Friday, April 28, 2006
Drive by posting
Just wanted to brag a little. I actually beat my deadline by a week! I was finished with my sock pal socks Tuesday evening, now they are washed, dry and ready to be shipped. Check it:
I really hope my pal likes them, I'm very pleased with how they turned out. I can't WAIT till next week, I'll be checking my mail every day, anxiously awaiting MY socks. Whoo hoo!! Oh, and {wink wink} I don't know HOW that "S" keychain happened in the picture, it's in no way a CLUE as to who may be receiving them. It stands for ummm, hmmmm, SOCKS, yep that's it! "S" for socks, that's what I'm talking about!
Have a great weekend all!
I really hope my pal likes them, I'm very pleased with how they turned out. I can't WAIT till next week, I'll be checking my mail every day, anxiously awaiting MY socks. Whoo hoo!! Oh, and {wink wink} I don't know HOW that "S" keychain happened in the picture, it's in no way a CLUE as to who may be receiving them. It stands for ummm, hmmmm, SOCKS, yep that's it! "S" for socks, that's what I'm talking about!
Have a great weekend all!
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
My first attempt at lace
Here it is....my first attempt at knitting with dental floss, I mean silk. It was difficult at first, but I'm kinda getting the hang of it, and I haven't wanted to throw it out the window.....yet.
The first one shows the color definition pretty well, and the second picture was my attempt at a "natural light" shot but it doesn't capture all the colors as well. It's still kind of pretty though. This is just the pattern swatch to determine gauge and needle size, so I'm not really seeing much of a pattern develop, but I have 2 more repeats of the 8-row pattern and then I can start for real. The girl I work with says it just looks like a bunch of knots. Cool! That's definitely the look I was going for. If you've forgotten I'm making this with this beautiful silk. I really feel this pattern will show off the color changes. This pattern is from the good folks at Fiddlesticks Knitting. I'm debating about trying bamboo circs or something other than Addi's. I really like Addi's for socks, everything flows very smoothly with those needles and cables, but the points aren't very pointy. I think I might buy some bamboo circs this weekend and give it a shot. I was half tempted to stick my Addi in the pencil sharpener, but I'm thinking they wouldn't honor any warranty on it after that. But I thought about it.
As far as my sock pal sock, I'm just about to turn the heel on the second sock, so I'm hoping to have this puppy done by this weekend. That would be ahead of schedule, which is SO not like me, but hey, I'm working hard at it, and I am not allowing myself to start my shawl or any other socks till these babies are in a box, ready to mail. That's motivation in itself.
I'm really looking forward to the drop spindle class at Ewe-Nique Knits this weeekend. We have a few spots available still, so if anyone is interested in joining us let me or Amby know, we'll save you a seat! Luckily I talked her out of adopting a sheep yesterday, she's kinda scaring me with her intensity. I'm just not sure how she'd explain that to the neighbors, when she's out walking BaaBaa the Black Sheep. Great visual though!
Have a great day!
The first one shows the color definition pretty well, and the second picture was my attempt at a "natural light" shot but it doesn't capture all the colors as well. It's still kind of pretty though. This is just the pattern swatch to determine gauge and needle size, so I'm not really seeing much of a pattern develop, but I have 2 more repeats of the 8-row pattern and then I can start for real. The girl I work with says it just looks like a bunch of knots. Cool! That's definitely the look I was going for. If you've forgotten I'm making this with this beautiful silk. I really feel this pattern will show off the color changes. This pattern is from the good folks at Fiddlesticks Knitting. I'm debating about trying bamboo circs or something other than Addi's. I really like Addi's for socks, everything flows very smoothly with those needles and cables, but the points aren't very pointy. I think I might buy some bamboo circs this weekend and give it a shot. I was half tempted to stick my Addi in the pencil sharpener, but I'm thinking they wouldn't honor any warranty on it after that. But I thought about it.
As far as my sock pal sock, I'm just about to turn the heel on the second sock, so I'm hoping to have this puppy done by this weekend. That would be ahead of schedule, which is SO not like me, but hey, I'm working hard at it, and I am not allowing myself to start my shawl or any other socks till these babies are in a box, ready to mail. That's motivation in itself.
