Channeling Steve Urkel

"Did I do that?"
Oh, I guess I did.
Chalk it up to stress from losing 2 jobs the same day, crossed with trying to get a new one off the ground, then toss in some people to delight in driving a person crazy.
All I know was that one minute I noticed Knit Picks was having 40% off books sale.
And today these came.
Can I plead temporary insanity?

Six Does Not Equal Six

Huh?
Let me explain.
I was diligently working on my Marl Yoke Raglan last week at Knit Nite. I was SOOOOO close to the end of the body and place to join the sleeves that I kept knitting so I could say I had the sweater that far.
Since the shawl I am making for Evelyn is a bit too complicated to take to Knit Nite (I tend to talk a lot there.), I wanted to have the sleeves ready to work on. I dug out a pencil and my copies of EZ's Opinionated Knitter, and Knitting in the Old Way and started calculating. I figured out how many stitches I needed to cast on, how many rows it would take, how often I would have to increase if I did it this way or that way. And so on.
I was so thorough.
Finally I cast on with a set of Plymouth bamboo double point needles and knit about 6 rounds or so.
Then something made me pause. The ghost of Elizabeth Zimmermann perhaps?
Anyway, something made me stop and put away the size 7 needles tips that I had out. And while I was at it, I checked the tips I had used for the sweater body. The needle gauge I was using showed the size 7 slot loose and sloppy.
But wait! So was the size 6. I had supposedly been using Size 6 in my Harmony Options. I dug out another needle gauge and the size 6 fit perfectly.
Hmmmmm.
Then I looked at both gauges. One size 6 was a 4.25mm. the other was 4.00mm. I checked the double points I was using for the sleeve. Size 6 all right. but 4.25 not 4.00
Sigh.
I just knew if I continued with the the sleeves with size 4.25, the gauge wouldn't match when I joined the sleeves to the body. So I ended up logging on to KnitPicks and placing an order for size 6 4.00 mm double points and also a 16 inch circ (and some lace weight yarn, and books. Oops, the mouse must have slipped.) I frogged the bit of sleeve I had started and waited. Yesterday my package came--in just 5 days!
Maybe now I can knit with peace of mind.
Or not.

Two Weeks and Done

The June Nursing Shawl, aka Angela's shawl was finished during the race Sunday. Weaving in ends a little later, but fairly early in the evening. Lately that doesn't seem to be too much of a chore.

Knit in Knit Picks Shine Worsted, colorway Ebony, size six needles, and 7 for the ruffle. It is sooooo sooooft. I love it. The ruffles at the bottom are especially nice.

Gertrude modeled for pictures. It does look small on me, but my sister-in-law tried it on when I dropped it off. The shawl fits her wonderfully, better than on Gertie. Angela is even narrower in the sholders so it should work fine for her. She should be up for Easter to get it.

And speaking of Gertrude. I have been asked by my friend Sheila (one of my friends with sheep) to do a Make Your Own Gertrude workshop some weekend at her shop. You may remember when I first made Gertrude, November of 2008. We will compare calendars this Saturday at a Knit In/Spin In in Big Rapids so we can set a date.

It did take a while for me to be able to look at her comfortably, but Gertrude is the best for making sweaters and shawls. Easy to try on for size. I can see it better on her than on me.

Plus she doesn't complain when I take her picture.

If I'm Not Posting, I Must be Knitting

Not even time for many pictutres.

And of course there is the lack of sleep issue from the dratted "Time Change."

But I have been making a lot of progress on the Nursing Shawl. The top measures not quite 40 inches at this point, but I still have several skeins before I start the ruffle. I have the tips on a 40 inch cable so I can stretch it out some to look at it. The live stitches are the two short sides. Right now it is about 19 inches from center seam to end along the top edge.

I am making this in Knit Picks Shine worsted weight. I love the way the yarn handles and the stitch definitition is marvelous.

I hope my niece likes it.

Cuz if she doesn't, I may keep it myself.

Some Bunny Loves Me

Frankie was excited when I came home from the Rabbit show with a new home for him.

