needleGirl

Of slogs and socks…

2008-01-29T10:39:00.000-05:00

I’ve been doing a lot of knitting since the new year, but I don’t have too much to show for it. Why? Because I had to do a lot of ripping. That’s why!

Right after the new year, I started Hush-Hush. After having this project in my queue for nearly four years, I thought this would be the year to knit it.I cast on using size 3 needles, as recommended in the pattern, but quickly decided that the lace pattern looked too big. At that point,I had knit about 10 rows. No big deal. So, I started again using size 2 needles. The lace looked much better. Once I go to the body of the dress, I stuck with the size 2 needles. Things were flying...Or, so I thought. I made it through 3 decreases, about 30 rounds, then decided to try it on. Unfortunately, I could tell that it would be much too big.

I decided to rip all the way back to the lace pattern, and work the body with size 1 needles...Except I didn't own size 1 needles, so they would need to be ordered.

While I waited for the new needles, I started a project that I knew I could make quick progress and still put down at any point. I opted to start a pair of Jaywalkers. I quickly made it through the first sock before my new needles came.

Now that I have the size 1 needles, I realize that the knitting is much slower. I have only completed 5 rounds in the last week. I have miles and miles of stockinette to go before this is finished. I recent found out that my SIL is expecting her first baby. I will most likely knit a blanket for the occasion...just nothing as intense as the Log Cabin from last year. I have also become quite fascinated by Cable Luxe Tunic. I am officially naming 2008 the Year of the Slog.

welcome to 2008...

2008-01-18T14:17:00.000-05:00

Let me start by wishing anyone reading a Happy New Year. Some time around mid-December the Holidays get the best of me, and things didn't stop spinning until last week. At that point, work kicked into high gear...Today, I finally think I have time to breathe.

I'll do a knitting update soon.

NaKniSweMo, recap...

2007-12-04T13:04:00.000-05:00

I finished Katy on Friday, but I'm just getting around to posting. Of all of the pictures that I took, the only one that turned out was of the neckline...and, even that is hard to see. I'll experimenting with more pictures tomorrow.
Overall, I am happy with the way this project turned out. I love the color and look forward to watching it fade over the next few washings. The fit is definitely smaller than I thought it would be. At this point, the sweater fits perfectly. I won't be putting it in the dryer ever again for fear of it shrinking further.

This was the perfect choice for NaKniSweMo. Since the bulk of the sweater was in stockinette, it made for mindless knitting. Plus, the lace pattern was easy to memorize. I would have to say that the best thing about knitting this sweater in a month is that it helped motivate me to keep knitting. Instead of starting something new when I started to get bored, I kept slogging away to make sure I finished it in November.

NaKniSweMo, day 29...

2007-11-29T14:04:00.000-05:00

I'm seaming as fast as I can! Last night I washed to pieces and dried them. Although the yarn is not supposed to shrink in width, I'm a little worried about how this sweater will fit. I knit the size that is supposed to fit a 34" bust. The pattern says that the final width should be 19 inches...well, mine is more like 17!

I set in the sleeves over lunch, and will be working the first side seam on the way home. Not only am I fond of knitting in public, I even do my finishing in public. I should definitely earn a badge for that!

Thankfully, I still have tomorrow...

NaKniSweMo, day 27...

2007-11-27T12:40:00.000-05:00

I'm in the home stretch! I was very productive over the holiday weekend, as I expected. I had finished the back last Tuesday, and I finished up the back yesterday night. Tonight, I will be weaving in the ends and washing the pieces of the sweater. I think the beauty of this sweater will be the fact that it doesn't get blocked!

NaKniSweMo, day 16...

2007-11-16T14:49:00.000-05:00

The month is halfway through. With 15 days down, I am exactly 50% through Katy. This morning, I finished the 6th of 12 skeins. I'm 9.5 inches in to the back. I'm not even going to think about taking a picture of the progress I've made because I basically have a dark indigo rectangle. I suspect that it wouldn't make the most interesting photo shoot.

I have a busy weekend ahead of me, but I should be able to sneak in some knitting time. Since AF and I are driving to North Carolina for Thanksgiving, I'm not worried about finishing by the 30th. I'm guaranteed four and a half hours of uninterrupted knitting while AF drives!

NaKniSweMo, day 13...

2007-11-13T12:35:00.000-05:00

Nothing to worry about. I'm still plugging away at Katy. Here are some progress shots that I took last Thursday.

Close up of the stitch pattern.Since taking these pictures, I have completed the second sleeve and made it about four inches into the back. I'll spare you the boring details since the body of the sweater is stockinette.

Once I finished the second sleeve, the rest of the weekend was spent working on the Log Cabin Blanket. I completed all of the seaming, and have already started the crochet border. I can honestly say that this project will be finished this week.

I'm still trying to decided what to do about my camera. I hope that I can make it until the end of the year without buying one. Maybe there will be some deals after the holidays.

NaKniSweMo, day 5...

2007-11-05T11:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, Maya came over and we did some knitting. While I worked on the first sleeve for Katy, she knit away on her NaKniSweMo selection, Breton Girl. I managed to finish the first sleeve despite many minor mistakes. For some reason, I kept forgetting that the pattern is a 4-row repeat. For some reason, I wanted it to be a 2-row repeat...many rows were tinked that afternoon.

NaKniSweMo, day 1...

2007-11-02T10:20:00.000-04:00

Katy is off to a strong start. I cast on as soon as soon as I got up in the morning, accompanied by my morning coffee. At the end of yesterday, I had 7 inches of the first sleeve done. That's the first 5 of 11 increases. The stockinette is kind of boring, but it goes by pretty quickly.

Unfortunately, I discovered that my camera isn't working. Argh. Last weekend when I went to take pictures, the thing couldn't turn on. I attributed it to a dead battery. Well, after what should have been a full charge, the camera still doesn't turn on. I even tried the battery in AF's camera (same model), no go. Then, I tried his battery in my camera. It turned on, but then I couldn't get it to turn off. The following picture was taken this morning courtesy of AF's camera. Please, excuse the horrible lighting!

Let it be known that this discovery was made exactly one year after the camera was purchased, so it's no longer under warranty. Oh well, a new camera might be at the top of my Christmas list (again).

meet Katy...

2007-10-29T12:38:00.000-04:00

This is one of the Rowan International patterns that is available to subscribers. I will be attempting to knit Katy in the month of November as part of National Knit a Sweater Month, NaKniSweMo for short.

The pattern calls for Rowan Denim, but I will be making mine in Elann's Den-M-Nit Pure Indigo Cotton. I knitted two swatches over the weekend, one on Sz5 and one on Sz6 needles. Both times I got 11 st = 2", when I'm supposed to be getting 5 st per inch. I'm going to re-knit the swatch on Sz6 in a different needle just to make sure. I will be casting on on Thursday morning!

preparing for a challenge...

2007-10-25T15:09:00.000-04:00

Details next week!

impromptu update...

2007-10-25T14:13:00.000-04:00

I'm constantly surprised by how much I try to fit into any given day...sleep, eat, work, knit, practice, rinse, repeat. Unfortunately, I haven't been managing my time nearly as well as I would like. Maybe I have too much on my plate...maybe I'm just not putting enough effort into it.

I definitely haven't been putting as much effort into my knitting as I would like. I'm still procrastinating when it comes to finishing the Log Cabin Blanket. I got to the point where I had five strips, then things fell apart. That was nearly a month ago! I swear at this rate, this damn thing will be a Christmas present, not a wedding present. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have much time to work on it this weekend while I'm hiking with the happy couple the blanket is meant for...

I'm almost done with my Rozas! I just turned the heel of the second sock on Monday. I've been slogging away at these socks on the bus ride every day. Since I haven't finished an object in a really long time, I'll be glad to see them done. Here's a little preview.

As for Starsky...It was over before it started. I just couldn't get into this pattern. As much as I want to make this sweater, I don't have the attention span right now. I was finding the leaf pattern to hard to commit to memory, mainly because there are a few rows where you have to p2tog on the wrong side. I also wasn't happy with how densely it was knitting up. I'm going put this one back in the queue and start again later.

knit, frog, repeat...

2007-09-26T10:48:00.000-04:00

There's a whole lot of ripping going on, chez needleGirl! I've been slowing piecing the Log Cabin blanket squares together, only to realize that I had two squares that just wouldn't work. Somehow, I had knit one too many of one pattern and completely botched another. I am ripping these two and knitting the correct patterns.

I have been using mattress stitch to join the squares because it is what I am most proficient with. I considered doing a crochet join, but found it really hard to get things to line up correctly where the bound off edges meet salvage edges. I have completed 3 out of the five rows (with five squares in each row). I'm going to block these three rows this weekend.

My second frog fest takes the form of Roza's sock. I hadn't been working on this project since I wanted to finish up the blanket. A couple of weeks ago, I got together with Maya for some knitting, so it seemed natural that I work on it. I had gotten about 5 inches of the leg done, and decided to carefully try it on...Can you see where this is going? The sock-to-be was very tight around my foot, and there is absolutely no way that I could work it around my heel and onto the leg. So, Roza got a one-way ticket to the pond. What really sucks is that I took time to swatch for this project, and things should have worked out. On the bright side, I can go back and add the garter stitch detail that the pattern has, but I neglected to include the first time around.

sleeves are boring...

2007-09-14T10:10:00.000-04:00

At least they're quick. I completed the first sleeve for Starsky. I started it on Wednesday and finished this morning on the ride to work. I figure most people know what a knitting sleeve looks like, so I'll spare you of boredom.

Have a good weekend!

the part that I forgot...

2007-09-13T09:30:00.000-04:00

Back in February, when I started the Log Cabin Blanket, I never expected that it would take long to knit. For some reason, I thought that I would be able to churn out square after square after square. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Seven months later, I have finished knitting square...albeit, ten fewer than originally planned.

Now, there's just one more thing...blocking and finishing! Yup, I have to join my 25 squares into one united project. I should be able to start this process over the weekend, but I really have no idea how much time it will take. I'm thinking about crocheting the squares together. It just seems like it would be the quickest way to get the job done. I'm also thinking of putting some kind of edging around the blanket once all of the pieces are together. You know, something to make it look really finished.

The only other dilemma I'm having is whether the blanket will need a backing. My big worry is that the knitting isn't firm enough to withstand years of use. For some reason, I think a simple backing might give it a little more sturdiness...Plus, it might help conceal all of the ends on the wrong side. I'll see how long the assembly process takes, first.

what's up next?

