Major Knitter

Sampler Afghan Update

Here's a picture of the baby version of the sampler afghan that I'm making.  It's a house pattern from Knitting Central that you can get for free when you purchase the yarn for this blanket.  It's 30 different swatches which are knit up in five strips of six swatches per strip that are then crocheted together to form a gorgeous afghan.

Here's my first sample swatch glamming it up in Manhattan at the Swaroski Crystal store in Rockefeller Center

And here's my swatch after my refresher course at Knitting Central where I asked Cynthia to give me a few pointers.  She's always so good about helping out and answering questions.  I had a moment of self doubt where I couldn't make sense of the pattern.  It was really complicated, you know.  It said "Pick up the stitches through the back of the loops." 

Yup.  I couldn't figure it out.  It seemed so complicated.  OK.  It was a minor brain malfunction.  As soon as Cynthia showed me, I said "Oh, so you pick up the stitches through the back of the loops!"

Sometimes you just have to take the leap of faith and do what the pattern says.  I felt so silly after seeing how simple it was.  It's actually what I thought it was, except I had somehow over-thought the process and was imagining a different result.

Leap of faith.  Aha!  Now I get it.

P.S.  While I was at my LYS I picked up two more pairs of the Signature Needles. This time I bought size 1 and 2.  I think these are the perfect needles for that small size.  These will definitely withstand the force of even the tightest knitter.

Friday's Photographic Proof of Knitting Progress

Over the past week or so, I've been very busy traveling and dealing with end of school year things.  I swear I've been doing a lot of knitting - I just haven't had many photographs to share.  Here's a quick update.

I started the 2x2 ribbed socks for my nephew.  I made the foot larger so he can grow into them.  I must admit this is the fastest sock I've ever knit using US Size 1 needles - just 2 days for one sock.

• Charlene Schurch's Sensational Socks 2x2 Ribbed Socks
• US Size 1 Turbo Addi's
• Trekking XXL

While I was home in Iowa, I managed to knit 2+ blocks on BF's Wedding Blanket.  This is definitely not a portable project and that may have been its one and only trip.  Its finished dimensions equal a king size blanket, so this one is going to be worked on while I'm sitting in my living room watching my Netflix.

 

I've worked 1.5 inches of the navy blue stripe on this prayer shawl/blanket.  This seed stitch is ultra slow.  I like the blanket, so I slowly but surely chug away at it.  It might be completed before 2010.  Don't hold your breath!

Plus I finished the Animal Baby Bootees, Secundogeniture's Socks (photo above), taught knitting, traveled, camped and more.  It feels great to take a moment and document the progress I'm making on my WIPs.  The blankets take such a long time that I often forget that I am working toward the finish line!

Reality Check

Ravelry is a very good thing.  It keeps me honest.  I finally input all my projects (but not the historical ones).  Since my WIPs are the first ones to pop up on my Ravelry Project List, I can honestly see which ones are staring me in the face asking "My Dear!  My Dear!  Why have you forsaken me?"

Drumroll please...

1. BF Sweater - Original Design
2. ABC Vest - Knit Picks
3. Spring Lace Socks - by Danni Knits of Knitting Central
4. Newfoundland Mitts Revisited - by Creative Whimsy
5. Baby Argyle Sweater - variation on Sally Ijams' sock (remember the one that was too big?)
6. Basic Sock - basic pattern - 56 sts
7. Warm Up America Blanket  - some donated, some original patterns
8. Pixie Jacket - Sublime pattern
9. Mistake Rib Scarf - original design
10. Seed Stitch Striped Lap Blanket - original design
11. BF Wedding Blanket - variation on Ann Norlings Baby Blocks
12. Takhi's Cotton Classic Tank Top - Takhi
13. Set Sail Baby Blanket - original design

Plus these future projects which I've committed to knit

1. June Sock Pattern from Knitting Central Sock Club
2. June Sock Pattern from Six-Sox-KAL
3. Caesar's Check by Charlene Schurch KAL with my friend Betsy
4. Floral Jacket by Kaffe Fassett as an upcoming class at Knitting Central

Next Knitting Project

While I was at Knitting Central this weekend, I bought some Takhi classic cotton for the Lacy Tank Top that is proudly displayed by the Takhi Cotton Classic.  I even made a swatch.  Alert the media!  You may not have heard that correctly.  I, Jennifer Jackson, made a swatch.  Yes.  It's true.  See.  Here's the proof.

