Balls! As in, ah crap, I don't have enough balls of yarn to finish up In the Pink! In my excitement of finally getting to the homestretch on the shawl I didn't take a look at how the skein was quickly diminishing. In all honesty, I suspected that I wouldn't have enough from one skein to do the whole project, but my denial knows no bounds.
Now it's off to the LYS to see if they can order another skein of the somewhat expensive Spanish Dancer fromBlue Heron Yarns. Well, at least I get to go and fondle some yarn, and maybe pick up some more Anzula, since Ancient Pathways is having a showing.
Again I say, Balls!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Keep Moving Forward
I'm learning that with knitting (and in some cases life as well) sometimes I just need to follow directions whether or not they make any sense at all. I can't tell you how many times I've read and re-read a section of a pattern trying to figure it out, and have just not been able to see where I'm going with it. I'll get to a point where I'll do one of two things: either throw down the project in exasperation and ignore it for months or just start blindly following the directions, hoping for the best. The funny thing is that when I go with the latter, nine times out of ten it'll be exactly right and actually make sense once it's on the needles.
Case in point is the edging for In The Pink, the spiral shawl that I was working on in spring. My goal was to have it finished in time to wear to my girlfriend's Tahoe wedding in June but clearly that did not happen. Mid May I hit that border edge, didn't totally understand what I was to do, and put it down in frustration.
Just last week I finally picked it up again. I read through the directions a couple of times and still couldn't picture it but thought, "What the heck, I'll give it a shot." Lo and behold, it actually started to make some sense! I hadn't realized that the edging would be worked perpendicular to the body of the shawl until I actually gave it a shot:
It's amazing that time and time again if I just take a "Keep Moving Forward" stance on knitting I will have success. It's not like this is a new lesson for me, yet I still have to remind myself of this fact every time I hit a wall.
"Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
Case in point is the edging for In The Pink, the spiral shawl that I was working on in spring. My goal was to have it finished in time to wear to my girlfriend's Tahoe wedding in June but clearly that did not happen. Mid May I hit that border edge, didn't totally understand what I was to do, and put it down in frustration.
Just last week I finally picked it up again. I read through the directions a couple of times and still couldn't picture it but thought, "What the heck, I'll give it a shot." Lo and behold, it actually started to make some sense! I hadn't realized that the edging would be worked perpendicular to the body of the shawl until I actually gave it a shot:
It's amazing that time and time again if I just take a "Keep Moving Forward" stance on knitting I will have success. It's not like this is a new lesson for me, yet I still have to remind myself of this fact every time I hit a wall.
"Around here, however, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney
Monday, September 7, 2009
Why Yes, Yes I am!
One of the most common things that folks ask me when they see me knitting is, "Are you pregnant?" (The second most common comment is always something oh so witty about being an old granny in a rocking chair. Very original, people). There's something about knitting that makes non-knitters assume that the only reason a person would do it is because they're old or nesting.
Historically this has been an annoyance to me but now, I can actually respond in the positive. Yup folks, after five years of marriage hubby and I have finally decided to reproduce. We're really excited to meet the little girl, who is currently due December 2.
Over the past few months of being pregnant, I have discovered that pregnant women spend countless hours in waiting rooms. The remedy? This scarf, Waiting Room, which is interesting enough not to become boring and simple enough to quickly memorize. These factors combined make it easy to put down or pick up at a moments notice, a necessity when knitting on doctors' time lines. It also helps using a yarn that is delicious to the touch, such as the camel silk blend that I used by Anzula (check out the etsy shop at www.anzula.etsy.com).
The first shot above is for all you knit knackers who have been bugging me for a baby bump picture. Happy now?
Click for the pattern: Waiting Room
The pattern link will divert you to where they are saved at www.acrobat.com when that opens up in your window click where it says "Download" in the top right corner to save the pattern to your computer. You will need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer in order to open and view the pattern. You can download Adobe Reader for free. Click Here to be linked to Adobe Reader.
If you are on Ravelry you can access my original patterns through Ravelry free download.
Historically this has been an annoyance to me but now, I can actually respond in the positive. Yup folks, after five years of marriage hubby and I have finally decided to reproduce. We're really excited to meet the little girl, who is currently due December 2.
Over the past few months of being pregnant, I have discovered that pregnant women spend countless hours in waiting rooms. The remedy? This scarf, Waiting Room, which is interesting enough not to become boring and simple enough to quickly memorize. These factors combined make it easy to put down or pick up at a moments notice, a necessity when knitting on doctors' time lines. It also helps using a yarn that is delicious to the touch, such as the camel silk blend that I used by Anzula (check out the etsy shop at www.anzula.etsy.com).
The first shot above is for all you knit knackers who have been bugging me for a baby bump picture. Happy now?
Click for the pattern: Waiting Room
The pattern link will divert you to where they are saved at www.acrobat.com when that opens up in your window click where it says "Download" in the top right corner to save the pattern to your computer. You will need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer in order to open and view the pattern. You can download Adobe Reader for free. Click Here to be linked to Adobe Reader.
