Saturday, November 29, 2008

Good times



The first sock is finished and looks lovely other than my first slightly wrong attempt at the Kitchener Stitch. I plan on doing a better version on it's mate and have noted in my mind what I did wrong in order to be the "good" teacher and teach it right the whole way around, i.e. noting what they will WANT to do and THINK they should do vs. what they REALLY should do. What I did with the Kitchener Stitch is treat it by using only the front of each stitch, both front and back needles, when I should have remembered that there is another part of the stitch to use. Or at least I think that is it. Maybe I should look up the tutorials on the internet...

Aren't the colors nice? Noro is great for that. Still not too keen on the yarn itself but that's just me. It'll be interesting to see what colors stripe for the mate. I plan on finishing it in the next week and will post the happy couple together when I'm finished. Then they are off to their new lives in the knitting shop, showing what lovely socks can be made out of the yarn on hand. The pictures turned out better because I used Hubby's cell phone instead of mine; his is nicer and apparently has more pixels.

I also found out in knitting these socks that my point of decreasing for the toe is NOT at the base of my pinkie toe. It's more like the top of it and make sure it's well hidden before starting to decrease. I have really long toes that slant down instead of bases being in a straight line. On yarnharlot.com she went to a convention where she met two women who had a decorative little line tattooed on their foot where to start decreasing for the toe. That's an amusing thought. Hubby is very anti-tattoo but think of having to explain that one after a drunken night with the knitting ladies.

Now I'm off to work on the wrap some more. Oh yeah, and I need to finish the Purple Skrap. I gave myself a deadline on that one: December 15th. Whatever I have to do to finish it!

Friday, November 28, 2008

Recent developments and some cuts





In the past 7 days I have done the following:
  1. Cut both thumbs in almost identical places: the fleshy part on the outside next to the nail (not on the side of the fingers) right where anything (hair, paper, YARN) will catch on it, making it bleed. Knitting has been a feat, especially since I've had to put band-aids on both thumbs and can't feel a thing I'm touching.
  2. Refrained from injuring certain guests here at Thanksgiving.
  3. Turned the heel of one of my sock class socks.
  4. Actually gotten for real paying work done.
  5. Did the beading on the wrap and have continued on to striping my colors with the seed stitch block.
  6. Did the beading on the wrap after frogging the first attempt at the beading block when I realized that I had started the block on the wrong side of the wrap. I paused to count stitches and realized I had WAY too many.
  7. Rested somewhat. This morning was the first morning in a long time I woke up in MY bed with Hubby, not one if the kids who woke up in the middle of the night.
The beading looks great. I love how the green bead turned out. I was going to do it where you pre-string all of them on the yarn and slide them into place when needed but the directions called for using a small, thin crochet hook to put them on the stitch itself, then knit the stitch. Whereas Mom's looked fine with the pre-threading, my yarn didn't because it was too classic-looking so I had to follow the pattern. See the pictures? I'm proud of myself.

The socks are turning out great, also. The Noro sock yarn is growing on me. I love the colors, even if the yarn can tend to twist around itself and be tighter in some places than others. The only thing that makes me hestitant to get some for myself is the care. It's minimal wash and lay flat to dry because it's one-ply (one strand twisted together). I'm so rough on my clothes the care almost always has to be machine wash, tumble dry low. I can do some hang to dry, lay flat to dry (that takes some creativity considering my house is on the small side and all beds and tables are used and there is only one bathroom that is ALWAYS being used), but can't afford (don't like environmental issues) dry-cleaning and I just like things low-maintenance along with a low possibility that someone else doing the wash is going to ruin my clothes.

Hope your Thanksgiving was a good one. We've bathed the kids and are discussing the finer points of "Star Wars." And are going to dance to "Charlie and Lola." And then I'm going to knit all evening. Bliss.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Giving thanks

Thanks to everyone who reads this blog, whether you comment or not, whether you knit or not. I appreciate anyone who just drops in to see what's going on.

Thanks to everyone who tries their best to be good and be good to people.

Thanks for all who are in my life because you make me a better person.

Thanks for sheep and people who are allergic to sheep because without them all we wouldn't have beautiful yarn made out of wool and alternative fibers.

Thanks be to God.

Everyone have a happy Thanksgiving, love your families, and love yourselves.

I'm taking a day off and and am going to knit. And no one is going to stop me.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

What's in a name...?

Showed my mom how to get on my blog and she asked where I came up with my site name. It's Jack White's "Suzy Lee" and I love Mary Jane shoes. When I was trying to figure out what to use (all the knitting plays on words seemed to be taken and I didn't want to use my real name) the notion that the site was going to be mistaken for drug use or a lesbian porn site (or both) did occur to me. I figured that would make it even more funny when those kind of people went to my web site and only found knitting. And not even naughty knitting. Maybe it will give them an influence that's something better and of higher quality (haha) to do with their time.

