poetic knits

Good for what ails you

2010-02-25T23:12:00.004-05:00

After a few months of actually trying to finish my swapped afghan I have been aching to just sit down and knit something. I've been edging (in crochet) all those squares with a navy yarn before seaming to give the afghan a stained glass kind of look. I'm closing in on the end but it just feels like it will never be over! I really want to finish it soon so I haven't made much effort to find a knitting project to work on.

Last Friday I found out that I was missing a knit-night at the local Bridgehead. I got myself together and went out for a few hours. What I didn't know was that they were doing a destashing knit night. Well, absolutely unprepared for this turn of events I came home with about two bags of other peoples' previously loved yarn! I certainly don't need any more yarn; in a couple of years I'm sure I could set up my own shop. I just wasn't mentally prepared to resist the option of free yarn...free wool yarn at that!

My yearning to knit coupled with the unexpected windfall conspired to rewrite my weekend. I immediately put the new yarn to use. I started with three balls of Filatura di Crosa Magico. The yarn has a lot of character and the colours are gorgeous. I didn't do anything fancy with the pattern, just garter stitch with the occasional row of double-wrap thrown in. The yarn can just sing on its own. Three balls and a couple of movies over the weekend and I came up with my new favourite scarf. Aren't knit-nights wonderful?

Continuing Illusions

2010-01-03T14:27:00.003-05:00

Season of Illusion

2009-12-06T17:14:00.004-05:00

It seems that illusion-knit dishcloths are all I've been doing lately. It all started with a swap and things just went crazy from there. I think just about everyone on my Christmas list will be getting one of these. I just can't stop!

(my favourite so far)
ravelry link

Oh Christmas Tree
ravelry link

Let it snow!
ravelry link

(if you squint you can see the world!)
ravelry link

mind-blowing, these-are-so-incredibly-cool(!!) socks

2009-06-19T18:36:00.005-04:00

My mother mentioned that she would like some ankle socks. Freshly finished the army socks, with such appreciation, I decided to attack it head on. I happened to find a copy of Gerdine Crawford-Strong's Lace socks pattern on my computer that I had downloaded from Knitter's Magazine. It looked intriguing and it quickly took over my brain.

This is the first sock I made that was different. Very different. Most of it was done on two needles. There's picking up and increasing and decreasing and holy cow I couldn't think of anything else!

All I could think about while knitting these socks was knitting more of these socks.

Mom likes them too. She thinks they're pretty cool but still won't take up four needles, even for the short time you need all four.

As for me - I can't wait for the next pair!

soldier socks

2009-05-18T16:13:00.003-04:00

It had been awhile since I'd knit socks, and I was itching to knit some socks. I thought kids' socks would be the perfect thing. Socks and a quick knit. These took just over a month. Basically I improvised them with a little help from the guidelines in the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Rules.

He wore them three days straight! Not bad for pleasing a nine-year old. Today he was wearing them with camo pants and a camo jacket. I have another ball of this yarn...maybe I should make him a toque?

Master Peso

2009-03-22T19:31:00.007-04:00

Behold my most recent masterpiece! I made it for my mother's birthday last year.

Irish Rose Doily, circa 1949

It took patience, determination, and a very small hook. Each rose and leaf took about twenty minutes to finish, and each swirl took about a half hour.

I learned a lot from making it and I was so thrilled with the result I had trouble actually parting with it. I just wanted to keep it with me and show it to everyone I met up with and say, "look what I made!"

My mother loves it. Her initial response to it? "I didn't know you had doilies in you!"

Surprises all around.

Piggyback times three

2009-03-11T18:16:00.006-04:00

Welcome to my new go-to dishcloth pattern. It's called piggyback & I found the pattern in 280 Crochet Shell Patterns by Darla Sims. It looked interesting, but still sturdy enough to scrub dishes.

I made myself a small-ish one, just for something fun and quick. I enjoyed it so much I made another one with the rest of the ball and gave it to my friend. I since tried it with Bernat's striping cotton and loved the results even more!

I think it's the perfect match, the striping cotton with this pattern. I think a number of people I'm close with will find one in their kitchen soon.

Hoot Hoot!

2009-03-09T22:19:00.004-04:00

This dishcloth is my second for the Knitters R Us dishcloth swaps on swap-bot. I took the owl cable pattern from Kate Davies' Owls Pullover. I'm thrilled with how it turned out...and my swap partner liked it too! Mission Accomplished.

Enamored!

2009-03-08T18:36:00.005-04:00

I was looking for a quick knitting project, probably just to remind myself that I still can knit, and decided on a dishcloth pattern I found in my Lily Sugar n' Cream Kitchen Kolors! book. [I've gotten more use out of this book than I ever thought I could!]

I love it! The pattern was addictive and I love the results. I finished it in only a couple of hours and it left me wanting more. I plan to make this one again and again.

(Even the back looks good.)

Fall Bag

2009-03-06T00:27:00.004-05:00

I found some fantastic cotton yarn that was just begging to be turned into a bag. It happened to come with the perfect pattern on its ball-band. (I love ball-band patterns!) I was a little worried about using two variegated yarns together but I thought I'd give it a shot.

It's just a basic granny square for the front and back of the bag, with a mesh piece for the bottom and sides. I wasn't really sure about the handles but I do like how they turned out in the end.

It's a good size and really sturdy. I've been using it as a laptop bag.

It was super-fast and looks striking. But really - the variegated yarn did all the work.

Catsup Ketchup Catch-up

2009-03-04T18:44:00.003-05:00

Ok, ok, I know. It's been a little while. Well...there have been some good reasons, the primary one being a break-up that I wasn't expecting. Yes. This one knocked me on my ass last Spring/Summer/Fall/Winter...and while things aren't fantastic at this point, I'm no longer completely on my ass.

SO.

I need to catch up. A lot. I didn't really stop knitting/crocheting, I just didn't really communicate about anything. So what I propose to do is to put up pics of the items I finished over the last year with little stories about them when necessary, in no particular order.

How about I just go ahead and start then?

This is a dishcloth I made for a swap through swap-bot. I used a stitch pattern I found in the Knitting Stitch Bible my mom gave me for Christmas. What a beautiful book! My partner loves all shades of green and she loved the dishcloth so it was a success.

I had stopped swapping for awhile, but after I discovered the new-(ish) knitters group on swap-bot I got back into it. It's the first online group I've really become involved with and it's got a nice vibe.

That's all for now. Stayed tuned for more project pics soon. I promise.

2008-09-12T19:01:00.004-04:00

Well...I've got to get back to the blog somehow. How 'bout another meme?

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? the Manx...when you can get a seat
What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? pineapple or lychee

What are your pizza toppings of choice? olives, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms
What do you like to put on your toast? liverwurst & mustard...or pinapple & mozzarella

What is your wallpaper on your computer? a birthday card from my German cousin

What color cell phone do you have? don't own one. don't want one.
Are you right-handed or left-handed? right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? my heart & my dignity??

What is the last heavy item you lifted? my sixth-hand tv

Have you ever been knocked unconscious? yes.

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? no. knowing the end is never a good thing. trust me.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? sienna

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? I'd seriously consider it.

How many pairs of flip flops do you own? 2
What do you want to be when you grow up? I still don't know. :( maybe a knitwear designer.
Favorite Season? the fall
Favorite Holiday? Christmas
Favorite Day of the week? Sunday

Favorite Month? October
Missing someone? unfortunately...he's probably not worth it though.
What can you not wait to do? take a vacation
What’s the last movie you saw? The Dark Knight

blanketed in yarn

2008-07-05T23:10:00.007-04:00

After taking a break for a few months I signed up for the Friendship Afghan swap through Swap-bot. Every month we send three squares each to two partners. After ten months we’ll all end up with 60 squares to seam together our own afghan.

