It would figure I would finally finish these, a holiday and birthday gift, only once the weather has turned and it's 70 degrees out. Details. What you can barely see in these photos? Tee shirt and shorts!! Hurray for spring.
Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift. Show all posts
Monday, March 09, 2009
Endpaper Mitts, v2
I finally finished my second pair of Endpaper Mitts on Sunday. They were nearly finished for at least a month- sometimes my finishing skills are lacking in timeliness. At least the quality is good when I get around to it! My live-in-photographer took the photos, and can I just say it's fantastic to have someone around to take daylight shots? What a sweetheart.
It would figure I would finally finish these, a holiday and birthday gift, only once the weather has turned and it's 70 degrees out. Details. What you can barely see in these photos? Tee shirt and shorts!! Hurray for spring.
It would figure I would finally finish these, a holiday and birthday gift, only once the weather has turned and it's 70 degrees out. Details. What you can barely see in these photos? Tee shirt and shorts!! Hurray for spring.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Inaugural Vacation
I am thoroughly enjoying my four day weekend thus far. I watched the HBO streaming video of the inaugural concert yesterday- from the comfort of a cozy couch, as opposed to the sub-freezing temps on the Mall. Gym buddy and knitting friend Manda was going to head out there- wonder if she did, and if it was wonderful in person! I teared up a bit at a few points. I am not as patriotic as my kid sister, currently deployed with the Air Force, but I am certainly a patriotic girl.
I spent my viewing time knitting productively, too. I finished the first Endpaper Mitt for my coworker. Disregard the ends which I haven't woven in, yet- the concert ended on time:
I also have been moving along with the cashmere lace stole. I still haven't added the third ball of yarn, but that should be soon. It's getting so long it's hard to photograph! Here it is with my foot for reference:
And with a slipper instead:
I spent my viewing time knitting productively, too. I finished the first Endpaper Mitt for my coworker. Disregard the ends which I haven't woven in, yet- the concert ended on time:
I also have been moving along with the cashmere lace stole. I still haven't added the third ball of yarn, but that should be soon. It's getting so long it's hard to photograph! Here it is with my foot for reference:
And with a slipper instead:
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The camera I can never find
Is invariably someplace completely obvious. In this case, in the pocket of my backpack where I always put it. Figures.
This does mean pictures! I've been doing even more knitting this week than normal. I got over my cold fairly quickly, thanks in no small part to my boyfriend G and his natural remedies. I'm an echinacea convert! I managed to destroy all that healthiness this morning, however, by slipping on some ice and ingloriously flying down five steps, landing on the side of my back. That destroyed my exciting plans for the day- running, lifting weights, brunch with some of my favorite knitters, and even latkes at Sixth and I with Chef Spike from Top Chef. DARN! I ended up chilling out on the sofa, watching The Tudors (not as good as True Blood, but better than most tv shows), and then this evening I was treated to Indian food. I even remembered to light the menorah- so a bad start to the day has ended up just fine. As long as I don't try and lean over or sit up too quickly.
I finished up a project that has been nearly complete for months- just in time to stuff it full of a holiday gift.
The cashmere shawl looks about the same all the time, and probably will until I block it, but the Endpaper Mitts are moving right along and photograph beautifully.
My favorite menorah, from the opposite vantage point of my usual sofa view.
This does mean pictures! I've been doing even more knitting this week than normal. I got over my cold fairly quickly, thanks in no small part to my boyfriend G and his natural remedies. I'm an echinacea convert! I managed to destroy all that healthiness this morning, however, by slipping on some ice and ingloriously flying down five steps, landing on the side of my back. That destroyed my exciting plans for the day- running, lifting weights, brunch with some of my favorite knitters, and even latkes at Sixth and I with Chef Spike from Top Chef. DARN! I ended up chilling out on the sofa, watching The Tudors (not as good as True Blood, but better than most tv shows), and then this evening I was treated to Indian food. I even remembered to light the menorah- so a bad start to the day has ended up just fine. As long as I don't try and lean over or sit up too quickly.
I finished up a project that has been nearly complete for months- just in time to stuff it full of a holiday gift.
The cashmere shawl looks about the same all the time, and probably will until I block it, but the Endpaper Mitts are moving right along and photograph beautifully.
My favorite menorah, from the opposite vantage point of my usual sofa view.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
The thrills of December
For me it is a holiday season- I'm not Christian so this isn't the "Christmas season" and anyways, I think holiday festivities start with Thanksgiving and finish with New Year's Day. Despite the annual debates at work (Merry Christmas? Happy Holidays? Merry Xmas? Happy Chrismahanukwanzaakah?), I feel like my own personal festivities are well on their way. Thanksgiving was obviously wonderful and productive. And Chanuka starts this coming week! What insanity! I finished all my holiday shopping quite some time ago, and of course there were a few homemade gifts. Not nearly as many as last year. I did a lot of shopping with other crafters, however. I'm working on gifts for two friends, that I aim to finish and send out for Christmas. We don't normally exchange gifts, but these items just seemed so quick and perfect for the intended recipients that I thought it might be fun to send them a bit of handmade warmth. Part of the boy's gift came from a crafter on Etsy. I shipped a box off yesterday containing my handmade knitting as well as locally crafted items for my dearest friend from grad school. Mom's getting another local artisan find from the Sugarloaf craft fair- and although it's technically not a holiday gift, my father will be receiving half-handmade and half store-bought for his birthday gift this year (though of course he doesn't know it yet). Assuming I finish the thing- but I'm quite close now, so I'm not too worried. Even if I am driving down to my parents' home on Tuesday morning. And then technically I haven't finished a gift for the roommate, though I have a bit of time before that needs to be wrapped up and under the tree. Maybe I should get back to my knitting, nonetheless?
The purpose of this post was to signal something larger than just my own holiday gifting. I regret that I am not more charity-minded in general. I donate a small amount to my alma mater, since I am forever in debt to UMBC for a solid undergraduate education and being part of a special scholarship group. I join in a few crafting for charity efforts, and hope to do more of that in the coming year. I will also be participating in larger volunteering efforts over the next few months. That all still combines to a pretty pitiable showing, though. One opportunity has presented itself in the form of my Crafts Cluster, through GesherCity. Some members (with or without prodding) have agreed that we should make donating our crafts a priority, and we have already held a few "openly charity-minded" events with more to follow. One is tomorrow, in fact. We hope to make afghan squares and hats, scarves for Food and Friends' scarf drive, and little beaded animals as comfort for kids. The Celtic Knot up in Ellicott City also is instrumental in helping SOS with hand-knitted pink scarves. There are plenty of opportunities; it's just a matter of making them a priority.
