I have finished my turtleneck tube vest by Stephanie Japel in Fitted Knits. I think it has come out really well and my boyfriend has even said that it's his favorite FO of 2007! Here are the multiple pics from this evening. I've already started the two-tone shrug to match with the turtlenck top. Two done for April and a lot to go...
11:15 PM
10:26 AM
I have made really good progress on my turtleneck tube vest. I am now at the ribbing portion of the pattern. I have about 5 more inches of ribbing to do in order to get it to a nice length.
This is a very different color pick for me, but I think it's good to branch out a bit. I'm hoping to have this complete before the weekend is over. I plan on starting the two tone shrug to go with the top as well as cast on for Sahara. I am a bit nervous about the Provisional Cast on, so I want to get a move on while I can still ask the SKC group questions. At least I have two additional resources, KnittingHelp.com and Wendy Bernard's new pdf instructional guide.
In other news, I came home after a full day of work and a ninety minute Bikram session only to find a wonderful note from my Secret Pal. It was the cutest card with butterflies and flowers. I will have to take pics and post on my blog this weekend. It was so sweet and thoughtful and it revived my spirits. Thank you SP10.
3:56 PM
| You Are Most Like Carrie! |
 You're quirky, flirty, and every guy's perfect first date. But can the guy in question live up to your romantic ideal? It's tough for you to find the right match - you're more than a little picky. Never fear... You've got a great group of friends and a great closet of clothes, no matter what! Romantic prediction: You'll fall for someone this year... Totally different from any guy you've dated. |
8:29 AM
I have made great progress on my first project for the Fitted Knits KAL. I am going to go to a local knit group this evening at Starbucks where I'm hoping to have all but the ribbing finished. I think that this project can be finished by Thursday at the latest. I will even have enough Ella Rae Classic yarn to use for my next project - the two tone shrug.
In other news, I have purchased a new car after sharing my boyfriends for almost a year since I moved to Cali. I'm very happy. I've been reluctant to really explore as I hate driving standard with all of the stop and go traffic. I now have a zippy Honda Civic with NAVIGATION SYSTEM. I have no excuse not to get up and go. I even input all of the yarns stores around in the address book, so I can try different LYS that I have yet to go to. I think this will help me out a lot. It will be my year anniversary of moving here May 20th and I really want to break out of my shell. I think my purchase will point me in the right direction to have that happen.
8:27 AM
I did complete my Rusted Root on my last day in Vegas. I really like it and am even wearing it to work today. Now I'm back to working on Marilyn's Not So Shrunken Cardigan (NSSC) as well as casting on for the Turtleneck Tube Vest pattern for the Fitted Knits KAL. I'm going to try using Ella Rae Classic in a light spring color. I was planning on starting the Textured Tunic, but realized that the color choice is very similar to my Rusted Root and I'd like to switch it up a bit for my next project. Knitting is a great way to explore new color options and I'm trying to be open.
1:08 PM
I have made really good progress on Rusted Root. I have been scanning blogs that have completed Rusted Roots to see how many of the lace pattern repeats they have and it looks like 14 is the max. Since I want mine to be longer, I will do 14 repeats as well. As you may (or may not) be able to see from this progress repeat, I am currently on repeat number 12. I should have only 26 more rows to go to completion. Since I'll be taking a lunch break at work, I'll try to get 6 rows finished and then I'm meeting Brandi from Knitting for Health at Java Jones for a coffee knit session at 5:00 pm. I think that I just might get to wear this on my Vegas trip this weekend after all!
In other knitting knews - I plan to bring a mini-project along with me during my weekend excursion to Vegas. I have some gorgeous Alpaca Silk DK weight from Debbie Bliss that just did not want to become Ms. Marigold. I lost a good portion of yarn in the ordeal and wasn't sure what to do with the leftovers. A group that meets at Starbucks on Monday nights in Clairemont Mesa are working on Branching Out by Susan Pierce Lawrence from Knitty.com. I think this will be perfect. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as it is such a soft yarn and would feel great as a lacy scarf.
11:11 AM
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I recently moved from Vermont to San Diego, so I’ve been enjoying soy silk, cotton blends, and even bamboo. The only yarns I don’t really like are synthetic yarns, svale by Dale of Norway, or crazy wild yarns that people use to make scarves with for the “new generation” of knitters.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I’m horrible with storing my needles and hooks. I have them throughout the house in my yarn bins. I think that is something I need to improve on, for sure.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I started knitting about 10 years ago. I had it in my mind that I wanted to crochet black lace pants and my neighbor Joan attempted to teach me. Finally she came out saying “you are not getting this – let’s try knitting instead.” I’ve been doing it ever sense. I would consider myself to be intermediate. There’s some advanced techniques that I can do and some beginner things that I can’t.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I don’t have an Amazon wish list – although it would make a lot of sense. I love buying knitting books online.
5. What's your favorite scent?
I love lavender, green and white tea, floral scents, and while I don't like the smell of real oranges, I love orange scents for lotions and things
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love Chewy Runts, Skittles, and Airheads.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I’m also a quilter. It’s not so much of a hobby at times it seems. I prefer to knit. I’ve made four quilts now – one king size, two baby size, and one table runner. They all came out very well, but it’s still a second from my passion for knitting. I don’t spin but admire anyone who can.