2007-08-29T12:01:00.000-04:00

With only 3 more blocks to knit for the Log Cabin blanket, I'm already starting to get an itch to start another project. Plus, once I finish knitting the squares, I'll need a new project to take with me on the bus. Even though I'm tempted by things such as Oslo, Bridges, and Geneva, I think I should stick to my original line-up for the year. So, next up will be Starsky! I've wanted to make this sweater since it was first released, and it looks like it could be the perfect early-fall addition to my wardrobe.

In other news, my friend Maya is spending the fall in DC! She arrives tomorrow. I'll be cleaning up the apartment tonight, so that AF and I don't look like complete slobs...I hope she remembers to bring the socks we started in Cali.

log cabin running low...

2007-08-28T09:50:00.000-04:00

I'm running out of time and yarn. I've been working during all of my free time to finish up the Log Cabin Blanket. Last week, I finished another row of blocks, and even re-knit the block that I think I lost...I was at 57%, and figured I should check out how much more yarn I had.

Well, when I opened up the stash, I was sadly to find that I only had 3 balls of each color left. I don't think that's going to be enough to make my original design:
Unfortunately, Elann doesn't carry the yarn that I'm using in the colors I need anymore. I decided that I would make an amended version of the blanket. It's going to be only 5x5, instead of 5x7 as I originally intended. I've come this far, so I have to finish this project. The new version will look like this:
With the quick design change, and another few days of knitting, I'm 84% done with the knitting! With the wedding two weeks away, I feel a lot better with those numbers. My new goal is to have this ready for the happy couple when they return from the honeymoon, some time in late-October.

the cure: re-visited

2007-08-16T16:26:00.000-04:00

By no fault of my own, something has tried to take hold of my living space. Instead of getting too upset, AF and I are looking at it as a fine opportunity to delve back into Apartment Therapy. This time, by necessity, we are starting in the bedroom...If you go by the book, the bedroom doesn't get any play until week 7.

So far, we've thrown out a dresser and an armoire. I've lightened my yarn load by dashing some acrylic yarns that were stored under the bed. Tonight, I will try to get rid of even more clothing. But, the hardest hit victim has been our bed itself. Though it is only four months old, we were forced to part with the well-crafted backboard. With any luck, once we lighten our load and eradicate our unwanted guests, we will get a new backboard fitting of the new decor.

If your apartment is in need of therapy, check out the upcoming cure.

my california vacation...

2007-08-15T13:26:00.000-04:00

In case anyone was wondering, I had a great time in Sacramento...I've actually been back for two weeks, now.

After a marathon flight (via Charlotte and Las Vegas), I was glad to see Maya at the airport. Somehow, we managed to stay up 'til 4am that first night. I was feeling exceptionally good for being awake over 24 hours!

Thursday, we spent the morning at a cafe. Maya did some work, while I worked on the Log Cabin Blanket. I had finished one square on the plane, and was well into another by the time we left the cafe. We then went to lunch with some of Maya's friends. After lunch, we visited Rumpelstiltskin to buy some yarn and needles. It was a cute little store, but the stock at the time was a little limited. Maya and I decided that we would make Roza's Socks as a knit along.

Friday morning, we started packing up for our weekend at Oz Farm in Mendocino. For Maya's birthday, went spent the weekend in a domes structure that the farm rents. That's right, we spent a few days in a geodesic dome! The setting was awesome, looking out over an open field.

Oh, and there was also knitting to be had!

That's Laura, who got a crash course in knitting. She picked it up like a natural!

I'm going back to Cali, Cali, Cali...

2007-07-24T10:43:00.000-04:00

It's time to take this show on the road. I leave tomorrow for Sacramento. I'm going to visit my friend Maya, and to celebrate her birthday. It's been over three years since I've been to California. The last time was also for a birthday celebration. (It seems to be a recurring theme). I'm really excited to visit Maya. She has been living in Sacramento for quite a few years, but I have never visited her there.

My cross-country flight will provide an excellent opportunity to work on my Log Cabin squares. That's the only project that I will be bring on the plane with me. I'm sure to get a little bored with it, but I need to focus on getting more squares completed.

Maya is also a knitter! If all goes well, I will be giving her a crash course on sock knitting. As her birthday gift, I have offered to supply her with everything she needs to make her first pair of socks...a knit along, of sorts. I'm not sure if an actual pair of socks will be completed in a week, but we'll be able to finish them when she comes to DC in September.

See you next week!

14*/35...

2007-07-20T13:30:00.000-04:00

I have been working on my Log Cabin Blanket off and on since February. When I started, I calculated that I would need to knit a little more than one block per week to have things complete in time for their September wedding. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned.

I knit many of the 15 completed blocks while riding the bus to and from work. This is a very portable project...It's also a very monotonous project. After a few weeks, I got a little bored with it, and knit a couple pairs of socks. Then life got really busy, and I had little time to breath...much less knit. Now, with only a little more than 7 weeks until the wedding, I find myself only with 40% of the squares needed for the originally blanket design.

*Technically, it should be 15/35, but one of my squares has gone AWOL.
I will need to knit almost 3 blocks a week to meet the deadline! I'm not sure I can make it on time, but I'm going to keep plugging along. I'm devoting today to log cabin knitting. I had a few chores to wrap up this morning, and I will now install myself on the sofa for miles and miles of garter stitch.

a mid-summer debut...

2007-07-17T14:45:00.000-04:00

Please ignore the goofy look on my face. AF loves to take pictures right at the moment just before you're ready. In this case, I think I was in the middle of talking about how much I really didn't want my picture taken. Either way, our recent trip back to his hometown proved to be a perfect place to debut my Summertime Tunic from the Summer Interweave.

I started this project a couple of weeks after the magazine came out. I thought it would be a quick and easy project. I used Jaeger Trinity, that I recycled from an underworn project. I think the yarn is perfect for this top because it's lightweight and has an slightly uneven, bumpy quality.

This was the first time that I have visited Michigan in the summer. Usually, we visit AF's family around Thanksgiving or Christmas...which automatically means cold weather and snow. However, the 4th of July was perfect! The sun shined every day. We visited the Midway at Summer Celebration and rode the Ferris wheel. We walked around the downtown, which is going through a renaissance of sorts. And, we even made time to drive up to Silver Lake for a dune ride.

Mid-year execution review...

2007-07-02T15:22:00.000-04:00

A post wherein I apologize for not writing a post in nearly 3 months, and I try to make up for it by updating all knitting-related things.

That's right, it's been nearly 3 months since writing a post. I didn't miss it as much as I thought I would. To tell you the truth, there's been a lot going on. Since it's mostly non-knitting related, it really has no place on my knitting blog. That doesn't mean that I haven't been knitting! So on to the knitting content!

At the beginning of the year, I laid out a few loose resolutions for 2007. I'm proud to say that the only new yarn that I have bought this year was for my less than stellar efforts to take part in Sock Madness and the shipments that I have received as a member of Rockin' Sock Club™...all sock yarn. I haven't even used my "Get Out of Jail Free" card!

I haven't been as committed to the 1st seven of '07. So far, I have only finished one project from the list, the Aran Tee. I have also been *slowly* chipping away at the Log Cabin Blanket. Of the 35 squares that I need to complete the blanket, I have finished 12. That's about a third...with only two and a half months before the recipients are to be wed. (EEK!) I also have a few more finished objects that weren't on the 1st seven list that I am hoping to share very soon.

out, but not down...

2007-04-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

I decided that I would continue to knit the Sock Madness socks, even though I'm not in the competition any more. I restarted the week 2 sock last Wednesday after finding a more suitable yarn, and managed to finish them in about week...Not too shabby!

I finished these yesterday afternoon, just in time for the release of the Week 3 pattern. I'm not all the crazy about the idea of a sock with cuffs...I don't imagine they will make my legs look all that flattering. But, I'm still going to knit them. I'm making mine in a solid color, though. So far, I have knit one of the borders. I'm going to make both before picking up stitches for the sock.

Since, I'm no longer competing, my goal is to finish these before the next pattern is released.

sock madness...I'm out.

2007-03-26T11:43:00.000-04:00

First, I want to congratulate Kellie for moving on to the nest round! She completed the 2nd pattern just over two days.

Unfortunately, my endeavour wasn't nearly as successful. I seemed to have a lot of things going against me this round. First, there were lots of time obligations -- practice the night that the pattern was released, a dinner Friday night, and general business all day Saturday. By the time I had more than 10 minutes to sit and knit, it was Sunday morning. At that point I had made it only to the heel of sock #1. But, I kept knitting.

I had decided to make this sock using Elann's Esprit yarn, since I already had it in my stash. I even took time to do a swatch last week, and everything looked good. Well, after turning the heel of sock #1, I thought I'd try it on. That's when I decided to throw in the towel. I couldn't even get the sock onto my foot. It was just too tight. I think I would need to go up a couple of needle sizes for it to work out.

I'm out of the competition, but I'm still going to knit the socks. I looked through the stash and have a couple of other yarn possibilities. Maybe I can even finish before the next round begins.

sock madness: round 2...

2007-03-19T10:22:00.000-04:00

This week, I'm gearing up for the next round of Sock Madness. The first round officially closed on Saturday...Although there were several people who knit this pattern in 2 days, a new pair of socks finished in a week is nothing to sneeze at.

The new pattern is supposed to be released some time Thursday afternoon/evening. Until then, I will be swatching and picking yarn. All I know is that this pattern calls for a sport weight yarn, yet it should be knit at 7 stitch per inch. The organizers recommend a variegated yarn, but say that any color will do.

In round 2, I am paired up with Kellie. To advance another round, I will have to complete the socks and submit a picture before she does. I'm hoping that the pattern will be released before I leave work on Thursday, so I can cast-on on the way home from work. I'm busy all day next Saturday, and will have to make up some time on Sunday. I have a feeling this next round will take me longer than 3 days.

round one...done.

2007-03-13T10:20:00.000-04:00

Due to severe illness, I was home sick yesterday. On a positive note, I was able to finish my Mad Cow Socks.

The first pattern was very straight-forward. I think yarn selection really makes this sock special. Thankfully, I had the right yarns already in my stash. Mine are made of Patons Kroy (hunter green) and Knit Picks (Redwood Forest), using size 2 needles. This was my first sock with short row heels...definitely something I could use more practice executing. I made them top-down because I didn't want to stress about how to do the toe and the heel. I am pleased with how they turned out.

I'm not sure what round two will bring. I'm pretty sure I can't afford to take too much time off just to knit socks. Plus, there are some super speedy knitters out there. When I checked the Sock Madness site on Sunday morning, there were already people posting finished socks!

sock madness: round 1

2007-03-12T08:49:00.000-04:00

The first pattern for Sock Madness, Mad Cow Socks, was released early on Saturday morning. I took a few false starts before finding a color combination that I thought would look good with the pattern. Thankfully, I had yarn already in my stash! Here are some progress shots:
After turning the first heel.
First sock complete!
Second sock on the needles

one more sleeve...

