Wednesday, December 29, 2004

one last purchase...


I'm starting my yarn diet in a couple of days...Yup, I made up my mind and I'm sticking to it. As with any diet, I needed one last hurrah. So, since my Clapotis-envy doesn't seem to be settling itself I bought myself one last addition to my stash. I'm certain this number will help calm my nerves until April. Most importantly, I will be able to make my very own Clapotis without putting a huge dent in my wallet!

Well, I'm going to be heading out into the woods for a quiet new year's eve celebration. I'm still trying to decide whether to bring any knitting projects with me. I don't want anyone to think that I'm anti-social...At the same time, I need to bring some kind of entertainment since there will be no electronic entertainment to be had.

See you in the new year!

Monday, December 27, 2004


I hope everyone had a happy holiday! Now that Christmas is over, I have a picture of my dad wearing Kirk...



I was really glad to see that it fit him. I thought the sweater might have been a bit snug, but the ribbing has a lot of give. I sleeves look good in the picture, but my dad said that he might want them a little longer. He said he'll wear it a couple of times to see how much the entire sweater stretches. He absolutely loved it! I was so happy.

Unfortunately, my mom's tree skirt didn't turn out as well. Once I seamed the six pieces together, the darn thing wouldn't lay flat! The tips kept rolling up. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to wash it again to see if I could reblock the entire thing. I was very disappointed, and was forced to go shopping last Thursday night for a "replacement" gift.

The ornaments turned out beautifully...My mom actually had to ask if I made them. She thought that I had bought them! My parents have a neighbor who crochets. She has croheted snowflakes that make a yearly appearance on the Christmas tree. Well, mom says that she's going to have to invite the neighbor over to see my ornaments to make her jealous...how's that for Christmas spirit?

Monday, December 20, 2004

so true...


My friend Maya had a link to a lovely quiz on her blog this weekend...And, I just couldn't help but take it.





You Are a Christmas Sweater!



Over the top, colorful, and totally flashy.
You're not afraid to be a little tacky.




I'm not sure what all of the other results are, but this seems so fitting for me this year. I'm looking forward to seeing my dad try on the sweater that I made him! And, BF seems to not be embarrassed by the fact that he's getting a handknit sweater. He even decided to tell a bunch of people at a holiday party we went to on Saturday. Of course it's hard to talk about an object of clothing that I just started on Thursday and haven't even fully thought out. Basically, it's going to be a zip-front cardigan with saddle shoulders. Oh, and it's black. Other than that, I'm just as curious as everyone else.

I'm also knitting like a fiend trying to finish my mom's tree skirt. I went to AC Moore over the weekend looking to pick up 2 more skeins of Glitterspun...Well, they were either out of it or they've stopped carrying it. Argh. So, I got 2 skeins of Patons Brilliant instead, and I'm determined to make this project work...by Saturday.

Thursday, December 16, 2004

deck them halls and trim that tree...


Done and done...Last night we put the rest of the decorations on the tree. It looks much better, but I can't help but want more ornaments for the tree. Most of the bulbs that we bought last year were pretty plain. It was the first tree of my own, and I didn't splurge on anything fancy. I was just happy to have a fresh tree in my livingroom. So, there's an assortment of silver and red balls, some bells, and some angels.

But, there is one new addition worth mentioning. I started working on the second portion of my mom's present -- a set of crocheted ornaments. I like them so much I that I had to keep one for myself...



I'm actually going to be giving my mom and my aunt each a set of four. So far, I've finished the four for my mom. They are made with a size 6 steele hook and take no time at all to make. The hardest parts to crochet are the last two rows, the ones that pull the work tight to the ornament. Perhaps I'll make a whole set for myself.

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

getting in the holiday spirit...


I'm really starting to get excited for this holiday. Sunday afternoon my BF and went and got out Christmas tree. Last year, we got one from IKEA and it was great. This year when I called out local store they informed me that they would not be carrying trees this year...Of course, I was bummed. This year, I settled for a balsam fir from Home Depot.