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I have an eclectic taste in music. I love Dave Matthews, Jamie Foxx, Audioslave, Avant, Amel Larrieux, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, Sarah McLachlan, and Dido. Really it goes from R & B to Rock and Alternative. I am able to play MP3s.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
My color choices vary. I like rich, deep colors like burgundy and rust. I also like sage greens. Really there’s nothing that I can’t stand in colors. I love it all.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I’ve been with my boyfriend for over five years. We have two cats - Hannah (11 yr) & Scofield (1 yr)
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I recently moved to San Diego, so I haven’t had as much use for scarves, hats, or mittens, but every so often when I’m cold. I do like them. I’m not a poncho person although I do like capelets.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I like to knit sweaters with minimal finishing. I’m trying to get into socks more now as well.
13. What are you knitting right now?
I’m working on Rusted Root and Marilyn’s Not So Shrunken Cardigan. Once Rusted Root is complete, I’ll be doing either the Textured Tunic or Turtleneck Tube Vest from Stephanie Japel’s Fitted Knits book and Sahara.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
I think handmade gifts are great!
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I only use circular needles. Bamboo, aluminum, and plastic are all fine – but I think bamboo might be my least favorite.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I have a yarn winder and a swift.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
My oldest UFO is about 2 weeks old – my Marilyn NSSC that I had to frog and restart again. I was hoping to have it finished by the end of March since I’m committed to a number of projects with knitalongs in April.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
I really like Thanksgiving. Great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and conversation focused.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
I collect knitting and quilting books. I can’t seem to get enough.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don’t have any knitting subscriptions, but that’d be great. I am trying the magic loop thing, so any circular needles that are 40” works for me. I have been thinking about getting Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan and A Gathering of Lace by Meg Swansen.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I want to learn to do socks using the magic loop technique. I have the book but haven’t tried it yet. I also want to be able to finish better. I love top down projects, but there’s some lovely patterns that I have to seam together and I usually steer clear since I just haven’t got that down to a science after all this time. I would like to learn how to incorporate crocheting into knitting more. After making Ms. Marigold and finishing the sleeves with a crochet hook – I’m feeling more determined to try.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I have knit one pair of socks so far. I’d like to knit Baudelaire from Knitty.com. I’m a size 9.
23. When is your birthday?
On December 7th I’ll be 33. Yikes!
9:45 AM
I did not get anymore knitting done during Easter. No worries - I had a great time with friends and really enjoyed my evening. I am finally past the chest area and will start doing the waist decreases after an additional inch or so. I really love this pattern. I can't say enough about it. I finished the neckline and sleeves, so I won't have any finishing left to do. I really prefer doing this early as opposed to waiting till the body is complete. I've done this with my Wicked and Ms. Marigold knits.
On a different note, I have joined Secret Pal 10 (SP10), so I'll be making another post later this morning answering the questionnaire.
12:03 PM
I have been making really good progress working on Rusted Root. I have two more inches before I start the shaping. It really is a quick knit. I am hoping to make some progress this evening during my Easter festivities in PB. 30something friends are gathering on Wilbur Street in PB where friends have a huge backyard to accomodate. Tully is making his famous zuchinni parmesean. It's a bit chilly, so I have a feeling they'll be using the fire pit to add a bit of warmth. What could be better than knitting by a fire with a full belly and warm atmosphere? I'll post pics of my progress later tonight or tomorrow.
11:39 AM
Here's my progress of Rusted Root. I'm on Row 18, which doesn't sound like I'm too far, but I'm really happy with it so far. I think the color is gorgeous and the texture feels yummy. I'm a big fan of textured clothing and Rusted Root delivers. Despite only being on Row 18, I feel like it's going fairly fast. We have company from San Francisco, so not too much knitting time this week. My goal is to get 26 more rows done - putting me at the Row 45, where the directions get a bit more specific. I do have a barbecue to go to, but I'm optimistic.
12:51 PM
After starting over on Rusted Root last night (I had only done three rows, so not a big deal), I'm finally making some progress. I really love how the Cotton Fleece yarn looks in the candy apple color. With this being my first cotton blend, it's working well so far.
During a little work break, I did a little online knitting browse and found both a new knit-along (KAL) to join and a great online tutorial! I've requested to join the toe-up sock KAL, since I am only part of sweater KALs so far. During my search I found a tutorial on darning socks. This is perfect, since my only pair of knit socks (which took me about a week to do one sock and a year to finish the other...)just got a hole in the heel of one pair, probably because I wear them as house socks every night when I get home from work. At any rate, this tutorial might be their saving grace.
Back to Rusted Root....While doing my daily blog reads, I noticed that Robin from Yarn Crawl had a pic of her Rusted Root including a pic of her stitch counter. How about - we both have the same counter, are doing the same pattern, with the same yarn (not color) and were on the same row?!! I sent her a comment saying we must be kindred knitters (my Anne of Green Gables reference). Well - I hope we both get to moving on it, so we can get more progress on the Fitted Knits KAL as well. Robin is the gracious host of this KAL.
Well - I've misplaced my cell phone, so no progress pics until tonight, but all the more opportunity to knit a few more rows. lol
12:43 PM
I have removed the sleeves of my re-do of Marilyn's Not-So-Shrunken Cardigan (NSSC). I think that the snugger fit will be much more flattering. I picked up the extra stitches on one of the sleeves and knit a couple of rounds to make sure the sleeves are the correct fit - which they are, thankfully.
While I'm happy with the progress and that I actually restarted (the last two projects of Wendy's that didn't work due to either my misreading of the pattern or my bad yarn choice) after the first try, I have three projects as part of KALs for April, and I'm not use to juggling. What to do? What to do?
During my short breaks during work, I'll continue with Marilyn, since it's simple stockingnet stitch along with a few decreases. At night I will focus on Rusted Root and the Fitted Knit's Textured Tunic. After Rusted Root is finished, I'll start Sahara. It all sounds logic...... til I actually try to knit it all! lol
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