I knew it had been awhile since I posted here, but wow, didn't realized it had been this long!
I wanted to share some exciting news. It is no secret that I am a huge Knit Picks fan (I've been buying their products since I learned to knit). I have entered nearly every contest they've held and guess what? I WON ONE! And I must say I won a really good one with a prize of a $25 Knit Picks gift certificate.
My yarn arrived in the mail today, which was what made me remember I hadn't posted about this yet! I was waiting until they announced the winners, but it's been a couple weeks now and I can't contain myself anymore. This is the contest I won. My entry is the fifth comment down.
Even though I have a huge backlog of projects to work on, I couldn't resist using the gift certificate for yarn for some sweaters I've been wanting to knit. I chose the newWool of the Andes Sport in Tidepool Heather (MC) and Wonderland Heather (CC) to make Daffodil and a favorite of mine, Palette in Merlot Heather (MC) and Camel Heather (CC) to make Lydia.
I received a gift certificate from a friend for Christmas, as well, and used that to try out two newer yarns: Chroma in Rollerskate worsted-weight which has since become Maine Morning Mitts my favorite fingerless mitts pattern that I've knit more times than I can count and a matching Calorimetry to replace mine that has been lost for a couple years (I tend to lose a lot of knitted accessories). I also wanted to try Capra to make Tudora (chose Harbor in that). For the first time ever, I am actually disappointed in something from Knit Picks. This yarn is not nearly as soft as I imagined it would be. I actually think Merino Style is softer. It's an awfully pretty yarn, but I haven't knit it up yet (next project to be cast on tonight!) so can't comment to that, but I just expected it to be so soft that I'd want to snuggle with it. And then with the few extra dollars and a few dollars of my own I chose some Wool of the Andes (Blossom Heather) to make this crazy cute cowl from Cowlgirls, which is a stupidly fun book.
Selfish knitting season has begun!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Sunday, March 21, 2010
golf
Any golfers out there? My mom cleverly thought of me knitting golf club covers for my brother for his birthday. Brilliant! I know absolutely nothing about golfing though and was wondering if anyone out there had any helpful hints that could guide me with these covers. My mom told me that you typically use the covers on your woods.
And that is all I know lol.
And that is all I know lol.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
knitting for others
Seems to have become all I have time for anymore. I went from being someone who knits primarily for themselves (and their kiddo) and occasionally for others to someone who knits more for others than herself.
Don't get me wrong: I love knitting for others, else I wouldn't do it. But it has begun to consume me. Every time I think I'm done, I have someone else to knit for. The reason is quite simple: we are broke as a joke and the only way I can afford to give most people gifts is to knit for them. Even if I have to purchase new yarn (I've delved into the stash as much as possible), it's on the cheap (thank you, as ever, Knit Picks and sales and coupons at Joann!). A handknit gift is worth a million times more than what the actual cost is, so it just makes such a thoughtful gift.
I am a (nearly) total process knitter though, so having to crank out so many things on deadlines is extremely challenging for me. And I'm very Type A and brinking on OCD when it comes to completing things. So, yeah, challenging. The last couple of projects (and I know a few upcoming ones) have totally not been done technically on time, but "on time" for me as of late is "somewhere in the general vicinity of when it was supposed to be done, where 'general vicinity' is about two weeks out".
I did just purchase some yarn to knit some things for myself and I'm about 2/3 of the way done with one of those projects. Yay!
But for others within the upcoming month, I've got a pair of socks to do, a congratulations gift that is already on the needles, and I have to figure out something to make my brother (I have a hat I want to do - to match a scarf I did for him in the fall, but I'd like to maybe do something else too - ideas? Socks are a possibility, but he has size-14 feet, so I know they won't have a hope of being done on time. What the heck else do you knit for a guy?)
Don't get me wrong: I love knitting for others, else I wouldn't do it. But it has begun to consume me. Every time I think I'm done, I have someone else to knit for. The reason is quite simple: we are broke as a joke and the only way I can afford to give most people gifts is to knit for them. Even if I have to purchase new yarn (I've delved into the stash as much as possible), it's on the cheap (thank you, as ever, Knit Picks and sales and coupons at Joann!). A handknit gift is worth a million times more than what the actual cost is, so it just makes such a thoughtful gift.
I am a (nearly) total process knitter though, so having to crank out so many things on deadlines is extremely challenging for me. And I'm very Type A and brinking on OCD when it comes to completing things. So, yeah, challenging. The last couple of projects (and I know a few upcoming ones) have totally not been done technically on time, but "on time" for me as of late is "somewhere in the general vicinity of when it was supposed to be done, where 'general vicinity' is about two weeks out".
I did just purchase some yarn to knit some things for myself and I'm about 2/3 of the way done with one of those projects. Yay!
But for others within the upcoming month, I've got a pair of socks to do, a congratulations gift that is already on the needles, and I have to figure out something to make my brother (I have a hat I want to do - to match a scarf I did for him in the fall, but I'd like to maybe do something else too - ideas? Socks are a possibility, but he has size-14 feet, so I know they won't have a hope of being done on time. What the heck else do you knit for a guy?)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
felting - yes, again.
I'd say that I should apparently just give up on felting, but I do like to do it on occasion and I've still have more projects come out with proper results than not. It's only lately that I clearly can't felt to save my life.
And that is the crux of the problem - that it's a recent problem. I'm too busy. I have always been a serious multi-tasker and since becoming a mom, multi-tasking is the core of my existence. Working more has only made me have to figure out more ways to fit things in.
