Years ago, when I attempted my first steek, I knew nothing about steeking. There was no internet then, only word of mouth help. Wasn't good help. Today we have such an invaluable tool to find our answers.
When I saw Murial's cardigan I knew it was the pattern I'd been seeking for years. Of course I had to download it; a free pattern from Knit Picks. It is knitted in the round and I knew that it would have to be steeked! Oh my. Much to my surprise the pattern is written with so much detail, on steeking, that my fear evaporated instantly. Today I steeked. Wow! I have decided to put in buttonholes, so now I had to find the proper button. I have lots and lots of buttons. I got out my container of buttons that are all sorted and on lengths of string. I found two different buttons that would work, one a light green and the other a dark green. The dark green will be perfect! Antique buttons with a shank. I say antique because they are from my MIL's stash and probably as old or older than me! Now all I need to do is put the cardigan on and note the bust point, for a button, so it won't gap. I will knit the left band first so I can count the stitches to be able to figure where the buttonholes will be placed. Ah, math! Glad I do like math! I will also place markers where I will attach the buttons and put in a stabilizer, between the front and back of the band, for extra stability when sewing the button on.
I can remember reading Elizabeth Zimmerman's note about steeking. "Cut on basting, then lie down in a darkened room for 15 minutes to recover. You will never fear to cut again". That was from page 61 of Knitting Without Tears. In another quote she suggested a glass of wine and a cold cloth on your forehead.
I was feeling very confident when I did my steek because of the instructions with the Classic Lines Cardigan pattern. The band will fold over and cover all of the steek.
It all worked just like it was supposed to.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Round and round I go
My cardigan is progeressing, wonder of wonders! Both sleeves are now on holders to eventually attach to the body. 12,210 stitches in each sleeve, which is nothing compared to 44,676 on the body, just to get to the point where I can attach the sleeves! Oh my! I'm at 11,016 stitches now, on the body, which represents about 1/4 of the way to the sleeve attachment. Sure doesn't look like that much! I've recorded a bunch of Christmas shows on tv that I can watch while I knit. Those I don't have to watch so close, so I can get a lot of knitting done while they play.
I'm thinking ahead and have decided to hem the sleeves before attaching them to the body. Because it steeks I will do most of the body hem, at that time also. Just won't hem the front portion at that point. I just want to have as much of the finishing work done, as possible, when I finish all the knitting. I've been thinking about the sweater that I've still got to finish. It has so many ends, that I have finished off and think maybe I'll use the same technique on it as the Classic Cardigan . . enclosing the edge in a self facing to cover all the front edge. Something to think about as I go round and round.
I'm thinking ahead and have decided to hem the sleeves before attaching them to the body. Because it steeks I will do most of the body hem, at that time also. Just won't hem the front portion at that point. I just want to have as much of the finishing work done, as possible, when I finish all the knitting. I've been thinking about the sweater that I've still got to finish. It has so many ends, that I have finished off and think maybe I'll use the same technique on it as the Classic Cardigan . . enclosing the edge in a self facing to cover all the front edge. Something to think about as I go round and round.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Remembering the past
I started the Knit Picks Classic Lines Cardigan last night. This evening, while working on the first sleeve I remembered that it used to take me 3 days to make one sleeve of a sweater. Of course those sweaters were aran, not 2 strands of lace weight yarn. I am enjoying this very easy knit, round and round! This sweater is sure bringing back the memories, even though it isn't an aran.
Finally getting my WIP items under control. Still have two projects to kitchner, David's socks to add the toe to, in a different color yarn, since I ran out of the pattern yarn. Hey! Size 14 feet don't take kindly to 100g of sock yarn if you make the leg portion longer! Ouch!
Went to the doctor today and had two more probable basil cell carcinomas removed. Already have had 3 removed over the last 3 years. One of the two today was very small but since he was removing the other one he decided we might as well have it removed and biopsied also.
My stash is growing!
Finally getting my WIP items under control. Still have two projects to kitchner, David's socks to add the toe to, in a different color yarn, since I ran out of the pattern yarn. Hey! Size 14 feet don't take kindly to 100g of sock yarn if you make the leg portion longer! Ouch!
Went to the doctor today and had two more probable basil cell carcinomas removed. Already have had 3 removed over the last 3 years. One of the two today was very small but since he was removing the other one he decided we might as well have it removed and biopsied also.
My stash is growing!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Sweaters and more sweaters
Along with everything else I have on needles I've got one sweater almost done. It is one that was designed by Marge Butler and I just have the final sleeve to do, besides of course the band & hiding lots and lots of ends.
Today I ordered yarn for cardigans. Yes, multiple cardigans. There will be one in green tones, one in rust tones and one in blue tones.
I always have so many projects on my needles. It gives me variety and I can knit what I feel like working on. I even mended a couple of socks last week! Today I wanted to finish my latest pair of socks, except for the kitchner. Only problem is I'm tired and have the blaaaas. Maybe I'll get the foot done, never can tell. I tend to save a bunch and do kitchner all day.