I quickly took it to Knitting Central to show off my work.  Truthfully, I wanted to make sure I got gauge.  I actually stretched the cotton too much (good thing I made a swatch).  But I really did get gauge on this swatch.  Go figure.  I usually have to go down a size on my needles in order to get gauge.  Maybe the lacy pattern works differently for me.

Anyway,yesterday was commute into the city day.  I managed to knit a great deal on the front of my new summery tank top.  I'm using a great fitting tank in my wardrobe as a guide for the perfect fit.

 

I plan to add 2 inches to the length of the body of this tank.  I hate it when the tank creeps up over the jeans (and the muffin top).  I'm too old to be showing off any muffin!  I can't tell you how delighted I am to be knitting an actual non-sock piece of clothing for myself.  I haven't done that in years - at least not since I've had my blog.  Once upon a time I used to be a svelte young thing (SVT) and it was fun to knit anything and have it look great on me.  Then I kept telling myself that I would knit a top once I lost some weight.  Well... I'm tired of waiting (although I have lost lots of weight since my wedding) so I'm just going to knit for myself.  If more weight comes off, I'll just knit some more.  Sounds like a win-win situation.

PS - If you'd like to see the inspiration for this project - check out the Knitting Central blog with Melissa and her son.  Doesn't she look smashing wearing her Lacy Tank Top? 

It's a True Blue Miracle

I have a few WIPs that I didn't even put on the list.  In fact, they're on my UFO (unfinished objects) and FUFO (forgotten unfinished objects) list.  Some of them should probably be frogged, but I just haven't had the courage to do so.  Here's one great reason that I'm glad I didn't frog this project.

Remember BF Sweater? 

I ran out of yarn so long ago and didn't really know what to do about it.  I finally decided to test the powers of Ravelry.  I did a search for Adrienne Vittadini yarn and found a few people who had some yarn in their stash.  I wrote to them and Neurochic responded that not only did she have the right color, but she also had the exact dye lot that I needed.  WOW!  The yarn gods really must be watching over me.  We made a swap - she sent me her 5 skeins of yarn and I sent her a gift certificate to WEBS. 

Thanks Neurochic!  I appreciate your kindness, speediness and willingness to help out a fellow knitter in need.  Now I'll have to add BF Sweater back to my WIP list (instead of the UFO list) and find some time to refocus my attention on it. 

I believe in Miracles.  Thanks Ravelry.  You saved this sweater from a fate worse then death.

Status Check

It's been 6 weeks since I did my Knitaholics Anonymous 4th Step - and did a searching and fearless moral inventory of my projects.  On March 30th I had thirteen WIPs on my plate.   I've finished several and started several more.  Let's see where things stand today.

1. BF's Wedding Gift – brown Supercashmere Blanket
2. Skip Along Socks for the Knitting Central Sock Club
3. Oh So Soft Baby Blanket in Navy Blue
4. Warm Up America blanket for Jackson Recovery Center– purple & reds
5. Pixie Jacket baby gift (Has Sidney already outgrown this gift?)
6. Spring Lace Socks – Danni Knits pattern – pink & lilac yarn from James of Fibre Alive
7. Prayer Shawl Ministry blue toned striped seed stitch blanket
8. Purple Mistake Rib scarf for Jackson Recovery Center
9. Prayer Shawl – Homespun blues
10. Argyle Baby Vest
11. Purple Newfoundland Mittens Revisited
12. Regia blue striped socks with Lorna’s Laces blue jeans heels and toes
13. Almost Argyle – red socks

Plus, I've cast on and actually finished four more projects and one WIP

1. Gracie's Girlie Socks
2. Mets Mini Sock
3. Knitting Central Sock Club Socks for April - Rainbow Swirl Socks By TravelingAnn
4. Christine's Stay-On Booties
5. Entrelac class - Market Square Bag - WIP

That's 8 finished objects so far this month.  I wonder if I can manage to finish another WIP by Friday.  Yikes.  I have a lot of things on my plate today and tomorrow. 

Can She Do It?  Yes, I believe she can.

