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October 31, 2005
Sock Yarn
This weekend was mostly filled with construction projects (Trav's adding on to the barn) so there was a lot of post hole digging and tamping and measuring going on and not a lot of knitting, but I got yarn in the mail! And boy is it yummy.
Sock yarn - both sport weight for the pattern I'm going to use to show some friends how to knit socks.
First, we have some Mountain Colors Weaver's Wool in Sierra
100% wool and very soft. I think this yarn will make a nice thick pair of ribbed socks.
Next, we have some Icelandic Sport-Weight sock yarn from Tongue River Farm
There are 600 yards or so in this skein and I plan to use some of it to knit Travis a pair of warm winter socks. Something simple, but durable to keep his toes warm while he works outside all winter.
I manged to work a bit on the Ombre Blanket and finished the first color (5 1/2 inches equals 40 rows in case you were wondering). I'm still working in the dark brown color range (now one stand of the dark brown and one heathered brown) and since we didn't have much sun this weekend, all the pictures look like a big brown blob. I'll try to get a better picture to share with you. I'm still working with the addi turbos because I haven't found anything that works better. The Boye needle should be in today, so we'll give that a whirl and see what happens, but I think I'm getting used to the addis.
Happy Halloween.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:43 AM | Comments (8)October 28, 2005
A Knitting Meme
I've been tagged by Purly for the Knitting Meme Carolyn created (she's a smart one, that Carolyn). I think the questions are great, and I always enjoy finding out more info on my favorite bloggers.
What's Your All Time Favoite Yarn To Knit With?
This question has been causing me some trouble because I honestly don't think I have a favorite yarn. I like some yarn more than other yarns, but I tend to like the yarn I'm currently using for the project I'm working on. I think my lack of favorite yarn is in part due to my lack of a yarn store. I don't have anywhere to go and fondle yarn and really get a feel for what I like and don't like. I generally order yarn based on the pattern requirements and just go with it. However, I really like the Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed I ordered for my turtleneck shrug for SYNO. I'd like to use this yarn again (in either the aran or dk weight) for a sweater.
Your Favorite Needles?
Without a doubt, Holz & Stein.
They're wood (mine are ebony, but you can also get rosewood), have nice pointy tips, flexible cords, and good joins. They're expensive and I have to order them from Germany, but I'm going to order some more because I like the ones I have so much.
The Worst Thing You've Ever Knit?
This might depend on who you ask, but I'd have to say the red fun fur scarf I knit last Christmas. It really isn't that bad, but I guess my taste has just changed a bit since I knit it.
Your Most Favorite Knit Pattern? (Maybe You Don't Like Wearing It, But It Was The Most Fun To Knit)
I haven't knit it yet, but I have to say Butterfly by Jade Starmore.
I love the pattern and the yarn is fabulous. If I can get past the technique, this will be a great pattern to knit.
Most Valuable Knitting Technique?
Knitting in the round and mattress stitch because without one of these I couldn't have sweaters.
Best Knit Book or Magazine?
Montse Stanley's Knitter's Handbook. It has just about anything you'd ever want to know about knitting and has good illustrations and detailed, step-by-step instructions.
Favorite Knit-A-Long?
The Stitch Ya Neck Out Scarf Swap was a lot of fun and a great way to make something you wouldn't normally make out of yarn you wouldn't choose (or don't have available in some cases). I got to knit a great scarf for one of my favorite bloggers; it was a wonderful experience.
Your Favourite Knitblogs?
This is a tough one because I like all the blogs I read (or else I wouldn't read them).
I enjoy Wendy because she makes such great progress and is a very accomplished knitter. I always feel like I learn a lot just by reading her blog. She's also always willing to answer a question or provide a bit of advise. For someone without a LYS to go to, her generosity is greatly appreciated.
Diana has a great blog (and does great blog design). I think we have similar taste in knitwear and she always gives me great inspiration. I admire her wonderful photography and so wish I could learn to take pictures like her's.
And Grumperina. What can I say about her blog that someone hasn't already said? She is one of the nicest ladies I've met in blogland. Always willing to answer a question or lend a hand (Frieda sleeve redesign anyone?). She knits amazing things and isn't afraid to try anything.
