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November 30, 2005
Thrumming Along
With the completion of Ronnie, I've been dedicating my commuting and lunchtime knitting to Thrum and am happy to say that I'm making progress.
I've played around with the technique on this mitten a bit. The kit was a gift from my secret pal and comes with instruction on how to thrum. I also referenced a pattern in Folk Mittens that discusses thrumming and looked at the info from the Yarn Harlot. Combining all this information, I've come up with a method that works for me and I think gives a nice look to the mitten. But, as a result of all that experimenting, this mitten is a little wonky. The thrums are different on the first part than they are from about 3 inches up, the spacing of the thrums is a little messed up (my fault entirely - apparently I don't know how to count - who knew?), but all in all I think it's cute and I don't think the recipient will care too much. At least now I have it figured out and the second mitten will be a bit better.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:50 AM | Comments (12)November 29, 2005
How Do You Learn?
In our many stops on the shopping train this weekend we had to stop by the LYS. I had ordered a longer addi natura for Ombre and it had finally arrived. I got an addi turbo rather than the natura, but the owner says she'll trade it out for the right one when it comes in. But anyway, while we were there I noticed there was a new class schedule. I've never taken a knitting class and thought it might be fun. Forgive me for my moment of insanity. After looking at the class schedule - some of which I had absolutely no interest in (socks, novelty scarf, finishing), a couple sounded like they might be interesting (2 handed fair isle, gansy sweater). I took the info and we went on our merry little shopping way. When we got home I looked at the schedule again and read all the fine print. Due to the reduced cost of the classes ( I'm not sure $50 for a sock class is exactly a bargain, but I have no experience in such things) all the yarn used in the classes has to be purchased from the shop. I totally understand where they're going with that, but it really limited my desire to try one of their classes. They don't have any yarn I'd want to make a sweater out of - I'm not really an acrylic kind of girl and the wool they have is just so so, nor do they have any great sock yarn. No Rowan, Jaeger, Jo Sharp, Lorna's Laces, Mountain Colors, Koigu... Then I really started thinking about how I'd do in a knitting class. I do not believe for one second that I know all there is to know (not even kind of close) and know that I still have a lot to learn about knitting. But, would I enjoy a class? Would I learn? Would I be frustrated with the class environment? Would I be better off with a book and a fire at my own house? And I decided that yes, I would much rather learn from a book (with the addition of the always valuable assistance of my blogging friends). I realize there are a lot of people out there who learn better by example and classes are a great way for some people to learn. This got me thinking. I know, always a dangerous proposition. Do bloggers in general learn from books or from demonstration? Is there a difference between blogging knitters and non-blogging knitters? So, the ultimate question I have for you is: How do you learn when it comes to knitting?
Posted by Stephanie at 8:45 AM | Comments (24)November 28, 2005
I Love Long Weekends
I'm feeling rather smug this morning. This is indeed a big deal because it is -30 with the wind chill this morning. Smugness in the face of such crappy weather conditions can only be sustained for amazing feats. And the amazing feat? It is a finished Ronnie!
I finished knitting the second sleeve yesterday afternoon and did a happy dance right there in my living room. I still need to block it, seam it together, and knit the couple of rows for the neck, but I'm done with the knitting of the pieces. And pretty darn happy about that. I finished the first sleeve on Thursday and cast on for the second after Thanksgiving dinner. I worked on it over the weekend a bit and decided yesterday that I might actually be able to finish the second sleeve with some quality knitting time, which just happened to be Home Alone on the television.
So, I didn't work on Ombre except for a little bit last night and I'm still on the 5th stripe, but I only have 10 rows left on that one, and Thrum didn't see much action either. But, one Christmas gift is almost done, so I think it was a successful weekend. At least in my book.
I hope you all had a lovely weekend and made it home safely from your travels. Twenty-six days until Christmas (27 if you actually count Christmas)!
Posted by Stephanie at 8:46 AM | Comments (11)November 26, 2005
I'm Still Alive And Well
Thanksgiving went well. My mom, mom-in-law, and I had a good day knitting and cross-stitiching while we watched football.
The boys built a barn. I'll try to take some pictures of it tomorrow. I'm always so impressed with the stuff Travis knows how to do.
Yesterday I was very brave and went shopping with my mother-in-law. The mall was a bit crazy, but luckily we didn't stay too long. Target was nuts too, but I can endure a lot for Target!
I've made a lot of progress on Ronnie and I'm quite pleased with myself. I finished the first sleeve on Thanksgiving Day and I'm about half way through the second sleeve now. I hope I'll be able to get a lot done on it tomorrow and maybe even get it finished by the end of the week! Having one Christmas present finished would make me feel a lot better.