I have also volunteered to knit for those in need in a slightly different manner. When I was a kid, I remember very vividly going to the local living history museums- places where the past was vibrantly alive (and reenacted). In Massachusetts I visited Old Sturbridge Village and Plimouth Plantation, and of course Canterbury Shaker Village in my home state of New Hampshire. I loved it- in fact, for years I assumed I would take my love of acting and history and become a reenactor at one of those sites or possibly at Williamsburg. Alas, I moved on to dreaming of becoming an English professor, and then falling into my current world of technical writing and software development business analysis... a bit of a jump from the 1620s environment I'd dreamed of as an ideal workplace. Being deathly allergic to horses probably wouldn't have helped. Frankly, I had rather forgotten my childhood career goal until recently, when I found the historical knitting groups on Ravelry. I already had a significant interest in historical knitting myself. Victorian lace has an obvious appeal for a former Victorianist, and the idea of knitting myself vintage stockings and vintage sweaters from original patterns is very enticing. My very first sweater was from a vintage-inspired pattern. To find a group of similarly history-entranced knittings on Rav was one thing, but then a woman posted about her job at Plimouth Plantation, which included needing to knit period stockings for every single reenactor in the encampment.
Hello, fortuitous aligning of the stars and heavens! I immediately requested a volunteer kit, and will be knitting some plain stockings as soon as I complete my last holiday knitting projects. I chose to do the basic pattern to start with, but they need a great deal of volunteer help, so I'd imagine I'll contribute more than just the one pair. My historic pattern and pretty wool have already arrived!
It may not be charity in the traditional sense, but I am so happy I can help. If you are interested in joining the effort, more information is available on their blog. They need stockings and gloves for lots of arms and legs, so I'm sure any knitter who can help would be welcome!
The purpose of this post was to signal something larger than just my own holiday gifting. I regret that I am not more charity-minded in general. I donate a small amount to my alma mater, since I am forever in debt to UMBC for a solid undergraduate education and being part of a special scholarship group. I join in a few crafting for charity efforts, and hope to do more of that in the coming year. I will also be participating in larger volunteering efforts over the next few months. That all still combines to a pretty pitiable showing, though. One opportunity has presented itself in the form of my Crafts Cluster, through GesherCity. Some members (with or without prodding) have agreed that we should make donating our crafts a priority, and we have already held a few "openly charity-minded" events with more to follow. One is tomorrow, in fact. We hope to make afghan squares and hats, scarves for Food and Friends' scarf drive, and little beaded animals as comfort for kids. The Celtic Knot up in Ellicott City also is instrumental in helping SOS with hand-knitted pink scarves. There are plenty of opportunities; it's just a matter of making them a priority.
I have also volunteered to knit for those in need in a slightly different manner. When I was a kid, I remember very vividly going to the local living history museums- places where the past was vibrantly alive (and reenacted). In Massachusetts I visited Old Sturbridge Village and Plimouth Plantation, and of course Canterbury Shaker Village in my home state of New Hampshire. I loved it- in fact, for years I assumed I would take my love of acting and history and become a reenactor at one of those sites or possibly at Williamsburg. Alas, I moved on to dreaming of becoming an English professor, and then falling into my current world of technical writing and software development business analysis... a bit of a jump from the 1620s environment I'd dreamed of as an ideal workplace. Being deathly allergic to horses probably wouldn't have helped. Frankly, I had rather forgotten my childhood career goal until recently, when I found the historical knitting groups on Ravelry. I already had a significant interest in historical knitting myself. Victorian lace has an obvious appeal for a former Victorianist, and the idea of knitting myself vintage stockings and vintage sweaters from original patterns is very enticing. My very first sweater was from a vintage-inspired pattern. To find a group of similarly history-entranced knittings on Rav was one thing, but then a woman posted about her job at Plimouth Plantation, which included needing to knit period stockings for every single reenactor in the encampment.
Hello, fortuitous aligning of the stars and heavens! I immediately requested a volunteer kit, and will be knitting some plain stockings as soon as I complete my last holiday knitting projects. I chose to do the basic pattern to start with, but they need a great deal of volunteer help, so I'd imagine I'll contribute more than just the one pair. My historic pattern and pretty wool have already arrived!
It may not be charity in the traditional sense, but I am so happy I can help. If you are interested in joining the effort, more information is available on their blog. They need stockings and gloves for lots of arms and legs, so I'm sure any knitter who can help would be welcome!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Thanksgiving is for Knitting
I had an eventful Thanksgiving vacation. I don't blog much about my personal life here, because I know you just came looking for the knitting pictures. Suffice it to say I got to spend lots of quality time with a few different families, and my own personal tall drink of water. I also heard stories about a spinning wheel in Hawaii, and family tales of knitters past and present. I'm thinking hard about my goal to learn spinning at 30. That is such an arbitrary number, and I picked it mostly so I wouldn't get tons of fiber while I still have so much yarn. If I keep going like I did this week, I might be able to start spinning next year! In between the long car rides and meeting lots of wonderful people and the delicious food and kisses there was also a great deal of XBox-watching and car-sitting knitting time. So much so that I've outdone myself.
First, I finished up the Endpaper Mitts (ignore that I haven't blocked a darn thing since I got home- that's a lot to ask of a girl, I think).
And my semi-artistic shot. Apparently I need to give myself a manicure, too.
After doing that, I figured I should work on a commissioned item. Does knitting for Sharyn, even by request, count as a commission? I would knit the world for her, in vegan yarns. People who like my knitting get showered with it. At any rate, they're very Fetching.
And modeled, by the same recalcitrant badly polished hand:
Lest I spend all my time knitting mitts for ladies, I started on one for a man. The boy tested it out for me, and deemed it man-sized. He's got huge hands though, so we'll see if it fits the intended recipient. I have modified the initial (glove) pattern significantly, to make it more fun and fingerless.
Mitts of all sorts are well enough for hands, but what about other extremities? Check out the Manly Sock! New and improved. I finished the first sock some moons ago, and had done half the ribbing for my second sock. But now I am up to the heel! Watching Halo III and Mass Effect is conducive to stockinette:
Finally, I managed to get a major amount of work done on the Super Secret Holiday Gift, but it's far too soon to show off pretty pictures of that.
Thanksgiving really is for knitting. And mashed potatoes- I'm equal opportunity.
I have already got my family's presents sitting under the Christmas tree in my apartment (which my Christian roommate sweetly put up while I was driving home from vacation). I am ready for an early Chanuka! So ready that I'm going to be spending it in Raleigh with the folks... And vacation with Mom means lots of crafting. Maybe this time I'll learn how to hand-quilt a bit better than last time? She finished hand quilting the wall hanging in LESS than a WEEK. She's a machine. It looks great- I hope to hang it this week, since it is so festively colored.
