Knitter CNY

Interweave Sale

2012-01-20T21:09:00.003-05:00

Until January 24, 2012, Interweave is having a winter sale of up to 60% off. I just purchased the digital download of a Knitting Daily Workshop. The class is Knitting from the Top Down with Wendy Bernard. It includes the video class and two printable patterns. One pattern is for a cardigan and the other is for a pullover. I have been seriously considering buying the first Custom Knits book and thought about purchasing the digital download. It is normally $14.99, but was on sale for $7.47. Did I mention how much I like video classes on the computer when in Syracuse, New York it is "warming up" to 35 degrees F on Saturday?

Netflix streaming on the computer is also a favorite. I am on season 10 of SG-1. Next on the agenda is Stargate Atlantis and the 2nd and 3rd movies in the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo series. They are in Swedish, but that only adds to the plot. I read the first book and watched the first movie. Fantastic!

Snow!

2012-01-14T20:12:00.004-05:00

(I also posted this entry in the Knits Up? podcast group on Ravelry.com)

In Central New York, we had the first big snowfall of the season. Between Thursday night and this morning (Saturday), we got at least a foot of snow. I shoveled enough so I could get my Dad (whom I live with) could get the snowblower out. This snowblower is vintage. It was bought in 1978 which was the winter I was in second grade. Nothing runs like a Deere.

I spent the morning (okay I woke up at 11am) organizing my yarn stash. Wow, I have a lot of yarn. So 2012 will be the year of the stash. No new yarn purchases unless I can buy it at Joann's with the gift card my Dad got me for Christmas.

I have two large bins and one blanket chest sized bin which contain all the yarn. Okay, I don't count the WIP of the Webs sweater which is in my Hermosa bag. I also have two pairs of socks in progress.

Also on the circular needle, is my Skywalker Shawl in Berroco Alpaca Fine in the Potting Soil colorway. I am taking Laura Nelkin's Mastering Lace Shawls class on Craftsy.com. I know how to knit lace, but frankly, it is a very relaxing endeavor to knit a shawl and be able to see someone demonstrate a technique I am not familiar with.

I finally made a break for it this afternoon to get to a yarn shop and Walmart. I bought an Addi Turbo Lace Needle US size 5 in the 40 inch length and a KnitScene magazine which had three easy lace shawls. Walmart was the usual delight it is following a snowstorm. Screaming toddlers, people buying beer and shovels, but mostly just shoppers trying to avoid the mass of humanity that finally got out of their driveways.

What is everyone else working on?

The Winter Butterfly

2012-01-07T22:19:00.003-05:00

I started knitting a shawlette last night. The pattern I am using is The Monarch Shawl by Denise @ Lost City Knits. The yarn is Blind Buck Farm's yarn Fall. I bought one skein of this DK weight yarn at the New York Sheep and Wool Festival 2011 in Rhinebeck. I am through one of the three sections of the pattern and about half way through the second. It is a fast knit. I love the feel of the yarn which is 30% Mohair and 70% Romney Wool and is dense.

Better photos will be coming soon once the shawl is finished and blocked.

Buttons

2011-11-05T19:27:00.001-04:00

I shopped at Joann's today and bought buttons for two cardigans I knit this year. I came home and promptly lost the bag with the buttons in it. Much laundry will be done tomorrow night. The buttons will be found. The cardigans will be done and wearable.

Rip Roaring Time

2011-11-04T20:23:00.003-04:00

Timely advice: Read the pattern ALL the way through.

Eliminate the possibility that you will cast on half the stitches you really need for the baby hat you are knitting.

Luckily, I have time before tomorrow's baby shower. I am this far on the hat tonight.

Fishing (cast and recast)

2011-11-03T22:27:00.002-04:00

This is the sweater I started knitting again last night on US Size 8 needles. This development follows me ripping out the same sweater on US Size 10 needles that would have been a 12-18 month size rather than the 6-9 month size I wanted. The yarn is Bernat Mosaic in the psychedelic colorway.

Oh, and last night's project, that hat. Did I mention that I was knitting the pattern from the bottom to top instead of top to bottom? And that I read the last paragraph of the pattern that reads "continue to increase in the manner described" until you have DOUBLE the number of stitches I now have on the needles. 3 inches worth of stitches to be ripped out...... And the shower is Saturday night.......Maybe I will just mail the hat and booties for Christmas........

Baby Hat

2011-11-02T20:26:00.003-04:00

I started knitting a baby hat last night. The pattern is from Bernat. The yarn is Bernat Baby Stretch. It is mostly acrylic and cotton, but there is some elastic content so it will hug the baby's head. Another friend of mine is pregnant and due in December. We are having a small dinner/shower for her this weekend. Hopefully, I will be able to get this hat and maybe some matching booties finished up by then!

First of Many (early)

2011-10-31T19:12:00.002-04:00

I have decided to try and post each day in November for NaBlaPoMo. That is short for National Blog Posting Month. I am working on three pairs of socks, a baby hat, and a Baby Surprise Jacket.

I hope the daily posting will be helpful in my knitting progress.

Episode 15 - Hallow November

2011-10-30T23:53:00.000-04:00

Knits Up? Episode 14 - Trick or Treat

2011-10-22T18:49:00.001-04:00

Rhinebeck Report

2011-10-17T22:27:00.000-04:00

Episode 9 - Finished Objects

2011-08-21T21:51:00.001-04:00

Knits Up? - Update

2011-08-03T19:26:00.001-04:00

Click to Play

Patons Cardigan Book/ WIP's

Tags: knit, knitting, yarn, crafts, needlework

Knits Up? - Quickie

2011-07-23T17:23:00.001-04:00

Click to Play

Current projects and new haircut!

Tags: knit, knitting, needlework, crafts

IMG_0049[1]

2011-07-04T11:31:00.001-04:00

IMG_0049[1], a photo by knittercny on Flickr.

I am working on the Slinky Ribs pullover by Wendy Bernard from the book Custom Knits. It has very interesting construction. The yarn I am using is Patons Grace (100% cotton).

Episode 6

2011-06-19T22:39:00.001-04:00

Click to Play

Borrowed & Blue

Tags: knit, yarn, knitting, needlework, crafts

Episode 5 - What's Up, Flippy?

2011-06-13T22:13:00.001-04:00

Click to Play

What's up with this yarn? ; Finished objects, WIP's, and odd duck yarns.

Tags: knit, yarn, knitting, needlework, crafts

Sock Attack(WIP)

2011-06-10T18:16:00.004-04:00

I got done with the Braids Cardigan last night. It fits beautifully after I added about three inches of stitches picked up on the bottom hem. Now, it is tunic length and not waist length. Much better.

I am still exactly at the same point on the WendyKnits Summer Mystery Shawlette. That project will get broken out tomorrow probably for WWKIP. I am planning on hitting the gathering at a local yarn shop!

The other WIP that really needs attention is the second sock in Knitpicks Felici sportweight in the Sticks and Stones color way. The first sock is done. The second sock is mostly knit up to the heel.

Episode 4 - Vacation Knitting

2011-05-31T15:41:00.001-04:00

Click to Play

Planning Vacation Knitting. ;

Tags: knit, yarn, knitting, needlework, crafts

Episode 4 - Vacation Knitting

2011-05-31T14:11:00.001-04:00

Click to Play

Knit on your vacation? ;Tips on knitting on vacation and the usual WIP's, etc.

Tags: knit, yarn, knitting, needlework, crafts

Scooby Doo Shawl

2011-05-21T17:20:00.004-04:00

I am starting the WendyKnits Summer Mystery Shawlette. I am using Dream in Color Smooshy in the Strange Harvest colorway that I bought at Finger Lakes Fibers in Watkins Glen, New York about a year and a half ago.

I have already had to rip back two times on Clue 2. It is not the pattern, just me getting used to reading through all the directions carefully.

I bought this yarn originally to make some socks, but it just wasn't going to happen. The color is very odd so I am thinking about over dyeing the finished shawlette with a tea solution to make the green a little darker and less olive toned.

Anyone have any opinions or experience with dyeing with Tea?

Episode 3

2011-05-04T21:28:00.001-04:00

Click to Play

Lace & Shawls

Video Episode 2 of my podcast

2011-04-25T23:28:00.001-04:00

You can find show notes and knitsup.libysn.com.