This Post is for Jane

Dear Jane,

I don't want you to think that I'm totally a knitting flake.  (But it's OK if you do).  When we met in April 2006 I was already making my first pair of Almost Argyles.  I gave Angel the original Almost Argyle Socks.  They were too big for me and she just thought they were the perfect fit. But I decided I wanted to make a pair for myself.  So in August 2006 I cast on for a second pair of Almost Argyles using some Lorna's Laces shepherd sock yarn in a brilliant red.  In fact the two times I saw you in October 2006 (once in London and then back in Connecticut) I was diligently working on my Almost Argyle.  That was about the end of their active knitting phase.  They were quickly relinquished to the UFO pile.  I was bored with them.  I picked them up again briefly in June 2007.  But my attraction for them was short-lived.  They were quickly forgotten once again.

When I posted my list of WIPs you were surprised to find them on the list.  Rightly so.  You offered me some great suggestions about making them for someone with a smaller foot just to get them done once and for all.  You even offered to finish the darned things for me.  I almost took you up on that offer.  But instead, I decided I would take the plunge and just finish these UFOs, er, WIPs once and for all.  I also took your advice.  I'll be giving these to my niece.  I think she'll be pleased.  Plus she has a very small foot - as she's only 7. 

Thanks for your encouragement.  I can come through in the end.

Happy knitting,

Jennifer

Knitaholics Anonymous

Hi.  I'm Jennifer and I'm a Knitaholic. 

There.  I've done it.  I've taken the first step.

Serial Knitter

Today was a day of serial knitting.  First I went to Joanne's house for knitting and chatting (and some great lattes!).  Joanne worked on the picking up the stitches on the gussets of her second pair of socks.  Aren't they great?  These are made with Regia sock yarn.

I worked on my homework for tomorrow's Argyle Sock Class.  I managed to knit the final inch or so while at Joanne's house, then realized I had made a mistake in reading the graph and had to rip out the inch.  After leaving Joanne's, I went to Tuesday knitting at Knitting Central and managed to catch up on the ripped out part.  Here's a shot of both argyle socks on the leopard print carpet of Knitting Central.

I hit a wall while at Knitting Central, but I stayed long enough to help Michelle through the thumb of the second mitten from our Scandinavian Mittens class.  Here's are beautiful in an olive green and white color combination.  I wish I had taken a photo.  But all of a sudden the weekend travels and excitement, not to mention the lost hour with the "spring forward" time change meant I needed a quick nap.  So I went hope, set the timer for 30 minutes and got in some quality Zzzzzz's

After my nap, I went to the Prayer Shawl knitting group at Assumption Parish and knit with Hettie and Trish for about an hour.  I made minimal progress on my Oh So Soft Baby Blanket with garter ridge stripes.  Soon it was time to rush off to both schools to pick up the boys for orthodontist visits.

At the orthodontist, I managed to pick up stitches and knit 1 1/2 heel flaps on my argyle socks.  These are so much fun to knit.  I can scarcely wait until tomorrow's knitting class.  Now I'm home with the boys and I'm trying to figure out what else I can knit tonight.

I'm a Polygamist

Yes folks, that's true.  When it comes to knitting, I'm a polygamist.  Carolyn in NC was quite concerned that I cast on for yet another project with the Supercashmere Blanket for BF.  She was right in her worries.  I am such a hussy when it comes to a knitting project.  I follow whatever fibre is hot or looks good that day.  What can I say?  I simply cannot remain faithful to one knitting project at a time.  Unfortunately, I often lose track of how many projects are actually laying around the house like ladies-in-waiting just begging for attention.

Right now, I must have more than 10 projects that are on the needles that are still on my radar screen.

1. Chuppah Lace (with only a matter of hours before the Big Event)
2. Scandinavian Mittens (half a mitten left)
3. BF's Wedding Gift - Supercashmere Blanket to warm him heart and soul and toesies
4. Warm Up America blanket for Jackson Recovery Center
5. Skip Along Socks for the Knitting Central Sock Club
6. Pixie Jacket baby gift (Has Sidney already outgrown this gift?)
7. Almost Argyle Socks
8. Spring Lace Socks
9. Chemo Cap in black (which will probably get frogged)
10. Dale Baby Sweater - from my Fair Isle class with Sally at Knitting Central
11. Oh So Soft Baby Blanket in Navy Blue
12. Prayer Shawl Ministry blue toned striped seed stitch blanket

I'm sure there are more.  In fact, I'm absolutely positive that there are more projects that are wondering why the flame and passion suddenly died out.  I was so hot and heavy for them when I bought the wool, cast on and started knitting away.  I really do have a bad case of finishing-itis.  I promise to finish at least 3 of these projects before getting too involved with the Supercashmere chocolate brown scrumptious yarn that is pure heaven to touch and knit.  Uh oh.  My will power is about to go out the door...