2007-03-06T09:50:00.001-05:00

That's how much knitting is left on my Aran Tee! After getting a little frustrated by my sewing project (and running out of fabric), I clear the deck and relaxed with some knitting. Unfortunately, I became very frustrated with the knitting once I got to the front neck shaping. It took about 6 attempts to knit the neck before I realized that I would need to write out instructions for each row, including a stitch count for each row. For some reason, I just couldn't get the berry stitch pattern to work once I started making decreases at the neck.

It's going to be another busy week chez needleGirl if I'm going to finish this sweater and my sewing project before the start of Sock Madness. Now that I have more fabric, tonight is going to be devoted to sewing. Hopefully, there will be some extra time later in the week to block the Aran Tee.

it's always the knitting that suffers...

2007-02-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

I've been pressed into service! I'm working on a top-secret sewing project. (Yup, I can sew when the spirit moves me.) I'm hoping that it's only a short-term thing...no longer than a week. Unfortunately, this project is eating away at my nighttime knitting. I might post the results her in a few weeks, but no promises.

I'm making steady progress on the Aran Tee. I manage about 5 rows on the way to work, and another 5 on the way home. I'm still a few rows away from the armhole shaping for the front. I would like to finish knitting this project before Sock Madness begins in a couple of weeks...Thank goodness for short sleeves!

madness!

2007-02-26T13:57:00.000-05:00

Sock Madness, that is...I'm really not sure what came over me, but I just signed up for this competition-based knit along. Every two weeks, the organizers will release a new pattern. You get paired up with someone out in the blogsphere, and try to finish knitting the pair of socks first.

Since I have only completed three pairs of socks, I signed up as a novice. I'm not jaded enough to think I could win, but I think it will be a lot of fun. And, at the end knit along, I could have 7 new pairs of socks!

call & response...

2007-02-22T10:26:00.000-05:00

I started writing a response a comment to my last post (left by Jessi). Once I saw it was getting a little long, I figured I’d just turn it into today’s post:

I also think I might have a sizing issue. I was really disappointed that the pattern is written in such limited sizes. I'm working on the 34" size, which should be okay, but very fitted. The next size is 38", which would be much too big. I'm sure I could have add more repeats of the Berry pattern to get an inch or two larger, but then I would have to work out the shoulder shaping.

I really like Swish. The yarn is pretty soft on the hands, and is kind of springy. I’ve never worked with Wool of the Andes, but this stuff has a lot of give. With any luck, I will be able to block the pieces out and get an extra inch in the bust.

I picked the color to fit in with my wardrobe. I wanted a neutral color that fits with my standard black and blue, but didn't want to worry about stains or it getting dingy. I’m pretty set in my ways, and gave little thought to joining Project Spectrum.

Also, Jessi, sorry that your Aran Tee didn't turn out the way you wanted.

i love aran...

2007-02-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

I'm absolutely pleased with this project. The aran patterns are easy enough to memorize, yet complicated enough to keep it interesting. I just completed the back, and am a few inches into the front.

more cables...

2007-02-13T12:30:00.000-05:00

I have decided to shelve my Gatsby Girl Pullover for a while. I know I said that I would complete all of my 2006 UFOs before starting my 1st seven, but I just couldn't bear to know any more 1x1 ribbing. I still love the pattern, and think that the yarn is perfect for it...I just need a little space. In the end, I will most likely substitute one of the 1st seven for this project. It may be cheating, but I'm not buying any new yarn (yet).

With nothing else on the needles, I turned to my list and chose the Michael Kors Aran Tee as my first new project for 2007! This pattern is from the Holiday 2005 Vogue Knitting. If it weren't for this pattern, I might not have bought the issue. I knew that I would never get to knit it in the Plymouth Royal Cashmere recommended by the pattern. (At $32 a skein, times 9 skeins, I might as well go out and buy an MK sweater). But, I also knew there would be a ton of substitutions available.

My version will be a bit more practical. I'm using Knitpick's Swish. I bought it last year to make a baby sweater. Even though I only needed two skeins I bought ten so I could get free shipping! Cast on Friday morning, and have been flying through the rows every since.

The patterns are a lot easier than they appear. The trickest part has been remembering to put the bobble in the middle of the diamond motif. I have made a couple of small mistakes, but figure I will live with them since they are on the back. I will be much more careful when I start the front.

The yarn is great, and shows the stitch patterns really well. I've heard that the yarn tend to shrink when you machine dry it, but I don't really plan on throwing this piece in the dryer. I can't believe it has taken me two years to start this project.

1st FO of '07...

2007-02-12T08:51:00.000-05:00

That's right...I finished something! I now present Butterfly:

Pattern: Butterfly by Jennie Atkinson (Rowan Magazine 37)
Started: Feb 9, 2006
Finished: Feb 8,2007
Yarn: OnLine Linie 09
Needles: Denise Sz7
I started this project last February hoping that I would be able to complete it before the weather got warm. Well, things didn't quite work out that way! After a quick start, Butterfly was dashed aside and replaced with wedding planning. I worked on it off and on, but never really got back into it...I finally picked it up again once I laid out the rule that I would finish my '06 UFOs before starting '07 projects. I finished the knitting last weekend, and quickly blocked the pieces.
Once the two pieces were seemed together, I added the picot edging and the top and the straps. Instead of garter stitch, I made the straps in i-cord. I hope this make them a little more sturdy.
I'm very happy with the way this one turned out, and it's done just in time for Valentine's Day. Now that I have officially finished all Six of '06...Let the new knits begin!

interweave goodness...

2007-02-08T11:16:00.000-05:00

I got my Spring issue in the mail last night, and poured over it on the bus ride to work this morning. In my opinion, this is their best issue in years! I always enjoy the technical articles, but have found the project patterns spotty. In some issues, there would literally be just one or two patterns that I could actually see myself knitting. Well, that all changed this time around! Here are a few of my favs:

socks that rock...

2007-02-07T09:12:00.000-05:00

I have been reading about this year for a while, but haven't experienced it myself. Last year, I managed to knit three pairs of socks. I thought that was pretty good for a sock newbie. So, I never got caught up in the STR fever. Plus, the price tag was a little higher than your average sock yarn.

I became even more fascinated by this yarn once I learned about the Rockin' Sock Club. What an awesome idea! Unfortunately, I didn't hear about the club until after sign-ups had closed. So, I signed up for their waiting list instead.

Well, Friday was my lucky day. I got an email from Blue Moon Fiber saying that there are still spaces in the club. Remember that sock yarn is not included in my Yarn diet. With that in mind, I jumped at the chance and signed up...Soon, I will have Socks that Rock, too!

i'm gonna build a log cabin...

2007-01-31T14:54:00.000-05:00

A couple of months ago, a very good friend announced that he had just gotten engaged. Not only is Mr. I a friend, he was AF's best man. I quickly started to think of gifts that would be appropriate for the happy couple. I'm not so sure they will register anywhere, and I want the gift that I get them to be truly special...Of course what could be more special than something that I make myself? So, I'm going to make them a blanket.

Since I don't have many blanket patterns, I went searching the Interweb for inspiration. Needless to say, there was no shortage of inspiration. However, there was one blanket that stuck out from the rest...the log cabin! I'm not sure why this design appealed to me at first, but I was especially impressed with the version found here and possible designs being tested here. Pure genius!

So, I thought I'd try my hand at designing a Log Cabin blanket for the couple. So far, I've come up with this design:
I wanted the blocks to be organized, but still a little random looking. Also, the colors are nothing like what I'm envisioning...I be working in three shades or brown that I bought from Elann at the end of last year.

Oh, and speaking of log cabins...This is where you'll find me this weekend. Perhaps, I'll start my Log Cabin a the cabin.

nothing but trouble...

2007-01-30T09:13:00.000-05:00

I really hate to admit it, but my Gatsby Girl has been nothing but trouble for me. So far, I have had to re-knit one of the sleeves...the picot edge didn't match on the two. I knit a majority of the back twice...I forgot to change needle sizes after the picot edge. As I came close to the armhole shaping on the front, I decided to compare it to the back...They're the same length, even though my notes tell me that I have another 10 rows to knit before starting my shaping!

I have literally taken the project, balled it up, and thrown it in a bag. I just don't know how I'm going to deal with this. I'm so tired of 1x1 ribbing. And, I can think of nothing more torturous than having to restart this project...Perhaps what I need is some distance from Gatsby girl. You know, some time to reflect on my options.

Remember, I said that I would finish my UFOs from last year before moving on to the 1st seven of '07...But, would Gatsby be a UFO if I have to restart it? What if I move this project from the UFO list to the 1st seven list? Does that count as cheating?

Oh well...While Gatsby waits in purgatory, I have picked up Butterfly after a very long hiatus. It took some time to decipher my pattern notes and figure out where I had left off, but I'm heading in the right direction. I have a few more rows to knit, and this one will be blocking in no time.

picture of the week...

2007-01-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

Here's my progress on the back of the Gibson Girl Pullover. I snapped this right before walking out the door this morning. I'm done with all of the shaping and will be starting the lace pattern soon. All I can say is that I'll be happy when I'm done with the cabling and 1x1 ribbing. This is the last piece so with any luck, and would love to finish this project by the end of the month...too ambitious?

continuing resolution...

2007-01-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

Knit Year resolutions...I have been trying to decide whether to participate in some kind of yarn diet this year. It would be the third year in a row to begin with a yarn diet. Instead of looking for reasons why I should be part of a yarn diet, I looked for reasons why not to...As you could imagine, there were very few reason why I shouldn't.

Next, I started thinking of projects that I've been wanting to knit for a while. It wasn't too hard to think of projects that I had already bought yarn for. I also have yarn that will be very easy to find a pattern for. So, I will be yarn dieting, again.

This years rules:

The 1st seven of '07/Knit-From-Your-Stash will continue until all seven projects are complete
I will not buy yarn during that period, with the following exceptions:
2.a. Sock yarn does not count. (taken from Wendy & L-B)
2.b. If I am knitting something and run out of yarn, I may purchase enough to complete the project
2.c. I get one "Get Out of Jail Free" card (taken from Wendy & L-B) -- will most likely use this around birthday time.
I must complete 2006 UFOs before casting on for 2007 projects

The list:

Log Cabin Throw (tbd, wedding gift for a friend)
Michael Kors Aran tee (Vogue Knitting, Holiday 2005)
Starsky (Knitty, Winter 2005)
Fiery Bolero (Interweave, Summer 2005)
Ene's Scarf (Scarf Style)
Deep V Argyle Vest (Eunny Yang)
Hush Hush (Knitty, Summer 2004)

I also resolve to post a leat one knitting picture to the blog each week. Things are very busy Chez needleGirl, but I should be able to snap at least one quick picture a week...Afterall, I did get myself a new digital camera for something.

blue monday...