Video Episode of my podcast

2011-04-06T22:28:00.002-04:00

Cardigan & Shawl

2011-02-06T14:42:00.006-05:00

Skacel has some beautiful yarns. The Opus One Cardigan in this video highlights the color change of the yarn. As a bonus, this pattern is available as a free download at Skacel's website.

The Tahki Stacy Charles Warren Two Way Jacket by Irina Poludnenko in the white thick and thin cotton Ripple is lovely. I love the way it looks like monochromatic scribble lace. The announcer tried like heck to hint to the model to turn over the jacket so the audience could see what it would look like that way. The model did not take the hint. The pattern is going to be available in the Urban Collection book.

Ruffles

2011-02-06T14:25:00.003-05:00

Two designs from the TNNA Spring Summer 2011 Fashion Show featured ruffles, but yet both were sophisticated.

The first was a dress from Louet designed by Trudy Van Stralen. The dress pattern is called Erica. As of yet, I cannot find it on Louet’s website. The yarn used was Euroflax. A small ruffle was at the lower hem. A three tiered ruffle was knit at the sleeves. The dress itself is beautiful, but what really works is that the ruffles highlight the drape of the linen based yarn.

The second design with ruffles is the Swing Crop Jacket by Andrea Babb. This design will be featured in the Spring 2011 issue of Interweave Knits. Watch the video to see how this garment moves. It’s really a beautiful spring jacket in Universal Yarns Fibra Natura Flax. It’s 100% linen so my guess is someone tried to steam the garment before it was photographed and it looks a little flat in the photos.

Highlights from the TNNA Spring Summer 2011 Fashion Shaw

2011-02-06T13:55:00.002-05:00

I started watching the videos posted by the Yarn Group on youtube.com for the TNNA Spring Summer 2011 Fashion Show. Over the new few posts, I will be highlighting designs and trends I took note of.

The two designs I really enjoyed were the Chris Blysma A Capella Wrap and the Fickle Knitter Shawl. Please note the announcer totally blew matching the description of the wrap and the actual garment on the runway. The pink shawl in the second group is the Fickle Knitter design.

I am linking to the garments below so you can find out where to get the pattern/yarn.

Chris Blysma Deisgns - A Capella Wrap and closeup of the wrap

(pattern available at local retailers or on Patternfish)

Fickle Knitter Design - Tree and Arbor Wrap

(list of retailers for Fickle Knitter patterns. For sale in Michelle Miller's Ravely.com store.)

Podcast & KAL

2010-06-27T08:45:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine who I teaching to knit wanted to knit a circular blanket. I suggested the Pi Shawl from Knitter's Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmerman. I started my EZ as Pi Blanket on Friday and as of today (Sunday), it is about 10 inches in diameter. The yarn is Moda Dea Sassy Stripes.

Then, I thought that this project would be great for a KAL for the Knits Up Podcast. So if you are interested, check out the podcast and the KAL thread on the Knits Up Podcast group on Ravelry.

Potsdam Socks

2010-06-24T21:11:00.003-04:00

I am working on socks for my cousin's daughter who is a music education major at Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. In the winter, Potsdam gets to be pretty cold. I am knitting a 64 stitch plain sock with a slip stitch heel and traditional shaping. The yarn I am using is Patons Kroy Socks Stripes in the Bronzed Berry Stripes colorway. I am almost to the toe of the first sock.

Coolest Thing EVER

2010-03-12T20:37:00.004-05:00

Okay, so I got my Lion Brand Yarn newsletter tonight. I liked one of the shawl photos so I decided to click on the link and take a look at the pattern. Much to my surprise and delight, the cool people at Lion Brand have added possibly the coolest app ever to their website. It's a detachable counter. A nifty little piece of software that replicates what a Kacha-Kacha Counter does with added features. The counter can be moved within the pattern you are working on and if your browser is cookie enabled, the website remembers where you moved the counter and what the count is at on it. This counter app is huge because if you have an internet enabled phone, netbook, laptop, or just knit at your computer like I do, you will never be lost again.
The Lion Brand Yarn regular site is linked here. Lion Brand's mobile site is linked here.

Cheers to Lion Brand Yarn!!!

Podcast Episode Idea

2009-10-13T17:02:00.000-04:00

I was thinking of doing an episode on planning the first sweater without an LYS. I would talk about how to find a free pattern, cheap, but nice yarn, and gauge, etc. Input anyone?

August (can't be August already)

2009-08-22T08:18:00.003-04:00

I have been working on the Cozy Cardigan from Bernat for awhile now. It is a free pattern, but you have to have a free membership to the Bernat site to download it. The back is done and I have started on one of the fronts. I was mistaken in thinking it was a drop sleeve design, though. The sleeves are actually set-in, which is a marvelous thing.

I also started a pair of socks last night from Patons Stretch Socks in the Plum colorway. I am using a free pattern for short-rowed heel socks from Joann.com.

New Episode and OTN

2009-07-27T21:56:00.003-04:00

I put up a new episode of my podcast Knits Up? on cables. I am trying to do episodes on a more regular basis. Anyone wanting to suggest themes for upcoming episodes, please check out the Knits Up? group on Ravelry.

OTN

BFF socks in Kertzer On Your Toes Bamboo in Lime. One sock is done. The second sock is half done.
Cozy Cable Cardigan in Bernat Denimstyle in burgundy. About 3 inches of ribbing on the back is done.
Ribbon Drop Stitch Scarf in Lion Brand Incredible. Pattern is in Knit Scarves by Candi Jensen.
Swallowtail Shawl in Schaefer Anne. It is 25% finished.

More Summer Knitting

2009-06-27T10:49:00.002-04:00

I have been working on the Swallowtail Shawl in Schaefer Anne which is a lovely combination. Also, the Cookie A. BFF Socks in S.R. Kretzer On Your Toes Bamboo in Lime Green are coming along. I have finished one sock and started on the other one.

On the needles, this weekend are washclothes. Sugar and Cream Yarn in the Jewels colorway

What I have been knitting

2009-05-30T08:59:00.003-04:00

I have been knitting. Honest......

I have been working on the Lucy Chemise Nightie by White Lies Designs. A friend of mine is getting married in two weeks and it is for her honeymoon. She picked the design when I was over at her house one night looking at patterns on Ravelry.

Her fiance picked the th-th-thong by White Lies Designs as his honeymoon pattern. I have the Cascade Fixation for his thong (something just sounds wrong with that statement....), but I haven't started it yet.....I am not anticipating that it will take that long. So it's not going to be a long thong. (I know I couldn't resist the bad pun. But it's okay because he doesn't have bad buns....OK, I am stopping now.)

No pictures of these projects.......must protect the privacy of the innocent.

Knits Up? Epsiode 9 - Tee Time

2009-03-20T22:15:00.003-04:00

The podcast does have a new permanent home at libsyn. The show notes will also be over on the Libsyn blog as well.

If you subscribe in Itunes and you want to be able to get the new feed, click on ADVANCED and then type this in the box that pops up: http://knitsup.libsyn.com/rss

On my needles: Bolero jacket for a friend's daughter.
Berroco Sox Socks

Episode 7 - Get Ready for Spring

2009-03-03T21:47:00.004-05:00

A new episode of Knits Up? will be available shortly. We are talking about getting ready for Spring.

OTN: I.O.U. Dad's Christmas Socks (1 is done. 2nd sock will be done soon).

Future projects: Patons Stretch Socks (My color is Plum)
Bernat Denimstyle Cardigan (My color was discontinued)
Maybe I will use the Bernat for Mr. Greenjeans

Inspiration: Socks in the City Podcast and Cosmic Fibers Yarn
The Painted Sheep and her Esty Shop

Music from the Podsafe Music Network:

Matthew Ebel "Lost My Way"

Brobdingnagian Bards "Tolkien: The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings"

One Row Scarf

2009-02-22T08:18:00.001-05:00

DCP_1792
Originally uploaded by knittercny

I have working on the YarnHarlot's One-Row Scarf. I knit a little bit every night. The yarn I used is Patons SWS (Soy Wool Stripes). The color changes are very beautiful. What projects has anyone else made with this yarn?