My Raleigh time will surely include some sewing and some piecework and a lot of knitting. It always does.
First, I finished up the Endpaper Mitts (ignore that I haven't blocked a darn thing since I got home- that's a lot to ask of a girl, I think).
And my semi-artistic shot. Apparently I need to give myself a manicure, too.
After doing that, I figured I should work on a commissioned item. Does knitting for Sharyn, even by request, count as a commission? I would knit the world for her, in vegan yarns. People who like my knitting get showered with it. At any rate, they're very Fetching.
And modeled, by the same recalcitrant badly polished hand:
Lest I spend all my time knitting mitts for ladies, I started on one for a man. The boy tested it out for me, and deemed it man-sized. He's got huge hands though, so we'll see if it fits the intended recipient. I have modified the initial (glove) pattern significantly, to make it more fun and fingerless.
Mitts of all sorts are well enough for hands, but what about other extremities? Check out the Manly Sock! New and improved. I finished the first sock some moons ago, and had done half the ribbing for my second sock. But now I am up to the heel! Watching Halo III and Mass Effect is conducive to stockinette:
Finally, I managed to get a major amount of work done on the Super Secret Holiday Gift, but it's far too soon to show off pretty pictures of that.
Thanksgiving really is for knitting. And mashed potatoes- I'm equal opportunity.
I have already got my family's presents sitting under the Christmas tree in my apartment (which my Christian roommate sweetly put up while I was driving home from vacation). I am ready for an early Chanuka! So ready that I'm going to be spending it in Raleigh with the folks... And vacation with Mom means lots of crafting. Maybe this time I'll learn how to hand-quilt a bit better than last time? She finished hand quilting the wall hanging in LESS than a WEEK. She's a machine. It looks great- I hope to hang it this week, since it is so festively colored.
My Raleigh time will surely include some sewing and some piecework and a lot of knitting. It always does.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Half done, photo proof
Palm up:
Palm down:
I think I like it just the way it is.
Also, these are the fabrics for some upcoming projects. First, beautiful cottons to make bird Christmas tree ornaments for the Roommie and me (and maybe a few other people):
And blues for a gift project:
It may be cheating to just use lots of fabrics from the same line, but I was too in love with these to care. They are all Asian-inspired, with fish and symbols of joy and happiness, and of course peonies. We all need peonies in our lives. Can't wait to get working on it!
Palm down:
I think I like it just the way it is.
Also, these are the fabrics for some upcoming projects. First, beautiful cottons to make bird Christmas tree ornaments for the Roommie and me (and maybe a few other people):
And blues for a gift project:
It may be cheating to just use lots of fabrics from the same line, but I was too in love with these to care. They are all Asian-inspired, with fish and symbols of joy and happiness, and of course peonies. We all need peonies in our lives. Can't wait to get working on it!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Productivity isn't always measured in FOs
Still zero progress on the sweaters I want to knit. But I've been productive! I'm zooming along on the crocheted baby afghan- first ball of yarn is just about finis, I'll be starting the second ball on the metro this evening. I've also made some progress on the super-secret gift, which is encouraging.
Tonight, my GesherCity Crafts Cluster is getting together with Moishe House Silver Spring to make little beaded "buddies" to give away. Should be a fun time, and I'm excited to check out Moishe House. Hopefully some other Clusterites will show up, but apparently there will be plenty of Jews around even if they don't.
I'm going to help (or at least offer my assistance) at a fair isle mini-class on Sunday. And also I will get further info for teaching my first for-real, paid class starting the weekend after.
Woo!
This weekend I mainly will be working on writing for work- and I'm ushering Saturday night. I'm hoping I can also take a few hours to go through my fabrics and patterns and select something to work on next week, on the sewing side. I already rearranged the clothing closet to be ready for winter, so it would be nice to take a more thorough investigation of my second closet. There's a lot of crafting supplies in there, and of course it serves as my holiday gift storage facility.
People laugh at me for getting serious about gifts in October. Usually I wait until November, but Chanuka starts December 4... I don't like to be caught unprepared! An unprepared Mikaiya leads to really crappy gifts. This year I may have outdone myself on a few counts, due to my careful planning ahead. I feel like I have to put forth effort, to make up for those years when I really didn't plan ahead (still sorry about that book, Mom... I'll never listen to the recommendations at Barnes and Noble again!!)
In related news, I'm trying to destash on Ravelry. Both yarn and books. I'm on a serious kick of getting rid of crap- Roommie and I have a spacious apartment, but I really wish my room looked more like a pleasant abode and less like craft hell. "Oh look, I can see the floor!" should not be monthly refrain. I've been freecycling a lot of clothes and random goodies, and generally preparing for the eventuality of having to move again. I even got rid of another two full boxes of books the other week- I can nearly fit all my books on two bookcases. How I have changed from grad school (I think I had four bookcases? Plus the built-in...) I keep conveniently forgetting that I shouldn't be buying yarn, but in my defense all my recent purchases have been for commissioned items.
I have been instructed not to do ANY commissioned items. A bit late for that. On the plus side, two of the projects will take about two days of knitting each, and they are for people I really want to knit for. The third is going to be a lot more time consuming, however.
Tonight, my GesherCity Crafts Cluster is getting together with Moishe House Silver Spring to make little beaded "buddies" to give away. Should be a fun time, and I'm excited to check out Moishe House. Hopefully some other Clusterites will show up, but apparently there will be plenty of Jews around even if they don't.
I'm going to help (or at least offer my assistance) at a fair isle mini-class on Sunday. And also I will get further info for teaching my first for-real, paid class starting the weekend after.
Woo!
This weekend I mainly will be working on writing for work- and I'm ushering Saturday night. I'm hoping I can also take a few hours to go through my fabrics and patterns and select something to work on next week, on the sewing side. I already rearranged the clothing closet to be ready for winter, so it would be nice to take a more thorough investigation of my second closet. There's a lot of crafting supplies in there, and of course it serves as my holiday gift storage facility.
People laugh at me for getting serious about gifts in October. Usually I wait until November, but Chanuka starts December 4... I don't like to be caught unprepared! An unprepared Mikaiya leads to really crappy gifts. This year I may have outdone myself on a few counts, due to my careful planning ahead. I feel like I have to put forth effort, to make up for those years when I really didn't plan ahead (still sorry about that book, Mom... I'll never listen to the recommendations at Barnes and Noble again!!)