I haven't knit much this year, as I went on vacation and then my friend was sick so I spent a lot of time just going to see here daily. Then I got sick and couldn't knit, my gauge was way off. So I read and slept alot. I was doing good to even be able to concentrate to read. Even though I haven't done a lot of knitting I have been buying yarn! I stayed on a "no new yarn" diet for quite awhile and then the dam broke! The Yarn Vault, Marge Butler and Knit Picks love to see me coming! Now it is knit fast, for Christmas for Sharon #1, since she is the only one I knit for, besides myself and David. Poor David will be getting only one pair of socks this year! I keep looking at Argyle patterns for him, but haven't found much. There is one vest I think he would like, but then I have to decide on the colors. Oh well, maybe someday.
Today I ordered yarn for cardigans. Yes, multiple cardigans. There will be one in green tones, one in rust tones and one in blue tones.
I always have so many projects on my needles. It gives me variety and I can knit what I feel like working on. I even mended a couple of socks last week! Today I wanted to finish my latest pair of socks, except for the kitchner. Only problem is I'm tired and have the blaaaas. Maybe I'll get the foot done, never can tell. I tend to save a bunch and do kitchner all day.
I haven't knit much this year, as I went on vacation and then my friend was sick so I spent a lot of time just going to see here daily. Then I got sick and couldn't knit, my gauge was way off. So I read and slept alot. I was doing good to even be able to concentrate to read. Even though I haven't done a lot of knitting I have been buying yarn! I stayed on a "no new yarn" diet for quite awhile and then the dam broke! The Yarn Vault, Marge Butler and Knit Picks love to see me coming! Now it is knit fast, for Christmas for Sharon #1, since she is the only one I knit for, besides myself and David. Poor David will be getting only one pair of socks this year! I keep looking at Argyle patterns for him, but haven't found much. There is one vest I think he would like, but then I have to decide on the colors. Oh well, maybe someday.
Friday, October 14, 2011
How time flies
It's been over 2 months since my last post and not much has changed. A few new things on needles and Mary is still registered in a nursing home to get physical therapy but currently in the hospital with an infection. Then Dick, a dear friend, broke his leg and has 3 broken ribs. He is in a different nursing home! I guess the running and stress was to overwhelming for me and I came down with something. I don't know what it is but it has kept me home. I was supposed to go to Rheinbeck NY yesterday and here I sit!
I have a tendon problem in my left arm but it is not from knitting. It is from reading! I hold the book in my left hand. Now I am setting the book on my TV tray/stand and it seems to help.
So, here I sit, sort of enjoying a quiet early weekend, eating club crackers to make my stomach happy. Wish I could find some diet 7-up. Don't want to go all the way out to Walmart and couldn't find any in town. Weird. Maybe I just wasn't looking hard enough.
I have a tendon problem in my left arm but it is not from knitting. It is from reading! I hold the book in my left hand. Now I am setting the book on my TV tray/stand and it seems to help.
So, here I sit, sort of enjoying a quiet early weekend, eating club crackers to make my stomach happy. Wish I could find some diet 7-up. Don't want to go all the way out to Walmart and couldn't find any in town. Weird. Maybe I just wasn't looking hard enough.
Monday, August 1, 2011
The Summer Read-A-Thon hits again
Last year I went through a period of time without knitting. Looks like I'm in the same rut this year. Of course this is not intentional but circumstances seem to dictate what direction we journey.
This summer has not been smooth, since returning home from my wonderful Alaskan vacation with Sharon #1. We had a blast. The first 5 weeks after I got back I was on the road to Erie 6 days a week. My friend had come down with GBS while I was gone. Now it is 5 days a week to the Oil City nursing home/rehab facility, where she is receiving physical therapy. As a result I'm not doing much besides visiting her AND the house isn't getting messed up since I'm not here to make much of a mess!
I have done a few rounds on the Neibling and re-vamped the way I handle the pattern. Previously I had the pattern charted and printed out on 2 sheets, taped together. Now I have separated the big sheet into 8 sections of 10 stitches per section. I bought some small receipe cards, 2 1" x 3", and using double sided scotch tape, put each section on a card. I punched a hole in the top right corner of the card and used a 1" ring to hold the set together. The cards hold 3 rows of pattern, so right now I'm working on round 99 which is the last round on the 1st set of cards. I have rounds 101, 103 and 105 on the next set, ready to use.
I've found these little cards great to write my daily to-do list on, for when I'm out and about. They come in packages of 200 and I have all the extras punched and on a 2" ring. I thnk big! I bought 2 packages! Also you can't buy just one ring! I bought one set each of the 1" and 2" rings.
Oh yes, I also decided to put stitch markers every 10 stitches, within each pattern repeat, of the Neibling. I know, more stitch markers to have to move! But, darn it, I was having problems with the pattern. This fix has eliminated that problem and now I'm only putting in a safety line after every 4th round. I was inserting one through every plain row.