I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving if you celebrate such things and that you're having a nice weekend. Happy knitting.
Posted by Stephanie at 5:23 PM | Comments (5)November 22, 2005
Harry Potter Update
Today is the day the Gryffindor Socks meet their new owner. I'm nervous and scared that she'll like them, but I'm trying to think positive. So, after a bit of blocking, I put them in the sock sleeve.
Thanks to Carolyn for the idea.
And then I wrapped them up. Ok, well there wasn't actually any wrapping involved unless you count the tissue paper I wrapped around them before I stuck them in this box.
I'm like a nervous mother sending her first born off to school on the first day. What if she doesn't like them? What if they don't fit? What if...? What if...? What if...? Yep, I'm neurotic. I can't help myself.
In other Christmas knitting news, I started the Thrum Mittens on Saturday.
This was my first successful attempt at a tubular cast-on and it went off without a hitch. I don't know what the problem was the last time I tried it, but whatever. I really like these mittens, even though I haven't worked on them much. However, if any of you know a good trick for getting that roving to stay twisted on the needle while I'm moving those stitches over it, I'd be very grateful. I've found the whole process to be a bit awkward - I feel like I have too many needles and too many thumbs.
Today is my last day of work this week - I do so love a holiday week. Tomorrow I'm staying home to bake pies and rolls and knit as much as I can. It sounds like the perfect day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:30 AM | Comments (19)November 21, 2005
Ombre Update
Ombre, while still a long way from finished, is starting to take shape. I finished the 4th stripe and made decent progress on the 5th last night. So, as promised, here's a peak.
And for those of you who are interested, here's a look at the stitches on the front and the back.
I'd love to finish the 5th and make good progress on the 6th stripe over the holiday weekend. Knitting time on this will be a bit limited on Thanksgiving because the recipient will be hanging out at my house all day, but that will be a good time to work on Ronnie.
Friday was a good day for sky pictures. This is the sunset from my office. You just don't get colors like this every day.
Have a great Monday.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:32 AM | Comments (17)November 18, 2005
Wyoming Sky
I feel like I'm the only blogger in the world who isn't making any progress on her knitting. You all have wonderful progress pictures and finished objects that you're showing off and I have nothing. I'm a bit more than half way through the 4th stripe on Ombre - 6 1/2 more to go and not enough time to get it done. I haven't worked on Ronnie all week and the Thrum Mittens are mocking me from their basket. Christmas knitting isn't looking good at all. Ah, the reality of deadline knitting. Ain't it grand?
So, in an attempt to distract myself and give you something to look at, I give you this:
This is a picture of the western horizon this morning from the end of my driveway. The mountains have been cloudy all week, so I thought this view was especially pretty.
I have big plans for pictures this weekend and will have a follow-up on the Gryffindor Socks - they're getting wrapped up and sent off to their new home. We'll see if the recipient likes them. Have a great weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:11 AM | Comments (19)November 15, 2005
Attention To Detail
| Your Birthdate: September 26 |
 Put you in almost any business or classroom, and you'll rise to the top. You're driven and intense, but you also know when to kick back and cooperate. Your ability to adapt to almost any situation is part of what's going to make you a success. Your strength: Your attention to detail Your weakness: You can be a little too proud of your successes Your power color: Turquoise Your power symbol: Arrow pointing up Your power month: August |
Thank you all for the wonderful comments on my new purse. It's fun and it wasn't a huge investment - so when I get tired of it (which I will eventually) I won't be out a lot of money. The weather here sucks. The roads were closed most of the day yesterday - something about a multi-car crash - and opened just in time for me to drive home. It took twice as long as usual and top speed was 35 mph in four-wheel drive. I love the first storm of the year. Really. Knitting continues slowly. I'm feeling the itch of a new project, but I really am worried about Ombre, so I will continue until I get less worried or I just can't take any more. We'll see which comes first.
Posted by Stephanie at 11:45 AM | Comments (6)November 14, 2005
A Change
I had Friday off of work - being a government employee does have some benefits - namely those federal holidays! So, as you might imagine, this left a full day of knitting. Imagine the progress on Ombre. I imagined it all week and then Friday rolled around. Did I knit? Why no. What did I do? I sewed. This:
The bag is the In-Town Bag from Amy Butler. It's a bit smaller than I would like (although I am a big fan of a small purse), but I'm going to use it for awhile and see how it goes. I was using quite possibly the perfect purse, so this one has a tough hill to climb. We shall see how it stacks up.
I did knit a lot on Ombre on Saturday and Sunday. My goal was to take a picture when I finished the third color, but I didn't finish until 5:00 last night, which made good pictures impossible. So, you'll just have to trust me when I say I'm making progress. I also shoveled out my office/soon-to-be craft room and organized the closet. My knitting now has it's very own storage space. That makes me very happy (and I think Travis is relieved that there isn't yarn all over the house...yet).