This weekend I had some very rare time without the hubbo lurking about the house (still had the kiddo, but he's easy!) and took advantage of doing some projects around the house. I had been queueing and favoriting pattern on Ravelry for a new felted bag (I have some worsted-weight wool in my stash waiting patiently specifically for such a destiny). Last year (or maybe two years ago??), I knit up the Celtic Tote to use as a diaper bag. I've loved that bag muchly, but it's not getting used a lot anymore because, while Scoot isn't potty-trained, I'm hoping he will be by year's end and we're at a point where I just have to carry one diaper and wipes. I tote a mini-backpack of his usually because it's small. The cavalcade of items (and I was always a light packer - I can't imagine the moms who carry more!) required for infants is no longer a necessity.
Plus, the Celtic Tote pattern calls for not fully felting it to get the desired look and therefore has gotten stretched-out over its time of use. I decided to try refelting it a bit to try to make it a bit more stable for use as an everyday bag until I can get around to knitting up a new handbag.
I threw it into the wash. And then promptly forgot about it. :/
When I took it out it was completely felted and is now a (large - at least to me) handbag. It's very practical and cute, but the essence of that bag has been lost (you can barely see the cabling). So it is now my new handbag and I think I'll knit up (and felt) something to be used in the spring and summer.
But this experience made me figure out what has all gone horribly wrong with my felting. I forget about it. I put it in, get distracted with something else, and so it goes through an ENTIRE cycle (the whole washing cycle, rinse, and spin) with never even being checked on.
Next time I felt I vow to do it when I have minimal distractions and I won't get going on another involved project (cleaning, an intense game of Candyland, sorting the laundry, etc...) until my knitting is out of the wash.
And that is the crux of the problem - that it's a recent problem. I'm too busy. I have always been a serious multi-tasker and since becoming a mom, multi-tasking is the core of my existence. Working more has only made me have to figure out more ways to fit things in.
This weekend I had some very rare time without the hubbo lurking about the house (still had the kiddo, but he's easy!) and took advantage of doing some projects around the house. I had been queueing and favoriting pattern on Ravelry for a new felted bag (I have some worsted-weight wool in my stash waiting patiently specifically for such a destiny). Last year (or maybe two years ago??), I knit up the Celtic Tote to use as a diaper bag. I've loved that bag muchly, but it's not getting used a lot anymore because, while Scoot isn't potty-trained, I'm hoping he will be by year's end and we're at a point where I just have to carry one diaper and wipes. I tote a mini-backpack of his usually because it's small. The cavalcade of items (and I was always a light packer - I can't imagine the moms who carry more!) required for infants is no longer a necessity.
Plus, the Celtic Tote pattern calls for not fully felting it to get the desired look and therefore has gotten stretched-out over its time of use. I decided to try refelting it a bit to try to make it a bit more stable for use as an everyday bag until I can get around to knitting up a new handbag.
I threw it into the wash. And then promptly forgot about it. :/
When I took it out it was completely felted and is now a (large - at least to me) handbag. It's very practical and cute, but the essence of that bag has been lost (you can barely see the cabling). So it is now my new handbag and I think I'll knit up (and felt) something to be used in the spring and summer.
But this experience made me figure out what has all gone horribly wrong with my felting. I forget about it. I put it in, get distracted with something else, and so it goes through an ENTIRE cycle (the whole washing cycle, rinse, and spin) with never even being checked on.
Next time I felt I vow to do it when I have minimal distractions and I won't get going on another involved project (cleaning, an intense game of Candyland, sorting the laundry, etc...) until my knitting is out of the wash.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
bugger
I ran out of yarn yesterday for the cardigan I'm working on. I don't have enough to do the button bands. I can order more, but I've been waiting to place my Knit Picks order (I have a Mastercard giftcard from Christmas that I decided to use for yarn!) until their spring yarns start rolling in. Drat.
I was going to participate in the Knitting Olympics this year (not the Ravelympics - that looked too complicated), but I really wanted to get that cardigan done, which wasn't going to happen by the opening ceremony. Plus I was afraid I'd literally do nothing but knit, devoted to completing a project that would be otherwise impossible to complete in the short time-frame (I get a little OCD like that).
So I've decided to unofficially participate in my own way to kill time until I can place that order (plus, as always, I'm sooooo backlogged on knitting projects I want to do). I'm going to try to knock out as many projects as I can until I can put my order in, which means hopefully I'll burn through a fair amount of small projects.
To start with, I cast on a pair of bulky-weight mittens yesterday afternoon during naptime and got through (aside from the thumb) with one. But then when I tried it on it was waaaay too small and I *think* I somehow miscounted and ended up with 10 rows less than what I should have. I frogged to the thumb and will give it another go tonight. If it's still too small, I'll just have to add in some rows (I don't have freakishly large hands, but they aren't small, so this could potentially be the issue).
I was going to participate in the Knitting Olympics this year (not the Ravelympics - that looked too complicated), but I really wanted to get that cardigan done, which wasn't going to happen by the opening ceremony. Plus I was afraid I'd literally do nothing but knit, devoted to completing a project that would be otherwise impossible to complete in the short time-frame (I get a little OCD like that).
So I've decided to unofficially participate in my own way to kill time until I can place that order (plus, as always, I'm sooooo backlogged on knitting projects I want to do). I'm going to try to knock out as many projects as I can until I can put my order in, which means hopefully I'll burn through a fair amount of small projects.
To start with, I cast on a pair of bulky-weight mittens yesterday afternoon during naptime and got through (aside from the thumb) with one. But then when I tried it on it was waaaay too small and I *think* I somehow miscounted and ended up with 10 rows less than what I should have. I frogged to the thumb and will give it another go tonight. If it's still too small, I'll just have to add in some rows (I don't have freakishly large hands, but they aren't small, so this could potentially be the issue).
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Oh my GOD you guys!
I WON! French Press Knits held a contest on her blog to celebrate her 2000th sale on Etsy by giving away, randomly, a custom pair of slippers to one lucky winner.