Dad's Christmas Socks

2009-02-22T08:14:00.001-05:00

DCP_1793
Originally uploaded by knittercny

I have been working on these socks since January. They are my father's I.O.U. Christmas Socks. They are knit 72 stitches around. The yarn I used was Patons Kroy Stripes.

Episode 6 - Valentine, Wedding, Heart & Love

2009-02-10T19:19:00.002-05:00

SHOW NOTES FOR EPISODE 6

White Lies Designs Lucy Chemise Nightie Shapely Tank

Be My Dishcloth by Kristen Patay

Valentine Hearts by HelloKnitty.com

Guideposts Sweater Project

Children in Common (socks for orphanages)

Music from the Podsafe Music Network

Brady Bastards

Benjy Davis Project "I Love You"

Collective Soul "All That I Know"

Episode 5 - January Knitting

2009-01-23T00:40:00.003-05:00

January Knitting

International Year of Natural Fibres

FAO Webcast

Knit Simple (magazine)

Creative Knitting (U.S. magazine)

Plymouth Yarn Co.

TLC Cotton Plus

Patons Kroy

Music is from the Podsafe Music Network

Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving by Brady Bastards

The Alien, The Sheep And Stanley Kubrick by T. Randolph Scott

Spinning My Wheels by Dan Montgomery

Episode 4 - New Knit Year

2009-01-08T19:47:00.003-05:00

Episode 4 is here! The audio levels should be a little louder.

My knitting resolutions this year are to cast on and knit the Braids Cardigan with TLC Cara Mia (Nylon, Acrylic, Angora, Rayon) . Also, I want to knit a cabled cardigan with Bernat Denimstyle.

Top Ten Things a Knitter Needs

Space Bags
Ravelry.com
Join a Knitting Group (Guild or Social Knitting Group)
Tape Measure and Set of Current Measurements
Notebook
Knitting from the Top Down by Mary Walker
Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmmerman
"Ample Knitter"
Design Program (Knitware, Sweater Wizard)
Microsoft Excel, Graph Paper
LYS Name, Address, and Phone Number
Favorite Easy Knitting Project (for when you are sitting and waiting)
MP3 Player with good knitting podcasts (or computer)

Music from the PodSafe Music Network

Introverted iNtuitive Feeling Perceiving by Brady Bastards

Ordinary Day by Great Big Sea

New Years Resolution by Chris Ayer

What are your knitting resolutions for 2o09? Leave me a comment.

New Year Resolutions

2008-12-31T19:13:00.002-05:00

I am in the process of working on Episode 4 for the podcast. The sound levels have to be adjusted, however, so it will come out sometime in the next week or so.

On the hook, I have the camouflage afghan for my friend's son. I am on the fourth and final skein of yarn......thank goodness. Then, I have to start working on knitting a pair of socks for my father. I gave him an IOU for socks for Christmas. There are three skeins of black Patons Kroy that should work well for this project.

I still have two shawls to work on. The Swallowtail in Schaefer Anne. A plain triangle shawl in Joann's Sensations Rainbow Boucle in scarlet.

What projects are you all starting in the new year? Or what projects do you have left from 2008 to finish? Leave me a comment.

Episode 3 Hurry Up Christmas

2008-12-16T22:10:00.003-05:00

In this episode, it is all about the OOOOOHHHHH. That would be, oh, I didn't get the gift done. My plan for knitting gifts has gone awry. OH NO, what do I knit now? Or what can I make now?

Music is from the Podsafe Music Network

Let It Go by Great Big Sea

Had a Plan, Had to Change It (Blues Instrumental) by Derek K. Miller

Christmas in the Country by Codie Prevost

Hurry Up Christmas Ideas

Ribbed Beanie from Woolie Wormhead

************************************************************************************* Short Kid Afghan (the afghan I was working on during the podcast)

US Size 15 Needles (10 mm)
Hold Two strands of Worsted Weight Yarn TOGETHER throughout entire afghan
Gauge - Not really that important

Cast on 84 stitches
Knit 7 Rows
Row 8: Knit 3 stitches, Purl until before last 3 stitches, Knit 3 stitches
Row 9: Knit all stitches
Repeat Rows 8 and 9 until afghan is almost as tall as the kid.
Repeat Row 8 for 1 row
Knit 7 Rows
Bind off.
Drink hot chocolate and repeat "Next year, I will start knitting in June......"
*************************************************************************************

Dishcloth Boutique. Site is full of dishcloth and towel patterns
Glycerin Soap Article

LorAnn Oils

Basic Soapmaking Kit from LorAnn Oils (about $15 US)

Episode 2 - Socks

2008-11-16T21:55:00.004-05:00

Thanks for listening! Here are links for the yarns, techniques, and music in this episode.

Double Pointed Needles

Two Circular Needles (from Cat Bordhi)

The Magic Loop

Cuff Down Method

Toe Up Method

Provisional Cast Ons (from Knitting Daily TV)

Judy's Magic Cast On

Cat Bordhi

Kertzer On Your Toes Sock Yarn

Cascade Fixation (note: under the name of the yarn is the link to the free patterns)

Elann Esprit

Alan Lauris - No Matching Socks (from the Podsafe Music Network)

Podcast

2008-11-09T23:06:00.004-05:00

So I have started a podcast. Knits Up? I apologize in advance for the audio quality. The technical staff (me) will be working on improving that aspect of the podcast. See below for a list of links to things, websites, and people I mention in the show.

Me on Ravelry.com

Lion Brand Diagonal Baby Blanket

Cast On

Lime and Violet

Knitmore Girls

Yarn Harlot

Wendy Knits

Knit and Tonic

The Panopticon

Lightbox - My version

Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework

Elizabeth Zimmerman and Meg Swansen

Big Knits (Dawn French)

Knitted Tams (Mary Rowe)

Post in Progress

2008-11-07T19:41:00.002-05:00

I am working on a few projects right now. I haven't been able to knit for approximately 2-3 months due to work-related injury. Now, I am taking it very easy and knitting only limited amounts of time.

Projects I have started:

1) Hat for my boyfriend's birthday. We went out in college and a few years after college. Been friends for the last 3 years and saw each other again over the summer at our class reunion. It was like we were in college all over again. Google eyed and in love. He is so cute and approved the yarn via cellphone pictures.

2) Blanket for a friend who just had a baby. It's a boy so blue Lion Brand Homespun is the name of the game.

3) The Swallowtail shawl is hibernating right now. I am hesitant to work on any project with fine yarn.

4) Another mohair shawl is on the needles. It is knit from Reynolds Fusion which changes color as you knit. The first shawl came out well and all it took was two skeins.

4) I have three afghans on the needles for a friend and his two children who moved into a new home over the summer. He is holding my lap quilt hostage at his house (I left it there) until I get at least of the afghans done. They are all on large needles and I will work on them as I get projects done.

CHRISTMAS KNITTING

1) Calorimetry (from Knitty) is going to be for for the women in the family.
2) Fetching (from Knitting) will supplement the women who don't get a calorimetry.
3) Boys and girls (my cousins' children) will get hats.
4) Guys (uncles and the like) - don't know yet.....any suggestions faithful readers?

Summer of 1,000 projects

2008-08-09T08:46:00.002-04:00

I have startitis this summer. The condition tragically appears anytime I am halfway through another project. Let's count:

1) Swallowtail Shawl from Schaefer Anne (reds and purples) 25% done
2) Alpaca Scarf from yarn I bought at a garage sale for 50 cents - 85% done
3) Afghan for my friend's daughter from Lion Brand Homespun - 20% done
4) Afghan for my friend from Red Heart Plush in several autumn colors - 4.5 inches - I may frog this one and go for knitting it in strips on the Bond and just crocheting the strips together with some varigated TLC essentials that is a fall medley.
5) On your toes bamboo socks - using Broadripple right now.
6) Several other sock projects that need to be completed before cold weather sets in.

I should take some pictures and update my Ravelry page too. I am Knittercny on Ravelry by the way.

July Knitting

2008-07-13T22:48:00.002-04:00

I have a bunch of projects I need to start working on and a bunch I actually have started. 3 or 4 afghans for a friend and his children who are moving into a new house next weekend. I started a shawl for myself out of Schaefer Anne. I have started the Swallowtail Shawl. And I have to rip out a couple of repeats. It got screwed up two repeats (12 rows) back and I almost could let it go, but not quite.