Seriously though, I am so organized and structured in the rest of my life that knitting is the one place I totally and utterly let myself go.  No deadlines.  No plans.  No pressure.  I like it that way.  Separately, I have many projects for different purposes.  I always need to break up the sock knitting on tiny needles with something in a heavier yarn and larger needles in order to give my body a rest.  I also have challenging knitting or a new technique I'm learning which generally requires that I pay attention.  There is always some sort of charity project on the needles (I currently have three projects on the needles). And last but not least, it is absolutely imperative that I have more than one project that involves mindless knitting.  You know - for when you're supposed to be paying attention to what someone is saying (like at a meeting or at the movies).

The good news is that I'm utterly, totally faithful when it comes to the love of my life.  My wandering eye is only problematic for me in the fibre arena.  Whew!

Chuppah Help

Today many friends came together to help me pull my chuppah together.  Regina stopped by and dropped off the fabric canopy.  Susan came over to show me how to block the lace.  She brought with her an extra large heart embossed tin filled with her lace blocking pins.  The Clover Forked Blocking Pins are her favorites.  Regina and I could easily see why.

I guess my three packages of blocking pins weren't going to do the trick.

Check out Susan's fabulous sweater.  She says it's her go-to-sweater and is well loved.

After Susan showed both Regina and me how to block the lace (and we each took turns practicing), Susan and I posed for a picture with the lace in progress.

Wilma was not impressed with all the chuppah hoopla. 

Love Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

Isn't that about the worst quote ever from a classic movie?  I watched two movies today while making minimal progress on my Sublime Pixie jacket.  The first, of course was Love Story.    The second was the sequel, Oliver's Story.  I enjoyed both movies, especially since I'm a Ryan O'Neal fan and I had never seen either movie. 

You'd think that knitting during two movies would allow time for a great deal of progress, right?  It seems that I'm working on the hood at a snail's pace.  I only managed to knit the section on the right during these movies.

I'm not happy with the first half.  Upon closer examination, something looks wrong.  I don't know what, but it's bothering me enough that I'm considering ripping it out.

Sublime in Pieces

I blocked the back, front(s) and sleeves for Sublime this morning.  I am working on the hood, but since I've never knit a hood before I am being very careful to pay special attention to the directions.  Hopefully this week amidst the Thanksgiving preparations and busy-ness, I will be able to finish the two pieces for the hood.

I re-read the directions for Sublime and studied the picture in the patternbook again and noticed that there is NO edging on the bottom of the sweater.  It has a simple rolled edge stockinette intended to curl.  It's not my favorite style for a sweater, but since I want to ship this baby sweater off before the holidays so it can be worn in the winter - I'm just going to go with it.

I also have to sing the praises of my little Canon Elph camera.  It magically erases all the unevenness in my knitting.  Isn't that amazing?  Look.  Here's a close-up

Now if I could just get one to erase wrinkles, laugh lines and sun spots.  Let me know if you find one.

The Most Important One of All

I was at the gym with Jillian yesterday talking about all my WIPs, UFOs and pre-staged knitting projects.  She quickly asked me "What about the lace for the Huppah?"  Yikes!  I had completely forgotten about that one.  Oops.  I had better get a move on.  Less than sixteen weeks until the big day.  Time to make the vision a reality. 

A Whole Lot O' Knitting Going On

Over the past five days, I've been very busy working on the Sublime Pixie Jacket.  It's so much fun to knit this adorable baby sweater.  The only drawback is I have 2 skeins that are riddled with knots! 

WARNING - RANTING AHEAD!  I used one skein for both sleeves and I had FIVE knots in ONE skein of Sublime!!!  I get so upset when I pay good money for yarn, only to find that there is no quality control on the part of the yarn maker.  What can we do?  Despite the fact that I love the softness of this Sublime yarn, I doubt I will buy it again.  I will hold my own personal boycott of Sublime.  I'm very sorry to say that.  I try very hard to do my part - supporting my LYS, supporting local fibre artists, promoting great products and finds; but I expect not to be cheated on the other end.  Am I wrong?

