See Loo Knit

They Might Be Giants

2009-10-24T13:20:00.003-04:00

Recently, a fellow Raveler requested the pattern for I'm a Little Bit Cold; I'm a Little Bit Rock & Roll. I felt quite flattered that she asked for it...and then the panic set in. I've never written a pattern for someone else before. What if she ends up with gloves for the Jolly Green Giant??? I decided to take the plunge though and I'm uploading the pattern to Ravelry as a free download. It's hard to type with my fingers crossed...

Trapped in the Closet

2009-01-23T10:59:00.004-05:00

I think Yarn Harlot's daughter has been peeking in my closet (see "Excuse the Seventh").

How did she know that I have multiple hats, many scarves & a few pairs of gloves...but none of them match. There's not even a hat/glove or scarf/hat combo amoung all the hand-knits.

It seems strange considering that I'm a knitter. I'm the knitter. Of all the hand-knits in my closet (except one fabulously warm scarf knit by Moma). If I knit them all & I like them all, then shouldn't something match?! It's a conundrum.

But enough wallowing in my guilt and issues like the cobbler's son not having shoes. One of my goals for the winter was to leave it with a matching, or at the very least coordinating, set. I'd planned to clean out the closet & lay everything out on my bed & make a list of what I had & what I needed. I'd planned to knit only new accessories that matched the older ones.

Then came the order for the Striped Christmas Stockings. I promised my friend I'd make them & she was actually paying me. No one was paying me to make accessories for myself. Besides, how long could a couple of stockings take...a little longer than I thought actually. By the time I was finished I had to start the Twisted Tree Pullover so I'd finish in time for Christmas. It's my Godson's Christmas Sweater! You'll see that later.

So, it was just after Christmas that I arrived back in NYC with a few new skeins of Berroco Ultra Alpaca in a beautiful shade of teal - which matched nothing in my closet. I had a solution, though. I simply ignored the closet & knit myself a pair of I'm a Little Bit Cold, I'm a Little Bit Rock & Roll gloves. Then the knitting gods smiled on me.

I'd finished this random piece of fabric forever-ago & didn’t know what to call it. I LOVED the color so much that I thought I’d make a scarf with it, but I was using a random hank of yarn that was leftover from someone else’s project & it wasn’t enough for a full length scarf. So, it sat on a chair in my apartment for at least a year. As I finished the gloves, I glanced over to the chair…and realized these were EXACTLY the same color as the random piece of fabric I’d made forever-ago. So, I slapped on some coordinating buttons & called it a cowl or sometimes a short scarf & named the pattern “That’s All Right Mama” cuz Moma was gonna knit me a cowl, but now I’ve got one.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

2008-12-26T21:00:00.006-05:00

The second day of Christmas was a Norman Rockwell type day at the Loo Family house. We started the morning with fresh baked gingerbread and coffee and I knit.

In the afternoon, Moma and I had tea and biscuits while we watched Christmas In Connecticut. And we knit.

In the evening, Moma and my darling brother (of the [not so] fingerless gloves) started to cook a lovely dinner of pork tenderloin, potatoes with brussel sprouts and mushroom bread pudding. And I knit.

We had cocktails by the tree while we listened to Christmas music. And I needed mine to knit.

I hope your holidays have been as picturesque.

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

2008-12-22T16:30:00.004-05:00

Striped Christmas Stocking

by Sara Lucas and Allison Isaacs

from Holiday Knits

in Berroco Pure Merino (red) &

Loop D Loop by Teva Durham Moss (green & white)

A Perfect World

2008-12-10T14:32:00.003-05:00

I see a world where there's a room full of yarn and everyone you meet is interested in whether you knit that sleeve flat or in the round and you have time to sit and knit from breakfast thru dinner. No one bats an eye when you pull out your knitting at the local tavern and they're only staring because they're envious of that hand-dyed merino wool you're petting and want to know where you picked that up. This world is where the greatest fiber arts minds gather and pass on their love and knowledge of all things knit. On the first weekend of November 2008, this world existed in Stitches East.
I was fortunate enough to accompany Moma to Stitches East this year in Baltimore. It was my first knitting convention. I found it comforting, daunting, and exciting all at the same time. It was quite comforting to be amoung "my own kind, " daunting to see a room full of yarn which meant a lot of difficult decisions and exciting to be surrounded by so much...knitting (knitting people, knitted garments, knitting accessories). But, armed with my list of upcoming projects, a map of the convention center and my class list, I was ready.
I had a full class load. Not surprisingly, my 2 favorites were classes where I got to finish projects:

Entrelac Basics with Gwen Bortner where I finished this felted cup holder

and Knitting with Wire with Nancie Wiseman where I finished this bracelet.

An extended weekend with nonstop knitting, finished projects and discounted yarn purchases is my kind of utopia.

Somebody's Baby

2008-12-03T10:50:00.015-05:00

I've found yet another benefit of knitting for babies - PICTURES!! When I knit for friends, I ask (beg) for pictures of them wearing the finished product, but I have a difficult time obtaining the picture. However, these same friends LOVE to send me pictures of their precious offspring, so I've had a better rate of return on that front.

[Truthfully, pictures of the babies are more fun to look at anyway.]

Little Sister's Dress in Rowan 4-ply cotton

Cotton Hat in Mission Falls 1824 cotton whirl

Wool Vest & Pants in Knitpicks Swish DK

Quickie Baby Sweater in Dale of Norway Free Style

Cotton Vest in Knitting Fever King Tut

Baby Baseball Tee in Rowan 4-ply Cotton & Wool Cotton

That's What Friends Are For

2008-11-26T13:43:00.008-05:00

Like most knitters, I have non-knitter friends who want to experience the delight of handknits (aka asking you continually when you're going to make them a scarf, a hat, gloves, a hammock, etc.) I must admit that I'm lucky because my group of non-knitter friends make fantastic, though sometimes impatient, guinea pigs. They also challenge me in more ways than just knitting.

In September, a friend sent me an email with this link http://thefashionisto.com/blog/index.php?s=headband and an order for 3 headbands. Look at it! People are charging money for this???? It's super simple....or it should have been, but I was trying to use leftover Cascade Fixation which was too elastic-y. Once I switched yarn to Stacy Charles Victoria (which I randomly found on sale) and realized that everyone else’s heads were smaller than mine, BlackLikeOurSouls Headbands were born.

Around the same time, another friend's hands got cold. She begged and begged and even went with me on a trip to Austin, TX, so she got Progressive Gloves in Steinbach Wolle Strapaz. I'd been wanting to knit this pattern for forever. Both the pattern & yarn were delightful. If I make them again, I may change the thumb placement though. It just kind of comes out of nowhere & I think I prefer a gusset-y type thumb.