Last night we put the tree up in the front window...(I hate to say, I'm a little less that impressed with my purchase)...The balsam fir is a fairly open tree so the three sets of lights that I had from last year seemed meager at best. I actually struggled with the lights for 45 minutes before deciding that the lights were "good enough." I might drop by CVS on the way home and get one more set so I can put lights on the back of the tree. Tonight, we'll put up the ornaments. I know that once they are up, it will look nice.

Thursday, December 09, 2004

wish i had something interesting to say...


The fact of the matter is that I don't have much to talk about. I've been slogging along on my mom's tree skirt. It's a really simple stockinette project...straight-forward and boring. I have managed to squeeze out 5 out of the 6 sections, and hope to have the last one done this weekend. Once I start sewing on the snowflake pattern, I'll try to put up some pix.

I have put off starting my boyfriends sweater. There's no way that it would be done in time for the 25th. That may seem a little cold since it's going to be his x-mas gift. But, we don't exchange gifts until after the new year anyway. I just want to get my mom's gift out of the way first, then plow through that project. I know I'll be able to have it done in time for Festivus (that's x-mas, annivesary, and Valentine's all wrapped into one).

Contemplating one more yarn purchase before I start my yarn diet. I've been bidding on some nice handpainted yarns on ebay but keep loosing. I would like to find a nice colorway to make Clapotis. I have a true envy of all the knitbloggers who have made this wrap. The pattern seems to turn out beautifully not matter what colors you use. Hopefully, I can find something in the next couple of weeks.

Friday, December 03, 2004

giving young knitters a bad name...


Yesterday's Wash Post Express featured a small column that was meant to publicize an area visit by Debbie Stoller. But, somehow they got it all wrong. The horrible title, The Price of Fabric Envy, is just the tip of the iceberg! (Warning: this may take a while to load! The pdf is the entire issue, the article is on pg25).

I'm not exactly sure what crackhead wrote this article but it just doesn't seem to make any sense. The scenario laid out in the blurb feels fictitious, with the use of several stereotypes about new knitters, "hipsters", and women in general. Thankfully, I'm already familiar with Stoller's work because to the outside observer this piece would make the event seem elitist and uninviting.

Wednesday, December 01, 2004

Two words...


Yarn Diet...The yarns I ordered for Christmas gifts has taken over the living room. I have tried putting some of it out of sights, temporarily living with the rest of my stash in the front hallway closet. Well, it seems that I have overgrown that area as well. This closest is a jumbles mess of coats and yarn, with a few odds and ends crammed in the corners.

I don't have the largest stash I've ever seen, but space is a premium for me right now. I have yarn for about 5 projects that will be started once the Christmas knitting is complete. I also have scraps leftover from finished projects. Then there's the unmentionables, mainly leftover from crochet afghans and such. I probably have enough of the yucky stuff to eke out small throw.

Since most of the complaints that I have around the apartment revolve around organization and space, I am announcing that one of my resolutions for 2005 will be to go on a yarn diet until my birthday. I wish I could say that a basic reorganization of the closet would solve my problem, but I think the situation needs more help. So, from January 1st through April 8th, I will stay away from buying new yarns. There is only two exceptions: 1) My BF's sister is getting married in May and I might knit them a gift; 2) If I actually complete all projects that I bought yarn for in 2004.

Of course before I start this diet, I might have to go on a binge!

Tuesday, November 23, 2004

whipped into a frenzy...


The holiday stress has already started. Thanksgiving is in a couple of days and I've got a feeling that there won't be much knitting to be had. My BF and I are going over to my aunts for lunch/dinner on Thursday and I'm going to be bringing dessert. I'm going to try making a Pumpkin Cheesecake...I had some at a local bakery a few weeks ago and have been obsessed ever since. This is the kind of thing that I wouldn't want in the house for fear of eating the whole thing. But, with family around, I'll get to try it and let other people take some home.

