Making room for new colors

Thanks to the kindness of a few friends, I have a new view on colors. I have to start by saying that in my experience, one of the most fantastic things about trades is that I have now acquired yarn in colors that I would may not have ever picked up myself and that I find myself loving and now wondering why I never managed to see (i mean really see and appreciate) the colors that upon receiving, I instantly fell in love with.

irlandais hiver 03/04 ~irlandais automne-hiver 04/05~accessoires 04/05
apprendre à tricoter~phildar terre neuve in mouton & ecru~phildar phil ruban cassis ~plassard grand large

I'll start with this fabulous yummy trade with Becky! Not only is it just filled with a feast for your eyes along with amazing texture, but the colors are beautiful. I have been carrying the terre neuve in my knitting bag daily and get so much enjoyment from just looking at them still wound in balls. The texture and strand composition just fascinate me and upon receiving it, I instantly had a vision of fluffy cowl inspired by Mindy's Big Woo! The creme and caramel colors are so tasty and I can't wait to cast on once I feel I can whip up the perfect mix of colors. I just can't decide whether I want to stripe or color block it. The phil rubin is just divine and the plassard grand large is just waiting on warmer whether. Its just a fantastic color for a spring/summer tank or top and I'm hoping I can pick a pattern that leaves a bit for a bucket! All of these yarns are new to me and I just couldn't have chosen better colors if I had hand picked them myself. And the mags....OOOHHHHHH . Phildar is among my favorite of favorites. With the help of Apprendre à tricoter, I am hopefully on my way to being able to knit from them with a better understanding of French knitting terminology. Thanks again and again Becky!

kpppm and noro cash iroha

And then we have this absolutely gorgeous blue noro cash iroha I didn't even know I could loooove blue so. It's not a color I have ever been drawn to while scanning the yarn colors at my lys, but it sure is a color I gravitate toward now. Not only is the yarn soft, but it just screams "knit me". Still lookin' for a pattern worthy of such lovely yarn at the moment. It's another yarn that I have never had the luxury of having and I'm still coveting it in its unknitted state. Now to the k...o...i...g...u. Oh, where do I start. I've heard all the praise, but now I know what its all about. KOIGU....AHHHH. 'Nough said. If I wasn't so over socks at the moment I would cast on for a pair.

Did I have you there for a moment, lol. Not even a second. Oh well, can't even describe how much I love to knit with it. It has all of my new favorite colors like chocolate, orange, golden yellow and green(ok, so i'll never let go of the green.) Its just so koigu. Yes, that is my new adjective and I plan on using it even with people who have no idea what I am talking about, lol. Thanks so much, Iris. Trading with you was just koigu!

Rowan yarn AND candy, YUM!

And then we have this absolutely delicious Rowan Magpie. I'm telling you this picture just does not do this yarn justice. Its so yummy I want to just eat the skeins. And the candy just hit the spot. There was more, but this is all that made it home as I was munching on some in the car on the way from the post. I'm hoping it swatches up to be drum roll....Rogue. This yarn just has to paired with an equally amazing pattern. If it doesn't make gauge though, I know there are a few Rowan patterns that I have my eye on. I've already been thumbing through a few of my books. Marta, you have been so kind with words of encouragements with patterns I never really thought I was up too and now you go an send me the yarn too. Thanks so much!

Can't get enough...

We've eaten it...
We've stored knitting needles in it...
And now we're wearin' it...

earrings and stitch markers
and knittin with it!

stitch markers on manos
I first saw these at super eggplant. Mariko posted about this and I knew it would just be a matter of time before I had to get something. I just love that bracelet. Mini and I have been going back and forth for over a week now with who will be wearing the earrings today (its become a daily routine). So luckily one more pair is on the way. Thanks Amy! We love 'em and can't wait to see the ones in the works. The stitch markers are so fun! And I just noticed the fortune cookies at Amyville. Check 'em out. Hmmm....fortune cookies. Very cool. Umm...do I feel another order coming on?

One of my coworkers is completely baffled by my love of sushi. And soon a Fresh Fields (ok, its Whole Foods now, but doesn't roll off my tongue like Fresh Fields) is opening up near our office soon. I usually make my rounds at 12 with "are you lunchin?". But now it will be are you "sushi-in". Ok, doesn't sound right, but I'll be eatin' it anyway.

Wanna Knit List 2005 (Take 2)

This list actually started late last fall and throughout the beginning of winter additions were made as I carried it in my knitting bag appending my list as needed.

