SLO Knitting Guild

Long Time No See!

2008-07-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

My hard drive died and now I'm back and will try to keep my blog more up to date. I'm working on UFO's--A shrug and a shawl. Our guild did some knitting for a local group-baby blankets and then we knitted items for children in an orphanage in China. When I finished, it seemed a good time to look through the UFO stash. These are both projects for ME--unusual. I'll get back in the electronic groove and take some pictures to post. Lost all pics in the death--boo hoo!

Nice to be back. The weather's great! I love it here on the Central Coast!

Keep Knitting!

Tea Party

2008-05-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

I am a Susan Branch fan! I love her designs and fabrics. A new line has just been introduced. In fact she hosted a tea/birthday party at her shop last month. I got dressed up a bit, put on a hat and went over to the Arroyo Grande Village to sip tea. It was a beautiful afternoon. Susan has a shop in the Village--it's fun to shop and get lots of inspiration for quilts there.

I think I'll make a quilt using the new fabrics for our guest room. Add another to the list!

May Update

2008-05-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

I'm sick! I hope to stop coughing soon! Anyway I'm stuck here for awhile. I finished the baby blanket for the local charity. That's a good feeling! Our guild is now knitting wearables for an orphanage in China. I'm making matching hats and socks in various sizes.
I will be entering "Outside the Sox"---sounds like fun and possibly a stretch to the old envelop!!!
Some ideas are already floating around in my brain. Hmmmm something pink, something fairisle, maybe something VERY colorful---we'll see. More later.
Meanwhile, a member of our group is expecting a baby so we're all busy knitting tiny gifts. Picture later after she receives it. She may take a look here now and then--don't want to give anything away.

It's been a long time

2008-03-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

I didn't drop off the face of the earth. I took about 6 weeks off from knitting after Christmas and it took a little longer to get back to blogging. I've been knitting on some on-going projects and some new ones.

This is a package I sent to my sock swap pal last week. The socks were knit with Knit Picks Risata. I like it! The pattern is from Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks--Herringbone Lace Socks.

As usual, I used two circs but knitted top down as per the pattern. I like the toe on this one--a little less "wedgie" than others.

Here's a closeup of the design with eye of partridge heel.

Karen Neal of "Hand Painted Gloves" fame, has created a fingerless version. See it at Karendipity .These are the yarns I'll be using. The picture is terrible! It's Colinette Jitterbug in Monet and a semi-solid pink. In person they are much richer looking.

This you won't believe!!!! The gloves I made last year were returned ! Yes, you heard me right! They came in the mail, unharmed, from the county fair people. No explanation, just the gloves in the envelop 6 months after the fact! Well, I'm glad they are back--now I can send them to my daughter in Minn.

OTHER PROJECTS:

The Opera Scarf from Blue Sky Alpacas, in 2 strands of KP Alpaca Cloud.

A generic baby blanket in Lion Homespun.

Some progress on the Plain Vanilla Sweater. It goes with me to knitting group and guild meetings. Eventually it will be done.

More later on plans for the rest of the year--yes, there is a new TO-DO List!

Keep Knitting,
Sherry

My TO-DO List

2007-12-31T20:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, there will be a 2008 List!

Keep knitting! Sherry

Running Late!

2007-11-27T11:34:00.000-08:00

I'm behind on some things and on schedule with my knitting! I joined Sock It To Me Twice swap because I enjoyed the first swap soooooooo much. I've been out of town, so I need to do some catchup. So here's my questionaire:

The Questions
How long have you been knitting? Do you consider yourself beginner, intermediate, advanced?
Learned to knit VERY young & knitted off and on all my life--got really serious when I retired. I consider myself to be intermediate in most knitting and advanced in a few things.
How long have you been knitting socks? Knit my first pair in the 50's. After high school, I didn't knit another sock until 2003. This year I have knit about 20 pair!
What are your favorite fibers to work with? Natural fibers-BUT 100% cotton only in rare cases (you know, the stuff that looks like string?) I don't mind synthetics blended with naturals.
What is your favorite color? BLUE (and anything related)
What are your current WIPs (works in progress)? Christmas sox for dh; dorm sox (about 15 pair) for g-kids for Christmas; sweater for me; afghan; beaded scarf (one for me and one for my sister); There are a few others, but they are hibernating for now.
Name your favorite yarns, (brand, fibers, colors, etc.). Knit Picks (so far I've liked everything I've ordered); Colinette Jitterbug (wonderful for sox); Cherrytree Hill Farm superwash merino (also wonderful for sox); Berroco; Rowan; Cascade 220. Isn't it great that we have sooooooo many choices!
What are some yarns/fibers that you stay away from. 100% acrylic. 100% cotton (you know, the one that looks like string!)
What is your family situation? (Married, kids, pets?) My husband and I are both retired and living on the Central Coast of California. One of our granddaughters lives with us. She is in her first year of College. No pets. Balance of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren (2) are scattered over four states.
Name some of your hobbies. Knitting (duh!), quilting, reading, papercrafts.
Name some of your favorite movies? I'm a fan of old movies--anything with Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Bogie and Bacall. Right now I'm watching a series of "Perry Mason" movies that were made in the mid-30's.
Do you like to read? Yes, fiction, non-fiction, how-to. Don't have a favorite author.
Do you collect anything? I have a nice collection of Fostoria glassware I inherited from my grandmother. I've added one piece of my own so far. We lived next door to my grandparents, so I feel very much like I grew up with the Fostoria. She brought it out for every Sunday dinner and holidays!
I also collect angels. Mostly ornaments for the Christmas tree. I've been doing so for over 35 years. I have handmade, storebought, angels commemorating trips and special events. There are only angels on my Christmas tree. (I've never counted how many I have.)
Do you own an iPod or mp3 player? I own an iPod--still learning the "ins and outs."
What are your favorite type of knitting needles? I am "in love" with my KP Harmony wood circs and dps. Wood is my fave, BUT I have others because wood doesn't work with every yarn.
What knitting notion could you not live without? My lamb tape measure.
Who are some of your favorite designers? Don't really have any favorites.
Do you subscribe to any magazines? (Knitting or otherwise.) Interweave Knits, Cast-On, Real Simple, Martha Stewart Living.
When is your birthday? July 25
Do you have a "wishlist", (on Ravelry, Froogle, or Amazon)? NO--Good idea!
Do you have a Ravelry ID? yes--don't want to reveal it yet.
If you had a sheep, what would you name it? BaaBoo.
________________
OK, that was lengthy. I've been working on socks for dh. I'm using Austermann Step for the first time. Nice yarn, and I love the "manly" colors and the subtle color changes. I'm making a beautiful beaded scarf for my sister for her birthday (2 days after Christmas). I'm using Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. Nice yarn--works up easily--if you're looking for something "cotton," this is a nice choice. The 20% merino content makes it much more user friendly, but it still looks and feels like very high quality cotton. As soon as I find the (misplaced) pattern, I'll post the info as it is still available.
I've gotten a chance to use up all that left over Ultra Alpaca from the tote bag exchange tote. The bag used about 12 colors and I had maybe 3/4 ea. of most of the skeins left. In my needlearts class, we are doing a cable mystery afghan-----soooooooo, every square in the afghan is a different color of ultra alpaca. This will be a warm one! We're learning lots about cables, traveling, twisted stitches, etc. FUN!
I'm making slow but steady progress on my sweater. I should be able to wear it next winter. I bought yarn to do another pair of the fairisle gloves. Kathy has also designed a gauntlet version. I'll probably do that one, too! I've also acquired several yarns I've never worked with to try out--Some Trekking, KP Risata and Frog Tree alpaca. OOOOOOOOOO, more projects on the horizon!
Got to move on and finish my catchup. I'll post pics later and talk a little more!!!

Keep Knitting, Sherry

Recent Doings

2007-10-31T16:23:00.000-07:00

I've been very lax with my posting--but, NOT my knitting. Ankle socks are finished for SAM4 October socks. I used Universal Yarn Ditto as the main color and Jawoll cotton blend for the contrast. The inspiration came from "Golf Socks" by Dorothy S. Grubbs in SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS. I knitted toe-up with a garter stitch short-row heel on two KP circs (size 2). They are a quick knit--I'm going to use this pattern (and actually follow it) for some yarn I received in the Sock It To Me Sock Swap. Finished another 2 1/2 pair of dorm socks; and work continues on the Plain Vanilla Sweater. I take it to knitting guild--perfect "mindless" project!

