September 20, 2005
An Error On My Part
In my excitement about the zipper installation and my swatch for Frieda, I forgot to post the pattern information for the Zip Cardi. If you're like me, you're tired of looking at and hearing about this project, but in the interest of completeness, I decided I needed to post the specs.
Pattern: Zip Cardigan from Phildar Spring 2005 Magazine
Yarn: Phildar Licorne in Persan (122)
Needles: US 2 and 3 Addi Turbos
Modifications: The pattern is designed to be knit in reverse stockinette stitch, but I chose to make in plain stockinette, which I'm much happier with.
Thoughts: This pattern took me forever and involved lots of learning on my part. In the beginning, I struggled with gauge and needles. I had issues with even, consistent tension. I switched yarn early on and decided against reverse stockinette stitch. Seaming took forever! The zipper was problematic, but was a great learning experience. I'm glad I made this sweater and I'm glad I now know much more than I did when I started. I'm happy with the fit and the finished sweater. So, I guess it's a win.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:01 AM | Comments (5)September 18, 2005
A Successful Zipper Installation
The zipper is installed and it's much better than the first attempt. I used the sewing machine for this attempt and followed the directions from ChicKnits exactly (or I think I followed them exactly).
Step 1 - baste the front pieces together:
So, first I pinned the fronts together so things would stay even
Next, I basted with some white cotton yarn:
Step 2 - Pin in the zipper
I pinned the right side of the zipper to the wrong side of the sweater:
The zipper was too long, so I had to cut it to fit. Trav's horse shoe nail cutters worked great for cutting through the plastic with no effort on my part, then I cut the tape with scissors:
Step 3- Baste in the zipper
Then I hand-basted the zipper to the sweater with white thread:
Step 4- Sew in the zipper
It was now time for the machine. I used the zipper foot (see the sewing machine book in the background - I had to read about how to use the zipper foot):
The zipper foot worked great and I was able to sew right next to the teeth:
Then, I sewed another seam on the outside of the zipper tape to hold it flat:
Here's what it looks like with the zipper in:
And, some modelled shots:
And the last one, a close up of the neckline with the zipper:
I'm much happier with this version - the zipper matches better, it's less bulky sewing it in with the machine, and it doesn't buckle. The neckline is still a bit stiff, but I'm not sure that's avoidable in this situation. The pattern requires a 2-way zipper and I could only find a #5 zipper, which I think is too heavy a zipper for this sweater, but what are ya gonna do? So, what do you all think?
Posted by Stephanie at 3:37 PM | Comments (20)September 13, 2005
The Zipper Saga Continues
If you all remember, I ordered zippers from Zipper Stop and the first batch didn't work out so well. Well, I have confirmed that the original order was not what it was supposed to be. Instead of S557, I got A557 - the difference between teal and periwinkle. And instead of 830, I got 890 - a blue green and a forest green. I know this because I finally got smart and ordered a color card. I figured I'd need another zipper at some point in the near future so I thought it best to be able to choose the right color from the beginning and avoid this problem in the future. You might be interested to know that S557 would have worked just fine for the Zip Cardi. See.
It's the second one from the top - looks pretty close (even in my less than stellar picture). The third one down may be the best choice, but I don't have that color either - I have different colors. However, one of the second batch will work - I think. What do you think?
I couldn't get a good picture of anything this morning, no matter what I tried - the first one is too dark and the second one is out of focus. I do realize that the color looks completely different between the two, but what can say except flash. If you think it will work, I'm going to get some thread and sew that sucker in this weekend. I'm really tired of dealing with it and I want it finished!
Speaking of finshed. Have you seen all the SYNO scarves that are being sent off to their new homes? I'm feeling guilty that I'm not yet finished with half of Blossom's scarf. Although I'm getting close to the half-way point. I have two repeats and the end to finish on the first half. It really does go pretty quickly, I just feel like I haven't had much knitting time lately and it's starting to make me cranky. Well, crankier than usual. I think I may hold off on Frieda (aside from swatching) and try to get the scarf finished. I know I'll feel better - I just don't do well with a lot of projects going on and as it is I have two going and I'm not sure starting a third would be a good idea (no, I'm not counting the stupid Zip Cardi in that number because I'm convinced it's going to be done this weekend). I guess that's all the ramblings I have for today. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:38 AM | Comments (11)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 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)July 7, 2005
I Really Shouldn't Be Surprised
I started seaming the Zip Cardi last night and guess what, it didn't really go all that well. You start by sewing the ribbed armhole insertions onto the back armholes and it's tough to get those little straight pieces of ribbing to curve and fit nicely. I'm not really happy with how they look, so I'm going to take out the seam and re-do it tonight. Oh goodie.
See how it's puckering? That's obviously where I was fudging the seam to get everything to fit, and it didn't work - too much fudging. I really don't want to re-do these, but it'd be worse to know that they weren't right! So, keep your fingers crossed that the second attempt is better.