I'm really looking forward to the drop spindle class at Ewe-Nique Knits this weeekend. We have a few spots available still, so if anyone is interested in joining us let me or Amby know, we'll save you a seat! Luckily I talked her out of adopting a sheep yesterday, she's kinda scaring me with her intensity. I'm just not sure how she'd explain that to the neighbors, when she's out walking BaaBaa the Black Sheep. Great visual though!
Have a great day!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Done, duh-duh duh done!!
At least the first one is finished! Hooray for the small victories in life!
If you click on the second one to make it larger, you'll see the glimmer of the nylon thread at the heel and again at the toe. Very cool!! It was kind of a pain to work with, but if it makes
'em last longer, it's worth it!
I can't say it enough, I love this color and this pattern was very fun! I can't wait to make mine!!
If you click on the second one to make it larger, you'll see the glimmer of the nylon thread at the heel and again at the toe. Very cool!! It was kind of a pain to work with, but if it makes 'em last longer, it's worth it!
I can't say it enough, I love this color and this pattern was very fun! I can't wait to make mine!!As promised, here is a picture of my daughter's FIRST SOCK!! Did I mention she is only 10? She's putting me to shame, but I'm loving it and I'm SO proud of her accomplishment. 
Lookout world, she's well on her way!!
I'm off tomorrow, so I'll get to enjoy a nice long weekend. Happy Easter and God Bless!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Who blinked?
It's raining today. So much for the milder temps. I guess I should just get used to the "April showers bring May flowers" thing and suck it up. Except that means I'll actually have to start cutting the grass again. So NOT my favorite thing to do. It IS considered an aerobic workout though, since I live on a corner lot, with a large back yard, side yard, front yard and ditches to maneuver for some added fun! Still not looking forward to it though. I should get married, then I won't have to deal with that anymore. Someday....but not today.
Here's a progress shot of my sock pal sock. I would have finished them last night but I'm using nylon thread at the heel and toe, and it's so fine it slowed me down a bit on the toe, so all that's left is to Kitchener the toe. That will be handled tonight.
The second pic is kinda blurry, but shows the color more accurately than the first. I really like this pattern, it's fun, easy to memorize and moves rather quickly. Can't wait to see if the second sock goes as quickly. I would consider making a pair for myself in this pattern. I'm using Dale of Norway Baby Ull, and haven't even gotten thru the first skein yet, so buying 3 skeins was a great move, as I'll have enough left over to make myself a pair. Maybe I'll try toe up and then I can just knit till I run out. I'd be happy with a shorter sock in this great color.
Also, my 10 year old daughter completed her FIRST sock last night, I'll have to get a picture of her modeling it tonight. I'm so proud of her!! She cast on for the second one on our ride to school this morning, so she'll be sailing along on that one!
Have a great day!!
Here's a progress shot of my sock pal sock. I would have finished them last night but I'm using nylon thread at the heel and toe, and it's so fine it slowed me down a bit on the toe, so all that's left is to Kitchener the toe. That will be handled tonight.
The second pic is kinda blurry, but shows the color more accurately than the first. I really like this pattern, it's fun, easy to memorize and moves rather quickly. Can't wait to see if the second sock goes as quickly. I would consider making a pair for myself in this pattern. I'm using Dale of Norway Baby Ull, and haven't even gotten thru the first skein yet, so buying 3 skeins was a great move, as I'll have enough left over to make myself a pair. Maybe I'll try toe up and then I can just knit till I run out. I'd be happy with a shorter sock in this great color.
Also, my 10 year old daughter completed her FIRST sock last night, I'll have to get a picture of her modeling it tonight. I'm so proud of her!! She cast on for the second one on our ride to school this morning, so she'll be sailing along on that one!
Have a great day!!
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Spring Fever!
Is it just me, or does anyone else get "Spring Fever"? I can feel myself getting really antsy, like I need to do a complete "top floor to bottom floor" cleaning, or simply rearrange closets or do some crazy thing like yard work! I sit at work, staring out the window, and the beautiful weather (yes, it's still pretty here in the 'hood) and think "Where's my lawn chair? Why am I NOT outside?" Oh yeah, forgot, s'posed to be WORKING! Check.
Got a little knitting done this weekend.
This picture was from a few days ago. I only have about 3/4" left on the first sock now, then I decrease for the toe, and we all know, once it's that far, it's as good as done. I hope to cast on for the second sock before the weekend starts.
