here we go again!

I took a break this weekend and started a quick diversion project.

Let me present Odessa (magKnits):

Its my first hat. I had planned on giving it as a gift for xmas, but my friend has a tiny pea-head and this fits my giant melon, so it will be huge on her. Too bad that I have little need for a hat. I think its pretty cute...even though hubby said it looks like a chemo-cap.

It is exceedingly difficult to take a picture of the top of your own head.

I used almost exactly one skein of KnitPicks Elegance in Burnt Orange. The beads are shades of orange and turquoise.

Next up:

Manresa

I hate to say it, but ICK! I thought that these were a good idea, but no. I finished one, but won't do the other. This one is getting frogged. I don't want to waste the yarn. It was a good exposure to fair-isle, but I'm just not feeling them. They look even sillier than I had imagined. (and thats pretty silly)


My little bro is coming to visit this week. Hes never been to Vegas before, so I have to take him to see the sites. He is going to die, It is going to be scorchingly hot this week. It's 11:30 am and its already 105.

Because of his visit, I have to clean out my car, I'm not used to having a passenger. Sigh...the things we do for family! Now, I must leave you and return to Magnum PI. Have a lovely Monday!

green cardi progress...

Just a couple of quick pics of my knit1 cardi:

I have the back and left front finished. I added about two inches to the length. So far so good!

I need to start looking for some cute buttons. I think that they could actually make or break the sweater! More to come!

Adventures in Fair Isle!

I cast on for the Manresa Leg Warmers over the weekend. They are definitely a challenge for me!

As far as my first attempt at fair isle, I think that I'm doing pretty well. I've got the two handed technique down and now am just playing with my tension. My one dilemma is...to weave, or not to weave! I hate the idea of the strands hanging all over on the back of my work, so I have been weaving them in:

The only thing that I don't like is that because this pattern is knit at a fairly loose gauge, I am able to see some of my contrasting color show through the front. Its hard to see in the photo, but much more noticeable in person:

I'm not complaining. I am liking my results so far, but I would not suggest this as a first fair isle project. Between the gauge issues and the double pointed needles, this is definitely a handful!

I am enjoying knitting this. I think that I like fair isle! (or stranding, or whatever it is properly referred to as) And I really like this yarn! Andean Treasure from KnitPicks. I love the colors and I will definitely use it again!

2nd post today?

Yeah, I know...you've heard enough from me for one day! Although it has nothing to do with knitting, I had to share this:

http://men.style.com/gq/features/landing?id=content_4513

It's an interview with Will Ferrell in this month's GQ. The interview is Mad-Libs style and I laughed so hard, I nearly peed my pants...enjoy!

Yarn Snobbery be DAMNED!

It seems that recently I have found myself purchasing some yarn that I normally wouldn't have considered.

Take for example my Green Cardi from knit1...Its knit with some good old Wool-ease. Another recent purchase finds me in the company of some Caron Simply Soft Tweed (which IS soft and quite pretty IMO). I'm planning on knitting the Central Park Hoodie from the F06 Knitscene with it. And, of course, there is my Clapotis made out of Simply Soft.

And then there is Knitpicks...ah Knitpicks...how I love thee! While not acrylic, still looked down upon by some!

Anyway, my point is that while I won't argue the virtue and beauty of expensive yarns. (I do love me some expensive yarn!) I have found myself to be a much happier knitter in the past few months as I have thrown my snobbish ways aside and stopped the stereotyping of acrylic!

Hey, most of my favorite store bought sweaters are mainly acrylic or some other man-made fiber. They are washable (for the most-part) and very wearable (unlike my alpaca wrap sweater...what was I thinking!).

Enough of my rant. I just wanted to speak my piece and let it be known that I am a non-discriminatory, equal opportunity knitter!

Happy knitting all!

I LOVE Orangina!

Here is Orangina in all of her blocked glory!

I am soo pleased with how it turned out! I had been skeptical from the beginning and wasn't sure how well this pattern would suit my figure, BUT I kept a close eye on the KALs and took note of others FOs. I was able to modify the pattern so that it works for me!

First of all, I knit the smallest size which was a 34...thats down a size from what I would usually go with... and second, I added a lot of length...probably 4 inches to the lace. I think that its a bit more form fitting than the original was intended, but its perfect for me! This is probably my favorite garment that I have knit for myself!

YAY!

Orangina is DONE!

There she is! Blocking as we speak! So glad that I can stick a fork in this one. Not that I didn't enjoy knitting this pattern, I really did! Its just that I thought that I would never finish. Part of the reason is because I added several inches to the lace section to make up for my longer than average torso. And I am SOOO glad that I did! When I tried it on before blocking, it hit just above my hip...so I'm hoping that the blocking will add at least an inch, or other wise, I won't be able to wear this to work!

I used the recommended Rowan 4ply Cotton. I really loved it and look forward to the next time that I can splurge on Rowan yarn! I only used about 3 3/4 balls and the pattern calls for 6! So I have two and 1/4 balls of yarn, which is enough to make, lets see, um NOTHING! Oh well...

I will post an action shot as soon as it is dry!

Check another WIP off the list!

Voila! Clapotis!