I've decided that since returning from my vacation I've lost my (mind?), no, just my morning schedule! I used to get everything taken care of in the morning, before noon. Then, just before going to bed I'd go on the computer and check everything one last time. Now I'm not using my time efficiently and this has got to stop! Starting in the morning I'm going to try and get back on schedule. Of course the running to be with Mary has been part of the mess up of my schedule and I think the heat is another reason. Of course I wouldn't give up going to cheer Mary on, but I do need to get some order back into my life. I've made myself a reminder list, so I'll try to stick to it.
This summer has not been smooth, since returning home from my wonderful Alaskan vacation with Sharon #1. We had a blast. The first 5 weeks after I got back I was on the road to Erie 6 days a week. My friend had come down with GBS while I was gone. Now it is 5 days a week to the Oil City nursing home/rehab facility, where she is receiving physical therapy. As a result I'm not doing much besides visiting her AND the house isn't getting messed up since I'm not here to make much of a mess!
I have done a few rounds on the Neibling and re-vamped the way I handle the pattern. Previously I had the pattern charted and printed out on 2 sheets, taped together. Now I have separated the big sheet into 8 sections of 10 stitches per section. I bought some small receipe cards, 2 1" x 3", and using double sided scotch tape, put each section on a card. I punched a hole in the top right corner of the card and used a 1" ring to hold the set together. The cards hold 3 rows of pattern, so right now I'm working on round 99 which is the last round on the 1st set of cards. I have rounds 101, 103 and 105 on the next set, ready to use.
I've found these little cards great to write my daily to-do list on, for when I'm out and about. They come in packages of 200 and I have all the extras punched and on a 2" ring. I thnk big! I bought 2 packages! Also you can't buy just one ring! I bought one set each of the 1" and 2" rings.
Oh yes, I also decided to put stitch markers every 10 stitches, within each pattern repeat, of the Neibling. I know, more stitch markers to have to move! But, darn it, I was having problems with the pattern. This fix has eliminated that problem and now I'm only putting in a safety line after every 4th round. I was inserting one through every plain row.
I've decided that since returning from my vacation I've lost my (mind?), no, just my morning schedule! I used to get everything taken care of in the morning, before noon. Then, just before going to bed I'd go on the computer and check everything one last time. Now I'm not using my time efficiently and this has got to stop! Starting in the morning I'm going to try and get back on schedule. Of course the running to be with Mary has been part of the mess up of my schedule and I think the heat is another reason. Of course I wouldn't give up going to cheer Mary on, but I do need to get some order back into my life. I've made myself a reminder list, so I'll try to stick to it.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
So slow
I ended up making more Pop-Up-Paws, so Sharon #1 will be receiving a pair made out of the same yarn I used to made her heavy V-neck sweater. I made myself a pair out of the same yarn I used to make my heavy V-neck sweater. I didn't get to the post office until yesterday, to mail David's sock and Sharon's Pop-Up-Paws.
Now I'm back to the Herbert Neibling doily and put another sock on the needles for David.
I did get one of the felted slippers put together and ready to felt, but the 2nd one is still in pieces.
I'm trying to stay away from buying more yarn. I have such a large stash of sock yarn and miscellaneous yarn that I need to use up. I guess it is time to design some quick projects to knit up and set aside, to sell next winter, for Christmas gifts.
Now I'm back to the Herbert Neibling doily and put another sock on the needles for David.
I did get one of the felted slippers put together and ready to felt, but the 2nd one is still in pieces.
I'm trying to stay away from buying more yarn. I have such a large stash of sock yarn and miscellaneous yarn that I need to use up. I guess it is time to design some quick projects to knit up and set aside, to sell next winter, for Christmas gifts.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Making progress
I have finally kitchnered David's 2nd sock, one pair of white socks and one pair of Pop-Up-Paws. All of the threads are woven in and they are DONE! I will be mailing the Popp-Up-Paws to Sharon #1 to try on. This pair is in the teal and she wants hers in white. Because of the bind-off around the fingers I want her to try them on to see if they feel ok. The white socks were to go to Sharon #1 but I changed my mind and will keep them. I can see some white cotton yarn, in the sock section of my yarn cabinet, that will be more appropriate for her. I'll probably do a lace design.
Now I need to put the pieces together for the felted slippers and get them felted. I'm not feeling that motivated this evening, so I'll just clean up my knitting table, sit back and relax. I do have to get things ready to go to knitting tomorrow, so that is enough for tonight.
Have I been bad snce my last post? Yes, I have been on line spending. On the knitting subject, I purchased the 2010 Interweave Knits magazine because of the detail on knitting in zippers. It also has a cute double knitting hat pattern and a pattern for some socks I like. I also purchased the DVD from Knitting Daily Workshop titled A Knitter's Guide to Color with Laura Bryant. Amazing how much I got out of it in just one viewing. Then yesterday I got a letter from Sasha Kagan with a listng of some kits she has put together for sale, a new book called The Classic Collection, a coupon for 10 (something) off and a picture of a beautiful scaf in intarsia and lace. Ohhh so tempting! My KP order came, so I have the soles for my slippers and a bunch of miscellaneous items, including some Eucalan Wool Wash.