I watched the grand finale of Dancing With The Stars while I was seaming and Kelly Monaco from General Hospital won. I just think she's the cutest thing and I can't help but root for the underdog!
Tomorrow is dress shopping with my Mother-In-Law for a mother-of-the-groom dress for my brother-in-law's wedding in August. It ought to be fun, and you know I'll find somethings I won't be able to resist. I have no willpower, but what can ya do?
Have a great day and thanks for coming by.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:29 AM | Comments (7)July 6, 2005
Priceless
Licorne Yarn, 10 skeins = $50.00
Time Knitting = Hundreds of Hours
Finished Pieces = 12
Blocking Board = 1
Pins = 350 (or more, I lost track)
Hours Spent Blocking = 2 1/2
Having a Perfectly Blocked Sweater = Priceless!
It was hell, my back may never recover, but it's blocked to the measurements on the pattern. Now, I just have to wait for it to dry and then the ever-fun seaming begins. I wonder how many hours that will take. Yikes, I'd rather not think about it.
I made 2 swatches for the Lotus Blossom Shawl, one on size 7 needles, the other on size 8. Size 8 is the winner.
I found the Bryspun needles I want to try at Wild & Wooly in Lexington, MA! Yippee. The lady I spoke with was extremely nice and she shipped them yesterday. Keep your fingers crossed for the end of the week.
And, since I've decided not to start the shawl until the proper needles arrive (I just can't take much more lace on addis, although the bamboo was much better) and I thought I wanted something else to work on in the meantime, I've cast on for some socks (crazy, I know).
This is my first attempt at a figure 8 cast-on and I found it kind of difficult. Well, more awkward really, but not the easiest thing I've ever tried. We'll see how it turns out. These socks are destined to be short summer socks and the yarn is a gift from Jenn.
I really appreciate all of your compliments on the new site. You really made my day. Have a wonderful day and thanks for saying hello.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:19 AM | Comments (11)July 4, 2005
Welcome To My New Home
As you can see, there were changes made over the weekend. The marvelously talented Diana did the design for me. It's a big change from Paint & Purl, but I really like it. What do you all think?
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In other news, I was busy knitting and doing home improvement stuff. I am happy to report that I have completed the knitting on the Zip Cardi and now I need to block it and sew the many pieces together. That should keep me busy for awhile!
This morning I started one of the gauge swatches for the Lotus Blossom Shawl and it's kind of fun.
I think this will be a fun project, but I really need to get some different needles because these addis are driving me crazy!
In home improvement news I made a peach pie (is that home improvement?) and painted my light fixtures.
The pie turned out rather well and it was my first experience with one without a pan. I like the free-form aspect of it and may have to try this recipe again.
The light fixtures started their lives as brass, which isn't really my style. So, I painted them.
I started with a flat black spray paint and then used 2 copper paints and wet sponges to make them coppery. I don't know if I love them, but I like them a lot better than the brass, and they were a heck of a lot cheaper than new fixtures. These will get new shades in the next couple of weeks, so I'll post more pictures when that happens.
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.
Posted by Stephanie at 5:20 PM | Comments (17)July 1, 2005
Before Knitting?
Well crap. I just lost my post. I hate it when that happens. So, let's try it again
I was sitting in the living room last night working on the ribbed inserts for the Zip Cardi and I started thinking about the time I spend knitting. Then I started wondering what I did before I knit and I couldn't really think of what it might have been. I may have used the time to read, but I still read, so the time must have come from somewhere else. I didn't go out to wild parties or have group obligations, I did watch tv, but I still do. Maybe I just added my knitting to my tv watching time. What do you think? What did you do with your time before you started knitting?
The ribbed inserts for the Zip Cardi are coming along better than I imagined. I shouldn't be surprised because each one is only 16 or 17 stitches and 84 rows - not a lot of stitches. I finished 2 yesterday and am about 1/2 done with the third.
I imagine I'll have them all done by the end of the weekend. Then everything will need to be blocked before it's seamed. How much do you stretch k2 p2 ribbing when you block it? I can't seam it like it is, but don't want to overblock it.
I took some pictures of my flowers and the view from my house just because things are pretty right now and in another month everything will be dry and brown.
Have a great Friday and a wonderful holiday weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:33 AM | Comments (3)June 30, 2005
Are You Ready?
Believe it or not, Tivoli 2 is finished and I absolutely love it (the loving it shouldn't be a surprise)! Now, I have to say, the pictures aren't the best, but that's just because I have a stupid look on my face. Please disregard that and look at the sweater. Ready?