If you are on Ravelry you can access my original patterns through Ravelry free download.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Sign Me up for Spinning Class
My mom recently went on a trip through Alaska. When I arrived at her house to hear all about her vacation, she was nearly bubbling with giddiness to show me what she had brought back for me. For the record, let me just mention that we're not the kind of family that brings back trinkets for everyone when we go on trips - we just don't do that. So imagine my shock at not only seeing that she did bring back something for me, but that she was ever so excited for me to see what it was.
Without even having a chance to put down my purse, this was thrust in front of me:
A drop spindle and raw fleece.
Some of you are probably thinking to yourself, "wait, I didn't know that Shanny spins." You're right, I don't. I've avoided it up until this point for several reason, one of which being that don't have the foggiest idea how to do it. The other and more pressing reason is that I know me and when I start to enjoy a past time I have a tendency to go fanatical about it . I'm now imagining bundles of fleece and various spindles, not to mention dying accessories, overtaking my small townhouse. I just have this feeling that as soon as I get the knack for spinning I'm going to get all energizer bunny about it.
But my mom was so excited as she gave me the fleece and told me tales of the cute little Alaskan lady sitting on the street spinning wool with the drop spindle who even went so far as to try (unsuccessfully) to teach my mom how to use it, a fact of which brought mom to raucous laughter. I couldn't help but get equally excited about the prospect of spinning as she went on and on. As her eyes gleamed with joy she got me hook line and sinker: "I know you've said that you are avoiding spinning because you think you'll get too sucked into it, but I just couldn't resist!"
Ahhh mom, you are such a fiber enabler! Now for the next step... learning what to do with this stuff.
Without even having a chance to put down my purse, this was thrust in front of me:
A drop spindle and raw fleece.
Some of you are probably thinking to yourself, "wait, I didn't know that Shanny spins." You're right, I don't. I've avoided it up until this point for several reason, one of which being that don't have the foggiest idea how to do it. The other and more pressing reason is that I know me and when I start to enjoy a past time I have a tendency to go fanatical about it . I'm now imagining bundles of fleece and various spindles, not to mention dying accessories, overtaking my small townhouse. I just have this feeling that as soon as I get the knack for spinning I'm going to get all energizer bunny about it.
But my mom was so excited as she gave me the fleece and told me tales of the cute little Alaskan lady sitting on the street spinning wool with the drop spindle who even went so far as to try (unsuccessfully) to teach my mom how to use it, a fact of which brought mom to raucous laughter. I couldn't help but get equally excited about the prospect of spinning as she went on and on. As her eyes gleamed with joy she got me hook line and sinker: "I know you've said that you are avoiding spinning because you think you'll get too sucked into it, but I just couldn't resist!"
Ahhh mom, you are such a fiber enabler! Now for the next step... learning what to do with this stuff.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Instant Gratification
As per usual, it's been way too long since my last blog post. Don't fret, floating in my brain and waiting for a few finishing touches I have a few good blogs in store for you including a new free pattern, some exciting news, and a possible new obsession!
Just to prove that I am still knitting and even finishing projects from time to time, here's a little instant gratification for you:
This is a quick and easy project, The Runner's Companion, (version 1) which probably took around 5 hours, if that, to complete. I used the pattern's specified yarn, Cascade Fixation, in red to match the ipod. I imagine that any stash yarn in the same weight would work fairly well, although yarn with elastic will yield the best results.
Big thanks to Mary for bringing this pattern to my attention! Check out the one that she made here: Knit To My Lou
Just to prove that I am still knitting and even finishing projects from time to time, here's a little instant gratification for you:
This is a quick and easy project, The Runner's Companion, (version 1) which probably took around 5 hours, if that, to complete. I used the pattern's specified yarn, Cascade Fixation, in red to match the ipod. I imagine that any stash yarn in the same weight would work fairly well, although yarn with elastic will yield the best results.
Big thanks to Mary for bringing this pattern to my attention! Check out the one that she made here: Knit To My Lou
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Some FOs and Yarn Porn for ya
I was able to finish up Windansea rather quickly - she turned out just lovely! I still haven't added in the elastic around the base of the crown, but that shouldn't take too long at all. The only problem was getting the wire to sit in a nice circle (I'm still working on manipulating it just right). For that reason I thinking that a little thicker gauge wire might be better than the 18 gauge that the pattern calls for. After finishing up this project I've discovered that this would be a perfect hat for Guy's Grammy, so it will probably go her way come Christmas time.
I also started a set of Spirogyra mitts last week. Guy and I were going for a double feature at the theater and I needed something that would be simple enough for me to work on while in the movies. This pattern is perfect for that!
I'm also in love with the buttery tones of the Art Yarns Supermerino (color 223). It's hardly noticeable in this picture, but there is a subtle change of the yellow throughout the yarn which gives it a little more texture. Many thanks to the Knit Knacker who sent me this gorgeous yarn in a previous swap (I think it was Steph, but I might be wrong - sorry I don't remember exactly!).
