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August 31, 2005
Color Blind
My zippers arrived from Zipper Stop yesterday and I was scared and excited to open the package. I so wanted one of the color to be the right one. The colors I chose are S557 and 830 - one bluer and one greener, just to cover my bases, but both look kind of blueish/green. Right? Well, at least they do on my monitor. In reality? Not so much.
Now, it occurs to me that the S557 zipper looks very blue and I wonder if I might have gotten 557 by mistake - that's French Blue in case you aren't keeping track. To me that seems a little more likely, but who knows. I've sent an SOS e-mail to Jeff, the owner of Zipper Stop, and we shall see what he has to say when he gets back to me. If all goes well, I may still be able to have a zipper by this weekend. I hope. I really should have ordered that color card, but I guess I like living on the edge. However, I have learned my lesson and will order the color card with my next zipper order because you know I'm going to need more zippers in the future and it might be a handy thing to have around. Too bad I didn't have this realization a little earlier in the process.
Backyard Leaves is still going well, and is still a whole lot of fun. I am on the second repeat, so it basically looks just like it did yesterday, only about twice as long.
So, I'm off to buy running shoes at lunch and am running tonight for the first time. Hopefully it goes well. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:10 AM | Comments (8)August 30, 2005
Backyard Leaves
I started Backyard Leaves for Blossom yesterday and I'm having a lot of fun with it.
The pattern is very addicting - I want to see what happens on the next row and than the next row and the next... I didn't have a lot of time to work on it yesterday - maybe an hour total, so I think it's going to be a fairly quick project.
I ordered two zippers from Zipper Stop last Thursday and they were shipped on Friday. I hope they arrive in the next day or two and that one of them is close to the same color as the Zip Cardi. After doing a bit of reading, I've decided to try to sew my zipper in with my sewing machine. Jacqueline assures me that it can be done. So, I'm game to try anything once - zipper installation with a sewing machine is up for the weekend (assuming one of the zippers is acceptable). Since I will be home for this attempt, I will take pictures and share them with you all. Additionally, grafting (with pictures) will happen one night this week,or maybe over the weekend, depending on how my week shapes up.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:43 AM | Comments (7)August 29, 2005
I Heard A Rumor
... about a weekend. Was there recently a weekend? If so, I completely missed it. Ok, really, I knew it was the weekend, but I was way to busy to enjoy it. Friday night brought my black belt test. According to my instructor and the score sheet he let me look at, I passed. I don't really remember much of it, but word is I passed and did quite well. What a relief! Saturday was full of more karate-related activities. We had a workshop in the morning and then went horseback riding in the afternoon, and had dinner at Keith's house Satuday night. Yesterday I went with my mom to see my brother. Four hours each way makes for good knitting time. I finished my shrug. Well, I still have to graft it together, but the knitting is done. I spent some time last night reading up on grafting. Thanks PumpkinMama for the instructions on grafting k2p2 ribbing. I sure hope I can make this work.
Now it's time to start on the Backyard Leaves scarf for Blossom - my SYNO swap pal, and work on Ronnie for the Christmas gift.
Have a great Monday.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:41 AM | Comments (10)August 25, 2005
Isn't Technology Just Grand?
Good new faithful blog readers. I am back in touch with the world and I'm feeling much better about things. I've caught up with some of you and will catch up with the rest in the next couple of days. Everyone's been very busy and you're all finishing up your projects right and left. I did not complete the Ruffle Shrug over the weekend, but have high hopes for this weekend. I'd better hurry up and get it done because I'm itching to start the Backyard Leaves scarf for Blossom.
In bad news, the blocking helped the Zip Cardi a bit, but I still wasn't happy with how the neck looked. So, the zipper had to come out.
And after I ripped it out I decided that I really want to find a zipper that is close to the color of the yarn, so I'm off to web surf (which I can do now) and see what I can find to order. Anyone know of a good zipper shop? I really like the way the sweater turned out and I want the zipper to be right. It's that pesky perfection thing again. Grrr.