A funny: In the middle of the night, actually very early this morning, I'm half awake and in the bathroom. All of a sudden there goes a black streak past the bathroom door towards the washer/dryer. Oh S***t!! A mouse. Now I'm wide awake, grabbing a mouse trap and the peanut butter I set the trap. Sure enough, this morning I awake to a mouse that needs to be dispatched to the garbage. My dear sweet bird tried to tell me there was a MONSTER in the house. He screamed and yelled at me for two days! Mommy, HELP! Mommmmmmy! The last time I had a mouse he acted exactly the same! Now I will listen to my bird and I've set out another trap! By the way, he, my bird, is being soooo quiet now!
Now I need to put the pieces together for the felted slippers and get them felted. I'm not feeling that motivated this evening, so I'll just clean up my knitting table, sit back and relax. I do have to get things ready to go to knitting tomorrow, so that is enough for tonight.
Have I been bad snce my last post? Yes, I have been on line spending. On the knitting subject, I purchased the 2010 Interweave Knits magazine because of the detail on knitting in zippers. It also has a cute double knitting hat pattern and a pattern for some socks I like. I also purchased the DVD from Knitting Daily Workshop titled A Knitter's Guide to Color with Laura Bryant. Amazing how much I got out of it in just one viewing. Then yesterday I got a letter from Sasha Kagan with a listng of some kits she has put together for sale, a new book called The Classic Collection, a coupon for 10 (something) off and a picture of a beautiful scaf in intarsia and lace. Ohhh so tempting! My KP order came, so I have the soles for my slippers and a bunch of miscellaneous items, including some Eucalan Wool Wash.
A funny: In the middle of the night, actually very early this morning, I'm half awake and in the bathroom. All of a sudden there goes a black streak past the bathroom door towards the washer/dryer. Oh S***t!! A mouse. Now I'm wide awake, grabbing a mouse trap and the peanut butter I set the trap. Sure enough, this morning I awake to a mouse that needs to be dispatched to the garbage. My dear sweet bird tried to tell me there was a MONSTER in the house. He screamed and yelled at me for two days! Mommy, HELP! Mommmmmmy! The last time I had a mouse he acted exactly the same! Now I will listen to my bird and I've set out another trap! By the way, he, my bird, is being soooo quiet now!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Making Progress
The sock fit David, so I've started the 2nd one. The Vest for Sharon #1 fit her and she is happy to receive it and the 2 pair of socks. Haven't heard from her DIL about the Vest/Shrug but Sharon said she, DIL, had received it and was going to e-mail me. I had mailed everything a week ago yesterday and as of yesterday Jeanne had not received her taxes. After checking I realized I had put the wrong zip code on the envelope. It will take a bit longer for her to get it because of that!
I've held a circular Signature needle. I was so impressed with the feel and lightness, sort of like holding a cloud. Covet! Covet! So, when I decided to list my needles on Ravelry I immediately felt the difference in all of my needles, especially the double points. Now, I do have Knit Picks 5" sock needle double points and really like them, but they only go up through size 3. I have lots of Clover, some Crystal Palace and some Brittany double points along with some metal ones. Just handling all of these needles made me realize the different textures between manufacturers. The same with the circulars that I listed. Anyway it was driving me nuts! Kept thinking about the Signature needle I had held. I went on their site and read some of the reviews. One gal mentioned that she did not have the "falling out" problem with their double points and that remark stuck with me. The problem is they are not cheap and I'm not young! Should I really put that much money into any new needles, when I have every size I will ever use. The double points are $55.00 per set and the circulars are $40.00 each! I made a Wish List!
Late Monday night I phoned an ex-knitter friend (Norma) in Utah, that is about 10 years older than I am, just to visit. As we visited I mentioned the Signature needles and her reply was: "You don't have arthritis and your vision is great. You will be knitting for more than 10 or 20 more years. You deserve them! Buy them!" Now you really have to understand that I like to watch my savings grow and could be considered very tight with my money EXCEPT when it comes to knitting or friends in need. I watch my budget. So, this was really bothering me, as I had aready spent my knitting budget for the month. Then to top it off I had spent my "blow it" budget on knitting related items also! I ordered 2 sets of double points, size 4 and size 6! Now, I did this late in the evening on Monday, a holiday, and I logged on to my e-mail the next day at 10:30 in the morning and there was an e-mail saying "Your order has shipped"! That means that they filled my order and shipped it by 9:30 in the morning; they are in the Central time zone! No changing your mind with them! I have decided that I will make a change to my budget and make one purchase a month, if they are as great as I think they will be! They should be here tomorrow, along with my order from Knit Picks!
I just talked to Sharon #1. The lat time I talked to her I asked her if she would like some mittens, Pop Up Paws, to be exact. She said no, she rarely wears gloves or mittens. Well, she has had a change of heart! LOLROF. Her vest was out of Plymouth Yarn's Mulberry Merino and it is so soft and she loves the feel. So she asked if I had any more of that yarn. It just happens that yes, I just bought 2 more skeins in the same color. Now I have 2 pair of Pop Up Paws on my list, one pair for her and a pair for me! That darn list just keeps growing!