In related news, I'm trying to destash on Ravelry. Both yarn and books. I'm on a serious kick of getting rid of crap- Roommie and I have a spacious apartment, but I really wish my room looked more like a pleasant abode and less like craft hell. "Oh look, I can see the floor!" should not be monthly refrain. I've been freecycling a lot of clothes and random goodies, and generally preparing for the eventuality of having to move again. I even got rid of another two full boxes of books the other week- I can nearly fit all my books on two bookcases. How I have changed from grad school (I think I had four bookcases? Plus the built-in...) I keep conveniently forgetting that I shouldn't be buying yarn, but in my defense all my recent purchases have been for commissioned items.
I have been instructed not to do ANY commissioned items. A bit late for that. On the plus side, two of the projects will take about two days of knitting each, and they are for people I really want to knit for. The third is going to be a lot more time consuming, however.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Shawl fantastico
I have a Seraphim. I am in love with her. In fact, I am wearing her to work, and enjoying every moment of her blissful warmth. She is made of Schaefer Anne, and the yarn is just perfect. It's variegated, but subtly enough for even the lacy bits of the pattern. And the colors are just perfect- I feel like I'm swimming in a cool pond!
Lace details:
All bundled up:
And here is the Woven Gems Prime Alpaca I purchased at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Fest- I keep petting it, because it feels like heaven.
I also promised photos of the Chullo hat I'm knitting to give away shortly. This photo is from early in the evening yesterday, before I finished knitting the earflaps. All that's left is to do the last round around with green, and weave in the excessive amount of ends. It's a little deceptive in the photo- most of the top actually sits above the head, and flops back. It's a really cute pattern. I may not have enough teal for the braid up top and the ties, but I did at least have enough for the hat itself.
I ordered some magnificent yarn off Ravelry- not only was in insanely cheap (less than half price?), it is quite possibly my favorite yarn ever. Besides Schaefer Anne. It's the perfect dusty rose, and I think Cashsoft DK may be the nicest fiber I've touched. I'm using it for that baby sampler afghan- I stopped working on it only because I'm lazy, though the yarn is perfect!
Speaking of babies, my cousin is going to be induced tomorrow. How wonderful! If it's a girl, I know what I'm sending to her... if it's a boy, I'll have to be more creative. Either way, there's also another project in my queue, though it's not a knitting project.
I am going to be one half of a very creative team- making one spiffy neo-Victorian steampunk suit. I think I'm going to start out by sewing up the shirt, since that should be relatively straight-forward while I learn how to use my new (to me) sewing machine. Once I have my stitching back in order, I will take on the tailoring required for the vest, and finally the frock coat.
I have a significant number of knitting UFOs, and two fair isle sweaters I want to start. Somehow, I'm not ready to knit on any of them. I think I need to dig into my knitting bag tonight after SSK, to determine what I should be working on. Or I could give in and swatch Autumn Rose. I think I say that twice a day, every day... In the meantime, I have the Super Secret Holiday gift in my bag, half completed, and I think that should take me through the next few days.
Lace details:
All bundled up:
And here is the Woven Gems Prime Alpaca I purchased at the Shenandoah Valley Fiber Fest- I keep petting it, because it feels like heaven.
I also promised photos of the Chullo hat I'm knitting to give away shortly. This photo is from early in the evening yesterday, before I finished knitting the earflaps. All that's left is to do the last round around with green, and weave in the excessive amount of ends. It's a little deceptive in the photo- most of the top actually sits above the head, and flops back. It's a really cute pattern. I may not have enough teal for the braid up top and the ties, but I did at least have enough for the hat itself.
I ordered some magnificent yarn off Ravelry- not only was in insanely cheap (less than half price?), it is quite possibly my favorite yarn ever. Besides Schaefer Anne. It's the perfect dusty rose, and I think Cashsoft DK may be the nicest fiber I've touched. I'm using it for that baby sampler afghan- I stopped working on it only because I'm lazy, though the yarn is perfect!
Speaking of babies, my cousin is going to be induced tomorrow. How wonderful! If it's a girl, I know what I'm sending to her... if it's a boy, I'll have to be more creative. Either way, there's also another project in my queue, though it's not a knitting project.
I am going to be one half of a very creative team- making one spiffy neo-Victorian steampunk suit. I think I'm going to start out by sewing up the shirt, since that should be relatively straight-forward while I learn how to use my new (to me) sewing machine. Once I have my stitching back in order, I will take on the tailoring required for the vest, and finally the frock coat.
I have a significant number of knitting UFOs, and two fair isle sweaters I want to start. Somehow, I'm not ready to knit on any of them. I think I need to dig into my knitting bag tonight after SSK, to determine what I should be working on. Or I could give in and swatch Autumn Rose. I think I say that twice a day, every day... In the meantime, I have the Super Secret Holiday gift in my bag, half completed, and I think that should take me through the next few days.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Block Party
This was a very good crafting weekend. Saturday was a work training session and a lot of Wii playing, so that doesn't count. I made up for the day off on Sunday!
First, I knitted in the car and played lots of fun tunes on the way to the Shenandoah Vally Fiber Fest. It was a very cute little festival- three buildings, a few barns, and lots of friendly and helpful people. I was able to purchase what I really went for- 16 ounces of gorgeous charcoal alpaca from Woven Gems. The yarn is destined to become an incredibly warm and comfy work sweater- I just need to find an appropriately simple pattern.
This is the same company that hand-dyed my crazy fire-inspired Bombyx Silk. Remember?
Knitted more on the way home, and I finished Seraphim before dinner. She's blocking in the living room as I type! Hurrah!
In the spirit of finished things, I cast on for a new project. Conveniently, this one is a hat- I already have it more than half-done. This is good, because it's for a dear friend who has moved to a very chilly clime- I think she could do with her gift sooner than later. I may not have enough yarn for the main color, but only one way to find out!
Photos of both projects to come shortly. I'm hoping to finish the hat tonight (if I do in fact have enough yarn), and then figure out what's next in the priorities list. Swatching for Autumn Rose, mayhaps?
First, I knitted in the car and played lots of fun tunes on the way to the Shenandoah Vally Fiber Fest. It was a very cute little festival- three buildings, a few barns, and lots of friendly and helpful people. I was able to purchase what I really went for- 16 ounces of gorgeous charcoal alpaca from Woven Gems. The yarn is destined to become an incredibly warm and comfy work sweater- I just need to find an appropriately simple pattern.
This is the same company that hand-dyed my crazy fire-inspired Bombyx Silk. Remember?
Knitted more on the way home, and I finished Seraphim before dinner. She's blocking in the living room as I type! Hurrah!
In the spirit of finished things, I cast on for a new project. Conveniently, this one is a hat- I already have it more than half-done. This is good, because it's for a dear friend who has moved to a very chilly clime- I think she could do with her gift sooner than later. I may not have enough yarn for the main color, but only one way to find out!