In karate news, my test is tomorrow night. I'm freaking out, but that is my nature. I have written the required paper on what karate means to me, and can I just tell ya - I do not like to write about what things mean to me. Ask me to analyze something or interpret a statute, and I'm all over it. Case law, no problem. Ask for touchy feely and I get irregular breathing. Oh well, it's done and that's that.
I got The Runner's Handbook and it is a great book. There are lots of things on motivation, time management, and different beginning running programs so you can pick the one that works best for you. I'm really excited to start running and next week is the week. And for motivation and accountablility, Cyndi has started Fit to Knit where I'll be posting about my progress.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:25 AM | Comments (9)August 24, 2005
Did You Miss Me?
Because I've missed you guys. The tech people began a firewall upgrade on our computer server at work (or whatever it is you do upgrades on) on Friday afternoon. Apparently, things did NOT go well. The firewall is still down and we don't have internet access or e-mail. So, I'm completely cut off from the world for 9 hours a day. I'm having issues - withdrawal sucks! Seriously. I have dial-up at home, but I've been at karate practice every night this week in preparation for my black belt test on Friday. I get home just in time to take a shower and fall into bed. Tonight, I'm supposed to be working on my own, and I will, but I had to post quickly before I go off to practice my kata. So, I'm fine, aside from technologically challenged. I've been working on the Ruffle Shrug, but not very much. I got my Runner's Handbook and read some over lunch today - what a great book. Thanks Diana! I'm really excited to start running after I read the first 200 pages. I took Friday off in the hopes that knitting and catching up on my blog reading can keep the impending panic attack at bay. So, I will post a detailed post on Friday when I have the time to fight with dial-up, and I'll be reading what you all have been up to. I hope everything is going great. Talk to you soon.
Posted by Stephanie at 7:29 PM | Comments (6)August 19, 2005
Bribery
Thank you all so much for your wonderful thoughts on motivation. You gave me a lot to think about and have motivated me to try to be better with my running and I really enjoyed hearing all about the reasons you knit.
Being who I am, and doing things the way I do, I ordered a book on running, which came highly recommended and has great reviews. So, I'm going to read the parts that apply to me next week and start running the week of the 28th (after my karate test and realistically the first chance I'm going to have to dedicate to any new exercise). I've also decided that the best way to keep myself motivated until the running itself becomes motivation is bribery. I know, it's shallow, but I like stuff, so why not connect the stuff I want to the activity I want to do? Makes sense in my twisted little brain. So, as a reward for one week of running (I know, it isn't very long, but come on - I'm justifying buying stuff here) I'm going to buy new running shoes. I need some, but they're expensive, so I figure after I run for 1 week I'll have proven that I really do need those shoes. Right? And after 2 weeks of running, I'm going to reward myself with a new pair of jeans (did you see the really cute ones Grumperina bought?) to wear with the cute sweaters I'm going to knit this fall. Makes sense right? So far, running because it's good for me hasn't held up, so I'm hoping a good book and some material rewards get me over the hump (oh, and Cyndi is starting a running blog where we can support each other - that'll make a big difference too).
And because everyone in my office is horified and you all seem interested in my black belt test, I have a picture of my arm after sparring last night. Only click if you want to see - don't say I didn't warn you. Left Arm Nice huh? Just a little something I have to look forward to next week.
Because of karate last night I didn't knit a stitch. But I will eventually get the shrug finished, I promise! Have a great Friday and a nice weekend.
August 18, 2005
What Motivates You?
I've been giving this question some serious thought over the last few days. Partly because I have to write a paper about karate for my black belt test next week, partly because I've realized that I really need to start running and I'm wondering how I'm going to ever stick with it, and partly because I've realized how many projects I have that I really want to knit.
I have to say, the motivation for knitting is the easiest for me to pin point. I knit because it relaxes me and I'm really all about relaxation. I knit because I love clothes and I like to make things to wear. I knit because I like the timelessness of the skill, and that my grandmother and her grandmother knit - it's a living history kind of thing. I knit because I'm ultimately a home body and knitting fits right in with that lifestyle.