He was even more excited with what was on the other side of the blue wall.Frankie, meet Joni. Another Jersey Wooly. I had so much fun but managed to refrain from buying a bunny, only because Christine offered this doe to me. Now if I can just manage to convince Hubby NOT to let them visit each other.
I really enjoyed myself, I may even go again sometime. After all, I do have one travel cage. Hmmmmm. Joni has longer fur, but he is a rarer color. And when I had them in to groom, Frankie does sit up in a more compact stance.

Anyway, on a related note, I started my niece's nursing shawl, in Knit Picks Shine, in Ebony, which is a pretty soft black. It isn't even too hard to knit that color in the evening, and so soft.

Sweater Tales

Pink Lady in all her glory:

Analysis: I started the sweater back when I still didn't believe that if I swatched carefully and added just a couple inches, that it would fit. This is big, but comfy. I added an extra 7 stitches under each sleeve, and I believe that was after adding ease when I was increasing the yoke. But like I said it is comfy. If I make another, It will be smaller sleeves for sure. Possibly even sleeveless. I saw one on Ravelry that was made into a vest and it looked very nice.

And on the new project front, here is the yarn I am using for the new sweater I mentioned. It is one piece and I have four inches already, after casting on Tuesday. Remember that it takes a bunch of stitches to get around me. This time though, I think I have the ease thing under more control.

The multicolor is my handspun falklands and Cherry Tree Hill top in the cool colorway. I split it multiple times when spinning to preserve multiple color changes. One of them match the heather yarn perfectly.
And it is the perfect thing to work on while I wait for the worsted weight Knit Picks Shine to come that I am using to make my niece a nursing shaw.
Like I need an excuse to start something new.

I Did It

My February Pink Lady was done in plenty of time before the end of he Olympics. I sewed on the last button at 7:43pm. All ends were woven, and I am feeling pretty proud.

As you can see, Gertrude stepped up to the plate to model it. Or rather, she hopped up on the tub. I can't wait to wear it tomorrow.

I see that my Ebony worsted weight Shine, cotton/modal from Knit-Picks is ready to be mailed so I will wait till that comes in to start the nursing shawl for my niece. Probably by the end of the week. So I am working on my Pi Are Square shawl for the time being. I think that is coming along quite well. I may have another Finished Object coming off those needles before long.

And of course, I have been inspired for more projects. Next up for me is a purple cardi, using Bartletts yarn in Mountain Laurel for the body, and some homespun marl yarn for the yoke and narrow stripes just above the ribbing on body and sleeves. I probably will use the pattern for the old jeans cardigan.

Except of course the new sweater will be one piece, instead of several, and raglan instead of set-in sleeves. But other than that, the same pattern.

Yeah sure.

Let the Games (and the Racing) Begin

At precisely 9:04 Friday, I picked up the Pink Lady and began to compete. (Gilbert the Wonder Dog was a bit poky on his break, so I started late.)

To show where I am starting, below you can see how much of the lace of the body I finished. Just a few inches.

After that long, I decided to switch to sleeves before it was too heavy to have on my lap to keep switching around. I'll go back to the body after both sleeves are done. Below is the back view and the right sleeve.

Only a couple rows of lace done here. And the sleeve in progress that caused the sweater to sit so long in time out:

A few inches on it was where it left off. I did discover one of the other reasons I set it down. I cannot use my Knit Pick needles on the sleeve. I have reverted to a 16 inch Addi Turbo. While I do like the speed of the metal needles, the point just isn't there. I can't wait to finish the sleevea and go back to the KP nickel plated circ needle.

However after less than 24 hours from the Opening Ceremonies, I have sleeve number 1 done. Maybe I better be thinking on a second WIP, in case this goes faster than I figured.

And now, no more time for blogging. Back to the Daytona 500 and my awaiting needles.

Project Updates

Remember the entrelac Lady Eleanor Shawl I started eons ago? Well, maybe not quite that old, but it was old enough that it was started on my old Denise needles and not my favorite KnitPick wooden needles. Gertrude graciously offered to model it to refresh your memory.


Above just wrapped around her skinny neck and hanging. Below is a more wrapped and draped version. The yarn is Plymouth Boku. I love it, this batch is so soft. Sometimes the silk can be stiff/scratchy feeling.

