank you everyone for your nice comments about Arwen! I don't think that I clearly showed my appreciation of the sweater itself. I DO love it; it fits great and the color was missing from my wardrobe. I think alot of my frustration was that I still cling to baby weight and it makes me more aware of how my clothes make me look. I love a pair of socks that knit themselves. The ones that you pick up every once in awhile and knit a few rounds, put down and ignore for a few days. Then before you know it, they're done. It especially helps when they're toddler sized! Yarn: Peterle Regatta 4-fach Ringeldruck Pattern: standard top down on 48 stitches While Royd was home, we popped into a grocery store that we hadn't investigated yet. Clearly, I need to get more "with it", since after only two minutes of being inside I honed in on a shelf of sock yarn. Score! Your standard Regia was present, along with some all acrylics and then a few balls of this brand I'd never seen before. I snatched up a few moulines and asked Connor if he saw anything. That's what he picked out. The picture does not clearly portray the retina searing colors, but he's quite happy with his first pair that aren't hand me downs. Yarn: Plymouth Boku in color 1 Pattern: Entrelac Scarf I finished this up last week but forgot to post about it. The original pattern had called for 4 balls of yarn. I ordered five since I was toying with the idea of fringe. As I approached the end of the third ball, I held it up and realized that it was more than long enough. Since I'm pretty short, I don't need a really long scarf and don't like them that way either. So I've got two more balls to play with and am thinking of a hat and mittens. Not in entrelac though (too matchy). At first I was turning the scarf and then started playing with knitting backwards. It was awkward and clumsy since I have a very funny way of tensioning my yarn. Essentially, I don't but it works just fine under normal circumstances. I had to figure out a way to throw the yarn when going backwards. This was hard since I'm not a thrower. Once I got into the second ball everything worked itself out and I was cruising. In other news, guess who's walking? He had taken his first steps when Royd was home (which was really nice) and has been practicing ever since. It's just a matter of time before the running, climbing and jumping begins. Man, do they grow up quick or what?

A Cardigan For Arwen

Yet another sweater has been completed during my finishing frenzy. Pattern: A Cardigan for Arwen, Interweave Knits Winter '06 Yarn: Knitpicks Salishan in Red Clay I've been sporadically working on this shortly after the issue came out. Yesterday I took advantage of nasty grey and wet weather and set about to finish it. Boy am I glad it's done (as are the boys and the housework). The seaming kicked my a**! Grafting cables is a pain. I must have ripped my work out at least seven times. Now? It's not perfect, but I'm DONE. Even just the mattress stitch on the sleeves about killed me. I'm not sure why, but it just kept looking crappy. I made several modifications based on my body type and the yarn used. I had had a hard time trying to decide which size to knit, since one gave me no ease but the next size up gave me five. Although I knew that this was suppose to be loose fitting, I don't like to wear really big sweaters. I opted to knit the smaller and add a total of four stitches to the total circumference to give me another inch. I also knew that I wanted it longer so I added about an inch and a half to the total length. On the flip side since the yarn is a cotton and wool blend, stretching out is to be expected. I took this into consideration when I was adding. Since I knit the first sleeve twice, I saw that it was way too long and took out two inches. One for actual length and another for stretching. In wearing it all day today, I see that my modifications were pretty right on. Final verdict? Um, it's nice, warm and practical. However it is probably not the most flattering design for my body type. It makes me look bigger than I am. So not what I'm going for. I couldn't decide if I should even show you a modeled shot since I couldn't get a really good one. Finally I settled on one that only added about 10 pounds instead of the 30 I was getting. Although there are two more sweaters that need some work, I'm done with this finishing frenzy. I still haven't decided on my next project. When I figure it out, I'll be sure to let y'all know.