I love the idea of this swap. The individual pieces you send are quick, instant-gratification projects that will end up being something much greater in the end. What a feeling of community!

I’m going to post some progress photos along the way, both of ones I send and the ones I receive. It should be done around my birthday next year, continuing the tradition of finishing something big every Spring. If by chance the resulting afghan isn’t to my taste, I’ll just donate it to charity. It’s a win-win all around.

Oh!! and I finally finished my crocheted throw the other day:

I'm so happy with the edging I almost can't stand it. The blanket was all finished but the edging for about a month. I tried on a few different ones but soon ripped them out. None were right. I finally unloaded my new [to me, courtesy of my aunt] Greystone's Creative Hands series, circa 1966 - 1975 & flipped through it. Amidst the plethora of info about knitting, macrame, embroidery and dressmaking was a section on crochet edgings. The 'leaf edging' turned out to be the perfect one.

Why not meme?

2008-06-16T22:57:00.003-04:00

This one's pretty neat. I found it at my favourite friend I've never met's blog.

I tag Miss Twiss & Riizu (only because I know they'll read this eventually) and anyone else who feels inspired. It was a lot of fun!

Here's what to do:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your Flickr name.

Have fun! & let me know if you do this. I'd love to see your results.

Charity Knitting

2008-05-21T22:41:00.003-04:00

I learned how to fold origami cranes when I was in public school. I caught on well, still enjoy doing it, and have made possibly hundreds of cranes over the years.

Now I knit one:

I've been wanting to make this pattern for a couple of years now, and finally I had the right occasion and the time to do it. At least, I thought this the first time I had the time BUT it took ALMOST NO TIME! It knits up in about an hour & the felting is fun, and can be done over a few days, so it really isn't time intensive at all.

How perfect. Easy & quick to do, and just in time for my Haiku Conference.

It was a hit! I may make this a tradition.

a flurry of finishing!

2008-05-14T19:50:00.007-04:00

After a period of starting project after project after project, I seem to be in a phase of finishing. I even finished my biggest source of shame!

Check out the gallery:

Mason Dixon Potholder Loop RugAnother one of those projects just to see how it works. I happened to *finally* see some cotton potholder loops available at a craft store and bought two 10 oz bags. I took them home & looped them together [very zen-like] & rolled the ball. A couple weeks later I went back and bought three more bags & looped them. My 'ball of yarn' ended up the size of a basketball!

(here's the full ball with an 8-year-old for scale)

I used 25mm needles rather than the 35mm needles called for only because that's what I had on hand. It worked fine. This is the first project I've used such large needles and it requires totally different muscles for knitting this way - instead of the fine muscles in the hands & wrists, you're using your biceps & shoulders! I actually broke a sweat doing this. Definitely a fast project - very satisfying.

Sunflower Scrubber

Quick, quick pattern I found on Ravelry & decided to do for Mother's Day. I used my new favourite cotton - Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Stripes & a scrubbie from the dollar store. I love how fast it went, and I definitely plan to make more. Mom refuses to use it to scrub pots though, she thinks it's too pretty and figures the plastic bit will wear out long before the cotton & what would she do with the crochet cotton donut?

Tie Tank Finally!

My 'first' piece of clothing I knit starting over two years ago. I finished knitting within a few months, assembled it & promptly decided it was too frumpy, and I wasn't happy with the strap joins. I set it aside, and left it aside, and left it aside, and left it, and finally tried it on last weekend & decided to finish it up. All it needed was the ends to be sewn in. I did a crochet edging along the neckline and arms as well to make it that much neater. I'm not sure if it was just time that softened my opinion on it or if I, myself, got frumpier & fit it better! Seriously though, I really think finishing it properly and blocking it did the trick. So now I have a two-year old, new top!

Y'know what? There's more finished objects to come, just waiting for photos. It's almost time to start something again!

project serial monogamy

2008-05-03T22:04:00.002-04:00

After my flurry of starting things I decided I needed to complete something. The constant starting was getting ridiculous so I vowed to work only on one project at a time. And look what happened...I finished something! This is the Crochet Bag pattern that is on the ballband of the new Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Stripes. I made the bag mostly because I really like the colourways in this yarn and needed an excuse to use it. I love how it turned out. I did the handles in knit i-cord mostly because the crochet handle written in the pattern seemed tedious and i-cord just flies by.

Oh! and I now have a grommet tool. It's really easy to use (as long as you don't use it on the carpet) and the effect is great. I'm trying to decide now what else I can grommet. This could become a compulsion - grommets are tres cool.
The next thing for my serial monogamy list is the crochet basket I wanted to make for Mother's Day but I'm really not sure I'll get it done in time. (it's ok...I already have another gift for her!) I may start on a knit origami crane or two for my upcoming Haiku Canada conference...or maybe I'll get back to Camisa. Whatever it is - I'll definitely want to put grommets in it!

ant bee

2008-04-23T21:57:00.006-04:00

My Auntie Bea had a big birthday this month and I wanted to make her something. I found this "Bee" stitch border dishcloth pattern & thought it was perfect. To make it more special I decided to embroider a Bee on the front. I basically found a cute bee online & freehand stitched it on while sitting in front of the monitor.

I just love how it turned out!

She loves it too & absolutely refuses to use it. At this point she's trying to decide how & where to hang it up. (detail)

I'm just thrilled.

It must be Spring...

2008-04-08T20:54:00.003-04:00

...not because it's getting warmer, although it is, and not because the snow is finally, s l o w l y dissipating, although it is, and it's glorious. It must be Spring because I lack focus. I'm having a hard time focusing on this, for example. Partially because I'm going to have to rip part of it out and reknit, but that's besides the point. I'm not too torn up about that. And while I'm occasionally working on this, it's definitely an afterthought. And this one, as much as I enjoyed making the first one, has completely left my radar.

I'm much more interested in making one of these, just to try it out. I'll make the first one for my mom so I don't seem too selfish. And I'd kinda like one of these...'cause the yarn is pretty. Oh - and I have to make something like this, for my aunt who's having a big birthday soon; I think I'll have to doctor it up a little for her. And with all the new yarns to see, and all the new patterns to drool over, I kind of hope my Spring fever leaves quickly. though I'll certainly enjoy it while it lasts!

durty dishcloth

2008-04-06T22:30:00.004-04:00

I just received a gorgeous crochet hook that I purchased from SnokistFarmGirl at Etsy. It's made of surina wood and it feels absolutely divine.
Of course I had to test it out so as soon as I had time (after my performance last night) and this is what I came up with:

I modified a pattern from Lily Sugar'n Cream's Kitchen Kolors pattern book. I made it about 20 stitches smaller and I crocheted into the back loops to create a ribbed [for your pleasure] look.

I was uploading this pattern into Ravelry and I was wondering...how much fiddling with a pattern do you need to do before it becomes your own? I mean, a dishcloth is a dishcloth. With all the different stitch options you can use in this format how does this work?

Oh! and this is my hundredth post! Happy centenary!

Twice a coincidence?

2008-03-23T22:27:00.009-04:00

I've recently heard that twice is coincidence & three times is a tradition, so I guess I'll have to try for a sweater next Easter too!

YES!! My pinwheel sweater is finished!!

Check it out:

(the obligatory opened out shot)

I started in late September but put it away for a few months to work on Christmas/Valentine gifts. I picked it up in late February & worked on it like crazy. I finished last Wednesday evening (at a board meeting, but they didn't mind). The beginning of this pattern just flies by, and then you get to the fourth stripe & it drags. I had renewed energy when I went back to it though.

I modified only a few things. I made the last colour stripe larger so it nicely covers my bum & makes a great hood when I wear it the short way. I ended up using a different yarn completely for the edging (& it matches beautifully!!) and I crocheted the edging rather than knit it. I believe it was much faster than all that i-cord would have been.