Details:
Pattern: Grumperina's Tivoli T-Shirt
Size: bust 32", waist 26 1/2", hips 32"
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Cotton in Shell - about 2 1/2 skeins
Needles: Size 8 Addi Natura in 16" and 32" lengths
Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rounds over 4" in stockinette stitch
Comments: This is a wonderful pattern that had absolutely no mistakes, aside from operator error (see yesterday's post). I love the cap sleeves and the shaping. It's very flattering and comfortable. I'm already thinking of making another one in wool to wear in the winter under suit jackets.
In other news, I've started back into the Zip Cardi and I'm working on the ribbed pieces. The current piece starts with 5 stitches and then you cast on 2 stitches every other row to increase - very strange, but it seems to have worked.
And finally, here's a picture of the mountains looking to the west from my house (the purple flowers are wildflowers that look like delphiniums). The grass looks brown in the picture, but it's actually so long that it has seed heads on it, which make it look that way. I can't remember the last time the grass was long enough to sway in the wind!
Have a wonderful day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:53 AM | Comments (13)June 22, 2005
Let Us Share A Moment of Silence...
... for Tivoli. She has passed on the the yarn stash in the sky. Want evidence?
We have Tivoli as we all remember her:
And then we have her during the frogging:
And then of course we have her ready for her reincarnation:
I cast-on the 112 stitches I need for the second version and will begin the re-knit of the beloved Tivoli and hope to have her done by the weekend. This was my first major frogging project, and I have to say, it wasn't too bad. I had a moment when I looked at all of those piles of yarn and thought, man, it sure didn't take me long to rip out all that work, but it was kind of neat how it came apart. Don't get me wrong, it isn't something I plan to do on a Saturday night for fun, but it was interesting. Once.
So, I finished the second sleeve of the Zip Cardi and came out with 2 less stitches than on the first sleeve. I'm sure I did an extra set of decreases somewhere, but darned if I could find it easily and I wasn't going to rip out a bunch for 2 stitches. I'm just gonna make it fit - I mean really, we're talking 2 stitches in 4-ply cotton - that's something like 25 stitches to 4 inches. It can't be too big of a deal, right? Right?
So, I leave you with pictures of my kids playing in the yard last night. These are pretty normal pictures because I missed the "dead" poses - both on their backs with their legs in the air - crazy I tell ya.
Riley and Isabelle
Have a good day - it's Wednesday!
Posted by Stephanie at 8:29 AMJune 20, 2005
Lots of News
I have lots to tell you. It seems like I've been gone forever. I know, three days isn't really forever, but I've missed you guys. Friday I went to the Estes Park Wool Market and took a class on Natural Dyeing. Here's a picture of the view outside the classroom:
It was a wonderful class. The class was taught by Liesel Orend and we dyed yarn using black walnut hulls, osage orange, cochineal, madder, marigolds, cutch, logwood, and indigo.
So, we dyed three skeins of each color, then shifted one skein of each with iron, and overdyed one of each with indigo. We then dyed three skeins of indigo - one dip, two dips, and one dip that we shifted with iron. It was all very cool and informative. I think there may be dyeing in my future!
Now, on to knitting. Some days I really hate cotton. Tivoli finally dried, I put it on and it fit. I wore it for about 10 minutes and it's too big. Why, you ask? Well because the cotton stretched. Only horizontally, but enough that in Travis' words "that sweater makes you look pregnant". Isn't he sweet. My gauge changed from 19 sts to 18 sts to 4 inches. Enough so that sweater is about 2 inches larger all the way around. Lovely. Not the patterns fault, I should have washed my swatch before I started so I knew what the ending gauge would be. So, because I really like the pattern, I'm going to frog and re-knit with the proper gauge in mind.
The Zip Cardi sleeve #2 is coming along nicely. I'm shaping the cap and will be done with it this week. I also found 2 options for a zipper - aqua, which is a bit lighter than the yarn, and a dark gray. We'll have to see which turns out to be the better choice after I get the rib panels done (remember there are 7 of those suckers!). I think I'll re-knit Tivoli after I get this sleeve done before I tackle the ribbed pieces. I can only handle so much cotton on size 1 needles.
I'm still undecided on the shawl, but I think it is between the Leaf Lace Shawl and the Lotus Blossom Shawl. I hear from a good authority that the Fiddlesticks patterns are fabulous and the charts are wonderful. So, we'll see as the time for this project draws nearer. The wedding I want to wear it to is August 6 - so I have a bit of time.
That's all for me. I hope you all have a wonderful Monday.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:45 AMJune 15, 2005
Lace Questions
Tivoli was completed last night at about 11:00 and is now blocking. I really wanted to wear it today, but it did need blocked, so I gave in and did the right thing. Here's the blocking picture.
I really, really love this pattern. I love it so much I'm thinking of making another one at some point. I promise I'll put it on tonight and take a picture of it and then I'll give you the specs.