Want to send a little shout out to the nice folks at Ewe-Nique Knits (sure, they could be reading my blog...it could happen). I went there on Sunday with my daughter and the enabler Amby (thanks girlfriend) and bought some absolutely positively gorgeous 100% handpainted silk in an even gorgeous-er (yes, it's a word) colorway with my fave, purple all up in it!!
But even better, Marilyn, one of the owners took time away from her sale to have a one-on-one mini demonstration with my daughter on how to spin. It was so exciting to watch, and I couldn't help but appreciate the time and effort Marilyn put into showing my daughter about fiber, drop spindles, and even the spinning wheel. She spoke TO my daughter (who is only 10) and not THRU me to her. She treated her with the respect that we as adults would like receive. She didn't dismiss her as merely a child, but was caught up by her enthusiasm to learn something new. We are all very excited about taking a drop spindle class, and we're working to put something together soon. So any locals that are interested, drop me a line, and we'll put your name in. Amby is working on the same task so letting either of us know will work. Marilyn spoke at great length about the task of spinning dog hair, and since I have a Sheltie, we have an immediate source to learn spinning with. She was knitting up a scarf from some neighbor's dogs, and it was really cool to see it and handle it. And it didn't smell like anything, at all, which made it more appealing yet. My daughter (we'll call her K) K is already brushing the dog day and night. 
He'll either be bald by the weekend, or his poor body will start growing it back furiously to make up for all the loss. We'll see how it goes. Anyway, thanks again Marilyn, you were absolutely awesome to talk to. We'll be seeing you for sure!
I've been having incredible luck with personal service these days, let me tell you. After purchasing that gorgeous silk in that gorgeous-er color (see, the more you say it, the more natural it sounds) I went searching for the perfect shawl pattern to compliment the colors of the silk. I first thought about Adamus from Knit Picks, as I had my sights on this pattern originally as my "first shawl pattern". But after careful scrutiny and some outside opinions I didn't think this pattern would quite showcase the gorgeous-ness (it's spreading) of this yarn. So, then I went and looked at Peacock shawl from the good folks at Fiddlesticks Knitting and immediately fell in love with it. It would show the color changes beautifully and be challenging at the same time. The only problem I found was that it calls for 1260 yards of yarn and the skein I bought is 1093 yards. But after exchanging e-mails with the designer (yes, the ACTUAL designer herself) I think I can make certain adjustments and make it work. Because the designer (Dorothy Siemens) took the time to help me out with this, I HAD to give it a shot. I mean, talk about personal service, she definitely deserves my business! Can't wait to get the pattern.
And, speaking of designers, Marnie Mclean e-mailed me yesterday, and the pattern I test knitted for her is now PUBLISHED! Go check it out! She sent me my official Published copy and I'll be making the second one for myself. The first one is going to a friend of mine.
It's been a busy couple of days, and the week isn't even close to over yet! Get out and enjoy the sunshine. It's Michigan after all, blink and it might change!
Got a little knitting done this weekend.
This picture was from a few days ago. I only have about 3/4" left on the first sock now, then I decrease for the toe, and we all know, once it's that far, it's as good as done. I hope to cast on for the second sock before the weekend starts.Want to send a little shout out to the nice folks at Ewe-Nique Knits (sure, they could be reading my blog...it could happen). I went there on Sunday with my daughter and the enabler Amby (thanks girlfriend) and bought some absolutely positively gorgeous 100% handpainted silk in an even gorgeous-er (yes, it's a word) colorway with my fave, purple all up in it!!
But even better, Marilyn, one of the owners took time away from her sale to have a one-on-one mini demonstration with my daughter on how to spin. It was so exciting to watch, and I couldn't help but appreciate the time and effort Marilyn put into showing my daughter about fiber, drop spindles, and even the spinning wheel. She spoke TO my daughter (who is only 10) and not THRU me to her. She treated her with the respect that we as adults would like receive. She didn't dismiss her as merely a child, but was caught up by her enthusiasm to learn something new. We are all very excited about taking a drop spindle class, and we're working to put something together soon. So any locals that are interested, drop me a line, and we'll put your name in. Amby is working on the same task so letting either of us know will work. Marilyn spoke at great length about the task of spinning dog hair, and since I have a Sheltie, we have an immediate source to learn spinning with. She was knitting up a scarf from some neighbor's dogs, and it was really cool to see it and handle it. And it didn't smell like anything, at all, which made it more appealing yet. My daughter (we'll call her K) K is already brushing the dog day and night. 