MINI TUTORIAL:

I started by doing a single crochet into each live stitch of my last round and then created a loop of five chain stitches over four all the way around. I did do a second loop as well, also five over four, starting it only one stitch behind the first one so it wouldn't be too even. Then I caught the foundation stitches alternately in front & in back of the first loops as I worked around. It seemed to make a fuller looking edge.

I also did a single crochet edge to finish off my sleeves. All I could think was that it would finish it off that much nicer & my mother would be pleased. She was.

I am too.

Knitting Badges

2008-03-23T22:17:00.003-04:00

Everything you need to know about this post is here.

Almost there!

2008-03-16T19:40:00.003-04:00

My long-awaited pinwheel sweater is nearly finished!

This photo was taken almost two weeks ago at my parent's place. I've since finished both sleeves and extended the last colour (oxblood) about an inch. I'm now contemplating the edging. I'm thinking about doing some sort of crochet loopy thing with a great variegated yarn that has most of the colours in my sweater. I'm trying to decide if I should crochet all my live stitches or cast off then edge.

I finished my central park hoodie last Easter so I was hoping to make it a tradition. I'd better get cracking on that edge!

The things you see.

2008-03-16T19:30:00.003-04:00

Last weekend, after one of our many snowstorms this Winter I happened to notice the sign from a local store.

Looks like an ice age!

They're done!

2008-03-08T23:47:00.004-05:00

Both of them.
Actually they were done just a week after V-Day and have already been worn lots and washed once (now they're a little fuzzy - damn!). They fit perfectly and are very appreciated.

I guess my next sock project is to write out the pattern, for posterity's sake at least.

from the archives...

2008-03-02T21:56:00.002-05:00

The Yarn Harlot's "Unoriginal Hat" - I made this last November, started just after Stephanie blogged about it and added it to Ravelry right away. I remember being shocked about how many people had already started or queued it within days of it being posted. I had planned to write an insightful post about the Internet, blogs, Ravelry & the scope of the online knitting community, but then...life took over I guess.
The hat was a quick knit & I love the colours! (the real reason I made this hat is just to use Moda Dea's Tweedle Dee yarn) It's a touch small though. That's only fair - I didn't swatch. I'll try it a couple times more and then probably pass it along to some deserving person with a smaller head. It was fun though!

update

2008-02-12T00:52:00.000-05:00

I'm about to turn the heel!! I just have to find that reinforcing thread.

T Minus 8 Days...

2008-02-06T23:04:00.000-05:00

The whole plan was to make a pair of socks for Kurt. Socks that were simple yet interesting to knit and, more importantly, quick to knit. The first one flew by in record time. I'm happy with the pattern I created and I love making heavier weight socks. But for the toe, the first sock has been finished for about a week.

I just happened to get distracted by this:

my first throw. It's simple but SO addictive.

BUT...my plan is to get these socks done by Valentine's Day. So I have seven days.

Do you think I'll get them done??

Let it Snow

2008-01-29T09:58:00.000-05:00

I wanted to wow my mom this Christmas. I just learned to crochet last Spring and it's one thing mom doesn't really do. I've been doing pretty well with it and decided to challenge myself a little.

I wanted to make some of those starched ornaments with crochet cotton thread and those tiny, tiny hooks. Mom has a snowflake collection that stays up after the Christmas ornaments go away so I thought it would be perfect.I did a quick search on Google & came up with a great find -> Crochet Pattern Central. They have a huge number of free patterns listed & categorized!...and one of the categories is 'Snowflakes'. Perfect!!

I made one of these, these, these, that...oh! and one of those too! Y'know what?

She was WOWED!!

I bought a new blanket!

2008-01-25T19:47:00.000-05:00

(some assembly required)

Bunny Thumper Challenge

2008-01-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

While wandering around Ravelry the other day I came across the funniest thing - a contest comparison of our feline's hind feet! I saw it first at the House of Wool Repute, which - hands down - is the best blog name I've seen in awhile!! Basically the brain behind KitKatKnit arranged a contest with woolen prizes for the owners of the daintiest & largest cat "bunny thumper". Well the contest closed last week and the prizes have already been alotted & I missed out. Shoot.

Well, why not do it anyway?

Abby wanted to help.
4" - pretty big for a kitten!

Tux is camera shy.
SO hard to tell with his dark fur, but he's a solid 5".

socks all over

2008-01-20T22:54:00.000-05:00

I started two pairs of socks so far this year: a long overdue pair for my "neglected" boyfriend, and another pair for my mom's friend.

I had grandiose plans for my first socks for Kurt. I bought some great Briggs & Little yarn, graphed a complex travelling cable-style pattern & started knitting with a fury. They were ok, but I wasn't happy with how the pattern was turning out. I set them aside to stew for awhile; that was over a year ago. I since made some socks for Kurt's son, and he's left feeling forgotten. I tried to explain to him that little feet are easier to knit for but he still chides me about it, saying I'm ignoring his needs. He doesn't seem to remember this, this or this though.

So I did some research, cast on with a heavier weight yarn to try to make sure I would be finished for Valentine's Day and started knitting. I created a fairly simple cable pattern and I'm almost at the heel! It's so satisfying knitting a sock in a heavier gauge; it goes so quickly!

It's actually a dark blue but this is the only photo that shows the pattern clearly.

The socks for my mom's friend are the third pair in the series of umpteen* I agreed to finish. [Thankfully I don't have a deadline!] To break the monotony of basic socks I decided to do a pair of Jaywalkers; I'm sure she'll be tickled with the pattern too. I'm a little concerned though, after finishing the cuff I decided that I'm absolutely enamored with the colourway of this yarn and I'm really not sure how easily I'll be able to part with these socks. Ah! The stresses & strain of being a surrogate knitter!

(*may be a slight exaggeration)

Who am I?

2008-01-16T21:25:00.000-05:00

It's all pretty accurate...except for the cleaning part. I took the quiz twice to try to get a more exciting answer. I got this both times:

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Dishcloth Cotton.You are a very hard worker, most at home when you're at home. You are thrifty and seemingly born to clean. You are considered to be a Plain Jane, but you are too practical to notice.
Take this quiz!

I guess I can live with that.

A Day for Finishing

2008-01-13T21:02:00.000-05:00

Within 12 hours I finished reading a book:

(...which is fantastic, by the way!! I got the first book for Christmas, devoured it & promptly bought the remaining two in the series. I'm already a good way into the third book. Wow!)

I also finished a puzzle that had me stumped for about a week.

And I finished my RPM socks!

[detail]

What a great day!!

And last week I found a home for my latest dishcloth, a pattern from an old ball band from my mom's stash. My coworker Clara was thrilled to receive it as a birthday gift. All in all a good week for knitting.

[Do you see the tulip?]

Reminder (to myself):

2008-01-07T22:58:00.000-05:00

If you don't actually knit you

won't ever FINISH anything!!

Got it??

Now...back to your regularly scheduled programming:

Suggestions please!

2008-01-06T15:25:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of yarn. I have a lot of beautiful yarn. Some of it has a predetermined purpose, but a lot of it doesn't. This, I think, is one of my favourites. It is Noro Cash Laine in a blackberry/black colourway that I found the first time I visited Wool 'n Things.

First, I was SO excited to find such a luxury yarn in the city. I didn't know you could get that here. On top of that it was discontinued, a great colour and half price! [I am the queen of yarn bargains, didn't ya know?]

I just don't know what to do with it. I have 10 skeins = about 1000 yards. I'm not sure of the gauge but I think it's a worsted weight yarn. I don't think it would be enough for a sweater but I don't see this one being a sweater anyway. I'm thinking maybe a lapghan? or a throw? or maybe a heavy shawl...Clapotis maybe? I'm definitely looking for suggestions for this one.