This is the new shawl I started, the Reading Shawl. It is supposed to be stay put on your shoulders better. The strip is silky alpaca lace, double stranded, and the other is Lorna's Laces Sport superwash.
The new one is going well, and is a good traveling project. It will may replace the Lady Entrelac as my Knit Nite project.
But then again, maybe not.

Other Knitting Knews

Update time. I have made great progress on the two at a time socks. These are the ones from a kool-aid dyed sock blank. They started live on 2 circular needles, but I didn't like that method. After switching to double points (luckily I had 2 matching sets of Knit Picks double points) I have made better progress. Since that picture was taken I have done heel flap and turned the heel, and started the gussets, on both socks. I try to knit one, then the other to keep the surplus yarn even.

Next is a new project I started this past week, after finishing the sweater. I am using a light/dark blue and brown sock yarn--Alpaca Sox. The pattern is Laura Chau's Milkweed Shawl and it is more of a sholder shawl.

I have restarted it 3 times, to get the right needle/gauge, but am happy with it now. It goes fairly quickly too.
Next is mittens. I started a couple weeks ago, but then rethunk them. I decided instead of using the cream alpaca, I am going to use bits of fleece knit along at a regular pace to give a tufted wool lining that will felt to my hands with use. I found some raw fleece so the lanolin will help make them waterproof as well. I hope

And here is something that has been on the back burner, but is still a great travel project and has been traveling to Knit Night, as backup when I run into some problem on my main knitting. I have been describing this Pi Are Square shawl to people as the knitting equivelant of a crazy quilt, with my use of the mill ends, but I really do love it.

And I promise, I will return th the February Pink Lady sweater and the Lady Eleanor entralac shawl.

Soon.

Maybe next month.

Knitting Knews

As I mentioned in my previous post, Hubby and I went on a car trip about 1 1/2 hour away. I had planned my travel knitting, as any dedicated knitter does. I decided on my basket containing 2 pairs of socks. And just in case of an unforeseen problem with knitting, I also tucked in a paperback romance.
We started off and I waited about 2 miles before digging out the needles. Earlier this week, I worked on the long suffering Hot Pink socks. I had finally completed the last cross stitch and heel flap, heel turn and the gusset. Life was good and I was cruising. I figured with steady knitting I could be close to the toe by the time we returned home.
Fate and another idea.
I decided to measure with my spare needle the length of the foot from gusset to beginning of toe decreases. I usually use a needle to get the right length. But......as I grabbed the completed sock, and started to lay the other needle against it.... Well all I can say is there was an alignment of time and space, coupled with a bump on a gravel road (Hubby likes taking the back way.) and the end of the needle snagging the sock. My needle was in my hand........And then it wasn't. I wiggled and reached and stretched as best I could in the cab of a small pickup truck. Nothing.
Amazingly, at the next intersection was a stop sign. Hubby said, since there was no traffic, I could get out and search the floor.
Nothing.
But after describing the rainbow colors of my size 1 Knit Picks DP, Hubby spotted it and handed it to me. I jabbed it in the ball of yarn, got back in the truck, fastened my seatbelt, and.......
No needle.
What? I wiggled and looked and squirmed. No needle. I decided it was not to be. I was not going to tempt fate and try to work on the other sock.
I carefully folded the sock with its other 4 needles, secure in the fact that I had a spare needle at home.
I might also add, I checked again on the floor and between the seats when we got to the restaurant. I checked again at Sis-in-Law's home. I looked again as I got in the car to go.
And there, in the door map pocket....my size 1 rainbow colored Knit Picks DP.
On the way home, I read.
Some days are like that.

One Sleeve Down

That's right. I finished the first sleeve. On the Classic Lines Cardigan that is. I have cast on for the second, and also ordered another set of size 4 needle tips for my options set. That way I won't have to strip something of its needles to start the body when I get that far.

In the mean time, I have been vegging out with Audrey Hepburn, first Roman Holiday and now My Fair Lady. Ahhh, the joys of Hubby going to the livestock auction and Younger Son at work as well.

Toe Cap and Other Knitting Updates

I finished Sandy's toe cap. And if I do say so, it is rather cute. I have to give it to her tomorrow as I didn't finish it until Friday evening, after work. If I hadn't had those library books to read, I would have finished on time.