Karate is a little harder to nail down, but in its simplest form I started with karate as a means of learning self-defense. I'm a big believer that all women ought to be able to take care of themselves. That means a woman ought to be able to light her water heater, change her tire, and defend herself if the need ever arose. I grew up in an environment where it was fully expected that I ought to be able to do anything a boy could do - maybe not in the same way, but I should be able to figure out a way to get it done. No excuses. So, I think that ingrained belief led me to karate. However, karate turned into a lot more than self-defense, and I imagine that's why I've stuck with it. I have to tell ya that karate is the first form of exercise that I've really enjoyed. There is the physical aspect of it, but also so much mental energy that you have to put into it. So, I guess the sense of empowerment I get and the knowledge that I can defend myself (and the fact that it's gotten me into shape) motivate me for karate.
Now running is a whole different ball of wax. I don't dislike running, but for some reason I just can't stick with it. I can tell you that the idea of getting in shape (in a different way than I get from karate) and reducing my body fat are very appealing ideas, but why can't I translate that into action? For those of you ought there who are dedicated runners or exercisers in general, what motivates you to keep at it day after day? I'd also love to hear about why you knit and why you've stuck with it. Motivation fascinates me and I'd love to hear your thoughts.
In knitting news, I started the third ball of yarn on the Ruffle Shrug
Riveting isn't it. I was particularly interested to see how much more length I got out of the second ball, compared to the first. I did a small swatch out of the first ball, but the ruffle really used a lot of yarn. I decided, based on all of your wonderful comments, that I'm going to graft the two pieces at the back. So, I will knit until I think I have about the right length and then start on the second sleeve. I hope to have this project done over the weekend so I can start the Backyard Leaves scarf next week.
Have a great day, and thanks for sharing.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:31 AM | Comments (12)August 17, 2005
Fall Knitting
I'm attempting to make a list of the things I want/need to knit this fall (and considering the length of the list, this winter). A few are for Christmas gifts, one for the scarf swap and the others are for me! Me. Me. Me!
1. Backyard Leaves from Scarf Style for Blossom as part of SYNO
2. Frieda in burgundy Alpaca Silk
3. Rogue in Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed - maybe Twig
4. Rebecca Sweater with Embroidered Yoke and how cool is it that the pattern is free!
5. Ronnie in Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton in Carmen for a Christmas gift - I actually have about half of the back done.
6. Ombre Alpaca Blanket from Last Minute Knitted Gifts for a Christmas gift
7. Rib and Cable Socks from Interweave Knits Fall magazine in Mountain Colors Bearfoot - color Moose Creek
8. And finally, because I've completely lost my mind: Butterfly by Jade Starmore. Now, I'm going to ask my sister for this kit for my birthday and I ordered the Philospher's Wool DVD on 2 handed fair isle. I'm guessing it will be more of a winter project than a fall project, but after seeing Diana and Felicia's fair isle, I really want to try it. And it's so pretty! Does anyone have any experience with this particular pattern or have any general thoughts on Jade Starmore patterns? I'd appreciate whatever you have to say.
Have a great day, and feel free to comment on the state of my mental health!
Posted by Stephanie at 12:17 PM | Comments (11)August 16, 2005
Thoughts On Grafting
So last night I'm just cruising along on my k2p2 shrug and I'm almost to the shoulder and I'm still on the second ball of yarn. I'm thinking "this is great, I'm totally going to have enough yarn." Then reality crashes down on me. In a moment of clarity I realize that my bicept is 10 inches and the ribbing when stretched is somewhere between 7 and 8 inches (7 slightly stretched, 8 pretty stretched). Dun, da, dun... I need to increase after I get to the elbow length. Crap, crap, crap. So, this morning (after a restless night thinking about how stupid I am) I rip out about 8 inches of ribbing (it's a lot faster to rip it than to knit it - which I'm sure you already knew about) and calculate the "proper" spacing and manner for my increases. Not too difficult - just some M1s at the end of 2 consecutive rows (makes it easier to stay in pattern and you don't have to M1 in a purl stitch - I'm sure this is going to have to change as I add stitches, but I figure I'll work it out when I get there) until I have 2 more inches of ribbing, but now I just have to reknit those 8 inches. I imagine I'll be back to where I started sometime tonight. Lovely.