As lovely as it looks in this copper basket my boyfriend lovingly made for me last Valentine's Day I think it's about time I started actually experiencing the loveliness of Noro yarn!

Ideas? Anyone...Anyone...Beuller?

It's a new day.

2007-12-31T14:24:00.001-05:00

and a beautiful, mild one too with occasional snowflakes in the sunshine.

It's a time to purge, so I'm trying to go through my leftover yarn and decide what I may use again & what I'll never use and deserves a new home. I've come across a few balls of yarn that I have no memory of. I can tell that I used them (and didn't just inherit them from someone else) but I have no idea what they were used for. I also have a lot (LOT) of completely unused balls of yarn that have yet to make it to their intended forms. Must get on that...

A few thoughts for the new year...

less Facebook, more Ravelry, more finishing, less waste, more creation, more organization, less take out, more home cooked meals, more knitting, more blogging, more poetry, fewer sweets, more restraint, more activity, less complaining, more patience, less tv, more exploration, more love

The pull of crochet

2007-11-18T16:41:00.000-05:00

Since teaching myself to crochet last Spring (courtesy of The Happy Hooker) I've completed at least a dozen crocheted projects.
I have grand plans to do many, many more.
It worries me a little, this (almost) turning away from the thing I love so much, this flirtation with the other yarn craft.

I'm still knitting somewhat, but what I'd like to knit right now seems like it would take too long. Crocheting just seems so much faster.
It's to the point that I'm seriously thinking about making an afghan. An afghan!! That's a blanket! That's a freakin' huge project. And I'm just looking for the right yarn at the right price. But I want to crochet it. I can't imagine knitting something that big.
Another thing about crochet is that I seem to be easier-able to experiment with it. I suspect I may be able to create crochet patterns fairly soon.
I'm pretty sure I'll get back to knitting more frequently sometime soon. But I'm also certain that I'll keep crocheting as a staple in my repertoire. How could I not?

Punishing myself...

2007-10-04T20:53:00.000-04:00

ok, so...I procrastinate. My clothes get washed when I'm out of underwear & dishes only when I've run out of cutlery and even then not all of my dishes get done. (no food residue left...no worries about mould) Don't even ask about my taxes!

I'm also involved in swaps. Now, I'm rarely very late with my swaps and I'm often early, swap-bot is good for that (gentle email reminders...the threat of a bad rating). I have learned which ones to avoid no matter how tempting they may be initially. There was however one swap that was clearly an optimistic one for me to be involved with. I did finish, late but in the nick of time for its purpose (September calendar pages - 13 in total!) While I was stressing out over design & action & redesign ad nauseum I felt so guilty that I completed avoided the swap organizer's blog. It's such a lovely blog too, with great photos, craft ideas and a writing style that makes me feel at home. This swap had a looong lead time so I missed almost a half a year of her blog!

Another blog I avoided simply because she was also involved in the swap! And her blog has the most stunning pictures whether of gorgeous Japanese scenery or of German/Japanese combined crafts.

The silliest reason for avoiding a blog, which I've been reading since blogging entered my consciousness, is that I intended to send a book to the blogger in question around Easter. Time passed and passed (a letter had even been written!) but it's still waiting. I happened on to her ever-entertaining blog the other day and realized I hadn't been there in about three months! I didn't even consciously plan to punish myself this time.

Does anyone else do this?? Or am I unique in my masachism?

Oh & about my taxes? I banned myself from beading & buying beads back in 2002 to encourage myself to get on them. I've been beading again only in the last few months... (and I probably shouldn't be!)

*...and about the procrastinating?? I wrote this on October 4th...let it sit for awhile because I was unsure that I really should publish it. I let it sit almost two months!! I can't even blame it on Ravelry, (tho I probably could blame it on Facebook.)

Pinwheel Obsession

2007-09-30T00:02:00.000-04:00

At long last I'm on to my Pinwheel Sweater.

I started three days ago and I'm already working the fourth colour...

(you can only see the fourth colour in the yarn that's leading up to it...my current needle is too short to show everything off completely)

I do realize that it will be slower going the further I get into the pattern but I'm definitely making great progress so far! This may not take long at all.

[I'm really impressed...the colours seem pretty accurate on my monitor for a change!]

It makes a great hat too!

Birthday Socks!

2007-09-11T22:32:00.000-04:00

Improvised ribbed socks for Dawson's eighth birthday.

They fit...

[I love the fact that kids socks only take one skein of yarn!]

Action Shot!

and he likes them!

On my day off...

2007-09-11T22:26:00.000-04:00

I got busy with a hook!

Mass Production

2007-09-04T09:13:00.000-04:00

well, three of at least five anyway. I enjoy this project so much that I expect it will be one I return to time and again.

F.O. Gallery

2007-08-22T13:02:00.000-04:00

Crochet Market Bag for Mom

Knit Skull Dishcloth for Kurt

Crochet dishcloth for swap

Razor Cami for ME!

(note the crossed straps! - more on that later)

Facebook ate my brain!

2007-08-14T12:51:00.000-04:00

and all my online time as of late!

I still have a veritable gaggle of F.O.s to show off soon. Stay tuned!

a quick aside...

2007-07-28T19:21:00.000-04:00

You know you've become obsessed when you see an event listed in Durham, NC and the first thing that comes to mind is Teva Durham!

The best surprises...

2007-07-22T21:22:00.000-04:00

come wrapped in yarn!(thought to take a photo only after I started unwrapping!)

after the brown yarn...

after a beautiful & silky variegated yarn - still more to go!

wow! Thank you so much Mary.

I love magic yarn balls.

swap-bot rocks!

still crocheting...

2007-07-13T22:15:00.000-04:00

...I may have to change the name of the blog!

I started and finished this little skull cap in Bernat Cool Crochet this evening:

The yarn has a great shimmer to it!

(detail - picot edging!)

Such a fun pattern (and fast! - holy cow!!) from the ball band.

I'm not sure if it's my style or not but I'll try it out...

and more dishcloths

2007-07-09T12:03:00.000-04:00

Is it odd that last week's dishes are still waiting to be washed?

Will it ever end?

2007-06-24T22:53:00.000-04:00

this crocheting thing I mean.

My finished market bag. The first crochet pattern I tried out, interrupted by a few dishcloths but now complete. I've been using it to hold unfinished crochet projects! (detail)

Mom has already put in her order for Christmas.

Second dishcloth swap package:

This one's destined for Maine. I kind of made up the towel pattern; I hope it's welcomed.

I cast something onto knitting needles today! Back to two sticks for awhile. Crocheting is fun, and fast, but knitting is the one in my bones.

Leaving on a jet plane

2007-06-18T23:04:00.000-04:00

I'm not, but these are:

currently en route to New Zealand (lucky things) for a swap I'm working on. I'm furiously working on a second set & will hopefully send them out this week. The dishcloth (crocheted...I'm becoming quite a pro!) was whipped up yesterday afternoon and I just have to decide on what to do to match.

More F.O. pics coming in the near future (crocheted items again...it really is fast and I think I'm just going to have to work through this little phase before heading full fledge into another major knitting project) and hopefully the beginning of a new sock or Camisa...

who am I kidding? It'll probably be both!

caught hooking again

2007-06-13T23:08:00.000-04:00

still not finished the bag...but only because I've been forgetting my next ball of yarn when I go out. As soon as I'm off the computer I plan to get back to it.

I seem to think that I managed to mix up decrease for double crochet so the seam of this bag may come out a little wonky. The nice thing about crochet is that it all seems to work anyway. Maybe I just can't yet see mistakes the way I can with knitting. It's a bag for veggies...I'm really not all that concerned.