Luckily, I had a chance to test that thought because the cold was catching & another pair of gloves was needed. I was feeling all inspired by Stitches East so I designed a pair of gloves for yet another friend. I went stash diving & found Grignasco Nature in a goes-with-anything camel color. Then I just decided what I liked in a pair of gloves/handwarmers and made that. I must admit that they almost designed themselves. I'm delighted with them. I call them I'm a Little Bit Cold, I'm a Little Bit Rock & Roll.

Finish Line

2008-11-26T11:34:00.008-05:00

Just lately, I've encountered several IRL comments about my lack of blogging. Now, have any of you people considered that the reason that I'm not blogging is that I've been finishing....lots of projects?! Some of you seem to think I just sit around all day being my usual charming self, but doing nothing.

Behold! A parade of finished projects:

so you think you can hat

in Rowan Handknit Cotton

Another Karlchen Hat

in Knitpicks Swish DK

Calorimetry

in Noro Kureyon

Little Bunny Foo Foo

with an improvised sundress

in leftovers

No News

2008-11-26T10:22:00.002-05:00

I promise to blog more regularly.
I promise to blog more regularly.
I promise to blog more regularly.
I promise to blog more regularly.
I promise to blog more regularly.
I promise to blog more regularly
I promise to blog more regularly.
I promise to blog more regularly.
I promise to blog more regularly.
I promise to blog more regularly.

Holding Out for a Hero

2008-08-19T22:56:00.003-04:00

Superman had a cape.

Batman had a utility belt.

Wonder Woman had bracelets.

Now I have Mrs Beeton gauntlets!

I finished the 4th heat in these Ravelympics last night while watching Superman in Bryant Park. I'm thrilled! I ended up knitting both bottom and top layers with Debbie Bliss Cathay and just added Ironstone Pizzazz (no link available) as the cast for the bottom layer. I don't generally like novelty yarns, but I had this left over and I think it makes the armwarmers more whimsical. According to several HGTV shows, that's a good thing.
I CO this morning for so you think you can hat by insanknitty. It should be a quick knit easily finishable by Closing Ceremonies on Saturday. Now that I've jinxed myself...I may be calling for Spiderman...or Catwoman...or Dr. Bombay if I run into problems...

Hungry Eyes

2008-08-16T16:53:00.004-04:00

The Chinese have attempted to thwart my Ravelympics efforts!

This morning I naively CO for Mrs Beeton. Tallulah was sitting beside me with her innocent eyes and angelic demeanor. I was happily trucking along on my 4th entry for Ravelympics when my yarn appeared to snag. I tugged on it a bit to no avail so I looked down to adjust the skein. It was then that I saw the yarn was definitely snagged...IN TALLULAH'S MOUTH. She was merrily chewing on my project gear. I'm relieved to report that I caught her before any real damage was done. Still, my little puglet of Chinese descent has been eyeing my yarn since the incident. I must admit she has good taste....it's 15% silk.

Another One Bites the Dust

2008-08-16T00:03:00.004-04:00

During these Ravelympics, there's been almost as much knitting as swimming. I've just turned in my 3rd project - this one to the Baby Dressage Event.
The Quickie Baby Sweater was indeed quick. I only made one [unintentional] change to the pattern - the sleeve cuffs are seed stitch instead of ribbed...that's what happens when you knit during the Women's All-Around final. I was a tad concerned that the pattern & yarn combo was resulting in a cheap looking garment. I had visions of those knitted sweaters you sometimes see on tv which were obviously made with love cuz who would knit something that ugly just for fun. Like Nastia Liukin's father during the floor exercises, I was holding my breath during the dismount...I mean cast off. It turns out I was worried about nothing. I'm more than pleased with the results.
I've heard several commentators talk about how the structure of the pool in the Water Cube has contributed to the many World Records the swimmer's have broken during these Olympics. I may have somehow created a similar knitting environment. I'm flying thru my Ravelympics rotations. Tomorrow I'll start my next heat: Mrs Beeton.

Who's That Girl?

2008-08-14T11:21:00.000-04:00

If you saw someone on the Manhattan bound Q train covered in red wool this morning, that was me. I'm having a little problem with my current WIP. I'll get back to you after I get untangled.

I'm So Excited!

2008-08-12T21:16:00.007-04:00

As I watch Michael Phelps during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, I too am inspired to overachieve. I mean, 10 Olympic Gold Medals - come on!!! Now, how can I reach a similar goal in knitting??..... If I'd been more creative, I would have attempted to finish 10 project with 10 skeins in 10 days or something....I'll have to settle for 5 projects with 11 skeins in 17 days. I've already medaled in 2 Ravelympics events:

Hat Dash

Although I finished it in a day, I endured 3 false starts.
1 I ran out of yarn with a couple of rows to go, so I frogged the whole thing.
2 I only CO 69 sts & cut 2 rows from the band. At the end, it was too short and I had lots of leftover yarn. So, I ribbed it out to the last straight row.
3 I added a couple more straight rows, but ran out of yarn again, so I ribbed back a couple of rows and
4 I K2tog for 2 rows before finishing and had just enough yarn to finish the hat.

Free-For-All FreestyleAn adjustment had to be made to this pattern…due to gauge problems. I ended up CO 40 sts instead of the 28 recommended. Also, I hate knitting with this yarn. I actually tossed the rest after I finished this project.
I'm well into my Baby Dressage entry. It's the Quickie Baby Sweater and it's going ridiculously well.

A Horse With No Name

2008-06-13T17:52:00.004-04:00

I've been working on my current project for a little longer than I'd like to admit...Ravelry tells me I cast on 14 May...this may the first time I haven't appreciated the wealth of info on Ravelry. I've learned a few things since 14 May. I've learned to read directions carefully otherwise you might knit 72 rows and only increase 2 stitches every 7 rows instead of 4 stitches every 7 rows. I've learned that you and your knitting can be on a train for 20 hours, but you will still only knit about 2 inches of straight stitch. And I learned that weaving in and snipping the ends is trickier than you might think when you are watching So You Think You Can Dance. And now there is a hole in my "Little Sister's Dress." I'll talk about that more later when I recover from the trauma.

I'd like to end on happy note. Tomorrow is WWKIP Day so you'll find me on the Broolyn Museum steps. I will not be knitting "Little Sister's Dress."

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2008-05-14T11:03:00.002-04:00

It's A Girl!! Peanut (the wearer of both Ole Miss Baby Ensembles) was born on May 12. I'm very excited about having a new little girl for whom to knit. I pulled out my stash & all my books last night to find the girliest of girly summer wear. I struck GOLD in Knitting For Two (aka Baby Bloom). I'd acquired a few skeins of Rowan 4 ply cotton when Moma traded some stash on Ravelry and it was the perfect gauge for the "Silky Wrap Sweater". I cast on this morning during the ride to work and, when I had a minute, I logged onto Ravelry to "cast on" there. Alas, very few people had made the "Silky Wrap Sweater" and the finished products looked less than stellar. So, I flipped thru Rav to see what knitters HAD made from Rowan 4 ply cotton that did look stellar and I stumbled across "Little Sister's Dress." It's perfect for a new baby living in the TX heat of summer. I've found that dresses are especially good baby-wear because they can become tops as the baby grows. As an added bonus, this dress is knit top-down and is totally seamless. Now, that's my kind of GIRLY FUN!