I was sooooo spoiled by my upstream pal, Cheryl, in the Sock It To Me Swap! I only managed to get a picure of the socks here. I will try to post more. The pattern is Vog On from Knitty in a beautiful hand dye. They fit perfect. She also showered me with lots of cool stuff! I know I took pictures--but they have slipped into the black hole! I will take more to post at a later time!

I bought yarn for my second pair of gloves. The main yarn is Collinette Jitterbug in Monet; the contrast is Trekking Pro Natura in a soft heathered green. The Jitterbug green was too dark; I thought the Trekking blended with the soft colors of Monet better. Not sure yet when I'll start these.

Keep Knitting, Sherry

September Socks

2007-09-29T19:47:00.001-07:00

Socks for September-SAM 4 KAL. These are knit of Cherry Tree Hill supersock in Cabin Fever colorway. Nice yarn to work with. My new fave! I used knit Picks Options size 1 and 2. I changed to a round toe and on the picot top, I did a provisional cast on and then folded and knitted it in. It's a little extra work, but worth it.

KNIT OUT in the PARK

2007-09-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was our local Guild's Knit Out event: KNIT OUT in the Park. Held at a local park near downtown San Luis Obispo. It was a great success! After a little rain on Friday, we decided God must be a knitter--NICE WEATHER! I'll post pics soon.

Another UFO is almost complete--today or tomorrow. That feels good! Also, I frogged another project. I made a shawl last year that ended up with a couple of mistakes. One fixable and one not. I liked the shawl so I decided to frog and re-knit paying closer attention to what I'm doing next time. It'll go into the "designated stash" for resurrection possibly in January '08.

Keep Knitting! Sherry

Quilt Challenge

2007-09-21T23:29:00.001-07:00

Some pics of the 30+ quilts that were entered in the quilt challenge. Last Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day--perfect for an outdoor event.

There must have been 100 or so people there to see all the beautiful quilt entries. We had a fantastic lunch.

I didn't win, but that's OK. ALL the quilts were so, so beautiful!

...and here's a pic of me (in the hat) with Susan Branch!

It's Time

2007-09-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in awhile; hmmm. Today I am "store sitting" for a friend who owns a YARN SHOP! It's called Yarnology and is located in the Village in Arroyo Grande, CA. Heather, the owner, also has a new website and takes orders online right HERE!

It is really, really fun to be in a roomful of yarn for seven hours!

Last week I turned in the challenge quilt. It looks great. I don't know how many entries there are--will find out Saturday when the winners are announced. I'll post pics next week. This quilt has become the "inspiration" for decorating my bedroom. I planned to use it as a table cover but, it just may go on the wall over the bed.

Sock swap socks are on the home stretch. I've collected some nice goodies to go with them.

Quilt Progress

2007-08-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

This picture doesn't come close to doing justice to the quilt. The quilter, Gina, has finished and I'll go over and pick it up ASAP! All I have left to do is add the binding, hanging sleeve and write my "artist's statement." Results of the challenge will be made on 9-15.

When it's complete, I'll post pics of the front and back.

Dorm Socks Done

2007-08-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

These are the Boys Dorm Socks and my SAM4 KAL August socks. They were knit from one skein of Lion Brand Woolease. I used the tubular castoff on the 2x2 rib--it worked nicely. Now to start knitting and fill the Christmas Box!

All the Christmas socks will be knit on two circs, toe-up. I've picked lots of different colors and, as time allows, will try some variations too.

Onward and Upward!

2007-08-07T21:19:00.000-07:00

This is pretty exciting. Susan Branch lives in my town! She has a great little shop here. More exciting, for me a quilter, she has introduced her first line of fabrics.

The creative juices are flowing. I entered a quilt challenge. My first, ever! Whew! The really good thing is, the quilt only has to be 36" square--a piece of cake compared to what I usually do.

However, it is ALL coming out of my head. Well, it's down on paper (and copier) and the figures have been figured. Just need to get one more fabric--tomorrow!

Next Wednesday I'll be off to the quilters with my new baby for some TLC and quilting. More pictures later. If you've never heard of Susan Branch, check this out.