Somehow I did manage to remember my extra ball of yarn just to practice crochet using the best swatch technique ever - the dishcloth. I started the other night and finished it the next night. Everyone is right; crochet is pretty fast. I'm still pretty far from being elegant though. I'm half thinking about sending this away as a bonus with a swap but pondering whether I'll want to have my first crochet washcloth as a keepsake...

ideas?

HEY LOOK!!

2007-06-09T10:44:00.000-04:00

I'm crocheting from a pattern!

If the crochet gods are with me this bit of white and green will soon turn into a market bag (like my grandma used to have!)

socks at hand

2007-06-03T13:22:00.000-04:00

My mother has a friend who knits. I would consider her at least an intermediate knitter; she can increase, decrease, do short rows, follow a pattern and her stitches are very even. All of that wonderful self-patterning sock yarn captured her heart and imagination and she started to knit socks. She didn't finish any of the socks, but kept starting new ones. My mother asked if I would finish them for her so she could wear them at some point and I agreed.

The odd thing is that the socks were all finished at different places. Some were 'discarded' just after the cuff, some before the heel, some after the heel and one only required decreasing to shape the toe! My mind was boggled. I could understand if maybe she was worried about turning the heel, or got lost while picking up stitches for the gusset but these socks showed that she was able to do all of these things. And they all looked good too, even stitching, no gaps from picking up stitches. I asked mom to investigate.

It turns out that my mom's friend either gets lost in the pattern or loses interest in the sock at hand, like a knitting ADKD [attention deficit knitting disorder?] and is much more interested in learning what pattern the next ball of yarn will produce rather than in actually having a finished sock to have and to hold and to wear.

I have finished two pairs of socks with three more pairs to go. She has since purchased yarn to make about ten afghans.

Let it be known that I will not be finishing any afghans.

domesticity

2007-05-11T19:20:00.000-04:00

In my time away from blogland I have been making dishcloths and dishcloths
and dishcloths

and wee hats & booties (for a friend)

and socks and socks and socks!

More info soon to come!

Proof

2007-05-08T16:00:00.000-04:00

Look! I really did finish the Central Park Hoodie!

and I found the perfect place to model it!

Notes:

-I am thinking about putting a zipper in, but I can wait.

-Thanks to Miss Twiss for the tutorial on attaching the sleeves.

-To those who were asking I bought the yarn from Wool Tyme.

-If anyone plans to make this I highly recommend joining the KAL.

-More detail shots coming soon.

Now I can start on this, or maybe this, or perhaps I should finally finish this!

So much to think about; maybe I'll just make another dishcloth.

A Productive Week

2007-05-02T23:47:00.000-04:00

I decided to finally sit myself down and finish the Liesel scarf I'd been working on the past few months. It was a secondary project, just something to turn to every once in awhile when I needed to work on something different from the sweater. I was running out of yarn but still managed to knit two more lace repeats before the final garter stitch rows. It was a lovely diversion and a great use of the Alpaca yarn I found at Knit Knackers.

(detail)
It still has to block but with our current Spring weather I won't be in a rush to do that.
-
The real reason I finished the scarf was to gain access to my favourite 4.5mm needles to make a gift for a friend who's expecting - Organic Cotton Booties

This was the fastest knit in the world - about 45 minutes per bootie (while watching t.v.)!
They are so much fun & addictive - this little one might become the best-shod baby in town!

And the Bernat Organic Cotton is so nice to work with - I'm going to have to make a hat too.

For my next trick...introducing the soon-to-be Camisa!

I've Been Such a Good Girl

2007-04-22T01:15:00.000-04:00

I almost bought this

and this

I even had my credit card number typed out.

but I didn't click on 'complete sale'

...maybe after I finish my taxes.

edited to add: Ouch! - I have to pay out this year.

Maybe I'll wait a little bit longer...

This is me

2007-04-16T23:30:00.000-04:00

( Photo courtesy of Kitchissippi Times & Mark Sutcliffe)

as featured in the Kitchissippi Times' PageTurner column penned by Lesley Buxton. The column showcases local peoples' reading recommendations for various topics and mine was...of course you guessed it - knitting! From what I understand my suggestions were different than previous columns since I suggested a lot of online sources including knit and tonic, Samurai Knitter, Yarn Harlot, Knitty & MagKnits.

Where would knitting be now without the Internet? These knitting writers (writing knitters?) and so many others are keeping the community buzzing. They are publishing books, creating patterns and inspiring others to create, to share and even just to learn to knit! The community is great, caring and growing.

Just a quick FYI - Lesley is the reason I started to knit again and for that alone she will always be one of my favourite people in the world.

As of last night

2007-04-08T18:26:00.000-04:00

I appear to have a sweater

but my battery charger has conked out so you'll have to wait for photos.

The suspense must be killing you!

:)

Hey Look!

2007-03-24T22:14:00.000-04:00

Someone else cares about creating community!!

Where have I been?

2007-03-18T21:00:00.000-04:00

knitting and seaming my Central Park Hoodie, where else?

Here are the sleeves...

and here's the body of the sweater!

Now I just have to finish the button bands (and attach the sleeves of course!)

Since this project is now so big I've been working on my razor cami when away from home.

The F Word

2007-02-23T13:58:00.000-05:00

Finishing, that is.

A few days ago I drafted a rant about how even though I had signed up for the February is for Finishing KAL all I was doing was starting projects:

*including spa socks from Knit1 (one of the few reasons to keep that magazine as far as I'm concerned)
*My So called Scarf (as an instant-gratification break from the hoodie)
*crocheting [a whole other craft!]
*and I'm seriously trying to stop myself from casting on for the Razor Cami.

Yesterday, however I found myself blocking Julia's scarf

and giving it

I also finished my My So Called Scarf

Detail

I'm almost finished the first sleeve for my sweater

(just have to fix a couple of cables)

and at long last I finished my resume!

Something New

2007-02-12T00:04:00.000-05:00

I'm taking a couple weeks off work (both for a break and to re-evaluate my life...namely my working life) and I decided to buy myself a gift to mark the occasion:

I've had my eye on this book for awhile and the hooks? well, I figured they were good sizes to learn with (5 - 6mm) and they're bright & fun!

My first wobbly attempt:

I cast on (chained?) 14 stitches, but had anywhere from 12 to 16 stiches on the hook at any one time. I started with single, half-double & double crochet stitches. I (obviously) have to work on my tension, and figuring out where to stick that tricky hook! I also have to work on how I hold the yarn , etc. while crocheting. It really doesn't feel natural to me to have that finger sticking up. I'm sure it will take some time but I'll also try out some different stances.

This is much better, much more even, although probably too tight. At least it looks good!

More knitting content next time!

I've been Tagged!

2007-02-06T17:06:00.000-05:00

Miss Twiss has tagged me to write six weird things about myself. Then I have to tag others...that will probably be the hard part!

>I sit on an exercise ball while working on my computer at home. I don't do it for any fitness reason; it's just the only thing I have that sits at the height of the wicker stand my laptop lives on.

>I have a divot/dimple/slit at the end of my nose. It comes from my mom's side of the family; my grandpa, mom & I all have it. It was apparently the first thing they looked for after they ascertained that I had all my fingers and toes.

>Sunday mornings I love listening to "Sentimental Journey", a radio show that features music from the 30s, 40s & 50s. It's an especially good day if I hear a song from Bing Crosby.

>I do my tax calculations every year by hand, on paper. I will only check it with a calculator just before sending it off. It's the only chance I have to do long division any more.

>I hate tomato juice & tomato soup...can't even stand the smell, but I love eating tomatoes whether fresh or cooked. Although with fresh tomatoes they do have to be home grown...I don't like store-bought tomatoes!