I finished it last night! It doesn't look like much in the pictures, but it is very pretty in person. I think that I will definitely get some use out of it, much more than if I'd used a flashier color...here it is!

I am really impressed with myself, I think that I might actually get some more things finished soon! I am about 2 inches away from finishing Orangina...and dammit, I think that it may take forever to get that last bit done! When I work on it, it seems that I never get any further! All I have to say is that it had better look darn cute on me once I get it through with it!

And speaking of darn cute, heres Lola! Shut up, I know I'm a dork!

A couple quick things!

First, I wanted to share the necklace I made a few weeks back. Its sterling silver chain and hammered sterling circles. Jewelry making used to be my big thing, but I don't have access to a studio here, so sigh...maybe someday!

Second, the ADD strikes again!

I decided to cast on for the Manresa Leg Warmers from the new Knitty. Its probably the only pattern that I'll use from this issue :( . I'm not a fan of socks and have zero need for gloves, fingerless or otherwise, here in the desert. Oh well! I ordered the yarn from Knitpicks (Andean treasure in Granite and Lilac), so let the waiting game begin! Maybe I'll take this time and finish some of my other WIPs! Not likely!

A-D-D!

Yes, I have come to terms with the fact that I have self-diagnosed Knitting ADD...
take for example my Orangina:

You can see how wonderfully close I am to finishing this one! Only about 3 more inches of ribbing and then simple seaming, but do you think that I can just get it done? NO!

While avoiding Orangina, I decided to start a Clapotis! I have been looking at this pattern ever since I started knitting about a year ago, but I haven't been able to pick a yarn for it. Well, I got over myself and decided to cast on for Clappy with some luxurious Caron Simply Soft in a vibrant grey. Eye catching, eh? Don't knock it! I like the pattern and will do it again with something more colorful, but there is just something about things that are grey and soft that I just can't resist! And who doesn't love a $6 Clapotis?

Anywho...I have been making remarkable progress on this! It is such a mindless knit for me, I have been working on it while I watch TV. BUT I still have more that I should be working on!

I cast on for this about two weeks ago, but I can't bring myself to work on a sweater in the 110 degree heat! This is what I've got so far:

This is the back panel. I am lengthening it about two inches...we'll see how that goes when I get back around to working on it!

AND I also joined a the Amazing Hoodie Swap 3 over on craftster.

I am ridiculously excited about this! I am a hoodie junkie. I can't wait to get started! See, I already want to move on and start another project...jeez, I think I'm hopeless!

What a weekend!

I may have found my way out of my knitting slump!

It all started on Friday evening. I noticed a voicemail on my phone...It was Two Crazy Ladies yarn shop! They were letting me know about the sale that was going on this Saturday...

50% OFF ALL YARN!

BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!

So I went. I brought hubby along to keep me from spending our savings...and I didn't mean to, but I left with a big bag full!

Are you ready to drool?

This is the softest yarn! It was inexpensive to begin with, but at 50% OFF, it was downright cheap! I'm going to make a sweater of my own design I think. A top-down raglan with a very deep V neck...we'll see.

I have always admired this SAMOA...not sure what I'll do with it, but I think that I will pick up a couple more balls, so that will have enough for something good!

This is a Cotton/acrylic blend from Reynolds called OLE OLE! I love the color. Its a very pretty orangy red. There wasn't much good light when I snapped these pictures. I want to make a vest with this stuff. I thought about Fad-Classic...maybe something similar. Any suggestions?

Last, but not least, my Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky! Wow! This stuff is sooo soft and nice. Its hard to tell, but its a beautiful pale blue. I saw it and thought, that would be perfect for the Anthropologie-inspired capelet that floating around on craftster...so, thats what I did!

If was SUPER FAST to knit. I modified the pattern a bit...I used reg stockinette instead of reverse, I added ribbing in the front and lengthened the body ane the sleeves quite a bit. I really like it. So soft and comfy. Perfect for this yarn. I think it would be too much to have a whole sweater knit with it!

My Woolease for the Cropped Cardi from knit1 will be here tomorrow (gotta love UPS tracking!), and then I am going out of town for a week. I think that maybe I will bring Orangina on the plane and wait until I get back to start the cardi...we'll see if I can restrain myself!

YIKES!

Don'tcha hate it when life gets in the way? I have neglected my blog. I could give a million excuses, and many of them would be true, but I'll just go with laziness as my main reason.

Things are looking up! I have lost about ten pounds...about 20 to go...and I am on my very last summer vacation for the forseeable future (the school that I teach at is going to a year-round schedule...blech!)

Knitting has been going pretty well too...

here is my Something Red:

Its ok...I don't love it. I used KnitPicks Shine (thanks knittingmama!) My increases in the ribbing are too visible and I think that there is a better pattern for the yarn.

NEXT:

My Razor Cami...I like this one, but am having a little issue with the strap placement. I already frogged the straps and am in the process of devising a way to move them out from under my armpits!

Otherwise, it is super cute and soft. I used Microspun about two skeins and I cast on the extra twelve stitches for a little extra room.

The pattern can be found here.