2007-01-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

I'm three weeks in to the new year, and it's been a very slow start. Although, today is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year, I'm feeling pretty good.

I don't have any debt! I was able to get through Christmas without overspending on gifts. We paid off the rest of the wedding bills. And, I got a new couch! Thanks to generous wedding gifts. The only other purchase I have to deal with is getting a new set of wheels...skates that is.

I did make resolutions for the year. They are not knitting related, so I have not posted them here. As much of a struggle as resolutions can be, I'm doing pretty good at sticking to mine. I have to remember that resolutions are meant to be a goal for the entire year, not just the month of January.

I have been working out my knitting resolutions, and hope to have those up very soon.

Book Sale...

2007-01-08T14:46:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping to free up some space on my bookshelf. Actually, I'm trying to limit the amount of knitting books that I own. I know that I couldn't possibly knit everything in every book, so I want to weed out a few. So, I am offering the following books at 50% off the cover price plus actual shipping costs (tbd once I know where you're at).

Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook ($7 + shipping)
Stitch 'n' Bitch Nation ($8 + shipping)
Hip to Knit ($9.5 + shipping)
The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits ($15 + shipping)
100 Afghan Squares to Knit ($12.50 + shipping)

These are all in excellent/almost new condition. If you're interested in any of these please book leave me a comment, including contact info, and I will be in touch. I will accept payment through PayPal or by money order.

Happy (belated) New Year!

2007-01-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

I've wanted to do a year-end wrap up post for a couple of weeks now. Unfortunately, every time I sit down to do it I realize that I would like to post some pictures along with it...no pictures have meant no post. argh!

I also want to write a post about projects that I'm going to work on this year, but I feel that should come after the year-in-review post. double-argh!

So, I'm just dropping by to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

it's been a long month...

2006-12-27T13:38:00.001-05:00

The month of December has not been very easy on me. I've been fighting low-grade sicknesses all month thanks to the random swings in the weather. I haven't had time during the week. Plus, I've had an overwhelmingly blah feeling about the holiday season this year.

Now that Christmas is over, I'm looking forward to the new year. I usually have a very optimistic view of the upcoming year. I haven't decided whether I will create resolutions for 2007. It's the time of year to consider another Yarn Diet...perhaps, I will join the "Knit From Your Stash 2007." The new year will definitely see Apartment Therapy Redux...At very least, I will pick up where I left off. If I come up with any good knitting-related resolutions, I'll put them up.

Oh well...I hope everyone has been enjoying the Holiday Season! See you in '07.

arrested development...

2006-12-01T10:36:00.000-05:00

I feel like there are a lot of things that will be put on hold. It's not that I don't want to keep moving forward...I just feel like there are too many external forces working against me right now.

Apartment Therapy update: For all of the effort that I put into this project, I don't see myself gaining any ground. AF is still working overtime. Even though he's okay with me doing the therapy he won't let me buy furniture and decorations that I need to really feel like things are changing. He knows that we will be buying things, but he wants to give his input and okay. On some levels, I can respect that since it's our money and our apartment. He's more messy than normal, so there's more clutter collecting than less.

If we don't go shopping this weekend for entryway items, I will be printing out pictures and ordering something online. I want to buy a bench, coat hooks, and a small bookcase...These three things will help complete my "Landing Strip."

In further apartment news...I have new windows, but the maintenance people haven't put the air conditioners back in place! Since they are fairly large window units, all of our furniture is still out of place. I asked the office about it, and they said they hope to have them done next week. NEXT WEEK! That's nearly three weeks after changing the windows.

Knitting update: I had to practically restart Gatsby. I ripped the second sleeve because the picot edging didn't match the first sleeve...It's one of those things that no one would notice except me. I also restarted the body of the sweater when I noticed that I hadn't changes to the larger needle size after the picot edge. I had been wondering why the back piece looked so small, and wondered if it was going to fit when I was done. The sizing looks much more realistic now.

Finally, I managed to finish some of my projects and take pictures. However, as you've probably noticed, I haven't posted these pictures yet. I think this will be at the top of the weekend's to-do list.

the cure week 3.0

2006-11-22T10:37:00.000-05:00

I successfully finished everything in week 2 by Saturday at 9am. I finished cleaning the kitchen while waiting for groceries to be delivered on Friday evening. I went through the last two cabinets and put some seldom-used storage containers and baking sheets in the out box. Saturday morning, I cleaned and wiped down all of the counter surfaces again. In the two weeks of working on the kitchen, I have created two outboxes. So far, I haven't needed to pull anything out of the outbox.

This Week's Assignment:
Bones-
1. Vacuum, dust, and mop throughout apartment
2. Clean your entrance and related closets
3. Arrange to have all repairs taken care of in the next 3 weeks
Breath-
1. Declutter your entrance
2. Move all old mail, catalogs, and magazines to the Outbox
3. Look into what you need to create a Landing Strip
4. Cancel unused subscriptions
Heart-
1. Identify cool rooms and warm rooms
2. Apply the 80/20 color rule
Head-
1. Cook two meals at home

In order to keep the momentum going, I went straight into week 3. This week's focus is the entryway. AF and I are lucky in that we have a distinct foyer in our apartment. Unfortunately, we're lacking the items in the foyer that will make the space useful. I know that I want to add a bench to this area, so AF can take off his dirty boots right inside the door instead of tracking dirt all the way to the sunroom. I would also like to have some hooks for guests' coats and lighter jackets.

I started by emptying the bookshelf that is already in the foyer, and moving it into the far corner. This should make more room for a bench. I was also able to weed through the books and magazines from the bookshelf. A lot of the magazines went in the trash, but the books are sitting in an Outbox.

We have decided to forego the "housewarming" party. AF will be working every Saturday for an indefinite time...I'm going to continue the apartment therapy, but I won't stress myself out by adding party planning to the mix.

pattern search...

2006-11-17T11:54:00.000-05:00

Be on the lookout for any patterns similar to this lovely:

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
I'm not exactly sure why I like this sweater...I'm usually not a big fan of longer, tunic-style sweaters, but I'm really diggin' the girlie factor.

the cure week 2.2

2006-11-14T16:10:00.000-05:00

The workers installed new windows in the apartment on Monday, even though it was cloudy and sprinkled most of the day. Unfortunately, they will come back later in the week to re-install the A/C units in the dining room and bedroom. We moved most of the furniture back into the dining room yesterday, but there are a couple of pieces that will have to wait until the A/C untils are back in place.

I will do my best to complete week 2 by Friday...Including a nice, homecooked meal Friday night! That way, I can start week 3 on Saturday morning. Week 3 is one that I know will be difficult, but I'm looking forward to it.

the cure week 2.1

2006-11-13T09:40:00.000-05:00

Week 2 needs to be extended. Even with a long weekend, I wasn't able to make as much progress as I wanted. I got off to a good start last week. Then, we got the notice that our windows would be replaced on Wednesday, so we had to move everything 4 ft away from the windows to make space for the workers...I know that 4 ft might not sound like a lot, but there are several windows in the apartment. Everything ended up in the middle of the apartment.

Unfortunately, it rained last Wednesday...hard. Since they weren't able to work in our apartment, AF and I decided to just live with things as they were instead of having to move it again. So, we've been living with any even bigger mess that is currently taking up most of the living room.

The window work was rescheduled to today...I hope the weather improves.

Week 2 progress:
Bones-
1. Fix one thing in your apartment yourself
2. Clean your kitchen from top to bottom and throw away old food

I made a lot of progress in the kitchen early last week. Unfortunately, when the windows were delayed everything fell apart. We moved lots of items out of the "dining room" and kitchen and haven't been able to put them back in place. I did go through all but two of the cabinets and have put several pieces in the outbox.

3. ~~Buy a water filter and use it~~
Breath-
1. ~~Run your hands over every wall in your apartment~~
2. ~~Clear space for an Outbox~~
3. Clear one surface and use the Outbox
Heart-
1. ~~buy fresh flowers~~
2. Determine your style
Head
1. Find a new recipe and cook one meal at home

I meant to cook dinner at home on Saturday night. However, I got a mid-afternoon call from a friends who was in town for the weekend, so that plan went out the window.

2. Choose a date for your housewarming

AF and I aren't all that hot on focusing on a housewarming. Unfortunately, we will be right in the middle of holidays when we finish the 8-weeks. And, he just found out that he will be working a lot of overtime between now and the new year. Good for the savings account, bad for home improvement.

actual knitting content...

2006-11-06T10:31:00.000-05:00

I managed to finish the first of my UFOs over the weekend! (Sorry for the lack of pictures...I couldn't get any good light last night). I finished a new scarf, just in time to pull out the winter coat. I thought it was very fitting, since there's been talk on Grumperina's blog about what the proper scarf length should be. I usually like a scarf that is as long as I am tall...

For this scarf, I had decided to just keep knitting until all of the yarn was gone. That was a mistake! When I finally got to the end, my scarf measured a full 7.5 feet. Much too long for my 5'4" frame. I unraveled it to 60", and it's perfect!

I will be tackling the smaller unfinished projects first. This morning, I grabbed my unfinished sock to knit on the bus. I only have 8 pattern repeats and toe shaping to complete this project. I will make sure I can get it done before the weekend. And, with any luck, the next pictures that I post on the blog will be taken with my new camera!

the cure week 2.0

2006-11-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

We're done with week 1. Yesterday, we walked through the apartment and made a list of things that need to be fixed. Thankfully, we won't need to do most of these ourselves. We'll probably ask the management company to take care of most of them.

We decided that the best object to get rid of was our old vacuum cleaner. We received a nicer one as a wedding gift. So, I put a sign on the old one, along with the rest of the bags that we had for it, and AF put it down in the trash room. Hopefully someone in the building will see it down there and get some use out of it. Everything else that we decide to give up will be dropped off at the Salvation Army. The old stereo gets to stick around a little longer. Every time AF says he's okay with getting rid of it, he finds some new excuse why he feels like he should hold onto it.