Also, my BF's mom and stepfather are in town this week. Oh, and his bother is flying in from Colorado Thursday night. So, we'll be having Thanksgiving dinner II on Friday. Then, Saturday is his sister's 30th birthday. (Mental note: gotta find a gift for her). And, to top it off, she just got engaged a couple of weeks ago and is trying to plan a wedding for early May! That will be one busy house!

Oh, and I'm hoping to hang out with my friend Jocelyn from college who is in town visiting her brother. The rest of her family will be converging on the DC area some time on Wednesday.

Thursday, November 18, 2004

a gold-studded holiday...


I just couldn't help myself. I had to order more yarn. But, it's for my Mom's Christmas present. Since I'm done with my Dad's sweater early, I have time to do some more holiday knitting. (Putting a picture up is still on my list of things to do). Anyway, I've decided to knit her a tree skirt. I found this pattern and plan to make the tree skirt but probably not the matching stocking.

Last year I knit her Sitcom Chic. She liked the sweater because the arms were short and she doesn't need to roll them. But, she said it was too warm. (I think it's the hot flashes). This way she gets something special and I don't have to worry about it being the wrong size or making her too warm.

A few years ago my Mom started switching to a very simple gold and winter white motif for her tree, once it seemed certain that my brother and I aren't going to be around to decorate the tree for her...leaving behind most of the ornaments that she had acquired over the years. My father is more than happy to oblige. Truth be told he's on the verge of getting a second tree to display the tacky/wacky/cool ornaments that are no longer allowed on the living room tree...This might be the year for his and hers Christmas trees!

So, instead of the traditional blend of red and green, my Mom's tree skirt will be made with Red Heart Fiesta, the main color is a cream wrapped in gold nylon (glade) and the boarder is tan wrapped in gold (wheat). The snowflakes will be done in gold Glitterspun. I figure acrylic is perfect for this project since it sits on the ground for about a month then gets packed up at the end of the season. I ordered the yarn from Joann's on Tuesday, so it should be her in time to start knitting over the Thanksgiving weekend. If time allows, I'm also going to make her some crocheted tree ornaments. Those will be done with gold crochet thread and clear bulbs.

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

Onde my god...


I'm not sure if anyone remembers, but back in August I ordered some Phildar Onde from Breiweb. I had never ordered from anyone overseas before so wasn't sure exactly how long it would take. Well, after waiting 6 weeks, I figured I'd contact Breiweb about my order. They were surprised to hear that I hadn't received my package and sent out another shipment.

This time, I asked that the package be sent to my work address. So, yesterday I was treated to a delivery at work! Here's my latest entry into the stash:



The color isn't quit what I expected. From all of the pictures of this color combination -- jeans & ciel -- I was expecting a black to grey transition. The jeans is actually a dark, navy blue...hmm, similar to the color of dark washed jeans...I guess that makes sense, huh? The ciel looks like a very pale blue (more like a tint of blue) with a darker blue wrapped around it. This should fit very well into my blue-based wardrobe.

I'm too late to be part of the Onde-along. So, I guess I'll have my own Onde-alone some time soon.

Wednesday, November 10, 2004

keeping up with Peggy...


Once I finished Kirk, I started thinking about what to do with Peggy. I'm hoping for a solution that involves as little re-knitting as possible. But, in reality, it looks like I'm practically restarting this project. I also wanted a project to take with me on the plane today. And, this one is as good as any.

So, my plan of attack starts with knitting the sleeves. That's the only part that I had not started yet. I'm going to work the sleeves in the dye lot that I was able to get more of last week. That should make for good airplane project. I'm hoping to kick out one of them during the trip. Once I have the sleeves out of the way and know how much yarn is left from the 4 new skeins, I should be able to tell how much of the fronts/back will need to be ripped out.

I keep telling myself that this will be worth it in the end. I'm also just stubborn enough to make this work. Oh, and a gluten for punishment who sometimes enjoys doing things the hard way.

oops! no picture...


