Coachella = Complete

I finished up Coachella last night! I'm pleased to report that the halter modification went swimmingly, and I didn't even have to use elastic.

I did three or so rows of ribbing at the top of the back, just to stop the curl. Shadkitty also did a halter version though, and she said she just repeated the twisted stockinette and didn't have any curling.




Full disclosure: In this photo, the halter portion is pinned behind my neck. When I tried Coachella on immediately upon completion, it fit perfectly. Since I didn't wash it before putting it back on this morning, the yarn had stretched out of shape, making it just a little too big. I'm not too concerned about it, I think a wash will snap it back into shape.

This was fun to knit, and mostly just stockinette, which is nice when you want to knit, but not think about knitting. I love the finished product, too. This is the sexiest thing in my wardrobe right now! As such, I don't know how often I'll wear it, but it's nice to know it's there to fill that gap.
Details:
Pattern: Coachella by Fathom Harvill, Summer 2007 Knitty
Yarn: Berroco Suede, Maverick, 3 balls
Needles: US7 and US5

I casted on some toe-up socks today using my Lime Green Tofutsies! I only have a few rows, nothing picture-worthy yet. They'll be just plain old stockinette. I don't think my heat-addled brain can process much else.

Those Sticky Summer Days

It's pretty hard to get all hot to trot over wool and knitting when it's 110 degrees F outside and each stitch sticks to the needles. That said, I am knitting, but only on one project. That's right, the Sock That Rock is back in time out.

This scarf is just not doing it for me. I think that part of the issue is that the two shades of yarn are just too close to one another. After a nice time out, I'll pull the Marbles colorway out again and try the Sidewinders sock pattern. If that pools, I'll make mittens and let the yarn do whatever it wants!

When not endlessly frogging sock yarn, I can be found knitting away on Coachella. I love how this is knitting! The yarn has such an interesting hand, and subtle variegation that adds to the Suede-like illusion. It feels a little stiff right now, but I think it'll soften up some after a wash. Right now I'm in the nice, mindless stockinette portion. Just what I need on a day I want to go to hell to cool off.



I only have about six inches to go, and Coachella will be ready for her debut!

In other knitting news, I got my Fall issue of Vogue Knitting yesterday. It's the 25th anniversary issue, and in addition to several free patterns featured in the magazine and available on the site, this issue is chock full of patterns. There are so many, that I was actually able to pick out a few patterns I want to make, including one that's giving me palpitations. I haven't been able to find a photo of it yet, but I'll take one myself soon. For those of you who have this issue, it's pattern #45.

Well, this entry is late for me. Good night, everyone! Hopefully next time I see you I'll have an FO to premier!

I Love FOs!

This is the Coif I was talking about the other day. True to my word, the next time I worked on it, I finished it. This project is super fast, which is no surprise. It calls for US9 needles and bulky weight yarn! I used a double strand of Malabrigo and the suggested needles. Amazingly, I still have left over Malabrigo! It's like the yarn that never ends!

The only modifications I did were to add a little length to the ties and add pom poms. Love the pom poms. These were the best I have ever made. The secret? When you think you've used enough yarn, use more. When you think you might have used too much yarn? Use some more. Beautiful, fluffy pom poms will be your reward.

Not only is this headgear cute as heck, but it's also very warm. You just gotta love functional fashion. Speaking of function, I love that I can wear this with my hair pulled back into pigtails or a ponytail. Nine times out of ten, by the end of the day, my hair is pulled back and I can't wear a hat over it. I mean, I could, but I loathe those big lumps under hats. Seeing as I don't walk any great distance in the winter, I suffer with cold ears while my car warms. No more!

Who, me? Impatient?

So there I was, happily trucking away on my Slimline Jacket, anticipating the thrill of binding off the back, wondering if I should start the fronts or sleeves next, and whether I should knit them at once, when I was doing it, I was binding off, and I was so excited. I folded the piece up and poked in my basket and thought of what to start next. "Oh, what the hell," I thought, "I could cast on for a sleeve." I pulled out the pattern again and what did I see? My eyes widened with horror (and a little regret) when I noticed that I had omitted the shoulder shaping on the back. I sighed, and considered for a moment how dire it would be if I left the shaping out, but came to my senses, and began taking out the bound off edge.

Astrakhan is a lovely yarn, it is. It makes a very interesting fabric, it's soft, and while it's a little strange at first, it is pleasant to knit. But (you must have known that was coming), it is the worst yarn in the yarn store to frog. I only got about a quarter through, when I realized I was really hauling on that yarn to get it free, and pulling just a little too hard on the fabric to try to discern which loops were stitches, and which were just texture. I took a deep breath and set it aside, and I'm so glad I did. This morning I calmly took out the bind off, plus another row, and picked up the stitches. I didn't even flinch when I realized I had picked up too many. That will work itself out as I knit the row. The back is waiting for me right now, in fact, to finish it properly.