So, now that Tivoli is complete, I'm back to sleeve island with the Zip Cardi. True, it's the second sleeve, but I'm on row 27 (I know this because of my lovely new row counter) and the ribbing continues until row 64. After that it is miles and miles of stockinette stitch. Oh well, I am determined to get this thing done, so that's the way it's gonna be.
Now, on to the lace questions. My only experience with lace is the Rebecca Wrap Cardigan, which I enjoyed and didn't find overly difficult. So, my wish is to knit myself a shawl. I have some lovely pearl gray merino/silk fingering weight (or what I think is fingering weight) yarn that I'd like to use. I recently acquired A Gathering of Lace and there are two patterns that I think I like. One is the Beginner's Triangle Shawl and the other is the Faroese Shawl (shown on the cover of the book). I'm not sure which would be better, if there is such a thing, but I want a versatile shawl that I can get a lot of wear out of - I'd like to take it to my brother-in-law's wedding in August and imagine wearing it in my office. I'd appreciate your opinions or suggestions for another pattern.
It's Wednesday and I'm not working on Friday because I'm going to a natural dyeing workshop at the Estes Park Wool Market. So, I only have today and tomorrow left to work - woo hoo. I hope you all have a good day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:18 AMJune 10, 2005
Half Way There
I finished the first sleeve!! I know, I know, you didn't think I'd ever get it done. Frankly, I wasn't sure I would either, but in fact I persevered. Here she is:
Not the best picture, but you get the idea.
I cast on for the second sleeve at about 9:00 last night and have about 15 rows done. I'm seriously considering taking the weekend to start the Grumperina Tivoli T-shirt. There are a couple reasons for this. Number one being I'm not sure how much more 4-ply cotton I can take at the moment. I'm enjoying the progress on the Zip Cardi, but I'm really feeling the need to accomplish something and this project just isn't doing it for me right now. So, I have the lovely Blue Sky Cotton in shell and I have the pattern. Why not? It's supposed to be a quick knit so I'm thinking I may take the weekend to sew the Nappy Bag (without the changing pad of course)
and start the Tivoli T-shirt. Maybe on Monday I will be refreshed and ready to tackle the second Zip Cardi sleeve. I guess we'll see. Have a great weekend.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:32 AMJune 6, 2005
What A Weekend...
I'm actually amazed I survived! My in-laws arrived on Friday night just as we were finishing watching Oceans Twelve. We went to bed and woke up Saturday morning to this:
Yep, ladies and gents, that's 12 inches of snow on June 4th. Included with this little bit of wonder was no electricity (for about 7 hours) and spotty phone service. The snow was very wet and a lot of the old trees in town were damaged. There were broken branches everywhere, on houses, cars, in the street - it was a mess.
The good thing about getting a lot of snow is that it's good weather for knitting and painting your kitchen. I got the second coat on the kitchen and it looks much better. I'm very pleased with the color and how it ties in with the rest of the house. I worked on the first sleeve of the Zip Cardi all weekend and can only report a completed 35 cm out of the required 45 cm - before shaping the cap. I'm pretty sure I'm never going to get that baby finished (and the really good news is that there are 2 sleeves on this sweater so I have another one just like it still to do). :)
The weather straightened up yesterday, and by the afternoon this was the view of things:
Can you believe the difference? I was amazed that all of that snow melted so quickly.
Also in home news, the in-laws came down to help us put in the rest of our beautiful white fence. Travis and his dad made quick work of it and it looks great. What do you think?
That's all I have for you. Have a great day (I know, it's Monday, but try).
Posted by Stephanie at 8:47 AMMay 31, 2005
Goodies
I got a package from my Secret Pal, and boy did I get good stuff! Let's see, where to start? I got an autographed copy of the bookbookbook. Isn't that cool? I'm so excited that my Secret Pal was so thoughtful and I won't get the chance to meet the lovely and talented Stephanie so this is very special. On a side note, Ms. Pearl-McPhee commented on my blog yesterday! I love all of you, but she's something of a blogging celebrity (as you well know) and I feel honored that she stopped in and said hello.
Ok, back to Secret Pal goodies, I got the cutest little sheep tape measure. He will have to stay away from Riley because there was recently a sheep murder over at Got Gauge and Sophie is the prime suspect (dogs are dangerous to sheep). I also got two fabulous sock yarns - sock garden from Knit Picks in pansy and some lovely Plymouth cotton in great spring/summer colors. I also got a booklet on the magic loop and a 40" size 0 addi for my socks to come. Also included was a book on knitted accessories - yummy patterns that are going to add more projects to my to do list.
As if that isn't enough, I stopped by Bath & Body on my way home from work to get some body cream and just had to get this tote bag. The colors and price were just too good to resist. So, another bag to add to my collection. I'm thinking it will make a great summer knitting bag. What do you think?