Kirk is done! I was able to get the zipper in place and sew it on. And, take it from me, it looks great. Unfortunately, I forgot to snap a picture of it to put up. I was much too busy packing for my trip to Chicago. So, that will have to wait until next week.

It took me three attempts to get the zipper in place with the two sides lined up. Then I basted the zipper tape to the sweater. This was an essential step because there was no way that I would have been able to use my sewing machine with all of the pins in the way. But, the hardest part of the ordeal was the actual sewing. The cabled sections of the sweater were almost too think and there were a few points where the presser foot of my machine almost got caught on some of the stitches.

I love the look of a zipper. However, I don't think I will machine sew a zipper to a chunky knit. I am planning on putting a zipper in my BF's sweater, but it will be a much smaller gauge. Oh, and it will be a separating zipper, so I won't as much fabric to wrestle with.

Okay, picture next week. Promise!

Monday, November 08, 2004

zipper anxiety...


Yesterday, I trekked up the Pike to get a zipper. It's the very last piece that I need to finish Kirk. The seaming came out very well and the sweater looks wonderful...I'm just a little worried about how this zipper is going to turn out.

I am planning using my sewing machine to sew the front edge to the zipper tape. My main concern is making sure that the knit fabric doesn't get pulled while sewing...which could happen if the zipper foot got caught in a stitch. I think the best way for me to avoid this problem will be by pinning the zipper in place, then sewing on the wrong side.

Oh well, I'm hoping to pull my sewing machine out of the closet after dinner tonight. I'm only putting in a 10 inch zipper, so it shouldn't take too long.

Friday, November 05, 2004

the problem with Peggy...


I knew that this project was going to be worrisome...but I plunged into it anyway, full steam ahead! And now, it's coming around to bite me on the ass.

Problem #1: I bought the yarn because it was in the sale bin at the LYS; but, I didn't take the time to check all of the dye lots...I ended up with 5 of one lot and 3 of another. I know, that's a mortal sin and I will suffer for it.

Problem #2: I bought the yarn without a project in mind. And, instead of sitting down and thumbing through their books and magazines I went home to "figure it out." Well, once I did pick Peggy, I saw that I didn't have enough yarn to finish anyway. But, that didn't stop me! Which leads to...

Problem #3: I started the project instead of going straight back to the store and looking for more yarn in my "main" dye lot. (Boy, am I stubborn or what?). I knit the back, all in the "main" lot. I knit both left and right fronts, alternating dye lots to make it less noticeable. Well, when it came time to knit the sleeves I had about 1½ skeins of the "main" lot and about ½ a skein of the "other". That, along with the motivation to finish Kirk, is why this piece was put on hold.

I knew I would have to cross my fingers, trek back to the burbs and hope for the best. So, last night -- the only night this store stay open late -- I went back and dug through the sale bin again. Thankfully there were still some skeins in my color. I ended up buying the remaining 4 skeins that were in my "other" dye lot. So now, it outnumbers my "main" lot. Argh!

So, I'm milling things over in my head. Do I ditch this all together and find a project that only needs 7 skeins of wool cotton? and another that only needs 5? Do I start over again from the beginning? If I start over, I will need a much more definite plan of attack!

Wednesday, November 03, 2004

seaming up election night...


Last night I was dead tired. I had gotten up early, voted, and made it home in one piece. Thought I would stay up until about nine then call it a day. But, for some reason, I couldn't turn the TV off. I ended up watching the NBC coverage of the election even though I could feel my eyes close up. Since I was up, I decided to go ahead and join the sleeves...At least something good came of last night.

At 10:30, I called it a day...With 2 perfectly seamed sleeves. I even had my BF try on the half-seamed sweater to see if the shoulders sat nicely...I also tried it on myself but it just hung on me like a potato sack, with the shoulder seams hanging down my arms and the body ending nearly at my knees. My dad is about 6'5", so it should be perfect for him.

