May 18, 2007
The Black Hole
It has happened. You know...it. I've fallen into the black hole of knitting. You know Butterfly? Those of you who've been around awhile are rolling your eyes at that. Butterfly is that gorgeous fair isle I've been working on since...well, the dawn of time really. And I'll be the first to admit that my level of commitment has, let's just say, fluctuated over the last year and a half. First I was scared to start, then there were those gauge issues. I finally mustered up the courage to actually cast on and I was sure it would be smooth sailing from there. Ha. Why do I tempt the knitting goddess so? Right after I cast on I realized the error of my ways - right about the time I learned the joys, yeah the joys, of purling with two colors. Good times, I assure you. Ok, I'll admit that things got a little better once I got past the waist band. My tension evened out - mostly - and I was making progress. It may have been at a turtle's pace, but by the goddess it was progress. Then something happened. Hold on - let me go back and see if I can remember exactly what that might have been ... ... ... Oh right, it was a little bit of everything. There were some socks, and even some more socks, a clapotis, an hourglass sweater, some spinning. The list goes on and Butterfly got put aside for more pressing (or just more in the moment) matters. Time went on and other projects were started and completed, but Butterfly sat in her basket quite neglected. Until last summer. I went to my sister's - we drove 14 hours - and Butterfly made the trip. It only seemed fair since my sister gave her to me for my birthday - in 2005. I made marvelous progress and until a couple of weeks ago I hadn't touched her since. I have no idea why. Not a single clue. I love the sweater, I love the process, and I love the product - at least what I have done. I suppose it's somewhat like a habit and I got out of the habit of Butterfly. Sad and appalling, but true I'm afraid. Then came the whole business of quitting my job and the somewhat related idea that I needed to finish the projects I had in-process before I started something new. Just as an aside (and you might want to sit down for this), I haven't bought any yarn or fiber since January. I get a little queasy when I think about it, but I went back and double checked - it's true. YaiAnn did send me a lovely skein of Liza Souza Sock from Stitches West in March, but that's the only new yarn around these parts.
Ok, we have to stop talking about that or I may start to cry. Anyway, back to Butterfly. I started on her again as soon as I'd finished the knee-highs. There was some work on Jaywalker in there, but I was working on Butterfly too. I promise. So, here comes the black hole part. I haven't heard about it being contagious, but if you have a sweater in progress you may want to move it away from the computer just to be safe. You can't be too careful with these things. I swear to you and any knitting goddess that wants to take the time to listen to my plight that I've been working on this sweater at least 3 nights a week and a couple of times I've worked for 4 or 5 hours in a stretch. Here's the sweater 10 days ago:
And here's the sweater this morning.
Can you see the progress? Yeah, me neither. I swear I haven't seen any change. The black hole is upon me and I can't even see the light at the end of the tunnel. I believe that knitting equals progress, but my faith is being tested. I am hopeful that this weekend will yield much knitting time and while I hope for progress, I am afraid it will continue to allude me. Have a good weekend and do your very best to avoid the black hole. I really wouldn't recommend it as a nice vacation spot.
Posted by Stephanie at 6:56 AM | Comments (18)May 6, 2007
Baking, Spinning, Knitting, & A Job!
You know, I really meant to be better. But posting to your blog is one of those habits that it's easy to get out of the habit of. Sort of like knitting or spinning or well, just about anything that we do in our lives. It isn't that I haven't been doing a lot of things that deserve some blog-time, but I didn't make time to talk about them. The good news - and I mean really good - is that I finally got a job and I start tomorrow! As much as I've enjoyed being a complete slug, I'm really excited about having a job again. It's only part-time, but there's a good chance it will work into full time in the fall. So, for now I'm working for the city doing prosecution work. I'll be the one prosecuting traffic offenses and dui's, stuff like that. It's from 8 to noon every day. That means I have my afternoons free to knit, spin, work in my garden (more on that at a later date), bake, and maybe even ride the horses once in awhile. I'm nervous. I didn't think I would be because it's a really small office and I really liked the girls that work there, but it's Sunday night and I need to think about what I'm going to wear and what I need to take with me, and I'm nervous. I imagine things will be fine about 15 minutes after I get there, but I'm just going to have to be nervous until then.
Baking has always been one of things that I love to do. I find that it's a great way to relieve stress. It's kind of like knitting - you take a bunch of ingredients and mix it all together and when you're done you end up with something that makes you happy. I'm lucky my husband likes to eat baked goods (and has the metabolism to handle it). Lately I've been doing A LOT of bread. I joined A Year In Bread, which is probably when the desire to improve my skills started. Since then I've been baking up a storm and I think I might be getting pretty good at it. I've made Farmgirl's Oatmeal Toasting Bread a couple of times and it's been a big hit with everyone I've given a loaf too.