At the request of my hgtv pals, I've posted a couple more pictures of my kitchen paint. Now, I took these without a flash late yesterday afternoon (about 6:00) and they still don't appear very green and look a little darker than the paint actually is. I'm so bad at this picture thing, but the color may be somewhere between today's pictures and yesterday's, but more olivey/sagebrushy.
I am about 5 rows from finishing the left front of the Zip Cardi and then I'm on to sleeves. I'm headed to Casper, WY for a couple of days for work so I'm hoping to have knitting time in the evenings. The bad part of the trip will be limited blogging. If I can find a computer, I'll stop in for a quick hello, but it may be Friday before I can get back to say hello. Have a great week.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:35 PMDo I Have A Lot To Tell You
I feel like I've been gone for ages. I have so much to tell you that I don't even know where to start. I guess I'll start at the beginning :)
Friday when I got home I had yarn. Really yummy yarn.
I am totally in love with this stuff. It's Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton in Shell and it is so soft and snugly that you can't really believe it's 100% cotton. This yarn is destined to be Grumperina's Tivoli T-shirt and I can hardly wait to finish the Zip Cardi so I can start on this project. Actually, I couldn't wait to swatch so I did that Saturday morning.
19 stitches and 24 rows on size 8 needles. It will be a nice change from 4-ply cotton!
Speaking of 4-ply cotton, I'm making good progress on the Zip Cardi. I finished the back Saturday morning.
I finished the right front last night and have a good start on the left front. For the fronts I switched back to the addis and the gauge is the same, but the tension seems to be a bit more even. I'm a spaz, I know. I switched from the addis to the bamboos to try to fix my tension and then I realize that it's actually better with the original addis. Oh well, I'm nothing if not difficult. :) So I only have the left front, both sleeves, and 7 ribbed bands to do (yes, 7). I may have this finished in time to wear it on Labor Day!
Saturday was beautiful and Travis and I worked outside. We're replacing the fence around the house (the entry fence, I like to call it) with a nice white pvc fence. We did half of it last summer and are doing the other half this summer. We spent Saturday replacing the fence at the entrance to the property. It was sunny and warm - a really beautiful day, especially for Laramie. Travis wore shorts and I had on a t-shirt and we both got a bit of a sunburn despite our sunscreen (spf 30 for me, 15 for Travis). Sunday and Monday were cold and nasty. The high on Sunday was 55 and yesterday was maybe 50. It was windy and rainy (we always need rain, but come on) and not really the type of weather for you to be outside. Sunday I went to the store and made a cherry pie (a big hit, but no pictures - if you look closely at the first kitchen picture you can see part of it on the counter). Sunday night we went to a birthday party and had a great time. It was a nice day despite the weather.
Yesterday, I painted my kitchen. I know, I've been talking about it forever, but I finally got it done (well, I only got the first coat finished, but it still looks good). What do you think?
That's about all I have to gab about. Nothing earth shattering, but a nice weekend. I'm not ready to be back at work and I have to go out of town Thursday and Friday which always makes me a bit cranky. Have a good day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:29 AMMay 24, 2005
Interview
I've been interviewed by Linda. Here's what I had to say.
1. What inspired you to start knitting again? What has been your favorite project so far? What project did you not enjoy? Why do you enjoy knitting? Is it the process or the finished project or something else.
I really like the creative aspect of knitting and I decided to make scarves for my girlfriends for Christmas. I picked up my needles, some yarn I got at Walmart, and Knitting In Plain English. Once I started, I was hooked. I started reading the knitting board at HGTV and found Knitter�s Review forums from there. I found such a wonderful group of knitters and got such support and encouragement that I haven�t looked back. My favorite project so far has been my first sweater � a bulky purple merino wool (Tahki Baby) pullover. It�s my favorite because I figured it out all by myself and it fits wonderfully. I think I�ve enjoyed all of my projects. My least favorite might have been the eyelash scarves I made, just because the yarn was kind of difficult to work with (at least at the time). I enjoy knitting because of the stress relief and the feeling of productivity I get from it. So much in my life seems unproductive and I like the feeling of accomplishing something. For me, knitting is about both the process and the finished product. I love the creative part of the process and taking a bunch of yarn and making it into something useful, but I love clothes and fashion and I like that I can create something I enjoy wearing.
2. How long have you been taking karate classes? How did you get started?
I�ve been studying karate since February 2002. I took a self-defense class my instructor taught at the gym and really enjoyed it, so I started classes and have been going twice a week since then. It�s the best thing I�ve ever done for myself (physically).
3. Why did you decide to go to law school?
Law school was something that had interested me for a long time and I was at the point of reevaluating my career and I decided that if I were going to make a change, I had to just go to law school. Most days I�m glad I did, and some days I wonder what I was thinking.