And guess who was the winner?!
Me, who never wins anything won my very own pair of custom French Press slippers. I am still gobsmacked. If you click on the link, you will see that I chose burgundy wine-colored slippers with fab silvery buttons.
Thank you to French Press Knits for hosting this contest and for your fabulous patterns you put out! (PS If you haven't got the slipper pattern yet, I highly recommend it. Super quick and easy knit with a lot of result.)
And guess who was the winner?!
Me, who never wins anything won my very own pair of custom French Press slippers. I am still gobsmacked. If you click on the link, you will see that I chose burgundy wine-colored slippers with fab silvery buttons.
Thank you to French Press Knits for hosting this contest and for your fabulous patterns you put out! (PS If you haven't got the slipper pattern yet, I highly recommend it. Super quick and easy knit with a lot of result.)
Friday, January 15, 2010
over-achiever
I started doing some knitting for myself (some socks, some mittens, to start with) because I was so burnt out from Christmas knitting (do y'know that I didn't knit for about 3 days after Xmas?).
Then the over-achiever in me took over and I decided I needed to knit some favors to give to the kids coming to my son's birthday party on the 23rd. I was going to do a little critter (I found a cute little snail), but decided on cupcakes instead. Since I'm making a cake (shaped like Lightening McQueen, no less - it will be an adventure and I can blame that over-achiever again for this one), my cupcake stand will now be put to use holding knit cupcakes and when the kids leave they each can take one.
Of course, the stand holds 13, so I'm going to make 13 even though there are only 6 kids that will be there. I'm going to send one to a friend as a thank-you, try to pawn a couple off on some other guests (who don't have kids) and then maybe give a couple of a friend's children who aren't able to make it to the party.
Thankfully these cupcakes are freaking adorable and quick knits. Additionally, they are all going to be different from each other, so that keeps things interesting. I've got 6 bottoms and 2 tops done so far. The kiddo is staying with my mom and dad this weekend, so I should be able to finish cranking them out by the end of it. I can then spend the week decorating them, stuffing them, and seaming them.
Oh, and I'm knitting a felted birthday crown for the birthday boy!
I have to finish up a birthday present too (the knitting is done, it just needs to be stuffed and seamed.
Then the over-achiever in me took over and I decided I needed to knit some favors to give to the kids coming to my son's birthday party on the 23rd. I was going to do a little critter (I found a cute little snail), but decided on cupcakes instead. Since I'm making a cake (shaped like Lightening McQueen, no less - it will be an adventure and I can blame that over-achiever again for this one), my cupcake stand will now be put to use holding knit cupcakes and when the kids leave they each can take one.
Of course, the stand holds 13, so I'm going to make 13 even though there are only 6 kids that will be there. I'm going to send one to a friend as a thank-you, try to pawn a couple off on some other guests (who don't have kids) and then maybe give a couple of a friend's children who aren't able to make it to the party.
Thankfully these cupcakes are freaking adorable and quick knits. Additionally, they are all going to be different from each other, so that keeps things interesting. I've got 6 bottoms and 2 tops done so far. The kiddo is staying with my mom and dad this weekend, so I should be able to finish cranking them out by the end of it. I can then spend the week decorating them, stuffing them, and seaming them.
Oh, and I'm knitting a felted birthday crown for the birthday boy!
I have to finish up a birthday present too (the knitting is done, it just needs to be stuffed and seamed.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Epic Felt Fail
I've not done what I would consider tons of felting, but a fair amount and I've never had a project go awry. Until now. I have the Cheery Cup Cozies Kit from Knit Picks and I decided to knit up the felted argyle version a few days ago.
It's knit in intarsia and I'm bad and don't snip and join new pieces of yarn and carry floats along the back. Since this was going to be felted, I thought it wouldn't matter much.
Well. Apparently I was wrong because all of that extra yarn in the back has adhered itself to the opposite side of the tube. I accidentally let it run through the entire wash cycle (including rinse and spin), which may have been where the majority of the problem came from.
Other potential problem is that I've never knit something at an extremely loose gauge like this and felted it. Did you know that you're supposed to knit at a crazy loose gauge to get better felting (more space between the stitches = more agitation and therefore more felting)? Well, I did not. I've always knit at whatever relatively normal gauge other patterns are written for. I'm wondering it this particular variable was a big contributor to the Epic Felt Fail.
Also. Whatever happened to stuff shrinking lengthwise more than width wise? That's like a solid constant in felting (and the accidental, or purposeful, shrinking of clothes). This cozy could fit a Super Big Gulp in length. And yet is skinny enough to possibly be a form-fitting tube dress for Barbie.
I'm going to try to soak it tomorrow night and see if I can manipulate it in any way when it's wet. If not, I'll have to be creative and maybe do some cutting to turn this into something else. Unfortunately, I was planning on giving this one to a friend (and if it was successful make a couple more in other colors for other friends).
In other news, I'm having a case of "I'm not sure what next to knit", which never, ever happens to me. I usually know what next I'll cast on three projects ahead of time (like chess, y'know?). I think the problem is I have so much right now that I want to knit that I can't make up my damn mind. I opted to cast on a pair of socks that have been haunting me to knit them since early last fall (haven't had time!). I'm hoping this doesn't turn into a bout of startitis (maybe choosing quick projects will appease me?).
It's knit in intarsia and I'm bad and don't snip and join new pieces of yarn and carry floats along the back. Since this was going to be felted, I thought it wouldn't matter much.
Well. Apparently I was wrong because all of that extra yarn in the back has adhered itself to the opposite side of the tube. I accidentally let it run through the entire wash cycle (including rinse and spin), which may have been where the majority of the problem came from.