Ooh Ooh Baby

2008-05-11T18:40:00.013-04:00

It's that time of year again when babies are popping out all over. They're born naked and it seems to be my job to clothe them...at least for a day. I really like making baby clothes. I get to try out new techniques and there's not as much commitment as in adult-size clothing. Also, there are lots of ooooohhhss and aaaahhhssss over baby stuff....I like that part too.
First up, my knitting-group friend Kelsey had Emerson Jay on April 2. His daddy is a Cleveland Indians fan so I attemped a Baby Baseball Tee in navy & white. I used Rowan Wool Cotton in antique for the body and doubled-up Rowan 4-ply Cotton in navy for the sleeves. The pattern was seriously easy to follow and I'm seriously pleased with the outcome.
Next up, my brother's college-friend Melody was planning the birth of her daughter Izzy and her friends were planning an apropos party. Joe requested a slighty-girly-but-not-in-a-traditional-way gift. Luckily I'd just had a mini-shopping spree at The Point where I'd purchased a few skeins of variegated cotton. I chose a purple/green colorway and used the Cotton Hat pattern from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. At first I wasn't sure I'd like the hat in a variegated yarn, but now I think it looks delightful and fun. Where there are baby hats, there are bootees. I used the leftover yarn from the hat and added some Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton in white for Saarrtje's Bootees. After a trip to M&J and the purchase of lavender purl buttons, these bootees were ready to boogie.
Most recently, the recipient of the Ole Miss baby ensemble was concerned it would be too big to wear home from the hospital. So, I planned Ole Miss baby ensemble #2. First up, I've wanted to make Blu since I first saw it. I purchased Rowan Denim in nashville at the only place in NYC that carried it - Downtown Yarns. The designer calls for changing yarn color for the cuffs, but I opted for dark denim all the way down and I used red instead of orange for the embroidery to match the school colors. This project challenging - the finishing was especially difficult and there were a few tears along the way.
As you can see, my model was going topless, so I searched out a top. I wanted something with a college sweatshirt vibe and along came Daisy. I like the hooded version and the only change I made to the pattern was adding the "M" on the back. Debbie Bliss Pure Cotton in red worked perfectly. I even got to make another trip to M&J for the navy buttons. Now the bear is stylin' & profilin'. Since Peanut is due to be born naked in just a week and a half, I'm relieved that Ole Miss Baby Emsemble #2 is finished and cute.

Weirdo

2008-03-25T11:02:00.003-04:00

In her blog yesterday, The Yarn Harlot (insert Hallelujah Chorus here) wrote about "Inexplicable Knitter Behavior." As usual, her obervations were astute and HI-larious.

On the subway this morning, I realized that a few more people than usual were staring while I was knitting. Ok, well...I wasn't knitting exactly. You know how sometimes you have to double your yarn because you bought the 4-ply instead of the wool cotton and they are very different gauges and then the yarn starts to wind up on itself? (Of course you do.) That was happening to me while I was knitting the sleeves for the Baby Baseball Tee (without mittens or pocket). So, I finished the row, then pushed the twisty part down toward the needles and held the whole thing by the yarn so that sleeve/needles turned round and round untwisting itself - had to do this part in the isle of the subway car where there was room. Then I continued knitting the sleeve. I suppose to the other strap-hangers in my subway car this was inexplicable behavior....but how do they get kinks out of their yarn?

Wrap It Up

2008-03-18T21:20:00.008-04:00

Sometime in the middle of winter while I was walking to work - after the point where I couldn't feel my earlobes anymore - I decided I needed some sort of hat/scarf combo that would cover my ears too.

I'd seen a few patterns & I even acquired some chunky ice blue wool yarn from Moma's that would look delightful with my new chocolate brown winter coat.

I started out with a pattern from my fave LYS The Point...it just didn't look like me. So, I pulled out Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book and set out to make my own pattern. I knew I wanted a large cable up the middle...

and I needed some sort of border so the sides wouldn't roll in...

as well as a border for the hat so it wouldn't roll up.

It came together quite quickly. I call it (W)rap Around Loo.

My Way

2008-03-10T13:46:00.015-04:00

Things have just not been going my way lately...

First I'll fulfill a promise from my last post. This was a deceptive project. Inspired by *some hat I saw in *some book at Mama's, I decided I could use my favorite hat pattern to create a similar look. In my last experience with said "**leftovers", I discovered that there was a very good reason everyone else had made socks from it. It's very elastic-y, so my last hat turned out to be a bit too small for my hair. This time I surmised I should cast on more stitches. I fell in love at first site of the FO. Love quickly soured as my cute little hat grew while on my head. I don't have much patience for growing pains - it hasn't gotten much wear since that day.

As my friends continue to get knocked up, I continue my foray into knitting for infants. The latest buns are in the ovens of ***Ole Miss & ****Mississippi State alums (respectively) so I elected to track down appropriate yarns in their school colors and create rivalry baby ensembles. I've tired a bit of hats & bootees & blankies (oh my!), so I picked up my fave baby books & picked out the "Wool Vest" from Simple Knits for Cherished Babies as well as "Pants" from Baby Bloom. At first it seemed as if the knitting fates were in my corner...Moma actually had a most appropriate blue cotton perfect for ensemble#1. (Bun #1 will reside in the sweltering heat of TX.) So, I only had to locate similar cottons in red & white which I easily did at The Point (Knitting Fever King Tut). Yet, they carried nothing in the way of washable wool in maroon. It was surprisingly difficult to find such a thing. Meanwhile, I'd started the Ole Miss pants and was having considerable gauge trouble as well as many inquiries as to whether I was knitting a Superman cape. After a couple of false starts with Ensemble#1, Knitpicks came to the rescue of Ensemble #2 with Swish DK in a charming shade they call "hollyberry" and I call maroon. Gauge didn't cooperate so much on these either. In the end, I settled on a US1 and the 0-3 mos directions for both ensembles. Finally, the pants (#2) came together; the top (#2) was much easier to finish just in time for the baby shower. Unfortunately, the baby showers for these consecutive pregnancies were on consecutive days. By sheer miracle and weary hands, I mostly finished the pants plus the front & back of the top (#1) before the shower, but none of it was sewn up. I suppose you could say the ensemble & I were in pieces.

Feeling a bit disenchanted with the whole knitting thing, I was determined to take a little break and give my fingers a chance to restore. But I needed to completely finish Ensemble #1, so I did that. On Friday.

On Saturday, there I was taking a well-deserved hiatus from knitting. It was only a whisper at first...but it got louder...and louder. There was this very nice, chunky ice-blue wool just sitting in my cedar chest calling to me. And I think it can still be considered a break when you go from knitting with a DK weight with US1's to a chunky weight with US11s. And it won't be cold much longer. So, I started a new project and I'm writing the pattern myself. Surely this time it'll go My Way.