Taught Sock Class #2 today and went fully prepared to start everyone over on larger needles while assuring them that they were not the ones with the problem, it's just inexperience. I instead found one (who had worried the most at Class #1) who had not only done one sock leg and changed her pattern to fit her needs (stockinette instead of the 2x2 ribbing) but TWO and had started on her heel, one who had done two legs perfect, and the 3rd who had her one leg done. All were excited and happy to move on to the heel. The first one had gone on a scrapbooking retreat and ending up knitting most of the time and that's where she had figured everything out. She was really excited and did so well with understanding everything (she had also gone online and looked at the video tutorials) she was helping teach the 3rd lady. Everything went so well and they are working on their heels to be ready for the gussett next week. I even had time to knit a little on my sock during everything because they were so self-sufficient and happy.

Makes me happy to teach. Now back to work...

Monday, November 24, 2008

Eye of the storm


Here are some pictures of the wrap. Note the exciting ruffle. That thing was a booger to knit. It's a simple knit in the front and back of the stitch increase with another row of purl in the front and back increase (not recommended for anyone with less than infinite patience) to give the ruffle 3x as many stitches as you want. The fluffy yarn is soft but wanted to stick to itself so the knitting was a little aggravating. But I finished it and have moved on to the next few blocks. Notice the small black line that is developing in Picture 1; that will have lovely green glass beads knitted with the pattern. Mom and I found our beads digging through bead bins at the "String-a-Bead" store here. The salesperson was very helpful and dug in with us, literally. It was fun, complete with Little Guy finding all the beads that had fallen on the floor and bringing them to me, saying "Dat dat dat." SuperGirl found all the beads she wanted to keep and more. They will eventually make it to jewelry. I even have the elastic cord. As long as she has the patience with herself to string it.

I probably should have thought about the weight of the beads (like the pattern and all advice in beading with knitting says) but these are lovely and whereas I know they'll add a little weight, they are 17 in one small block, rest in another block on the other side of the wrap, so the weight will be dispersed somewhat. By golly, it's what this thing wants so it's going to get it.

Knitted 3.5" on my sock for the sock class and had enough. I was ready for the heel and that's where it needs to be for the second class tomorrow so I've stopped. Now to see if the students are there also... I doubt it. Ah, the joys of teaching. Waiting and teaching where your students actually are, not where they should be. At least now I don't have the stress of testing and possible grade retention looming over me. Only some slightly stressed middle-aged women who can put the needles down and knit something else if they really wanted to and I wouldn't blame them one bit. In teaching this sock class I've realized there are some neat projects that could be taught in order to prepare students for knitting socks. Like a small scarf in the round, joined at both ends by the Kitchener Stitch and they could do what they wanted with the fringe. This would get them at ease with the double-point knitting, plus practice the Kitchener Stitch, while experiencing the thrill of self-patterned/striping yarn. I'm not sure how to practice short rows; I learned because it was a step in a sweater pattern. I'll figure that out somehow...

I was able to help a girl learn how to pick up stitches on the sides of her sock heel and join everything in the round for the gusset ON THE PHONE. Was very excited, as in both of us. I wasn't sure if I could do it; somehow it came through. Now that I think of it, that was the step I got stuck on also and called Sock Sis and she talked me through it. Thanks bunches, Sock Sis. Inspire dozens more.

Dear Sirs:

I am temporarily out of my mind right now, causing me to have fits of forgetfulness, compulsive giggling (especially when the words "deadline" and "project" are mentioned), along with a compelling impulse to stay at home and knit, making everything just go away. Problem is: it's not, so I'm having to tackle the big booger-monster-money-making machine with all the energy and gusto that I tackle sweater patterns (I think I'll even use my post-its) and remind myself (AND my boss) that this will not and CAN NOT be done in "just a few days," no matter what anyone wills it to be.

Thank you for your time and I appreciate your upmost patience in the matter. I promise to return to normal once everything is turned in and I've run around screaming my head off for an hour or so.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Just like a woman...

At the knitting class last night, my wrap put it's foot down. It said no, absolutely not, it was not going to be just one color. In fact, it wasn't going to be only 2 colors. It was going to be 3 colors, one of which is a fuzzy, fluffy yarn in several different colors (one of which ORANGE!?!?!? I NEVER use orange) knitted with the 2nd color being used. And it wanted beads.