This Week's Assignment:
Bones-
1. Fix one thing in your apartment yourself
2. Clean your kitchen from top to bottom and throw away old food.
3. Buy a water filter and use it
Breath-
1. Run your hands over every wall in your apartment
2. Clear space for an Outbox
3. Clear one surface and use the Outbox
Heart-
1. Buy fresh flowers
2. Determine your style.
Head
1. Find a new recipe and cook one meal at home
2. Choose a date for your housewarming

the cure week 1.1

2006-11-03T11:23:00.000-05:00

AF and I decided that weeks will run from Monday through Sunday. So, we will have a couple more days to finish off the first week of the cure. This one has been easy.

Week 1 progress:
Bones-
1. Make a complete list of repairs and solutions
2. ~~Vacuum and mop the floors~~
Breath-
1. Take one item in your apartment and put it outside

AF and I talked about what should be put out, and we agree that it's probably a good time to get rid of the old stereo/8-track/turntable that used to belong to this grandparents. His father brought it from Michigan the first year AF and I lived together, because AF said he wanted the turntable...even though I already have a really nice one. It sat in a closet for two year because we had nowhere to put it. When we moved into the new apt, AF insisted that we put in the sunroom so he would have a radio to listen to...I hesitantly agreed to this demand.

We'll last Christmas, we decided to fire her up and listen to grandma's old LPs. We put on one of the records with Chrismas music, and turned on the stereo, only to rind that the damned turntable doesn't even work! Our best guess is that it was locked for shipping, but after 15 minutes we couldn't figure out how to unlock it.

Heart-
1. ~~Buy fresh flowers~~
Head-
1. ~~Sit for ten minutes in a part of your home that you never sit in~~
2. Look into Earth friendly cleaning products

We're still debating this point. Unfortunately, our Safeway doesn't have a very large selection of friendly cleaning products.

new Interweave!

2006-11-03T10:24:00.000-05:00

I got my copy in the mail this week, and I really like this issue. Of course, I always think that their Winter issue is the best of the year. My favorites include the Arctic Diamonds Stole, Enid Cardigan, and Nantucket Jacket. If you don't have the issue, check out the preview. Hopefully, this will serve as motivation to finish all of my UFOs!

the cure week 1.0

2006-10-30T15:13:00.000-05:00

This Week's Assignment: Get your hands on a copy of the book and read through page 69. This gives you all the ground work and gets you started with the interview and short quiz on the health of your home.

The Cure officially started this weekend. Both AF and I have gotten through the reading the interview, and I've taken some before pictures.

The entire tour is here.

Other assignments for the week include:
Bones-
1. Make a complete list of repairs and solutions
2. Vacuum and mop the floors
Breath-
1. Take one item in your apartment and put it outside
Heart-
1. Buy fresh flowers
Head-
1. Sit for ten minutes in a part of your home that you never sit in
2. Look into Earth friendly cleaning products

new project (non-knitting related)

2006-10-26T08:53:00.000-04:00

The apartment is still waiting for new windows. As I mentioned, this was the latest excuse letting things slip into a chaotic state. Even though our unit isn't schuduled this week, it's time to concentrate on making the apartment more appealing (and livable).

AF and I moved into this apartment last November, and were quickly occupied by the Holiday season. We painted before moving in the furniture, but didn't really take the time to organize everything. The closests filled up first, in a technique affectionately known in our household as a "landgrab." So, needless to say AF stuffed everything he could into closest to get it out of sight and out of mind. (To be honest, it's been on my mind!) Now, with wedding gifts, we have even more stuff and nowhere to put it.

Fast forward through the Holidays, and the new year. The next big obstacle came in March when we set the date for our wedding. Getting things out of boxes took a backseat, and we learned to live with random items in corners. We even forewent our Spring Cleaning ritual.

Even without the windows done, it's time to make my move. I'm joining the Apartment Therapy Fall Cure. I'm getting a late start, but better late than never. Fates be willing, I should be able to finish the overhaul in time for New Year's! I can't think of a better way to start 2007.

I have already gotten the book and done the first reading assignment. AF says he's on board! Hopefully, I can get him to do the reading and take the quizes this weekend.

back to normal?

2006-10-24T09:17:00.000-04:00

Not yet, but soon.

The wedding is over, and everything went very well. However, the work isn't done yet. There are still a few bills to settle, notes to write, name change, pictures to go through, etc. It's good to be home, but the apartment still looks like a cyclone hit it. My apartment management company is changing the windows in the entire building. So, we haven't put much effort into putting stuff away because we have to move all of the furniture for them to do their work. Our apt should be done this week, and I already have an apartment improvement plan in mind.

I have started knitting again. I had wanted to take a small project with me on our honeymoon, but I never had time to put anything together. I'm glad I didn't. Once I got to the airport, British Airways had signs clearly stating that knitting needles were not permitted on flights through London.

Right now, I'm working on a scarf for myself. And, I've managed to finish a small project that will remain secret for a couple more days. Once I'm done with the scarf, I think I will devote a lot of my time to UFOs. Also, by the end of the month, I need to decide if there will be any holiday knitting/craftiness.

please excuse me...

2006-07-13T14:38:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling a little rusty. I know that it's been nearly a month since my last post. I also know that there aren't too many people out there who are reading this blog...But, for those who do, I thought it was about time I wrote something.

A quick knitting update: I have finished my shawl! Thanks to the freakish rains that hovered over DC a couple of weeks back, I got the pleasure of getting 3 days off of work due to flooding. One morning, I took the time to block my shawl. I didn't make it as large as the dimensions on the pattern, but I'm happy with the results. (I might go back and re-block it to make bigger).

I also managed to finish all of the knitting for Crinkle. As a reader, I'm sure wondering what this project looks like. Unfortunately, I have no pictures to show you. You can either use your imagination, or you can visit some other bloggers who are working on this project. As long as I don't get too far off track, I should have time to block this project on Sunday.

I still have two other UFOs that I started this year. One is Butterfly. The other is a pair of socks that I started back in May. I will likely finish both of these before I start anything new.

a quick shout out...

2006-06-16T13:43:00.000-04:00

Last night, we had our league picture taken. I got to see Miss Priss, who not only knits, but is also a member of the RollerGirls. I happened to discover her blog a while back while searching for DC knitblogs, and have read it off and on ever since. Well...earlier this month while at a league meeting, she introduced herself, and completely called me out on being a blog stalker. Unfortunately, she hasn't been able to skate since we got the closed space.

Anyway, I just wanted to take a minute to send her some love! Hope to see you Saturday!

i'm spreading myself a little thin...

2006-06-13T11:11:00.000-04:00

but, I haven't started burning the candle at both ends...yet.

I have been getting a little bit of knitting in, mostly on the bus ride in the morning. I started Crinkle sleeves-first...you know how that goes! I managed to finish the first one last week, and I am now about a third of the way up the second. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures to prove it.

My Lotus Blossom Shawl is still in a holding pattern. The bed is the only surface that I will be able to use to block it. The problem is that I can't find the enough time when the bed is empty to get the job done. Last Friday, I was out the door at 9 am to meet my maid of honor to talk about planning a bachelorette party. Needless to say, I was motivated enough to pin out my shawl that morning. Then, I factor in the fact that AF will sleep as late as humanly possible! So, it's pretty hard to find time on a lot of weekends. I just have to be patient.

another new start...

2006-05-31T15:49:00.000-04:00

Friday afternoon, AF and I drove down to North Cackalacky to see his sister. With my shawl off the needles, I knew that I would need to find something to occupy my time while in the car. So, I turned to my faithful "1st 6 of '06" only to find that there was only one more project left to start, Crinkle. I know that I still haven't finished Butterfly, but I was in the mood to start something new.

I kind of cheated...I didn't do a swatch. I know it might seem a little cocky for me to say this, but every time I've knit with Rowan yarns and the suggested needle size, I always get gauge. So, I had no reason to think this project would be any different!

chart 6, complete...

2006-05-31T12:20:00.001-04:00

Actually, I finished the knitting for my Lotus blossom Shawl early last week, and finished the bobbled cast off last Friday. I just haven't had time to post until now. I would have to say that the cast off was probably the hardest part of this project, since you have to turn the work about 6 times to complete one bobble.

The shawl is how waiting to be blocked. I had hoped to do this last Friday before leaving town for the long weekend, but I just didn't have it in me. Now, I have to for another chance when the bed won't be in use. I don't dare pin it out on the floor...I just know that my cat will either claw at it, or try to chew on the pins.

charts 4 & 5, complete...

2006-05-15T13:44:00.000-04:00

Chart 4 is the first of the "lotus blossom" sections. I finished it last Friday morning, but haven't had a chance to post until now. The blossoms are a little more fiddley, with a lot of S1-K2tog-PSS0s. I have lost track a couple times, but the mistakes have been fairly easy to fix.

Chart 5 is a lot like chart 4, so I didn't take an additional picture when I finished it yesterday...Plus, I was much too eager to work on Chart 6, the final chart. It's basically like charts 4 & 5, but it has a small border followed by a bobble-sprinkled cast off. I'm pretty sure I'll have the knitting done this week, but I'm not exactly sure where I will be able to do my blocking.

charts 2 & 3, complete...

2006-05-11T08:59:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update to prove that this is still a knitting blog. As of yesterday's evening commute, I have finished the first 3 charts of the Lotus Blossom Shawl. Of course, I jumped right into knitting chart 4, which is where the lotus blossoms begin. And, as further proof, I have pictures.

The shawl after the 1st chart.

The shawl after the 2nd chart.

Close-up of the "stem" pattern.

chart 1, complete...

2006-05-08T11:15:00.000-04:00

The first chart of the shawl went by very quickly. In fact, I finished it late Friday afternoon. I snapped a few pictures, but haven't taken the time to upload them.

I have also made a good deal of progress on Chart 2. So far, the lace pattern that makes up the stems is pretty easy to follow. I'm about halfway, and already I'm wondering how long I will be able to take this project on the bus. When I finish this chart, I will have 195 stitches. It's definitely not the largest project that I've taken to work with me, but I don't think I will want to travel with it if it gets too cumbersome. Oh well, I'll see what happens.

So far I really like the yarn. It's very soft and has very little shedding. At the same time there is a bit of a halo.

i just need a little motivation...

2006-05-05T10:38:00.000-04:00

It seems that I can't obsess over more than one activity at a time. For the last few years, knitting has had nearly all of my attention. Lately, as I've mentioned, knitting has taken a back seat. Last week, I finished a sock and had no interest in starting the second one. I don't foresee myself wearing wool socks this summer, now matter how many fashion spreads are showing women wearing socks with strappy heels!

So, how does a rollerskating, wedding-obsessed knitter get back into the swing of things? She starts a wedding-related knit project, naturally!