He'll either be bald by the weekend, or his poor body will start growing it back furiously to make up for all the loss. We'll see how it goes. Anyway, thanks again Marilyn, you were absolutely awesome to talk to. We'll be seeing you for sure!I've been having incredible luck with personal service these days, let me tell you. After purchasing that gorgeous silk in that gorgeous-er color (see, the more you say it, the more natural it sounds) I went searching for the perfect shawl pattern to compliment the colors of the silk. I first thought about Adamus from Knit Picks, as I had my sights on this pattern originally as my "first shawl pattern". But after careful scrutiny and some outside opinions I didn't think this pattern would quite showcase the gorgeous-ness (it's spreading) of this yarn. So, then I went and looked at Peacock shawl from the good folks at Fiddlesticks Knitting and immediately fell in love with it. It would show the color changes beautifully and be challenging at the same time. The only problem I found was that it calls for 1260 yards of yarn and the skein I bought is 1093 yards. But after exchanging e-mails with the designer (yes, the ACTUAL designer herself) I think I can make certain adjustments and make it work. Because the designer (Dorothy Siemens) took the time to help me out with this, I HAD to give it a shot. I mean, talk about personal service, she definitely deserves my business! Can't wait to get the pattern.
And, speaking of designers, Marnie Mclean e-mailed me yesterday, and the pattern I test knitted for her is now PUBLISHED! Go check it out! She sent me my official Published copy and I'll be making the second one for myself. The first one is going to a friend of mine.
It's been a busy couple of days, and the week isn't even close to over yet! Get out and enjoy the sunshine. It's Michigan after all, blink and it might change!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Quickie post!
Just stopping in to post 2 FO's to my FO page. Go check em out. I also got a nice comment from Amy of Frottez, guess she keeps up on who's knitting her stuff. Hey, why not, I'd be interested too! Actually I knit 2 of her phone cases, one for me and one for my new friend Kimlien. She seemed very happy about it, and that's what I was going for!!
Going to another gymnastics meet tomorrow, which means lots of sitting around/waiting/knitting for me!! Hooray for being a mom!
Have a great weekend.
Going to another gymnastics meet tomorrow, which means lots of sitting around/waiting/knitting for me!! Hooray for being a mom!
Have a great weekend.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Sock update!
I'm not a procrastinator, I tell ya! I just sometimes get sidetracked and do everything but what I'm supposed to be doing. But here it is, proof that I've at least started my pal's socks.
I absolutely love the color of these socks and will have to pick up some more of this color for umm, MYSELF!! Yes, as a treat for a job well done of course.
I also made this snazzy little phone case for my new Razr, thanks to the design by Amy Polcyn. It came out so nice I made another one for a certain someone I know who happens to have ordered the same phone. I hope to surprise her/him with it this week!
Looky!
Mine is on the left and my friend's is on the right and missing a strap, but still very cute! I think my friend's came out better than mine, but I had practice! Hope my friend likes it!
And, for anyone who cares, here's my puppy. Ok Ok, he's almost 12, but he'll always be my puppy. His eye is doing much better, and he's pretty clean in this picture too!
Miles
I absolutely love the color of these socks and will have to pick up some more of this color for umm, MYSELF!! Yes, as a treat for a job well done of course.I also made this snazzy little phone case for my new Razr, thanks to the design by Amy Polcyn. It came out so nice I made another one for a certain someone I know who happens to have ordered the same phone. I hope to surprise her/him with it this week!
Looky!
Mine is on the left and my friend's is on the right and missing a strap, but still very cute! I think my friend's came out better than mine, but I had practice! Hope my friend likes it!
And, for anyone who cares, here's my puppy. Ok Ok, he's almost 12, but he'll always be my puppy. His eye is doing much better, and he's pretty clean in this picture too!
MilesI swiped the camera again, so I can go home tonight and take a few more pics of other finished items, like my sandal socks, with and without the sandals so I can finally shut up about them.
I just received an e-mail that I have 22 people signed up for my new aerobics class which starts Wednesday, and now with my blessing (and the fact I teach in a large gym) that could expand as high as 30 people!! Holy cow! Thank goodness I spent the weekend putting together a new routine, so my returning students won't be bored and so I can wow the new people into thinking I'm brilliant! Shhh, don't tell em the truth!
Have a great night everyone, and here's hoping Tuesday is better than my Monday has been!