By golly, it's going to have beads. And the 2nd and 3rd colors are turning out to be so much fun and they look so good! It's funny how projects choose what they want. It's up to the person with the duty making it to comply or to fight, only to have to tear everything out later and redo it in the way it was wanting to be done in the first place. My wrap is now peacock blue with black striping and green/orange/brown/blue fuzzy accent. It's going to be so much fun to wear when I'm finished. I'm actually excited about it now. And I was a good girl and didn't fight the knitting muse. I think her name is Harriet.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Slow work

Finished the little hats and scarves and dropped them off at the knitting shop. Saw my knitting godmother (the older lady who taught me how to knit almost 3 years ago) there and had a great visit (we'll be getting together Saturday to knit, visit, and play with kids). Worked all afternoon, had the meeting this evening, kids actually went to sleep without a fight (and this is, of course, the one night I didn't get Little Guy's sheets washed in time to put them on his bed; he wet his bed last night and I had them washed and drying in the dryer but no, he HAD to go to bed at 9:00 pm. Worked out something last minute with his bedspread and baby quilt...) and I had the evening to do what I wanted once I made lunches for tomorrow and cleaned up the day's clutter. So, since the knitting class is tomorrow night and everyone is NOT working with the schedule, I decided to work on the knitting class wrap. I got to the point where it calls for a contrast color so I stopped. I wasn't sure if I wanted a CC or not. I think I'm not. I wanted a plain wrap, one color. That's what I'm going to do.

This afternoon I did have time to work on the Purple Skirg. Another 1/2" done! 8 more to go! My friend's birthday is tomorrow so I think I'll email her and let her know the progress. It'll definitely be ready for Christmas.

Just thinking...

Thinking about the hat for Hubby. It wouldn't take me long and might be a nice break considering the other projects in progress. Plus, the other one I made didn't work out as well as it should; it was in the plain Red Heart acrylic and just doesn't have the strength to stand up to regular hat wearing, or at least not the way Hubby wants it. Also, I can't seem to find the right yarn for his LSU socks so the hat is the least I can do for the moment, especially since my knitting seems to always be for others not in our familial unit.

I bought two skeins of worsted yarn, one brown, one black/dark gray, to knit together for his hat. I'm thinking rib for 2 inches, then plain stockinette, decreasing after about 7". He's a no-frills kind of guy. I almost had him talked into at least a little design but I think the cables scared him off. I told him they would be great for the hat structure he wanted but he still just wanted the plain, old, regular hat. Maybe #10 needles... Have to check gauge. I want it a tight stitch but not too tight. #8 with 2 worsted yarns together might be a little tight, even with the way I knit.

So it's settled. Goal for tonight is finish the other pom-pom hat and at least start on Hubby's. I'll find a way to work that around the last minute Xmas in the Sky meeting (I'm an olive girl, don't you know) and supper with the pils.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Fuzzy feelings

Here is the completed hat for set #1 and scarf for set #2. Do the logic and I still have one more hat for set #2. (Sorry the picture is so fuzzy; this %$#@ phone can't seem to do anything right.) The picture next to it is the picture from the magazine that inspired this cutesy nonsense. Now I can say I can loom knit scarves and double-point knit little hats to keep your wine bottles warm this winter. Just don't put it on white wine bottles; my mil won't drink it. On second thought, put it on your white wine bottles...

Glad to have this project mostly finished so I can move on to other things, like the wrap for that knitting class, finish the Purple Skrap, and finally knit the hat for Hubby. Not to mention the socks for the sock class and the socks for Lola. I don't have enough to do at all...

(I just noticed the little toy hammer that is hanging out in the top right corner of the picture; Little Guy loves that thing: it lights up and makes noise every time you bang it on something.)

What's the story, morning glory?

Was going to post pics of the candy-striped scarf but the yarn shop lady was so excited when she saw it she put it on a wine bottle she had there at the shop. Thus, the completed scarf is already on display (albeit hatless) and I will make another tonight and take pictures of it then. With the hat I hopefully make tonight also. It would be nice to finish one of these projects that are floating around in my tote bag, especially since I really need to get those socks to where they need to be (as in to the heel) before the next class.

Had a good time at the class this morning. Met some very ambitious ladies who are all pretty much beginner knitters tackling the endeavor of knitting socks. One has only been knitting 2 weeks and I honor her. Their assignment for this week was to get the 4" of ribbing that is the leg finished and not go crazy juggling their double points. I don't think any of them had knitted with double points before.

Right now I have to work so I am making myself quit blogging and start earning the real money. But I'm tired, so tired. I've spent the whole day on the phone with co-workers, friends, people involved with the volunteer work I'm doing, LOLA, and Hubby. And the baby-sitter (I was actually kid-free this morning! Never!) My brain is still buzzing and all I want to do is shower, curl up on the couch, and knit. Maybe tonight. When all kiddies are asleep and everything else is finished. Hah.

Monday, November 17, 2008

One-eyed, one-horned...


(I've been playing with my camera phone; it's a cheap one but it's gets the picture (haha) when there's enough light. Here is the Purple Skrap viewed with 9" completed (9 more to go), top is at the top, holes to be at the left hip)

Worked on the Purple Skrap last night and decided to use my creative license (I found it in a cereal box somewhere) and change the pattern. I had just finished my second group of strategically placed holes and was about to start the 5 rows of stockinette stitch when I paused to read the pattern and REALLY THINK of what that was going to look like adding 3 more groups of holes. I also thought about if my friend would even want that. She did say she wanted the holes but all you can see in the picture I showed her were the 1st two groups of holes, not the ones slanting all the way down the thigh. I doubt she knew they where there. I want her to be able to wear this to work and to the bar, not one or the other. She's also the kind that likes to have conservative options but room to boogie.