...... and MORE!

This isn't such a good picture, however..... This is Knitpicks Crayon (100% Pima Cotton) and the Plain Vanilla Sweater. Swatched but not OTN, yet.

Tomorrow I will cast on. Official cast on was Aug 1. We have until the end of October to finish. (FOR ME?! KAL) No, I won't wait for the last week to do it-----I DON'T DO THAT ANYMORE!

This will be my second attempt at a sweater for ME. The first is at the bottom of a landfill somewhere, I hope!

Good News, Bad News

2007-08-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

The good news is I won a blue ribbon for my blue "Eleanore" socks at the Mid-State Fair.
The bad news is my wonderful fair isle gloves got Z-I-P!
The WORST news is, they lost my gloves!

How can that happen? The building isn't that big! Did some thoughtless fair-goer just walk off with them? No one who lives here even needs a pair of gloves--it just doesn't get that cold!

I hope the "fair people" can find them. I'm not holding my breath, though.

SAM4 Ready to Start!

2007-07-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed SAM3 KAL so much that I signed on for SAM4. I'm in the routine of sock knitting and want to keep the momentum going. I've got socks started for my Sock it to Me Swap Pal and will finish those for my SAM4 August socks. I plan to do the "boy version" of the dorm socks in August, too. Maybe this means that I will post TWO pairs to SAM4 in one month?! We'll see.

This is the beginning of a pair of Circle of Friendship. I thought it an appropriate choice for a swap pal.

Also starting tomorrow: New project for FOR ME!? KAL--KnitPicks Plain Vanilla sweater (with mods). Will post pics later.

Interestingly, my socks won a first prize at the Mid-State Fair and my incredible fair isle gloves got nothing! Go figure!

Keep Knitting!

Sherry

Final SAM3 Socks!

2007-07-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Here they are! My July socks. These are a prototype for girls dorm socks. I decided to put the G_kids Christmas money gift inside a pair of socks this year. I'll do a boy pair and then start knitting socks in earnest!

This pair took ONE skein of Lion Brand Wool Ease. I knit them on size 6 denises--2 circs. I used the magic cast on, short row heel, 3x1 rib up the leg (about 3"), and ended by doubling the number of stitches, st st for one more round and then cast off in st st, creating the ruffle. This was a very quick knit.

My Tote Has Arrived

2007-07-25T19:32:00.001-07:00

Last Friday the UPS man brought a box--oooooooooooooooooo, and there was MY tote from ITE IV.

My pal, Katherine, really spoiled me. She DESIGNED this tote just for me. It's called the "Patchwork Tote" --she knows I'm also a quilter! Isn't that cool! So it's actually assembled out of squares like a patchwork quilt. You can go to her blog and see that and other designs. She also sent me the tote pattern and a couple of other cute patterns, the Yarn Harlot (which I haven't read), candles, lotion, chapstick, a handmade pin cushion, a couple of skeins of sock yarn in a color to go with the tote and 3 fat quarters. Two of the fq's are already designated for a new project--converting a pullover sweatshirt to a jacket.

I truly LOVE this tote. The Monday Knitters like it, too!

SOCK IT TO ME SOCK SWAP

The socks are finally started. It took a little time, but I've found the perfect pattern and yarn. I'm not good at blogging and all that goes with it so, my downstream pal knows who I am. Hopefully, she will be a good girl and not take any peeks here at my blog.

I'm using Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in Cabin Fever colorway. Beautiful yarn to work with. The pattern is Circle of Friendship Socks by Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer for Heartstrings. I'm using Knitpicks Options size 1 (2 circs).

Tote Finished and Ready for Shipping!

2007-07-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

ITE IV tote bag is finished! I didn't do all the things I planned--but almost all. I think my pal will be pleased with it. It's loaded with goodies and almost ready for a trip to the P.O. and then "HOME."

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca. Colors: Yucca, Redwood, Peat Moss, Spiceberry, White, Lavender, Denim, Prune, Stonewash, Pea Soup, Blueberry

Here's a bit of a closeup of the fair isle design. This is a Berroco pattern (available free on the net).

And the lining! There are pockets in there, too! The pattern does not call for one, but I thought it would give the bag more class to be lined and have inside pockets. I used a 100% cotton batik.