I Spoke Too Soon

I spoke too soon earlier.  I decided to clean up my Knit Nook after taking inventory of my WIPs and UFOs and quickly realized I have many more than I first realized.  Below are some additional WIPs and UFOs. 

Projects-That-Have-Been-Put-In-Storage-Bins

• Charity Prayer Shawl
• American Girl Doll Cable Pullover
• American Girl Doll Ribbi

Projects-That-I-Bought-The-Yarn-For-But-Can't-Even-Consider-Starting-Until-I-Finish-Other-Projects

• Blue variegated Morehouse Farm - Baby's First Sweater
• Red/orange variegated Morehouse Farm - Baby's First Sweater
• Morehouse Farm School Bus Scarf
• Morehouse Farm baby hat & booties (x3) - pink, yellow and blue
• Nicky Epstein's Felted Flower Basket
• Pink Chunky Misti Alpaca ribbed hat
• Qiviut for a special gift scarf for myself

Here's a picture with the Morehouse Farm lot and the Red Cashmerino for the sampler blanket.

Here's a picture of the three skeins of Qiviuk (which by the way is a great word to know for Scrabble or Royalty since there is no "Qu" in this word).  I can't even begin to thinkof what I'd like to knit with this.  It's so luxurious and I purchased it in a moment of self-indulgence.  The lovely dish belonged to my Grandmother Lois and holds a special place in my Knit Nook.  It makes me happy just looking at it.

But back to the list.  I think that this daunting list is the main reason I'm trying to knit my current WIPs so quickly.  I'd really like to get some of the list completed so I can start a new project.  Knit.  Knit.  Knit.  Knit.

Gotta Get My Knitting ADD Under Control

Now back to our regularly scheduled knitting.  I got sidetracked with Farley's Knit-a-thon and my fantastic fibre friends.  Now that I'm done with that knit-a-thon project, I can return to my regularly scheduled knitting projects.  The problem is - I have way too many WIPs.  I've notice many of you in blogdom taking a personal inventory of your projects in their various stages of progress.  I've done the same.  I think I even forgot to list some of them.  These are the ones that are still on my mind:

Projects-On-The-Go

• Sublime Pixie Jacket
• Red Cables, Cables Everywhere - Knitting Central Sock Club socks
• Dale Baby Sweater - my Fair Isle class project

Projects-Just-Out-Of-Reach

• Pink Lace Socks -Danni's Lace Pattern and gift yarn from James
• Crayons & Chalk Boards - Fair Isle Vest for my nephew
• Red Almost Argyle Socks

Projects-That-Have-Been-Put-In-Storage-Bins

• BF sweater - I ran out of yarn! Adrienne Vittadini - Martini - in a steel blue
• Blue Tweed sweater - I'm short of yarn (you see a theme here). 
• Light Blue Rogue Pullover - barely even started
• Striped Seed Stitch blanket

Projects-That-I-Bought-The-Yarn-For-But-Can't-Even-Consider-Starting-Until-I-Finish-Other-Projects

• The Red Sampler Blanket
• Ribby Cardi

A Stop at Stitches East

Today was another day in the City.  It was also another visit to my old LYS - Stitches East.  Shelly was there and I asked her if she had any new baby sweater patterns.  She showed me the new Debbie Bliss book and a few others.  The one that really caught my eye was the Sublime book.  In fact, I found two of them.  I quickly bought both books and 7 skeins of Sublime and some US Size 5 bamboo straight needles.

I knit up the 4x4 swatch and got good gauge.  I quickly cast on for the 6-12 month size and managed to knit about a third of the back of the sweater.  This yarn is scrumptious to knit.  I can hardly wait to finish this little sweater.  It will be the perfect baby gift to give to another little baby girl who has recently arrived in this world.

 

Hocus Pocus Stay on Focus

After the trip to The Morehouse Farm and my purchases, it's hard to stay focused on the task at hand.  One of the local elementary school teachers tells the young kids "Hocus Pocus!  Stay on Focus."  It might have to be my mantra for today.  I forgot to share with you some other things I bought in Rhinebeck that are distracting me. 

Look at this cute little black sheep that Jean gave me:

I also found this perfect purple lace yarn at the Morehouse Farm.  I tried winding it with my swift and ball winder, but it kept breaking.  Why, I wonder?  I had to wind it by hand, but it's so scrumptious that it was worth it.