So, it is decided. No more holes. Staying only with what the picture in the book showed. That means I have 9 inches of plain stockinette before finishing the whole thing off in 5 rows of garter stitch. That SHOULD keep it from curling. Everyone knows how that "should" thing works; I might throw in a seed stitch if I don't like how it's turning out. Can't believe it. Changing the pattern again! I love it! I'm working on being comfortable! Does this mean I'm out of "novice" and working on "full intermediate"? Just as long as I don't get too cocky (or kooky) and not be able to follow a pattern anymore.
Anyway, the 9" of stockinette aren't exactly thrilling me but it's repetitive enough to be a nice break from the socks I'm doing for the sock class that starts tomorrow. And those darn scarves and hats. I'm going to HobsLobs to see if I can find a small knitting loom in an effort to save time as long as it's ok with the Knit Shop Lady. I have the pattern for the scarf written for double points so at least that is complete. The hat shouldn't be much different; there's just a single rib around the edge and a pom-pom. I'll play with my camera phone a little more and get some pictures of those up also.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

"Getting Started Knitting Socks" by Ann Budd

I have found a group of knitting books/reference materials that I think are extremely reliable: Interweave Press. I bought one of their books (unknowingly) called "Getting Started Knitting Socks" by Ann Budd who just happens to be the former managing editor of the magazine "Interweave Knits." I had also been looking at another book that I had noticed to be a part of the Interweave group which was one on crocheting clothes (almost bought it but did not; felt slightly panicky at reading crochet patterns; not that good yet and most of the patterns were for intermediate or higher but one day it will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine; the clothes were lovely, simple, and things I could see myself wearing, including a fab mod long tunic coat/sweater; throw that with some boots, tight flared jeans and I could rule the world!) and I recognized that I had bought the Fall Interweave Knits magazine and loved it. I'm curious to see what other Interweave Press books I'll end up getting. The patterns seem well done, well-written and explained, plus they are things that are up-on-the-times without being too kitchy or mawmaw-ish.

Speaking of mawmaw-ish, I was also looking at a book on how to get started braiding rugs. I love braided rugs but the book made it seem so complicated. I would still love to do it but I would go for a simpler method than what the author illustrated. But that's not knitting, I don't need anymore crafty hobbies, and I digress...

About to get on the web and look up Amy Butler's stuff. She's caught my eye and I really like some of her colors and patterns...

Oh yes, I almost forgot. I was talking about the sock book, right? I'm really enjoying "Getting Started Knitting Socks," especially since I'm helping teach that class starting Tuesday. The book has great tips, explanations, and patterns. What I really like about the patterns are how she starts by giving basic sock patterns for whatever gauge it is you're working with (8 st.=1" through 4 st.=1") and then she leads you into color striping variations, rib pattern variations, and just some interesting things to consider once more experienced in knitting socks.

I started knitting the socks for the class in a Noro Kureyon sock yarn in order to try it out and see if it feels better knitted than in the skein. So far it's alright. The yarn is 1-ply and has to be dealt with more delicately than I'm used to (Little Guy found that out when he decided to eat it) and NO MACHINE WASHING. Hand washing, lay flat to dry in shady spot. I'm only an inch in the ribbing so we'll see how it goes. I'm knitting it on #1 Lantern Moon Sock Stix and they are HEAVENLY!!! [angels singing] $22 that will be used well. I'll enjoy seeing how many socks I can knit on them.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

You say it's your birthday...

Resisted taking my knitting to one of Hubby's friends' son's 1st birthday party. I assured Hubby I would only be knitting in the car but I decided not to even bring it due to the fact we were already running late and I still needed to put on my make-up, or what little make-up I wear when the occasion calls for it. As of yet HAVE solved the problem of getting to school on time; HAVE NOT solved the problem of getting anywhere on time when one more adult is added and there might be something interesting said/shown on ESPN's college gameday newscast.

I really am excited about my knitting because I received a lovely Vera Bradley tote bag last night when I went to celebrate my birthday with my fab fam (both in and out-laws (haha) REGULAR family that lives locally). It's big, it has POCKETS inside and out, not to mention Gerber daisies and little owls all over it (LOVE IT!!!) and I took it home and put all the little knitting projects I'm doing for the knit shop in it because it was begging me to do something with it's organization opportunities. I had wanted to use it for my regular purse but I don't want to subject the gorgeous thing to all the places I haul myself and 1+ kids. So it's carrying my knitting and waiting for that overnight/week trip that call for one bag that will go anywhere, carry anything.

