Labels: details, dreaming, Kyrannosaurus, stress, sweater, toys, weddings
crochet (she wanted to learn to knit, but didn't have the patience really) and crochet is a little simpler to teach. She was so excited, and she told me "Tomorrow I'm going to tell all of my friends I learned how to crochet!". It was really cute. However, she's still not too adept at it yet. When she's crocheting I have to stay right next to her to help her. It's kind of tiresome after awhile. 
I floundered for a few days, played games on my mom's iTouch and didn't really knit much. Then, after mention aloud to my mother that I had 12 UFOs (only 4 of which were current WIPs)...I decided it was about time I quit stalling and finished up some of those projects. So I looked into my UFO bag and pulled out my Somewhat Cowl. Do you guys remember this? It's been TWO YEARS since I've done anything with it. Though there are a few UFOs that have been lingering longer than that, I figured finishing this one would boost my spirits. Many times, I get discouraged when something has to be started over from (practically) scratch. So, if I could turn this one around, maybe all of my projects have hope! All that was left was the sleeves and collar anyways. It's all done now, except the blocking. Still haven't made up my mind whether I love it or hate it though. What do you guys think?
pull out The Lady. The kids had broken the drive band, which my dad fixed and it was time to test it out. I pulled out some BFL that I had purchased forever ago, prepped it and it looked good enough to eat! The join worked beautifully and I spun up one of the strips. Then...nature called. When I came back to the wheel That Baby was spinning it and had wrapped the drive band all around bearings. That ended that endeavor. The drive band is broken in two places. *sigh* We just can't have nice things! :) Tomorrow I am going to hang out with Mouse, and hopefully she has a fix for me. Otherwise it's just six dollars to get a new one. This gives me time to figure out how I want to ply it. Should I do two-ply or Navajo ply? HmmmmLabels: accidents, decisions, fiber, fingerless gloves, finished object, hat, knitting, mittens/gloves, mouse, Nolan, Somewhat Cowl, spinning, Struan, sweater
Time, that is. I know that one day I will look around and realize my children are all grown. But for now I cradle them close. I also enjoy anniversaries and birthdays. These days are meant to celebrate another year with someone you love, that's how I look at it anyways. Today I celebrate another year with something I love. Yarn. Yep, that's right, another knitversary!
I've logged 127 projects into Ravelry. This actually is excluding several projects, as there are a few I don't have photos of...or just don't remember making honestly. It also includes my WIPs, my UFOs, and items I've frogged. Either way, that's about a project a week. Lately I've noticed my crafting energy has died out a bit. Maybe I hit the gas too hard and too fast? Or maybe it's due to the stressful environment Chez Shad recently. First we were moving to California, now we're not. Oh, what, I didn't mention that? No, of course not. That's because part of me knew what happened would. Actually, I don't much feel like talking about it now. It's rather upsetting.
too. There is still some yarn left after all, why not? Apparently I haven't done a real update in over a month. Whoops. Originally I wanted to start updating every (other) week on my day off. That just didn't work though. On my day off I usually just want to sit around and do nothing. At any rate, I've made another MCCS Corporate Zombie (and finished the first one). The hair is done with some wool or another from Ashford, the color is Marigold though. I know that. Also, I just started another hoodie for Nolan. You all remember the first one, don't you? God, I love that sweater so much. Yes, present tense. It is still in great condition, although it needs washing. Unfortunately it is too small. This one should size up to be about a 4T when I'm done, at least that's the intent. I'm too cheap to buy the same pattern in a different size. If you already have the basics, all you need to do is crunch a few numbers. That's my philosophy anyway. The yarn I'm using is Plymouth Yarn Encore that I got in Wilmington for my birthday. Which I just realized I never posted about. :-/ There was a lot going on then. 
Labels: booties, bsj, crochet, knitting, sweater, tunic, zombies
this one, it seemed silly. Then I realized I had made the increases too soon anyways. What you are seeing are two sides of the Somewhat Cowl, one that I did correctly, and the other (on the right side) where I made a mistake. Just increased a stitch before I should have. Ugh. Good thing I had to frog it, it would have bothered me later. So, I ripped back using a lifeline, and have to knit like 5 inches of boooooring stockinette. Actually, I think I only have like 3 left. And although I am loving this sweater, I suddenly feel the urge to toss it aside! Because I just got in the most SCRUMPTIOUS yarn ever! Actually, I just bought three sweaters worth of yarn, some Knit One Crochet Too Angora Soft (10 balls for $12.50!) and 7 balls of Lang Yarns Venezia from Webs. I had a gift certificate.
What I am talking about though, is some destash yarn I got from Mouse. OMG. It is yummy. It's Filatura Di Crosa Luna, 10 whole balls. I just want to cast it on right now. After squeezing it, and smelling it, I had to swatch it. Then I did some math, I am going to make the Buttony Sweater, which is hardly a pattern to begin with. There is no gauge, no real measurements or stitch counts. I used one of my favorite shirts as a guide, taking the tip from Knitting Daily. As a bonus, it has raglan style sleeves.