>I love grocery shopping, especially in the produce section. I have to be really careful that I don't buy too much. As it stands now I have probably rotted more veggies than I have eaten.

[EDIT] Since everyone seems to have done this already let's say if you read this, and haven't yet done it, and care to do these things, then you're tagged. Let me know though, eh?

Rambles

2007-01-28T14:28:00.000-05:00

My knitting time lately has been reasonably steady and I've been getting lots done. This is the back of my Central Park Hoodie...I've used up one of my seven balls of yarn so far - Diamond Galway Heather in a forest green. The yarn was a Christmas gift from my father (well...the gift certificate he gave me was used for this yarn) and it's lovely. I'm having a lot of fun knitting this sweater and I'm amazed at how quickly it's progressing! I've never knit a sweater before so I guess I was expecting a slow process. The pattern isn't very complicated but I'm not quite bored with it yet. I joined the KAL to help me stay motivated. We'll see how I am by the time I start the second sleeve!

This is my Liesel Scarf:

I have no idea why I'm knitting this scarf. It isn't intended for anyone in particular, there's no deadline. I just wanted to try this pattern.

I've been thinking about doing a lace shawl so I wanted a smaller project to practice. But this is much more of a lace knit than knitted lace. Ah well, it's still pretty in it's orange-cream, alpaca goodness. I'm actually stashbusting! This Noble Collection by Michell 90% alpaca was one of those yarns I just bought just because it was cheap and it was alpaca.

It's nice to not have a deadline. I'm just working on one ten-row pattern repeat a day. I find it's good to switch from the constant stockinette stitch of the hoodie - keeps both sides of my brain working, I guess.

So all that rambling just to introduce this lonely, forgotten sock:

It is the start of the snowflake socks I'm making for an exchange with Miss Twiss. I like the pattern; I love the yarn (KnitPicks Gloss), but I don't know that the yarn & pattern like each other. I was expecting a lacy sock but what I've got so far looks really woolly, if that makes sense. I wonder if using a different needle size (larger?) or fewer stitches will make it better.

Here it is stretched on my arm to just under my elbow. Not too lacy. I may just start it over again. All ideas welcome...

Needful Fetching

2007-01-21T20:02:00.000-05:00

The lovely Lauren, who always greets me with a smile at the Ottawa School of Art, loved the fingerless mitts I made for myself this Fall. She asked for a pair in green. After searching for a variegated green yarn in a natural fibre I finally decided on Needful Yarns "Joy", a vibrant, soft merino in orange, tan and green. What beautiful yarn to work with! Sadly, there was only about an inch worth of green showing in the mitt. What's worse is that the ball of 78 yards was just enough to finish the mitts, save an inch and a half and two thumbs.

When I went out to pick up the second ball of yarn I was thrilled to find a variegated green in the same yarn. I bought it right away and finished both pairs in record time. Fetching is such a fun pattern, and so quick! I like these ones even better than my originals. I think I might just keep those vivid orange/fuschia ones for myself.

( Action Shot!)

Beginnings

2007-01-18T19:24:00.000-05:00

Look what arrived in the post today!!

the building blocks for my Pinwheel Sweater

Won't it be beautiful?

I can't open the bag yet though because this is breathing down my neck...

...the beginnings of my Central Park Hoodie.

I joined the KAL to make sure I actually finish!

Trials & Tribulations of a Scarf Portrait

2007-01-14T18:04:00.000-05:00

take 3not even close

take 8

almost there...

take 11

how was that even possible?

take 15 well - at least it does the job

Sorry there's no smile...I'm really quite thrilled with it!

Pattern: Danica

Yarn: Patons Classic Merino Wool

in Regency, Paprika & Rich Red

entrelac entrancement

2007-01-03T20:20:00.000-05:00

In preparation for making some entrelac socks I decided to try an entrelac scarf to make sure I got the hang of it.

Did I ever get the hang of it!!

Isn't it amazing what a little steam blocking can do?

He is some spoiled guy, I tell ya!

resolute

2006-12-30T23:20:00.000-05:00

This year I resolve to continue my exploration of the fibre-y arts with gusto...(and perhaps gumbo if I find a good recipe!)

Specifics...

Now, resolutions are often a little painful so I'll list the painful ones first:

- assemble the tank top

- assemble the catnip mice

- felt the needle case

- assemble the needle case

Now the fun ones:

- finish Laura's socks

- learn to spin on a drop spindle

- dye some sock yarn

- learn to needle felt

- start & finish at least one sweater for me (either this one, this one, or this one)

- do some proper knitted lace (maybe a shawl?)

- design at least one sock pattern

-use Koigu sock yarn

-use Lorna's Laces

Now I'm off to finish Kurt's entrelac scarf...

Happy New Year!

Holiday Voodoo Hoodoo

2006-12-26T22:39:00.000-05:00

...needed an instant gratification project

...found Patons Voodoo for $1/ball at Wool-Tyme

...bought 11 balls in 5 different colours

...cast on Dec. 25th around 2 pm

...finished sewing in the ends 8pm, Dec. 26th

I LOVE IT!

Collect the Whole Set!

2006-12-14T11:19:00.000-05:00

Presenting the third in my collection of Cookie's sock patterns... the Baudelaire!

It's a wonderful complement to my earlier Hedera and Pomatomus socks.

What's next? The Red Herring? Monkey? BFF?

Only time will tell...
I'm still pretty smitten with this pattern.

Check out the detail on these babies!

The wool in the background of the top picture is currently furiously being turned into 'danica', an entrelac scarf.

ENTRELAC ROCKS!

Socks may just have to sit in the background for awhile.

oops - I slipped

2006-12-10T18:51:00.000-05:00

Christmas gift #3 - finished (except for the snap)

and already delivered?

Well...I know he can use them now. And he got them in conjunction with St. Nikolaus Day and our 18 month anniversary so I guess it's ok.

What a fun and fast pattern - from Patons Heads to Toes. I finished the first convertible mitt in less than a week! I guess worsted weight knitting flies by when you're used to making lace socks. I used Sandnes Perfect yarn from Norway - 85% wool, 15% nylon in charcoal and promptly picked some up in navy to make some socks for my father in the future (although he has said not to bother...not quite sure yet why!)

Phinished with Phentex

2006-11-18T13:04:00.000-05:00

A couple of secretive images:

________

heel________________________cables

Christmas gift #2 - complete!

and so begins the season of mitts

2006-11-16T10:12:00.000-05:00

What's this?

Cabled fingerless gloves - how Fetching!

Trust me, they're soft too. Alacama (100% Alpaca!) from Araucania Yarns.

(...and they only took about 2/3 of the 50g skein!)

I never want to take them off!

More are definitely on the way!

Allow me to introduce:

2006-11-12T21:49:00.000-05:00

RPM socks in Knit Picks Dancing

One Christmas gift down. Many to go!

Socks I have Known...

2006-10-31T18:39:00.000-05:00

My final Socktoberfest entry...was planning to have it done yesterday but my modem and Blogger were conspiring against me so here it is today:

The socks I have made...

Bernat Sox & Patons Kroy

Hedera

Birch Leaf Lace socks (from A Gathering of Lace)

Pomatomus

Baudelaire - (one down)

RPM - (one down)

Ein Prosit zum Socktoberfest

2006-10-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

My sock yarn stash:

(Caveat - The six balls of cotton in the front are not really sock yarn but cotton blends I thought would be fun to make socks with at some point. I suspect that if they don't become socks soon, or if they don't work nicely as socks they will become superfluous stash, perhaps destined to become washcloths or maybe donated to our local thrift shop.)

Five pair of socks in various stages of development that I've been commissioned to finish for my mom's friend. I foresee frogging by the mile!

Not sock yarn stash, but mitten/glove yarn stash. I suspect this will become another obsession! Oh how the extremeties inspire me.