I'm still working on Oragina...slow but steady. My next project is the the Green Cropped Cardi from knit1.

honeymoon cami and orangina progress

here are a couple quick pics of what I've been up to:

so very distracted

I am casting on for projects WAY faster than I am knitting! I am sooo loving summer tops! Bought the Orangina pattern today from Glampyre. I'm sure that you are all familiar:

I ordered the Rowan 4ply Cotton on eBay in the color Ardour. Its a pretty, greyish purple. I like! I thought about subbing a different yarn and after debating all afternoon I said, FUG IT! Its only $35 with shipping from the UK. I am on a budget, but I can't deprive myself!

I'm coming along pretty well on the Honeymoon Cami. I am adding a bunch of extra length cuz I'm long waisted. We'll see!

YAY!

I received my 2nd SP package this weekend! It was full of stuff to pamper myself with!

heres what I got:

- some yummy chocolate (milk chocolate covered almonds and dark chocolate covered marshmellows PLUS a cute little easter bunny!)

- pedi stuff (pumice, salt scrubs, nail implements & polish!)

- wild honey body wash and lotion!

- 2 fizzy bath balls

- 2 facial treatments & a loofah body scrubber

- Neutrogena hand cream!

- A skein of Manos del Uruguay in a pretty chocolately redish brown color

- 2 balls of Lana Grossa Binario

YAY! Thanks again BUNNY!

On another exciting note, I found a new LYS!

I was minding my own business, runnign errands and driving around fabulous LV on Saturday. My eyes were caught by a sign by the road side that said, YARN 40% OFF!

Well of course I had to stop. There I found a nice little yarn shop tucked back in the corner of a plaza that I had never been through. It was packed with knitters shopping and knitting away. I found some super nice varigated cotton ribbon yarn that caught my eye and I snatched it up! I would have loved to buy gobs more, but I am currently on a budget, getting ready for the big move.

Anyway, I cast on for the Honeymoon Cami and am making good progress. (Starsky is on the back burner for now).

I've never really knit with a varigated yarn before and I like it! I had a little pooling in the beginning, but just as I decided that I liked it as a design feature, it worked itself out. Oh well. We shall see!

FASTEST. SWEATER. EVER.

I cast on Thursday night and knit while I watched My Name is Earl and The Office, then last night I knit for about three hours after work and now...ta da! A completed sweater...IN ONLY 4 (or close to 4) HOURS!

And best of all, I LIKE IT! Wait til I drop ten pounds...then I'll LOVE it!

Its the Ballet Tee From Loop d loop. I used Cascade Sierra doubled and it only took 3 skeins on #15 needles! I did add three extra increases to add length at the bottom( a total of 12 extra rows).

BAD me!

I have been so stinking busy that I have totally neglected my blog this month...some quick updates:

Started Starsky...I have finished the sleeves and am almost done with the back. I think that I may have made it a bit too small, but I won't know for sure until its done...bah!
heres a few pics from when I had just started the back...

I also Kool-Aid dyed some yarn. It was fun and SUPER MESSY! I tried to do a varigated look, but it didn't turn out so hot.

Decided to use it for a felted tote. I used the Kool-Aid yarn along with some red Patons Classic Merino that I had laying around. Still need to make the handles and then I'm going to do some embroidery on it. Here it is so far:

I have also cast on for the Ballet Tee from Loop d loop. I got about 1/3 done and then frogged it...I had been using the wrong type of increase...BAH! Back to square one. I will post pics as soon as I have some new progress!

Hubby and I are in the midst of contemplating an out of state move...PHOENIX! He has better job opportunities there...sigh...I hate moving!

Suicidal Bunny ROCKS!

Got a great package from my SP on Friday! Full of great stuff and it was all wrapped up individually in the box! Felt like Christmas morning!

Heres what I got:

- a GIANT sea turtle tote bag...(handmade, I presume...)
- an awesome mantee needle roll (also handmade) stocked with several needles! (I used the 5s

this weekend!)
- a notebook with some super cute stuffed dinosaur patterns
- 2 skeins of KnitPicks Memories
- a little notepad/journal
- a box full of rad little things like cool pens and cable needles (Bunny must have known that I

am about to undertake Starsky!)

Thank you Bunny! You rock!

Spherey is!

Just a couple quick pics...I'm mailing him off today. I'll miss the little guy!

I said that I wasn't gonna, but I just ordered yarn for two more projects! Starsky from the Knitty Winter Surprise:

and Herringbone Leather Cuff from AlterKnits:

I'm actually knitting the cuff in waxed corded cotton instead of leather, cuz the leather was about $100! The cotton looks nearly identical and the spool of 100yds was only about $6!

Sweatery goodness!

Yay! I have successfully completed my first sweater! Its the Ballet Wrap from the Winter 06 IK. I'm pretty proud. AND I think that I will actually wear it in public! Too bad that its already 75 here. Not much need for sweaters at this point.

Its hard to get a good pic with the dark color, so I'll try again tomorrow, but for now...

I knit it in KnitPicks Decadence in Chocolate...gauge was a little off, but ended up working out great!

And I also am working on Spherey from Unusual Toys...its for my nephew's first b-day! so flippin cute. Just needs his arms and legs.