*an object I can no longer remember
**Knitpicks Risata + unknown cotton yarn
***Ensemble #1 = Ole Miss outfit
**** Ensemble #2 = Miss State outfit

One Trick Pony

2008-01-02T12:39:00.000-05:00

Sadly, the holidays are over. I'm trying to look forward to new things in the new year...keeping in mind my growing queue over at Ravelry and the many projects to be knit this year. Still, the fact remains that I had to get up at 7AM and function by 10AM and I'll have to do the whole thing over again tomorrow. Toto, I'm not in TN anymore...
I must toot my own horn though (what else is a blog for afterall?) and say that I used my vacation wisely. I got all the way thru my scrap-yarn leaving me halfway finished with The Labyrinth Rug. And I got a good start on a little hat for myself - a variation of the Karlchen Hat - using leftovers. I'll let you know if that one works out...And, just to show that I'm not a one-trick pony, I actually did some quilting - well, not the actual quilting part...just the sewing part, but still...

(from Sunbonnet Sue Visits Quilt in a Day)

Meanwhile..."ask and you shall receive"...I got some pictures of some very cute children in some very handknit sweaters:

(In picture order:
Tiny Tots #1560,
Baby Bolero,
Chaos)

That's me - keeping the world warm...one child's sweater at a time.

This Used To Be My Playground

2007-12-19T14:31:00.000-05:00

My co-worker is blasting 80s & 90s music this week (in between Christmas carols) - from New Kids on the Block to Genesis. It's made me a bit homesick for my friends & family so I'm especially looking forward to an extended vacation down south next week including the week of mostly uninterrupted knitting...

I've finished the Chaos sweater - blocking & all. I'm rather sad that it's over & now I'll have to begin a new project that's not the Chaos sweater...This was really the most fun knitting project ever and it looks fabulous. It knit up so quickly despite the continuous die rolling.

I'm still working on the Big Snugs KAL - trying not to get ahead of my knitting group.

Speaking of getting ahead, I was really rolling on the AOGG K&RAL. I got thru the first 6 books with such joy & vigor. I remembered being like Anne - young with hair as red as carrots with my tongue hinged in the middle. [My 31st b'day came & I realized now I'm old with hair as red as carrots with my tongue hinged in the middle.] I cried with delight when Anne & Gilbert got married & had babies. Now I'm on book #7 Rainbow Valley - I keep falling asleep trying to read and/or listen. I'm just finding it difficult to get thru it & I feel guilty about it. I feel so loyal to Anne & I want to care about her children's many (many) adventures. I do perk up a bit when the characters are knitting, but then I fall into the depths of despair when the author doesn't elaborate on the project. It's definitely been a different experience to read the books as an adult & I've cherished the experience despite the hardships.

I've started an ongoing project called "Labyrinth Circle Rug" from One Skein. The pattern calls for various colors of worsted weight yarns. I'm using my "leftovers"...doubling the yarn when appropriate. It's fun to go thru yarns & recall my (many) succesess and (few) failures over the years and it seems appropriate to make a labyrinth logging the many twists and turns of my occupation as a amateur knitter.

The Ketchup Song

2007-12-06T11:05:00.001-05:00

Ravelry has encouraged my OCD like no other thing could. It drives me crazy that I don't have pictures of every FO I've ever made as well as current photos of my WIPs. Each time I log in, I know the project page is gonna come up and I'm gonna see BIG WHITE SQUARES taunting no featured photo. So, I've been stalking everyone for whom I've ever knitted anything. People all over the country are getting weekly reminders that I was nice enough to knit something for them and I'd appreciate a photo in return. This may seem a bit rude but, since I only knit for those I really love, they seem to love and understand me enough to get past the rude part & GET ME A PICTURE! To those individuals who've fulfilled their obligation, I salute you by posting your picture:

Freya

Striped Baby Blanket (my pattern; Dale of Norway Baby Ull)

Knitted Blocks (Knitting to Go; scrap yarn)

Dishcloth Baby Blanket (Moma's pattern; Velvet Touch)

Mal's Grandmother
Knitted Elephant (Last Minute Knitted Gifts; random stash yarn)

To those who haven't yet provided a picture: I'll be in touch:)

Greensleeves

2007-12-06T10:53:00.000-05:00

About a month ago, abehap organized a "Carrot Top KAL" for the Redheads ravelry group. The plan was to knit something green during the months of November & December since redheads look so handsome in green. Although it sounded fun, I opted out since I didn't have any shade of green yarn in the stash nor any plans to make anything green anytime soon. Since then......I've made these:

Peekaboo Mittens from Magknits

and these:Snuggles Fingerless Gloves

and now I'm working on this:

Chaos from Knitty

Knitting conspiracy or just a fluke???

Fast Lane

2007-10-27T11:04:00.000-04:00

There's just nothing like knitting a garment I can actually wear. After the great success of Lift and Separate, I was excited to move on to More Stripes. Although I despise Noro yarns in general, the pattern called for Silk Garden & Moma just happened to have 8 skeins of 2 different perfectly acceptable colorways that were perfectly loverly. A fast, fun challenging knit ensued -made more exciting by the stEEKing involved. This is a technique I've wanted to try since Yarn Harlot wondered at its mysteriousness.

I completed the back & the front in one piece each then had to wait around in anticipation while I searched out a sewing machine. Moma was kind enough to being one along to meet me on a recent trip down south. After a couple of quick turns, I had the stitches I needed to move along my merry way. I had to wait on the rest until I got home...

That Monday loomed ahead of me. I was both terrified and excited. I located my sharpest sewing scissors and got into position. Then, I started to cut...

It was thrilling to cut into the dense knitted material. I sat agog with disbelief that the stEEKing was actually working - the material really wasn't unraveling!! What an amazing tehnique!

Finishing was quite speedy as well and I had a wearable sweater vest in practically no time.

Asleep at the Wheel

2007-10-27T10:33:00.000-04:00

I came across someone's blog the other day (so sorry, can't remember whose) wherein the blogger referred to her hibernating projects. I like that term ever so much more than WIPs or UFOs - terms which some might infer as "I should feel guilty that the poor little project sits untouched & unloved in a dark corner closet collecting dust just hoping a kind soul will come along and help it fulfill its dream of becoming a FO." Instead, it's just hibernatin'...taking a well-deserved rest or a even a sabbatical so both the project & I can reflect on what its true destiny might be. Perhaps it was originally intended to move on to a little boy in Memphis but somehow Memphis lost its appeal (or said boy moved to L.A. where one wouldn't need a warm sweater).

Here's one project that's come out of hibernation. It's Sirdar's Tiny Tots #1560 Sweater and the yarn is Rowan Cashsoft DK. Although its final destination isn't quite clear, it's certainly enjoying the journey made more felicitous after a good year's sabbatical.