I have decided that I would like to get comfortable knitting the following knitting elements this year. And I say get comfortable as opposed to actually knit one thing that contains these elements 'cause when I approach it that way I tend to knit that one piece and move on never to address or improve upon that technique again (and then sometimes forget, okay make that most times).

1) cables (just the skinny this time)
I have had Fanny from Rowan Big Just Got Bigger on my mind since seeing it at Reverie Knits a while back and I'm sure I probably have some more big wool somewhere that could knit this up. But also on the radar is Rogue and Mariah. I actually would like to knit all three of them (ADDED: eventually), but I'll have to see what my stash can knit up in regards to gauge.

(2) socks
Though, I did get a jump on these at the beginning of the year, I still want to learn some of the many ways to knit socks along with the wide variety of patterns and yarns that are out there to try. So this is definitely just the beginning. And to help me along a bit, I have joined: Boy, this knitalong was right on time.

provisional cast-on as directed in Wendy's toe-up pattern

If I had know it was this easy to work a provisional cast on using a crochet hook, I would have used this technique a loooong time ago. The directions where a snap to understand and I'm lovin' all the possibilities that have opened up by knitting a sock toe-up. Thanks Wendy!

I just love the colors in this Kroy Stained Glass Vitrail. The wrap stitches were going pretty well. And its so fun to pull out the provisional cast-on very carefully...ohhhh...onto the needles and then look inside....ahhhh. Am I easily amused or what, lol? Needless to say, I was very impressed by the method and got a kick out it transforming into a toe on sticks.

Looks okay, huh? well...take a closer look Ugh. I'm having a bit of trouble picking up those double wraps I think. Considering the fact that I don't remember picking up double wraps may account for the fact that I must not have picked up double wraps, LOL. One side worked out perfectly while the other side rebelled (i have chosen to blame the sock today). But I'll try it again. It was too fun not to. It was so neat to do all of those cool wraps and turns. I guess it can only be more fun to actually do them along with picking all double wraps next time and have a sock without the side sky light, hee hee.

(3) focus on knitting stash yarn
Just want to keep stash top of mind. I'm not restricting myself completely (of course) but want to search for yarn to match patterns in stash before looking to my lys. And also consider picking yarn first instead of being led by patterns only. I also want to rip and reknit those lingering projects. Here is another fantastic knitalong that works very well with that part of this particular knitplan point:

(4) knit with multiple colors (intarsia, fair isle, and/or stripes)
Mini is mad about Hello Kitty, so the should be a great start. When I went to the knitalong site I could barely understand the squeals as she raved about Oslofia's Kitty creations.

This isn't my first attempt at intarsia, but I hope to include a lot more color this year and maybe include at least one for myself too. However, I have a feeling that if I can get this Hello Kitty worked out for mini, that there may just be more "Hello" in my future knits for sure.

(5) actively choose knitalongs that are in keeping with my knitting plan

I'd like to make a effort not to change my personal direction in knitting to fit knitalongs and to make the choices that are in line with where I am or where I trying to go at the time. That's not to say that I won't knit that pattern or join later, just want to think about where it fits into my plan at that moment before signing up.

I think I've been good about that so far (okay so its still January, lol).

(6) zippers
I'm already making an effort to knit more cardis. But I have been steering away from zippers. I'm not happy with the fact that the only reason I don't want to knit one is because I haven't knit one before. So since that attitude is not in the knitplan for this year, one ribby cardi coming right up. If that isn't inspiration to learn to knit zippers, I don't know what is. Also, Kristine graciously let me try on her Rowan Big seed stitch cardi (click for gorgeous closeup) that was at the shop and it instantly became a must knit. Just can't beat the versatility and quick closure of a zippy. The zipper was completely invisible and looked fantastic which I thought was pretty impossible to do considering the chunky weight of the big wool. But it worked, it looked snazzy and inspired me to want "face the zipper".

I bet you thought I was done, right? Nope, more later.

TO BE CONTINUED...AGAIN...

Update: Oh yeah, forgot to mention that I did eventually learn to knit continental and it knocked out that shoulder/arm/wrist pain faster than prescription motrin!

What I'd like to be knitting in 2005

I'll start with...