This morning, I had an itch to start something new. I opened up the cabinet to the stash, and staring back at me was the Peruvian Collection Baby Silk that I bought from Elann back in March. I bought it knowing that I would knit a shawl to wear on my wedding day. The shawl of choice is the Lotus Blossom Shawl from Fiddlesticks. I casted on right before leaving the house, and the rows are going by pretty fast, but I'm pretty sure that won't last long. This shawl is worked top-down, starting with 3 stitches and increasing to create a triangle.

I'm also excited because this will put me back on track for my 1st 6 of '06 that has gone neglected. One of the items on that list was to knit a shawl. Originally, I was going to choose from either the Flower Basket Shawl or Ene's Scarf.

Oh well, I hope everyone has a good weekend...Happy Knitting!

it's the year of the sock!

2006-04-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

That's right...I said it. I'm started another pair of socks last week. It seems that socks are the only project that I can focus on given the amount of free time that I actually have.

I have traded leisurely Saturday mornings for dress shopping expeditions. I've traded my free-form, alternating Fridays for wedding planning. (Next month, these days will be used to design, print and assemble invites). And, I've given up one night a week to take on a new activity.

So, as much as I would like to sit and knit, I'm doing my best to stay focused on September. Thankfully, yarn doesn't have an expiration date!

please don't take away my membership card!

2006-04-04T11:23:00.000-04:00

I have not been much of a blogger lately. Even worse...I haven't been much of a knitter either. Guess what I've been doing on the bus these days. Reading! Some how this has become a better distraction for the ride in the mornings.

It's not that I don't want to knit. I just don't seem to be able to get into it. I suddenly have a bunch of things to coordinate, and knitting has dropped out of focus. I already mentioned the wedding. But, there's another milestone that I will be passing soon...The big three-to-the-0.

AF and I have been planning a birthday celebration. We've rented a cabin along the Appalachian trail in Virginia, and some of my friends will be joining us. Originally, I asked him to plan it for me. Unfortunately, between my desire to have exactly what I want and his laidback things-will-just-happen attitude, it became pretty obvious that I should "assist" in the planning. So, the last week has been spent working out the details of who should bring what. And, with any luck, it should be a nice relaxing weekend.

I haven't decided if I will bring any knitting out with me. I do, however, plan on trying to finish the book during the drive.

i guess needleGirl isn't such a bad name after all...

2006-03-24T12:35:00.000-05:00

updates...

2006-03-21T10:42:00.000-05:00

Life has become hectic in a very subtle since picking a date for my wedding. I may be putting undue pressure on myself to get this thing planned, but I don't think so. But, just in case anyone is wondering, here's a recap...

Auggie (cat): I took her back to the vet last week and they seem to think her leg will continue to show improvement. She's in excellent spirits and has started chasing things and jumping more, but the leg is still weak. I stopped dwelling over my cat once I saw her jump up on the forbidden dining table. I figured that if she's well enough to get on furniture she's not allowed on, she must be doing A-OK. The vet also wants me to get a sonogram of her heart to see if her vaccinations brought out a pre-existing condition. I will probably see how things look in another week and think about getting a second opinion.

Knitting: I have another finished object, my Retro rib Socks. They're not the most spectacular looking project, but I'm glad I finished something. I also ripped out the 2nd piece of Butterfly. I strung the beads, and picked up stitches again. I'm about halfway through the body decreases, and hope to have this project finished by the end of the month.

Yarn diet: I cheated! I'm not ending the diet..I just made a calculated addition to the stash. Last week Elann released some of their Peruvian Collection Baby Silk, and I wanted to make sure I got some before they sold out. This will most likely be used to knit a shawl to wear at the wedding. Although DC is still warm in late-Sept, it can cool off at night.

Wedding: I am thinking of starting another blog, where I blab about wedding planning...

not so restful weekend...

2006-03-13T15:33:00.000-05:00

Everything started out alright. Friday, I joined a friend and her roommates for drinks and dinner. I made it an early night because I had to get up the next morning and take Auggie to the vet. I've had my cat for a little over a year. She's been to the vet twice. Both times have been fairly routine. She does surprisingly well riding in the car. She's even really calm while in the vet's office. She gets her temperature taken, a shot, and she's done...So, I had no reason to think that this time would be any different.

Boy was I wrong! I guess my vet automatically adds expressing anal glands to the yearly routine. (If you don't know, I'm not gonna tell you.) This procedure made Auggie very nervous. Then came the three shots that she needed. She's never had problems before, so when the doctor warned of side effects, I thought nothing of it. But, it's a very good thing that I was listening.

When we got back home, I gave Auggie a couple treats and sat down to play with her a bit. She wasn't very keen on that idea. Then, she started itching her ears like mad. Then she would get up an walk a bit, but she'd kind of weave back and forth. Within 10 minutes of getting home she threw up. So, we rushed back to the vet...Thankfully, it's only 5 blocks away. Right as we pulled up, she got sick in the back of AF's car.

I rushed in while he parked. They took her out of the carrier and cleaned up a little. Then took her downstairs, where I wasn't allowed to follow, and gave her a shot of benedryl and a steroid. The kept her downstairs for about 30 minutes, while AF and I stood in one of the exam rooms wondering what to do. Finally, they brought her upstairs, drugged up and WET! Yup, my poor kitty dirtied herself so much they felt she needed a cleaning. Then, they had me sit with her for 15 minutes so she would calm down, then released her. We took our wet, stoned cat home and let he hang out for most of the afternoon. Try as she might, she really could walk anywhere. And, since the vet said she would be groggy, we didn't pay her too much attention.

Later in the afternoon, she got up and tried moving around again. This time, I noticed that she wasn't using one of her rear legs. It would literally drag behind her, paw facing upward...This is when I began to freak out. No one mentioned loss feeling in limbs. No one warned me that one of the side effects of vaccination could be paralysis! Thankfully, by the time I went to bed, the leg looked a more live...she was at least able to lift it enough to not completely drag it behind her.

On Sunday, I would pick Auggie up every once and again to try to get her to walk for a bit. She was still sluggish and unresponsive. At one point, I picked her up and she was like a dead weight in my arms. She truly was a sad sight. That afternoon, she started eating again and got some of her strength up.

This morning, when I got up, she came and met me at the bedroom door. It was a much slower walk than usual, but I was glad to see that she was responsive and alert again. I called my vets office as soon as they opened. I was told that the feeling will continue to turn in her leg, but if she's not better by Wednesday, I should bring her in. I was very relieved...Another one of the doctors even called back an hour later to re-affirm the advice.

Oh well, that was my weekend...hope yours was better!

another new project...

2006-03-10T10:16:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, I started another big endeavor. But,this one is a bit different, and not really knitting-related. I've started planning my wedding.

AF and I got engaged last July, and have taken our sweet time about setting a date. At first, wanted to wait until we had attended the three weddings to which we were invited. Next thing you know, we decided to move into another apartment. That was quickly followed by the holiday season...See how this goes!?

Along the way, we managed to look at one site that would accommodate a small ceremony and reception. Both AF and I fell in love with the site, but put it on the back burner. Well, last Friday morning, I took my dad to take a look at it. He was also quite impressed with the space and flexibility that the it afforded. So, with his blessing, we put down a deposit.

The phrase of the week..."It's on!"

current obsession...

2006-03-02T10:39:00.000-05:00

Well, there are two actually. The first, socks! That's right, I'm pretty sure I've been bitten by the bug. I finished the first of my Retro Rib socks and cast on for the second one right away. Finally, a project that will fit in nearly every bag I own. All I need to do now is get over the funny looks that I get on the bus in the morning...What? You never seen double-pointed needles before?

My second obsession is the one of the Knitty surprises, Starsky. At first I was turned off by the belt. This one is 60+ inches long...But, I might be able to get over that since the rest of the sweater looks pretty rockin'. I will have to take a dive into the stash to see if I have anything appropriate. If I find anything, I might have to switch up my 1st 6 of '06...This one could bump Crinkle!

it happened on a monday...

2006-02-28T13:34:00.000-05:00

Lucky made her debut yesterday morning, when I wore her to work! After months of anticipation, everything went over without a hitch. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a decent picture of myself before running out the door...For some reason every picture that I took with the auto-timer made me look like a deer caught in headlights. The ones that I took while pointing the camera at myself came out blurry. I was able to snap a decent picture this morning.

Pattern: Lucky from Stitch 'n Bitch Nation

Yarn: Silk City Perle 3/2 Cotton, color Silver Sage. Bought this yarn from Elann a while back, but never figured out what to do with it. I was still on the cone, which meant there were very few ends to weave in once I was done.

Needles: size 3 (3.0mm)

Size: I made the size small. Although the size is correct, the sweater is a little boxier than I thought it would be.

I don't want to pass too much judgment about the pattern. I will, however, say that I would not knit another one. In the future, I will think twice about making a sweater that includes any tied neck/waistband. I'm not sure which part was worse, knitting the neckband or sewing it onto the sweater.

I'm pretty happy with the outcome, but it took a lot of effort to finish this piece. And, it looks like I'm done just in time for Spring!

has anyone (in the US) received their Rowan?

2006-02-24T16:08:00.000-05:00

I go through this every time...I see the preview and get excited, only to be let down by how long it takes to get the magazine delivered. The website lists February 1st as the release date. I understand that that date is for the UK. But, today is February 24th, three weeks later, and there's no sign of the new Rowan.

When this happened last year, I considered buying a copy of the magazine at my LYS, and then selling the new club copy once it arrived. I also considered not renewing my subscription.

What's a girl to do?

another slow week...

2006-02-22T11:29:00.000-05:00

I haven't done much knitting since last week, even with a four-day weekend. I managed to finish the first piece of Butterfly. I even picked up the stitches for the second. I started working the lace pattern for about 10 rows before I noticed that I hadn't strung beads on the new ball of yarn that I was using...I minor speedbump really, but I haven't been in the mood to rip back yet.

I also spent a little time with Lucky. After knitting 1x1 rib for an hour, I tried the sweater on. I'm still about 5 inches short on one of the ties. This has really become a chore. I think I'll be sitting down with a movie (for entertainment) and drinks (to numb the pain of ribbing) this weekend in order to finish it.

I even started something new, then quickly set it aside. Last Wednesday, I started the Retro Rib Socks from Interweave (Winter04). I got off to a good start, then discovered that I had left the pattern at work over the weekend. Once I got to the start of the heel flap I had to stop. I have the pattern back now...just have to get the ball rolling again.

short attention span...