Finding myself in that situation last night of wanting to knit, but a danger to my project, I did the only thing I could. I cast on for something else. I've had Coif on my mind ever since it came out, but last night was the night to start it. If I work on it tonight, I'll finish it. It's fast, fun and cute! It's also an opportunity to work on my pom-poms. I think those ties desperately need them. Don't you?

Oh, the joy of an FO!

I don't think it took me this long to finish the first pair of socks I ever knit. These are worth the wait though. I put them on the second I finished, and I haven't taken them off yet. The yarn is very soft and warm, and I love looking down at my feet and seeing that sweet little lace pattern.

As I said before, these socks are fraternal (though in this picture, the difference isn't so obvious). I'm not sure what I was thinking about when I set up the heel stitches of the first sock, but I had fewer stitches for the bottom of the sock, and an off-center lace pattern. You know what, though? I really like the first sock. There's a twisted column of stitches between each lace panel, and in the wonky sock, one of those columns goes up the center of my foot. This means less distortion in the lace panels. If I ever make these again, I'll have to remember my mistake.

Work continues on the Slimline Jacket. I keep having to pause in my knitting to rub the finished fabric against my cheek. The boucle makes the most interesting texture, and the fiber is so soft! I can not wait to wear this sweater. I'm almost up to the armhole shaping on the back, and felt a little rush when I realized that I'm more than halfway through with the largest piece of the sweater!

So now I'm picking through the basket, basically deciding between socks and mittens. I'm waiting anxiously for the Spring issue of Interweave Knits! I am most excited for Stefanie Japel's sweater, the yellow wrap sweater on the cover, and Grumperina's socks (she has a closeup photo on her blog).

Today's color is blue!

I love the color blue, it's my favorite, but I don't knit with it much. Right now, I have two blue projects going! The first, of course, is Hedera. Only a few inches to go, and I'll be wearing some new socks! This will need to be the first pair in a long line this year. After a chat with Amy the other day regarding sock yarn, I went and counted my sock yarn stash. I have more than I thought. I have enough for twenty-six pairs of socks, which is a little intimidating, frankly. It was just so easy to pick up a skein here, a couple of balls there, and throw them in their little basket. Luckily, I have my eye on a few patterns from Knitty, as well as a couple of pattern books with only sock patterns. Good thing I'm crazy about socks right now!

Speaking of Amy, she saved my Astrakhan this weekend. I was so excited when I checked the mail on Saturday and found Out of Town by Debbie Bliss. Amy had pointed out the Slimline Jacket, and offered to lend me the book. I was so excited that I, for one second, considered canceling my trip to Grandma's to cast on. Naturally, Grandma won, but you'd better believe I casted on the second I got home! I didn't make much progress, and even though I took a photo, it's only about an inch, so I don't think it's worthy of showing yet. I made great progress today, pretty well finishing one ball of yarn. I love the fabric, and I can't wait to wear this sweater!

It feels so good to be jumping into a big project again!

Motivation!

Ladies and gentlemen, I am on fire! I feel very motivated by my decision to knit through the basket. So motivated that I went ahead and pulled out an ancient project (this puppy is at least three years old).

This is one of the first pairs of socks I ever made, and the first pair ever to spring a hole. Not that this sock sprang a hole recently. This sock has been sitting in this state for about a year now, with the hole inadequately patched with some bastardization of darning. After reading Claudia's Blog from the tenth, the answer to this holey question came to me. In photo two, you can see the result of my epiphany. I frogged past the hole. Of course, I lost some yarn (surprisingly little), but I think a bit of a tiger toe will be funky. Unfortunately, I got rid of all the rest of this yarn since I detested it. It's very hairy and sticky, and it was a nightmare to knit. Frogging was also difficult, as these socks were worn often and hard (did I mention that these are my boyfriend's?), and the ball of the foot area was quite felted (the heel is completely felted). All of that aside, I am so excited to fix this sock! My boyfriend will be excited, and it won't be hanging over my conscience anymore.

The green sock is not the only resurrected project. I've also dug out the yarn for Hedera #2. I'm past the heel, and should be done soon! One snag... my Hedera will be fraternal twins. I somehow screwed up the heel placement on the first sock, which I didn't even realize until I was working this one. Anyway, since I don't wear socks with sandals, no one will see the feet portions, and I can live with the occasional glimpse of imperfection.