Other potential problem is that I've never knit something at an extremely loose gauge like this and felted it. Did you know that you're supposed to knit at a crazy loose gauge to get better felting (more space between the stitches = more agitation and therefore more felting)? Well, I did not. I've always knit at whatever relatively normal gauge other patterns are written for. I'm wondering it this particular variable was a big contributor to the Epic Felt Fail.
Also. Whatever happened to stuff shrinking lengthwise more than width wise? That's like a solid constant in felting (and the accidental, or purposeful, shrinking of clothes). This cozy could fit a Super Big Gulp in length. And yet is skinny enough to possibly be a form-fitting tube dress for Barbie.
I'm going to try to soak it tomorrow night and see if I can manipulate it in any way when it's wet. If not, I'll have to be creative and maybe do some cutting to turn this into something else. Unfortunately, I was planning on giving this one to a friend (and if it was successful make a couple more in other colors for other friends).
In other news, I'm having a case of "I'm not sure what next to knit", which never, ever happens to me. I usually know what next I'll cast on three projects ahead of time (like chess, y'know?). I think the problem is I have so much right now that I want to knit that I can't make up my damn mind. I opted to cast on a pair of socks that have been haunting me to knit them since early last fall (haven't had time!). I'm hoping this doesn't turn into a bout of startitis (maybe choosing quick projects will appease me?).
Sunday, January 3, 2010
goals
I don't do resolutions, but I have some (vague and not rigid) knitting goals this year.
#1 - try to manage a pair of socks a month like I attempted last year (started out strong, but lost steam halfway through the year). Plus a couple of my socks have sprung irreparable holes this winter, so I really need to replace them to keep my toes toasty.
#2 - try to finish up some of those projects that have been hibernating for WAY too long (like more than a year) because they take up too much space.
#3 - try not to buy too much yarn in an effort to reduce the very abundant stash. Gift certificates do not count lol. Nor do purchases for gifts. Tried this last year too and then went on a yarn-buying frenzy for a few months.
#1 - try to manage a pair of socks a month like I attempted last year (started out strong, but lost steam halfway through the year). Plus a couple of my socks have sprung irreparable holes this winter, so I really need to replace them to keep my toes toasty.
#2 - try to finish up some of those projects that have been hibernating for WAY too long (like more than a year) because they take up too much space.
#3 - try not to buy too much yarn in an effort to reduce the very abundant stash. Gift certificates do not count lol. Nor do purchases for gifts. Tried this last year too and then went on a yarn-buying frenzy for a few months.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
knitting for Christmas
I received some lovely knitting swag for Christmas this year.
1. A Knit Picks gift certificate from a certain Sirius and Remus. ;)
2. The Knitter's Toolbag Kit (which was on my list this year!)
3. A yarn cutter, which is something I've always wanted.
4. Harmony Wood Cable Needle Set, which my mom spectacularly picked out on her own (as she did the yarn cutter). I always just use a spare DPN for cabling, so it will be very nice to have needles handy in my bag for cabling (plus then I don't have to worry about losing a dpn).
5. The Knitter's Book of Wool (yay!)
6. A little pom pom maker, which I'm eager to try out the next time I need a pom pom because they are such a pain to make.
7. And what I'm stupidly excited about (another thing I asked for): a kitchen/yarn scale. This will make using up leftovers (something I do a lot of) SO much easier.
Oh, and some darning needles.
Unfortunately, I've not been doing much of any knitting since December 23 (the day I finished the last of the Christmas gifts!) because I think I'm totally burnt out from the marathon knitting session of the last few weeks. I have a baby set that I'm slowly working on for a baby due end of January, but my friend is in Europe where they don't typically receive baby gifts until after the baby is born anyway (or so I've been told!), so if it arrives tardy, by my standards, at least I won't feel so bad.
How was everyone's Christmas?
1. A Knit Picks gift certificate from a certain Sirius and Remus. ;)
2. The Knitter's Toolbag Kit (which was on my list this year!)
3. A yarn cutter, which is something I've always wanted.
4. Harmony Wood Cable Needle Set, which my mom spectacularly picked out on her own (as she did the yarn cutter). I always just use a spare DPN for cabling, so it will be very nice to have needles handy in my bag for cabling (plus then I don't have to worry about losing a dpn).
5. The Knitter's Book of Wool (yay!)
6. A little pom pom maker, which I'm eager to try out the next time I need a pom pom because they are such a pain to make.
7. And what I'm stupidly excited about (another thing I asked for): a kitchen/yarn scale. This will make using up leftovers (something I do a lot of) SO much easier.
Oh, and some darning needles.
Unfortunately, I've not been doing much of any knitting since December 23 (the day I finished the last of the Christmas gifts!) because I think I'm totally burnt out from the marathon knitting session of the last few weeks. I have a baby set that I'm slowly working on for a baby due end of January, but my friend is in Europe where they don't typically receive baby gifts until after the baby is born anyway (or so I've been told!), so if it arrives tardy, by my standards, at least I won't feel so bad.
How was everyone's Christmas?
Sunday, December 13, 2009
a surprise kindness
A few days ago, the Yarn Harlot posted about an adorable little pattern: French Press Slippers. I first noticed this pattern some time back when it popped up on my friends list on Ravelry.
Of course I fell in love with these (they are so ME), but when I saw that the pattern was for a fee - being that hubbo is laid off - I didn't even queue it because I didn't want to be tempted.
So, I commented on Yarn Harlot's blog post that I loved these slippers but put them on my "to buy when my husband has a job again" list. The next morning, I had a delightful e-mail from the creator of these slippers. Turns out she lives a couple of towns over from me and her husband is unemployed too. She kindly included the pattern for me free of charge just to spread a little Christmas cheer.
Knitters are such wonderful and generous people.