A Tale of Three Evenings

2006-10-29T22:08:00.000-05:00

I found this nameless lilac & fuschia bumpy yarn at Knit Knackers a few months back, figured it would end up as a scarf but had no real plan for it. I needed an instant gratification project and with October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month I thought it would be appropriate to make a scarf with this yarn. After one ball it was only about a foot long - I didn't have enough to make the scarf I was hoping for so I went stash-diving and came up with nothing that matched but three different yarns that create an interesting contrast when knit together.

I love how it turned out! I want to wear it all the time. I might even go back to those three balls of yarn again to make a matching hat or headband!

(oh - and I decided to be responsible with my time and not partake in the wisdom of Bliss. The lovely Twiss will be there and I'm sure she will share any secrets I need to know!)

Oscillating Wildly

2006-10-26T22:51:00.000-04:00

As promised - photos of my first RPM sock:

Details, details - see the twisted ridge?

I decided to make a fun scarf to give my hands a break from 2.25 needles, also just to do some brainless, instant gratification knitting. I started it Tuesday and expect to have it done by tomorrow. I haven't taken pictures yet, but I will when it's finished.

After that it's back to the companion RPM, then the companion Phentex slipper, then probably something fun & quick again and then back to work on the pattern for my boyfriend's socks.

Oh - and I'm considering going to see Debbie Bliss speak at Wool N' Things this Monday. I'm not all that interested in the trunk show aspect of the event, but she will be speaking about fashion predictions and developing design ideas. [It is tempting to go to Wool N' Things just to check out their first shipment of Koigu!] $30 gets me in and fed...should I go?

Stay tuned!

2006-10-24T19:59:00.000-04:00

for pics of my most recently finished sock - RPM!

This was truly the funnest, fastest sock I've ever made. I used five dpns instead of the recommended two circular needles but it didn't make much difference. I think I have decided, though, that my next pair of socks will be done on circulars.

I also recently received an issue of Knitter's Magazine I backordered only to have the pattern for these socks I saw on Kristi's blog. I even already have the yarn coming for these socks. I liked working with Knit Picks Dancing so much on the RPM that I've already ordered enough for three more pairs of socks! (I think it's being discontinued so I decided to get it while I can!)

My impressions were probably influenced by the fact that the most recent yarn I had knit with was Phentex. Yes. That stuff that slippers were made of in the seventies. It's back, or it's come out of hiding. I should have gone with my gut and used wool, but it was a request and I love the requester so I thought I'd try it. The colours are fun and vibrant and it looks good in the end I must admit, but it splits like crazy and the texture is terrible and it leaves a nasty taste on my fingers (discovered when I took a chocolate break and started to lick my fingers so I could get back to knitting - yuck!) The slipper, however, looks fabulous and was fast to make and I guess I need to learn to keep my fingers out of my mouth while knitting anyway.

Oh! and had a lovely lunch & knitting chat with Miss Twiss yesterday too. What fun!

Better late than never!

2006-10-15T21:33:00.000-04:00

Halfway through the month and I've just signed up for Socktoberfest 2006. I had heard rumblings of it throughout the knitting blogland, but I only just explored it and found that it is "a month-long celebration of socks". Well I have three pairs of socks currently on needles, plans for at least two more, plus I have a bag of five half-finished socks to finish/re-knit for my mother's friend! My life is already a celebration of socks, so I'm in. Can you believe that 1880 people have already signed up?? I guess sock knitting is the new black!

And check out this great image! Considering my propensity for knitting at the Carleton Tavern with beer close at hand...how could I resist?

one down...

2006-10-05T10:33:00.000-04:00

What's this?

not one, but two pomatomus socks?

a pair? No. It must be some trick!

Check out the detail on these babies!

Pattern: Cookie A's Pomatomus Socks in Knitty Winter 2005/6

Yarn: Fleece Artist Merino 2/6

My boyfriend thought I should reverse the lace pattern for one sock so that they were a truer match.

Maybe next time.

Knit-It September 21, 2006

2006-10-02T11:55:00.000-04:00

Knit It - an artpiece about caring and compassion: Ottawa edition attracted about 18 well-dressed knitters on the cool September day. We gathered under 'Maman' at the National Gallery of Canada and generated a lot of interest from passers-by.

After a half hour the Gallery officials took pity on us and invited us indoors.

The marvelous Tania organized and photographed the Ottawa event.

Here I am (with Miss Twiss).

[My eyes always look closed in knitting action shots - I guess it proves I'm really knitting!]

I'd Like to Thank the Academy...

2006-09-15T10:54:00.000-04:00

...and Cookie, for hosting such a wonderful contest

...and the gods of fibre, who were surely watching over me as I was writing my post

...and Blogger which allowed me to upload photos without trouble and did not crash my computer

...and my boyfriend, who encouraged me to take as much time as I needed (away from him) to work on my entry

...but mostly, to Thesaurus.com.

I promise to use my prize in projects that best suit the respective skeins of yarn, in projects that are created with love and reflect the wonderment of knitting and, most of all, I promise to not let this prize gather dust on the shelves (or in my stash) like some silly statue.

Hokum & Hosiery

2006-09-10T01:49:00.000-04:00

Insomuch as I could never forswear the temptation of a complimentary allotment of plaited filament, whether gossamer or lofty, presented herewith is my proffered submission.

Acquiesce, if you please, to a laconic occasion of toadyism to the adroit architect of filigree coverings for the terminal part of the lower extremities, designated for that baked confection loved by both progeny and forebears alike - Cookie.

Herewith I shall unveil my most contemporary stockinette (behold the witticism!) accomplishments:

Scrutinize a solitary Pomatamus on the portside and on t'other...a Beaudelaire!

To further flaunt the particulars...

And so goes this strumpet of texture forthwith into the witching hour with the gratification that she put forth a superlative travail to acquire additional fiber as well as the recognition that she should subsequently attempt to consummate the completion of the aforementioned complement of extremity coverings.

Trentasaurus

2006-09-09T20:37:00.001-04:00

A rare species, found only in select dorm rooms at Trent University, the Trentasaurus is known to provide comfort for homesickness. He is also a good listener and inspires creativity whether for party plans or last-minute papers. People adopted as a colleague by these creatures are truly fortunate and are sure to lead a charmed life.

(Good luck Julia!)

What's my Blogger password again?

2006-09-07T10:11:00.000-04:00

Been awhile, huh?

August seemed to be more of a planning than knitting month. I'm terribly behind in my Sock-a-Month KAL; as I highly doubt that two different socks would count as a pair. In hindsight, starting two different socks at the same time and racing them is not the best idea. Suprisingly the pomatomus won. I didn't enjoy the pattern the first time around but then I understood the math of it, got hooked, and could not put it down. The yarn was tastier too. After I finished the first pomatomus the beaudelaire just flew by! What a fun & quick lace pattern - memorized in record time. [pictures to follow soon...second socks to follow soon too, if all goes well!]

As for plans, I've been working on the sock pattern for Kurt; something to do with ribs & cables - of my own design! Also - planning Christmas gifts, planning architecturally-based lace patterns, and maybe, finally, a sweater for me!

Stay tuned...

Katja top - modeled

2006-08-08T17:11:00.000-04:00

Lucky enough to be sent seven (!) photos of Anna, I couldn't quite narrow it down to one. This one shows the top best.

This one shows her giggles best.

Sock Crazy!

2006-08-03T23:41:00.000-04:00

I finished these awhile ago but had troubles getting a photo that showed the colours accurately. This pattern is the Birch Leaf Socks from A Gathering of Lace and I used an unknown (possibly Pepe Maschera in colour 5615 if that is indeed a type of sockyarn) yarn end I found at Knit Knackers. I love the way it striped! Sadly most of the close-ups I take to get the lace detail are overexposed and don't really show much of anything. I'll try again later.