I've set aside the Astrakhan (again) in anticipation of a new pattern. More on that when I have it in my hot little hands. Lastly, most of the yarn pictured in my basket last time seemed easily recognizable, but the green sock yarn had a couple of people asking questions. The yarn is Austermann Step. I'm very curious about how this is going to knit up, and am currently lookign at different patterns. I'm definitely leaning toward another pair of Jaywalkers!

Long Time!

I feel like it's been a hundred years since I last posted! There has been a lot going on: shopping, baking, bunny care, and, oh yeah, knitting.
I made a scarf for a co-worker. I usually give this lady a giant tin of popcorn (her fave), but due to some health issues this year, she can't have popcorn. So I thought a simple scarf would be just the ticket. This used one skein of Colinette Giotto in Lichen, and I knit it using US15 needles! The only US15 needles I have are a set of double points, but faced with whether to obsess over lost stitches or buy a set of US15 straights, I chose obsession. What can I say? I live on the edge. I definitely could have gotten away with a few fewer repeats and had fuller fringe. After blocking, this scarf stretched like nobody's business. It hung down to my knees!

There's a bit of back story to this one. There's a girl in my office who loves hand knits, and I decided at the last minute to make her something for Christmas. After a brief search, I decided that Calorimetry would be perfect for her, as she is always wearing headbands and rarely wears a hat. I busted some Lamb's Pride from my stash and got started. It was a fast knit, and I finished it in one sitting. I was feeling so pleased with myself for finishing it on Friday and having the whole weekend before I gave it to her, that I decided to give it a nice wash. Uh, yeah... isn't there some rule against wet blocking ribbing? There should be. That poor sucker stretched out so far that it would still be too big if I wore it over a football helmet. I tried felting it down a little, getting it damp, putting it through the washer (!), all to no avail. Calorimetry was a lost cause. Last night I decided I still really wanted to make something for this girl, and remembered a cabled headband from Knitty, Nakiska. I dove into the stash again (this is the kind of emergency stashes are made for!), and came up with a light green acrylic/angora blend by TLC called Cara Mia. As with all good things, this yarn has been discontinued. It's been sitting in my stash for eons, and I'm almost sorry I even chose it for this project, because I'll probably never find any again. This yarn is wonderful! It has none of that plastic-y feel of acrylic, and all of the softness of angora. It reminded me of a cotton/angora blend, but with more elasticity. As an added bonus, it suited this project perfectly, and I ended up with something I'm proud to give away. Please note the five piece luggage set under my eyes. I finished this in a measley two hours, but that put my finish at 10:30pm. I wove in the ends this morning, and decided against blocking. Why tempt fate?

Thanks for the concern over Baxter and Cooper! They are getting along much better with the gate between them (no more attacking the gate), but we haven't put them together again yet. It turns out that Cooper gave Baxter quite an injury on his neck the last time, and we are on a routine of antibiotics and wound cleansing for the little guy. You'd never know he has an issue, though! He is as cheerful and spunky as ever! And, Pioggia, the rats are marvelous! They LOVE all of the wrapping paper in the bedroom, and especially love it when I put a few wads of tissue paper in their cage.

Mrs. Cooper is partial to the tree.

I can't think of a title today.

I realized the other day that I'd forgotten to show off my single completed Hedera. Last weekend, I finally decided to pick it up and make the toe already. It feels very comfortable on, and looks pretty (I'm glad I decided to do a few extra repeats on the leg, though), but I'm still in no rush to make the second sock. I like Knitpicks Gloss very much, and I can't wait until they introduce more colors. I'd love to have some in a brighter blue, a true red, a leaf green and maybe even some pastels. Heck, even plain white and black would do. This yarn would make wonderful, practical booties and baby hats, but I like to use more fun colors for babies.

Works continues on the toe-up socks. I finished the heel this morning, and felt a thrill when I realized I had a foot! The realization that I now have to make an entire leg in 2x2 rib let me down somewhat, but it's really not so bad. At least it's fairly mindless. The only problem with the sock project was the color of the yarn. We were having gray skies around here all last week, and coming home to gray project was sapping my strength.

So, I found the best antidote my stash had to offer, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Flames. I'm not going to reveal what this project is yet, just because it looks like it will be interesting to reveal at the end. Let me say, though. This project is not exactly mindless. I had to create a spreadsheet to keep track of it, and almost cried when my computer had a tantrum and shut itself off, erasing my (foolishly unsaved) work. I guess I know what I'll be doing tonight!

In non-knitting news, I whole heatedly recommend this recipe. It's a pork tenderloin with pomegranate sauce, and it is unbelievably delicious. I have to note my surprise that every recipe from Gourmet magazine each month is available for free on the Epicurious site. Why the hell have I been buying the magazine?