I'm so pleased with the Spirogyra pattern that I've decided to dump my other swap project for my Knit Knack Buddy at the 11th hour and make a set of these for her instead. Sure, there's only a week until mailing, but I'm confident that I'll make the deadline. I think I found a great yarn that she'll like as well. It's Schaefer Yarn's Lola, a superwash merino wool. The color initially attracted me, and then I liked it doubly when I read that it was part of the Memorable Women color series. This particular color is called Indira Gandhi and the tag has a short little bio of her life (Click the link above to see who else made the cut).
I found that yarn yesterday when I was picking up a quick class at Ancient Pathways. They were holding classes all day yesterday for their "Christmas in July" event so that we could all get a jump start on our holiday knitting. Here's the cute little ornament that I made:
Isn't that just adorable? I'm debating whether or not my folks would appreciate this kind of ornament or think of it as just another kooky gift from me.
Aside form the Lola yarn, I also got to pick up these two skeins. The top one was hand dyed locally by AP shop owner Meg and will be sent to my Knit Knack swap buddy with her mitts. The bottom one is from another local artist, ravelry user French75. This sock yarn is in the color Marronnier (Chestnut Tree) and if you're not in my neck of the woods you can check out her stuff online at her etsy shop Here.
I also started a set of Spirogyra mitts last week. Guy and I were going for a double feature at the theater and I needed something that would be simple enough for me to work on while in the movies. This pattern is perfect for that!
I'm also in love with the buttery tones of the Art Yarns Supermerino (color 223). It's hardly noticeable in this picture, but there is a subtle change of the yellow throughout the yarn which gives it a little more texture. Many thanks to the Knit Knacker who sent me this gorgeous yarn in a previous swap (I think it was Steph, but I might be wrong - sorry I don't remember exactly!).
I'm so pleased with the Spirogyra pattern that I've decided to dump my other swap project for my Knit Knack Buddy at the 11th hour and make a set of these for her instead. Sure, there's only a week until mailing, but I'm confident that I'll make the deadline. I think I found a great yarn that she'll like as well. It's Schaefer Yarn's Lola, a superwash merino wool. The color initially attracted me, and then I liked it doubly when I read that it was part of the Memorable Women color series. This particular color is called Indira Gandhi and the tag has a short little bio of her life (Click the link above to see who else made the cut).
I found that yarn yesterday when I was picking up a quick class at Ancient Pathways. They were holding classes all day yesterday for their "Christmas in July" event so that we could all get a jump start on our holiday knitting. Here's the cute little ornament that I made:
Isn't that just adorable? I'm debating whether or not my folks would appreciate this kind of ornament or think of it as just another kooky gift from me.
Aside form the Lola yarn, I also got to pick up these two skeins. The top one was hand dyed locally by AP shop owner Meg and will be sent to my Knit Knack swap buddy with her mitts. The bottom one is from another local artist, ravelry user French75. This sock yarn is in the color Marronnier (Chestnut Tree) and if you're not in my neck of the woods you can check out her stuff online at her etsy shop Here.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Attack of the UFOs!
Yesterday I stumbled upon the perfect summer pattern, Windansea:
For me, there is nothing better than the perfect floppy hat, and frankly I think I found it with this pattern. It simple and unassuming, what more does a girl need in a summer hat? After just one glance at Windansea I knew that I had to run out to the yarn store immediately after work to get the yarn to start.
It wasn't until after I had wound and swatched the yarn that, upon searching for an empty project bag, I realized that I have way too many UFOs (UnFinished Objects) in my project basket. Out of simple curiosity, I decided to pull everything out and take quick inventory:
Yikes! We've got...
It's a sad, sad day when a knitter realizes that she has more UFOs then FOs for the entire year. But honestly, could you really blame me for wanting to start Windansea, especially once I was Seduced by the yarn color, Sorcery?
For me, there is nothing better than the perfect floppy hat, and frankly I think I found it with this pattern. It simple and unassuming, what more does a girl need in a summer hat? After just one glance at Windansea I knew that I had to run out to the yarn store immediately after work to get the yarn to start.
It wasn't until after I had wound and swatched the yarn that, upon searching for an empty project bag, I realized that I have way too many UFOs (UnFinished Objects) in my project basket. Out of simple curiosity, I decided to pull everything out and take quick inventory:
Yikes! We've got...
- Twist & Shout, one sleeve and assembly short of finished
- Two original hats. One was commissioned by a co-worker in December; the other needs only about an inch to be completed but requires me to wind a second skein of yarn
- Baby hat and booties, which are for my good friend's child that was born in May. Hat needs about 3-4 inches more, the booties need to be hemmed
- In the Pink, which I put down just as I was to begin the home stretch, the edging
- And of course the mitts that I am making for my Knit Knack buddy for our One Skein Exchange
- Pictured also is Windansea, which, being the ever optimist, I'm hoping will break my nasty UFO pattern
- Shalom (which technically hasn't been blocked yet)
It's a sad, sad day when a knitter realizes that she has more UFOs then FOs for the entire year. But honestly, could you really blame me for wanting to start Windansea, especially once I was Seduced by the yarn color, Sorcery?
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