This was a great experience. It was especially fun to see all the posts (many daily) showing everyone's progress and then the finished bags!

Completed Projects !

2007-07-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

Karen's Gloves KAL gloves are finished! This is one project I really feel good about. I learned a lot doing this one. Here's the vitals: yarn is Colinette Jitterbug (love it!) in toscana colorway and Universal Pace in cream. Less than one skein of each. Needles: KnitPicks Options (2 circs) size 2 up to the fingers and Lantern Moon Sox Stix size 2 for the fingers.
Tomorrow I will deliver them to the Mid-State Fair, along with a pair of sox. I'll know how I do around the end of the month.
The pattern, Hand Painted Gloves by Karen Neal is available from The Studio in Kansas City. http://www.thestudiokc.com/

Clapotis (For Me?! KAL) did not fare so well. It is complete at about 8" short. I finished it, used a BIG PIN and wore it to my H.S. reunion. Got many complements.
A problem I can't see getting around is how "wormy" the chenille part of the yarn is--it's a Drop Spindle hand dyed yarn. I will have to decide if I can live with that BEFORE I decide to frog and re-knit it narrower. Any way, here it is.
This is a Knitty pattern.

Sock Swap Questionaire

2007-07-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

What are your foot measurements? Size 8.5 to 9; L= 9.5"
How long have you been knitting? How would you rate your experience? I’ve been knitting a long time—but not constantly; there have been breaks. I’d say I’m somewhere between intermediate and advanced.
What is your favorite color? Your least favorite color? Favorite color is blue; least favorite—hard to say—I can take any color in small doses and with other colors (especially if blue is involved)
Do you have a favorite fiber? What type? I always prefer natural fibers. High quality blends with naturals are OK, too.
Do you have any allergies to certain fibers? No allergies
Do you have an Amazon, or other type of, wishlist? Amazon; KnitPicks

What techniques, if any, would you like to learn? Am currently beginning to learn toe-up socks and later this year, I’ll be tackling steeks.
Do you have a sweet tooth? What are your favorite snacks? Good chocolate
What is your family situation? I live with my husband and one grand daughter. No pets at present.
Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Metal, plastic or wood? I like all except plastic. I do have a set of Denise’s which I like. Right my faves are my small size Knitpicks Options circs.
Besides socks, what are your favorite items to knit? Anything that presents a bit of challenge. I love learning something new (no matter how small) with each project.
Is there a pattern, (sock or otherwise), that you are dying to try?
Do you like to read? What are you reading currently? I love to read. Don’t do enough (could be because I’m knitting). Getting ready to read Debbie Macomber’s Susannah’s Garden
Do you collect music? (On an iPod or MP3 player.) iPod
What kind of music do you listen to? Classical, jazz, classic rock ‘n roll.
Is there anything you collect? I inherited a collection of Fostoria which I would like to add to.
What are your hobbies, aside from knitting? I sew—mostly quilting. I also do scrapbooking, decorative painting, decoupage and other paper crafts.
Are you participating in any other swaps or knit alongs? I’m in SAM3 KAL, For Me?! KAL, Int. Tote Exchange IV, Karen’s Glove KAL
Do you have a favorite scent? Elizabeth Arden’s Green Tea
When is your birthday? July 25.

Time to POST!

2007-06-29T13:25:00.000-07:00

Let's see..........there was Dance Company performance, Senior Prom, Senior week activities, Cheer competition (out of town), GRADUATION, grad party and the "big trip." We been busy! I did keep on knitting, though.

Booga Bag ready to felt! It took 4 skeins of Noro ?? (can't find the labels).

Baby booties and hat for the new family addition. Knitpicks Dancing and some leftover Pace fingering weight.

June socks for SAM3 KAL. These are a gift for someone special.
Yarn: Sock it to Me! Collection - Esprit from Elann (98.3% cotton; 1.7% elastic)
Pattern: Lace Anklet by Chrissy Gardiner; CastOn Magazine May-July '07.
Needles: Knitpicks Options size 3 (two circs)
This was a fairly quick knit--once I got used to the "stretchyness" of the yarn. Nothing fancy here, no mods. The yarn is really nice to workwith and feels very soft and cottony when you're done.