4. What's your favorite thing about living in Wyoming? If you could pick anywhere else to live, where would it be?
The best thing about living in Wyoming is the lifestyle. I�m a ranch girl and the big city didn�t agree with me (Dallas). I like being able to walk out my back door and see the horses in the pasture or go for a ride or a run without having to drive an hour. The weather isn�t the greatest, but there aren�t a lot of people (the downside of that is that we miss out on some of the stores and services you can get in the city).We�ve been talking about moving lately, but I�m still not sure where I�d live. I might choose somewhere like Ireland, but there are so many great places and I believe I could be happy just about anywhere.
5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself living in a small town and owning my own yarn store.I�m happily married (still) and have a cute house, my dog, and my horses.
Here are the interview rules:
1. Leave me a comment saying "interview me;"
2. I will respond by asking you 5 questions on my blog. They will be different questions than the ones above;
3. You will update your blog with the answers;
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else;
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them 5 questions.
In knitting news, I'm working on the Zip Cardi and making good progress on it.
Also, I ordered Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton for a sweater I'm going to be working on. I'll keep you posted as I make progress (I'm not going to start it until I finish this darn Zip Cardi). I just have to tell you once again, Knit Happens is the best darn yarn store out there. When you order online they have same day shipping. Yep, you read that right - same day! It's as close to instant gratification as I can get and I totally love it.
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:09 AMMay 5, 2005
New Computer
I am in desperate need of advise. It has reached the point that I must buy a new home computer. My laptop is possessed and shuts itself down at random moments. Very annoying because I usually lose whatever I'm working on. So, I would love to hear what computers you all would recommend - mac, dell, gateway, etc. I only use my home computer for blogging, surfing, and the occasional invitation design, so lay it on me. Thanks for your help.
I got the Jaeger pattern book last night and I just couldn't resist swatching. I'm happy to report that I got gauge with the recommended size needles (size 5). I only need 2 more balls of yarn, which I'm going to try to track down today and I think I like knitting cotton on bamboo needles better than metal (I swatched on metal because that's all I have in a #5) so I think I'll order some bamboo needles too. The sock is nearing completion, so I may cast on for this project this weekend. My yarn from Knit N Tyme was shipped this morning, and I paid for express shipping - it should be here the first part of next week. I can't wait to try my luck again on the zip cardi. Maybe this time it will be better.
The Knitting Guild is meeting on Saturday morning and I'm going to try to go for a little while. I have a hair appointment at 11:30, but the meeting starts at 10:00. I figure I'll just go at 10:00 and leave a little early. Do you think it's ok to leave early? Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:35 AMApril 27, 2005
I Did It...
... I frogged the whole thing. It was fairly painless because I know the new version will look so much better. I have pictures of the swatch I did yesterday at lunch so you can see my improved stitches.
They are much more uniform and make me much happier. What do you think?
I worked on my sock for awhile last night after I frogged the sweater and had a good time seeing the progress up the foot. I'm gonna get that thing done one of these days, I promise.
Here's a picture of the sign a lady in my office made for me to welcome me back to work after my surgery. Cute.
We got snow at our house last night. There was a dusting on the grass and sidewalk this morning when we got up and the drive was terrible because the fog was really thick. You could hardly see the car right in front of you. I'm still optimistic that spring will eventually show up around here, but it may be July. Have a great day.
Oh, I almost forgot again. Cyndi tagged me with a meme. You're supposed to use Google Map Services to show people where you live. We don't have great zoom in our neck of the woods, but here's Laramie, WY. I guess I'll tag Jen, Diana, and Rebekah. Have a great day and don't forget to watch the good tv shows tonight - Lost and Alias are both new (well, Lost is kind of a recap of the season, but still should be good).
Edited: If you look at the map of Laramie you'll see a road that runs just about down the middle. At the very bottom of the map there is a little tiny white line that goes off to the right (east). If you follow that road until it forks and take the middle fork, my house is the very last little light spot you see on that road (just before the other vertical line, which is the railroad track). Hope that helps you all a bit. :)
Posted by Stephanie at 8:43 AMApril 26, 2005
You're Not Gonna Believe This...
But I figured out what I was doing wrong. I didn't figure it out by myself, so don't start thinkin' I'm a genius, but none the less, I fixed the uneven stitch problem. I cruised over to Knitter's Review and did a search on the forums. There was an excellent discussion on "rowing out". I made a swatch over lunch and really concentrated on making the stitches by sliding the stitch to the taper before inserting the right needle and it dawned on me that I've been stretching the stitches out, which then don't bounce back. My swatch looks fabulous - the stitches are uniform and there is no difference in tension between the knit and purl rows. Yippee. I learned an important lesson with this little exercise. It is important to concentrate on producing quality knitting and think about your technique rather than just completing some mindless exercise (not that I can ever really zone out while I'm knitting, but you get my point). I think the bamboo needles will be great because they will slow me down a little bit and make me concentrate on my technique. I've decided (after this revelation) that I'm going to start from scratch on this little project (or I might leave the back and just frog the front pieces - I don't know). I'll frog tonight and maybe finish tomorrow night and then I'll get some quality time with sock #2 before the bamboo needles arrive and I can start back in on the cardigan. Thanks for all of your help and support during my little crisis.