And honestly, I like every blog on my sidebar (and some that aren't there). The thing I like most about blogs is that you really get to know the person. Each one is so very different and unique. It's like a whole separate circle of knitting friends and that's a valuable addition in my life.
Your Favorite Knitwear Designer?
I don't have one. I like some designs from lots of designers (and dislike some too).
The Knit Item You Wear Most Often?
Tivoli without a doubt.
I wear it to work with skirts and pants and under suits. I wear it out to dinner with jeans. I'm glad it's cotton because I wash it all the time and probably wear it two or three times a month.
I also wear my handknit socks and other sweaters quite a bit (I have Frieda on today).
I'm going to tag Rebekah, Caitlyn, Blossom, and Wendy. Thanks for participating ladies.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:08 AM | Comments (9)October 27, 2005
Needle Question
It's amazing that when I actually dedicate some time to a project how quickly it progresses. I've been working on Ronnie a little bit every day - it is now my exclusive commuting knitting, which translates to about 2 1/2 hours of knitting a day (including lunch knitting). I'm almost to the armhole shaping, which means the end of the front is in sight. So, the result of all this knitting is that I'm not stressed about finishing Ronnie by Christmas.
The Ombre Blanket is another matter. I've been working on it at home every night this week and I like the yarn and the pattern is quite simple, but genius. The needles, however, are causing me problems. I have an addi turbo that I used for a baby blanket awhile ago, it's the only size 11 needle I have and despite the extremely blunt tip, I thought it would work just fine with the 2 strands of sportweight alpaca. I. thought. wrong. This is not the needle for this project. The stitches do not slide on the needle. The stitches aren't tight (at all), but it really seems like they are. I don't know what to try. I've considered Bryspun, but the longest they're available in is 29". That's a little short for this project. I'm currently considering a Boye - long length and pointy tip and maybe the material is different enough to make a difference. I've never used a Boye circular, but Grumperina likes them so they must be good. I had the local yarn store order me one and I'm hoping it comes tomorrow, but Monday is more likely. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. I think once I get the needle thing figured out, this will be a project easily finished by Christmas.
Be careful of Wendy, she seems all nice and helpful, but she's dealing crack on the side. Have you seen her mittens? Crack. Seriously. Or maybe it's just that I'm weak, but I had to order a mitten kit. At those prices I just couldn't resist. I'm telling myself it will be practice before I start on Butterfly, but I could just be crazy. I guess only time will tell.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:33 AM | Comments (12)October 25, 2005
Reality Check
Today is my dad's birthday. A nice day in itself, but since he doesn't know what he wants, it is a day without a gift. This makes me feel horrible and guilty and like I'm a bad daughter. I mean really. I should have just bought him something. I should have said, "well, he doesn't know what he wants or needs, but I'm going to get him..." The problem is that he is like most men I know (and my sister for that matter), if he wants something he buys it. Right then and there - no waiting around for a gift giving occassion. Makes buying things rather difficult.
The reality check came about because my dad's birthday is October 25th. That's two months before Christmas - every year without fail. Holy crap, Christmas is two months away! This is not good. Why? Well, because I still have knitting to do! Lots of knitting. I've known about this knitting for months and yet I've really just gotten around to thinking about most of it (and by thinking I mean actually getting off my butt and casting on/working on these projects). I did finish the Gryffindor Socks, but those are a birthday gift, not a Christmas gift - no progress there. So, as for actual Christmas knitting, Ronnie is still in the works (and has been for months). I've finished the back and am working on the front, but it isn't very exciting stuff. You want proof? Here ya go.
That is plain stockinette stitch (like miles and miles of it) in the lovely, but splitty Jo Sharp SoHo Summer (that's cotton in case you were wondering). So, I will continue to plod along on it and hope like hell it fits and I guessed the right size because not fitting will make me cry. I also just cast on for the Ombre Blanket. After minimal knitting time I have 4 rows completed - 215 stitches even on size 11 needles takes awhile. I hope it speeds up a bit because at this rate I won't be finished until summer and who wants an alpaca blanket in May. When it progresses past the point of looking like a blob of brown fuzz, I'll take a picture. Then there are the thrum mittens and maybe some socks! And all I want to knit is Butterfly. I promised myself I'd get Ronnie and Ombre finished before I started Butterfly. Maybe the fear of not having Christmas gifts will motivate me to stick to the plan.