Let me tell you, the sweater is very heavy! And very warm. Depending on what kind of weather the DC area gets this winter, it might be more like a jacket than a sweater.

Seaming the sides will begin tonight and this weekend's mission will be to find a zipper for the neck...Looks like I'll be riding the rails into suburbia. G St Fabrics, here I come!

Monday, November 01, 2004

entering the home stretch...


I had a fairly productive weekend...I finished the front of Kirk and put forward the extra effort to wash and block the front and back.

I was debating whether to wet block this sweater. I've seen differing views on whether you need to block ribbed items. I'm really glad I decided to wash the pieces. The laundry water turned a dark blue when I let the pieces soak in soapy water, even though I didn't have much dye come off when I was knitting. I also had some extra fuzz from the angora come out in the wash. Maybe that will keep the shedding down once my dad starts wearing it. I didn't want to stretch the pieces out too much, so I only blocked it to a width of 23 inches, instead of the 25.5 that is on the pattern.

Here's a shot of the front & back


Just the front


And a close-up of the neckline


I'm hoping to keep the ball rolling on this piece instead of leaving the finishing for later. Tonight, I will be washing and blocking the sleeves. I will also be seam the shoulder seams and knit on the collar. The only thing I'm missing is a zipper.

This will be my first attempt to put a zipper in a handknit item. I have sewn zippers in other pieces of clothing. I'll be refering to Bonne Marie's guide.

Thursday, October 28, 2004

distracted...


I got my package for Joann yesterday. And, of course I couldn't wait to play with my new "toys." I started a small swatch of the Jacquard patterning Kroy. I started with size 2 needles, and found that my gauge was about 8.5 st/inch. So, I plowed straight into a sock pattern using size 3 dpns. I really wanted to see the pattern that the yarn made...quick!

Well, I'm not sure if there's a trick to where you would start casting on, but I'm a little disappointed. Instead of the neat stripes that are shown in the picture, I got a big mess of black and grey specks. I'm going to rip that out and put the sock yarn away...I don't think I'm ready yet. And, when I do get serious about knitting a pair of socks, I'm going to start with the non-patterning yarn that I got.

To further add to my distraction, I have booked a ticket to Chicago for next month. I just couldn't resist. I have a 4-day weekend two weeks from now, and I just couldn't bear the thought of staying in DC. Not to mention the impossibly low fare that I got from Independence Air...$83, roundtrip! You read correctly, roundtrip! (hint: you get $25 off your first roundtrip flight if you join their club)

So, this morning I pulled my stash out of the closet and I've started a scarf for the friend that I'm staying with. I had a lot of Wool-Ease left over from scarves that I made last year, so it seemed like an easy choice. Right now, the plan is to make the whole thing in seed stitch, but that might change if I get bored with it. Since Peggy is on hold, this will be my bus project.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to concentrate on finishing Kirk. However, I feel like I'm really far ahead and that there is plenty of time to finish it. Right now, I'm a few row below the armhole shaping. This is also the point at which I start the split front split where the zipper will be. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to finish the knitting before I leave for my trip in 2 weeks.

Tuesday, October 26, 2004

peek-a-boo...


It was a very productive knitting weekend. The weather was completely uninspiring, so I was able to do a lot of knitting. Also, I found my cable needle! It was buried deep down in the belly of the sofa*. Thanks to this find, the front piece is flying by. I'm really surprised by how fast I've been able to work on this project. I might even have the knitting done next weekend.

I thought I'd show some pictures of the body and the glorious cable pattern (with and without stretch).





I decided to put Peggy on hold for a little while. Now that I've finished the fronts with the bobbles, I'm a little torn about the overall design of the weather. It's pretty short, only an 11 inch side seam, and I'm having a very hard time figuring out what I would wear it with. So, I'm going to concentrate on Christmas gifts. I'll probably pick it back up soon...well, after I'm done with Kirk and have some idea of what my BF's sweater will look like.