2006-02-17T10:01:00.000-05:00

I have a lot of ground to cover today. AF and I are having some people over tonight for dinner, and before they get here, I need to:

hem and put up the curtains we bought at IKEA in January

Hang icicle lights around the living room

finish putting away the laundry I did earlier this week

have lunch with my parents

make a trip to the grocery store to figure out what I'm serving for dinner

But I'd rather be enjoying the great gifts that AF got me for Festivus.

AF did a great job this year...He finally listened when I told him that I always keep an Amazon wish list. Now, I need to talk him into making me this for our entryway.

Thankfully, I'm off today and have time to do most of this stuff. And, maybe, I'll even be able to work in some knitting time, too.

what have i done to deserve this...

2006-02-13T09:33:00.000-05:00

Up until now, I have escaped all memes, for which I am glad. They are interesting, but I'd rather let them go the way of the chain email...Read and then ignored.

The main reason I have never been tagged is because I haven't advertised to friends that I have a blog...This thing has always be for my personal edification. The one friend I have who reads my blog has finally interrupted the delicate balance! So, Maya, this is for you!

Four Jobs I've Had:
Budget/Program Analyst
Internet Media Planner/Buyer
Building Manager of Student Center
Barista

Four Movies I Can Watch Over and Over:
Party Girl
Nightmare Before Christmas
Labyrinth
High Fidelity

Four Places I've Lived:
Washington, DC
Evanston, IL
Bethesda, MD
That's it...really!

Four (or more) TV Shows I Love:
Law & Order
24
Arrested Development
CBS Sunday Morning

Four Places I've Vacationed:
San Francisco, CA
Toronto, Canada
Seattle, WA
Outer Banks, NC

Four of My Favorite Dishes:
Peking Duck
Drunken Chicken
Shrimp w/ Lobster Sauce
I really dig a good steak...

Four Places I'd Rather Be:
At home, in bed
Tryst
New York City
knitting

Four Books I Could Read Over and Over:
Their Eyes Were Watching God - Zora Neale Hurston
Me Talk Pretty One Day - David Sedaris

Four Albums I Couldn't Live Without:
Paul's Boutique - Beastie Boys
A Storm in Heaven - The Verve
The Bends - Radiohead
Parklife - Blur

Four Bloggers I'm Tagging:
No one...this too will go the way of the chain letter. The buck stops here.

Four Things I Want to Do Before I Die:
Vacation in Greece
Own my own house
Run a craft-related small business
Win the lottery!

hem frill...

2006-02-09T16:56:00.000-05:00

It didn't take long for me to start another project. It's especially easy becayse I already have them picked out and listed on the sidebar. The next item on that list is Crinkle, but I haven't received the new Rowan, so I couldn't start that.

So, I moved to the next one...Butterfly! This was a pattern that I absolutely fell in love with when last year's Spring/Summer Rowan came out. Since it wasn't what I would call "practical," I put it on the back burner. But, now is the time!

It took me a while to get the hang of the lace pattern. I'm used to patterns where you always purl the wrong side...not so in this case. It wasn't until halfway through the second "hem frill" that I can say I memorized the lace pattern. I just picked up the stitches for the body.

moving right along...

2006-02-08T08:57:00.000-05:00

I seem to have a bug in my bonnet this month. Or, maybe, this version of a Yarn Diet is really motivating. I've made my way through three of my "1st six of '06"...Yup, I'd like to present my Jaywalkers:

Pattern: Jaywalker by Grumperina

Yarn: Woolarina Merino Sock Yarn. I bought this yarn last October at the Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair. Orginally, I thought I would use it to make a scarf.

Needles: size 2 dpns.

Size: I started out making the larger size. I tried the sock on once I had finished the heel, and it felt fine. However, once I got a couple of inches into knitting the foot, I could tell that it was going to be much too big...I restarted the smaller size immediately.

I have fallen in love with this pattern, and already have an itch to knit more socks. It absolutely amazes me that this is the first pair of socks that I knit! I think that I've decided that ribbed socks just aren't for me...Come to think of it, I never buy ribbed socks from stores. Why would I want to knit them?

a weekend debut...

2006-02-06T13:16:00.000-05:00

Pattern: Leaf Lace Sweater by Teva Durham

Yarn: Lion Brand Kool Wool (50% Merino Wool, 50% Acrylic); color: Claret. I used exactly 10 skeins. I only had scraps left when I was done.

Needles: Denise interchangeable needles, size 13.

Size: I made the medium size because my gauge wasn't exactly 10 st per inch as the pattern calls for.

I love the construction and design of this sweater. And, the Kool Wool is much nicer than I expected. It's very soft. The only thing that I would think about changing is the length of the sleeves. If I were to make this sweater again, I would shorten them by about two inches.

what's my motivation?

2006-02-01T09:55:00.000-05:00

If I had to grade myself, today, I would definitely consider an incomplete. I haven't worked on Lucky at all. This almost-finished sweater is still sitting in a laundry basket, waiting for another 20-some inches of 1x1 ribbing. This is just one of my shortcomings:

I have also neglected my Lace Leaf Pullover. This one has a few ends that need to be woven in before her grand premier. I did, however, find a nice button for the neck closure.

socks revisited...

2006-02-01T09:39:00.000-05:00

Last April I made my first attempt at sock knitting...It was even one of my "resolutions" for 2005. I figured I would start with a basic sock just to get a feel for how things work. Using a basic pattern, I set out to knit a pair of 2x2 ribbed socks. Things were going really well, until I turned the heel. The pattern that I was following used a "Sherman Heel," creating short rows. This process was very fiddley, and it took three tries before I had what looked like a heel.

I pressed on, even though I hated the way the sock-in-progress looked. I just wanted to go through the process. After knitting the foot, still in 2x2 rib, it was time for a "Sherman toe." I fought my way through the toe shaping, only to find that the sock ended up too long! I thought that I would rip back an inch and finish the sock. Well, I just couldn't. There were just something about the sock that I disliked. For nearly a year, that sock has been sitting in a bag, in my stash, waiting to be ripped.

After seeing all the hubbub about the Jaywalker socks--especially the knit along--I've gotten the itch to throw my hat into the ring. I cast on the first sock on Monday, and just finished the heel this morning!
Here's my progress so far:

And, the heel up-close:

So far, I'm absolutely in love with this sock.

i'm waiting for a sunny day...

2006-01-26T11:01:00.000-05:00

I love my apartment. The new place has a small sunroom with three big windows. In the afternoon, the whole place gets flooded with really nice sunlight, making everything feel warm. Unfortunately, I'm not always at home in the middle of the afternoon, so I haven't been able to get any good pictures of my latest knits. I know I could use the flash, but my colors always come out wrong.

I find it kind of unbelievable, but I finished the Lace-Leaf Pullover in exactly 7 days! Yesterday, during lunch, I grafted the top and bottom pieces together. It looks awesome. I bound off the two pieces of the body with waste yarn, then grafted the pieces together. This worked out really well. The problem that I usually have with Kitchener stitch is that I end up with a ton of twisted stitches. For some reason, I can't wrap my mind around which way you are supposed to go through which stitches. With both sets of stitches bound off, all of the stitches were in the correct orientation, and the action was just like grafting bound off edges. Once I was done grafting top to bottom, all I had to do was "unzip" the waste yarn!

Oh, and in case you're actually wondering what happened to Lucky...She took the week off. After knitting 6+ ft of neckband, I decided to start sewing it to the body. Without the band, the sweater just falls off your shoulders and looks crap. I worked and worked, and worked some more only to come up short! That's right! And, not just a little short. The band made it up one side, around the back, and stopped about 3 inches down the front. Thankfully I didn't bind off before I started this endeavor. After a week of rest and relaxation, I'm ready to ~~continue~~ complete the nightmare.

faster than a speeding bullet...

2006-01-23T00:02:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday, I started my Lace-Leaf Pullover. Since then, it's been whizzing by. By Thursday night, I had finished the yoke and upper body. Right now, I'm 20 rows away from finishing the second sleeve! Perhaps this sweater will be ready for a weekend debut.

I usually don't knit bulk or chunky knits. Actually, this is the my first project on needles larger than 10.5. But, since I really like the look of this sweater, I thought I'd go for it. Knitting with the large needles has taken a little getting used to. They feel pretty big and clunky, and my joints feel a little sore after knitting for a while...I guess I should be glad this will be a quick project.

first FO of 2006...

2006-01-18T10:12:00.000-05:00

Yup. I actually finished something over the long weekend. Unfortunately, it wasn't Lucky. I made a lot of progress, though. I blocked and seamed the pieces together. Now, all I have to do is finish the neckbang. At last count, the neckband is just under 5 feet long, which means that I will have about 20 more inches to knit.

My 1st finished object of the year is Branching Out!

Here's a close-up of the lace before blocking...

Here's the lace pattern while blocking...

The scarf is a little shorter than I would like, but I was limited to two skeins of yarn. The finished product is about 55 inches long. In the end, I decided to make two identical pieces and graft them together. I'm really glad I did. It gave me a little practice for my next project, which requires you to graft the top half of the body to the bottom half...Can you guess what's up next?

inch-by-inch...

2006-01-12T11:38:00.000-05:00

That's the only way this neckband is going to be done. I've made it my bus knitting. Even though it's getting longer -- 30 inches at last count -- it still fit neatly in my bag. I have a three day weekend coming up, and with any luck, I can finish Lucky. If I'm motivated enough, I think I will block the other pieces tonight after work.

Since the neckband is my bus-knitting, Branching Out has become home-knitting. So far, I have gone through about 3/4 of the first skein and I have 12 pattern repeats. As I'm knitting, all I can think about is the fact that the entire scarf is knit in one direction. That means that when I go to wear the scarf, the two ends will look different. (I know this isn't a problem for most people, but it seems to bug me) I've seen a lot of lacey scarf patterns that have you knit two halves, then graft them together. What do you think? Would that be too much effort for a simple scarf? Hmm...I'll decide when I get to the end of the first skein of yarn.

In other news, I am becoming obsessed with the Jaywalker socks that everyone on Earth seems to be knitting. I can't believe all the great looking socks! And, most bloggers have commented that they aren't too difficult, even for a beginner. Now, my only problem is that my small needles (size 1 &2) are in sets of 4 not 5...Good thing my yarn diet doesn't include needles and notions, too.

a sure cure for boredom...

2006-01-10T09:07:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, I finished both sleeves for Lucky. I felt really good, thinking that I was really close to finishing this sweater. Well, I'm not! I still need to knit the band that goes all the way around the neckline, plus the ties. The pattern calls for about 6 feet of 1x1 rib...needless to say this will be no small feat. I casted on for this Sunday evening. As of last night, I had just over a foot done. How boring!