Lucy in the Sky

My favorite sweater to date! Pattern: Lucy in the Sky Yarn: Cascade 220, color 4007 Just as I suspected, I love this sweater! In all it only took me about two weeks to knit and then another two to finish. The finishing wasn't procrastinated as usual, but I had been waiting on the buttons in the mail. On Friday I got them and then set about weaving ends and attaching the neck band. I do need to reblock it though. If you look at the neck, you can see that where the front meets the sleeves, it's a bit distorted. I couldn't find a good way to block the entire thing altogether without it doing that. Once that's done, it'll be perfect. For now, it's fine for me. The color is also off in both pictures. The best representation is in this post. I spent most of my free time this weekend working on the Entrelac Scarf and it is now about 3/4s of the way done. I'm still debating on fringing it. I'll probably play around with it and see how it looks. The rest of the weekend I poured over patterns trying to decide on my next big project. It seems that I either have the pattern and not the yarn, or the yarn and not the pattern. True, I do have two sweaters that are all set to be cast on for, but I really don't feel like either of them. I'm thinking I'd like to save Saffy for summer knitting when it gets hot and I just can't get excited over a sweater for the hubby right now. Hopefully I'll make up my mind soon. Oh, the decisions!

Something Old, Something New

Yup, I finally sucked it up and finished Reilly's sweater. Pattern: Hero from Pipsqueaks Yarn: Den-M-Nit Oh, it's only been about, um... since August. My, I've been bad! For the past two months, all it's needed is a seaming. It feels so good to have it done though. I've been in a bit of a finishing mood lately. Currently there are two sweaters that are slowly getting put together, two pairs of socks that are almost done and I've been contemplating finishing two more sweaters. If you couldn't tell, I have serious issues with this last step. It's so much more fun to just cast on for something new. In fact, so much fun that I did just that last night. In defense, I needed something new to get me excited. These entrelac scarves have been on my mind all winter long. I hadn't ordered the yarn earlier since I was scoffing the idea of a forty dollar scarf. This is brand new Boku from Plymouth and has a much nicer price tag. Especially when you get that sweet discount from Webs. Can I just say that they have become my favorite store lately?!! This was casted on for last night and I'm having a hard time putting it down. I had forgotten how much fun entrelac could be. Now I've got this crazy idea of an afghan. Don't hold me to that, I'm likely to change my mind in a day or two. I also finished up half of the Plum Honey roving from The Yarn Wench. I've got another three ounces and with how much time I get to spin, it might be another month before that's done.

The Shortest Two Weeks Ever

Well hello out there! I'm back! Royd flew out on Tuesday morning, marking the end of a wonderful and amazingly short two weeks. We didn't go anywhere, didn't do much but we had the greatest time. Well, except for the various illnesses that made us scrap weekend plans twice. I know alot of people use these R&Rs to travel, especially here in Europe. With three small children, we opted to have the main focus on family time and do anything else as it came up. Since everyone got sick, I'm glad that we didn't shell out a ton of money and end up sitting in a hotel room. I didn't get to the yarn store while he was home and I didn't get as much quality time with my spinning wheel as I had hoped, but I did work on various knitting projects. I expect that in the next couple weeks, I should have a bunch of stuff finished. That is if I can keep up with the current momentum. There is one project that got all done and I can show today. Pattern: Lusekofte Cap from Hats On! Yarn: Elann Highland Wool in Dark Indigo Heather and Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Natural The top is a bit pointy, but it's not so bad. In all it took me only two days to get this knocked out. I worked on it as Marc slept off sickness and the other boys were out and about getting into mischief around town. There are two mistakes in the very center of the panel, but it's consistent throughout the entire row, so I'm not worried at all. Well, time to get back to the laundry and get some little ones into beds for naptime. See you next week with something else!

Preview

I just got off the phone with my FIL who told me great news!!! Royd is officially on his way home! Right now he's waiting to catch the first of three planes over the next few days. I expect that if things go well, he should be here on Monday. Now, I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the weather cooperates and that I can make the drive to pick him up from the airport. If not, he'll be catching a train. The rest of the weekend I'll be sitting tight until I get word on his arrival flight. It's hard though, cuz I can't sit still. Well, I'm off to go do something busy. I'll leave you with a few shots of what I may be spending time with this weekend. See you in a couple weeks!