Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Fighting off the Start-itis

I've started cataloging my knitting books and magazines again so I know what patterns I have in my stash and it's just killing me - but not because it's such a daunting project, but I have re-discovered so many patterns that I'm dying to knit and that has me slipping back into my old start-itis frame of mind that I've been trying to get rid of.

Right now, I have a sock, a shrug, and an afghan on the needles, and I think that 3 projects is a good number for me. I'm almost done with the first Twilight sock and I've encountered a slight problem... I can't find the other ball of yarn to make the second one. Looks like a stash organization is going to have to happen and soon.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Stuck in a slump...

Ugh - I've hit a total knitting slump. I have no motivation to finish what's on the needles and no idea what to knit next.

I'm having some issues with the Blooming Cardigan - the sleeves aren't going on well, so I'm thinking of modifying them and turning them into cap sleeves. One of the great things about crochet is that ripping back isn't difficult.

I decided to dive into my pattern books and just start working on some of those patterns I've been wanting to do, so I did start a Moderne Log Cabin blanket for DD1 - in pink, bright pink, lavender and purple. It should come out well, and it makes for good TV knitting.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

We have pictures!

I finally remembered to take some pictures while there is still some daylight outside.



This is Shalom. The color came out a little weird, but it's Vanna's Choice yarn in Antique Rose. I adore this yarn - it came out incredibly soft and drapey after washing and drying. The original pattern calls for bulky yarn, but I made this in worsted with size 8 needles since it's for a teen.

I have a couple of other things on the needles

1) The Swinstry Mitts (I haven't done much on those)

2) Blooming Crochet Cardigan on the cover of Crochet Today May/June 08 - I'm doing this in all one color with Cotton-Ease. The pieces are all done and I'm in the process of doing the finishing work. It should be done in the next day or two.





3) Twilight socks from "2 at a Time Socks" by Melissa Morgan Oakes. I don't do Magic Loop for socks, but I still love the patterns, I just make them on 2 circs one at-a-time.

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Now that summer is here, I'm back to listening to audiobooks - the latest is "Pursuit" by Thomas Perry

Monday, June 22, 2009

Shalom is done

Just finished off the Shalom cardigan for DD1. The button has been sewn, the ends are woven in and now it just needs to go in the washer and dryer before I take a picture.

This was a really easy knit, although the stockinette portion was driving me a bit crazy after a while. The only modification I did to the pattern was the weight of the yarn. Since this was to fit my 10 year old DD, I used worsted weight (although I think VC is actually closer to an aran weight) instead of the bulky yarn called for in the pattern. I used size 8 needles although a size 9 would have been good as well. I'm a rather loose knitter, so I think 8 ended up being a good choice.

It took me about 4 days to finish the sweater. DD1 is thrilled.

I already have the yarn out for my next project. About 2 years ago, I went to the LSS to find a yarn to make Fetchings and the lady at the store suggested this fabulously soft Louisa Harding Impression yarn and a pattern from the book "Winter's Muse Landscapes" called "Swinstry"

Yarn Overload!

I found out yesterday that Hobby Lobby has finally opened up in our area, so I decided to go there today and check it out. Holy cow! Their yarn section is well lit, organized, and has some very interesting things. They have a section of sock yarn, all the colors of the Caron Natural Spa and Country (two of my favorite yarns), a whole section of bamboo yarns, and I was quite impressed with some of the HL brand yarns, particularly the cotton/acrylic blend.

As I wandered down the aisles, I kept thinking of all the great things that yarn would make - you see, I'm all about what the yarn will make instead of just going after the yarn. Maybe that's why I don't get caught up in the whole Sundara/Wolmeise/whatever other yarn is super popular craze. Sure I have a stash, but that stash is not a collection, it's just not being able to knit fast enough.

I've gone from not having anything on the needles to having too much on the needles. I decided that I'm going to concentrate right now on making DD1 some little cardigans and shrugs for school. I went to Old Navy and picked up some cute little tanks that she can wear this summer and with a shrug or cardigan over them, she can wear them well into the school year. I love knitting sweaters for the girls - they go quickly and I don't have to be so fiddly about gauge.

Right now, I'm knitting the Shalom cardigan out of some Vanna's choice (another favorite yarn of mine) and it's coming out beautifully. I should be finished with it tonight.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Well, that didn't take long

Just a few minutes with Knitting Pattern Central and a look through my bookshelf and I've found some great patterns I'm going to start.

1) Twilight Socks from "Knit 2 at a time Socks" by Melissa Morgan Oakes. I'm not going to knit these 2 at a time, but I like the pattern. I'll probably do these on DPNs.

2) Emerald Scarf from Interweave Crochet. I'll be using some Valley Yarns Alpaca Silk from my stash.

I've also printed a bunch of patterns including some little cardigans for the girls for them to wear when they go back to school. Drops Design has some great stuff!

Brand Spankin' New

I haven't blogged in a while, so I thought it was time for a brand spankin' new blog - one that isn't littered with comments about past events and actually includes knitting!

I haven't been able to do a lot of knitting lately, but things in my life have shifted so that I'm home again with the kids and taking advantage of the time.

Currently on the needles is: NOTHING! I seriously have nothing on the needles! I'm going to dive into the stash this weekend and come up with at least a pair of socks to cast on. A lace scarf also sounds like a good idea - just have to figure out which one.