Rhapsody in Blue

2007-10-27T09:13:00.000-04:00

One of the many things I've learned from Ravelry is that there's an underlying cult of redheaded knitters evidenced by the development of the Redheads group early on. (There still aren't blonde or brunette groups.) Discussions range from properly choosing yarn color appropriate for a redhead- almost never yellow - and whether or not we're in danger of extinction.

Then there's the Anne of Green Gables group dedicated to "all things Anne" which doesn't assert that members must be redheads but I've noticed most are thusly endowed. Dialogue includes WWAK (What Would Anne Knit) and the AGG R&KAL in which I'm currently ensconced. [Note: The RAL has spurred the employment of grand, flowery words into my vocabulary. Here's a thesaurus.] The idea of the R&KAL was to knit what Anne might knit or wear at the least. The beauty of an online group is that no one is around to gaze at me with disdain when they discover that I'm listening along and knitting projects Anne would never wear. That said, in typical Anne fashion, I am frequently bowled over by the multitude of exquisite and interesting projects I want to knit which is why I'm trying my best to stick to my current queue.

Here's one such finished garment:

The pattern is Chil dh ood - it knit up so fast and so fun. The yarn is Laines du Nord Baby Cover which was just delicious and is even machine washable. This was the first time I'd sewn on snaps, but they looked cute and sturdy after I'd finished.

Although the bear relished wearing Childhood for a brief time, the lucky recipient is my almost-niece Audrey. I've requested the garment be worn to death and I shudder with joy each time I picture Miss Audrey on the playground staying warm & toasty in her striped hooded cardigan during a rousing game of Red Rover.

The Sounds of Silence

2007-10-04T14:41:00.001-04:00

Knitting blogs (including mine) are eerily quiet. Knitting needles have stopped clacking all over the world. Where have all the knitters gone???

They're at a BIG 'OL PARTY called RAVELRY!!

I was lucky enough to receive my invitation several weeks ago. So far, I've added my complete knitting library as well as my inventory of needles and photos of my stash. Then I went thru my knitting scrapbooks and added info on some of my completed projects as well. THEN, I started joining groups. The Pug Lovers group, the Heros group, the Grey's Anatomy group, the Baby cakes group, the....hmmmm maybe these groups are a bit out of control....anyway, then I started adding projects to my queue and I have quite enough to last for a while. It's just been so much fun - I've barely had time to knit - or work.

I'm a bit of a ravelry-aholic (there's a group for that too!!). I had to establish some rules. So: 1. No ravelry while I'm on the subway - I'll knit instead. (Of course, I don't have a computer on the subway anyway so...). Ok -that's the only rule. Still, ya gotta start somewhere.

Now, I have to get back to the party....er...I mean work.

S'Wonderful

2007-09-14T10:27:00.000-04:00

While on vacay, I got the chance to attend Moma's knitting group at the Lawrence County Public Library. They are involved in the most s'wonderful program called Guideposts Knit for Kids. Their goal is that each knitter will complete one sweater for the program. One knitter had finished 2.75 sweaters in just a couple of weeks!! Moma even finished hers during the meeting. (This may have been the first time I've witnessed Moma actually finishing a knitted item.) Here's a picture of just a few of the completed sweaters & there's Moma with her completely done even the ends woven in sweater. It was quite an impressive affair.

As a special added bonus, my Marijke sleeve less pullover made a surprise appearance at the group so I could snap a shot. I finished this little number about this time last year and I think it looks just fab-u-lous on its recipient.

Wouldn't It Be Loverly

2007-09-12T10:57:00.000-04:00

All I want is a room somewhere,

Far away from work and care.

With one enormous chair,

Aow, wouldn't it be loverly?

Lots of fiber for me to pet,

Lots of yarn for me to get.

Sweaters & socks for us to knit,

Aow, wouldn't it be loverly?

My vacation was simply loverly. I got quite a lot of knitting done & made a few acquisitions. I picked up a few things at Shai's & a few things at Threaded Bliss and a few things at Angel Hair and my suitcase had a few too many things, but it was well worth it. I can hardly wait for the cold, rainy autumn days just made for watching old movies & knittting. Here are some of my acquisitions for your viewing pleasure:

Best of Me

2007-08-30T14:42:00.001-04:00

I was thinking a little too much this morning (pre-coffee) and it suddenly dawned on me why knitting is my niche - genetics. For me, knitting requires the best traits that I inherited from each of my parents.

Moma is creative - some might call her crafty. Ever since I've known her (pretty much my whole life), she's been good at all things home economic-y -- sewing, cooking, embroidery, home decor, art, smocking, gardening and knitting.
My daddy gets the job done. No matter what it is or in what order it was left, if it needs be finished up, my daddy can do it.

For a while, there was doubt that I was Moma's daughter - except for that whole she gave birth to me thing. When I'm not burning Rice Krispie treats or killing cacti, I'm also not sewing a straight line or perusing paint colors. It's not that Moma didn't try, it's just that my talents do not lie in those areas. Then along came knitting -finally Moma could see a little her in me not to mention that she had a new partner in fiber crime.
There's never been any doubt that I am my daddy's daughter. Whenever anyone in my family is annoyed with me, they blame my paternal heritage. I accept it as a compliment.

Knitting is truly the optimum use of my best traits. Now I think my traits & I shall go back to getting it done in a most crafty way.

Miss You Much

2007-08-29T14:02:00.000-04:00

I haven't knitted a stitch in 14.5 days. I'm antsy & my hands itch & it feels like I'm missing something. I wake up in the middle of the night knowing that I've forgotten something...then realize it's the knitting...

Ok, so I'm not really waking up in the middle of the night, but it definitely feels like something's missing from my life. Two parts of my psyche are fighting a bitter battle. There's my need to organize & clean my new apartment and then there's my yearning for wool. Luckily, a reprieve is in sight. I'm vacationing all next week & it's the kind of vacation where I'm not expected to go or do or see. ...Knitting and catching up on daytime tv for a whole week! I have a special project in mind as I'll have access to my Moma's sewing machine - STEEKING! I'm delighted & petrified. Maybe I need a little project first though, so I don't get too overexcited...kind of like a knitting appetizer. I'm considering the Baby Bolero from One Skein as I have one skein of Mission 1824 Wool burning a whole in my stash. It might be just the thing to wet my appetite.

(W)Rapper's Delight

2007-08-15T21:19:00.000-04:00

This yarn was simply delicious crawling across my fingers and the clapotis pattern was a delight to follow. Like reading a short story, parts were familiar and some pieces surprised me. And that's all I'm gonna say about it.