The bamboo socks are stalled. I tried to start the BFF socks pattern by Cookie A., but I chose too large of a size.

So in other words, it is going to be a rip-roaring time at my house.

Summer Knitting

2008-05-30T18:25:00.002-04:00

We've officially started summer. I haven't posted for a long time due to the all emcompassing involvement with Ravelry. I'm KnitterCNY on Ravelry by the way.

Right now, I've started knitting a pair of socks with Kertzer On Your Toes Bamboo in a lime color. I have recently learned how to knit with two circular needles so I am using Knitpicks 2.25 mm 24 inch needles. The cable is supple and flexible and I haven't lost them like I usually do with double points.

The guild is going well. Our last meeting before the summer break will be on June 14th and is a show & share. I'm going to to take some digital picutres for people and email them if they don't have a digital camera.

The CNY Ravelers group is also pretty active. They are planning a gathering for World Wide Knit in Public Day on June 14th at Carousel Mall. It's just getting together and hanging out and knitting. Very cool. I will have to be a little late due to the knitting guild meeting being the same day in Baldwinsville.

I am also planning to use some of the Bernat Denimstyle in my stash to make a sweater. I want to plan to make a cardigan. I have switched to some of the lighter yarns to get more into summer knitting.

What are you working on for summer knitting? Please feel free to leave a comment.

Origami Sweater Part Two

2008-02-24T15:28:00.002-05:00

About a month back, I started the Origami Sweater by Diane Piwko of InKnitters (Spring 2006 issue). I thought, it's for a baby, let's make it out of acrylic. Umm, not so much. I got about half-way through the first panel and literally threw it in a chair for a timeout. The yarn was Moda Dea Sassy Stripes. Though this yarn in another color way is coming out beautifully for some socks I'm knitting, as a baby sweater, I hate the feel of the yarn. I switched to wool. Before you say, oh no, not wool for a baby. This is washable wool. The sweater is for a my cousin's new baby daughter who will probably be wearing a onesie next to her skin and the wool is soft. It's some Rowan Designer DK that I had in my stash in a beige color and some purple. My cousin's husband and father both work at Olivet Nazerene University. The colors of the university just happen to be purple and gold. Now, not having any gold yarn, I'll settle for beige. I started the sweater over again on Friday and I am almost done with the first of two panels. Pictures to come soon!

Friendly Cardigan & Origami Sweater

2008-01-27T22:38:00.000-05:00

I have started a sweater for a good friend who has been bugging me for two months. Every time I walk into his house, he asks, "Where is my cardigan?". I had knit Christmas gifts for him, his wife, and daughter plus my two other guy friends and their kids. Those gifts were pretty successful so I thought, what the heck, I'll knit a cardigan. This friend seemed to me to need a classic cardigan, I thought, My Three Sons, Father Knows Best. The next step was to scourer the extensive magazine collection I have. I finally found the pattern in an old Family Circle Easy Knitting magazine (Fall 1996). It is a shawl collar cardigan by Dawn Brocco. Originally shown as a plaid check in Donegal Tweed, I chose to knit it in Lion Brand Woolease in the Autumn colorway. Okay, so let's review. A 12 year old magazine and a yarn who's colorway has been discontinued. I bought the yarn at least 5 years ago. And weirdly, I had 10 skeins and was looking on the wire shelving in my apartment and came across an 11th skein. The pattern is wonderful because it is knit from the bottom up all in one piece. The sleeves are picked up at the armholes and knit down to the cuffs. In other words, I DON'T HAVE TO SEAM ANYTHING!!! YEAH!!!!

In other news, I have finally started the Origami Sweater. I am referring to an article by Diane Piwko, editor of InKnitters magazine, from the Spring 2005 issue. This magazine is no longer being published. Last year, when my local knitting guild was looking into starting a KAL, I emailed Diane Piwko about the article because I found it an interesting concept and thought it would be a great stash-buster. She very kindly emailed back and gave me permission to photocopy 25 copies of the article so our guild members could knit this sweater. Basically, it is two parallelograms and clever folding to get a cool sweater. I started the 6 month old size for my cousin's new baby. I am using Moda Dea Sassy Stripes in the Stormy colorway. This yarn is 100% acrylic and I figured it would be good for being washed and dried by machine. The guild will have a meeting to update our progress on this pattern and bring our sweaters to admire in either March or April depending on our schedule. Hopefully, our members will allow some photos of the sweaters to be taken so we can share them on the guild website.

Quick Cardigan

2008-01-02T23:42:00.000-05:00

I wanted to start on a quick cardigan using some of my stash yarn. I had started a side to side cardigan a few years ago with Lion Brand Al-pa-ka (discontinued) in Black and Oxford Tweed (grey/black twist). I am frogging it and using a strand of each color to make a raglan cardigan. The pattern I am knitting is from the Lion Brand website. I am using size US 10 needles because I tend to knit quite loosely. I have knitted this pattern in the past in Lion Brand Woolease Chunky and it turned into a cozy sweater.

Christmas Wrap-up/Pointercounts!

2007-12-23T20:06:00.000-05:00

I've been blogging almost a year.....amazing......

Lately, I haven't been posting too much due to the ease of Raverly. However, I'd like end the year with a project wrap-up. I started the blog last year to keep track of what I was knitting and document my progress. Well, in that regard, it has been a success. I'm still working on one Christmas present, but it doesn't have to be done until December 29th, when my extended family gathers for our celebration. My cousin's daughter (in 7th grade) asked me for a shawl at Thanksgiving. (I picked her name in the gift exchange). A teenager who wants a shawl. Apparently, the ones I made for my two aunts are in demand once the cold weather hits. I'm using Lion Brand Homespun (French Provincial - discontinued colorway) from my stash.

Ah, yes, let's discuss the stash. And the purchases. Only sock yarn. Jawoll Cotton for the purple socks. The swap & sale at guild (Cascade 220, Classic Elite Applause) bought with proceeds of yarn I sold (therefore I don't think it really counts)....... Schaeffer Anne (again SOCK YARN) bought on sale in November at a yarn shop in Skaneateles. Some Patons Merino for Christmas gifts.

Finally, just yesterday, Moda Dea Sassy Stripes from ......get this......Real Deals Dollar Store in North Syracuse (near Ponderosa). I'm going to make socks out of it. For those considering, do I want to purchase $1 yarn and what would I make with it? Okay, it's only in the Stormy colorway.......black and white.......and here's a new free shawl collared cardigan pattern from Moda Dea from bust size 39 - 55 1/2 inches. You can make a sweater for less than $12 for the largest size.

Finally, the fun. I've been enjoying the new CNY Raverly group. Thank you Marcela for the Socks that Rock Yarn. I've got the RPM Socks queued for this yarn.

I've also been meeting with the Syracuse Knitorious Chicks with Sticks group on Monday nights at the Wegmans in Liverpool. Lots of laughter and cool projects to admire.

The Twisted Stitches Knitting Guild of CNY is also a regular event in my knitting life. Last meeting, we met over at the Manlius Library. Cool place, they even have a coffee bar......in the Library!!! Then, a few of us checked out Donna Rapp's shop In-Stitches. Very cool! I finished my dad's Christmas socks! On Your Toes DK weight.....yeah!

Check out the Twisted Stitches Website for links and addresses for the groups and shop mentioned in my post.

And now, for some shameless promotion........Are you looking for good music? Why not give it the old college try? The Evolution CD from the SUNY Potsdam Pointercounts is available for only $15. They are a not-for-profit A capella group. A few of the tracks from the CD are on their myspace site. My cousin's son is a proud member of this group and I got to see them in concert last week on their winter tour. They were giving concerts at many New York state schools and gave a public concert in DeRuyter, NY. Nicest bunch of guys you could ever meet.

October Sky

2007-10-22T21:23:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that I haven't posted since August! Ravelry.com has been getting regular updates. What have I been doing? Ummm, 2 Twisted Stitches Knitting Guild of CNY meetings. Monday night gatherings of the Syracuse Knitorious Chicks with Sticks at Wegmans in Liverpool.