October 24, 2005
A Little More Magic
Thank you all for your wonderful response to the magic loop "tutorial". I hope some of you try it and have success. I worked the heel and gusset of the second sock this weekend, so I thought I'd share those steps with you as well.
The heel and gusset are done just like you would with dpns, but you have to reposition the stitches on the two needles. The first thing to do is work the heel as specified in your pattern. Reposition your stitches so that you have rearranged them with the heel stitches on one needle and the instep stitches on the second needle.
Then pull the cord out just like when you started.
You work the heel stitches and keep the instep stitches on the cable.
Then turn the heel according to the pattern instructions.
Once you've completed the heel it's time to pick up the stitches for the gusset and rearrange your stitches again. I knit the heel stitches over to the left edge of the heel and picked up the specified number of stitches.
After I picked up the left side stitches I rearranged the stitches so the cord divided the stitches between the instep stitches. This left half the total stitches on each side. The first couple of rounds after you pick up the stitches for the gusset are a little awkward, but it gets easier as you go. I use stitch markers to indicate the end of the foot and the beginning of the instep.
After that you just cruise along until you're finished.
Look at those matching stripes! I'm so excited that they match.
Project Specs:
Pattern: Conwy from Knitting on the Road
Yarn: Harry Potter Gryffindor Yarn from Sunshine Yarns
Needles: Size 1 40" Addi Turbo - magic loop method
Modifications: None, except using the magic loop instead of dpns.
Thoughts: I really like these socks. I was unsure about using a patterned sock for a self-striping yarn, but I think they turned out ok. I love how the ribbing fits and I'm pleased with the pattern - hopefully the recipient likes them too. This is my first attempt at top-down socks for quite awhile and I enjoyed them. The toe turned out nice and fits well and the use of chain stitches on the heel flap makes picking up stitches very easy. Nancy Bush recommends picking up only the front half of the stitch and then knitting through the back loop. I found that it made a nice row of stitches without any holes. I'll definately try another pair of socks top-down.
I'm on to finishing Ronnie and I cast on for the Ombre Blanket. Knitting on size 11 needles after size 1's is like knitting with trees! Hopefully it will get better as I go. Have a great Monday.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:52 AM | Comments (18)October 20, 2005
Magic Loop
As you probably know, Lolly is hosting Socktoberfest, and the Griffyndor socks are being knit as my participation. I thought I'd post a little bit about the magic loop because this is the first pair of socks I've knit with this method (my KRSP gave me the booklet and needle as a gift). I find that I really like this method of knitting socks. I don't think it will ever completely replace my dpns, but it's a nice change and once you get the hang of it, it's easy. Diana posted about the magic loop in July and she has a great link and better pictures, so go check that out too.
The magic loop is similar in theory to knitting socks on 2 circulars, but you use one long needle instead of 2 separate needles. I'm using a 40" size 1 needle for the Gryffindor socks. You cast on and then you divide your total stitches in half and pull the cable out between the halves so that you have 1/2 of the stitches on each end of the needle.
This is known as "Home Position" and after every half you return to this position with the yarn on the back stitches. To knit you pull the needle so that the back stitches slide onto the cable and knit the stitches off of the front needle onto the back needle.
When you get to the end of the front needle
you turn the sock around, push or pull the stitches from the cable onto the new front needle and start all over again. The one thing I noticed is that you have to make sure your working yarn is between the rows of stitches rather than at the back of the stitches you just worked or you'll get a yarn over when you make your first stitch
So, that's it for knitting socks with the magic loop - well that's the leg anyway. When I get to the heel and gusset I'll take some pictures and post about how that works. Try it for your next pair of socks, you might like it.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:34 AM | Comments (19)October 18, 2005
I've Been Busy
For most of last week I didn't have anything. Frieda still wasn't finished, the sock was boring, and I hadn't done a lot of knitting. Well, I'm here to tell ya that things have changed.
Frieda is finished. What do you think?
Project Specs:
Pattern: Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk Frieda
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk in Color 11
Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows over 10cm
Needles: Size 6 and 8 addi natura needles
Modifications: I completely changed the sleeves with the help of Grumperina. The ribbing is longer - to match the body - and the overall sleeve length is 20" rather than the 17 3/4" specified by the pattern. Additionally, the sleeves were made considerable narrower throughout - a much better fit. I believe that if I had knit the sleeves according to the original pattern I would have run out of yarn. This is all there was left.