As a bonus, this pattern has solved the one Christmas present I was really concerned about not getting done on time: mom's scarf. See, my mom is not an easy person to knit for. Since I had to choose to knit stuff from stash for my parents, the only thing I had that would be good for her was a lace scarf, which in a crunch, is not a time-effective choice! I showed my mom the slipper pattern and she absolutely loved them and said she would give me money for yarn to make her a pair after Christmas sometime.
Ha! Turns out I have a couple skeins of Patons Classic Wool Merino in my stash that will be an acceptable color to her and make these lovely slippers. Totally solves my time crunch!
Of course I fell in love with these (they are so ME), but when I saw that the pattern was for a fee - being that hubbo is laid off - I didn't even queue it because I didn't want to be tempted.
So, I commented on Yarn Harlot's blog post that I loved these slippers but put them on my "to buy when my husband has a job again" list. The next morning, I had a delightful e-mail from the creator of these slippers. Turns out she lives a couple of towns over from me and her husband is unemployed too. She kindly included the pattern for me free of charge just to spread a little Christmas cheer.
Knitters are such wonderful and generous people.
As a bonus, this pattern has solved the one Christmas present I was really concerned about not getting done on time: mom's scarf. See, my mom is not an easy person to knit for. Since I had to choose to knit stuff from stash for my parents, the only thing I had that would be good for her was a lace scarf, which in a crunch, is not a time-effective choice! I showed my mom the slipper pattern and she absolutely loved them and said she would give me money for yarn to make her a pair after Christmas sometime.
Ha! Turns out I have a couple skeins of Patons Classic Wool Merino in my stash that will be an acceptable color to her and make these lovely slippers. Totally solves my time crunch!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
christmas crunch
Feeling the Christmas Crunch here! It seems no matter how early in the year I start, my inner procrastinator will still take over and I'll still be knitting until the 11th hour. I have one project I must still start (and complete!). I have two projects that are so close to being finished I can taste it (I just haven't had time!). I have one project that needs finishing. I have lots of blocking to do.
And then, as ever, I've decided to try to add in a couple of extra projects (maybe. It's still up for debate). Because my husband is unemployed and I only work part time, we decided not to get one another Christmas gifts this year. When my parents found this out, they said they refused to accept Christmas gifts from us this year also. Very kind of them, but I feel like a dead-beat daughter not getting them anything (Christmas has always been a big shebang with lots of gift giving in our house).
We spent a bit less on my brother this year than we have in past too, so I'd like to crank out a scarf for him. Thankfully it is a short scarf, but it is cabled and a bit of (manly) lace - I already have the yarn and had planned on giving it to him whenever. Ditto mom - I have lace yarn and a pattern picked out, I was just planning on waiting until after Christmas. Dad, I dunno. I've knit hats for him before and he's liked them, so I could probably go stash-diving and find something to make for him. This is all highly ambitious though.
How are you doing on your Christmas knitting?
And then, as ever, I've decided to try to add in a couple of extra projects (maybe. It's still up for debate). Because my husband is unemployed and I only work part time, we decided not to get one another Christmas gifts this year. When my parents found this out, they said they refused to accept Christmas gifts from us this year also. Very kind of them, but I feel like a dead-beat daughter not getting them anything (Christmas has always been a big shebang with lots of gift giving in our house).
We spent a bit less on my brother this year than we have in past too, so I'd like to crank out a scarf for him. Thankfully it is a short scarf, but it is cabled and a bit of (manly) lace - I already have the yarn and had planned on giving it to him whenever. Ditto mom - I have lace yarn and a pattern picked out, I was just planning on waiting until after Christmas. Dad, I dunno. I've knit hats for him before and he's liked them, so I could probably go stash-diving and find something to make for him. This is all highly ambitious though.
How are you doing on your Christmas knitting?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
ribbit
I'm working on Gathered Pullover for myself and was so excited last night because I was just about done with the charted section. And then I went back to the instruction portion to double check if I split the front and back on the last chart row or the first round after I was through with that.
That's when I noticed that I forgot to do decreases and subsequent increases way back in the middle of the chart. Because I thought doing five decreases next to one another and then five increases in the next round would be hard to do if I just dropped those stitches down, I frogged. About 18 rounds. At 172 stitches per round. That's over 3000 stitches.
I don't mind frogging things like that in the long run, but it's the short term. I could've split the front and back today. Instead I'll be redoing the rest of the chart for the next two days.
What's really annoying is I don't usually make mistakes like this because I so meticulously read and follow patterns. I've been really tired this week, so I can only think that is how I missed it.
That's when I noticed that I forgot to do decreases and subsequent increases way back in the middle of the chart. Because I thought doing five decreases next to one another and then five increases in the next round would be hard to do if I just dropped those stitches down, I frogged. About 18 rounds. At 172 stitches per round. That's over 3000 stitches.
I don't mind frogging things like that in the long run, but it's the short term. I could've split the front and back today. Instead I'll be redoing the rest of the chart for the next two days.
What's really annoying is I don't usually make mistakes like this because I so meticulously read and follow patterns. I've been really tired this week, so I can only think that is how I missed it.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
randomness
I keep meaning to make posts, but never get around to it!
Since picking up tons of hours at work, I was thinking my knitting time had gone down quite a bit (I've been working a lot of daytime shifts and I would typically knit at home while William was napping), but I'm not sure that it has that much. Because I've been working a lot of days, that means less nights spent at work and I always knit for around 1-3 hours at night if I'm not working. So, yeah...not sure if it's less time or not (plus I generally work on my traveling project while on breaks at work, which is, and has been for a long time, a Xmas prezzie).
I'm really, really trying to stay dedicated to finishing up Christmas/necessary knitting. It is hard though because I'm itching to cast on some socks and a sweater (both for myself!). Currently, I'm trying to use them as a reward - ie if I finish x, y, and z by the end of this month, I can work on those. I am attempting to stay motivated also by reminding myself that it will be such a relief to have it all done with plenty of time to spare for once.