I have made progress on the Fiber Trends slippers. I have the body and double soles knitted and ready to start joining. Then it will be just the felting and then design embroidery.
I need to get the ribbing finished on David's 2nd sock today so that I can do mindless rounds later this evening.
What am I doing on here! I should be knitting!
I've held a circular Signature needle. I was so impressed with the feel and lightness, sort of like holding a cloud. Covet! Covet! So, when I decided to list my needles on Ravelry I immediately felt the difference in all of my needles, especially the double points. Now, I do have Knit Picks 5" sock needle double points and really like them, but they only go up through size 3. I have lots of Clover, some Crystal Palace and some Brittany double points along with some metal ones. Just handling all of these needles made me realize the different textures between manufacturers. The same with the circulars that I listed. Anyway it was driving me nuts! Kept thinking about the Signature needle I had held. I went on their site and read some of the reviews. One gal mentioned that she did not have the "falling out" problem with their double points and that remark stuck with me. The problem is they are not cheap and I'm not young! Should I really put that much money into any new needles, when I have every size I will ever use. The double points are $55.00 per set and the circulars are $40.00 each! I made a Wish List!
Late Monday night I phoned an ex-knitter friend (Norma) in Utah, that is about 10 years older than I am, just to visit. As we visited I mentioned the Signature needles and her reply was: "You don't have arthritis and your vision is great. You will be knitting for more than 10 or 20 more years. You deserve them! Buy them!" Now you really have to understand that I like to watch my savings grow and could be considered very tight with my money EXCEPT when it comes to knitting or friends in need. I watch my budget. So, this was really bothering me, as I had aready spent my knitting budget for the month. Then to top it off I had spent my "blow it" budget on knitting related items also! I ordered 2 sets of double points, size 4 and size 6! Now, I did this late in the evening on Monday, a holiday, and I logged on to my e-mail the next day at 10:30 in the morning and there was an e-mail saying "Your order has shipped"! That means that they filled my order and shipped it by 9:30 in the morning; they are in the Central time zone! No changing your mind with them! I have decided that I will make a change to my budget and make one purchase a month, if they are as great as I think they will be! They should be here tomorrow, along with my order from Knit Picks!
I just talked to Sharon #1. The lat time I talked to her I asked her if she would like some mittens, Pop Up Paws, to be exact. She said no, she rarely wears gloves or mittens. Well, she has had a change of heart! LOLROF. Her vest was out of Plymouth Yarn's Mulberry Merino and it is so soft and she loves the feel. So she asked if I had any more of that yarn. It just happens that yes, I just bought 2 more skeins in the same color. Now I have 2 pair of Pop Up Paws on my list, one pair for her and a pair for me! That darn list just keeps growing!
I have made progress on the Fiber Trends slippers. I have the body and double soles knitted and ready to start joining. Then it will be just the felting and then design embroidery.
I need to get the ribbing finished on David's 2nd sock today so that I can do mindless rounds later this evening.
What am I doing on here! I should be knitting!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Some progress made
Finished the first sock for DS. Since I had made some pattern changes I am sending it off to him tomorrow to try on. The darned pair will be in the same box, along with his taxes!
I'm mailing Sharon #1's vest and two pair of socks to her tomorrow. The Shrug/Vest I had made out of the Alpaca yarn is going to Sharon #1's DIL tomorrow. She is skinny and it will look great on her.
Mailing Jeanne's taxes to her tomorrow.
Thank heavens I don't have to pay taxes!
I got the Fiber Trends Natural Comfort Felt Slippers started on Saturday 2/12/11.
I really should have kitchnered the white socks today, but I really ran out of time with all the taxes I needed to put on forms. I did another friend's taxes that have to be mailed to Utah for her to sign and send on!
Tax note to anybody reading this, fill out the 1040 Schedule M if you had earned income. It could mean $400 or more in a tax credit!
I'm mailing Sharon #1's vest and two pair of socks to her tomorrow. The Shrug/Vest I had made out of the Alpaca yarn is going to Sharon #1's DIL tomorrow. She is skinny and it will look great on her.
Mailing Jeanne's taxes to her tomorrow.
Thank heavens I don't have to pay taxes!
I got the Fiber Trends Natural Comfort Felt Slippers started on Saturday 2/12/11.
I really should have kitchnered the white socks today, but I really ran out of time with all the taxes I needed to put on forms. I did another friend's taxes that have to be mailed to Utah for her to sign and send on!
Tax note to anybody reading this, fill out the 1040 Schedule M if you had earned income. It could mean $400 or more in a tax credit!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Winter slow down
I haven't felt like doing much. I did buy a Wonder Washer for felting and realized it can be used for my normally small loads of laundry. It works like a charm for both, I love it!
Finished the white socks, except for kitchnering the toes. I save up until I have a bunch to do and then do them all at once.