Back to my Dale baby hat.  Focus.  It's so lovely.  Look at the bright shiny object you are currently knitting.  Focus.

A Little Knitting Here, A Little Knitting There

A little knitting everywhere.  I'm not sure what happened, maybe I can blame it on the Leonids.  My knitting projects are proliferating.  I was working on Danni's lovely Lacy Spring Socks at the Stitch N Pitch last week.  Then we went away and I continued to knit them. 

Then BF informed me that I need to start making chemo caps for someone special.  We went to Saybrook Yarns last week and my mind started racing.  I cast on not one, not two but three chemo caps projects.    I actually am planning seven projects.  I hope the recipient doesn't read my blog because I'm HORRIBLE at finishing things (as if you didn't already know that).  I get paralyzed when I have a deadline for knitting.  I'm actually thinking of making "Days of the Week Chemo Caps" sort of like Days of the Week Underwear.  I can hear Meg Ryan saying "They don't make Sunday" from one of my favorite movies When Harry Met Sally.  You already saw the SWTC Oasis cap.  I also started a black cap in Tahki Cotton Classic with a slanted purl swirl to it.

 

I also cast on a simple white cloche.  Maybe I'll add a flower embellishment to it?

I'm thinking about making the Hallowig in yellow or hot pink - just for fun.  I'm sure more ideas will flood my brain.  I just hope I can knit fast enough before I lose momentum.  If you know the recipient - Mum's the Word.  You know.  Just in case I only manage to finish one single lonely hat. 

Not So Much

When BF and I were in Las Vegas last month, I purchased one skein of SWTC Oasis yarn.  I thought it would knit up into a luxuriously soft sleeping sock.  I like the turquoise, purple and gold color combination in the skein.  But look what happened when I knit it into a sock:

Ugh!  I really don't like this pooling.  What do you think?  Should I rip it out and make a hat and hope that there is no pooling?  Or should I just knit some pooling socks?

Why does this happen?  How can I fix it?  I'll take any suggestions or wisdom anyone cares to impart. 

A Little Progress Here, a Little Progress There

Today was a mish-mash of knitting progress. There was a lot of knitting here and there.  I had my Prayer Shawl ministry and worked a bit on my blue striped seed stitch prayer shawl (which is progressing at a snail's pace).  Then I had to take Primogeniture to the orthodontist.  While I waited,  I managed to finish the gussets on the Magic 28 Socks and knit halfway through the foot.  After that I drove into the city for dinner with BF and family.  On the ride home, I worked on the red seed stitch neck warmer (before opting for a much needed nap).  So I made baby step progress on three different projects today.

We had dinner in the Pool Room here.  I ordered my entree based on the side dish.  Guess what it was?  Did you guess Fiddlehead Ferns?  I saw them in the produce section at Balducci's and looked at them sideways.  They were growing in my garden, afterall.  Then I saw them on Cari's blog.  They popped up on Amy's blog with this hilarious culinary description "They taste like the best asparagus you’ve ever had, except without the stinky P".  Guess what?  Amy was right.  A very apt description.  Oh and the rabbit with spinach polenta was divine.  So it was a great day of knitting and family.  What could be better.

Lights Out

The electricity went out yesterday from 9:00 to 12:00.  This is a fairly typical occurence in Connecticut, which never ceases to amaze me.  I was alone with grand plans to finish some computer-based work that has been on my plate for awhile.  I guess Mother Nature had other plans.  So I did what any respectable person would do.  I went to my Knit Nook to knit.

A person could get Knitting A.D.D. in there!  I found not one, not two, but (well, heck, I stopped counting after three!) numerous WIPs and UFOs.  The oldest was a sweater I started the year I was mobilized to Washington, DC after 9/11.  I picked out some tweed yarn for Primogeniture at a LYS and started on a sampler sweater.  I finished the body (knit from the top down in the round) and was ready to put on the sleeves when I showed it to Primogeniture.  He quickly told me with that queer look on his face, that he didn't really want the handknit sweater.  So, it's been in the UFO pile since 2001/2002.  That's my oldest UFO.  I did pick it up and take out the provisional cast on at the shoulder seam.  I think I'll finish this one.  It no longer has the pattern with it and I don't know what size needle I used, but I think I can figure something out.  Maybe Secundogeniture will like it?  Maybe I'll send it off to my favorite charity.  Here's a close up of the sampler stitches.