Labels: Charade, rambling, socks, Somewhat Cowl, sweater, yarn
Yeah. No. My computer's AC adapter broke, and since my battery is basically useless...I was without the internet briefly. If nearly three weeks can be considered brief. Actually, can I admit to somewhat enjoying it? It was nice to get in some actual knitting time as opposed to just reading about it on Ravelry! Not that I don't love Ravelry, it really would have come in handy when I realized that somehow my Digitessa and the charts/pattern were not syncing up. :( More about that in a second. Basic life update first. In the time I was gone, I've been going to the gym three days a week, knitting, and getting together with my friend Brandy every Friday night. It's really helpful to have a friend who truly understands what I am going through. Heather is five now, I missed doing a birthday post for her since the computer was out of commission. Kyran will be three on Monday. Expect one for him. And Nolan got his very first haircut! He looks older, or so everyone says. He still looks like little Nolie Bird to me. This is gonna be a long post guys. So, settle in.
finished one of the Serpentine Mitts, and finally finished Tree Jacket. Come on, you guys knew I'd be knitting in my "time off" from the internet. When Tree Jacket was finished, I thought my Denise needles looked bored, so I cast on for the Somewhat Cowl. The Berroco Ultra Alpaca is really nice to work with. It doesn't feel as soft against my face as it does on my hands though. Which is strange. I'm really thinking I will like this sweater a lot. Tree Jacket is great, it fits perfectly, and my best friend said it makes my boobs look big. lol That's always a plus. Right now most of my projects are simple, mindless TV type projects. Unfortunately, those are the type of projects I tend to stall on. However, I needed something either simple, or that I had a pattern for once my computer died. As I didn't have a lot of patterns printed out. Oh, and I had a slight problem with my one complex and interesting pattern.
Labels: birthdays, Digitessa, disappointment, finished object, kids, Knitter Project, life, memes/blogthings, penguin, pictures, progress, rambling, Somewhat Cowl, sweater, Tree Jacket, updating
So...I haven't been very active in the blogging world lately. I love to post, but haven't really felt like it. Instead of actually reading posts, I skim them. It's not that I don't love you all. Just hitting a plateau I think. Mr. Shad has been gone for about 5 weeks (I am rounding here, and guessing, I actually haven't been keeping track), we still haven't seen any of that "extra income", and there was an error in budgeting that has left us...well more than a little tight. Again. *sigh* Next month will be better. Man am I tired of saying that.
Labels: accidents, batt, busy, fiber, kids, painting, socks, sweater, Tree Jacket, updating
Anyways, I am definitely not God, but super bulky yarn makes even sweaters go by fast. I started the Skating Sweater on Tuesday, and finished the body today. All that is left are the sleeves, and I am almost finished with one. The super large straight needles are tough on my wrists though. So I am spinning right now. Took a quick break to change the channel. lol Oh, and I forgot to tell you about my winding adventures. I took the yarn to the LYS because there was no way my pitiful ball winder could handle all of that Magnum. And the owner wasn't there, and the lady who was didn't know how to work the "big" ball winder. Of course, neither did I. After a couple of tries, and some fiddling, my boys were wandering around naked (okay, just pantsless) so I gave up and went home. Now for a lesson in "How we be windin' in da ghetto!" lol, sorry, I had to. I mean, I bought the needles which you know meant I was dying to start. Even though Goddess is about 12 rounds from completion.
Labels: blah, rambling, Skating Sweater, spinning, sweater
There is so much to say, I keep forgetting to take pictures of things and post them. lol Last night I was up til 5am on Ravelry. Knitting keeps me up at night. Really, I couldn't sleep last night thinking about my latest projects/ideas. First there was the impending spending spree. Justin told me I could spend $50 since I hadn't been buying much yarn lately. (The yarn from Philly was bought on my card) So I was online doing some pre-shopping, and then I realized that I actually have plenty of yarn. And that what I really wanted to do, I didn't want to do in Project Spectrum colors. However, I did just buy that lovely hemp for a modified Eiffel. Instead of long sleeves I plan on just doing a little cap sleeve, maybe with some lace detail. What do you guys think?
17sts to 4". Boo. But I'll just go up to size 7s. I swatched...kinda. lol However, I plan on finishing Twisted Flower before I actually cast-on for Eiffel.
We've had this yarn in the shop for awhile now, and every time I see it I want it. Even though it is red, and I don't like red! It is just very pretty and soft. Next up, I bought the Goddess pattern from StitchDiva. They were having a sale, and I've been kinda loving this pattern since I spotted it on the site. Way back when the Sexy Knitters Club was doing their Sahara KAL. So, I snagged it. Then, of course, I had to find the perfect yarn for it. Something with a lot of drape...and fingering weight?! So, I swatched some sport weight cotton I had sitting around, 29sts over 4" on size 3s. The exact same gauge as the example yarn. Woohoo! I knew SWTC made a great bamboo yarn (because I have some), and I remembered it being really lightweight. When I looked it up it turned out to be sport weight (yes!) and I saw this. Could it seriously be any prettier? Hopefully it is really that color, because it's gorgeous and I'm excited! That was where the extra money went. Goddess will be next on the needles after Eiffel.