Wishin' and Hopin'

2007-08-01T13:33:00.000-04:00

Looking for an apartment in NYC is like trying to find someone who doesn't think Britney Spears is crazy. You might find one guy but, chances are, that guy is a little bit nuts himself. I stumbled upon my own minor lunacy today during a chat with Moma and realized my knitting affair has even infiltrated my apartment hunt. On the inside, I've pondered where I'll put the cedar chest which houses my stash & current project(s), as well as how the light from the windows will affect my hobby. On the outside, I've considered the proximity of yarn stores and whether the commute will allow ample knitting time.
Is that crazy? (rhetorical question) I don't think so - it's just being conscientious. It's being a smart shopper. Of course, maybe Britney doesn't think she's crazy either.

You're So Vain

2007-07-27T13:47:00.000-04:00

I haven't had time to post because I've been shamelessly showing off my new sweater and accepting all sorts of compliments on it. Everyone's acted so amazed that I knit is myself and that it's my first one and how wonderful am I. I like to impress people. I was always good at "Show & Tell".

On a less gloaty note, Moma came up for a short trip last weekend. The weather tried to interfere, but we were not daunted. We still made it to 4 yarn stores in 2 days. On Friday, we headed uptown to String to check out their ample supply of cashmere & silk. Everyone was cheerful and I'd go again just to check out their samples - just the cutest little sweaters & coats - all original patterns. After that, we headed over to Knitty City. Their website says they are "one of the friendliest knitting stores in New York City" and that they "have the best and most up-to-date knitting books on the market." I agree that they were very friendly and that they had LOTS of knitting books. They have so many knitting books that even Moma found some she didn't already own. The store itself was a bit overwhelming with all the books and all the yarn just a bit all over the place.

On Saturday we hopped over to The Point. I had a 25% off coupon burning a hole in my pocket & had finally decided to try Clapotis (apparently pronounced clap-o-tea...who knew!). I love The Point. I love that they are open late and that everyone is so helpful. Most of the yarn subs were a bit out of the price range I'd set even with that coupon, but one helpful person suggested a bamboo yarn from Southwest Trading Company in a color called Midori. As luck would have it 1. I've been wanting to try bamboo yarn for quite some time now 2. It fit perfectly into my price range 3. Even the name of the color perfectly evokes the surprise recipient of this piece. So, Clapotis went on the needles that night and I hope to finish by next weekend.

Our last yarn related stop was Brooklyn General. It's just the cutest little shop all nestled in Carroll Gardens...all very well organized.

Moma says there are 26 yarn stores in NYC and we only have 18 to go.

Whomp! There It Is

2007-07-16T20:36:00.000-04:00

I've finished the back. I've finished both fronts. I've finished the ties. I've finished the finishing.

I'm so excited to have completed my first adult sweater - and it's for me. Now, I can throw away the dirty, slightly ratty store-bought thing in my office and show off my very own artwork.

Hope to Carry On

2007-07-03T17:56:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you just need a small project to rekindle the love you first felt for knitting.

Lately, I've been feeling bitter and angry...I've started to hate my sweater. I try to think about the 100% alpaca...the softness, the silkiness. Then my mind comes back to the neverending border and all those ends to weave in and the fact that I still need a tie...

Anyway, I finished a little project (Saturday Market Bag) & it's rejuvenated me a bit. Maybe I'll be able to wear my sweater one day.

Shameless

2007-06-20T13:52:00.000-04:00

I've been ashamed. And embarrassed. And feeling guilty.

I've made judgements. I looked down on others. I didn't think it could happen to me. I didn't understand. Now, I do.

I DON'T WANNA FINISH MY SWEATER!

Whew...I've finally said it. They say that admitting you have a problem is the first step.

It all started with just putting the sweater away for a day or 2. "I'm tired," I said. I told my family & friends I was just busy. A day or 2 turned into a week...then 2 weeks. Then I had to go out of town. I told myself I'd be rejuvenated when I returned and then it would only take a couple of days to finish. Since then, it's been the same old story. I just couldn't help myself. And now it's been almost a month and it's still not finished.

My name is Loo and I've been unable to finish my sweater.

As of today, I'm on the wagon. I will finish it....ONE STITCH AT A TIME.

Blockbuster

2007-05-27T00:25:00.000-04:00

Bust a Move

2007-05-26T11:57:00.000-04:00

This weekend's projects are part of a whole bigger stash busting endeavor. I keep my small stash, UFOs & other knitting provisions in a cedar chest & I hope to have it mostly empty by the end of the year. I must admit that this is when it's advantageous to have several friends having several babies. Babies don't take much yarn. Here's the stash I hope to use up this weekend:

Love You Til Tuesday

2007-05-25T16:46:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhhh....I love the beginning of a long weekend. (Since I got to leave work a bit early,) I get a whole extra day and a half to get things done around the house like yardwork and general cleaning...and knitting. I've got several things on the agenda for this weekend:

finish 2nd sleeve of cardigan (completed a/o 5/26 11:42P
put together "Lift and Separate" cardigan (blocking a/o 5/26 11:54P)
knit a couple of change purses for some friends
knit 3 blocks for a friend's baby
knit a purse with fringe with friend's 2 yr old (completed a/o 5/28 1:56P)
wash dishes (completed a/o 5/26 2:03P)
weed-eat the yard (completed a/o 5/26 6:48P)
clean the air conditioner (completed a/o 5/26 2:58P)

Huh...just realized how far down the list yardwork is...makes me wonder whether I'll get to that...

In other news: Today I realized I can knit while standing on the subway. I'm so excited about it. I'm always so bummed when I don't get a seat because I can't knit. Now if I can just figure out how to knit while doing the dishes....

How Long

2007-05-16T13:19:00.000-04:00

I never realized I have such long arms.

I always thought my arms were proportional to my body, but then, I guess arm length doesn't really impact your life so much....until you have to knit sleeves. This pattern starts at the cuff, has some simple increasing, then suggests you knit in stockinette to your underarm before you get to the next bit. Well, I'm telling you now that it's an inordinately long way from my wrist to my underarm.

I've started to consider 3/4 length sleeves for this sweater. I suppose some people would consider that a cop-out. I think it's creative problem-solving.

Mama Tried

2007-05-12T11:49:00.000-04:00

Ode to My Moma

Please allow me a minute on this special occassion

to honour My Moma

who deserves celebration.

My Moma is young and cool and fun,

loving and generous,

crafting handmade gifts for everyone.

She taught me to knit; the reason I rhyme

She passed on her talent

My Moma gave me her time.

When I couldn't remember how to knit one square inch,

it was due to her teaching

that relearning was a cinch.

I knit her some socks in order to say

I love you

on this My Moma's 30th Mother's Day.

L - O - V - E

2007-04-23T15:52:00.000-04:00

L is for the way it feels to me
O is for the only yarn I see
V is very, very made from alpaca-hairy
E is even more than anything that I've knit before...

I L-O-V-E this yarn. It's Prime Alpaca and every time I pull out this project, I put it against my face and just *sigh*.

I guess that's good because I think I'm going to be knitting this sweater for the rest of my life.