*BF has a favorite spot on the sofa and will move my knitting if I leave it in that spot. Usually, this isn't a problem...but this time I think he missed seeing the cable needle when he moved the body aside. Oh, he also manages to sit on knitting needles without noticing. Don't ask me how...

Friday, October 22, 2004

sock it to me...


I really never thought I would knit socks. For some reason, they just didn't appealed to me. Maybe it was the tiny gauge...Well, I've changed my mind! (I seem to that a lot lately). I decided that it might be the perfect project to take on the bus. And, it would be another technique/item that I've never tried before.

Yesterday, while I was snooping around the Joann website, I saw that they had Paton's Kroy for a decent price. Plus, they were giving an extra 10% off if you buy 5 or more skeins. Plus, there was a code for free shipping. So, I got 6 balls in total. 4 skeins are for a scarf that I will make for a friend this holiday season. The other 2 will be my first pair of socks. Unfortunately, I probably won't even get to cast on for a pair of socks until the new year.

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

i'm a knitting guru...


Knitting Guru
You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting
and do it all the time. While finishing a piece
is the plan, you still love the process, and
can't imagine a day going by without giving
some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation
involves leaving ample space for the stash and
supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn
ends and you begin.

What Kind of Knitter Are You?
brought to you by
Quizilla

just one knot...


That's all! I am about 10 rows away from the shoulder shaping for Kirk and I realized something. After completing 2 sleeves and 80% of the back, I have only come across one knot in the cone of yarn that I'm using. At first, I thought it would be a drag not being able to take this project on the bus. Now, I've changed my mind. I like the fact that I haven't had to join new skeins or worry about how I would weave in loose ends with such a bulky yarn. Plus, the pieces of this sweater are much too big and bulky to take on the road.

I had even considered getting a ball winder so that I could make this project portable...Now, I see that would just mean more work and more loose ends. This is the first time that I've bought yarn still on the cone. But, I've got the feeling that it won't be the last...

Monday, October 18, 2004

it's been a slow week...


I've been cabling away at my dad's sweater in front of the TV at night. But, it's been a pretty slow process since I LOST my cable needle! That's right, one day last week, I came home and couldn't find it. I've checked under the sofa, between the cushions...even deep down in the sides. I still haven't found my cable needle. I have others but they are a much smaller gauge. I'll look again but if I haven't found it by this weekend, I might have to go buy another one.

So, I've been cabling with a straight needle instead. Thankfully, the cables come only every 8 rows. It gets the job done, but boy is it slow. I'm almost to the arm shaping of the back. I would love to have this piece done by the weekend...but that's mostly wishful thinking.

This is just the first of my X-mas knitting. I'm also going to knit a sweater for my BF...thankfully that doesn't need to be finished on Christmas. I just got a copy of Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. It's full of some nice looking, quick ideas. I'll probably pick a few of these projects to make for friends.

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

poncho viva!


Last week, my friend Maya told me that she was thinking of making a poncho. She had her eyes on the Lacy Poncho. So, I told her I'd try to get some pictures of mine on the blog over the weekend. Well, to do that I had to seam the two pieces together first...procrastination had set in weeks ago.

So, Monday morning I pressed and seamed my two sections. (This counts as the weekend for me since I got Columbus Day off). Here's one of the pieces blocked out and steamed...

Can you see my shadow?



It just started to get cold in the DC area. It's been averaging about 50 when I head out for the bus in the morning. So, to wear this lovely I had to put on a long-sleeved top underneath. Here's a shot of the finished product, with a comfy turtleneck...just in time for fall.



This is a great project, and pretty quick to knit...it would have been even quicker if I had blocked and seamed it right after I finished the knitting. I made a few changes to mine: 1) I made the edges in seed stitch instead of garter stitch. For some reason, I just can't stand the look of garter stitch. 2) I didn't add the neckband. I just didn't have enough yarn left. The neck opening of my poncho is fairly small and I don't think that it needs the band.

