Coming Along

I've been a knitting fiend the last few days. I was home sick with a stomach bug on Thursday & Friday and was able to get quite a bit done on my Highland Shawl.

Not a great image, I know. The color is a bit washed out and you can't really see the lace, but that gives you an idea of how much is done. I've finished the body and started knitting the lace edging last night. I really can't wait to finish this, it's going to be so soft & warm! Yippie!

I'm going to wind up the Shibui Sock yarn for Trek's socks today and try to finish my pattern search. My initial thought was to do the Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn Clark (Interweave Knits, Fall 2004):


However, on further thought I think these might be a bit too patterned for her. She said she prefers simple stockingette or ribbed socks. Opinions?

I'm Such A Dumbass

I finally started typing up the pattern for the Bittersweet Heart socks. In fact, I've got the whole pattern done including charts.

I was just going to start calculating the stitches needed for different sizes when I discovered that I didn't actually write down my GAUGE when I was making up the pattern.

I guess I'm going to have to reknit.

Idiot.


(btw- less than 100 hits to go for the contest! squee!)

Wheat-Ear Cable Yoke

This sweater was actually completed on the 4th but I didn't want to post until Autumn received her present, which she did this evening.
I don't know why the image is showing up grainy on blogger, it's fine on my computer & flicker. (sigh) If you click the image you will be able to see it better! Unfortunately the sweater doesn't photograph well when not being worn.

Pattern: Wheat-Ear Cable Yoke by Pam Allen
Yarn: 5 skeins of Plymouth Yarns Baby Alpaca D.K. in Lilac (Color #1720)
Needles: size 4, 5 & 6.

Notes: The only modification I made was to use smaller needles, the pattern calls for size 6, 7 & 8. By dropping down 2 needle sizes I was able to size down the sweater to a 25" chest following the directions for the smallest size. I knit the sweater to the length called for in the pattern as well.

I really like this pattern. It was a quick knit and the cables added enough interest to keep it from getting boring. I'm very pleased with the results. And it fits her perfectly!

Drats! Foiled Again!

Ok. These Gryffindor socks are out to get me! I worked the leg on both socks, turned the heel & started the foot on one. It was looking kinda small so I tried it on. Well... I attempted to try it on. I couldn't get the dang thing over my heel. Now, Avada's feet are a little smaller than mine but not much. If I can't get it over my heel, the likelihood is that she won't be able to either.

Now I have a dilemma. I really like this pattern...
but the number of stitches is not adaptable. The yarn I have needs to be knit on size 1 needles or smaller. In order to use this pattern I will need to find a different yarn that can work on size 2+ needles. I actually have some Lorna's Laces that would be perfect but they were picked out by Autumn especially to be knit into socks for her. I think she would hurt me if the yarn was misappropriated.

So, do I search for a different yarn? Or do I go on yet another pattern search in order to use the yarn I already have? Input is desired and the cats are no help!

UPDATE: I have just purchased yarn that I think will do quite nicely for this project and should allow me to up the needle size! Now I just need to wait for it to arrive! I guess I will just have to cast-on something else to knit in the meantime.

Knitting Along

I can't believe it's been over a week since my last post! I have no excuse, I just wasn't in the mood for blogging. However, I'm feeling much better now and have much to show. (Like the purty flower on the left, what is blooming in my yard.)

I finished the first of the Embossed Leaves socks. I ended up ripping back to the correct number of repeats and then doing a slip-stitch heel. I also didn't do the toe decrease as many times as the pattern indicated, it would have made for an especially long toe. I'm really pleased with the result. I'm about half-way through the second sock.