What to do? Start something new! Yup, I cast on for Branching Out. I am using 2 skeins of Plymouth Baby Alpaca Brush that I received last year in a Secret Pal Exchange. This stuff is super soft, and color is perfect. So far, I've made it through four pattern repeats.

first seven of 2006...

2006-01-04T10:40:00.000-05:00

Gee, that title would be a heck of a lot catchier if it were the "1st six of '06". What do you think? Would it be cheating to change the rules? Really, I've barely even started my yarn diet...Okay, six it is!

And, here's my list:

Branching Out

Lace Leaf Pullover

My 1st Socks (technically a UFO, but I might start over)

Crinkle

Butterfly

My 1st Shawl -- either Flower Basket or Ene's Scarf

I'm not sure what order I will knit these in...I guess I'll decide as I go along. I'm pretty sure that I have yarn for each of these projects already in my stash. If I start a project and find that my yarn isn't working out, I will start looking for another project to replace it. (Depending on what happens this week*, I might go ahead and swap one of these for another project that I have in mind.) No matter what, I will not buy more yarn until I have completed six projects.

*I'm waiting for yarn that I ordered early in December, before I even started to think about another yarn diet. Hopefully, it's just a Holiday Season-related mail delay.

one last purchase...

2006-01-03T13:34:00.000-05:00

I've made up my mind. I will be putting myself on another yarn diet this year. But, before I start, I couldn't resist making on more enhancement to the stash. Sometimes, there are deals that are just too good to resist. This time, it's Lion brand Kool Wool for $1.25/skein. I got mine, now go get yours!

I will be changing the rules this year. Instead of setting the day that my diet will end, I am going to pick projects to complete before I can buy more yarn. I am going to aim to complete seven projects, using only stashed yarn, before I end my diet. Why seven? Well, over the holiday, I started going through the books and magazines that I have, and came across at least 10 that I really would like to make (and wear). These range from small items like scarves and hats, to a number of sweaters. Sometime this week, I will be adding the seven projects to the sidebar.

I'm not really sure how long it will take to make my way through seven projects. However, if I stick to this version of a yarn diet, I think I'll actually see the size of my stash decrease. Isn't that the point?

happy new year!

2006-01-03T10:27:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to start off the new year on a good foot. I haven't decided whether I want to list resolutions, since I didn't go all that well with last year's. I'll think about it this week and decide what to do.

Unlike Christmas weekend, this past weekend was very relaxing. I actually had a lot of time to sit and knit. I went back to work on Lucky and have made some progress. I'm done with both front pieces, and am nearly finished with the first sleeve. I keep trying to imagine this piece when it is complete...because the pieces alone don't really look like much.

I can't wait to finish this piece...First, I could really use a new top right about now. Secondly, Rowan has put up it's Spring preview, and I will need a clear palate to start new knits.

2nd annual yarn diet...

2005-12-21T09:39:00.000-05:00

Moving has, once again, made me realize that my yarn stash is a bit larger than I would like it to be. The last apartment was full of closets, six to be exact. It was perfect for ~~hiding~~ storing things. My new place, on the other hand, has just enough closet space for two people. Well, AF and I aren't really two normal people. He has a collection of tools that has already occupied an entire closet. Plus, camping gear stealing away a third of another. So far, we have agreed that our clothes will share a walk-in closet in the hallway.

Guess where my yarn stash has been for the last month...in the living room! Yup, I've got my big blue rubbermaid tub, busting at the seams, sitting in the way. It's just waiting for a new home. I also have other bits of yarn under my bed. Ideally, I will be able to make room in the hall closet for all of the yarn...but, it's looking kind of grim in there.

So, in another effort to thin things down, I contemplating another yarn diet. Last year, my diet lasted from January 1st, through my birthday. I need to think about whether I will do the same amount of time...My other thought is to tie it to the amount of my stash that I actually knit. For instance, the yarn diet will be over when I complete X number of projects using yarn from my stash.

happy holidays...

2005-12-21T09:15:00.000-05:00

I'm really enjoying this holiday season, and I think I know why...No knitted gifts this year! Yup, I just been able to enjoy the season.

I finished the two stockings for AF and I...just haven't figured out where to hang them. I have until Sunday. I got AF a couple of small gifts this year. Instead of wrapping them, I will put them in his stocking.

I haven't done much other knitting. Instead, I have been reading The Chronicles of Narnia. I'm hoping to see the movie this weekend. I have 4 days off, so I should be able to fit it in. I'm also trying to get the last few boxes unpacked. Since AF and I are in an apartment, we're hoping to not do too much damage to the walls and such. So, we still have to make some decisions about whether to hang shelving on the walls, or to buy another bookshelf. Until we decide that, there will be a few boxes with odds and ends to figure out...sounds like a good time to go to IKEA!

Well, it's shaping up to be a very busy weekend. AF's family will be in town. We will be spending Christmas Eve with them. Then, we're going to my brother's house on Christmas day...I get to see my new nephew! (that sounds so weird) Then we will go back to AF's sister's house.

Stash enhancement...

2005-12-07T11:01:00.000-05:00

Who could possibly resist Rowanspun 4-ply? I think the answer must be no one, myself included! Elann, sold out of most colors in under an hour. I ordered 15 hanks of Swarm and 10 hanks of Lunar. I'm not quite sure what I'm going to do with them. But, I'm sure I'll be able to find some inspiration in the book that I ordered this morning.

Unfortunately, I haven't been making much progress on Lucky this week. I had said that I wasn't going to have any holiday knitting...I spoke too soon. In a fit, I have decided to make AF and I Christmas stockings. Since, we're still not sure if the new apartment will have enough room for a tree, I figured I needed some kind of decorations. I started the first one on the bus Monday morning, and cast off last night right before going to bed. Since I will not be blocking these, I should be able to seam the first one tonight and cast on for the second...I'm still hoping for a tree, though.

just in time for another weekend...

2005-12-02T10:30:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to get back on track...AF and I successfully moved all of material goods into the new apartment. But, most things are still in boxes awaiting their new place in the world. Why, you ask? Well, two days after we moved, we jumped in a car and drove to Michigan for Thanksgiving. It was a long drive. We left last Wednesday at 5pm, and arrived at AF's father's house at 6:15 Thanksgiving morning. AF did all of the driving, through snow and white-out conditions. Our time in Muskegon was fairly enjoyable, but I'm glad to be back in DC.

I have made some progress on lucky. I have finished the right-front, after ripping back to the point where the shaping began. I still had some extra stiches this time, but the three extra look much better than 10 extra. I have also started the left-front and will be starting the neck shaping this weekend. I'm not sure how much time I will have to knit this weekend, since unpacking should really be my highest priority.

on hold...

2005-11-18T09:30:00.000-05:00

All knitting is officially on hold until I've moved into my new apartment. My attention span just won't allow me to focus on knitting and packing at the same time. So, to make sure that all packing is complete by the time I go to sleep on Saturday, I have to give up knitting.

Right now, the apartment looks like a war zone. The only room that looks "normal" is the bedroom. The worst part is that our entire hallway is lined with boxes, leaving little clearance for walking. At some point on Saturday, these boxes will need to be stacked in the livingroom so that we can move furniture out of the apartment. I'm feeling a little nervous about this move...We pick up our moving truck at 8:00 on Sunday morning and only have it until 5:30. Anything left after that will have to fit in a car.

Oh well, wish me luck...

lucky, my @$$...

2005-11-17T12:50:00.000-05:00

I did absolutely no knitting last weekend. I spent hour after hour packing up my belongings. This situation wasn't completely my choice. See, Thursday afternoon, I had a meeting, away from my office, in another building. It was supposed to start at 1pm and last an hour. Well, when I finally make my way back to daylight, it was almost 4! Argh! So, I had to decide whether to make the 20 minute walk back to my office (where I had left Lucky), or to go straight home...Hmm, guess what I did. So, Lucky sat in my desk drawer all weekend.

I picked the front piece up again Monday and continued working on the neck and arm shaping. With all of the decreases, I started flying through rows. Well, that's where my lucky ran out. I finished all of the arm decreases...But, I will have about 10 more decreases that need to be made on the neck edge. Huh? According the schematic in the book, the two edges should meet at a point. That's not what mine does!

So, I searched through the knitalong and found this post. It made me feel better because I wasn't alone, but it still doesn't solve my problem. So, I could do what the designer suggested in her response, or I can try to work out the row-by-row directions...Knowing me, I will take the time to work this out, and end up re-knitting the front.

4-day weekend...

2005-11-09T12:45:00.000-05:00

Yup, that's what I'm looking forward to. I'd love to say that I'm going to spend most of that time knitting, but I really don't know if that's going to be true. I've been sick all week, so the first thing I'm going to do is try to get some extra sleep.

Next on the agenda will be packing...AF and I are moving to a new apartment. We put a deposit down a couple of weeks ago, and we should be able to get into the place early next week. That should give us a week to do some painting and moving before we go to Michigan for Thanksgiving. I think that if I get a lot of stuff packed early, I might be able to keep myself from freaking out about this move. So, this weekend, I'll be packing up books/magazines and probably some other small housewares that I can live without for the rest of the month.

Finally, it's also my Mom's birthday...She usually doesn't make a big to-do about it. But, she does wait until the very last minute to tell the family what she wants to do for her b-day. Hopefully, she's already been thinking about it.

If/When I do find time to knit, I hope to make some progress on my Circular Shrug. I put it down for a while because I have been dreading the 5-6 inches of 2x2 ribbing that needs to be completed. Instead, I've been working away at Lucky. I finished the back last weekend, and have been making steady progress on the rd front.

i <3 lucky...

2005-11-04T09:29:00.000-05:00

I know it's only been a few days, but I'm pretty sure I'm in love. This project has just been zipping along. The pattern is very clearly written. And, the Silk City yarn looks great...I'd say that this pattern was made for it. I've been working on the back, and have made it through all of the body shaping. I'm about an inch and a half away from the raglan shaping.

Well, that's my little knitting update...

new start...

2005-11-01T09:22:00.000-05:00

Over the summer there was a Lucky Clover knit along. I would have joined, but I was already busy with the B^4. Then, that was followed by weddings and wedding-related activities. Followed by my second grudge match, AB^3. But, that's all over now!

This project has been on my wishlist for a while. And, seeing the great results that other bloggers have had only made me want to knit this sweater more. So, now that I find myself with only one project on the needles, it's the perfect time to get Lucky!

Last night I knit up a swatch using the Silk City Perle 3/2 Cotton that I bought from Elann back in July. I'm going to make Lucky in the Silver Sage color. I got gauge perfectly on size 3 needles on the first shot! So, I cast on for the back.