I went to the Alpaca Festival at the state fairgrounds in Syracuse on Saturday. Alpacas are incredibly cute. I watched a few of the competitions. The judges explained how they determined the placement of the winners. Microns of thickness of the coat, how close to type the alpaca was, etc. It was all a little beyond me. I also did some shopping. Very nice yarn. I ended up buying some balls of fingering weight alpaca for two pairs of socks. The natural color is already starting to be knit up.

I've also been working on a Brea Bag from Berroco.com http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/brea/brea.html with some wool I bought at the guild's first swap and sale at the September meeting.

A Month?

2007-09-09T18:20:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that I haven't posted in a month! Did anyone out there miss me? Okay, all 2 of you, thanks.....

What have I been knitting? Well, if you are on Ravelry, you can see what I've been knitting. I finished the purple Jawoll cotton socks. I picked up a hibernating UFO, a prayer shawl in Lion Brand Homespun. I, of course, misread the pattern and made a 3 by 3 rib....... I am just finishing it this evening.

Monkey socks - What can I say, Cookie A. is a great designer. The pattern looks complicated. It isn't. I love it them! I am using Zitron Trekking XXL that I bought over 2 years ago at New York Knits in Victor, NY. NYK is a great shop. The store has a lot of yarn and a lot of patterns. Everything in stock is current. The owner and staff are friendly. When I visited, one of the staff and I sat down at the table and talked about shops in Syracuse. New York Knits has a store online, too.

Twisted Stitches Knitting Guild of CNY had its first meeting of the year. The first Yarn Swap and Sale was terrific! I sold some yarn that I was never going to use. I purchased some great yarn, too. Good quality wool for some Christmas projects. We

We Forge Ahead

2007-08-05T21:57:00.000-04:00

I visited Old Forge, New York this weekend. It is a lovely tourist town in the Adirondack Region of NY. And of course, it has a yarn store. You've heard of yarn stores inside of book stores (Village Yarn Store in Rochester), but have you ever visited a yarn store in a hardware store? Well, if you shop at Old Forge Hardware http://www.oldforgehardware.com/knitting.html
you will be treated to a wonderful experience. Old Forge Hardware is an institution in town from all I can figure. Unbelievably packed with hardware, fishing, furniture, candy, books, and everything else under the sun, the yarn shop is a wonderful jewel. The yarn selection is excellent and variable in type and price point. You can find everything from dishcloth cotton, Sirdar, Mountain Colors Sock Yarn, Brown Sheep, Cascade Ecowool, Patons, Noro, Great Adirondack Yarn Co. to Manos de Uruguay. A huge selection of DVDs, books, and patterns is also available. I talked briefly with the lady who runs the shop (sorry I didn't get her name) and she is aware of current trends, yet walks a fine line to appeal to all knitters and crocheters who visit the store. The yarn store has struck that balance well. Friendly service is a hallmark that will make loyal customers from first time visitors. I didn't buy any yarn, but boy it was tempting! I instead bought a pattern book http://www.patonsyarns.com/patternbook.php?PBS=500838%20&PHPSESSID=5504a34671308e39d3c8cc83a117db61 I have been eying online. I also bought a Regia pattern leaflet with both traditional heel flap and short-rowed heel construction. Here are some photos to tempt you.

Finishing School

2007-07-29T22:37:00.000-04:00

Things are moving along. I can't believe it's almost August! The Shapely Tee is done.
The photo doesn't do the sweater justice. It actually fits very well and looks like it's supposed to.

Also, the Six-Sox Knit-along (Yahoo Group) Victorian Lace Socks are coming along well. I actually finished the first one today. This sock is knitted from the yarn I dyed with Wilton Icing Colors earlier this summer. Yes, I know the new pattern comes out on August 1st.

I, umm, also have another yarn confession......I bought yarn..... Sock yarn......Tofutsies in Cherrybark. It's pretty. Judy at Knitting Connection in East Syracuse had some balls of it. Then, Judy showed me the Colinette Jitterbug she has hanging on the wall behind the counter. The colors are so bright and saturated. Pretty. I wasn't ready to buy any more yarn right at that moment. So I did the next best thing. I went home and emailed a knitting buddy about it. It's called enabling and it's a wonderful thing.....Let's practice it now. E-N-A-B-L-I-N-G ! Here's the link so you can see the shade cards online. http://www.colinette.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=1546ad51360b1a2/shopdata/0020_yarns/0007_wools/0005_jitterbug/full_range.shopscript

Where in the world is KnitterCNY?

2007-07-18T21:35:00.001-04:00

I haven't posted in a long time. I've been working on a crocheted afghan out of two strands of Lion Brand Homespun with a Q hook. It was supposed to be a wedding present for my cousin, who got married last weekend. Umm, it's looking like it's more of an after-honeymoon present. Hopefully, I can get it done soon so I can go back to the Shapely Tee. And then there are those Six-Sox Victorian Lace Socks (ah, carumba).

I am also going to be attending the first meeting of the CNY Ravelers group this Saturday. Yeah! And the Twisted Stitches Knitting Guild picnic is on Sunday.

Attractions for CNY Knitters and Spinners

2007-06-26T06:25:00.000-04:00

Summer is the time for road trips. In addition to the joy of finding a new local yarn shop, there are also several nearby attractions for knitters and spinners in the Central and Southern Tier areas of NYS.

One very interesting site is the Bemont-Billings Homestead in Newark Valley, NY. My family hails from this hometown so pardon me for boasting. The museum is run by the local historical society. The best time to go is usually on a big festival weekend. http://www.nvhistory.org/festivals.shtml
The Apple Festival in the fall is a lot of fun. Bring your kids for hands-on craft activities. The museum works with the local school system to train "youth interpreters" who learn traditional activities (driving a pony car, baking bread, weaving, etc.) and then run the booths for craft activities for the kids attending the festival. Usually, the Apple Festival also has demonstrations from the local Blacksmithing and Spinning Guilds. The town is easy to find. If you are coming from Syracuse or Ithaca, Newark Valley is approximately 45 minutes south of Dryden on Route 38. From Binghamton area, go over Route 38B and head north on Route 38.

A little farther south, in Orwell, PA is the Home Textile Tool Museum. http://www.hometextiletoolmuseum.org/.
This museum is of special interest to spinners and weavers. There are at least 5 barn looms which are available for demos by the staff. When I visited 3 years ago, I was invited to "sit down and try it" (a barn loom) under the supervision of museum volunteers. This aspect is unique to any museum I have been in. The museum also hosts a collection of historic spinning wheels. If you are a spinner or a knitter, bring your wheel and/or project and a lawn chair with you. It is not uncommon to see people just having a great time socializing on the side lawn. The day I visited happened to be a spin-in by the local spinning guild, some of the nicest people I have met. You may want to contact the staff before your visit to see if any of this information has changed recently. The staff is very knowledgeable. They are spinners, weavers, and many times, teachers in the local area. When I was there, a great wheel was being demonstrated as a well as a spinning wheel with a willow distaff.

Shed a little light on the knitting

2007-06-16T17:29:00.000-04:00

I have not be satisfied with the quality of my blog photos. It's hard to capture knitting images well. That was until I came upon the following article. http://wikiknitting.com/wiki/How_to_Take_Detailed_Photos_of_your_Knitting

I didn't have tracing paper so I substituted wax paper. This photo is my light box.

I also used a mini-tripod on my Kodak Digital Camera. The mini-tripod was included in the Kodak Digital Camera Support set which I bought at Target for $9.99. The set also included 4 AA rechargeable batteries, a charger, and lens cleaner with cloth.

The closeup is of the short rows on my Shapely Tee at the bust line.

I have started knitting the back of the Shapely Tee. The Lion Brand Microspun is a lovely yarn to knit with on the Addi Turbo circular needle.

Projects Progress

2007-06-06T23:39:00.000-04:00

I have actually been making some progress on two projects. First, I had been knitting on the Jawoll Cotton Socks. It's my all purpose Ann Norling pattern. I had gotten to the gusset and realized I forgot to use the reinforcing thread in the heel. Rip, rip, rip. I worked on it tonight at the Meetup.com Syracuse group

I have also been knitting on the White Lies Designs Shapely-Tee in Lion Brand Microspun. The front is the first part to be worked in the pattern. There are short rows at the bottom. Then, there is a straight section. Following that, the pattern calls for some hour glass shaping. I am not up to the short rows for the bust yet, but will be quite soon. I am hoping this sweater will actually be done sometime before July. It seems to be very quick knitting. The microspun yarn is nice to work with and yes, I am using an Addi Turbo Circular needle.