Tisket, A Tasket

2007-04-20T17:16:00.000-04:00

A Green & Yellow Basket...

Isn't my little guinea pig cute with his Easter Basket?

With a Little Help from My Friends

2007-04-16T12:14:00.000-04:00

It takes a strong person to admit they need help. A few months before my pregnant knitter friend's due date, she called to ask for help. She'd purchased several skeins of a yarn she LOVED to make a blanket for her baby. Now that she was well into her pregnancy, she realized she was running out of time and would likely never finish it and would I please help her. Of course, I accepted the task. It sounded so easy....the main component was a garter stitch piece all in one color....then an easy border in a contrasting color...
Just after I accepted this task, new babies starting coming at me from all directions, so it was many hats & bootees later when I sat down to start working out this particular project. In fact, the recipient of the blanket had already left the womb by this point. As I am adamantly against gauge swatching, I just determined what my gauge should be based on the yarn's label & then how many stitches I should cast on to assure I'd get a perfect square, all the while thinking that, should it not turn out so perfect, it's only a blanket. Well, "it's only a blanket" quickly became "it's only a scarf." At the end of skein 1 of 4, I realized I was getting a BIG 'OL RECTANGLE that was not at all acceptable or recognizable as a baby blanket.
I was lamenting to my Moma about such things and she suggested that I use her handy-dandy dishcloth pattern. That way, I could increase for 2 skeins & decrease for 2 skeins & was sure to get a square. The next part went rather quickly for a BIG 'OL SQUARE of GARTER stitch. Happily, the FO was indeed recognizable as a baby blanket. But there sat the skein of contrasting color staring me in the face... My friend was so excited about the contrasting border, that I had to complete that part. I mean, who wants to disappoint a hormonal new mother?!
Since I'm as anti-crochet as I am anti-gauge swatch, I combed thru my knitting manuals to find an acceptable knitted border. First I picked up every other stitch around the blanket. I tried a simple rib stitch. It looked terrible. I tried a simple garter stitch. It looked awful. I was desparate, so I turned to *gasp* the directions for crochet. I learned that I am really bad at crochet & that it's harder than it looks. It was time for me to ask for HELP!

Moma came to the rescue again. An accomplished knitter and crocheter, she volunteered to complete the border. And she did. Beautifully.

Easter Parade

2007-04-08T16:17:00.000-04:00

HAPPY EASTER!

Baby Mine

2007-04-06T10:34:00.000-04:00

My new godson is also my new guinea pig. He gets the stuff I'm dying to make, but for which I may not have a recipient. He also gets stuff I'm not too sure about....which is where this blanket comes in. I was dying to make this blanket (aka my slightly complicated cable commission), but wasn't altogether pleased with the picked up stitches for the border. I LOVE the cable pattern in the middle & the general idea of the blanket, though.

I used the Endora pattern from Berroco and Berroco's Lullaby & Plush as called for. Both yarns have great texture and is very snuggly for a baby, but the Lullaby has so much stretch that I found it difficult to pick up the stitches for the border. It was definitely holey around the sides.

I made the bootees & hat as well - just using up some stash yarn.

It Takes Two

2007-03-30T00:14:00.000-04:00

Well, it seems that I may knit a tad differently now that I did a year ago. So, I've decided to start a new trend. Since everyone has a slightly bigger foot, I've provided a slightly bigger sock for the slightly bigger foot of the recipient of this slightly mismatched pair.

REproduction

2007-03-27T13:09:00.000-04:00

I hate knitting socks. I hate it because of the "REproduction factor." You finish the first sock & the sun starts to shine, birds sing, the Hallelujah Chorus plays in your head...and then...you are FORCED to knit exactly the same object with exactly the same yarn and exactly the same needles all over again. REproduction of the sock is exacerbated by the fact that you knit sock #1 about a year ago & are now expected to remember any changes you may have made since you didn't write them down, of course. I hate knitting socks.

Disco Duck

2006-10-21T11:49:00.000-04:00

After starting the border of my complicated cable commission, I realized that I'd miscounted my skeins....I had one more of the Berrocco Lullaby...drat. I was faced with a decision: 1. Just continue the border, finish the blanket and be done with the whole thing making my stash one skein richer OR 2. Rip out the border. Rip back the cast off edge. Continue the center square with skein #4. I chose door #2! So, I'm still working on the border, but hope to finish it this weekend.

It's really starting to give me a headache - knitting more than one project at a time. After this weekend, I'll be down to 2. Yippee!!

I did just finish a fun little project that I'm calling Disco Duck. I made this Halloween costume for my godson, Will.

I Saw The Light

2006-09-28T14:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I briefly mentioned my "slightly complicated cable commission" that I've been knitting at home. I'm making Berrocco's Endora and I'm currently on the middle cabled section. It's a 12 row pattern which is fun...the first 2 times. Then you knit it over and over and over again for 24 inches. Fortunately, I ran out of yarn last night after about 22 inches. Yippee! Guess I'm done. I must admit, though, that I LOVE the feel of this yarn.
Can't wait to start the border...I've always loved shag carpeting.

Bad

2006-09-27T14:04:00.000-04:00

As it turns out, I'm not very good with keeping up with a blog. In fact, I may be very bad at it. How do all these people find time to knit when they're typing so much??? I like the feel of my new Knitpicks Options (US8) so much better than that of my keyboard. Where's the zen in the constant push push push of the little black keys? At any rate, for my mother's sake, I'll attempt to do better.

Now, generally, I'm a one-project-at-a-time kind of gal, but lately I've been trying to keep up with the local baby boom. I've tried requesting that my friends keep my knitting schedule in mind during their family planning (um) meetings, but they seem to think that's a lot to ask. So, here I am...3 projects on needles!!! One on hold, one for the train and one slightly complicated cable commission for home. And it's driving me crazy. Oh the pressure!!! How do you people do it? I just keep knitting and knitting and knitting and I'm getting nowhere.

Luckily, I got a jury duty summons (my first) in the mail last week. Is it terrible to hope that this will go on long enough to enable me to finish at least one of these projects while enjoying the privilege of being an American and fulfilling my obligation to our justice system ALL AT THE SAME TIME?!?!

One last little thread: I narrowly averted tragedy earlier this week. I have a wonderful little closet in my apt - a miracle closet really for NYC. It's actually a set of stairs inside it's own little room that provides ample storage for my most important possessions - shoes and yarn. On Monday, I attemped to grab my cute little mary jane flats when I was stunned to find out that the door was stuck!! It wouldn't budge at all. So I had to wear my pumas to work & hope that I had another cute little pair of shoes in my office. All day long I kept thinking "my shoes and my yarn are stuck in that closet"... "who knows when I'll get it open"... "my shoes and yarn are being held hostage by that closet"... I casually mentioned the situation to my brother/roommate (ok, I might have been just a little freaked out). Well, when I got home that night, the door was OPEN!! He'd freed them! (Turns out the lock was just broken.) My brother was a hero! I guess I'll have to put that zip-up hoodie he requested back on my "to-knit" list.