To change things up, I decided to start working with the gorgeous Manos my honey bought me a while ago. I was originally going to make My So Called Scarf with it, but decided to go with the Snowy Triangle Scarf pattern by Iris Schreier, which appears in Handknit Holidays (love this book!).
I really enjoyed knitting this pattern. It was very easy (I had it memorized after 1 repeat) and I think it works very well with this particular yarn. It knit up super quick too, I was able to start & finish it within 2 days!
While working on the scarf, the yarn arrived for my sockapalooza pal! I had originally ordered in from an online shop, but then I received an email from them that it was back-ordered. Grrr.. Luckily, I found an Ebay seller who had it in stock AND the total cost was less than the other online shop! Whee! I was very happy with the transaction. She got it too me very quickly & sent candy!
Scarf finished & yarn in hand, I got started on the swirling lace anklets yesterday. The lace pattern is very, very easy and easily memorized. I'm half way through the 2nd lace repeat for the cuff and should start on the heel tonight.
Unfortunately my camera is not very good with the fine detail and isn't showing the sock to its best. It's much prettier in person!

I think I'm going to knit a second pair of socks for my pal. I will just have to see how long it takes me to finish these.

OH! I almost forgot to mention that I was gifted a Brother Embroidery machine by the fabulous Jill last weekend. She totally hooked me up and I am totally intimidated by this machine, but I will conquer it! I just need to get myself a stash of embroidery thread!

A Repeat Too Far

I was watching a few episodes from the new season of Dr. Who last night & wasn't paying close enough attention to my knitting. This caused me to do an extra repeat of the lace pattern before starting on the heel flap. Oops! Well, I thought, it's not too tall. I will just forge ahead.

I'm really not thrilled with the design of the heel flap for this pattern. It's only 32 sts but it looks huge! I may just have a skewed opinion because I normally do a slip-stitch heel (k1, sl1), which draws the fabric in.

So I'm thinking of ripping back to the correct number of repeats & then doing said slip-stitch heel. What do you think?

Btw- The Swirling Lace Anklets pattern arrived today! Now I just need to get the yarn! Kudos to Spinning Bunny for getting the pattern out so quickly. I will definitely buy from them again!

Thank You!

I'm overwhelmed by the number of responses I received! Thank you so much for your help! Swirling Lace Anklets was the clear winner, with 49% of the votes. I ordered the pattern last night from Spinning Bunny. I've never ordered from here before, I hope there are no problems...

I also purchased the electronic version of the Japanese Feather Lace socks... I really like the pattern and I figure that I can make these for my sock buddy as well if I have enough time.

Now I just need to decide on the yarn!

btw- I finished the second stripey sock last night. The stripes are perfectly aligned! Squee!!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

I received an email from my spoilee today (yippie!). Apparently Yahoo! had decided I was spam the first time around, but it is all good now. :)

Now I need to decide on a pattern. She said that she likes lace, but without big holes. She doesn't like long socks and she likes the cuff to be loose. So, I am thinking a lace anklet pattern (or a little taller). I found two that I really like and a third, which I'm not as fond of but will work very well with a variegated yarn. She stated that she likes bright/light colors (nothing dark or earth tone).

The Patterns are:
Swirling Lace Anklets

Falling Leaves
And Japanese Feather
I also really like Thelonious, but I am worried that they will be too tall for her.

Please help me decide!

Sockapalooza & Misc.

So I just signed up for Sockapalooza 4. Should be fun! I'm hoping this exchange will be much better than my Secret Pal fiasco of 2005. But now I'm older, and hopefully wiser, and will not mention the "A" word if my life depends upon it! :)

I picked up a lovely piece of lilac fleece yesterday that I am going to attach to the baby blanket this evening. Soooo soft! :)

Oh, and one of the patterns I submitted is in contention. I will get final word in a couple weeks. Wish me luck!! :)

Thank You Easter Bunny (Bawk, Bawk)

...The things that are embedded in my brain!

I hope you had a happy bunny day! We had a lovely Easter brunch with my mil. Best buffet ever. Blueberry crepes to die for. Yummy! :)

I also finished knitting the baby blanket this weekend. It's blocked and has 3 sides firmly attached, I will finish sewing the final edge tonight. I decided I am going to sew a nice, soft, warm backing onto the blanket so it is reversible. I will post pics when it is completed.

In other news, Gryphon Perkins (creator of the Merry Maiden's Dress) has been working on her own line of yarns and is asking for pattern submissions. I have sent in 2 for her approval, wish me luck! :)