So, now on to my grafting questions. The ruffle I chose must be knit from the bottom up. This means that I will have to attach it to the ribbing somehow. It occurs to me that grafting might be a better choice than a 3 needle bind off because the first ruffle is knit and goes right into the ribbing - no seam. Now, the questions. 1) Can you graft k2p2 ribbing? Vogue Knitting has directions for grafting k1p1 ribbing, but is the concept the same? (I know, I really should have considered this before I started, but...) 2) Should I graft (if I can graft) at the ruffle or should I make 2 sleeves and graft them together in the middle of the back? Or, would a 3 needle bind off be more appropriate in the back of the shrug? 3) Am I insane for not thinking of these questions before I started? (clearly, yes) And should I admit defeat now before it gets nasty?
Thanks for you help, once again. Have a great day. Tonight we will see how blocking the dickens out of the Zip Cardi worked. Keep your fingers crossed.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:27 AM | Comments (8)August 15, 2005
Spinning? Not So Much
So, this spinning thing may not be for me. Either that or I'm just retarded. I tried. I really did. And for a minute it looked like it was going to work.
And then it became clear that it wasn't going to work at all.
I tried and tried and then just couldn't take it any more. For some reason my spindle wanted to spin the opposite way I wanted it to and it wouldn't spin without wobbling. Now, I know it's a good spindle because my secret pal sent it to me and she seems to know what she's talking about. So, clearly I'm doing something wrong. But for the life of me, I don't know what. I guess more practice is in order, but maybe another day.
After failing to spin brilliantly on my first try, what was I to do except knit some more on the shrug - that I can do. I'll spare you a photo because it looks just like it did yesterday only twice as long. I have about 20 inches and still have about 1/4 of the second ball. I may just have enough yarn, but I will reserve judgment on that until I see where I am after I finish the second ball. I'm keeping my fingers crossed just in case.
Have a great Monday (or at least try). See you tomorrow.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:45 AM | Comments (11)August 14, 2005
Rainbow Sherbet
The Sherbet Socks are finished and overall I'm pleased with them.
They almost match exactly - the heel is a little bit different, but pretty good for my first attempt at matching self-striping socks. Doncha think?
Specs:
Yarn - Lana Grossa which I received as a gift from Jenn
Needles - size 1 Lantern Moon dpns
Pattern - MagKnits
Modifications - I didn't add the pompoms on the heels - not really my thing and I changed the bind-off from a purlwise bindoff to the Elizabeth Zimmermann stretchy bind-off. I really don't know how else you'd bind off on a toe up sock and still be able to get it on. Anyone have suggestions? I made an error on the first sock and started with too few stitches on my figure 8 cast-on, so that toe is a bit pointy. I also decreased 8 stitches on the ribbing on the first sock because it was really baggy on my chicken legs. On the second sock I decreased 16 stitches before I started the ribbing, which makes them unidentical, but the second one fits a bit better.
So, on to the Shug. I cast-on yesterday morning and last night I started the second ball of yarn.
I think I might be short on yarn. I have 6 balls, but I think the ruffle used more than I anticipated.
I'm going to see how far I get on the second ball and then if I'm less than a third of the way done, I'll see if I can still get a couple more balls in the same dye lot.
I'm off to do laundry and clean up my messy house (and knit some more on the shrug of course). Have a great Sunday.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:03 AM | Comments (12)August 12, 2005
Stitch Ya Neck Out
I got my SYNO yarn from my swap pal. I do so love getting yarn in the mail.