Next time I make this bread I think I'll make a couple of regular loafs and the third I might make the cinnamon swirl version from Kitchen Mage. I love this bread - it's moist and yummy and it freezes great!
Yesterday was sourdough bread day. I made sourdough bread a couple of weeks ago and it was terrible - blah and yucky. I don't know that it was anything I did or it might have just been the recipe. So, yesterday I made the sourdough bread from How To Be A Domestic Goddess - with a few modifications.
I didn't add the yeast the recipe called for, but just relied on the wild yeast in the sourdough starter. I also let it rest for 20 minutes before I added the salt (as Farmgirl Susan recommends). This bread is really good and I'm quite happy with it (and I'm impressed that I could make something that tastes this good). It's nice and moist with just the right amount of "sour." I'd like to get a good bread cookbook, but there are so many that it's hard to decide. I guess for now I'll just continue on with the recipes and cookbooks I have (and it isn't like I don't have a whole lot of them) and see if I can get better at this bread business.
My major knitting project lately has been Butterfly (yes, I know - exciting!).
I was really excited because I thought I was almost at the point of starting the armhole steeks and for some reason that milestone seemed important. Then last night I remembered that while I'm knitting the petite size (yeah, who would have thought I'd ever be petite) for the width, I was supposed to be knitting the medium size for length (or a combination of the petite and medium - it's complicated). That means that rather than starting the armhole steeks at 26cm, I need 31cm. I know, it doesn't seem like a lot, but it is! The good news is that it's still fun, which I think is kinda the point.
And the miracles just keep happening here at chez Unwind. Yesterday, I sat down at my spinning wheel! I know, shocking. I tried spinning the alpaca over the fold and it worked.
It's slow going, but I seem to be having an easier time making even singles. And once again, it was fun! I probably spun for 4 hours and I put it away feeling good about it, so I think I'll have an easier time making time again (maybe even on Friday!)
I hope that as I get back into the swing of steady employment, my old blogging habits will resurface. I miss you guys when I hole up and do my hermit thing, so I'll at least let you know how the new job's going this week. Thanks for sticking with me through what can only be described as a troubling time in my life. I don't know what I'd do without friends like you.
Edited to add: There seems to be some sort of problem with my comments. I sent Living Dot a help ticket and they say they've forwarded it to the appropriate department (whatever that means). I'm hopeful that they'll get it fixed asap. In the meantime, if you can't comment, send me an e-mail - I love to hear from you guys. It's fixed!
Posted by Stephanie at 6:40 PM | Comments (13)August 7, 2006
Whirlwind
Where does the time go? I can't believe it's been almost a week since I blogged. The trip to New Mexico was a success. Stacy turned 30 and had a great time at her party.
We shopped and had fun even though it rained most of the time we were there (although it didn't rain a drop on Stacy's birthday - someone was obviously looking out for us). I was good. I bought a couple of things for Travis, but saved my money for the camera I want to buy. Blogging is more important than a new wardrobe, right? Oh, I did have to buy Riley a Corgi Cannoli at the dog store.
Butterfly made the trip to New Mexico and I managed to get a fair amount done (I'd have gotten more done if I hadn't had to work while I was there, but what are ya gonna do?). We did run in to a minor snag. One of Stacy's dogs thought the yarn looked really fun, even through the little plastic ziplock bags. And I have to admit, it looks like he had fun.
But most of it was fixable. I spit spliced the larger chunks back together and kept the little pieces in case I need them down the road. I'm almost finished with the 3rd repeat and I think I may be getting better at the whole 2-handed thing.
I'm still working on my brief and probably won't have much free time until the end of the week, but I'll try to get around and see what you all have been up to. Have a great week.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:36 AM | Comments (21)June 27, 2006
The Process
Last night was karate and I have the bruises on my arms and legs to prove it, but that means no knitting. On Saturday I plyed the corriedale singles from last weekend with the merino I spun at Estes and it turned out ok. The merino wasn't as even as I remembered, but the good news is that the corriedale was quite even. So, I guess that shows progress. After I plyed those singles, I spun 2 ounces of wool blend roving from Spunky Eclectic and I am really happy with how it turned out.
I used a long draw on most of this, but played around with the results using different drafting methods, but I settled on a woolen yarn and I think it works. I only have 2 ounces of each color, but I'm going to spin the other samples I have in the red/pink color range and try a 3-ply next weekend. I hope the result is a subtle, tweedy kind of yarn. I won't have a lot, but at this point it's all about the learning and trying.