I not sure what it's called--whatever the disease, I'm sure I'm not alone! Sock yarn keeps showing up in my stash!! Imagine that! Well, all the members of the SAM3 KAL talk about the yarns they are using--so I am compelled to try them. Right?!

To help manage my illness I joined the Sock It To Me Sock Swap. It was all I could do.

There's more......tomorrow!

Graduation

2007-06-06T23:13:00.000-07:00

This is Amber, one of our beautiful granddaughters. She lives with us and will graduate from high school on Friday. She will be attending college locally in the fall and plans to study nursing. The whole family is very proud of her!

She is a member of Dance Company at school. This is her dance picture.

Clapotis

2007-06-02T00:32:00.001-07:00

No picture--it looks the same, just longer. I do like it and am looking forward to wearing it at the H.S. reunion. I've got till about June 20 to complete--I think I'll make it. (I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!)

ITE IV

2007-05-31T17:34:00.001-07:00

The yarn so far: Berroco Ultra Alpaca. I need two more colors. I got all I could at my LYS's. I hope WEBS has fast delivery! I'm swatching.
After looking and looking, I found the perfect pattern!

I changed the colors a bit to better coincide with my partners' likes.

I like this yarn. When the tote's done, it'll be hard to give up!

Preview

2007-05-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

Just a preview of my next 2 projects for SAM3 KAL. From Joni Miles at Union Center Knits, her hand dye Whatnot Sock yarn in cc wet. It reminds me of the ocean, sky and sand dunes where I live. As the accent, KP Gloss in Serengheti.

These will be ankle sox.

.....and from STR, marbles and midsummer night colorways in heavyweight (I've got some re-figuring to doon the pattern).

These will be one of the Blue Moon Fairisle patterns.

Got my work cut out for me for the next couple of months!

My plan was to learn something new every month and I've done that. Of course, I saved "the best" for last!

Glove Progress

2007-05-25T17:27:00.001-07:00

The first glove is finished! I love it! So does everybody who sees it! I'll take it to Guild meeting tomorrow for "show and tell." This was so much easier to knit that I thought it would be.

Palm view.

May Socks Done

2007-05-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

May socks for SAM3 KAL. I used 1 skein Colinette Jitterbug in Velvet Damson. This is truly beautiful yarn to work with! I used KP Options (2 circs) size 1. The pattern is Eleanor; changes are the eye of partridge heel and picot edge.

It's a well written pattern and an easy knit. The result is a very nice pair of socks in just a FEW days!

Cloudy Day

2007-05-15T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's overcast today, oops--I don't usually mention that! Anyway, I'm inside doing housework -- I think I'll faint any minute.
My May socks are almost done--I just need to find the notes I made for the first toe (or they will be two different lengths). Clapotis is coming along nicely.
Graduation is looming--but first we need to get through PROM! A granddaughter lives with us and so I'm being "mom" all over again.
Also, I got a very part-time job--must go for training this week--it'll be good to get away for a couple days. I'll get in some extra knitting time; and then on Saturday there is a baby shower for our oldest granddaughter (our SECOND great g-child!) I've got a little quilt done and am working on a tiny pair of socks.
As soon as I find those notes, I'll stop what I'm doing and finish the sox and post a picture. Must keep my priorities in place!

FOR ME?!

2007-05-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

This is the only decent photo I managed to get of Clapotis. I'll try again tomorrow. As you can see, I've dropped a few stitches. This

is a fun and fairly "mindless" knit. I have to pay more attention to the yarn than the design!

I have several inches of the straight section done. I should get it finished in plenty of time for the reunion. Then I'll move on to the white shawl.

Pictures never do the yarn justice. This is really beautiful in person.

Update

2007-05-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

No pics today--just a brief update. I'm enjoying knitting glove fingers. It's going very well. I might do this again. The knitting circle agreed that I should wear the Clapotis to my high school reunion--they said its a good color. Progress is moving along on that one, too. I'm on the "straight" section and dropping stitches. Never thought THAT would be fun.

I haven't forgotten the "white" shawl, will work more deligently on it in June, I think. I joined a tote exchange. This sounds like fun--think I'll go international on this one. Totes must be mailed by mid-July so there's plenty of time. I hope I get a recipient whose wants/needs fit into my stash. I have some great yarns just made for totes! Ha-ha! We'll see.