Posted by Stephanie at 1:36 PMReality
Here's how I see it. There's something wrong with my Phildar zip cardi. It just isn't looking right and I'm trying to figure out what to do. Frankly, the tension sucks. It's too loose or uneven and I'm really not happy with it.
The picture on the left is the blocked back and the picture on the right is the blocked ribbing on the back. See how the stitches are uneven? It's getting worse on the front pieces. Adele is working on this pattern as well, but using a different yarn. She's actually using the recommended yarn, rather than substituting the Rowan 4-ply cotton like I did, she's using bamboo needles and isn't having a single problem (but she's a lot more talented than I). The gauge is right when the tension is right, but it isn't consistent. I think it might be the addi turbos. Maybe they're too slick with the cotton. To test this theory I did a little swatch last night on my size 1 lantern moon dpns. The wood seemed to help a bit, especially on the ribbing, but it didn't totally fix the problem.
The rib definitely looks much better, but the stitches still have that weird tension thing going on. The top 6 or 7 rows I knit with the combined method, which really evened out the tension, but I still think I ought to be able to fix this with my regular continental knitting. Am I kidding myself?
So, these are my thoughts. I'm going to call the LYS (if you can call it that) and see what they have for bamboo needles (I think they have skacel). I'm also going to try to figure out what the f*&$ I'm doing wrong with my stitches. Any ideas? I can either leave it as is, which I'm not inclined to do, or frog the whole thing and start over on the bamboo needles and if necessary use the combined knitting method to get the correct, even tension. I really like this pattern and want to wear it and am afraid that if I don't make it right, I won't wear it and the whole thing will be a waste. What would you do if you were me? Any suggestions or advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.
OMG! I just called the LYS and you're not going to believe this, but she doesn't have any sraight bamboo needles. None. No straight needles at all, unless you count dpns, which I don't. What kind of yarn store is this?? Not a very good one. So now I must order them from Knit Happens and pay express shipping because I'm too impatient to wait for them to come regular mail. Lovely, just lovely.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:27 AMApril 25, 2005
Back to the Grind
I'm back at work and staring at a computer is making my eyes dry. I wonder if I can use that excuse to keep from having to work. Doubtful, but I can dream. I did a lot of knitting this weekend and have completed the back and right side of my zip cardigan.
I debated about blocking it, but decided to since the sides were curling and I hoped a washing would help with the tension issues - it did not. I didn't put it in the dryer, but... Any ideas on how to solve this lovely cotton dilemma?
I baby sat for my mom and her SO this weekend. Riley and Kee Kee had a great time.
My task at lunch today is to go buy some new sunglasses. Wish me luck - I hate picking stuff like that out, but the new eyes need new glasses. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:58 AMApril 19, 2005
Elizabeth Zimmermann Is A Genius
Thanks Linda for the link to the thread on Knitter's Review on bind-offs for toe-up socks. I used the Elizabeth Zimmermann Sewn Cast-Off and it worked like a charm. My sock now fits and it was a lot easier than the method in Vogue Knitting.
Sorry for the dark picture, but for some reason I couldn't get my camera to give me a better quality picture last night (operator error, I'm sure). I started the second sock and have the toe done. I imagine I'll get a lot done on it while I'm waiting for my surgery on Thursday.
The Phildar Zip Cardigan (I think its name is Gilet) is coming along nicely. I've finished my first ball of yarn and am about half way up the back. It's going faster than I thought it would with the 4-ply and size 2 needles.
The thing about cotton is that you can see every irregularity in the stitches. The pattern is reverse stockinette stitch and you can really see the slight variation in tension in some spots. Will this get better after I wash and block it?
It's supposed to rain and maybe snow here this evening. The moisture is good since we've already had our first wild fire of the season, but I wish it would just rain rather than snow. I'm so tired of snow. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers. Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 8:17 AMApril 18, 2005
Ah, the Weekend
I love weekends and this one was particularly lovely. Saturday involved a trip to the eye doctor to have my eyes dilated before the big surgery on Thursday. All is good and we're a go for the lasik thing. Waiting for me at the post office was my order from Knit Happens! Lovely 4-ply Cotton in Cooking Apple. I had to cast on as soon as I got home. Surprisingly, it's going well and the cotton has been fine to work with - I have about 7 inches of the back finished. I was worried about my tension because my gauge swatch was 24 stitches rather than 25, but when I tested it on the back of the sweater, it is right on.