I finally found the perfect yarn to start knitting my Pomatomus socks (see below). At the same time I was impatient to start knitting my first pair of toe-up socks so I also started the Baudelaire (see above). So somehow I got myself into a race between the two patterns. Cookie (the designer) would probably love this. I'm pretty sure that Baudelaire would win; I find the constant twisted ribbing of the pomatomus very time consuming, beautiful results though.

For my next trick I'll be casting on to make a pair of socks for my boyfriend in Briggs & Little Durasport...and I think I'm going to join the Sock-a-Month 2 knitalong. Sock Wars looks interesting too but right now I think I would rather make socks for myself and my loved ones.

What I really don't understand, though, is why I'm SO focused on making socks now while it's SO HOT that I can't even think about wearing them!

Baby Update Part II

2006-07-23T10:37:00.000-04:00

Just a clarification...not my baby. My friend's baby...now a full week overdue, and growing by the hour!

As for more baby knits...the Katja top is finished! I decided to sew it together with an overlap of about an inch, otherwise it would have been too wide through the body. I went to Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'N Bitch book as a reference and modified her mattress stitch to accommodate assembling something with both stocking and garter stitch, as well as allowing for the overlap.

Amazing how it's almost seamless!

Detailing - outside seam

Detailing - inside seam with overlap

Promise of a modeled photo to come!

Message to Myself:

See - finishing things isn't difficult. This took less than an hour to assemble, and now two of four (five, really) projects are finished. You just need to decide to do it already. Now get on to your tank top while it's still summer!

baby update

2006-07-17T23:20:00.000-04:00

Well, the baby is about 8.5lbs, but he's still biding his time, waiting for his special day to make his appearance official.

The baby blanket, however, is ready!!

Detailing at the edge...

One thing down...

Yippee! I won!

2006-07-09T17:56:00.000-04:00

I, ladies and gentlemen, am the soon-to-be proud owner of two hanks of Debblie Bliss Pure Silk yarn in turquoisy-blue, courtesy of Kris in Norway. Kris makes stunning shawls, mocks (deserving) old pattern books and seems to enjoy giving away parts of her stash in fun contests. Over 100 comments were posted on her blog by people trying to win some yarn, and I was one of four winners who almost guessed how many circular needles she owns [38 by the way]. Wow!

Wall of Shame

2006-07-07T01:26:00.000-04:00

I knit, a lot and quickly, but I seem to have issues with finishing things. Now, don't get me wrong - I finish the knitting portion of the project; I don't have many items still on needles. It's the actual assembly of the items I seem to avoid. [not with socks, though...for some reason the socks are finished right away...maybe it's because grafting the toe is like knitting...maybe I just like finishing socks...maybe I just like wearing them...]

So after looking at the Katja baby top for the hundredth time and still not tackling it I figured drastic measures are in order. It is a summer top, after all, and next summer the intended baby-recipient will definitely be into another size. So it needs to be finished. Now. (or at least soon).

My solution is not of my invention. I've seen it on other knitting blogs, and while I don't know whether it has worked for the other knitters I am hoping that it will work for me. Be prepared to be shocked, dismayed, and perhaps amused...here, ladies and gentlemen, are my ufo's (unfinished objects for those of you not in the know).

Probably my worst offense. This is my lovely tank top from Cast On Magazine. I loved the pattern, the discontinued yarn I found for $14 total, my first piece of non-extremities clothing. It knit up so quickly I was sure to have it ready for the summer. In fact I did have it finished on April 12th. Yet here it sits...July 7th. All it needs is to redo the join of the straps and graft the ribbing at the base of it, and maybe block it.

Basket weave baby blanket. This one is not so bad. I only have eight strands to weave in, tidy up a few spots where the yarn was tied together on the skein (who does that?) and blocking to do. Zaccheo is expected July 17 so I still have a few days to work this one out.

The aforementioned Katja top for Anna. It knit up incredibly fast. Somehow my gauge went off and it ended up two inches too wide in the body. I did do a swatch, I swear. I've considered buttons, snaps and even steeking (yikes!) but I think I'll just sew it with an overlap. Other suggestions welcome!

This odd looking mess of yarn is actually three as-yet unassembled catnip mice from Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'N Bitch Nation. Bodies, tails and ears. Take a closer look:

I think I knit these in February, maybe January...definitely when there was snow on the ground. I even procured some stuffing from my mother and I bought some dried catnip for the occasion. But here they lie. And my kitty is in need of a new mouse since he mangled his (over a period of months) and now has no catnip toy.

So there they are, sources of my knitting shame.

[oh - I just remembered that felted knitting needle case I started last March, finished in December and stored in a bag while I have grand ideas of embellishing it before I attempt any felting...and it will still have to be sewn together afterwards too! damn.]

Swap loot - in and out

2006-07-06T17:37:00.000-04:00

Long-awaited but extremely appreciated needles were waiting for me in the post today - and they brought along some tea! Thanks Grace!
A Magic Yarn Ball courtesy of Yoyo too! And it brought a mixed CD!
A sneak-peak at the magic yarn ball I sent out. I used two different colours of the same yarn and wound a centre-pull ball so it's new owner can start with either colour or make stripes. Inside I hid some notions, the Hello Kitty pencil, some charms and origami cranes I made. I really hope she likes it. What a fun thing to do! Thanks Larissa for organizing it. And this is loot that somehow found it's way into my car today. What a wonderful day!

I'm in love...

2006-06-27T00:57:00.000-04:00

(well, with him - of course)

...but I fell hard for this sweater pattern designed by Shelley Mackie as soon as I saw it online.

Isn't it stunning?

The design is amazing, the colours are fabulous (72 colours to choose from!) and I'm just so excited about its construction! I immediately joined the Pinwheel Sweater Along because I have to make this sweater. I have no idea whether I'll make the kids or adult version (although I'm strongly leaning towards making it for me...I guess I'm not a philanthropic knitter) and I haven't decided on a colour scheme at all, but I need to make this sweater. I'm even ok with buying yarn online that I've never touched (!) to make this sweater. I've already dreamed about this sweater. As soon as I decide on colours [suggestions welcome!] I'll place my order and cast on. I just hope it looks good on me in the end.

Wall of Yarn - sneak preview

2006-06-25T19:20:00.000-04:00

It seems that a few Wall of Yarn squares have made public appearances before the grand opening of the eagerly-awaited exhibit. While exploring online I saw Marianne's undersea adventure and Mummy Jo's celery floral both peeking out at the world. A quick google search led me to Dacia Ray's hand painted polka-dot square and shoofly's felted kitty-tag. My entry was sent in a panic before I knew of the deadline extension (thank goodness for extended deadlines!) but I did manage to take a couple of photos before it left on its grand adventure:

fuzzy overview for fuzzy yarn

stitching details

I used a concept from Debbie New's swatchless dishcloth vest, starting at a corner and using yarn over increases which create a lovely loopy edge. I wasn't quite sure how to decrease and maintain that edging (although I have an idea now!) so I cast off at my centre point, started another and grafted the two triangles together. I love grafting! Further inspired by Debbie New's Unexpected Knitting I wondered what would happen if I slid my needle through some stitches and started knitting. Well, this happened...and I love the result.

best view of my 3D knit embellishments and the true colour

I can't wait until the exhibit opens later this week!

Speechless!

2006-06-24T19:18:00.000-04:00

This came in the post today:

unwrapped & laid out:

details...

Now I don't know for certain, but I think that Marianne might just be the nicest person in the world!

WWKIP day

2006-06-15T01:26:00.000-04:00

mini s'n'b at Westfest

___________________________

Action shots!

(notice the beer - thanks Anita!)