It is Karabella Aurora 8 in the loveliest shade of green and is destined to be a Backyard Leaves scarf from Scarf Style. Now, are you ready for the best part? I get to knit it for Blossom! Isn't that cool? I think it's pretty fabulous myself. I'm excited to knit the Backyard Leaves scarf because the pattern looks very interesting and there's a chart - I do love a good chart!
So, guess what else came in the mail. Yep, my yarn to send on to my swap pal. Finally. It was here at the beginning of the week, but I just got Travis to pick it up at the post office.
This is Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed in Bark from the Wool Shack - a wonderful shop in Australia. This is my first package ever from Australia and I must say, it's a great one. The yarn is destined to be a Turtleneck Shrug from Scarf Style and is really soft. I don't think there will be any itching around my neck with this. So, first thing tomorrow I'm sending it along to my swap pal, who has been most patient waiting for my yarn to arrive. I'll have to find a couple of goodies to put in the package as a thanks for being so patient.
I believe the verdict from all the great advise yesterday is to block the Zip Cardi and see if that helps the wonky right side. If not I can always take it out and redo it. Either right away or sometime down the road. Thank you all for your compliments. This sweater was my most time consuming project to date, but overall I'm happy with how it turned out. Now, I'm starting to plan my fall knitting and I believe I'll start with Frieda. Adele's is looking fabulous and I do love a great turtleneck and I'm considering Rogue. For those of you who've knit Rogue, and I know there are a lot of people out there, what was your overall impression? Is this a pattern that I should be able to work my way through or is it too difficult and something I should hold off on? I'd be grateful for your thoughts.
Have a great weekend - I'm staying home and finishing my Sherbet Socks (I only have 1 1/2 cm of ribbing left) and starting my shrug. It promises to be a nice relaxing weekend at home.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:15 AM | Comments (9)August 11, 2005
Phildar Zip Cardigan
So, it's done and I like it, but there's something wrong with it.
Can you see the wonky neckline on the right side from the zipper? No? Well here's a close-up:
The right side doesn't lay flat. I'm guessing I stretched it when I put in the zipper, but I'm really not sure and I'm not sure I want to fix it - talk about a hassle. I'm tired of this project. What do you all think? Is it worth fixing or should I try to wash it and block it and see if that helps? I steam blocked it, but that didn't really do much. Any advise would be appreciated.
I've turned the heal on the Sherbet Sock and imagine I'll be done with it tomorrow or Saturday. Then, it's on to the shrug. I'm really excited to start this project and I think it will be a quick one.
Work has momentarily slowed, but I think I may be in the eye of the storm. Travis didn't go by the post office yesterday (darn it), but he promised to go today. So, keep your fingers crossed, and I hope to have yarn pictures tomorrow. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:09 AM | Comments (17)August 10, 2005
I'm Alive, Barely
Work is absolutely nuts! I've been going non-stop since I got back on Monday to get this pleading filed. It's being reviewed right now and must be filed by 5:00. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there won't be any more major rewrites.
In knitting news, I'm about 1/2 a step from finishing the Zip Cardi and I'm hoping to have pictures by tomorrow, about 1 cm away from turning the heel on the second Sherbet Sock, and my yarn for SYNO and my package from my swap pal are at the post office. Now if I can just get my husband to go pick them up, I'll be set.
So, that's all for me. I hope to have a good post tomorrow. Have a great rest of the day.
Posted by Stephanie at 2:45 PM | Comments (2)August 8, 2005
The Wedding
I survived. It was a long weekend and we got home at about 10:30 last night - let me tell you, getting up this morning sucked! The wedding was nice and the weather cooperated and we got the kids married off. They're packing up all of their worldly possessions and are headed to Tulsa, OK this week for a new job. Nothing like having all of your major life changes in one week. So, I have some pictures:
The bride and groom on Friday night at the rehersal dinner - aren't they cute?
The bride, her mom, and sister.
Me and my father-in-law and the bride and groom's dog. Did I mention both their dogs were in the wedding? This one wasn't trustworthy enough to walk by herself, so I walked with her. Fun.