And all of it was in pieces 18" or less because of all the knots I had to cut out.
Next up, the first Gryffindor Sock. This is only the third sock (the first two were a pair) that I've knit top-down and you know what, it's pretty good. I am quite pleased with the heel - no holes and when you use a chain stitch, picking up stitches is a snap.
I like the twining cable pattern, even with the self-striping yarn (which I wasn't sure about), and the toe is good. Not pointy like the last pair I knit top-down.
I've already started the second sock, and I hope it goes as well as the first. Have a great day.
Edited to add: I've updated the photo thanks to Lynette. She lightened it and made it better. Now maybe you can see the details.
Posted by Stephanie at 1:08 PM | Comments (31)October 12, 2005
Not In The Mood
I had time last night to finish seaming Frieda and I just couldn't convince myself to do it. I pinned the sides and got the yarn threaded and just decided I didn't want to. Do you think I could be coming down with something? That just isn't normal behavior for me. I wonder if it's because it's starting to warm up again so I won't be able to wear her for a few days. To be so close and not finish is just disturbing. Oh well, maybe tonight. Yes, definately tonight. Stay tuned.
Yesterday this very nice guy in my office brought me this:
Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. That is an entire basket of home grown llama yarn (the dark brown is alpaca). One of my co-worker's clients raises llamas and he and his wife sell the yarn. It's quite soft and I think I "need" a couple of balls. I'm thinking mittens for my mother-in-law for Christmas. What do you think? I'm not sure on the weight - I'm guessing it's close to dk. Any great mitten patterns out there?
In other knitting news, not much progress has been made on the Gryffindor Socks, but I'm working on the front of Ronnie on the commute this week. I'm determined to get one Christmas project done before I start something else for myself.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:51 AM | Comments (14)October 10, 2005
Fits Like A...Sleeve
Frieda seaming didn't go as quickly as I'd hoped, so there are no finished pictures for you today. It took forever to weave in all those stupid ends. That exercise in patience and the fact that my in-laws were in town over the weekend resulted in not a lot of at-home knitting time. As you may recall (I won't blame you if you don't) the sleeves in the pattern had issues. It first became obvious that the sleeves were too short - the pattern calls for a 17 3/4 inch sleeve and I need a 20 inch one, well, 2 actually. As I studied the pattern and did some rudimentary calculations it became obvious that the sleeves would be way too big for me - 16 inches around the bicep - even with my massive muscular karate arms that's a bit much. So, Grumperina, being the math wiz she is, helped me redesign the sleeves. Ok, she did it all, I just provided the measurements. No surprise there - she's the genius, I'm mathmatically challenged. How else was that gonna work out? I understand that sleeve redesign can be a bit tricky and there's a leap of faith involved. There's no way to know for sure it's going to fit until you knit it and put it in the armhole. Well, guess what.
It couldn't fit any better. It's perfect. Thanks Grumperina! I only got one sleeve sewn in, but the rest should go pretty quickly and I imagine I'll actually be able to finish it this week.
With the craziness of the weekend, I did manage to find some time to knit the Gryffindor Sock. I apologize for the crappy picture - I was in a hurry and the gray snow-filled clouds didn't help matters a bit.
I really love this yarn - the colors are so fun, and I like the pattern. Pretty basic, but more fun than just ribbed. The magic loop is simple and quick once you get the hang of it. These socks are going to be fun to knit and fun to gift.
Have a great day. It's snowing like crazy here, but I might just use that as an excuse to leave work early. We'll see how the day goes.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:47 AM | Comments (14)October 7, 2005
A Sock Is Born
The last couple of days have been beyond crazy. I think it started yesterday with the fire drill in my office building that didn't turn out to be a fire drill. There was some sort of electrical short that fried the computer server. When we finally got back into the building we couldn't access any of our documents on the shared drive. The computers weren't back up until this morning, which made the crunch to get that memo done that was due before lunch more like an all out panic. Ah well, those little crisis are what make life interesting (I delivered it with 30 minutes to spare). The good news is that while I was sitting outside waiting for the firemen to clear the building I started the Gryffindor Sock.