With the hubbo's job loss, of course that equals no money for yarn buying, which is actually sort of a relief because I feel like I might actually catch up on the backlog of projects I have planned and already have yarn for. I kind of accidentally bought a lot of yarn this summer lol (most of it with specific projects for it).
In an ideal world (including one where I could actually be away from my child for a full week without missing him and thinking about his constantly), I would like to take a week off of everything and just knit. From the time I got up (or at least after I've had a cup of coffee) to the time I went to bed. Just knit, knit, knit. How many projects do you think a person could crank out with all that time? A lot, I bet.
Since picking up tons of hours at work, I was thinking my knitting time had gone down quite a bit (I've been working a lot of daytime shifts and I would typically knit at home while William was napping), but I'm not sure that it has that much. Because I've been working a lot of days, that means less nights spent at work and I always knit for around 1-3 hours at night if I'm not working. So, yeah...not sure if it's less time or not (plus I generally work on my traveling project while on breaks at work, which is, and has been for a long time, a Xmas prezzie).
I'm really, really trying to stay dedicated to finishing up Christmas/necessary knitting. It is hard though because I'm itching to cast on some socks and a sweater (both for myself!). Currently, I'm trying to use them as a reward - ie if I finish x, y, and z by the end of this month, I can work on those. I am attempting to stay motivated also by reminding myself that it will be such a relief to have it all done with plenty of time to spare for once.
With the hubbo's job loss, of course that equals no money for yarn buying, which is actually sort of a relief because I feel like I might actually catch up on the backlog of projects I have planned and already have yarn for. I kind of accidentally bought a lot of yarn this summer lol (most of it with specific projects for it).
In an ideal world (including one where I could actually be away from my child for a full week without missing him and thinking about his constantly), I would like to take a week off of everything and just knit. From the time I got up (or at least after I've had a cup of coffee) to the time I went to bed. Just knit, knit, knit. How many projects do you think a person could crank out with all that time? A lot, I bet.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
No one signed up for my knitting class, which really doesn't surprise me. I'm only slightly bummed. The owner told me hardly anyone signed up for anything, which doesn't bode well for her business, so I hope things pick up for her in the winter. She said we can try the knitting class again in the next session, but I think I'll wait 'til after the new year instead of in the holiday season.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
knitting morning
Actually, it started last night when I finished my Sub Rosa hat that I mentioned I'd be knitting in my last post. I need buttons for it still, which I think I'll get today (provided Joann's has any I like).
This morning, childless, I looked up the start of the Mystery Colorwork KAL that Melissa at KP is hosting. I've always wanted to do a Mystery KAL, but never seem to find out about them until too late! I was very excited to learn about this one a few weeks ago, especially since I can just use stash yarn for it.
I ended up making the sensible choice, though it feels a bit of a cop out, and chose only two colors (Bark and Petal). The original pattern calls for 15 colors, but Melissa kindly provided alternatives to this using 2, 10, or 11 colors - or anything in-between that your imagination could come up with. I have had these two skeins of yarn in my stash For.Ev.Er, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to turn them into something.
What excites me most about this Mystery KAL is we don't even know what we're knitting. Melissa described it as a useful item that isn't worn, there is a steek involved, and a small amount of fabric sewing at the end.
When seeing the first bit of the pattern this morning, my immediate thought was a mug cozy. But as I started knitting in the round and saw the circumference, I decided it's not that. My next thought was a toilet paper cozy, but that was just a wild (and likely wrong) guess. My new guess is a potholder/trivet. We'll see if I'm right!
So I put Roman Holiday on this morning and got all of the set up rows done. Unfortunately our printer took a shitter a couple days ago (we've bought a replacement, but it hasn't been hooked up yet), so I've got to wait until the new one is set up before I can print out my colorwork chart!
I finished just as my soccer game was starting (great timing!) and have been working on my Emerald Isle Cardigan, which is great soccer-watching knitting. And now half-time is over so it's time to go!
This morning, childless, I looked up the start of the Mystery Colorwork KAL that Melissa at KP is hosting. I've always wanted to do a Mystery KAL, but never seem to find out about them until too late! I was very excited to learn about this one a few weeks ago, especially since I can just use stash yarn for it.
I ended up making the sensible choice, though it feels a bit of a cop out, and chose only two colors (Bark and Petal). The original pattern calls for 15 colors, but Melissa kindly provided alternatives to this using 2, 10, or 11 colors - or anything in-between that your imagination could come up with. I have had these two skeins of yarn in my stash For.Ev.Er, so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to turn them into something.
What excites me most about this Mystery KAL is we don't even know what we're knitting. Melissa described it as a useful item that isn't worn, there is a steek involved, and a small amount of fabric sewing at the end.
When seeing the first bit of the pattern this morning, my immediate thought was a mug cozy. But as I started knitting in the round and saw the circumference, I decided it's not that. My next thought was a toilet paper cozy, but that was just a wild (and likely wrong) guess. My new guess is a potholder/trivet. We'll see if I'm right!
So I put Roman Holiday on this morning and got all of the set up rows done. Unfortunately our printer took a shitter a couple days ago (we've bought a replacement, but it hasn't been hooked up yet), so I've got to wait until the new one is set up before I can print out my colorwork chart!
I finished just as my soccer game was starting (great timing!) and have been working on my Emerald Isle Cardigan, which is great soccer-watching knitting. And now half-time is over so it's time to go!
Friday, September 11, 2009
cancelled!
The crochet class I signed up for was canceled yesterday afternoon because not enough folks signed up. I was bummed, but understood.