Another sock on the needles for David (son with big feet!) using Red Heart's Heart & Sole in colorway Teqila Sunrise. I found out he loves the colorful socks and his co-workers and boss think they are neat! He even mixes them up, wearing one from one set with one from another set! The current on the needles sock is done a bit different than normal, more stitches around and a bit longer. I told him I will send the one sock for him to try on and see how it fits. I don't want to make the 2nd one until I'm sure of the fit.
Made the deposit for my friend and I to go on a fourteen day Alaskan cruise the end of May. So, Sharon #1 (her) and Sharon #2 (me) will take a round trip cruise eating lots and getting fat and sassy! We are lucky that we get along perfectly.
Finished the white socks, except for kitchnering the toes. I save up until I have a bunch to do and then do them all at once.
Another sock on the needles for David (son with big feet!) using Red Heart's Heart & Sole in colorway Teqila Sunrise. I found out he loves the colorful socks and his co-workers and boss think they are neat! He even mixes them up, wearing one from one set with one from another set! The current on the needles sock is done a bit different than normal, more stitches around and a bit longer. I told him I will send the one sock for him to try on and see how it fits. I don't want to make the 2nd one until I'm sure of the fit.
Made the deposit for my friend and I to go on a fourteen day Alaskan cruise the end of May. So, Sharon #1 (her) and Sharon #2 (me) will take a round trip cruise eating lots and getting fat and sassy! We are lucky that we get along perfectly.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Trying something new
First, I've got one white sock done and the 2nd started. I'm still working on the Niebling.
I am about to make a "swatch" with my unspun Icelandic yarn. I just hate the though of making a swatch that will not be able to be taken apart. I've decided on 3 strands to get the 5 wpi, using size 11 needles and hope to get the required 3 sts per inch, before felting. The uncertainty of felting is why I've never done it before. But this year is turning out to be so cold. I want the slippers, some mittens and a hat that are felted. IF it all turns out ok then I'm seriously thinking of making boots! Maybe I'm dreaming! After all, my hands do better with the small needles - less movement.
Once I get the felt down sts and rows per inch I can go from there!
I am about to make a "swatch" with my unspun Icelandic yarn. I just hate the though of making a swatch that will not be able to be taken apart. I've decided on 3 strands to get the 5 wpi, using size 11 needles and hope to get the required 3 sts per inch, before felting. The uncertainty of felting is why I've never done it before. But this year is turning out to be so cold. I want the slippers, some mittens and a hat that are felted. IF it all turns out ok then I'm seriously thinking of making boots! Maybe I'm dreaming! After all, my hands do better with the small needles - less movement.
Once I get the felt down sts and rows per inch I can go from there!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Downloading pictures
I've spent the last 3 hours copying pictures of my older projects, from a disk, to my computer. Then I listed them in Ravelry with the pictures. This took so much time that I did not take the time to look up the actual pattern names and the origins of the patterns. Many of these I do have in my 3 ring binder, with notes about the process and yarn. I really should print the pictures and inset them in the binder with the notes.
Now I ned to get with it around the house. Then it's back to knitting and oops, eating. I forgot breakfast and it's just after 3:00!
Now I ned to get with it around the house. Then it's back to knitting and oops, eating. I forgot breakfast and it's just after 3:00!
Tinking is not fun
Had to tink, stitch by stitch, back through round 68 on the Neibling. I think that added up to 1,986 stitches! Oh well (I say that a lot), it is now done through round 72 and I inserted a safety/life line!
I've done a few rounds on the white socks. I tried them on and I'm happy with the changes I made to the basic pattern. Now I need to re-write it, on the computer, so I can save and print it out. Another 25 or so rounds and I'll be checking the length to see if it's time to start the toe. This yarn seems to be knitting up tighter for rows per inch. The new pattern will be noting inches, not just stitches and rows.
Well, it looks like it is after midnight and I just started watching another movie that lasts until 1:30 am. I don't want to start a pattern round, on the Neibling now, so I guess I'll work on th sock while I watch TV.
I've done a few rounds on the white socks. I tried them on and I'm happy with the changes I made to the basic pattern. Now I need to re-write it, on the computer, so I can save and print it out. Another 25 or so rounds and I'll be checking the length to see if it's time to start the toe. This yarn seems to be knitting up tighter for rows per inch. The new pattern will be noting inches, not just stitches and rows.
Well, it looks like it is after midnight and I just started watching another movie that lasts until 1:30 am. I don't want to start a pattern round, on the Neibling now, so I guess I'll work on th sock while I watch TV.
Friday, January 14, 2011
OH NO!!
I dropped a stitch in my Neibling. Of course it was/is in a terrible spot and went back several rows. I am not going to deal with it tonight, but I may have to go back several rows to fix it properly. I'll try the pin and pick up way first, but darn it, that just might not work. Round 71 in the cross stitches!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Wide Awake
It's 5:15 am!!! Am I tried yet? No. My poor bird, Baby, finally gave up yelling at me to go to bed around 2:30 this morning. Now he just chirps every once in a while.
Looked outside about an hour ago to see if it was snowing yet. It wasn't, but weather.com said it would be snowing at 6:00 am. Thinking about checking again. Checked. Nope, not yet.