Malaise

My knitting lately has been bor-ing. To me, anyway. Dude, I have second sock syndrome... and I've yet to finish the first sock. It's not the pattern, the pattern is fun! It's not the yarn, the yarn is delicious and soft. I think it's just the fact that I've been looking at this sock for way. too. long. I'm about one repeat away from doing the toe on this one, and I'm struggling to even get myself interested in that. I will endeavor to do so, though, and then immediately cast on for a new pair of socks. I think after a break, I'll be ready for Hedera again.

In other news, a friend asked me to recreate a hat given to her last winter for her baby. Naturally, he needs a bigger hat this winter. The hardest part was finding appropriate yarn (she wanted something that matched as closely as possible to the last hat). I suspected that the old hat was made with craft store yarn (I detected acrylic content... cheap acrylic), so after hitting a couple of local shops, I hit up Michael's and found Patons SWS, which is a wool/soy blend. It's an interesting yarn to knit, it reminds me of mohair fleece that I've seen. It has a nice shine, and is reasonably soft. I like the drape, too! She wanted a kind of slouchy hat, and I think that yarn will deliver. Also, please note the needles. I have a small weakness for Inox needles, and will always buy a set on sale, even though I have pretty much every size I need. I broke these open because my other US8 double points were being used on the Christmas Stocking (more on that later, over half finished!), and was horrified to discover that they're plastic. I've never used plastic needles before, and was sure I'd hate them (I'm a metalhead). Surprise! I like them! I don't love them, by any means, but I won't give them away.

I picked up my yarn today for a bitchin' bag, along with a skein of this really terrific orange/yellow sock yarn. It'll be the perfect antidote to cold, dreary days.

Slowly but Surely

I've been making decent progress on Hedera and the scarf. I'm starting to remember why I'm not really a scarf person. They seem to take ages, and don't change much. But this one sure is pretty. One of the shades of Kureyon I'm using is very bright, and the other is more subdued. So far, they seem to mirror the first two colors I used somewhat in intensity. It's getting very cold here, Saturday I wished I had this scarf finished already! Speaking of cold and needing accessories, have you seen these yet? These are the armwarmers I was going to design myself, and they will be mine! I'm especially excited by the prospect of trying out Debbie Bliss' Pure Silk.
I'm onto the foot on Hedera. I was feeling pretty pleased myself, when I realized that I have another to knit after this one. Aside from my very first pair of socks, this might be longest sock project I've worked on. I know it's because of the break, but it still feels long. Luckily, I still love the yarn, and I still love the pattern! I am also completely enamored of Wendy's short row heel from her toe-up sock pattern. It's incredibly well-written, and gave me such clearly defined wraps, I almost felt magical. Next up: try a pair of toe up socks! I have some sock yarn I want to use to make socks for my boyfriend, but I don't know how long the leg will be able to be.

Thanks to Tammy for her donation to the Memory Walk! I really appreciate it, Tammy. Thanks!

Bad Bunnies Are Still Cute Bunnies

A crime against knitting has been committed. The details are pretty gruesome. Those with weak constitutions should avert their eyes from the following images.

I have my suspicions of course, as to the identity of the guilty party, but no one's coming forward. Well, one party did seem to be beginning the stages of confession, but it turned out she was just after a treat.

I'm looking at this as an opportunity, rather than a setback. I now have the perfect excuse to knit Avast instead!

There is other, non-criminal knitting news. I'm safe to knit again! So I have actual works in progress photos to share! I'm halfway through the heel on Hedera #1, and almost ready to change colors on my Kureyon scarf. I'm a little concerned about my Kureyon scarf. The colors I chose to begin are pretty staid and conservative. They stay within the same three colors or so, just changing shading. For my second half, I chose Kureyon that has a lot more color changes, but still a lot of red. I guess the only way to see what'll happen is to knit it! Hopefully it'll work out. It's been getting steadily colder here, and I am in need of some winter accessories!

Still Being Good

Well, actually, I've cheated a very little since my last post and gotten a few rows done. Not really enough to warrant a picture. It occurred to me this evening that I could easily satisfy my creative urges with sewing, but I ran out of steam after realizing that I don't have the right size zipper. (What possessed me to buy a 21" zipper for a skirt???)

Anyway, I was thinking we could have a little discussion about the new Knitty. Overall, I was impressed with this edition. I was more impressed with the sweaters, and personally felt there could have been more. Especially since the last issue was all accessories. My favorites?