Me and Travis kind of late in the evening. There was a lot of drinking going on and the best man had more than his share. So, take that into account when you look at our goofy faces.
The shawl was wonderful because it was just cool enough that you wanted something and it was so much better than a jacket! It came to work with me today and is warding off the chill in my air conditioned office rather nicely too.
In magic loop news, it appears that Addi size 1's are 2.5 mm whereas Lantern Moon dpns are 2.25 mm. Therefore, in an effort to make 2 socks that are the same size, I decided to hold off on the magic loop until my next pair of socks and am knitting the second Sherbet Sock on my dpns. Pictures to come tomorrow.
I hope you all have a great Monday.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:06 AM | Comments (15)August 3, 2005
The Simple Things
Why is it that the simple things never really end up being that simple? So, I want to try the magic loop for my second Sherbet Sock. My Secret Pal generously sent me a 40" addi, but it's a size 0. It would have been perfect if I'd been brave enough to use it on the first sock. But I wasn't and I used my size 1 dpns. So, I need a size 1 40" needle (or a 32" - I'm not picky) for the second sock. I call the yarn store in Laramie (the town I live in) - they don't have any addis longer than a 24" and don't even have a needle in the entire store smaller than a size 5. What? Anyway, so I call the yarn store in Cheyenne (the town where I work) and she has a size 1 addi in a 24". No thanks, I have one of those. So, my only option is to order one. Problem with that is that I'm leaving tomorrow for 4 days to go to the wedding and really wanted to take the sock with me. I know, I could just knit the darn thing on dpns, but I don't wanna. So, I think to myself, "Where can I order a needle that I can get in 2 days in the mail?" Answer: Fort Collins - an hour away and generally pretty reliable with 2 day mail. So, I call the yarn store in Fort Collins and ask for a size 1 in 32 or 40 inch. Nope - no size 1! Geeze. Next up, Boulder. I call, talk to a very nice lady and guess what. One size 1 addi in 40" length. Yippee, send that sucker to me. Yes sirry, "I'll just need a credit card number." I say, "I have that right here, let me get it." And then I reach down into my knitting bag for my purse and it isn't there. It isn't on the floor, it isn't on the desk. It isn't in my office. This realization results in a moment of panic. Crap, I've lost my purse. Then I remember that I had it in the car on the way to work and just didn't remember to put it back into my tote bag. All the while the woman is waiting for my credit card number - I'm sure she was really amused. I have to tell her that I'll call her right back and please to hold the needle for me (I didn't want that sucker walking out of the store in the 5 minutes it'd take me to get out and back) and then I run out to the parking garage to get my purse. Thank goodness I drove yesterday and my purse wasn't in my car 50 miles away. I call her back, give her my credit card number, and then we discuss the odds on the package arriving in Laramie by Thursday. She's not sure, I'm not hopeful, but the owner is absolutely sure USPS will deliver it by Thursday. I'm not convinced, but am keeping my fingers crossed just the same. So, my back-up plan is the shrug - I definately can't go without knitting. No way.
So then over lunch I go to pick up the coffee table I ordered 3 months ago because it's finally arrived. Six weeks, yeah right. I'm really excited and I drove the truck so I could put the table in the back to get it home. I go in, tell the nice guy I'm there to pick up my special order coffee table. He takes me to the back and says, "Is this it?" Um, no, not even close. Then a girl comes up and says, "Oh, that isn't your table, your's is up front." We walk back up front and I'm thinking, "I didn't see my table on the way back here." Well, the reason for that is that they ordered me a sofa table instead of a coffee table. Are you freaking kidding me? Crap. So, they're gonna have to order me the right table and they don't really know how long that will take. And, did I mention I've already paid for some table. At this point it is unclear to me whether I paid for the sofa table or if I paid the price of a coffee table. So, I suppose I'll have to figure that out next week. The simple things really aren't very simple.