I'm also really excited about the other bag I got, and this one was specifically for knitting! (sorry, can't find an exact picture online) It's RED, woven wood and is one of Lantern Moon's knitting baskets. Well, the red part is the fabric enclosing the top of the woven basket and the handle. It's holding the Purple Skrap (was I calling it a Skarp?) and I can't wait to finish that project just to put another in there. The red lining is quilted along with the handle and so carrying it is heavenly. I've turned into such a fabric, texture nut. With a side distraction of sheep. Little fluffy sheep that bounce. Sheep always bounce in my mind. And there they can do whatever they want...

Friday, November 14, 2008

one color or two?

Attempted to start the wine bottle scarves and hats. Decided that they must have been knitted on the little circular looms you can get because knitting only 3-4 stitches per needle was driving me a little batty and I'm not too far from there in the first place. Plus, that was still slightly too many stitches. Still going to forge ahead and see if there is any way I can make it work. Plus I think I'm going to buy a bottle of wine to use as a pattern dummy. And if the bottle ends up empty there will be more than one pattern dummy but a good time will be had getting there.

Talked to Mom about the wrap we are knitting for that class. She's been the Type A over-achiever student and gone ahead and finished Block 4 (there has only been one class and that was Block 1; I've only been slightly achieving and have finished through Block 2) and was showing me how her half-linen stitch was working out. She had to find a contrast color for it and looking at hers made me wonder if I needed one also. The pattern calls for it but I had been under the inclination to make this wrap all one color. I had also said I would do it EXACTLY like the pattern says to do it so I'm slightly torn. This one was going to be simple, elegant, one color to wrap in, one color to show off to all. Plus, one color would show the stitches without being a distraction. If I liked the pattern I was going to do another in a bright, varigated yarn with COLOR and TEXTURE and just have a good time knitting it and making adjustments where needed; that was where I was going to make my personal changes and have fun. I don't know... I'll check the available colors there (only one skein is needed) and see if any call to me.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Growing up is hard to do

Have decided that I need to grow up and start getting to bed sometime before midnight even though the call of the yarn is strongest at that time. Wait, no, I take that back. It is equally strong when I'm crossing my eyes, sitting in front of the computer, thinking "Yeah, the money is nice but I would love a heel to turn right about now." But anyway, SuperGirl is hitting the ding-y/almost 5 year-old stage where she isn't on top of getting ready for school in the morning so we've been running late. For about a week now. Speaking of not being on top of things, I'm sure I could have implemented this at least a few days sooner.

This morning it was 7 minutes until needing to leave and she wasn't even dressed yet. Usually she dresses herself right after breakfast but I'm not sure what happened, other than she has been really bad about being off in her own little world; she's still fairly considerate but clearly missing simple, important instructions like "get your lunch before you put on your shoes", "wash your hands after using the bathroom", and "haven't I told you 10,000 times not to fuss at your brother!?!? Play with him! Give him toys! Show him what he CAN play with! Don't yell at him!!!"

Anyway, I'm consoling myself by saying that I can knit in the mornings after I've gotten myself ready nice and early and are overseeing the two little ones getting ready. For Little Guy that just means making sure he's not throwing toys away or helping himself to SuperGirl's breakfast. I think SuperGirl would benefit more. As would I. Growing up is hard, especially when you're over the age 25, have held a job outside the home at one time, and supposed to have gotten there a while ago.

Speaking of turning heels way in the beginning, I'll be starting on my sock used for demostration in the sock class. I'm using the Noro sock yarn. We are wondering how it will feel knitted; hopefully less rough than it feels wound in the skein. The socks will end up store demos. I can't wait to see the stripes and how they work!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Coming up short

Measured the smiley scarf by putting it around my neck. It wrapped nicely with enough space to comfortably put a pin. Checked the gauge again. Yep, it was right. Counted to see if I had all 315 stitches at the end like I should have. Had them. Apparently my stitches are just slightly big enough somewhere so that even if they don't show up when measuring gauge, I'm still going to be a little short. That's funny because usually I buy the required yardage and end up with 1/3 to a 1/4 of the yarn left over. I will be going to the knit shop today to drop some stuff off and am going to talk to the knit shop lady about it.

Little Guy woke up last night at around 4:30 and when I went in there to tend to him I heard the ominous sound of slow dripping. The ceiling is officially leaking now. Thankfully, the rain should be over for at least a week and I've called all the necessary people. Now to come up with the required money...

Started the spiral scarf (the 3rd project out of the One Skein Wonder book) last night while watching "The Biggest Loser." That one is going to take a while. The scarf is going to look great, especially in the yarn required, only it's done left side then right side alternating 4 short rows at a time. You do that until the middle (which is only growing by a stitch or two per 4 short rows) measures 8 in. After 2 hours last night (and wanting to throw things at the tv because of some of the aggravating people on the show this season; it is usually a great show of people bonding together, despite differences in selves and personalities, to achieve amazing weight loss. It has ended up cat fights and isolation because of a certain someone's greed, selfishness, and bullying. It's like watching a middle school drama with 200+ lb. people.) I only had 3.5 in. That was in worsted weight yarn. This is going to take a while.