What I did not understand was the 'tude the lady on the phone gave me when I politely declined her offer to be rescheduled for another class and asked for a refund instead. And even more 'tude when I requested the refund receipt be mailed to me because I didn't know when I'd be able to pick it up. She wasn't rude, there was just some attitude in her voice about it. I explained that I only get my work schedule a week in advance, therefore it's impossible for me to reschedule at this time.
Now because of that encounter, I'm unsure if I'll sign up for the class again, which is sort of a bummer because I really wanted to take it.
What I did not understand was the 'tude the lady on the phone gave me when I politely declined her offer to be rescheduled for another class and asked for a refund instead. And even more 'tude when I requested the refund receipt be mailed to me because I didn't know when I'd be able to pick it up. She wasn't rude, there was just some attitude in her voice about it. I explained that I only get my work schedule a week in advance, therefore it's impossible for me to reschedule at this time.
Now because of that encounter, I'm unsure if I'll sign up for the class again, which is sort of a bummer because I really wanted to take it.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
hats!
I am on an unintentional hat kick. How many hats does a person need? Apparently a whole basketful. I think I needed some quick projects because everything else I've been working on have been seemingly never-ending projects.
The culprits (aka the hats):
1. For William, the Dougie Dog Hat. I bought the yarn a few months ago for the whole set - hat, scarf, and sweater, but didn't feel like doing it until now (haven't started the scarf or sweater yet because HATS!).
2. For me, the Unoriginal Hat, which is, I think, THE quickest hat to ever knit up. As I said in my notes for this project on Ravelry, the yarn only cost me $1.46 too. Woo! I have enough yarn to make another one too for a gift.
3. Also for me, the Andean Chullo hat from KP. I wanted this when it was a kit, but didn't love the colors it came with. It's available as just a pattern purchase now, so I got it and did the hat in all browns because all of the new Palette colors KP came out with this fall were far too tempting. I'm done with the hat, just have to do the icord trim and tassels. It's ADORABLE.
4. For William, a Pumpkin Hat for the fall. I followed that pattern but used some of DiscKnit's modifications to make it look more pumpkiny. This hat was made from leftovers from William's blanket. I am also going to make newborn versions (1 or 2 depending on how much yarn I have!) for any babies born on Halloween in the birthing center at the hospital mom works at. I'm pretty sure this is the cutest hat ever created.
5. For me, I am nearly finished with the Tempest Beret, which I bought the yarn for almost immediately after getting this issue of Knitscene. I thought I'd give a different style hat a try.
6. After I'm through with the beret, I am going to CO one of several Banana Republic-style knock off hats that are on Ravelry. I prefer one pattern knit in a bulky, but I have worsted for this particular hat, but there is a different pattern for worsted too, so I'll just have to experiment a bit with this one, je pense. Oh, hat also for me (see??).
7. For me, with some Paton's SWS I have, I'll be doing the Herringbone Hat because that giant pompom is almost too adorable to resist.
8. And finally, when my yarn arrives, I will knit the Sub Rosa hat. I have the worsted yarn, which was going to be a different hat, but I realized when I printed the pattern that I didn't buy enough yarn, d'oh! So, since I wanted to knit this hat more, I decided to buy a skein of bulky weight to coordinate with my worsted and do this hat instead. I felt I had to take advantage of KP's lace sale anyway - I only bought three skeins, two of which are gift scarves! - so threw in the bulky weight skein also. And yes, this hat will be for me.
Cripes, it better be cold this winter (haha kidding. It better not be as freaking cold as it was last winter or I may die a little). I think I'm eager to have so many new hats this year though because I can wear them to work (like, while I'm working), so I'll have lots of super cute variety. Plus, I don't leave the house without a hat in the winter anyway. This took care of some much-needed stash-busting anyway.
The culprits (aka the hats):
1. For William, the Dougie Dog Hat. I bought the yarn a few months ago for the whole set - hat, scarf, and sweater, but didn't feel like doing it until now (haven't started the scarf or sweater yet because HATS!).
2. For me, the Unoriginal Hat, which is, I think, THE quickest hat to ever knit up. As I said in my notes for this project on Ravelry, the yarn only cost me $1.46 too. Woo! I have enough yarn to make another one too for a gift.
3. Also for me, the Andean Chullo hat from KP. I wanted this when it was a kit, but didn't love the colors it came with. It's available as just a pattern purchase now, so I got it and did the hat in all browns because all of the new Palette colors KP came out with this fall were far too tempting. I'm done with the hat, just have to do the icord trim and tassels. It's ADORABLE.
4. For William, a Pumpkin Hat for the fall. I followed that pattern but used some of DiscKnit's modifications to make it look more pumpkiny. This hat was made from leftovers from William's blanket. I am also going to make newborn versions (1 or 2 depending on how much yarn I have!) for any babies born on Halloween in the birthing center at the hospital mom works at. I'm pretty sure this is the cutest hat ever created.
5. For me, I am nearly finished with the Tempest Beret, which I bought the yarn for almost immediately after getting this issue of Knitscene. I thought I'd give a different style hat a try.
6. After I'm through with the beret, I am going to CO one of several Banana Republic-style knock off hats that are on Ravelry. I prefer one pattern knit in a bulky, but I have worsted for this particular hat, but there is a different pattern for worsted too, so I'll just have to experiment a bit with this one, je pense. Oh, hat also for me (see??).
7. For me, with some Paton's SWS I have, I'll be doing the Herringbone Hat because that giant pompom is almost too adorable to resist.
8. And finally, when my yarn arrives, I will knit the Sub Rosa hat. I have the worsted yarn, which was going to be a different hat, but I realized when I printed the pattern that I didn't buy enough yarn, d'oh! So, since I wanted to knit this hat more, I decided to buy a skein of bulky weight to coordinate with my worsted and do this hat instead. I felt I had to take advantage of KP's lace sale anyway - I only bought three skeins, two of which are gift scarves! - so threw in the bulky weight skein also. And yes, this hat will be for me.