Photos of both projects to come shortly. I'm hoping to finish the hat tonight (if I do in fact have enough yarn), and then figure out what's next in the priorities list. Swatching for Autumn Rose, mayhaps?
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Babies, Babies
There's been a lot of pregnancy going on. Not close to home, but in the family and friends arena. Let's recap my failure to actually complete a baby project... but first a review of the more successful baby gift ventures.
First up, the ginormous lavendar baby blanket. I prefer not to think how much time I spent on this. It was definitely over a year- maybe 18 months? Cry. It hasn't found a home yet. I should get a better detail picture- but imagine, if you will, lots of cables and lace in that purple blob.
Next, a blanket for my boss from last year. Cute! Aran! I love this pattern wholeheartedly.
And then a crocheted blanket for a coworker and his lovely wife- that was recent, it's in the archives.
Another blanket made a brief appearance. I love the yarn and like the patterns, but I think I'm afraid of the edging. It has been sitting lonely for quite some time now- I'm somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 done with the squares now, and just need to get my butt in gear to finish it.
Meanwhile, I decided to make a bunch of other baby things. First up is another version of the Aran blanket. Well, after repeat 3 of this one I discovered I had been completely destroying one of the cable patterns. Let me say this again. I knit an entire afghan in this pattern. And 3 more repeats of another one. And only THEN do I realize that I was reading it incorrectly! Lucky for me, this yarn is so sparkly and funky that nobody except a fellow knitter would ever be able to tell. Mwahaha. Here's the latest project pic, more than 4 repeats in (thanks to my progress at SSK yesterday):
I also started a bunch of baby sweaters. First up (and finally photographed!) is the coral cabled sweater:
I finished the majority of the body, up to where one joins the sleeves. And somehow I cannot knit the sleeves. Here's an example of wacky laddering and icky shaping:
So I frogged the sleeve, and am back to just the body of the sweater. Two years later. But look, pretty cables!
Then there's the blue sweater. I started this for Scott's baby, and sadly I realized after knitting the two fronts that I had made them for a girl. This yarn screams baby boy. Oops! Here it lies yesterday evening, photographed for the first time- back done, two fronts done, one sleeve done, and one sleeve on the needles:
And after the frog pond, here's the current state of affairs:
But look! Cables!
There's also the Baby Owl sweater- I have completed the back (and only the back):
First up, the ginormous lavendar baby blanket. I prefer not to think how much time I spent on this. It was definitely over a year- maybe 18 months? Cry. It hasn't found a home yet. I should get a better detail picture- but imagine, if you will, lots of cables and lace in that purple blob.
Next, a blanket for my boss from last year. Cute! Aran! I love this pattern wholeheartedly.
And then a crocheted blanket for a coworker and his lovely wife- that was recent, it's in the archives.
Another blanket made a brief appearance. I love the yarn and like the patterns, but I think I'm afraid of the edging. It has been sitting lonely for quite some time now- I'm somewhere between 1/3 and 1/2 done with the squares now, and just need to get my butt in gear to finish it.
Meanwhile, I decided to make a bunch of other baby things. First up is another version of the Aran blanket. Well, after repeat 3 of this one I discovered I had been completely destroying one of the cable patterns. Let me say this again. I knit an entire afghan in this pattern. And 3 more repeats of another one. And only THEN do I realize that I was reading it incorrectly! Lucky for me, this yarn is so sparkly and funky that nobody except a fellow knitter would ever be able to tell. Mwahaha. Here's the latest project pic, more than 4 repeats in (thanks to my progress at SSK yesterday):
I also started a bunch of baby sweaters. First up (and finally photographed!) is the coral cabled sweater:
I finished the majority of the body, up to where one joins the sleeves. And somehow I cannot knit the sleeves. Here's an example of wacky laddering and icky shaping:
So I frogged the sleeve, and am back to just the body of the sweater. Two years later. But look, pretty cables!
Then there's the blue sweater. I started this for Scott's baby, and sadly I realized after knitting the two fronts that I had made them for a girl. This yarn screams baby boy. Oops! Here it lies yesterday evening, photographed for the first time- back done, two fronts done, one sleeve done, and one sleeve on the needles:
And after the frog pond, here's the current state of affairs:
But look! Cables!
There's also the Baby Owl sweater- I have completed the back (and only the back):
Monday, August 13, 2007
I don't just dream in color, I dream in fair isle. Don't you?
Oh, what an exciting Monday. I am not sure I can make this coherent, because it is all just too exciting.
First, I get quoted on DCist for my review of Firefly- the DC restaurant, not the TV series... though I do love both wholeheartedly. I love DCist because it tells me when and where to go, what I need to know about my fair city, etc. Also it hooks me up with events like seeing Jasper Fforde in person (so funny!) and on Friday, William frikkin Gibson! Cyberpunk FTW! That's assuming I don't check out one of the restaurants that has extended Restaurant Week, or head over to CityZen with a coworker for their astonishingly almost-inexpensive 3-course tasting meal- there are so many choices. I love DC!
I also love DCist because it brings random people to my blog, who are then exposed to knitting content. Hello, random people...
Right. That was a good start to a Monday. But then it got even better- some local knit ladies have started a knitalong for Eunny Jang's gorgeous sweater, Autumn Rose. It is a stunning fair isle sweater that, frankly, I have coveted since I first saw it on her blog. It isn't just fair isle. It's fair isle for a modern figure. It scoops, it flatters, it curves, it would look just as good on a busty thing like me as on a little waify girl... what I'm saying is that it is HOT. You can check out some photos in the Simply Shetland 4 book, at Simply Shetland. I really have to knit this sweater; it's just the perfect fair isle. So let's forget about that Philosopher's Wool beauty I have sitting balled up and ready to go. And that baby sweater that was going to be my first fair isle project. And the trillion projects I have going right now. I simply *must* knit and wear that sweater this winter.
That is perhaps a bit dramatic. But it would definitely give me more street cred in the office as an accomplished knitter! It's not just that the sweater is amazing- but I get to be part of this In Love With Autumn Rose knitalong! Since I should have my MS3 done very shortly, I'm feeling ready to get the yarn for this sucker and cast on, leaving my holiday gift knitting plans in its wake.
Now, we all know it won't happen that way. I'll manage to create a bunch of gifts. I will probably even compete in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) again this November. But somehow, I will manage to do this knitalong, and I will hopefully end up with a gorgeous Autumn Rose of my very own. I'm giving myself two weeks to finish MS3 and at least one gift, before I can buy the yarn. But then it will be September- what an excellent birthday gift for myself! Mm, yarn. Mm, sexy fair isle. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Oh, did I mention that I saw Casablanca on the National Mall tonight? A perfect evening, perfect weather, and a perfect movie, marred only by not knitting (I didn't want to fade the yarn in the sunlight). Let me say it again- I love DC.