After that, I found a red seed stitch hat I started about 2-3 years ago.  I think I stopped for several reasons.   1. It seems too large.  2.  Seed stitch is so darned tedious.  I knit about 10 rows on this and decided that it was definitely too large to be a hat.  I think I'll just knit until I run out of yarn and use it as a neck warmer.  It will add a nice splash of color to my black NYC wardrobe.  I love red!  And what's not to like about Adrienne Vittadini yarn?

I also found another set of Magic 28 Socks.  Darn it.  I forgot where I left the second set of dpns.  I always like to knit both socks at the same time.  It helps decrease the chances for variations in the two socks and also alleviates the Second Sock Syndrome.  I found a stitch holder and put the one sock on the holder while I cast on the second.  Now I have 2 socks with finished heel flaps.  I just need to start the gusset and finish up the foot.  These socks are so quick and easy and I have oodles and oodles of leftover worsted weight wool from my felting frenzy days, so I could possibly make socks for an entire village!

One thing led to another, and my Knitting A.D.D. really took over.  I went to my bedroom and cleaned out 2 drawers and 4 bins of my WIPs.  Yes.  I really did just admit that outloud.  Yikes.  That was cathartic.  Anyway, I found so much sock yarn that I'm sure I could knit socks for about 4 years and not run out.  I'm not even talking about the aforementioned worsted weight wool for Magic 28 Socks! Keep in mind that I am constantly knitting socks and have about 3-5 pairs going simultaneously.

I also found one nearly finished baby sweater in a basket weave pattern.  I think I'll finish it off and send it to Mossy Cottage with my Dulaan Knits package.

   

So having an energy outage on a Sunday morning alone can really boost one's knitting energy into overdrive.  I'm so glad I have my Knit Nook as it was the sunniest room in the house. 

BTW, if you haven't read about their hook-up, go visit SNL's Marcia's blog and also Margene.  You'll see some great photos and will be green with envy.  I'm even considering a trip to Utah, at Marcia's urging, but only if Margene will agree to meet me at the Silver Fork.  I love the Poppy Yarn Margene!

So Many Sox on Stix

I just seem to have too many socks as WIPs.  I decided to take an inventory of the socks I'm currently working on.  After digging through the bins in my closet I found these:

Five pairs.  Not as bad as I feared.  The Whitewater Rafting socks in blue Sockotta are quick and easy stockinette.  The blue gray Koigu are going to be a stockinette sock with a simple purl striping throughout.  The finished blue striped Regia socks in the middle just need to have the toes sewn shut.  These three socks are pretty mindless knitting.  You've no doubtedly noticed that I'm all about mindless knitting this year.  I've just been too busy and haven't been able to sit and focus on complicated knitting patterns for any length of time.  That's why my yellow-blue-green TOFU-tsies and my red Almost Argyle socks have not received any attention in a very long time.  Boo hoo.

So guess which socks I decided to knit today?  Yup - a brand new pair.  You'll have to wait to see them.  They're a surprise.

Is There a Glitch in the Matrix?

That's probably what you're thinking with this picture, right?  A sort of deja-vu?  No.  It's just that I started the waistband over again.  This time I went up one size and increased my needles to US size 6 for the bias and US size 8 for the sweater.  Now we're ready to rumble.

Oh. BTW, I didn't win last night's $370,000,000 Mega Millions Lottery.  Did you?  I guess I'll still be here knitting and blogging.  It's just as well. 

Delusional Dimensions

I made my gauge.  I measured my body.  I allowed for the 2-4 inches of give.  What I didn't take into account is that I'm a bit delusional when it comes to my size.  I like really big comfy sweatshirts - read "oversized" - so planning a sweater that fits me snugly is not going to work for me.  What was I thinking?  Compare my Rogue Hooded Pullover to my favorite Westport, Connecticut hooded sweatshirt.

See what I mean?  Time to rip out and take a reality check.  The pattern was correct.  It's just that I like my hooded pullover very big and roomy.  So, I'm back to the drawing board.

Biased

What can I say?  I'm biased.  See?

I finally decided to knit the Rogue Hooded Pullover by The Girl From Auntie.  I'm using the Art Yarns Supermerino luxury hand-painted yarn in sky blue.  I have twenty 50g-104 yard skeins - so that should be more than enough.  I cast on 196 sts on US size 5 circular needles for the bottom band.  The body of the sweater is knit in the round, so progress is steady, but it grows slowly.  The bottom band is in twisted stockinette stitch which creates a bias.  I never knew.  I think I'm going to love this hooded sweatshirt, er, sweater, to pieces. 

