The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

I have been avoiding you. I'm sorry about that. It has been a very rough month and I just wanted to deny that it ever happened. Some of you know what I'm talking about and thank you for all your support.

So lets start on a Good note.



Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks are done. Now my Sister-in-law can officially have the baby and I'm hoping that these little knits moves things along for her.

Now for the Bad.

There has been an upsetting turn of events for my new Featherweight Cardigan. I knew this would happen and I didn't listen to myself. sigh. I had been wearing my new cardigan everyday and enjoying it tremendously. When I was done I would roll it up and stick it in my huge purse and la-de-da. Well, there must have been too much movement and shuffling in the purse and the best I can tell, my wallet must have tussled with it.



The purse won that fight hands down. I shake by head because it still hurts to even look at it.

Then I discovered the Ugly.



What you see there is a full tear on that pull. I know. It's hard to even fathom. I knit that sweater for 3 months and only got to wear it for three days and WHAM!

After talking with some very helpful and knowledgeable knitters, I can fix this. I just don't think I'm prepared mentally and emotionally just yet.

My only other option is to embrace the Steampunk fashion

FO: Snicket Socks

Pattern: Snicket Socks by Sabine Riefler (revelry link)

Yarn: Cascade Heritage Sock yarn

Needles: US 1.5 circular needles

Started: December 13, 2009

Finished: January 3, 2010

Modification: Since I was knitting these two at a time on two circular needles and not on DPN's, the transition flow of the cables would have been a complete nightmare. I chose to isolate the pattern to front and back of the socks thus eliminating any fussiness.



On the sides you can clearly see the cables don't touch and it really doesn't take away from overall look... but heck, they go on your feet;)



Another mod I made was to extend the cables to the very end of the toes instead of ending harshly as many socks will have you do. The only problem I see in doing this is the area seems weak and it might wear down sooner verses later, but I guess time will tell. I do hope the new owner likes her belated birthday present;)

Snicket Count Down Begins

I have roughly 60 hours left till the end of the year for me to finish these socks.



Do you think that is going to happen? I don't think so either. It would be nice though, right? I have approximately 5 inches of knitting left to these.

I'm also planning on ignoring the off pattern section that happened along the way. I see nothing.

Lemony Snicket

I fell in love with this pattern some time ago, but it wasn't until now that I've decided to cast-on for these socks based off of Lemony Snicket – A Series of Unfortunate Events.



The only downside to doing this pattern on two circular needles is the traveling cables that are suppose to happen in between the two socks. If you've knit socks on two circ's you might be familiar to the danger having to move stitches.

This is not an easy task when it comes to knitting two-at-a-time. If you plan on having the traveling cable meet with the other cable on the other side then stitches need to be placed on holders. Then when they travel back to the other side then again your moving stitches.



I chose to not travel the stitches on either ends of the socks. The cables will run more like a panel on top and a panel to the back. Life if too short for me to do this finicky task.

I don't think these will be done in time for xmas but I'm hoping a late gift will still be appreciated.

FO: Gumdrop Socks

Pattern: Gumdrop Socks by JC Briar

Yarn: Cascade Heritage Sock yarn

Needles: US 1.5 circular needles

Started: November 24, 2009

Finished: December 12, 2009



The pattern is totally fun, interesting and easy to memorize. Which I think is was saves me lots of times with socks. The stretchiness of this stitch makes for a good gift knit.



The other cool thing is that the socks are reversible. How fun! One major gift down and now it's time to cast on for another pair...

The Clock is Ticking...

Only 16 days until Christmas and I think I will be able to finish what I've set out to do. I'm really kinda pleased with that.

The Gumdrop socks are close to toe construction... just had a slight delay while I had my children on a secret mission to discover Grandma's shoe size. I was a little disappointed to hear that there are three size shoes all through out the house... 9, 10 and 11. What is a knitter to do? I'm going with a 10 as I'm hoping that is her average and knowing socks stretch I shouldn't have too much of an issue.



Ya'll just don't know what goes into getting these work-in-progress shots... I swear putting on a pair of socks that are connected at the toes (without loosing a stitch mind you) AND trying to get the right angle with the camera. Without knowing it I think I just invented the next torture-aerobic-workout!

The other projects I've been working on are hats for the kids. I downloaded Norwegian Sttar Earflap Hat which is a free download (revelry link) and got started.

The first one turned out too big and it wasn't until I bought more needles that I realized I had actually knit the larger hat instead of the child's version. D'oh!



It turns out I had enough yarn to make the smaller version and now I have TWO! so now me and Miss Mac will be Matchy-Matchy!!

The next item on my list was a hat for Eric. It was time to bring out the Failed Anime Hat that I started this time last year.



Second time around it turned out much better. It's still wonky but I'm hoping with blocking and a polar fleece lining it will smooth out.