First, I get quoted on DCist for my review of Firefly- the DC restaurant, not the TV series... though I do love both wholeheartedly. I love DCist because it tells me when and where to go, what I need to know about my fair city, etc. Also it hooks me up with events like seeing Jasper Fforde in person (so funny!) and on Friday, William frikkin Gibson! Cyberpunk FTW! That's assuming I don't check out one of the restaurants that has extended Restaurant Week, or head over to CityZen with a coworker for their astonishingly almost-inexpensive 3-course tasting meal- there are so many choices. I love DC!
I also love DCist because it brings random people to my blog, who are then exposed to knitting content. Hello, random people...
Right. That was a good start to a Monday. But then it got even better- some local knit ladies have started a knitalong for Eunny Jang's gorgeous sweater, Autumn Rose. It is a stunning fair isle sweater that, frankly, I have coveted since I first saw it on her blog. It isn't just fair isle. It's fair isle for a modern figure. It scoops, it flatters, it curves, it would look just as good on a busty thing like me as on a little waify girl... what I'm saying is that it is HOT. You can check out some photos in the Simply Shetland 4 book, at Simply Shetland. I really have to knit this sweater; it's just the perfect fair isle. So let's forget about that Philosopher's Wool beauty I have sitting balled up and ready to go. And that baby sweater that was going to be my first fair isle project. And the trillion projects I have going right now. I simply *must* knit and wear that sweater this winter.
That is perhaps a bit dramatic. But it would definitely give me more street cred in the office as an accomplished knitter! It's not just that the sweater is amazing- but I get to be part of this In Love With Autumn Rose knitalong! Since I should have my MS3 done very shortly, I'm feeling ready to get the yarn for this sucker and cast on, leaving my holiday gift knitting plans in its wake.
Now, we all know it won't happen that way. I'll manage to create a bunch of gifts. I will probably even compete in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) again this November. But somehow, I will manage to do this knitalong, and I will hopefully end up with a gorgeous Autumn Rose of my very own. I'm giving myself two weeks to finish MS3 and at least one gift, before I can buy the yarn. But then it will be September- what an excellent birthday gift for myself! Mm, yarn. Mm, sexy fair isle. This is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Oh, did I mention that I saw Casablanca on the National Mall tonight? A perfect evening, perfect weather, and a perfect movie, marred only by not knitting (I didn't want to fade the yarn in the sunlight). Let me say it again- I love DC.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Weekending
Apparently my aunt and uncle have begun reading this blog... hello! Mom said you submitted comments, but I never saw them. FYI! But welcome! For my other blog readers, I feel obligated to tell you that my Mom and her sister are possibly the greatest living crafters I know. I am awed and humbled by their speed and finesse, at everything from sewing to quilting to knitting and bear-making- and probably every other craft under the sun. I'm hoping I'll catch up to their skill level in a few decades!
It's been a pretty solid week for knitting. I'm just inches away from finishing the back of my Empire Cardigan, which I hope to complete this weekend. And I finally decided what to do with MS3. I just can't imagine myself ever wearing it with a wing- though that is sure to be interesting, it's simply not me. No worries! I cut the yarn at the appropriate point in Clue 4 (the mandatory lifeline), and started the whole thing over again tonight. I'll work the same charts, Clue 1 through Clue 4 at the lifeline, and graft the two ends together. Voila, symmetrical and beautiful shawl. I'm happy with this decision. The "secret" part of the pattern that will come out in the finished for-purchase pattern is a stole with two wings- now *that* I could consider making. I am certainly buying the pattern anyways, in support of Melanie, so I will probably work on that sometime next year.
In the meantime, I've been thinking gifts, especially holiday gifts. As soon as I finish the back of the cardigan, I am going to cast on for a few of them. I don't want to spoil any surprises, but thus far the list includes some socks, some hobo glove/mittens, a baby hat, etcetc. All the yarn is ready to go, I just need to get knitting!
I also really need to try quilting again. I don't mind it- and I loved doing the piecing. But so far I am definitely not in the groove of hand quilting, so everytime I think "hmm, I should finish that wedding gift..." I pull out some yarn. C'est la vie.
I thought about going to see my friends' band Fools & Horses tonight, but the lure of knitting was too strong. Also, I don't like driving all the way to Annapolis by myself. Nevertheless, my room is clean, I have a few more Buffy episodes to watch, and I aim to finish Clue 1 (the second time) tonight. I'd best get back to my "exciting weekend" so I can do a few hours for work tomorrow in between projects. Hopefully we'll get some good in-progress or even Finished Object pictures by mid-week next week!
It's been a pretty solid week for knitting. I'm just inches away from finishing the back of my Empire Cardigan, which I hope to complete this weekend. And I finally decided what to do with MS3. I just can't imagine myself ever wearing it with a wing- though that is sure to be interesting, it's simply not me. No worries! I cut the yarn at the appropriate point in Clue 4 (the mandatory lifeline), and started the whole thing over again tonight. I'll work the same charts, Clue 1 through Clue 4 at the lifeline, and graft the two ends together. Voila, symmetrical and beautiful shawl. I'm happy with this decision. The "secret" part of the pattern that will come out in the finished for-purchase pattern is a stole with two wings- now *that* I could consider making. I am certainly buying the pattern anyways, in support of Melanie, so I will probably work on that sometime next year.
In the meantime, I've been thinking gifts, especially holiday gifts. As soon as I finish the back of the cardigan, I am going to cast on for a few of them. I don't want to spoil any surprises, but thus far the list includes some socks, some hobo glove/mittens, a baby hat, etcetc. All the yarn is ready to go, I just need to get knitting!
I also really need to try quilting again. I don't mind it- and I loved doing the piecing. But so far I am definitely not in the groove of hand quilting, so everytime I think "hmm, I should finish that wedding gift..." I pull out some yarn. C'est la vie.
I thought about going to see my friends' band Fools & Horses tonight, but the lure of knitting was too strong. Also, I don't like driving all the way to Annapolis by myself. Nevertheless, my room is clean, I have a few more Buffy episodes to watch, and I aim to finish Clue 1 (the second time) tonight. I'd best get back to my "exciting weekend" so I can do a few hours for work tomorrow in between projects. Hopefully we'll get some good in-progress or even Finished Object pictures by mid-week next week!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Fun with Flickr
Blogger needs to save faster. I hate losing entries. Cry!
I left work early today so I could pick up my bridesmaid dress- hurrah. I also wanted to head to WoolWinders to get more details on the class I'll be teaching this fall- Absolute Beginners. I'm so excited to teach in a more formal setting! I hope it goes really well- surely it will.