Ok, now to get some work done. Little Guy has climbed in my lap and is already taking his nap at 9:00 am. Wish I could do that.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Raindrops keep falln' on my head...

...but only when I'm outside, I hope.

Woke up this morning to the sound of dripping in the house. Not in the house major (proper? inner?) but somewhere above the ceiling and some of the drips sounded like a puddle. NOT what I wanted this morning. Hubby had a doctor's appointment so he didn't have to go to work early and we could have slept in a little. Once I woke up to the dripping there was no way I was going back to sleep so I made the coffee (on weekdays it's usually tea but this morning was an exception) and planned my method of attack on getting a new roof. We had been warned a few months back that the roof was old and would need replacing within a year but it's been nice and dry so no dripping sounds so yes putting this off as long as we were able. Roofs, damage, etc. has been a little dicey here due to all the hurricane issues the past few years so I talked to my insurance agent, he's weighing our options, and we have someone getting to us on an estimate.

Not knitting but it's hard to knit when water is getting into your house.

On more typical subjects, I finished the smiley scarf last night or I would have if the one skein wonder only needed one skein. I ended up short and I'm not sure how because I do have gauge: 16 st. = 4 in. I even cut out the last row of knitting (the row 20) so I might have enough yarn to bind off. I got about halfway. Maybe I increased too many? The scarf does look a little longer than the picture; the picture makes it look like a collar but the description that goes with the picture says it's a smiley scarf that can be wrapped around the neck and also pinned. Hmm...

Monday, November 10, 2008

Did you read the directions???

Well, I thought I had. I thought I had looked at everything for the "smiley scarf", thought "this is going to be a cinch", and was knitting rather nicely. I noticed there are approximately 20 rows, instructions for each row, and blocks of repeat stockinette after increases. I did not, however, read further to clarify when I noticed that some row numbers seemed to be missing during what seemed to be a large block of stockinette. I though "oh, typo" and continued knitting my 6-8 row block of stockinette. Then, on the last row of the stockinette I realized that wait a minute, that isn't row 19: increase after every 2nd stitch and row 20: do the same thing again, that is row 11: increase after every 2nd stitch, do 3 stockinette stitch rows, row 15: do the same thing, end with 3 stockinette stitch rows. Grumble, frog, grumble, grumble. Gripe, gripe, lament that my self-done hair-color treatment ALSO didn't turn out right (I'm not as dashingly blonde as I was, but I didn't think it would make me this brown. I was only trying to lighten my roots to hide the silvers, not turn it brown with an odd silver tinge on my bangs. Thank heavens dark coloring lightens over the next few days so maybe I'll hit a happy medium with darker blonde hair, not so obvious dark roots, and if there is gray in my bangs I'll say it was an attempt at artistic statement; I always said I'd age gracefully.)

You can't frog hair color gone wrong (and shaving isn't an option in conservative LA) so at least I CAN correct the smiley scarf and hopefully have it ready for the Knit Lady Tuesday. It shouldn't take too long. I'm glad because I'm not sure about the Noro that it's knitted in. The colors are lovely but it's a little itchy and feels rough. Anyone who isn't sensitive to wool and in a cooler climate wouldn't mind it at all but I value material by it's washability and feel; you have to when you take in account how much you sweat here and how few cold days there are. Debbie Bliss is another story. I would be willing to find things to knit in her wool and mark the cold days on my calendar so I can wear them. Or wear them with not much else on and sweat a little (last statement being said with good taste, no suggestion intended! :) )

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Mary Jane lives! (and it's not a plant either!)

Went shopping and in the midst of standing around making faces and saying "Ho, ho, ho, Merry Christmas" to Little Guy who was trying to turn himself over in the baby sling, I found a Clarke's shoe store. It sang to me and I found the shoes! Lovely Mary Janes! And I could try them on! They had them in my paddle-foot size! And they were ON SALE!!! Now I can officially show off my knitted socks and there is no way I'll end up a victim of fashion with too small shoe sizing. Maybe arrested by the fashion police but they will be so amazed that I knitted the purple-orange-black-white-pink-with-a-touch-of-blue-and-white socks they will certainly forgive me and understand that that much money and time spent on a garment deserves prominent display and I couldn't wear them on my ears. Or need we even mention how Red Hot Chili Peppers displayed their socks? I think I can be excused. All my socks would serve on me is nipple warmers and that's just silly.

Callin' Baton Rouge

(Dear Garth, you saved country music for me. Not sure why. God bless you and Johnny Cash)

In Baton Rouge staying with Hubby's sister and bro-in-law because Hubby got last minute tickets to the Bama/LSU game. He and B-i-l are stoked and I'm shopping with S-i-l and her two. No giggles, please. I still have the Purple Skrug to keep me company. I left the other projects at home even though they were screaming that they only had an hour or so left and they would be finished. I figured the less things to juggle, the better.