Cripes, it better be cold this winter (haha kidding. It better not be as freaking cold as it was last winter or I may die a little). I think I'm eager to have so many new hats this year though because I can wear them to work (like, while I'm working), so I'll have lots of super cute variety. Plus, I don't leave the house without a hat in the winter anyway. This took care of some much-needed stash-busting anyway.
Monday, August 31, 2009
teaching
I'm going to be teaching a knitting class (if anyone signs up, that is). It's going to be a beginner class for those that want to learn to knit. Back in the winter, Scoot's teacher in his tumble class learned that I knit and wanted to know if I would be interested in teaching a class. She is the owner of the business and offers a variety of classes mostly for kids, but does a few adult classes too. I told her I didn't think I was interested, but would think about it. Mainly, I doubt my ability to teach! She told me she used to have someone teach a knitting class several years ago, but the lady who taught it no longer wanted to do it.
It stayed in my mind though and at some point during the summer I decided What the hell? and told her I'd do it. We arranged the day and time for the fall session and that I would prefer to do only adults (or teenagers) at this point and perhaps offer it to kids later.
And then I haven't heard anything more about it and I've seen her and talked to her a few times since. I had sort of assumed she hadn't taken me seriously and/or she forgot (she can be a little bit spacey). Lo and behold, the flyer for the fall session appears in my mailbox Thursday and there it is: Knitting! Guess I'm teaching lol!
I'm glad that even though I wasn't 100% sure it was going to happen, I started thinking of what sort of projects we could do and keep the supply requirements to a minimum and inexpensive. I've finalized my plan this morning.
I decided we'd start with a pair of sideways garter stitch fingerless mitts (essential a garter rectangle which is then seamed together) to teach CO, knit stitch and BO (and seaming!). Next we'll do a striped, ribbed scarf to teach purling and joining in a yarn. Third we'll do a hat knit flat to teach decreasing and to hone all those previously learned skills.
The class is 8 weeks long, so I'm wondering if I shouldn't come up with a 4th project too (I'm leaning toward yes, but at a bit of a loss). I'm thinking two weeks per project should be good. I figure the first class I'll be going over some basics about knitting, then teaching CO and knit. The next class we'll go over the BO and then let them start their second mitt. (I realize not everyone is like me and wants to knit 24/7!), so I reckon I'll go over some things (like dropped stitches, etc.) during the second week of that. Then the third week we'll start the scarf and again have two weeks devoted to that, mainly because I think it will take them that long to complete it. Then we'll do the hat, which again, can last two weeks.
So that leaves two weeks. The problem is twofold: I want to leave a little leeway in case they're not getting projects done as quickly as my timeline dictates AND I don't want to make them spend much more money (I'm going with one needle size and one type of yarn for all projects, but I think they'll need 5 skeins - I've chose Lion Brand Wool Ease, which is a favorite of mine for certain types of projects because of it's softness and affordability).
I'm thinking right now that if I have a fourth project in reserves, that would be fine. That way it would be available if needed and if not, I could give it to them to do on their own after the class is over. I'm just not sure what else to do (I was trying to come up with something that would teach increases, but I'm lamely drawing a blank). Any ideas or suggestions for anything for the class would be greatly appreciated!
I'm super excited about this and I really hope some people sign up for it.
It stayed in my mind though and at some point during the summer I decided What the hell? and told her I'd do it. We arranged the day and time for the fall session and that I would prefer to do only adults (or teenagers) at this point and perhaps offer it to kids later.
And then I haven't heard anything more about it and I've seen her and talked to her a few times since. I had sort of assumed she hadn't taken me seriously and/or she forgot (she can be a little bit spacey). Lo and behold, the flyer for the fall session appears in my mailbox Thursday and there it is: Knitting! Guess I'm teaching lol!
I'm glad that even though I wasn't 100% sure it was going to happen, I started thinking of what sort of projects we could do and keep the supply requirements to a minimum and inexpensive. I've finalized my plan this morning.
I decided we'd start with a pair of sideways garter stitch fingerless mitts (essential a garter rectangle which is then seamed together) to teach CO, knit stitch and BO (and seaming!). Next we'll do a striped, ribbed scarf to teach purling and joining in a yarn. Third we'll do a hat knit flat to teach decreasing and to hone all those previously learned skills.
The class is 8 weeks long, so I'm wondering if I shouldn't come up with a 4th project too (I'm leaning toward yes, but at a bit of a loss). I'm thinking two weeks per project should be good. I figure the first class I'll be going over some basics about knitting, then teaching CO and knit. The next class we'll go over the BO and then let them start their second mitt. (I realize not everyone is like me and wants to knit 24/7!), so I reckon I'll go over some things (like dropped stitches, etc.) during the second week of that. Then the third week we'll start the scarf and again have two weeks devoted to that, mainly because I think it will take them that long to complete it. Then we'll do the hat, which again, can last two weeks.
So that leaves two weeks. The problem is twofold: I want to leave a little leeway in case they're not getting projects done as quickly as my timeline dictates AND I don't want to make them spend much more money (I'm going with one needle size and one type of yarn for all projects, but I think they'll need 5 skeins - I've chose Lion Brand Wool Ease, which is a favorite of mine for certain types of projects because of it's softness and affordability).
I'm thinking right now that if I have a fourth project in reserves, that would be fine. That way it would be available if needed and if not, I could give it to them to do on their own after the class is over. I'm just not sure what else to do (I was trying to come up with something that would teach increases, but I'm lamely drawing a blank). Any ideas or suggestions for anything for the class would be greatly appreciated!
I'm super excited about this and I really hope some people sign up for it.
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