Skeins and Sweater

2007-06-02T19:19:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, I finally got all the skeins of yarn dry. Somehow, as I wound up the 100% merino, it coiled itself around my arm. I would like to introduce you all to my new pet,
Rainbow The Skein.

Seriously, I spend Friday afternoon and most of Saturday winding the dyed yarn into balls. I've found out two things. First, I could use a ball winder (mabye in the future - most of the yarn I use is pre-skeined). Second, a Mrs. Dash container makes a lovely cylinder to wind yarn around.

I have cast on the Shapely-Tee from White Lies Designs. I am using Lion Brand Microspun in Turquoise. If you look at the right of the photo, you can sort of see the short rows used in the pattern to give the shirttail edge. http://www.whiteliesdesigns.com/patterns/lpullovers/fbd.html

Dried Frosting

2007-05-28T19:26:00.000-04:00

The yarn finished drying and this is what it looks like. The upper left skein is superwash wool/nylon. The upper right skein is merino wool/silk. The lower rainbow colored skein is 100% merino. I was showing them to someone tonight and the blue from the silk blend started to come off a little bit on my fingers so I have put all 3 skeins into the washer in a water and vinegar bath to soak for a while. Hopefully, that will fully set the colors and then I'll just dry them again.

Summer Knitting

2007-05-26T21:45:00.000-04:00

There is a contest for summer knitting goals which is being sponsored by Ali at Skeins Her Way.
http://www.skeinsherway.com/2007/05/pre-summer-contest.html is the link to her page about the contest. My knitting goals for this summer are:

1) Try sock knitting with Magic Loop or two circulars using a toe-up pattern. I will probably use some of my Wilton dyed yarn for this project.

2) Knit the Shapely Tee by Joan McGowan-Michael for myself. http://www.whiteliesdesigns.com/patterns/lpullovers/fbd.html I started this project Friday night using Lion Brand Microspun. I am using black at the bottom and turquoise on top.

3) Finish the three pairs of socks I started (Moda Dea Sassy Stripes, Jawoll Cotton, and Fostissima 6-ply)

Frosting

2007-05-26T19:08:00.000-04:00

I've always liked the movie "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days". There is a line that is "Frost Yourself" referring to a proposed diamond marketing campaign aimed at women. However, I can't afford diamonds so how about Wilton Frosting colors and sock yarn?

The sock yarn is from Knitpicks http://knitpicks.com/dye+your+own+knitting+yarn_YL300110.html and is a gift for my birthday from my Dad. The yarns are all called "Bare" and a fingering weight:
1) 70% Merino Wool, 30% Silk
2) 75% Superwash Wool, 25% Nylon
3) 100% Merino Wool

I have learned a couple of things doing this project. One, when attempting to reskein yarn to be a longer length, don't, I repeat, don't forget to roll it into a ball first. Should you try to do this outside by winding from one crossbar of the clothesline to the other and end up with a tangled mess which takes an hour to straighten out, make sure the neighbors aren't out. My dad's neighbor was quite amused when she asked me, "What the heck are you doing?" When I finally got that first skein tied up and removed from the clothesline, I decided that the other skeins could be dyed just fine the way they came from Knitpicks. In the photo above, the clothesline skein is the one on the left. That skein is also featured in the first photo. Kind of a rainbow look.

The yarn didn't quite come out the way I had envisioned it. The colors are more landscape and sky colors than if I had used Jacquard dye. I used Wilton dye because it's cheap and I can use the containers and microwave after I use them. I will have to wait a couple of days while the skeins dry and then I will take another photo for you.

Socks a plenty

2007-05-17T18:28:00.000-04:00

On Monday and Wednesday nights, I went out to knit with the groups I belong to. I worked on the purple socks out of Jawoll Cotton that I bought at Mission Rose Quiltery.

At home, I've been working on the 6 ply Socka Colori Socks. This view is from the front. I like the way it's knitting up.

Sock and Trips

2007-05-03T19:58:00.000-04:00

I finished the Cascade Fixation socks on Tuesday night. They are here.

Last night, I went out with the Syracuse Meetup.com group to Panera. There were three of us, but it was a lot of fun. I think I reknit the same two inches of sport weight sock three times.

I came home from work sick today and am just working on sewing up spring sweaters tonight while watching tv.

I am looking forward to summer being around soon. I have blogged about Fingerlakes Fibers in Watkins Glen, NY. They have information about Fiber Tours up on their website http://www.fingerlakesfibers.com/tour.php

Fixated on Socks

2007-04-22T18:32:00.000-04:00

You may not remember this sock. (yes the photo is upside down - the sock looks better that way....) It's Cascade Fixation (cotton with a small bit of elastic). I am using a Cascade pattern called the Lacy Cable Sock. I knit the heel flap, turned the heel, and have started on the gusset. The pattern calls for the cables to be carried down each slide of the heel flap. Very pretty. I am using Crystal Palace bamboo double points US 5.

I sat out in my father's backyard on a Sunday afternoon enjoying the sunshine. Last Monday, our area had power outages because of the heavy snow (12 inches in some places). We have a saying about CNY weather, "Wait 5 minutes, it'll change." Enjoy the crocuses (or croci) in the back garden as well!

One Sock, Two Sock

2007-04-19T20:12:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's only really one sock. I kitchnered (is that a word?) the toe on Wednesday night while watching Lost on tv. The other sock is on the needles and I'm past the ribbing. I am using US 1 double points. I am a very loose knitter. Just to remind you, this is the Jaywalker pattern http://www.magknits.com/Sept05/patterns/jaywalker.htm

On Monday and Wednesday nights, I went out to knit in public. Monday was the Knitorious Chicks with Sticks (Syracuse, NY). http://groups.msn.com/KnitoriousSyracuseChicksWithSticks Very cool group of ladies with beautiful yarns and projects. We met at the local Wegmans (cool grocery store/candy store/coffee bar/oh they have knitting magazines!!!)

Wednesday night was the new Meetup.com knitting group (Syracuse, NY). A group of 8 showed up for the first gathering at a local Panera. Many different levels of experience and again, beautiful yarns and projects. The group is hoping to meet once a month.

It's been a lot of fun. Knitting can be a little solitary and it helps to get out with people who share your obession. As I said to someone at the guild meeting on last weekend, we want you to join the cult......lol

Diet is Die with T

2007-04-15T15:43:00.000-04:00

Okay, I admit it..... I bought sock yarn (2 skeins - only 1 is pictured below)
1) It's pretty (purple is my favorite color).
2) It's spring sock yarn (cotton/wool/nylon). I don't have any sock yarn except 100% wool in my stash.
3) I haven't been to a yarn store for 8 months. I spent way to much time picking up and putting down many skeins of yarn. (Online sock yarn, Claudia's Handpaints, Lorna's Laces, and Schaefer). I think I was very restrained.
4) It comes with free reinforcing thread.
5) Wendyknits.net "rules" allow sock yarn.
6) It cost $15. Cheaper than a movie and popcorn these days.

Okay, enough rationalizing. It's Lang Yarns Jawoll Cotton Jacquard (49% wool/35% cotton/16% nylon). AND IT'S MINE, MINE, ALL MINE!!!!

Jaywalkers Continued

2007-04-10T19:24:00.000-04:00

I celebrate Easter and enjoyed a family dinner. My cousin's daughter received her knitted gift from me. The shrug I was working on just didn't get finished in time or look just right. I gave her the Farmhouse Yarns Poncho which she really liked.

I am still working on the Jaywalkers and have turned the heel. I have picked up stitches for the foot and will be working the gussets. Here is a picture:

Weekend Knitting

2007-03-25T21:12:00.000-04:00

I have been working on the Jaywalkers this past week and I am about 1/2 inch shy of the heel.