So Go Tigers, sorry Nick, and I hope to get a few more inches knitted while mall shopping, vet visiting (their kitten has fleas and strange bald patches), and kid bowling (as in bowling WITH kids, not the other. Even though at this moment that is tempting... those who know me understand. If you don't, ask if you want to know the terrible truth. You might not.)

Friday, November 7, 2008

One hat day: "One Skein Wonders" edited by Judith Durant

Met again with the knit shop lady and she assigned 3 small projects for me to knit for her shop. They all are out of "One Skein Wonders" edited by Judith Durant. I had looked at the book during one of my many excursions to Buckets of Noodles and nothing had really caught my eye other than it had very pretty colors and I love very pretty colors. There are several books in the knit section I keep trying to pick up simply because of the very pretty colors on the covers even though I have no interest in or it's not my kind of content.

But I digress...

I think I like the book now. We were looking through it and the projects are small (well, they are one skein projects, aren't they?), fairly simple, and some of them would make downright cute gifts. The great thing is you can buy some of the more expensive yarn and keep your cost down because, again, you only need one skein. I made a women's hat that has an i-cord scallop-looking brim and it turned out lovely! It's in the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky so not only did it knit fast, it felt so good to knit! No itchy wool feeling at all. And the size was fairly true as long as you don't have a really big head or a lot of hair. I can't wait to see how the other 2 projects turn out.

This is great about knitting for a yarn shop. Not only am I working up credit, I can knit all these cute patterns (some of which I would never try but I could use the experience; I'm not one for old lady cowls but I could use the technique somewhere) and use all these decadent yarns (I love that word: decadent) and I don't have to find someone to give it to or wonder where I have to prostitute myself next (anyone need a house cleaned?) to pay for my habits. Happy, happy, joy, joy! However, I have not been able to get myself psyched to take on the patterns for the wine bottle scarves and hats. I'm just not that kind of person to decorate for the holidays with wine bottle hats and scarves. I am, however, the kind of person that does things like that for other people to make them happy and help them out so I just need to get over my personal preferences and think of the lovely cotton yarn in rainbow colors that will dance my way when I find the perfect pattern for it...

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Will work for yarn

The meeting with the LYS lady went WONDERFUL!!! She loved the supply holders, wanted all 4 of them, and told me to make more. She also wants 2 of the knitting needle holders so to see how they do. We decided on swapping yarn and supplies for my sewing (I told her that would best help my family budget, rather than me getting money and just turning right around and spending it in her shop anyway) which she appreciated. Then, the more we talked, the more things just started happening. She now has me making a pattern from something seen in a magazine (wine bottles with Christmas scarves and little hats with a pom-pom) and making some examples to either teach a class or just sell in the store for holidays. More store credit for me!! AND she wants me to help her teach a beginner sock class which is pretty funny considering she's only knitted half a sock and I've only knit one pair but she thinks since it's a beginner class we'll keep it small, simple, and jump right in. I talked it over with Phil and the baby-sitter and everything is ok and in place. It'll be 4 classes every Tuesday over 4 weeks starting Nov. 18th. THIS MEANS MORE STORE CREDIT!!! Did I mention how happy I am and it's not even for cash? Did I mention that I won't add up the totals of money spent at the knitting shop each month because my brain is guiltily placing that money under "gifts, etc.", not "personal hobbies" and no one can place a value on gifts, can they? Did I mention that I feel like a knitting junkie? Did I mention that some might find this nuts?

I'm even enjoying sewing now. I can't wait for the huge sale at Hancock's Fabrics in another week so I can get more supplies to ultimately make more store credit.

Found the yarn for LOIntern (now deemed "Lola") and it's a lovely striped gray/black/white. now to find the sock pattern... Can not find the LSU yarn Hubby wants but still looking.

Tale of 2 sockies...

Killing time before I run up to the LYS to show her my knitting supplies holder thingies...
I am going to make socks for our lovely, opinionated intern for Christmas. (And I had said no homemade things this year so to avoid deadlines) Hubby gave me a look when I told him. Don't worry, Hubby. I will still work on your LSU socks and finish them at the same time. And I will forgive you for watching election coverage until late LATE driving me crazy. All I need is the yarn... He wants fluffy, warm, purple socks with gold cuff and toe (isn't that cute?). I think this time I will also knit both socks at the same time. SockSis said that's usually what you do. That means buying another pair of double points and hopefully the sewing consignment with the LYS can afford that. Budgie the Budget can not. If I was single I would knit instead of eat but that's not an option with the 2 sprogs and Hubby. They'd get a little cranky. When I was single I read instead of eating but that was another time...
Lovely, Opinionated Intern didn't give me a color though. She did say no bright colors (darn, she'd look great in red) and yes to stripes but that was about it. I'll have to text her...
Oh, I got in my Mary Jane's yesterday!!! Mary Jane's are my favorite type of shoe (hence part of the web address; Jack White is to credit for the other part. Look up the White Stripes. He's amazing) and now I can show off my socks! Shoe shopping is always an adventure for me because I have really narrow, picky feet that like LOTS of arch support. I had resigned myself to ugly New Balance sneakers for the sake of my lower back and keeping callouses off the balls of my feet but I discovered the old people arch supports and a catalog of Mil's that actually carried narrow sizes in decent shoes! They arrived yesterday and look great. Their arch support isn't too hot and I think I could have gone a half size larger (I won't even tell you my shoe size, it's big) but I got my inserts in them and am wearing my socks to make me happy.
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Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Sidetracked