FOR ME?!

2007-05-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

Could not wait for the 1st so I did some knitting on the weekend. Two projects and now I'm torn!
I started with the white shawl and the plan was to finish it by mid-June so I could wear it to the H.S. reunion. Then there was the "holiday party yarn" just screaming at me from the shelf--"KNIT ME! KNIT ME!"
Decisions, decisions! So, over the weekend, I started on "Clapotis" (here: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html )

Well, I'm hooked! So for now I guess I'll work on both and see which one wants to be worn first!

The "white" shawl. Light and airy for spring and summer. One of these days I'll make a list of all the yarns (if I still have the labels).

Clapotis. The yarn is many shades of blue and green from The Drop Spindle. I don't know the fiber content--there is a thin chenille twisted with several strands of cotton??? Not the easiest to knit, but wonderful to look at when done!

I've got pictures

2007-04-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

Karen's Glove KAL

A nice closeup showing the colors in the Colinette yarn.

I'm working the first (pinkie) finger!

Palm side.

I love these gloves! It'll be hard to give them up when I'm done.

It's been a "sock" month! No pairs yet, just one baby sock and two unmatched "dorm" socks.

New socks: Again, Colinette Jitterbug Velvet (I forget the color). I started these with the diamond lace pattern. When things didn't go well, I frogged and switched to "Eleanore"---more later.

Mittens for Marcie. I've been working on these too long. They're for my daughter in Minnesota. She already has the hat and scarf. Only one thumb to go. When they are ready to ship out, I'll dig out the info on these.

. . . . and waiting in the wings:
From top, clockwise--STR heavyweight in "marbles" (waiting for another colorway) will be fairisle sox.
--Drop Spindle hand dyed rayon chenille tape will become a shrug. --Whatnot yarns hand dyed in fingering weight in "cc wet" for a pair of shorty sox from Interweave's Favorite Socks.
--Whatnot yarns hand dyed sport weight (forget the color). This will be a pair of gauntlets. All of these are due for completion by end of summer. Colors don't really show in this picture, I'll take more as work progresses.

FYI this is a closeup of the rayon chenille tape from the Drop Spindle website. Very interesting stuff. Not yarn, but soft. It's for BIG needles!

I find that knitting is a great way to stay sane. The more I knit, the better I feel--and the better I get at knitting ! I have quite a number of projects on the needles. This keeps me interested and gives my mildly artheritic hands a change of movement.

This year I have made some goals for myself: To knit more sox, work regularly on UFO's and knit MORE stuff for myself. So far I'm staying with all of them and I'm having lots of fun doing it!

Another day in Paradise

2007-04-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day! My granddaughter and I had lunch with friends and then went shopping. She's looking for a prom dress. Then---the big event, for me--I got to meet Susan Branch! She has a shop in the town where I live and today was the launch of her new fabric designs. I'm a quilter so I was excited to see the fabrics "in the flesh." I'll be entering her quilt challenge; more on that later in the summer. The granddaughter got busy picking out fabrics for HER quilt! I'm in the process of making quilts for all my grandkids; very few of them actually get to pick the fabric, though.

Did I tell you I live in Paradise? A postcard, really. It's fun living in a vacation destination--even if it's a small one. Maybe better that it's a small one! Small and picturesque. Waited a long time and now I'm enjoying it very much!

A Good Start

2007-04-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

The GLOVES for Karen's Glove KAL.

Finally. Success! ...and it's looking great. I'm using Colinette Jitterbug in Toscana 55 (merino) and Universal Yarn Pace in cream 97. I'm loving the combination and the color distribution in the Colinette.

FOR ME?!

It doesn't look like much right now but, this will be my summer stole. The colors and yarns are yummy! I think there a dozen different yarns. Each row is different, with white carried along throughout. Can't say much more now--just watch for progress.

Progress

2007-04-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

No pictures today. Something's not right with my camera/computer/operator. Maybe it's operator error! I'll figure it out later.

I've made nice progress on my first glove for Karen's Glove KAL. It's looking really good! Take my word for it! I ripped and started over four times. The last time I started at the other end of the yarn. I'm using Knitpicks Options size 2 circs. Nice, nice needles.