Oh, and I couldn't find my Turbo Addi's US size 7 - so BF ran out to my LYS for a few extra pairs.  It was that or stay home and supervise FIVE boys ages 8-12.  He made the right choice.  He's a very smart man.

Which Sweater to Knit

I'm finally going to knit something other than socks.  I've gone through my yarn stash and decided to knit my Art Yarns Supermerino in sky blue.  I have 20 skeins at 50g and 104 yds.  I am trying to decide between these four sweaters

• Alice Starmore's Cromarty from The Celtic Collection
• Alice Starmore's Inishmaan from Fishermen's Sweaters
• Self Designed Crewneck using pattern 36.6 from Debra Mountford's Aran and Fair Isle Knitting
• Rogue Hooded Pullover by The Girl From Auntie

I think I've narrowed it down to either the Rogue Hooded Pullover or Cromarty (which I might alter slightly).  Now I'll need to knit up some swatches for gauge.

Knitting??

OK - I swear that I really have been knitting. Honest! I just haven't shared any pictures with you for two very basic reasons. 

1. I have been knitting, knitting and knitting endless preemie caps for the PTA Knit-a-thon and I thought that sharing one more picture of an identical hat to the other ten or twenty might just bore you to tears.
2. I have also been working diligently on some Christmas knit gifts for family and friends and I don't want to ruin the surprise by having them see their gifts on my blog.  Now mind you, I'm not saying that they read my blog, but just in case, I don't want to ruin any surprises. 

Summertime and the Knitting is Easy

The orange socks weren't the only things being knitted this past week.  I also made some slight progress on the fair isle vest.

Check out the vest basking in the hot climate of Las Vegas.  I finished the green crayons and am about to knit the third chalkboard series.  It's also time to start the steeks for the armholes.  I figured I would get some expert guidance before trying that one on my own. 

Orange is the New Black

I made lots of progress on my Lorna's Laces carrot Almost Argyle socks while on vacation.  They were a joy to knit and now I am anxious to block and wear them, despite the 100 degree temperatures in New England.  I knit them on US Size 2 dpns.  I need to remember that I prefer to knit socks on US Size 1 dpns.  It just so happens that the size 2 were the only needles I had available.  So be it.

Here's my progress while waiting patiently at a Las Vegas casino.  It's time to shape the toe.  See my color theme?  Orange socks.  Orange embellished sandals.   

Here I am with sock-by-sock comparison knitting in front of a Royal Flush.  I'll bet on a well-loved pair of socks.  Do you see an orange theme?  Orange is the new black.

Here I am at the airport ready to head home.  See my new orange luggage?  This was the final piece of my ALL ABOUT ME DAY in Las Vegas.  Every time we travel, BF and I take carry-on luggage only.  I pack extremely light.  I think that's my military training.  I usually put everything in my favorite duffel bag and sling it over my shoulder.  Like clockwork, I always comment "I really need to get a roller bag" and by the time I get home and unpack, I quickly forget this desire until our next trip.  This time BF heard me and took me straight to the luggage store.  I wanted something easy to spot.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm all about black.  But I hate trying to figure out which black bag is mine in a sea of black valises.  Orange?  Now that's a horse of a different color.  BF always takes such good care of me, but on MY DAY he went above and beyond the call of duty. 

Here's a picture of the finished socks on the floor of the flooded house.  This black contraption sucks the moisture out of the floorboards.  Keep your fingers and toes crossed that it works.

I'm Going On a Trip and I'm Taking...

a few knitting projects to work on.  I'm definitely taking the vest.  I'm also going to take one or two more projects.  I'd like to take BF Sweater, but I fear it might be too big to take.  I'd like to make some progress on the Gorgonian Shawl, but I think two projects might be enough.  Maybe I'll just take the first two WIPs. 

• Crayons and Chalkboard Vest
• Almost Argyle Socks
• BF Sweater
• Gorgonian Shawl

BF and I are going to be in Las Vegas for an entire week.  It's 100 degrees there right now and I plan on spending a great deal of time indoors knitting and relaxing.  Who else is going to be in Vegas this week?  Let me know.  Maybe we can meet for some knitting.