I turned the electric blanket on just over an hour ago, in anticipation of going to bed. I used to have a real hard time going to sleep until about 4 or 5 months ago. Now, for some reason, I am able to go right to sleep, so I know if I go in and curl up in bed I'll be out like a light. I'm just not ready. I don't know why I'm so "wound up" tonight. Now Baby is yelling at me again!
Hey, at least I resisted the urge to hop in the car and go to Waterford and visit Marge and all of her yarn!
I'd do a few rounds on the white sock but my gauge would pobably be weird.
Guess I'll go to bed. I know I won't be able to concentrate to read and gee, my fingers aren't typing all that well!
Night all.
Looked outside about an hour ago to see if it was snowing yet. It wasn't, but weather.com said it would be snowing at 6:00 am. Thinking about checking again. Checked. Nope, not yet.
I turned the electric blanket on just over an hour ago, in anticipation of going to bed. I used to have a real hard time going to sleep until about 4 or 5 months ago. Now, for some reason, I am able to go right to sleep, so I know if I go in and curl up in bed I'll be out like a light. I'm just not ready. I don't know why I'm so "wound up" tonight. Now Baby is yelling at me again!
Hey, at least I resisted the urge to hop in the car and go to Waterford and visit Marge and all of her yarn!
I'd do a few rounds on the white sock but my gauge would pobably be weird.
Guess I'll go to bed. I know I won't be able to concentrate to read and gee, my fingers aren't typing all that well!
Night all.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Progress comes with paying the price
I've been getting quite a bit done but it comes with a price - no sleep, sore arm, sink full of dirty dishes. Oh well.
I finished the Zombie hat Sunday the 9th. I didn't even leave the house that day. I had planned on delivering it to the car salesman at the Chrysler dealership on Monday, but by the time I was ready to leave the house they were closed. I was at the dealership, getting my car worked on Friday, knitting on the hat when the salesman walked past. He mentioned he really liked the hat, so I told him he could have it if it fit him when it was done. It did fit him and he is happy with it. One project off the list!
Still haven't washed the vest and socks for Sharon, so they can't be mailed yet. I've decided that the Baby Alpaca Vest won't fit Melissa, so I'm going to send it to Sharon's daughter-in-law in California. I know it will look great on her and she is the kind of person that will take proper care of it - washing, etc.
I charted rounds 65 through 73 of the Neibling pattern yesterday. I was in the middle of round 63 when I did this. Who goes to bed at a decent hour at my house? Not me! About 2:00 this morning I was going to go to bed but then Poker After Dark came on TV and I have it set up to record. Oh well, I'm not really tired. So I watched it and continued to knit. By about 3:10 I had completed round 67 and had 2 of the 6 plain sections of round 68 done. Did about 8 rounds on the white sock this morning after getting back from running around.
I still haven't been back to Waterford to give Marge her check for $4.24 that I owe her! I really hate to go and not buy anything, but after getting the car fixed Friday and the trip over Christmas, the budget is blown! I should call and make sure that she isn't expecting a yarn shipment before I do go! Of course I won't be going this week because we are expecting more snow, starting tonight. Darn, the urge to go NOW is really strong! What was it they said in Star Wars? Resistance is Futile. Repeat after me: I DO NOT NEED MORE YARN!
I finished the Zombie hat Sunday the 9th. I didn't even leave the house that day. I had planned on delivering it to the car salesman at the Chrysler dealership on Monday, but by the time I was ready to leave the house they were closed. I was at the dealership, getting my car worked on Friday, knitting on the hat when the salesman walked past. He mentioned he really liked the hat, so I told him he could have it if it fit him when it was done. It did fit him and he is happy with it. One project off the list!
Still haven't washed the vest and socks for Sharon, so they can't be mailed yet. I've decided that the Baby Alpaca Vest won't fit Melissa, so I'm going to send it to Sharon's daughter-in-law in California. I know it will look great on her and she is the kind of person that will take proper care of it - washing, etc.
I charted rounds 65 through 73 of the Neibling pattern yesterday. I was in the middle of round 63 when I did this. Who goes to bed at a decent hour at my house? Not me! About 2:00 this morning I was going to go to bed but then Poker After Dark came on TV and I have it set up to record. Oh well, I'm not really tired. So I watched it and continued to knit. By about 3:10 I had completed round 67 and had 2 of the 6 plain sections of round 68 done. Did about 8 rounds on the white sock this morning after getting back from running around.
I still haven't been back to Waterford to give Marge her check for $4.24 that I owe her! I really hate to go and not buy anything, but after getting the car fixed Friday and the trip over Christmas, the budget is blown! I should call and make sure that she isn't expecting a yarn shipment before I do go! Of course I won't be going this week because we are expecting more snow, starting tonight. Darn, the urge to go NOW is really strong! What was it they said in Star Wars? Resistance is Futile. Repeat after me: I DO NOT NEED MORE YARN!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Getting more knitting done
Have the Zombie hat from the Meadville Group Knit A Long almost done. Wanted to have it done by tomorrow, might happen yet tonight.