Butterfly saw a little action over the weekend, but progress is incredibly slow. Fun, but slow.
And Riley is just amazed that anyone cares about all this fiber stuff
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:43 AM | Comments (21)June 23, 2006
Practice Does Make You Better
Who knew? I guess all that stuff people tell you about practice is true. I really think I've gotten a lot better at the whole spindle thing. As you may recall, my first attempt didn't go so well. And the second attempt, well it was better, but not by much. But, this latest attempt ... it's going so much better!
I'm getting fairly even, well twisted yarn and I'm spinning from combed top! I am really enjoying the mid-whorl spindle. This thing spins like a dream (even though I've dropped it a few times! They don't call it a drop spindle for nothing.) I find that it's a lot easier to spin for 15 minutes on the spindle than to sit down at the wheel, which I suppose is the point of having one - instant gratification. This week has gotten away from me and I haven't sat down at my wheel since Sunday, but I am planning on plying those singles tonight. We'll see how it goes.
And, I think my tension on my fair isle is improving a bit with practice.
If you look above that checked garter stitch border hell, you'll see some kind of crappy tension, but when it moves into the green and orangey colors things are evening out a bit (the green and orange stuff is what I've done this week - not a lot, but...). I'm trying to remember to spread the stitches out and my right hand is maybe starting to get the hang of things. I hope I just continue to get better as this project progresses.
Tonight is the photo shoot for the Oak Ribbed Socks, so I'll have pictures for you in the next day or two. Have a great weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:54 AM | Comments (17)March 17, 2006
What Day Is It?
I've been so busy I don't know which end's up. Work has been nuts (and I was naive enough to think this week might be a bit slower), I'm trying to buy a new car (and can I just go off on a tangent and tell you what a pain in the ass that is), and I don't even know what's happened to my evenings. But, I do have progress to show! On Butterfly.
See? Isn't it pretty? My tension isn't perfect, but it's a lot better than when I started on the mittens. Don't you think (and just so you know, that check pattern is one row knit, one row purl - my knit tension isn't that bad)?
Tonight I'm actually go to try some spinning (rather than just treadling)! Travis is going to rope so I'll have the tv all to myself to watch my spinning dvd. Fun times around here. I need to finish my skirt for Sew? I Knit (there's a second one) and do something about my post card for Project Spectrum. Oh, and clean out the truck and get it ready for a trade-in. How many days do I have anyway? 5? 7? I might just have to take a day off next week to get this car thing done. Wouldn't that be terrible?
Thank you all for the wonderful names for the spinning wheel. I'm having a hard time deciding (and haven't had more than a minute or two to think about it). I'll let you know on Monday. Have a great weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:44 AM | Comments (16)March 8, 2006
Minor Progress
It's snowing like crazy here. The weather people are predicting somewhere between 5 and 10 inches today (doesn't that just go to show you how they really do just guess on the forecast). I'm hoping the weather keeps at it so I can justify going home early. It seems like a really good day to sit on the couch with a nice fire, a cup of tea, a movie, and my knitting!
Speaking of knitting, I've been making some progress on my projects. The Chalet sock continues along - I'm almost done with the second pattern repeat and should be able to turn the heel soon. I had to do some minor ripping last night because I got a little confused as to which stitches went which direction (I say confused, but really I just wasn't paying attention - that'll get ya every time).
Clapotis has entered the straight rows section (exciting, I know)
and I dropped my first stitch last night - that dropping stitches thing still gets my heart pumping a little. It just doesn't quite seem like something I should be doing on purpose.
And finally, Butterfly. I love Butterfly, but at this rate I'm gonna be 60 before she's done. Last night I knit another 2 rounds and it took me an hour and a half. I know it isn't a race and I'm not in a hurry, but jeeze I'm slow (although there was some television watching when I had to stop knitting - those purl rows still need my undivided attention).
February 12, 2006
Gauge Sucks
Can I just tell you how freakin' much I hate knitting a gauge swatch and having it tell me my tension is too loose or too tight. I know, I know. That's the whole purpose of the stupid things, but jeeze. So, here's the deal. Last night I wound all the beautiful Hebridean yarn into little balls, got out my 3.25mm Holz & Stein ebony needles I've been saving for this project and started my gauge swatch (yes, you know what that means - Ombre update tomorrow). By the time I was done it was late, so I steamed it as directed and waited until this morning to measure it's little gauge goodness. The required gauge for Butterfly is 28 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm. And what do I have? I have 32 freakin' stitches. Ok, deep breath. Put the beautiful ebony needles away and pull out the 3.5mm addi turbos and start again. Oh, and in the process of digging through the needle stash I happened upon a 3.25mm addi turbo for my socks. It's just amazing what I find in the yarn closet I tell ya. So, I labor over my gauge swatch all morning and finish it just awhile ago. I steam it and measure with anticipation. Guess what my gauge is? Yep. 32 freakin' stitches.