(1) cables - I have to admit this is a sore subject with me 'cause it reminds me of my very first sweater. And though this may sound like cables got the best of me, they really did not. My first sweater was a simple pullover with a single cable down the front. And I would insert a picture here, but I knit it, wore it, washed it (in the washing machine) and immediately threw it in the dryer...so, you guessed it, I felted it. What a horror! Didn’t realize at the time that you can’t wash handknits like all the “others”. Though its not too small to wear (as I knit it waaay to big) the pic isn't anything anyone wants to see I'm sure. The cable is very fuzzy. Surprisingly enough I still wear it from time to time, though. I looked at the sizes and went "oh yeah, I wear a large, so I'll knit a large. So much for looking at finished dimensions. Haven't made that mistake again. Correction, I have made the same mistake, but not for the same reason (picked right size but wasn't on gauge).

I went into to cabling thinking that's what beginners must start with since it was a "how to knit" class (using a sweater pattern to start with which is why i chose it). All other classes offered about that time were to knit scarves and I had already knit a couple. So before I lay into what a bad experience this class was, let me say that (a) there are great classes out there and (b) this wasn't one of them (and that's just my personal opinion as i'm sure others had a better experience in the class but i'm only writin' 'bout mine. I found the cabling to be pretty easy (was only working with one). I was really beginning to enjoy knitting other than the fact that my shoulder was at the brink of falling off. I have to admit that I was an enthusiastic thrower to say the least.

Now I mean no one , I repeat NO ONE could sit to my right as my arm did this exaggerated "i wish i could fly with one wing kind of motion". Now I don't know where it came from as no one in my class knit that way but that’s just what is was. I signed up for a "learn to knit" class hoping that I could move beyond my two scarves into sweaters. I wanted to knit continental hoping that I could learn to knit with a smaller range of motion. Well, prior to this knitting class I would knit with one straight needle propped against my body or under my arm in a pretty stationary position while all of the motion was pretty much isolated to my right arm and shoulder in particular. Now this was before my "I wish I could fly knitting". You could sit to my right, but not too close. I know what you're thinking. I thought this is about cabling. Well umm… I thought it was too, so we are both surprised by this rambling. Well, it is but this tangent won't go on for much longer (i think, hee hee).

Anyway, once I took that class the teacher couldn't refrain from knocking my propped needle away from my body at any chance she could, telling me what we all know doesn't exist "you're knitting the WRONG WAY", "stop holding that needle under you arm", "stop propping that needle against your chest", "stop..stop...stop". I found that a bit annoying, but I must say I was determined to finish the class that I PAID for and try to get something out of it. And that's when I started to try and fly away. I didn't feel stable without one of the needles against me so I guess my knitting style was a sure sign of the flight response as I sure as heck tried to fly outta there. Oh, I left out a major point here. Going into the class I knew that there were two (now i know that there are many) ways to knit, but I thought that anyone that taught would know both ways and would be able to show me how to knit continental. I thought continental knitting may reduce this wacky arm and shoulder twinge that was occurring with minimal knitting at the time. Oh yeah, that's why I signed up primarily. I wanted to knit sweaters but I wanted to knit continental mostly. Now I do have to take credit for the wacky assumption that was not detailed in the class description which was that the teacher would be able to teach continental knitting. However, when the topic was mentioned prior to the class, it was pointed out that the teacher would not (a) teach that method 'cause it was the (here we go again) the wrong and sloppy way to knit and that it was (b) stupid to knit that way. I know...why did I let this ridiculous story continue by staying in the bad element. How I wished at that point that I had signed up for a single day class. But no, this was a split up into many days of (1) learn to knit (2) learn to purl (3) learn to knit and purl within the same row (4) cast off and (5) can't remember what I am forgetting 'cause it was 5 sessions. Oh yeah, cabling, duh! My first scarf was in ribbing so overall when the class wasn't annoying it was quite a yawn until the cabling, but I should have asked more questions before signing up right? Actually, I did ask about the continental, but when I asked for a refund 'cause I already understood the method used in class I was told that it was too late for a class refund (DARN!) The class was not what I expected but it did allow me time that was devoted purely to knitting and an explanation on cabling. So I guess that is the bright side of looking at it. Now why did I rehash this? Oh, I know now. Whenever I sit down and think of knitting cables I think of this all over again. Weird huh? That sweater, which I look at often, that I started in that class continues to haunt me. The sweater and at times the thought of me cabling brings all of those moments back. It's true what they say about a knitted garments. It just brings back all of those feelings that occurred while you were knitting them. Umm...could I still be uhh.....bitter, lol?

Oh my point....I want to knit a NEW cable sweater to replace all of the annoying memories that I had from knitting my first single cable sweater.