So, anyway, thanks for all of your lovely comments on the Lotus Blossom Shawl. I appreciate them more than you'll ever know. Tonight is laundry and packing and I'm hoping to finish seaming the Zip Cardi so I can wrestle with the zipper tomorrow before we leave. If it doesn't go well, I'll just leave it home and work on it next week. Have a great day, and thanks for listening.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:59 AM | Comments (9)August 2, 2005
More Shawl
Ask and you shall receive - more shawl pictures:
So, what do you think?
Project Specs
Pattern: Lotus Blossom Shawl from Fiddlesticks Knitting
Yarn: Unlabeled Fingering Weight 50% silk/50% merino in pearl gray
Needles: Size 8 Bryspun Circulars and Addi Naturas - I switched to the Addis when the Bryspuns broke at the join
Size: The actual measurements are 70" across the top and 37 1/2" down the center. Mine is 2" narrower across the top edge than the pattern calls for, but is the right length.
Modifications: None. Are you kidding? This was my first lace shawl, there was no way I was changing anything, not that I think anything needed changed!
Started: July 11, 2005
Completed: August 1, 2005
Thoughts: Overall this was a fun project. The pattern was extremely well written and there were no errors. I would highly recommend any Fiddlesticks pattern. The charts are large and easy to read (and this was my first attempt at charts). I had some problems with mistakes, but they were all operator error. The good thing about making mistakes is learning how to fix them, which I got to do. I will definately knit another shawl and more lace. I like the challenge of doing the pattern correctly and blocking it out to something so pretty.
So, now I'm on to master the Magic Loop for the second Sherbet Sock and then the shrug. I imagine both will be quick knits and some instant gratification is a good thing.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:52 AM | Comments (26)August 1, 2005
Success!
Despite a rather hectic weekend with considerably less knitting time than I had hoped for, the LBS is done! I finished the last bobble yesterday morning, and can I just say that the bind off row took me forever, and those bobbles are a real pain in the ass. Literally. I was binding off for somewhere in the neighborhood of 4 hours. But, here she is.
Before blocking, of course.
Blocking was delayed by the Cheyenne Frontier Days Short Round Rodeo performance. A good friend of ours was team roping so we got tickets and went. It was fun, but a rodeo is just a rodeo. Once you've been to one they're all pretty much the same. However, there were a lot of people - this is just one grandstand, there was another one this size and then 3 or 4 smaller ones.
So, after I got home from the rodeo I pulled the LBS out of her bath and started blocking. Blocking a shawl was a new experience. It's a lot different than the pieces of a sweater. It took me awhile because there was some trial and error involved in getting it the same on both sides. However, the welding rods work great for getting a nice even line across the top.
I'll take a better picture once it's dry and give you all the specs.
In other news, I finished the first Sherbet Sock. I had to make a few modifications - I had to decrease 8 stitches around the ribbing because my ankles are too skinny and the sock bagged and I changed the bind off from a purlwise bind off to the Elizabeth Zimmermann's sewn bind off because it's much stretchier and I find it more comfortable. I might try decreasing another 8 stitches on the second sock because it's still a little baggy, but I might not and then the second sock will be just like the fist (assuming I can make the stripes match). I guess I'll have to see how I feel when I get that far.
And I've saved the best for last! Presents!!
Lynette sent me some lovely sock yarn and treats from her travels for guessing the answers to some trivia questions. Isn't she sweet?
And I got a drop spindle and some roving from my KRSP! Isn't she awesome? Awesome and faster than the speed of light. I mean it was only Tuesday when I mentioned I wanted a spindle and by Friday (I picked it up on Saturday) I had a package in my hot little hands. I so love instant gratification. Thanks Secret Pal. You rock.
Now I just have to find the time to figure it out. I'm so excited to try it and see if I can actually spin yarn. I'll keep you posted.
So, in order to get the shawl done I got absolutely nothing done around my house - no laundry, no cooking, no weeding, didn't get my pots replanted - the list goes on and on. But, I figure there's time for all of that after the wedding (or maybe sometime this week). Thanks for all your support. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:10 AM | Comments (15)