How the #$%^ is that even possible? I knit the second swatch on larger needles. This should not be happening! Look at them. They look exactly the same (well, the H&S one looks a lot better, but they're the same size!). So, needless to say I pulled out the 3.75mm needles and after I get over the crushing disappointment, I'll try again (I'm starting to worry that knitting all these stupid gauge swatches will result in my running out of yarn down the road). Keep your fingers crossed and any suggestions on why this gauge business is the way it is would be most appreciated.
September 26, 2005
A Long Post
As promised, I have blocking pictures of Backyard Leaves.
And now she's all bundled up and ready to meet her mom. She's off on her journey today, and should arrive by the end of the week.
I debated for quite awhile about the "best" way to sew the 2 halves together. After some research in a couple of knitting books, I decided plain ol' matress stitch was the way to go. I hope Blossom is happy with that decision. If she'd prefer something else, I've included the extra yarn in the return package, so she can do what she'd prefer with the seam.
The back of Frieda is finished. Speedy knit, that one.
And I've started the cables on the front.
This cable business is a little tricky until you get the hang of it and those cable stitches are tight! I was very nervous because when I'm knitting the cable stitches there appears to be a huge gaping hole next to the cable (is this normal or am I doing something wrong?). I was pulling my hair out over those puppies. Then, much to my amazement, they closed right up on the next row - well, they're still there but you can't see them. One of those knitting mysteries I suppose. I hope that I get into the rhythm of the cables and cruise along on the front. It'd be nice to have this sweater in the next few weeks because we are fast approaching sweater weather around here. I have to tell you, as much as I love the feel of the Alpaca Silk, I've been quite annoyed with the yarn. I have run across three major knots so far - 2 in one ball and 1 in another - and a lot of twigs and little bits of stuff.
Of course, these knots show up in the middle or end of a row and require tinking back and cutting off a fair amount of yarn. Did you notice all the new yarn spots on the back? A lot from having to cut knots out. I'm worried that I'm not going to have enough yarn and am going to have to order another ball to finish. You'd think Debbie Bliss could produce a bit better product, especially for what this yarn cost!
I've been thinking about Butterfly a lot over the last few days. I'm intrigued by the pattern, the yarn, the colors, and the technique used to make such a lovely garmet. A while ago, I ordered a dvd on the two-handed fair isle technique. I watched it this weekend and it was quite good. There was also quite a bit on steeking and finishing, which I found helpful as well. I ordered some needles a few weeks ago and they arrived on Friday.
These will be debuted on Butterfly. In reading the Butterfly pattern I noticed that the finished measurement for the small (the size my sister bought for me) is 105.5 cm (about 41.5 inches) at the underarm, which is much too large for me. The petite size is a much better 96 cm (38 inches) around, but is too short. I sent an e-mail to Virtual Yarns explaining my problem and asking for advise. I got the nicest e-mail from Jade Starmore herself explaining exactly what I should do - knit the petite and make it longer - with specific instructions for how to do that. I do so love a company with a wonderful product and outstanding customer service! Very impressive.
Finally, I had a lovely weekend knitting, but also had to dedicate some time to reading my new book.
If you don't have this book, go get it. It's hilarious. I wish I had Stephanie's talent for making the every day things so interesting. I do believe this one is even better than the first (and I wasn't sure that was possible).
As you can see, I had a lovely weekend and today is my birthday, so today should be good too. Have a great day. Happy knitting.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:58 AM | Comments (25)September 21, 2005
A Birthday Present
My birthday is next week and I got my first birthday present in the mail yesterday. Have I mentioned that I love packages. Yes, I believe I have. Anyway, my sister ordered me yarn! She's the best - she might very well be the best sister ever (at least in my opinion - I know you all think your sisters are great too)! Oh, wait. It gets better. Not only did she order me yarn, but she ordered me Butterfly. Yarn and pattern for my very first fair isle project. And it arrived yesterday.
The yarn is so pretty and heathered and yummy. The pattern, well, the pattern seems kind of complicated. But what did I expect? It is fair isle after all. I'm sure once I sit down and actually start it, I'll figure it out, but it's kind of daunting upon first read. There's a little note in the package from Virtual Yarns with the happy birthday note from Stacy and the pattern has a personalized note from Jade Starmore - very nice touch. I'm pretty sure this project will take me the rest of the fall and all winter, but it's going to be fun (if I ever figure the pattern out).
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:42 AM | Comments (18)