I have also been knitting a shrug for my cousin's daughter who just turned 18 and was the lead in the spring musical at her high school. The shrug pattern is free from Caron in Shadows in the color Martis Grey. You can find the pattern here:
http://caron.com/projects/shadows/sss_shrug.html

Pictures!!

2007-03-21T18:25:00.000-04:00

I have been knitting away on the Jaywalkers. The SWTC Bamboo Lace Scarf is almost completed. A friend at work gifted me with a digital camera she and her husband no longer use. I thanked her profusely and am planning on posting lots of photos to this blog.

Ock! More Socks!

2007-03-18T16:48:00.000-04:00

I started working on Jaywalkers by Grumperina http://www.magknits.com/Sept05/patterns/jaywalker.htm. It is fairly easy to memorize the leg ripple patterning. The yarn is Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fun & Stripes Color 619. The yarn is fingering weight and I am using US Size 1 needles. Luckily, the yarn has fairly long color repeats so the pattern is showing up quite well.

The other pair of socks I started working on is a pair in sport weight yarn with US 3 needles. The yarn is Fostissima Colori 6-strand in color 4007. I am knitting a plain 48 stitch pattern although I may take it out and recast on in a 56 stitch pattern. The needles I am using are my favorite type for double points. They are Bryspun from New Zealand. They are flexible and very comfortable. I got them several years ago at Village Yarn Shop in Rochester, NY, but they are available at a lot of LYS and online at elann.com.

SWTC Bamboo Scarf

2007-03-16T22:17:00.000-04:00

This is a scarf I have been working on for about a month on and off. The yarn is South West Trading Company Bamboo (100% bamboo). You can see their website at www.soysilk.com.
The pattern is a simple lace pattern that a mother and daughter who attend my knitting guild were kind enough to share with me. I admired the scarves they were both wearing at a meeting several months ago and they told me the simple pattern. It is a basic feather and fan pattern.
I am using US Size 10 Takumi Bamboo knitting needles to knit this scarf.

These are the finished Patons Kroy Country Jacquard Socks with the short row heel. They turned out pretty well.

I have started another pair of socks for my aunt who last weekend said, "Uhmmm I had to darn the toe of the socks you gave me a few years ago. Could you make me a new pair, too?" I told her not only will I make her a new pair in wool/nylon, but I will be giving her the Sockotta Socks I knitted. They are 60 stitches around and too small for my feet. I always give knitted objects to people who appreciate them.

Yarn Stash Inventory

2007-03-09T20:33:00.000-05:00

After 3 evenings of inventory, I can say that I didn't know I had this much yarn. It's confined to a smaller number of bins now. I won't have to buy yarn for at least a year. My official total is 56,700 yards (51,846.48 meters) not including UFO's. How does my stash compare to others out in blog land? Any comments?

I have decided not to inventory the magazines, patterns, and books. I store magazines on my dresser top and small bookcase in magazine holders. My books are in my closet on shelves or on the bookshelves.

Well, for now, I am somewhat organized. Scary isn't it!

Yarn Inventory

2007-03-07T21:51:00.000-05:00

I have decided to inventory my yarn stash. The process began last night. I have so far documented my wool, sock yarn, and cottons. I am using a simple spreadsheet. Here is what I have so far: http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pyJnzSCzuSivPkn9lqiiRBw

My favorite yarns so far are the Opal Sock Yarn, the Alpaca Lite Sock yarn, and the Farmhouse Yarns (Grapes on the Vine - I love that color name!). Here is the link to the color card for Farmhouse Yarns http://www.farmhouseyarns.com/roxannescolorcard.html
The color of the Opal Sock yarn is 1079 as seen here: http://www.ptyarn.com/elements.html
The alpaca yarn is from a kit for some Nancy Bush designed socks which I bought at alpacapolooza several years ago when it was held in Syracuse at the NYS Fairgrounds. It looks like this event is usually held in October so I may have to check it out when it rolls around again this year. There was one room where the yarn and products were sold. Of course, I could just buy from one of the local farmers as well. Here is a link to the list for Central New York http://www.empirealpacaassociation.com/MemberFarms/

The Sock has been Heeled!

2007-03-04T15:44:00.000-05:00

I have been working on the Patons Kroy Country Jacquard Socks for a couple of weeks now. If you remember, I tried the Priscilla Gibson-Roberts heel and didn't like the looks of it. I've switched to a plain short-row (wrap and turn) heel which came out pretty well. I don't think I would try this heel again. I like the heel flap with turned heel.

From 2007-03-04

This photo is a closeup of the heel I used in the reworking. The next photo is of the lunar eclipse on Saturday night. I used a digital camera and took it by holding the lens of the camera up to the binoculars. The rubber gasket of the binocular eyepiece fits over the lens of the camera.

From 2007-03-04

What a Heel

2007-02-25T11:57:00.000-05:00

From 2007-02-25

I have been working on the Patons Kroy Country Jacquard Socks. The heel is the first short row heel I have ever attempted. I used Simply Socks by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts. Unfortunately, I hate the heel. It was ripped out at least twice until I got the yarnover things at the end of each row. However, on the front of the sock near the end of the short rows, you can clearly see larger stitches as I started knitting around to connect the heel to the rest of the sock.

So I ripped it out. I figure, if I don't like it, too damn bad. I am now using the heel from Wendyknits.net generic toe up sock although mine is cuff to toe. We will see how this one goes.

2007-02-25

I am starting to work on another pair of socks in Sassy Stripes by Moda Dea. The yarn is 100% acrylic but I like the colors.

The agony of the feet

2007-02-08T18:39:00.000-05:00

It is still very cold here in Syracuse. I have made some progress on the side to side cardigan. However, an overwhelming urge overtook me to knit another pair of socks. My sock yarn drawer is full to overflowing and I found two skeins of Patons Kroy Socks in the Country Jacquard colorway.

Last weekend, I also went through my knitting magazines pulling out the ones I no longer wanted. My plan is to take them to this Saturday's meeting of Twisted Stitches of CNY Knitting Guild. Someone will be sure to want them and now I have a little more space for organizing my books and remaining magazines.

While reorganizing, I came across Simple Socks Plain and Fancy by Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts. I decided to do her version of the short row sock from Top to Toe. I am going to be what Elizabeth Zimmerman used to call a "Blind Follower" of the directions in this book as I have never attempted this heel before. I had recently seen an example of a short row heel on Shay Pendray's Needlearts Studio with Linda Pratt from Westminster Fibers.

Cardigan

2007-02-06T23:09:00.000-05:00

I listen to Brenda Dayne's Cast On podcast http://www.cast-on.com/. One of her sayings is "Put a sweater on, that's what they're for". It's still very cold in Syracuse. With the wind chill, it feels like 10 degrees below zero.

So I went into my box of UFO's again and dug out a side to side cardigan I was working on about two years ago. I bought the yarn at Michael's on sale about 3 or 4 years ago for a dollar a skein. The yarn is Lion Brand AL*PA*KA (30% alpaca/30% wool/40% acrylic) in Oxford Tweed and Black. This yarn has been discontinued, but you can see the colors here http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/alpaka.html
The pattern I am using is found in A Knack for Knits from Leisure Arts which can be found in most craft stores. I am knitting a series of stripes in 1 and 2 row combinations. It's coming along quite nicely.

Farmhouse Yarns Poncho

2007-02-03T13:06:00.000-05:00

From 2007-02-03

I have almost finished the second of the Patons Kroy Winter Eclipse
Socks. They are knit using an Ann Norling pattern. The pattern
is very good because it gives instructions for knitting socks in fingering,
sport, and worsted weight yarns.

From 2007-02-03

Here is the Farmhouse Yarns poncho I finished last week. The colors are
beautiful and the pattern is easy. I chose not to add fringe as the pattern
directed, but finished the bottom edge in garter stitch.

Farmhouse Yarns Poncho

2007-01-28T22:56:00.000-05:00

I have finished the Farmhouse Yarns Poncho. It is a simple pattern which shows off the colors of the yarn beautifully. Photos will be posted in the next few days.

Last night, I finished one Winter Eclipse Sock. The second sock has been started. The ribbing is done and now I am on the stockinette section of the leg.