Friday, October 08, 2004

sleeves first...


2x2 rib is just about the most painful stitch...ever! So, I decided to get the sleeves for Kirk out of the way first. The body of the sweater is in a cable pattern and the sleeves have a bit of the motif at the wrist, then ribs all the way up. I finished the first one last night.

Here's the whole sleeve:


The shaping of the sleeve cap:


The cable motif:


And here it is stretched:


Sorry for the bad color in these pix...the lighting in the apartment was horrible this morning.

Monday, October 04, 2004

back in action...


Last week I was away from my office in a training class. I had hoped to do a bit of blogging but that never happened. Since it was also the last week of the fiscal year, I had to return to the office after class everyday and check to make sure that none of my accounts would end the year in a deficit. Needless to say it was a long week. However, my alternating Friday off meant that I got to take the first day of the new year off...

I spent my morning working on Peggy. I'm almost done with the left, front piece. Then I started packing for my weekend in Shenandoah. Yup, I promised my BF we'd go on a backpacking trip before it got cold and he held me to it. So, not much weekend knitting. I got a few rows in on the drive out but that's about it.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to start my dad's sweater on Friday. I'm going to try to cast on for this project tonight after dinner.

Friday, September 24, 2004

i just couldn't help myself...


I know that I should go ahead and start my dad's sweater...But after I finished the second panel of my Lacy Poncho, the Rowan wool cotton that I bought last week just started calling to me. So, I've started Peggy. I cast on for the back yesterday morning before going to work. Then snuck in a few rows at lunch...a few more on the bus ride home...a few more while waiting for a friend to meet for happy hour...even more on the bus ride home after drinks. Well, I picked it up this morning and I was already 4 inches into it. The wool cotton has such a nice feel and it just flies of the needles.

One reason that I didn't start my dad's sweater is because the yarn isn't really portable. Remember, it's on a 4lb cone. Unfortunately, I don't have a ball winder and I don't really have the funds to buy one right now. Plus, I'm having a really hard time deciding what size to make him. My father is a fairly tall man. He usually has dress shirts custom ordered to make sure that the sleeves are long enough. At the same time, many casual shirts and sweaters that he buys seem fine. I would like to make this sweater a real surprise, so I don't want to ask him for measurements...So, the plan is to go visit my parents this weekend and sneak a peek into his closet. Just to check out what size he usually buys, you know? I'm also considering the possibility of "kidnapping" one of his sweaters a few weeks.

The start date for Kirk will be October 1st. It will be my "at home" project. While, Peggy will be my portable work-in-progress.

Monday, September 20, 2004

4 pound bundle of joy...


Friday was a very productive day off. I got up and futzed around the apartment. Actually, I wasn't able to sleep in so I got in some early morning knitting done, along with a few loads of laundry. Then I trekked out to the 'burbs. Since we were "car-sitting" for the weekend, I figured I'd take advantage of the situation and drive up to Rockville, MD.

First stop, Marshalls. I was looking for yoga pants. I keep telling myself that I'm going to start taking classes. So, I wanted to have some comfy pants. Unfortunately, the selection was really, really bad. mission...failed.

Next stop, AC Moore. They carry a lot of Lion Brand yarns. I've been wanting to try socks for a while now so thought the Magic Stripes would be great for a first attempt. Well, it seems that they're trying to re-image their yarn department. Now, they have tons of novelty yarns...fur and fluff and glitter. Not my cup of tea! But, they also have some Patons now. mission...failed!

I was starting to regret this endeavor all together. So, I made a quick trip through Linens-n-Things. I picked up a much-needed Pur water filter and some drawers to organize my closet. mission...successful!

Next was a quick lunch at La Madeleine...always a success. I just can't resist their tomato basil soup!

I decided to skip going to Michaels. There was a chance that they would have Magic Stripes, but it wasn't worth going further out of the way to find out. So, I headed back down the Pike toward the city.