Hallelujah!

2006-04-22T15:04:00.000-04:00

I'M FINISHED! Consumato! Pret! Ausgespielt!

I've finally completed the Heirloom Christening Blanket after many hours of hard work and cramped fingers. I'm quite pleased with the results.

It's on to the next project now because you know what THEY say: The knit must go on...

Hopelessly Devoted to You

2006-03-27T14:09:00.000-05:00

I've come to an important realization...I may never finish my Heirloom Christening Blanket. My brother was nice enough to recently point out that I've been knitting it "FOREVER!!!" Nonetheless, I'm devoted to 1. finishing it sometime during the life of Baby Harris (the recipient who's set to join us in June) and 2. never making this again.
I do keep glancing longingly at my "to knit" list as well as my yarn stash - wondering if I'll ever knit for fun again. I now understand the inclination to have more than one project going at a time, though.
I have to believe that thru the frogging, the pattern errata, & the unclear directions I'll prevail. One thing is for sure - I will never win a medal for this project, but Baby Harris better love me.

After the Fall

2006-02-27T13:36:00.000-05:00

I have been defeated - partially by time & partially by my pattern. As I did not complete my entry in time, I have lost the gold medal. It's a sad day in my [knitting] world. In my defense, I did not lose in the spirit of Bode Miller, but rather in the method of Lindsay Kildow, by falling twice. Twice I was forced to frog my heirloom christening blanket and begin again.
All that said, I plan to press on. I think that, if a silver medal was available, it would still be in my grasp. My WIP is so very close to being a FO....

Oops! I did it again.

2006-02-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

So, this time it was on the second row that I came upon that blasted extra stitch. I thought all was lost and I'd never attain my dream of Olympic GOLD. But, as any true athlete knows, sometimes you have to go back to the fundamentals to correct your mistake. Patiently, I went back to the pattern and re-read the directions: "CO 161 sts. Work one purl row." WAIT! "CO 161 sts." 161 sts! (I had 166 sts.) With dogged determination, I CO the correct number of sts., worked one purl row and completed 3 rounds of the 4 row pattern. Then I went to bed.............. thinking about 161 sts.

The Choking Kind

2006-02-11T16:10:00.000-05:00

It was my first Knitting Olympics event and I choked. I started off strong getting all 166 stiches cast on in under 10 minutes while hiding in my office at 2pm yesterday. I even got the first row done before someone came knocking at my door and I had to stash it in my desk drawer. Later in the game, I resumed knitting. I'm not sure what went wrong, but suddenly, at the end of the 3rd row, there is was - an extra stitch! I got back up and tried to salvage the project, but it was too late (with all the YFs & sl 1s). So, I've frogged it and am anxious to get back in it tonight. I really think I can still pull out a GOLD.

Olympic Call

2006-02-10T13:40:00.000-05:00

Well, I've answered the Olympic Call and signed up for the Knitting Olympics. I'm making the "Heirloom Silk Shawl" from Knitting for 2 by Erika Knight (aka Baby Bloom) as a Christening Blanket for my best friend's baby due in June. I've got to close my office door and CO in approx. 15 minutes now. It's thrilling to think of 4000 knitters casting on at the same time. I'll post pictures at the end - me with my blanket flying over the podium.

Blanket of Love

2006-02-04T12:06:00.000-05:00

I was thrilled to recently receive a picture of one of my first projects - a bubblegum pink hooded baby blanket . I was even more thrilled to hear that the baby uses the blanket on a daily basis. I love the idea of making something that becomes part of someone else's everyday life.

What a Girl Wants

2006-01-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was super excited to get my shipment from Amazon. I got Debbie Bliss' Special Knits: 22 Gorgeous Handknits for Babies and Toddlers and Erika Knight's Simple Knits for Little Cherubs. And GORGEOUS and SIMPLE they are. I've already picked the "Picot Dress" for a friend's baby who's due in March - can't wait to get started.

I Saw Red: My First Sweater

2006-01-23T23:11:00.000-05:00

I think that the way to make a sweater is to make a small one - all the others take too long. My cousin's baby needed a warm, red sweater and I aim to please.

Baby Love: Take Two

2006-01-23T23:05:00.000-05:00

When Moma's friend wanted to make the Traditional Mabel Dress for her granddaughter, but thought it might be beyond her skill, my mother, being the helpful person she is, told her friend I'd made the dress for someone else with no problem. It then became a fabulous idea to have me make it.
Actually, I really enjoyed seeing how the dress made up in another yarn and another size. These pictures and the small gift I got for making it made it worth the work.

Right From Wrong

2006-01-23T22:58:00.000-05:00

I'd planned to make a really beautiful silk[blend] camisole for my very small best friend's birthday. Due to my distaste for, my nemisis - the gauge swatch - it didn't come out so small. I found someone on Craftster who'd had a similar problem and a solution. So, I planned to fix it when I got a chance. Shortly thereafter, my best friend dropped the news of her pregancy. (Yay!!!!)
Stay tuned to see if she'll EVER where the silk[blend] camisole.

Bag Lady

2006-01-23T22:53:00.000-05:00

Maybe it was the hint of spring. Maybe it was the plethora of good patterns. Maybe it was because I couldn't afford a Louis Vitton. In March 2005, I got obsessed with bags and 2 friends were very willing recipients. [Chinese Charm Bag, Stitch & Bitch] (top left) [Funky Purse, Hollywood Knits] (right)

Baby Love

2006-01-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

One of my best friends had a baby in December 2005 and I couldn't wait to knit beautiful baby clothes for her. That's when the baby fever started. Baby clothes are fabulous because they're beautiful & impressive, but they're small so they don't take forever. Although the straight stitch got a little monotonous in the middle, this was the most satisfying project I'd completed thus far...I was so proud. (Traditional Mabel Dress from Simple Knits for Cherished Babies.)

Hand in Glove: Could you make me...and the [not so] fingerless gloves

2006-01-23T22:34:00.000-05:00

So, my brother lives with me and lived with me knitting for a few months before asking the inevitable question..."could you make me..." Actually, it was my pleasure to use him as a guinea pig and make my first [not so] fingerless gloves. After trying them on several times and saying "can they be just a bit longer" several times, guess what my brother said when I finished them...."they're too long".... Like the good brother he is, he wears them anyway.

You Complete Me I: Scarves

2006-01-23T22:22:00.000-05:00

I started out making a capelet and some baby hats because I didn't just want to make some scarves...then I learned the beauty of scarves-- NO GAUGE SWATCH. I quickly learned how cool it was to see how the same stitch varies in different yarns.

Here's Rowan's Pia Scarf from Big Just Got Bigger (left) & Purl Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts (right)

Welcome to My World

2006-01-23T22:05:00.000-05:00

After attempting to create a blog for months, I've finally figured it out. Yea me! Welcome to my [knitting] world.