Winter Eclipse Socks

2007-01-26T22:29:00.000-05:00

I found myself thinking last night, "Self, what do I need the most right now?" As the temperature last night in Syracuse was about 8 degrees, the answer was fairly obvious: SOCKS. WARM WOOL SOCKS. Then, I remembered that two years ago, I had bought about 8 balls of Patons Kroy for a dollar a ball when a local yarn store discontinued carrying it. In my drawer of sock yarn and projects, I found a mostly completed sock in Patons Kroy Socks Winter Eclipse. The pattern I am using is Anne Norling Pattern #12 Basic Adult Socks Designer: Deridre Wallace. http://www.muenchyarns.com/pages/patterns/norladult1.html

A Day at the Yarn Store.....

2007-01-20T17:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know what you're thinking....How can she go to a yarn store and not buy yarn?

This is how....A.C. Moore(www.acmoore.com) held a Warm Up America knit and crochet event. I went and knitted squares for 4 hours today. The store provided tables, chairs, instructors, and yarn. Participants only had to provide needles or hooks. You can find patterns for squares at http://www.warmupamerica.com/

Two people who knitted or crocheted the most squares got prizes. I won a prize! The bag was filled with US Size 19 Takumi Bamboo straights, a Knifty Knitter,
11 skeins of Moda Dea Flip, a magazine, and a pair of scissors. Thank you for everyone at A.C. Moore who provided a lot a laughs and instruction (I now know how to do the Magic Loop Technique!).

I am still debating what buttons to use for the Hippy Chic Cardigan, but here it is.

Toe be or Not Toe Be

2007-01-18T22:13:00.000-05:00

I am ready to knit the toe on the second of the Sockotta Socks. The next UFO to tackle is the Cascade Yarn Fixation Socks. The pattern I am using is CYPW135 #2 Cream Lacy Cable Socks. If you want free patterns from Cascade Yarns for Fixation yarn, look at their website page cascadeyarns.com/patterns_fixation.asp

Round and Round

2007-01-17T21:43:00.000-05:00

I am done knitting the Punta Scarf. I am almost to the toe of the second of the Sockotta Socks. I am using the pattern from The Knitter's Handy book of Patterns by Ann Budd.

Punta Taken. Sock it to 'em.

2007-01-14T20:08:00.000-05:00

I've been working on the Punta scarf throughout the weekend, including at the Twisted Stitches Knitting Guild meeting on Saturday. Esther Bozak did a wonderful presentation on the mathematics of knitting. Her website can be found at http://www.cs.oswego.edu/~ebozak/knit/. She is a gifted teacher, designer, and knitter.

The Hippy Chic Cardigan has been sewn up and is finished except for the buttons. I have to find the right buttons first. The cardigan turns out to be more of a spring close fitted jacket. (pictures will be posted next weekend).

Socks are my next UFO's to go hopefully to completion. The first set is knitted in Sockotta on US 1 needles.

I had planned a day trip to Rochester, NY about 3 years ago to coincide with the Lilac Festival at Highland Park. The weather was slightly overcast on a Friday and I headed first for Spirit Work. The owner, hearing I was from Syracuse, asked which yarn shops I had planned to visit besides her shop. I replied that I was going to go to Knit 'N Purl. She said, "You have to go to Village Yarn Shop, too" and hopped on her computer and printed me out directions to downtown Rochester. I bought the Sockotta yarn at her shop. Beautiful fibers, artful samples, and lovely service.

I then headed for Village Yarn Shop. Now, keep in mind, I had never driven in downtown Rochester. There is a parking garage beneath the Midtown Plaza, so parking is not a problem. Village Yarn Shop is inside a book store. Yarn everywhere you turn. Lots of patterns and every knitting book you can imagine. I was very very good and bought some Bryspun double point sock needles. They are some of my favorite now for knitting sport weight socks.

The third stop was Knit N' Purl which is very near to Highland Park. I bought some beautiful Koigu Merino. This yarn store has good service and yarn that reminds me of candy (you can't choose just one and it all looks soooo good). For links to all three of these yarn shops, see the Rochester Knitting Guild's site at http://rochesterknitting.org/MemberShopInfo/MemberShopList.html

Another pair of socks I want to work on is Cascade Fixation socks with cables in the pattern. If I remember correctly, I bought the yarn, pattern, and Crystal Palace Bamboo Double Points at Mission Rose Quiltery in North Syracuse, NY. Nice service and current patterns, classes (shameless plug for some of my fellow knitting guild members who teach there), and lots of natural light to show the true colors of their current yarn collection. See the store's website at http://missionrosequiltery.com/ .

I am already having fun with the stash knitting concept. My journeys are remembered through my yarns.

I had a punta here....

2007-01-12T23:30:00.000-05:00

My ongoing project is the Hippy Chic Cardigan. I have the second sleeve almost done except for binding it off. Then, I have to sew up the cardigan.....

The next project is my scarf on US 10 1/2 needles. The yarn is Punta purchased from Northwind Yarns in Oswego, NY about two years ago. If you are ever in the area, visit. Oswego is on Lake Ontario and the store is located on a street with on-street free parking next to restaurants and beautiful shops. The store is huge and the owners are just nice people. They also have weaving supplies. http://www.northwindyarns.com

Knittin' and Hopin"

2007-01-07T21:53:00.000-05:00

I am still working on the Hippy Chic Cardigan from 2002 Knit It. I got a sleeve done this week and have started the second sleeve. There is hope yet.

Next project to work on is from Farmhouse Yarns Lacy Poncho which is about half-way down the page, http://farmhouseyarns.com/patterns.html

The owner of Farmhouse Yarns had come to my knitting guild, Twisted Stitches of CNY last year and done a presentation and sale of her yarns and kits. They are beautiful colors and very soft lovely yarns. She also did some hand spinning while she was there. The poncho kit had beautiful colors which I can't begin to capture with my cheap camera, but here it goes.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life - after Christmas

2007-01-01T17:46:00.000-05:00

The Irish Hiking Scarf is now adrift in the frog pond. The yarn was, in fact, so old that it began to unravel as I was knitting it. Probably is going to be thrown out. I have some Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool that I will use in place of the Bernat.

I got the front, back, and sleeves down to the raglan sweater of Red Heart with Wool. The Bond USM is good for boring stockinette stitch construction. I will add the neckband by hand knitting and seam the sweater together.

Next project for myself is completing the Hippy Chic Cardigan from Knit It Magazine (2002). I was using Lion Brand Woolease in Chelsea Twist (color is discontinued) cache.lionbrand.com/yarns/woolease.htm. Of course, I ran out of yarn I was using after I finished the fronts and back. I am going to knit the sleeves in Lion Brand Microspun Purple cache.lionbrand.com/yarns/microspu.htm. The picture shows the Chelsea Twist in the background and the Microspun in the foreground. The yarns are showing up blue in the photo, but actually more concord grape purple.

New Year Old Yarn

2006-12-31T19:04:00.000-05:00

I am not new to the internet or to being a reader of blogs. I also love listening to podcasts about knitting. Writing a blog, though, is a new adventure. Hopefully, I won't be too boring. I'm starting the new year with the idea of chronicling my knitting projects through photos and information. Right now, I am still finishing up Christmas sweaters. Luckily, the receipients haven't been too upset about them.

I am working on a Bond Ultimate Knitting Machine on a sweater for my father. It is Red Heart with Wool (80% Acrylic/20% Wool) from my stash . The pattern I am using can be found here:
www.bond-america.com/projects/usm_proj/usm_family_rollovers.html

Incidently, I am a big fan of Wendy Knits and am loosely following the Stashalong 2007 wendyknits.net/stash2007.htm though not formally signed up yet. My stash is kind of large and as I am short on cash......you follow my logic.

I am also working on hand knitting the Irish Hiking Scarf in Bernat Aran Soft Wool (100% superwash wool). You can find the pattern here: http://www.helloyarn.com/irishhikingscarf.htm

The yarns I am using for both projects are so old they have been discontinued. These projects are a good way to use up some of my yarn. The back of the sweater was done yesterday. The front today. I will knit the sleeves either tonight or tomorrow. The Irish Hiking Scarf was just started last night and is about 7.5 inches long. I am using US size 8 needles which are really light and shorter than normal needles www.coatsandclark.com/Products/Accessories/Knitting/Needles/Red+Heart+Starters.htm