Now, for the question of the day. I finished my first sock on Friday night and I cannot get the bind off right. What is the best way to bind off for a k1, p1 rib so that it is stretchy? I tried to just do a regular bind off in pattern, but it was way too tight. I then tried the method suggested in Vogue Knitting for a k1, p1 bind off, but I still don't like it. As it is now, the bind off makes the sock very difficult to get on, but once it's on, it fits wonderfully. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
The weather was great here this weekend (if you ignore the wind, which I try to do on a daily basis). I actually cleaned out my flower beds yesterday and watered my tree (yep, I only have one tree). Since my eyes were dilated most of the day on Saturday I stayed in and knit and cleaned out my closet. I'm hoping we can get a closet organization system set up to more efficiently utilize the space - something from Lowes or Home Depot - so the closet needed to be inventoried in order to get the right things. Not exciting, but I got a great sense of accomplishment when I got rid of the stuff that I never wear. Now I have an excuse to buy some new pants - I know I don't have any that I like. :)
Have a great day.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:14 AMMarch 31, 2005
Mail Delivery
USPS must have heard my gripe because my Tendances 
finally arrived, 3 weeks after it was shipped from Canada. Does that seem like a reasonable shipping time to you? It doesn't really to me, but it's here now and I'm happy. There are a couple of really cute things that I think I may have to make from this magazine. First, of course, is the zip cardigan. In furtherance of that goal, I also got yarn from Knit Happens all in something close to the gauge I need. I'm just going to have to swatch them all (as well as the previously purchased Jo Sharp) and see which one comes the closest because they're all yummy - Rowan Cotton Glace, Rowan 4 ply Cotton, and Jaeger Aqua. I also got a set of size 1 Lantern Moon dpn for my next sock project. I think I'll start them as soon as I finish Rebecca (while I'm waiting for the zip cardigan yarn to arrive).
I got paint samples from Citron Paint yesterday. A couple of greens with a lot of potential and a more questionable eggplant and merlot color. I'll have to paint them onto watercolor paper this weekend and see how they look.
I finished the left side of Rebecca yesterday at lunch and cast on for the right side. I got quite a bit done on it last night during my tv watching, although I cannot knit while Alias is on because I'm terribly afraid I'll miss something). I have just started the increases for the shaping and it should proceed quickly (assuming I have no other stupid moments - hopefully I got all of those out of my system on the left side). Maybe keep your fingers crossed for me.
Posted by Stephanie at 9:38 AMMarch 25, 2005
Yep, I'm Anal
It has been brought to my attention that no one else on the face of the earth has ever spent so much time picking out a silly paint color. Yep, it's true. You're lookin' at anal retentiveness at its very best (or is it worst?). I could offer some moderate form of justification, which mostly involves blaming all of my problems on Travis, who is completely sure that the best paint color in the whole wide world is white, but you wouldn't believe me and it wouldn't really be true (although the part about Travis does account for some of my insanity). The sad truth is that I'm anal and a bit lazy because I don't want to have to repaint if I hate the color I finally choose. There you have it. Do you still like me after my ugly truths have been exposed? Because of my terrible indecisiveness and clear lack of vision (is that an oxymoron?), painting is off for this weekend. I've decided (in all my anal geniusness) that it's better to be sure that I really love the color before I buy a couple of gallons and slather in on the walls. Oh well, more knitting and shopping to be had - who can complain about that? Not me, I tell ya.
By request, this is a picture of the Phildar cardigan that I'm planning to make when the Rebecca wrap is finished. 
I gave in to my insecurities yesterday and called Knit Happens to inquire about other yarn selections for this little project because I'm thinking the Jo Sharp might be too heavy. I talked to the most delightful lady and she's sending me one ball each of a couple of choices they have that are closer to the given gauge. My analness will not allow me to actually wait for the pattern to arrive (which actually may never happen) and then swatch the Jo Sharp and see how it is. Nope, I have already decided in my feeble little mind that it isn't going to work (not that that will stop me from swatching it too, just to prove that in fact I was right) and have moved on to other choices. Somehow it really isn't comforting to know that I'm a complete wacko, but when is reality comforting?
My in-laws are coming for Easter this weekend and in a complete departure from my regularly anal nature (have you had enough on this topic yet?) I have made absolutely no plans for Easter dinner. Travis and I decided last night that we're going to make reservations at a local restaurant and call it good, but I have yet to actually accomplish this task. Maybe today - that might be a good idea since today is Friday and Easter is on Sunday - just maybe.
Rather than painting my Mother-in-Law and I are going to go to Ft. Collins tomorrow and go to the yarn store (and maybe this one too) and the cooking store. It will be a fun girls' day. I wonder how much trouble I'll get in? I'd bet on a lot. Oh well, what's the harm in yarn. It's not like it hurts anybody. Right?
Have a great day. I'll let you know what little wonders I find on my shopping expedition.
Posted by Stephanie at 10:04 AM