I think I'll be working on a white/multi pastel stole for the For Me?! KAL. It's actually a UFO from last year--completely frogged and very recently started over. I'd like to wear it to our High School reunion.

I've been working on some dorm sox and realized (half way through the second sock) that I didn't have enough yarn. I was using yarn from my stash and thought I had about 1 and 1/2 skeins but, alas it was not to be--oops! another colorway! I think I will regroup, check my stash and knit some for Christmas presents for grandchildren. I used a garter stitch, short row heel for the first time, and I like it very much.

More tomorrow, hopefully with pictures. The weather has been beautiful here. I have got to get down to the local whatever and get myself a lounge for my deck. It's perfect for relaxing on the deck, knitting and listening to the ipod.

New KAL

2007-04-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

I've joined another KAL. This one really makes sense to me. Everything I knit for the KAL must be for me! I tend to put my things at the bottom of the pile. I have way too many family members to keep doing that and ever expect to get anything done for myself.
Last year I did knit myself a pair of socks--they started out for the DH but he didn't like how they fit around the ankles so, I got them by default. I knitted him a better fitting pair. I'm not sure that even counts.

Our first project will be a shawl/poncho/stole. We have three months to complete the project, however I want to be done by mid June. We are going to a H.S. Reunion and I want to wear it then.

I think tomorrow I'll have time to take pics. I'll post what I have of the new stole and some WIPs.

Rag Rug

2007-04-11T20:24:00.000-07:00

Another project started. This will be a rug for my DS and DDIL--a promise for Christmas. I've included a couple of pics and will post progress pics. It's called Twined Rug and will be about 2'x3' when complete...........and it will probably last forever!

The middle pic shows the frame strung with the warp fabric. It doesn't matter the color as the warp is hidden when the rug is finished. The bottom pic shows the first row complete and probably doesn't make much sense, but it will later on.

I'm not using a color scheme--it will just look "scrappy." It's much cheaper that way. A rug this size takes about 15 yards of fabric. I buy it in a pre-cut kit which saves a LOT of time and effort! These rugs are definitely a labor of love!

April Socks Done

2007-04-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Boot socks for the DH. The tops are long to go over the top of his hunting boots. I used KnitPicks Bare in superwash worsted and KP Swish. Nice yarn to work with and worsted goes so fast! These would ordinarily take 100 grams of Bare and 50 grams of Swish. Because of the length of the top, I had to get an extra ball of Bare. What the heck! A pair of socks for about 10 bucks!

I used a modified round toe: Stopped short with 18 sts remaining and then did the Kitchener.

2007-04-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Waiting not so patiently for my glove pattern to arrive. I joined a glove knitting knit-a-long and I'm ready to get started--got the yarn, needles, and desire. Take a look:

http://glovekal.blogspot.com/

In the meantime, I'm working on three pairs of sox: Dorm sox (for public knitting), Diamond Lace (for me) and Boot sox (for the DH). The boot sox will be done later today. Need to take some pics. Later, after I clean out the storage shed and give some stuff to charity.

HELLO !

2007-04-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

My name is Sherry and I'm a brand new blogger. I do a lot of hand knitting and recently joined a couple of Knit-a-longs. This has encouragead me to try my hand at blogging. I hope you find what I have to say of interest.

The first KAL I joined is the Sock A Month3 KAL. My main reason for joining is to stay with my goal of knitting more socks. I knit two pair last year--my first since w-a-a-a-y back in the last millenium. In January I knit a pair for my sister to match the sweater I made for her birthday. I used Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. That project convinced me that I really did like knitting socks.

So here's the sweater and socks. The pics don't show it, but they really do match!

The sweater is a top down cardi with seed stitch border on sleeves, sweater bottom and button bands. I used some of the pewter clasps from Patternworks for the closure.

The socks are the Chevron design.

So, NOW, I've got a calendar full of projects planned for the next six months! Another goal is to work on at least one UFO during each month--or if not work on it, decide on a better life for it!

Of course then there are all the new projects I want to start. So, for now, here are my "March Socks." They are also from Sensational Knitted Socks, the Waterfall Rib. I used Collinette's new Jitterbug fingering weight. I loved working with that yarn! The colorway is Marble.

I'll post more tomorrow--some WIP's.