Have a great week.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:39 AM | Comments (20)November 10, 2005
A Sweet Deal
Felicia over at Sweet Georgia has been selling her hand dyed and handspun yarn for a while now. A few weeks ago she dyed up some lovely red variagated yarn that I just loved. Unfortunately, it sold out right away. Being the wonderful lady she is, she dyed some more and let me know she had some if I was still interested. Well, you know I was. I can't resist yummy sock yarn. So, I ordered some.
It is really, really fabulous. It's very soft and the colors are unbelievable. After Christmas knitting I will be making myself a pair of socks out of this yummy yarn.
Also, if you're looking for great holiday sock yarn, go check out Dani's new colors - that candy cane is just so cute. If only I could knit in my sleep or at work. Then I could make a dent in everything I want to knit.
November 8, 2005
Two Years
Today is our two year anniversary.
Well it's 2 years since we got married, but 12 1/2 since we started dating. Time definately does fly. I really can't believe that it's been 2 years already - seems like 6 months ago. We had a small ceremony in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and just invited family and close friends, which resulted in about 60 people. Then we had a really fun party at Snake River Lodge and Spa. I feel very blessed and lucky to have found the perfect person for me. I'm sure no one else could stand either one of us, but we fit well together. I guess that's what it's all about - finding the right person for you. Have a great day and don't forget to tell your significant other that you love him/her.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:17 AM | Comments (27)November 7, 2005
Like I Need Another Project
I had a nice weekend full of knitting and family. I finished the second color on the Ombre Blanket. I had worthy plans of working on the third color yesterday, but work (I hate it when I have to take work home on the weekends) and family kept that from happening.
My sister is in town! My sister lives in New Mexico and I don't get to see her as often as I would like. So, she came to visit for a few days and why knit when you can go shoe shopping? Especially when I'm not actually buying shoes, but I'm helping her pick out shoes. It's almost perfect. We had a great time at the shoe store and then my mom came to my house for dinner, which nixed the blanket kniting all together. It was a lot of fun, but there was no progress yesterday on Ombre.
That said, I did get a lovely package in the mail.
Want a close-up?
That is a mitten kit from Nordic Fiber Arts and it will be so much fun to knit. I was tempted to start it on Saturday, but I was able to stop myself. Barely.
This week is a short week - and Friday will be dedicated to knitting. I'm almost done with the front of Ronnie - I should be able to finish it tonight and then on to the sleeves. I may throw a thrum mitten in between the two sleeves just to preserve my sanity (2 long sleeves in stockinette stitch could just push me over the edge). And more blanket knitting must be done.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:59 AM | Comments (6)November 4, 2005
I Met My First Blogger
In person. In Laramie. Last night. How cool is that? Very cool in my book. Spinnerella is on her way from Connecticut to Park City, Utah for SOAR and my little spot in the world happens to be on the way. So, we met for dinner last night. She and her husband are wonderful and charming and very interesting and we had a lovely time. Being good bloggers we took pictures, but I have to tell ya, I think she got all the good ones on her camera because the 2 on mine aren't so hot. But, here they are (disregard the drunk look on my face, I wasn't, really).
It was great to finally meet another blogger. We had lots to talk about and it's like we've been friends for years. Isn't blogging great? And, Marcia gave me the loveliest stitch markers that she made herself. Knitters are such generous people.
All in all, a wonderful evening and a great experience.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:08 AM | Comments (14)November 2, 2005
Crappy Pictures
The Ombre Blanket is progressing nicely. I should be able to finish it up before Christmas (I'm still keeping my fingers crossed just to be safe), but I'm going to have to step it up a bit - I need to complete more than one color a week to get it done. I'm about half way into the second color and I think there are 11 color changes. On the needle front - I tried a Susan Bates Quicksilver and it was worse than the Addi Turbo, so I'm just staying with the Addi. It seems as though I'm maybe getting used to it or my knitting has loosened up a bit because it isn't bothering me as much as it was. Who knows.
So, on to the crappy pictures part of this post. I'm working on figuring out a way to get decent pictures when it's just barely light when I leave for work and dark when I get home. However, I haven't worked it out yet, so you're going to have to suffer through some poor quality pictures of the blanket.
The color change is very subtle because you use 2 strands of sport weight held together. The solid is 2 strands of the same color and then you switch out one strand for the next lighter color which gives you the subtle color change.
And the pattern is interesting. It is a knit 1, slip 1 on the right side and a knit on the wrong side. That gives you a nice thick fabric that I imagine will trap warm air and make the blanket very snuggly.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:58 AM | Comments (13)