While I was up at WoolWinders, I managed to get a bit of knitting done. Evidence! Ignore that it looks completely gray- I swear it's a green sweater:
I also picked up a few skeins of yarn for gifts. I have most everything I need for holiday gift materials, but I was missing a few key things. This is it, so far:
And a little gift for someone special- it's a tape measure! Did you know I grew up on Ladybug Lane?
Pretty productive day. I can't believe Sharyn's wedding is so soon! For that matter, I can't believe I'll be on vacation the week after next. I think that I will need to bring a very large suitcase- just for the yarn.
I also had a bit of fun with Flickr today, investigating the contents of my purse. Maybe that's not exciting to everyone, but I found it a bit enlightening. You surely can tell a lot about a person by what they tote around with them day in, day out. I suspect most people don't have this variety- but then, I spend at least an hour and a half commuting by metro every day. That's a lot of knitting and reading time!
I left work early today so I could pick up my bridesmaid dress- hurrah. I also wanted to head to WoolWinders to get more details on the class I'll be teaching this fall- Absolute Beginners. I'm so excited to teach in a more formal setting! I hope it goes really well- surely it will.
While I was up at WoolWinders, I managed to get a bit of knitting done. Evidence! Ignore that it looks completely gray- I swear it's a green sweater:
I also picked up a few skeins of yarn for gifts. I have most everything I need for holiday gift materials, but I was missing a few key things. This is it, so far:
And a little gift for someone special- it's a tape measure! Did you know I grew up on Ladybug Lane?
Pretty productive day. I can't believe Sharyn's wedding is so soon! For that matter, I can't believe I'll be on vacation the week after next. I think that I will need to bring a very large suitcase- just for the yarn.
I also had a bit of fun with Flickr today, investigating the contents of my purse. Maybe that's not exciting to everyone, but I found it a bit enlightening. You surely can tell a lot about a person by what they tote around with them day in, day out. I suspect most people don't have this variety- but then, I spend at least an hour and a half commuting by metro every day. That's a lot of knitting and reading time!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Stash of Doom
I knew my stash was getting out of hand. I could feel it creeping out of its cubby holes and baskets and into the fabric of my life. And not just in the form of UFO's, oh no! So I went on a photo tour today. It was terrifying. I'm starting to put stuff up on Ravelry, but in the meantime, here's a taste of the "before photos" and why I need to seriously finish some things!
First up is the Wall of Stash:
Sure, this may not look so bad. There are books in there! There are cubes of fabric, and even a cube of toiletries chilling out there because there isn't room in the bathroom. But consider the layers of yarn in each cubicle. Consider the massive amounts of it hidden in nooks and crannies. Imagine turning around and seeing a lot more of it.
(it looks innocuous from the bed, until you sneak a peek beneath the quilts and pillows and reveal another huge stash pile!)
For shame, it's taking up random floor space at the foot of my bed (disregard the fact that obviously yarn clutter isn't my only issue right now):
Oops, other side, too (quilting crap AND lots of yarn and random projects, oh boy!):
It's amazing I ever find what I need.
Now imagine taking a tour of the living room, and finding yet another big basket (all fair isle!) and 3 small ones. Oh jeez. I didn't tackle it completely, but I did pull out most of the UFOs that are not currently in my project bag:
Funny thing- that pile of white yarny things is 32 out of 61 hexagons for an afghan I was going to make for charity. I think I used some of the yarn for other things (teaching, most likely), but I should probably finish the thing and give it away. I was working on it in Rockville, and would love to get it out of my life before I move again. Whenever that is. For that matter, I would like to get rid of a good percentage of this yarn before I move again- I may need to destash. More likely, I need to finish projects. Yay.
And I reorganized the baskets. Slightly less gorgeous sock yarn is in a plastic bag in the cubicles, but the pretty stuff and all the lace got basket space:
That's definitely enough for tonight. My goals??
- finish MS3 Clue 4 (probably could do it Wednesday night, in preparation for the clue Friday)
- work on the cardigan (because I know darn well I'm going to whether it's on the list or not- that alpaca silk is like crack!)
- do at least 2 baby blanket squares... and another 2 on Saturday!! Zoom zoom!
- give the crocheted baby blanket away, to get it out of the house. Also because the baby is due soon. Hurray!
- finish the first Pink Broadripple sock- I have visions of wearing them this fall with my clogs and want them DONE.
- clean my room (well, obviously- you've seen the evidence)
Hopefully I'll get to Clue 5 this weekend, but I'm ok if I can't because I'm finishing the back of the sweater. Can I really get that far this weekend?? Anything is possible, I don't have much in the way of plans...
EDIT:: Roommate wants me to note that in fact, there are 3 baskets in the living room. They're inside the coffee table. So mostly hidden in plain sight... I'm all over it, Martha! In fact, Roommate pointed out that I could have had a perfectly lovely Ethan Allen coffee table, with two matching couchside tables, but I turned them down. Because I would have to give up my storage cubbies in the cheap Ikea table. Dumdeedum!
First up is the Wall of Stash:
Sure, this may not look so bad. There are books in there! There are cubes of fabric, and even a cube of toiletries chilling out there because there isn't room in the bathroom. But consider the layers of yarn in each cubicle. Consider the massive amounts of it hidden in nooks and crannies. Imagine turning around and seeing a lot more of it.
(it looks innocuous from the bed, until you sneak a peek beneath the quilts and pillows and reveal another huge stash pile!)
For shame, it's taking up random floor space at the foot of my bed (disregard the fact that obviously yarn clutter isn't my only issue right now):
Oops, other side, too (quilting crap AND lots of yarn and random projects, oh boy!):
It's amazing I ever find what I need.
Now imagine taking a tour of the living room, and finding yet another big basket (all fair isle!) and 3 small ones. Oh jeez. I didn't tackle it completely, but I did pull out most of the UFOs that are not currently in my project bag:
Funny thing- that pile of white yarny things is 32 out of 61 hexagons for an afghan I was going to make for charity. I think I used some of the yarn for other things (teaching, most likely), but I should probably finish the thing and give it away. I was working on it in Rockville, and would love to get it out of my life before I move again. Whenever that is. For that matter, I would like to get rid of a good percentage of this yarn before I move again- I may need to destash. More likely, I need to finish projects. Yay.
And I reorganized the baskets. Slightly less gorgeous sock yarn is in a plastic bag in the cubicles, but the pretty stuff and all the lace got basket space:
That's definitely enough for tonight. My goals??
- finish MS3 Clue 4 (probably could do it Wednesday night, in preparation for the clue Friday)
- work on the cardigan (because I know darn well I'm going to whether it's on the list or not- that alpaca silk is like crack!)
- do at least 2 baby blanket squares... and another 2 on Saturday!! Zoom zoom!