This is the progress I made sitting outside and at lunch. The magic loop took a little getting used to, but it seems easy and I'm not getting any weird ladders, which is a good thing, right?
I worked on the turtleneck of Frieda while I watched Alias last night and I have to tell ya, it makes my hands hurt. I don't really know why, but maybe it has something to do with the 12" circular. Any thoughts on that?
I'm still hopeful that I will get Frieda finished this weekend, but that might be overly ambitious since my in-laws are coming this weekend. One thing is for sure - I'll get more done on the sock because I'm going to the Cowboy's football game with my mom and mom-in-law. Prime knitting time if you ask me.
Have a great weekend and remember to take time to sit and knit a bit.
Posted by Stephanie at 3:43 PM | Comments (9)October 6, 2005
Movin' Along
Despite going for a run in the freaking cold and helping Travis blow out the sprinkler lines, last night was fairly productive - surprise, surprise. I finished Frieda's second sleeve at lunch yesterday, so I needed to block the sleeves. It was a good thing the front and back were dry because they got kicked off the blocking board.
I seamed the shoulders and blocked the sleeves.
Seaming the front and back at the shoulders allowed me to start on the turtleneck, so I got out my trusty crochet hook and picked up stitches (some were still live, which made the process a lot easier) - 84 in all and I only had to pick up 32. Still, I don't like picking up stitches b/c I never end up with the right number and then when I look at what I've done I see a hole or something and have to go back and do it over - very frustrating. I only knit about 2 rows, but the ribbing should go quickly. The bad thing is that it's too big to haul around now, so Frieda is limited to at home knitting. I hope I can finish her by the end of the weekend, but we'll see.
In light of the fact I can't bring Frieda to work, it's time for another project. Isn't that sad! I need to finish Ronnie, and I plan to start the front as soon as Frieda is finished, but for now I believe I'll start some socks!
The pattern is Conwy from Knitting on the Road, the yarn is Harry Potter Gryffindor from Sunshine Yarns, and the method is Magic Loop. These socks will be a birthday gift for a friend so sneaky knitting will be required. She doesn't read my blog, but I commute with her so I will work on Ronnie in her presence and the Gryffindor socks will stay home or be lunch knitting. I think this method will make the gift a surprise and allow me to finish 2 gift projects. I've decided that I must finish Ronnie before I start Butterfly - which I really want to do - bribery generally works as a motivator for me, so....
Riley agrees that bribery (for him it's treats) works for just about anything.
Have a great day. Happy Knitting.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:33 AM | Comments (19)October 5, 2005
Not Much Knitting
I don't feel like I've been doing much knitting and I've been horrible about taking pictures. I meant to take a picture of Frieda blocking - but I haven't done it. The good news is that I'm almost finished with the second sleeve - I only have 12 rows left, so I'm hopeful I can finish it over lunch. We shall see.
Sleeve blocking and seaming are just around the corner.
Does anyone have a sport weight sock yarn that you just love? I'm looking for something to use when I "teach" some friends how to knit socks. Spinnerella gave me a good pattern to use that uses a bit thicker yarn (hence the necessity of sport weight) and is easier for new sock knitters. Since all my sock yarn is fingering weight, I'm in the market for some sport weight. Thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
All of you out there who live in warm places - stop complaining about how it's too hot to wear wool - you really don't realize how lucky you are. It snowed here last night and is supposed to get down to the teens tonight. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's good sweater weather, but I'm so not ready for winter. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:03 AM | Comments (12)October 3, 2005
Cool Gifts
My Secret Pal has struck again and she really out did herself.
Look at all that loot. I got a really wonderful book with lots of great ideas for gifts for Christmas and some really cute Christmas stockings. And some wonderful sock yarn that will be perfect for winter - very soft and snuggly, and yarn and roving (with the pattern right on the label) for thrum mittens.
I've been intrigued about thrum mittens for a while now and now I get the chance to knit some. My secret pal must be psychic. The last thing in the box was a beautiful little box sealed with a wax seal.
What's inside? The most delectable chocolate you've ever eaten. Really - it was fabulous stuff.
In Frieda news, I finished one sleeve yesterday and am about half way through the second sleeve. I also blocked the front and back and will hopefully be able to seam and do the turtleneck next weekend. I can hardly wait to have Frieda finished because it's definately almost time to wear her.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:56 AM | Comments (12)