That's the point. I know, you thought I would never get there. I was actually thinking the exact same thing, lol. I was just at that “there was a point to this right” and then presto! The gingko biloba kicked in. Oh well, this post turned out to be more of why I will ask more questions if I ever take another class, why I wanted to knit continental and a lame excuse for why I don't cable. Not to discourage anyone from taking classes as there are many wonderful knitting teachers out there. I have actually met many. I just hadn't met them at the time, humph.

Whew, I guess I'll save 2-on for another post and next time I'll be brief and project specific (hee, hee).

TO BE CONTINUED...

Bright Autumn in the middle of winter

alternate...views

Project Specs:
Pattern: Bright Autumn by Kim Denunzio of Mad as a Hatter Studio
Yarn Suggested: worsted weight wool, mohair and novelty yarn
Yarn Used: Brown Sheep Worsted
Needle Size: US 7
Gauge: 4 sts=1

and for bad hair days, lol

I have really enjoyed knitting and wearing this piece. It was a breeze to knit and was an excellent traveling knit as once you've read over the pattern you are really good to go. I only strayed from the pattern by decreasing a bit before the beginning of the cuff and omitting the mohair and novelty yarn. If I were to knit it again, however I would knit a wider neck piece so that it could drape as in the photo. A very knowledgeable friend indicated that the pattern pic is on a bust without a true neck and since its not an actual person it hangs much lower and appears to be so much larger in scale. That makes so much sense. I wish I could notice such details on pattern pics. That would allow me the opportunity to make adjustments right off the bat. Thanks for the eye opener my friend. Your expert eye is why all of your knits are all so beautiful and fit you perfectly.

I think I'm going to try to take a closer look at patterns in the future and really evaluate how they may actually look on me given the specs at the beginning rather than with the finished project. That would make one more thing I need to add to my Knitgoal list for 2005. Which reminds me, I'll have to post that list before it grows any longer.

two servings of seaming and a side o' pinning

chrissie seaming in progress

flo seaming in progress

I used to think that when you knit the sweater pieces that you are pretty much more than half done. Now I feel that in most cases when you are knitting a sweater, once the knitting is complete, you are at best only halfway especially if there are any elements that step outta the realm of the basic St. st pullover. I can only imagine that the percentage decreases for those whose pattern choices move into the realm of "piquant" or "extraspicy" as Knitty would describe them. And even though these patterns don't fall into either of those categories, my current sweaters in waiting have new elements (for me) that I plan to address carefully in the finishing process. I picked these two patterns out with my knitting aspiration list in mind (i guess i should really post it and stop looking at this tiny piece of paper all the time). Anyway, I have tried to make a conscious decision to knit more cardigans and to try to include elements like pockets and belts that I previously viewed as things that are purely decorative that I would probably either lose (belt) or never really use (pocket). Well now that I have all of the pullovers I need at the moment, I've decided it to get to it. I had the impression that these items are too fussy and am surprised at how simple they really are. These patterns are pretty basic but I have a few items in the finishing department that are holding me up.

Not a whole lot but a lot of little…

Chrissie
belt is too short - okay just unbind, knit and cast off
unfinished pockets– just need to be sewn in and ribbing added to the pocket top

Flo
wrong needle size used to pick up neck – ok just rip and reknit, right? (so much easier to say than do)

While knitting the collar I thought the seed stitch looked very similar in gauge to the button band (it was supposed to be knit using a needle one size down). I was so sure that I picked the US 2's. I just got this to help insure that this doesn't happen. Guess next time I gotta make sure I put them in the right needle pocket, lol. My addi mm size didn't match the numbers on the holder and I should mark that pair I guess. I used my needle sizer to determine the size and I am starting to notice variances in the smaller sizes. Now, I don’t mind ripping, but I don’t like to do it when addressing a gut feeling could have remedied the situation early on. But of course, I kept on knitting thinking what’s a needle size when they are so small already. Really, what the difference between a US 2 and 3? (tsk, tsk, you can really talk yourself into nonsense when you want to) But then I thought that the possibility of the increased needle size coupled with the 2 additional stitches per piece (edge stitches on the frn/bck/slves) may really impact this collar. I don’t have a lot experience with necks outside of turtlenecks or other basics (actually none of my sweaters have collars now that i think of it though i think mini has one). So with all of that in mind I decided to cast off mid way through the collar and try it on already knowing it would not work, yet still in denial.

So it looks okay, but when you put on it seems a little high considering that there are several more rows that include putting an additional button hole and the cast off edge which would mean the neckline will be too high, ugh. When will I learn to stop especially when I see it coming so clearly?