Today I received the book I ordered on the 2nd. It is Felted Knits by Beverly Galeskas. I purchased her pattern for my "slippers to be" and then thought I should order the book also. Found out later that night, on one of the knitting threads I follow, that she had passed away on December 29th, 2010. She was the founder and owner of Fiber Trends.
After the hat is done I will be reading the Felted Knits book. I think I will find a lot of pre-project work to do in reference to amount of shrink when felting. Of course I have the in process white socks in my To Go bag along with the in process Herbert Neibling doily.
Slowly removing items from my list! The great part is I haven't added to my extended want to knit list.
Today I received the book I ordered on the 2nd. It is Felted Knits by Beverly Galeskas. I purchased her pattern for my "slippers to be" and then thought I should order the book also. Found out later that night, on one of the knitting threads I follow, that she had passed away on December 29th, 2010. She was the founder and owner of Fiber Trends.
After the hat is done I will be reading the Felted Knits book. I think I will find a lot of pre-project work to do in reference to amount of shrink when felting. Of course I have the in process white socks in my To Go bag along with the in process Herbert Neibling doily.
Slowly removing items from my list! The great part is I haven't added to my extended want to knit list.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Years need to accomplish list and other DREAMS
I sat down yesterday and made a list of unfinished items that really need to be taken care of.
First off was finishing the vest for Sharon, in Idaho. Then second, also for Sharon, kitchner the 2 pair of socks that had to have the foot part extended. I am pleased to say that I sat down this morning and finished the vest and both pair of socks. Boy am I rusty on kitchner! Now I will wash them and get them mailed. Wash tomorrow and mail Wednesday, I hope.
The third item on my list was to repair one of David's socks that had a hole in the ball of the foot area. Although I wasn't in the mood to start darning, the phone rang and it was my sister in Idaho. As a result I picked up the sock and started setting it up for darning, while talking. By the time we hung up I was 1/2 done, so I went ahead and finished it! Wow! That is 3 things off my to finish list!
I should add that these three items were my "you have to do these before you can start anything else" projects.
Items 4, 5 and 6 are not "they have to be done now" items. #4 is a pair of plain white socks that are a take along project. Always have to have socks on needles. Item #5 is my Herbert Neibling doily and it requires charting. I have started charting the odd rows as it is easier, for me, to knit from a chart. My current chart goes from row 49 through row 63. I have just started round 62, which is a plain row. So, before much longer I will have to make another chart. Item #6 is my black and white fair isle jacket. That is sort of on hold for the time being.
My unfinished pile is larger, but nothing really pressing.
Then there is the new list - Projects for which I have purchased yarn and patterns. This list got expanded by 3 pair of socks while visiting David. I had made him a pair of socks in what I call a circus colorway. He loves them! So I went to the store and got yarn for 3 more pair of "far-out" socks. I can't believe I bought more sock yarn!
My Projects will be governed by why they are on the list. The Meadville, PA group decided to knit a hat in January and a group on Ravelry is doing a sock pattern a month to knit down stash. So, both those items now hit the priority list.
Beyond those items I'll just have to play it by ear. No promises to myself and no more yarn! That doesn't mean I can't buy another book, ;-) which I did today!
First off was finishing the vest for Sharon, in Idaho. Then second, also for Sharon, kitchner the 2 pair of socks that had to have the foot part extended. I am pleased to say that I sat down this morning and finished the vest and both pair of socks. Boy am I rusty on kitchner! Now I will wash them and get them mailed. Wash tomorrow and mail Wednesday, I hope.
The third item on my list was to repair one of David's socks that had a hole in the ball of the foot area. Although I wasn't in the mood to start darning, the phone rang and it was my sister in Idaho. As a result I picked up the sock and started setting it up for darning, while talking. By the time we hung up I was 1/2 done, so I went ahead and finished it! Wow! That is 3 things off my to finish list!
I should add that these three items were my "you have to do these before you can start anything else" projects.
Items 4, 5 and 6 are not "they have to be done now" items. #4 is a pair of plain white socks that are a take along project. Always have to have socks on needles. Item #5 is my Herbert Neibling doily and it requires charting. I have started charting the odd rows as it is easier, for me, to knit from a chart. My current chart goes from row 49 through row 63. I have just started round 62, which is a plain row. So, before much longer I will have to make another chart. Item #6 is my black and white fair isle jacket. That is sort of on hold for the time being.
My unfinished pile is larger, but nothing really pressing.
Then there is the new list - Projects for which I have purchased yarn and patterns. This list got expanded by 3 pair of socks while visiting David. I had made him a pair of socks in what I call a circus colorway. He loves them! So I went to the store and got yarn for 3 more pair of "far-out" socks. I can't believe I bought more sock yarn!
My Projects will be governed by why they are on the list. The Meadville, PA group decided to knit a hat in January and a group on Ravelry is doing a sock pattern a month to knit down stash. So, both those items now hit the priority list.
Beyond those items I'll just have to play it by ear. No promises to myself and no more yarn! That doesn't mean I can't buy another book, ;-) which I did today!
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