I also swatched for the Classic Lines Cardigan. Oh, haven't I mentioned it before. It is a Knit Picks free pattern and they are having a knit along. The reason I joined, despite all the other UFO's lurking around on the needles? It is steeked, and I have vowed to learn how to steek. It is knit with 2 strands of lace weight wool, and every 6th row you carry along another strand of alpaca/silk handpainted lace wt.

The colors I picked are Hot Rod Heather, and Lip GLoss for the extra strand of color. Here is a swatch.

Heaven help me it is on size 4 needles. Thats right, FOUR. I may be knitting all year on this one, but it should be fairly portable, even with all the yarn I need to cover me. I am hoping being made with double stranded lace weight, that it won't be too terrible hot. Iplan on casting on tonight, but will still work on the Stealth shawl to get that done.

Happy Birthday to Me

I have to say it, because my family never remembers. (All men remember?) Every since a family friend moved from the area to teach in southwest Michigan, no one reminds them. When she was around, it was great, because she also sold Avon and she would just demand money from older son to buy a present.
But I can't really complain. My Sadie wool from Kelly, her rescue mommy, should be coming any day now.
And, on the NASCAR front, the best of presents----WOOO HOOOO!! My man Mark (the kid) Martin WON!!!!!! Much as I hate the night races, because I can hardly stay awake, I had no problem keeping my eyes open for this race. I knew it was coming, and am so excited for his victory. He is such a clean racer and so gracious whatever happens. I was totally elated to see him win.
One other present I am getting myself. I recently checked the Elizabeth Zimmermann DVD out from the library, after waiting quite a while to get it. It is the Knitting Workshop DVD. I love it. It was really strange, to listen to her, and fairly awe inspiring. I may sound crazy, but she has been such an inspiration to my knitting that I felt like it was my Grandma sitting down and giving me knitting guidance. I loved the DVD so much, I ordered them from KnitPicks to have my own copy, of both the Knitting Workshop, and Knitting Around.

Sock Blank Dyeing

Ok, I took the plunge and dyed my sock blank. I planned on a whole series of pictures...but I was messy, my fingers were purple and I only got one of the finished blank. It is still drying but this is a good representation of what is looks like.

Yea, I know its bright but I love the colors. I used kool-aid to dye it, and this is my first attempt dyeing solo. I used Pink Lemonade, Strawberry, Blue Raspberry (I think--the blue flavor anyway), Black Cherry and Grape. I had small 1 oz squeeze bottles that I mixed 2 packets with hot water. I then shook to mix and just dribbled and drizzled colors around. I think in the future, if I try this again, I may mist an over all color with the spray bottle and then highlight spots of color. I can't wait to try it.

Of course, (for non-knitters) this will make sock that are knit 2 at a time on a long circular needle as the blank is unraveled. I am debating ordering a size 1 (2.25) from Knit Picks. I have an Addi circ but it is a 2.5 size one and I really like the smaller gauge I get with the 2.25 needle.

I did manage to finish and turn the heel on the blue green second sock. That means once I am past the gussets I can legally start my next pair. At least according to Linda's Law of Sock pairs. I cannot start a new pair until the first pair is past the gusset on the second sock. Since this blank will knit up 2 at a time, I will be all confused when it comes time for the next project.

Oh yeah--Angie was asking about the roving I got from Spunky Eclectic. I won't get the first installment from the roving club until after September first. Another thing to remember when I get to Allegan this weekend for the fiber festival. Anyway, here is a pic of the Venus colorway roving that I got. I hope to start this soon. I am trying to decide if I should use the wheel or a drop spindle. Both my Kunderts are empty at the moment.

Hmmm, decisions, decisions.

Love these needles

I have decided I really love my new knitting needles. I recently invested in Knit Picks new needles. The Options needles with swappable tips and cables recently became available in a wooden variety. These Harmony wooden needles are laminated from layers of colored wood and are wonderful. They are slick, but not as slick and slippery as the metal needles. The cables are thin and flexible, like Addi’s and come in many sizes. I started my bordered vest on them and they are working really well. Warm to the touch, quiet, and no kinks or stiffness in the cables. I think they are great.
As far as the sweater, I am half way up the side to the arm pit. It is knit in the round and then divides. No steeks (they scare me to death—haven’t gotten that brave yet), and no sewing either—all-in-one is the way to go if you can.