And then we have Audrey. Not much done here, but Eilene inspired me to take another look at her by accidentally (on purpose, hee hee) referring to Chrissie as Audrey. Thanks Eilene, I really did need that. So I decided to just pin it and maybe start seaming the lace (i know i need about 1000 more pins) But I thought 6 would mark the crucial points that I want to line up first though she could use one more repeat. Audrey is moving a bit closer to our galaxy as we speak as I now have a plan.

*big thanks for all the sock support. can't wait 'til my next pair*

First Pair 'O Socks!

*It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby
Me and you, just takes two
It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby
To make a dream come true, just takes two

dancin' feet with ribs~socks on mini

Project Specs:
Pattern: Basic Sock
Yarn Suggested: Lion Brand Magic Stripes
Yarn Used: Patons Kroy Sock 4ply in Chelsea Tweed
Needle Size: US 1 dpns
Gauge: 7 sts/1" St. st

*Artist Lyrics: Marvin Gaye The Very Best of Marvin Gaye [Motown 2001]
Song Lyrics: It Takes Two (Disc 1 Song 9)

Stepping in to socks...

woohoo, its kitchener baby! and the beginning of second sock

Kitchener went amazingly well thanks to this link (scroll down to kitchener) at KnittingHelp.com. This site is a terrific resource. Big thanks to Becky for posting the link. It was right on time for my socks. I watched the video and then by the time I replayed it my sock was done. I can't wait to try some of the other techniques with other knits.

I'm really surprised how far the first ball of yarn went on the second sock(proof of second sock as 1st is behind it, hee hee). Luckily I found another ball in my stash. Here's a peek at my small sock stash that started last year when I first started thinking about sock knitting...

I started using the Opal for a pair of wristers, but just wasn't ready for those tiny needles. Now, do I make the wristers or will they become a new pair o' socks?

Chrissie and Flo

...we interrupt this newly discovered sock knitting craze to give some attention to a couple of sweaters a little under the weather due to purely unintentional neglect....

unbuttoned and the beginning of what will soon be a belt

potential buttons

I really haven't looked at these two sweaters for a bit and find myself having to familiarize my self with the pattern again. And not so much with the technical aspects in any way, but just to rediscover the groove that I was on with it so I can feel inspired to get back to them and actually finish them. I don't view myself as a chronic unfinisher (not a word?), but I am well aware of my knitting rhythm and know if it is knocked too far off that it is difficult to strike up the boogie and return to my normal knitting pace. At this point, I think some small, quick knits cropped up into the scene and changed my focus (in a good way). I think if I stop a knit because I need to move on, then I willfully go back to it. But for some reason if a new knit steals the show and changes my focus the knit falls by the wayside for sure. Now these two knits at are a kind of too close to completion to give up on but I'm hoping a little recap will put me on my way. At this point they only need a seaming and collar plus pockets and belt for chrissie. I must say I am pretty excited about the pockets and belt as I don't have a sweater that has either of these elements. Think I may have just stumbled across a reason to pick that one up and knit again...

And now back to socks....a big woop 'd doo (don't know where that came from) thanks for all the help and encouragement on the subject of sock knitting. I'm still reading through all the fantastic information and plan on posting a bit on it for easy one stop shopping for me to reference while I'm on my quest for even more socks. Thank you, thankyouverymuch (i'm not quite over that photo as it seems hee, hee). And I don't think this is the last time I plan on revisiting it, lol.

real estate?

vacancy...small starter home, big fireplace, nice wooden pointy fence, soft tweedy walls
no yard....but a very tightly knit neighborhood and wonderful sunny exposures. call 555.SOCK

Sock attempt two is coming right along. Its going much better on the sock yarn. I'm using the same Basic Sock pattern as before, but chose to knit the entire cuff in 2x2 ribbing. On the first sock I knit the first few rows on a straight needle, but this time just cast on with the straight on one size up and joined the yarn using the dpns. I read that you can knit the first stitch with the working yarn and tail to prevent the little gap so I really want to try that next time. I'm diggin this yarn, but am not sure if I picked up a second ball. Hope I can find one if I didn't. Looks like I'll be doing a sock yarn run. How 'bout that? Never thought I would enjoy knitting with size 1's so much and be looking forward to a sock yarn run. I now see what all the hoopla is about. And that's from someone who doesn't even have a sock yet, lol. How happy will I be when I get to that point? Did I just jinx myself? Doh!

Patons Kroy Sock 4ply in Chelsea Tweed Sock heel flap~heel turn ~toe

Up next....kitchener.