Cactus Flower is so pretty, and I love the look of the tweed and mohair. Unfortunately, I can't use mohair, and I can't think of another fiber that is comparable, with the possible exception of angora. The only problem with angora, as I see it, is that I've never seen any like Kidsilk Haze.

Isn't Ivy great? It's simple, work-appropriate, and looks fun to knit. This is going on my short list, I think. I've not actually seen a wrap sweater before that I wanted to wear! I might even make more than one for color options!

I like that Serrano is simple and spare, but I'm not sure if I would wear it. I don't usually buy tight cardigans, so why knit one? But you never can tell. I could be aching for a tight cardi in six months, and I'll turn to this one.

Is Avast not the perfect man's sweater? It's simple, classic, and has just a little bit of fun on it for the knitter. Plus... it's kinda sexy! I'd like to see my boyfriend in it!

I think that Sherwood is so adorable! I love the cables, I've never seen any quite like that in a sweater. I don't know if I would use Cotton Fleece for it, since in my experience, CF pills like all get out. I've been thinking of doing one in wool... maybe even matching ones for my nephews! I also have a tiny issue with the collar on this one. It looks a little shallow to me. I might even put a turtleneck on it.

I know there's a lot of blog buzz about Intolerable Cruelty, and come on! It's dead sexy! Would I ever wear it? No. Probably ten years ago, but not now! That doesn't mean I can't admire it though.

Lizard Ridge kicks ass. Love the way the colors play out, love the fun pattern, hate that I just finished a blanket and can't imagine doing another one right now. It might be neat though to plan to make this one for myself. I could follow the original intent of the pattern author and do a square now and then.

And, finally, Cable Net. These look awesome! I've really been getting into patterned socks, lately, and have been wanting to do something cabled.

So, that's my take! What did you all think?

Doctor's orders? I prefer "suggestions."

I went to my doctor last week about some pain I was having in my hand. Diagnosis? Tendonitis from overuse. She asked me what sort of things I did, and I held out until the very last possible second when she asked if I had any hobbies before revealing that I am a knitter. She suggested I lay off the kitting for two or three weeks.
Uh, yeah. Sure.
My first stop after the doctor's office was to my local knitting mecca, where I drowned my sorrow in the yellow yarn I showed you last week, as well as some Noro for a scarf, some more US1 dpns, a shawl pattern for my Granny, and some Handeze Gloves.

Because you didn't really think I'd give up that easily, do you?

While I was at Halcyon, I saw some really great stuff that was a little more than I was looking to spend that day. That does not mean I am exempt from tempting you! How about a giant cone of DK weight wool/silk? Or an equally giant cone of wool/silk lace weight? Cashmere is always nice... but so is silk. Okay, okay! Enough enabling.

The gloves really do help, but I've been trying to keep my knitting in half hour intervals. Where I used to spend about three hours a night (type: knight) knitting, I now get in about one hour. A couple of nights, I haven't knit at all! It's sheer torture, but we just got a PS2, so that's been easing the pain a little. Since I haven't bene knitting much, I don't have much to show you. I started a Kureyon scarf, but there was a problem when I tried to upload the photo to Flickr. All I have to show you is my progress on Hedera:

Sad, isn't it? But I do love the pattern, and love the yarn, so it's just as well that they're slow going.

One last thing... when I was looking for the Hedera pattern, I couldn't help but notice that the new knitty is up!

Lemons

Well, it turns out that the glove I turned into a sock really wasn't working out for a sock. The leg was fine, but when I made the heel (my best one yet!), there weren't enough stitches to make a proper one. I considered trying to size the foot for a child, but selfishness won out. I want that yarn on my feet! Here it is on its way to the frog pond:

I'm thinking I'm going to use the yarn for Hedera by Cookie A. The more I see that sock, the more I like it.


My pain does not end there, though! I casted on for a Christmas stocking last weekend. It's a pattern I've made before, so I didn't think much of working on it while I visited with a friend and taught her how to make cables. Turns out that you really need to pay attention to those letter charts. I made two O's instead of an O and a B. Oops.





I don't think I'll need to rip this all the way back, just to the beginning of the chart. I tried to drop the stitches and pick them back up correctly in fair isle pattern. Yeah... it didn't quite work out. But I gave it a shot!

Well...

I managed to seam both sleeves and get half of one sewn onto the body, but that was all my knitting action this weekend. Saturday was spent furniture shopping and family visiting, and yesterday was all about cleaning and getting our current kitchen packed up to compensate for all the disgusting water dripping from the ceiling. I am resolved tonight to get those sleeves set, and then give the whole thing a good bath. Perhaps I'll take it to the new apartment to dry.

In other news, Knitty surprises are up. I am totally in love with Starsky!