Am 2 rounds away from switching to the larger needles on the "Purple Skarp" ("Skrug"?) Got too tired and stopped. Will start again tomorrow when just 2 rounds isn't that big a deal.
Have actually been sewing today. I am sewing knitting supply holders for Knitting Shop Lady. They are really nice; they fit over whatever arm it is of the chair your sitting in (think those corduroy remote control holders that used to be so popular about 15 years ago) and there are pockets on both sides to put your scissors, needles, ruler, whatever you need. She had several on the arms of the couches where we were sitting Saturday and I commented on them. She said she was looking for someone to make them on consignment and I said I would try. I'm taking the ones I made today to her tomorrow. They were fun to make. Something different. Our lovely intern spent the day at my house trying to study for her LSAT so while she was avoiding doing that this afternoon, I sewed. I sewed 2 up from some red and red rose linen fabric I've had in my stash for ages (like back to where I worked at Hancock's in college ages) and they looked so good I ran to Big Lots to try to find some cheap placemats to make some more. Not only did I find some that look AMAZING (really modern: light sky blue suede and a light, goldish simple brocade with straight, white bias trim) but when I ran into the fabric shop to get more binding, I found some more fabrics to try: a flowered corduroy with navy corduroy backing and a teal and blank Vera Bradley wannaba quilted print. I haven't sewn the quilted print yet but the corduroy I want to keep for myself. The great thing about the corduroy and suede is they have weight but aren't bulky, and they stick to the armchair arms. I hope the Knitting Shop Lady likes them. I'm showing them to her tomorrow along with the straight knitting needle holder I made for myself.
Wish me luck!

My day a-wasting

Not much knitting going on. I finished the 1st block for the wrap and didn't want to be too much of a teacher's pet and start #2 especially since I'm supposed to be learning and taking this a little at a time. That doesn't mean I won't start the 2nd block before the next class, but I might wait 5 more days. Plus, I really need to work on my friend's shrug/poncho/short skirt which is also a little hard right now because I am stuck in completing 3 inches of stockinette done in #0 Addi Turbo circulars (which does make it nicer) but NO VARIATION, 5 STITCHES TO THE INCH, NO COLOR CHANGE, NOTHING. So it's getting a little monotonous. Which, as I read over the pattern, is pretty much the whole thing. After the 3 inches, I'll switch to the larger needles (#3) and keep with the stockinette, adding planned holes down the left hip so it looks "ripped" (which I think I told you but I forget and don't feel like looking :) ).
So I might actually sew a little to break things up. Oh, and do some for real work. That might be a good idea also.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Together forever

Mr. and Mrs. Sock are now finished and living together in holy matrimony. I finished the 3 needle bind-off, took care of the ends, and they are happy and snug on my feet. SuperGirl tried them on also and I took great pictures of her wearing them. They are a little big on her (I'm a size 9 women's) to say the very least and she said they were slippery. That didn't stop her from running all over the house with them on our hardwood floors, of course. Little Guy spent the whole time trying to get the camera from me so it will be interesting to see if any of his fingers made it into the pictures.
I spent the rest of the evening finishing off our roll of film. Yes, we have been operating on 35mm technology but not anymore! As of tonight we received our Christmas gift from Mil and Phil: a digital camera, memory card, and clever little case to carry it all in. We picked it out ourselves and can't wait to try it! I'm going to read the instruction manual, once I find a way to read that and knit on my new project at the same time...
Ah, my new project. It's for the class I'm taking at our local knit shop. It's a wrap that using all different knitting stitches and techniques and as you make each block you join it to the existing ones so there isn't any sewing at the end. I don't mind sewing but it is nice to know that that step won't exist at the end and all I need to do is weave in the ends. I was looking at the color and it's more of a peacock blue than I thought. The yarn is also yummy to work with. It's also worsted and that's a nice change from the really thin yarn I was using on the #00s.
The class went well. I'm by far the youngest in there but I don't mind. I just enjoy being around other knitters and having free cups of tea that I don't have to make myself! It will meet every other Saturday and I can't wait to work on my homework!