Last stop...Knit and Stitch = Bliss. I like to drop in this store every once and again. Although it's a fairly small store, the people are usually helpful and the selection is good. Unfortunately, the striping sock yarns that they had in stock were a bit more than I wanted to spend. But, they have a rotating sale bin that is 25 - 30% off. So, last Friday I scored some Rowan Wool Cotton in deepest olive...The dye lots aren't all the same, but they look damn close. I just could resist it. It should be easy enough to alternate the dye lots...maybe I'll even wind up with a cool, subtle striping effect! I think I'm going to make a vest. mission...huge success!

To end my jaunt in the 'burbs, I got myself a latte @ the 'buck and headed home...I got in some afternoon knitting and waited for my Lamb's Pride to arrive. The ebay seller that I bought it sent a UPS tracking number as soon as it shipped, so I know that it was going to arrive today. And, I made sure that I made it back home by early afternoon...The UPS guy came at about 4:30 that afternoon. So, I'm the proud owner of 4 pounds of Lamb's pride bulky...and boy is it soft! I know my dad's sweater is going to be a joy knit!

Thursday, September 16, 2004

slow week, huh...


I've been meaning to post something this week...but there's really nothing new to comment on. I've been working away on the poncho. I think I found a possible source for more yarn...and it looks like I'm going to need it. I've gone through one of ball of yarn on the 2nd piece and it only lasted 5 pattern repeats (out of 25).

I'm looking forward to my day off tomorrow. I think I'm going to trek out to the 'burbs and check out the AC Moore and some LYSs. Since I've been ordering a lot of stuff online, I feel a little bad about not frequenting local merchants.

I'm also looking forward to the DC Knit Out & Crochet on Sunday. Earlier this week, my BF and I were invited to a friend's place for crabs (and football)...but I've been looking forward to this for a while. So, I'm going to skip boil and go hand out with the "Knitting Geeks" (as BF called it).

Friday, September 10, 2004

is it too early to think about Christmas?


I think not! I know it's still 80 degrees out and the last thing I want to do is start working with wool. But if I don't get a plan in place now, I might not get things done in time.

When I got the new Rowan magazine, there was one sweater that I thought would be great for my Dad, Kirk. So, for the last month I've been trying to figure out if there was any Rowan Polar available at a fair price...The 11 skeins needed for this lovely, come with a pricetag of ~$140. And, it's not that my Dad isn't worth the big buck...I just don't have that kind of money right now.

I had been looking on ebay. Unfortunately, I need 11 skeins and most listings that I came across were for 10. I'd hate to think of what would happen if I ran out. So, then I started looking for substitutes. And, this is where I struck gold! I started looking at Lamb's Pride Bulky. It has a similar gauge and comes in tons of colors. I checked ebay one more time to see if anyone was selling Lamb's Pride and came across a seller offering 4lb cones. So now I have enough for my Dad's sweater and perhaps a nice scarf and glove set for myself...

Of course that means that I'm also waiting for another package!

Thursday, September 09, 2004

one down, one to go...


As I mentioned yesterday, during the drive to and from Michigan (~10 hours each way), I was able to finish the first panel of my Lacy Poncho. I'm going to cast on for the second half some time this week. The panel is a little long to take on the bus, so I'm going to be knitting the second piece at home. The project will take a little longer to finish, but I'd rather take time with it than have it draped all over the ground.

Also, yesterday was a good mail day. I received my two Phildar magazines from Knit'n'Tyme! Oh, happy day! One more package and I'll be able to start another project. I'm going to be making this top:

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

writer's block


I'm back from my trip. I was able to knit one panel of the Lacy Poncho and I will probably cast on for the second half some time this week. I'm also still waiting for packages.

The drive from Michigan was really, really long. And, unfortunately I feel like I'm coming down with a cold...BF is already coughing up a storm. Needless to say, I can't string together enough coherent thoughts to write a good post. Hopefully tomorrow will be better.