I took a ton of update pictures, better shots of things for Ravelry and whatnot. Finally put the elastic into my boy shorts, so I took a picture of the halter/shorts combo. Oh! And I got some shots of Nolie in his little hoodie. This is such a great pattern, generally I don't like the Knitting Pure & Simple patterns because they have no shaping really. However, for a baby that is perfect. Also, I've been spinning a little. It's Beaten from Serendipity Fibers on Etsy. I love the colors as well as the name. Get it? Beaten black and blue? Get it? lol Lastly, I snagged a shot of the huge sweater on the mannequin in the shop. It looks better on something other than my floor. As usual, click any pic to see it larger.
Labels: babies, Eiffel, Gracefully Gathered halter, knitting, Knitting Lingerie Style, pretty, progress, project spectrum, purchases, Ravelry, sleep, socks, spinning, sweater, tunic, Twisted Flower, yarn
rememberance of my FIL. Her family has a tradition to give a seemingly normal object that can (in some way) create new things, so that the love you have for the person who has passed, becomes a part of this new thing. In this case, a stich marker, used in creating garments. Right now it's being used on something for one of the children. We'll get to that. First, I want to tell you how incredible this simple gift is. Whether or not Sunne knew any of this, I can't be sure. My heritage is a mystery to me. My parents and grandparents don't really seem to know anything about it either, or can't tell me. Or maybe won't. Because of that, I've always been obsessed with traditions and cultures with a proud/strong heritage. Tradition is important to me, and it fascinates me. To become a part of someone else's family tradition is truly touching. It makes me feel special, especially since Sunne has never met me, and we live across the country from one another. Thank you so much! I really appreciate this! Not only that but, well, it's supposed to be an angel's wing, but I've decided 
in this case it's an eagle's wing. My FIL was a Harley man, and every time I look at the stitch marker, that is what it makes me think of. It's just the most perfect thing ever. Okay, I'm actually tearing up (out of gratitude, mind you), so it's time to move on. lol
size 10.5US!! And I just wanted to rip it out every three second. Maybe if I double it, it would be easier? What do you all think?
Organic Cotton sitting in there. Actually, I'd been waiting for the LYS to get another shipment of patterns from Knitting Pure & Simple. The pattern had already been chosen for the yarn, she just ran out of them. lol When I found it there in the shop, I snatched it up.
adorable buttons. When this is done I want to do some nice wool sweaters (using this pattern) for Kyran and Heather too. They can all have the same button. It'll be cute. For Heather I might have to line it though, she has really sensitive skin. Mr. Shad stole my camera (again) so you'll have to deal with crappy webcam pictures of my progress.Labels: finished object, frustration, Gracefully Gathered halter, gratitude, Knitting Lingerie Style, LYS, rambling, sweater, updating
Actually, I had no really good title. That's just completely random.
Took it into the shop on Saturday. So my pictures were taken at night. Sorry about that. Linda (LYS owner) loved it. Which is great since it was for her. I still stand by my conviction that it is the ugliest sweater I have made. It pretty much reinforces the "old lady sweater" knitting cliche! How am I supposed to convince my friends that knitting is not only cool but hot too?! (wow...did anyone else feel that was contradictory? No? Just me.) To show you exactly how big it is, I put my Wicked sweater on the floor with it. It seriously made me laugh. I still don't know why she had me knit that size, Linda is not that big. Eh, maybe she wants it to be oversized? Either way it's done. Which means...I get to CO for a new project!! Woohoo.
don't think so. But I am not other people. It's a lovely book, with amazing patterns, beautiful photographs, good instruction, and fun informative writing. Totally worth the $30. Okay, back to the newest WIP. When I swatched I got 15sts over 4" on size 10.5 needles, instead of the 14sts over 4" on size 10 needles. Of course, that could be because I was using a worsted weight yarn instead of a bulky weight. *duh* Oh well, I am convinced that this will work. So far it is. Just to make sure I tried what I have done on. It fits. So all is well. Knitting this made me realize that I am way more attracted to dark color combinations than bright ones. Anyways, this is going SO fast. The piece measures 9" already, and I start the shaping for the back and bust at 11! Thanks again Sunne for the yarn! My LYS owner was impressed that you bought me anything with cashmere in it. lol When I told her you bought me four whole balls she said you must really like me. :D I'm totally rambling. I had to buy some yarn to compensate, apparently I need like...400yds to make the halter and the boy shorts. All four balls of yarn only add up to 350yds. So I bought some Cascade Cotton Rich. Five dollars for 80yds. Not too bad. The white was the only color that I could buy that wasn't like...horribly mismatched. There was a blue and a purplish color, but they were both too light.
Labels: Coachella, finished object, Gracefully Gathered halter, happiness, knitting, Knitting Lingerie Style, progress, sweater
Kitty's Story
On My
PRGE Questionnaire (the third?)
8 in 2007/0 in 2008