- give the crocheted baby blanket away, to get it out of the house. Also because the baby is due soon. Hurray!
- finish the first Pink Broadripple sock- I have visions of wearing them this fall with my clogs and want them DONE.
- clean my room (well, obviously- you've seen the evidence)
Hopefully I'll get to Clue 5 this weekend, but I'm ok if I can't because I'm finishing the back of the sweater. Can I really get that far this weekend?? Anything is possible, I don't have much in the way of plans...
EDIT:: Roommate wants me to note that in fact, there are 3 baskets in the living room. They're inside the coffee table. So mostly hidden in plain sight... I'm all over it, Martha! In fact, Roommate pointed out that I could have had a perfectly lovely Ethan Allen coffee table, with two matching couchside tables, but I turned them down. Because I would have to give up my storage cubbies in the cheap Ikea table. Dumdeedum!
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Wacky Week
I have not accomplished much crafting lately. This is for a few reasons- mostly I've been working like crazy, and in the evenings I've been a busy busy bee. Here's a taste:
Saturday night to Sunday afternoon: Harry Potter, of course.
Sunday evening: Cooked dinner for Mom and Roommate.
Monday evening: Finished the crocheted baby blanket (OK, so I did a little crafting).
Tuesday evening: Bethesda Restaurant Week- I went with a group to Rock Creek, which was delicious.
Wednesday evening: Went to a signing by Jasper Fforde, who is amazing and funny and he stamped as well as signed my copy of "Thursday Next, First Among Sequels"
And coming up?
Thursday evening: Transformers with a fellow UMBC alum.
Friday evening: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, at Woolly Mammoth (I couldn't resist the cheap Goldstar tickets).
Saturday evening: Gallathea (really?? Gallathea on-stage? So excited).
If you extend it out a bit further, my Crafts Cluster is meeting Sunday afternoon in Virginia, and I'm going to see a sneak preview of The Ten on Monday night. Whew!
That's a total of two fancy dinners, one book signing, two Fringe Festival plays, and a pop culture movie. Not bad! On the craft front, however, there has been slow progress. I really have been working on the MS3- I am about a quarter of the way through Clue 4 (so halfway through the first chart). That's slow going since I can't knit it on the metro. Then I did finish the crocheted Victory V baby blanket:
The edge, which shows off the Victory V's:
I'd love to say I used a pattern, but it's crochet. Easy peasy. This is TLC Baby, so a sport weight yarn- I crocheted a chain that was something long. And then I did the V stitch. And when it was about square in size (it's actually pretty ginormous, in the end), I did one round of double crochet in blue. I tried single crochet and two rounds of double, and double then single- I liked the cleanness of this version best. I rather miss crocheting- it's so quick, satisfying, and eminently easy. I have to pay attention when I knit. Well, I tend to knit lace and cables and things that require counting. It was a real treat to just zoom through an easy stitch pattern that required no counting and no real effort. It was perfect for watching more interesting TV- Roommate and I are watching Lost, and there's no way I can knit MS3 while watching that!
Ahem. I also cast on for a new sweater. I am knitting it as pictured, right down to the Alpaca Silk DK and the colorway. Because I love it.
A key feature is that you run the empire-waist creating ribbon below the bust, through the eyelets of the lace pattern. This means that I can make an empire waisted top without having to worry about altering, modification, etc. I think it will be quite flattering, and completely appropriate for work. It will also be warm, which is key in my overly-A/Ced environment. Only one small issue- alpaca sheds like crazy. Aaah well.
As if that weren't enough, when you add in slogging on the baby afghan for mid-August, I also have been doing some socks. Here's one, now ready for me to turn the heel on the metro:
The yarn is Cascade Fixation, and I'm knitting the Broadripple Socks again. Note the fantastic Lantern Moon tiny DPNs- they make me much faster. Not as fast as Magic Loop, but sometimes you don't feel like playing with Addis.
Saturday night to Sunday afternoon: Harry Potter, of course.
Sunday evening: Cooked dinner for Mom and Roommate.
Monday evening: Finished the crocheted baby blanket (OK, so I did a little crafting).
Tuesday evening: Bethesda Restaurant Week- I went with a group to Rock Creek, which was delicious.
Wednesday evening: Went to a signing by Jasper Fforde, who is amazing and funny and he stamped as well as signed my copy of "Thursday Next, First Among Sequels"
And coming up?
Thursday evening: Transformers with a fellow UMBC alum.
Friday evening: Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, at Woolly Mammoth (I couldn't resist the cheap Goldstar tickets).
Saturday evening: Gallathea (really?? Gallathea on-stage? So excited).
If you extend it out a bit further, my Crafts Cluster is meeting Sunday afternoon in Virginia, and I'm going to see a sneak preview of The Ten on Monday night. Whew!
That's a total of two fancy dinners, one book signing, two Fringe Festival plays, and a pop culture movie. Not bad! On the craft front, however, there has been slow progress. I really have been working on the MS3- I am about a quarter of the way through Clue 4 (so halfway through the first chart). That's slow going since I can't knit it on the metro. Then I did finish the crocheted Victory V baby blanket:
The edge, which shows off the Victory V's:
I'd love to say I used a pattern, but it's crochet. Easy peasy. This is TLC Baby, so a sport weight yarn- I crocheted a chain that was something long. And then I did the V stitch. And when it was about square in size (it's actually pretty ginormous, in the end), I did one round of double crochet in blue. I tried single crochet and two rounds of double, and double then single- I liked the cleanness of this version best. I rather miss crocheting- it's so quick, satisfying, and eminently easy. I have to pay attention when I knit. Well, I tend to knit lace and cables and things that require counting. It was a real treat to just zoom through an easy stitch pattern that required no counting and no real effort. It was perfect for watching more interesting TV- Roommate and I are watching Lost, and there's no way I can knit MS3 while watching that!
Ahem. I also cast on for a new sweater. I am knitting it as pictured, right down to the Alpaca Silk DK and the colorway. Because I love it.
A key feature is that you run the empire-waist creating ribbon below the bust, through the eyelets of the lace pattern. This means that I can make an empire waisted top without having to worry about altering, modification, etc. I think it will be quite flattering, and completely appropriate for work. It will also be warm, which is key in my overly-A/Ced environment. Only one small issue- alpaca sheds like crazy. Aaah well.
As if that weren't enough, when you add in slogging on the baby afghan for mid-August, I also have been doing some socks. Here's one, now ready for me to turn the heel on the metro:
The yarn is Cascade Fixation, and I'm knitting the Broadripple Socks again. Note the fantastic Lantern Moon tiny DPNs- they make me much faster. Not as fast as Magic Loop, but sometimes you don't feel like playing with Addis.
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