November 14, 2006
Tatami
As promised, here's the lovely Tatami (aka Kimono Sweater). I'm still not happy with the picture and I could not figure out how to crop it in iPhoto this morning (and I didn't have time to play with it - so sorry), but you've all seen the picture on Sundara's site, so you know it's gorgeous.
Project Details:
Pattern: Tatami from Sundara Yarns - pattern by Melissa Werhle
Yarn: Sundara Yarn Sport Merino - 5 skeins - color #12 (I think, well, I'm pretty sure, but I hope Sundara will correct me if I'm wrong)
Needles: US #4 Addi Turbos - there was quite a bit of swatching to get gauge, but in the end, the sweater fits nicely.
Thoughts: This is a great pattern. It's simple to knit, but cute and a bit different from my normal style. It's knit all in once piece and I have to admit that I didn't think I'd ever get done with the sleeves - it's still Sleeve Island, even if they're knit at the same time as the rest of the sweater. The Sundara Sport Merino is fabulous. Very soft and pleasant to work with and it is wonderful after you wash it - it just gets softer. I love that the yarn is superwash, but I'm not sure I'll ever throw this sweater in the washer just because I generally handwash all my sweaters, but who knows. It is nice to have options.
Posted by Stephanie at 7:02 AM | Comments (43)September 25, 2006
Rescued
I was finally rescued from sleeve island late Saturday night. The Kimono Sweater saw some serious knitting action this weekend and I am happy to report that I am rapidly approaching the finish line.
I hope that I can finish the knitting tomorrow so then I can get it blocked and seamed before the weekend (because, as you all know, I'm behind on this project). As soon as this sweater is done, I'm on to some socks with a couple of wedding squares and some Butterfly thrown in to keep life interesting. Maybe some Jaywalkers (yes, I know I really am the last person on the planet to knit these lovely socks) or maybe some lovely cabled socks. I saw a great Nancy Bush pattern in the Fall Vogue Knitting. I was drooling - that woman is a genius. Then there are the knee socks sweeping blogland. I have plans for some of those too. So many socks, so much cold weather. I can't wait.
I had a nice weekend, even though "fall" showed herself with snow and freezing temperatures. I worked at the yarn store on Saturday and had a great day. I just love knitters who are excited about their next projects. Yesterday was some knitting and some flyball - Riley had a great time ... again. I can't believe it's already Monday. The weekends just go too fast. But, I think this will be a good week.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:27 AM | Comments (9)September 5, 2006
Monday on Tuesday
I just love a nice long weekend, but I hate coming to work on Tuesday. It's just a real downer. But, the weekend, well, the weekend was marvelous. Saturday I took Riley and Isabelle to the vet. Isabelle was so scared because she only gets away from the house once a year and it's when she goes to the vet, so it really isn't the best time. I felt like a big bully for making her go. Riley on the other hand, loves the vet. He gets to flirt with all the girls and get lots of treats. It's a big party to him. Anyway, now that I'm a couple hundred dollars poorer, my animals shouldn't get any weird diseases in the next year or so. After the vet, I took the kids home and went to work at the yarn store. It was nice. It was quiet and I got a lot of knitting done. I also sold some stuff. I think I even managed to get everything closed up properly. And, you'll all be so proud that I didn't buy a single thing. I fondled a lot of stuff and thought about it, but I didn't but a thing. Woo Hoo.
The rest of the weekend I putzed around the house. I knit some, but I had the new Nora Roberts book and I just had to read it. At first I was a bit unsure about it, but it turned out to be one of those that you just can't put down. I read the whole thing on Sunday. Which meant I didn't knit much, but I was busy with some witches and vampires. So there. But yesterday I knit. I knit quite a bit, although I don't know that you can tell from the progress I made (or didn't make).
I'm still on the sleeves, but I've split the back for the neck and the front. I have quite a bit of sleeve knitting still to go, but who knows, maybe this week will be fruitful. We'll see.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:57 AM | Comments (14)August 28, 2006
You're Not Gonna Believe This
But I actually made some progress on some projects over the weekend. I finally, and I mean finally finished a project bag I started over a month ago. I wanted a cute little bag I could put my current project in and then throw in my big work bag. I found a tutorial over at crafster and dug through the stash to find some fabric. I started on it and then I just abandoned it (along about the same time I abandoned everything else too). But, yesterday I decided I'd finish it.
I'm not completely happy with it, but I've decided to look at it as a learning experience. I like the overall shape and the fabric, but I'm not happy with the lining. It's a bit smaller than the bag itself - too small actually. And, this was my first attempt at a button hole and it's less than perfect. But, whatever. It works for my purposes and I can always make another one. Right?
I also got some quality knitting time in yesterday. I went to a friend's house to help her turn the heel on her sock and I worked on my Sundara Yarn sweater. It's coming along nicely.
August 21, 2006
Good Knitting Time
The Bar Convention is good for one thing - knitting time. I sat in lectures for 3 days and knit. My progress was slowed by my frogging everything I did on Wednesday, but I finished the back of my Kimono Sweater and have just started the sleeves.
Excuse the dog hair - Riley just can't help himself. I do so love a nice simple knit. This pattern is so wonderful. The construction is one I've not used before, but so far, I'm really liking it. I can't show you more than little snippets, but I promise it will be worth the wait.
This weekend was marvelous. I didn't do a thing. Well, I went to the grocery store and I made chocolate chip cookes, but otherwise I putzed around the yard, watched a couple of movies (and knit) and read a book. I really feel a lot better than I've felt in a long time. I think I really needed a nice relaxing weekend at home.
I am seriously behind on my blog reading and I apologize to all of you. I owe almost everyone some comments. I've been out of touch for too long. So, I'm going to try to get to visit every one over the next few days, but it might take me the week to visit everyone! I hope you all are well.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:27 AM | Comments (16)