Here is a better side angle of the Red Cloud symbol that Eric's favorite character Itachi wears.



Just look at all those ends I have to weave in. sigh. That might take me just as long to do as it took to knit.

My only other item is a pair of socks for my sister-in-law. I don't plan on seeing her until after the holidays and this my perhaps give me the extra time I need to finish those for her... I just can't decide what pattern to knit. Maybe I'll try the Snicket Socks.

Gum Drops on the Promenade

My latest project is some gift knitting that I'm sure the recipient wont be spoiled by this blog. My son's grandma had hinted at some socks for her very own when Miss Mac went for a visit wearing the purple and pink striped ones.



Don't fret grandma, you're getting some Gum Drops in your stockings this year.



The pattern was from the Rockin Sock Club last year and is now available for everyone else. I love the stretch with this pattern, which puts any fears of not fitting out the window.



As a quick note. I picked up a remote for my camera. I can't tell you how awesome this is.... no more back and forth to set a 10 second timer. Hoot!

FO: Boat Covers

Pattern: my own generic toe-up 2-at-a-time on 2 circular needles

Yarn: 1 skein Cascade Heritage Hand Painted

Needles: US 1.5 circular (2.5 mm)

Started: September 29, 2009

Finished: October 12, 2009

After completing Miss Mac's socks, I could see a slight twinge of jealously in my son's face. I ask ever so softly, would you like me to make you a pair? He replied with a very soft, okay.

He then went on to request red and white flame socks. Whoa-boy!



Yeah-no. You can pick from the stash, thank you very much. I think he chose wisely. The Heritage yarn was REALLY nice to work with and hell, you get 437 yards... plenty to cover this boy's boats. We lovingly tease him about his large feet and it has become a habit to requst him to remove the his boats from the ship yard... otherwise known as removing his shoes from the living room.



I didn't knit every yard of this yarn and should have made them a tad longer in the cuff, but you know when your just "done"... yeah, I was done.

I did try my had at the newest bind-off to enter our knitting world: Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off. I love it. Love it. Love it. and plan on using it more often and for every sock I do toe up...oh, and in case your interested in seeing the matching cast-on by Jeny as well. All very cool indeed.

That which wasn't documented...

I don't know exactly what's in the water lately, but it seem there are tons of people popping out babies... I alone personally know of 3 who are preggers, two more by association and one who just had a baby.



This is Larry. Larry works at the Panera where we gather for our South Suburban Stitch 'n Bitch. His wife is due in November with a little boy. I pumped out that hat he so fabulously has topped on his head.

The pattern is from the Itty-Bitty hats book and is called Vertical Stripes.

As cute as it turned out I don't think I will ever. ever. knit that again. It was a quick knit, but knitting in cotton and trying to not have gaps in between the strips was next to impossible. Just to fussy.

In one weekend I was done and the next SnB night I handed it over to Larry who just gushed. Hadn't even realized that I hadn't done a "real" photo shoot with the hat yet until I was heading home. I think I've become a snob photographer. I'd rather redo the photo shoot then post a unflattering photo.



My latest project has been something simple and mindless. Toe-up socks for my son. Let me rephrase that: These are Huge Ass Socks for my Son's Size 13 Feet!

The great thing about toe-up is you knit until you run out of yarn and I'll be doing exactly that. I hope he likes anklets;)

FO: Purple Pink Love Socks

Pattern: my own generic toe-up 2-at-a-time on 2 circular needles

Yarn: 1 skein Aussie sock yarn (WS20 Plum Rose)

Needles: US 1.5 circular (2.5 mm)

Started: September 5, 2009

Finished: September 26, 2009



Comments: The pattern is my own generic toe-up sock based off of gauge and foot size. I started with the Judy's magic cast-on (video link) and ended up with 56 stitch sock for Miss Mac's feet. The heal is a slip stitch heal (side bar download) created from a formula which is based off of your full stitch count.



Don't her feet look huge out of the shoe? There not really, and I'm sure it's all camera angles. She loves them and it's been hard press to get her to take them off.



She is such a ham that taking EXTRA funny pictures is what she really loves. Rainy weather and the burst of coldness that has come into the Chicago area has made photo shoots a little difficult, but a quick run to covered picnic are did the trick.

These were quick 'n easy-peasy... the man child has picked out sock yarn for his pair and those I suspect will take a little bit longer, seeing he wears a size 13 men's shoe.

Friday Update

My life has been such a whirl wind that I wanted to give a quick little update on both knitting and bathroom fronts:

What used to be here...



Is now here...



Yes... I have a toilet in my bedroom. Not exactly where I'd like it right now, especially when little 4 year olds don't know how to "hold it" for very long. sigh.

The last little bit of old wallpaper was captured once toilet was removed. How did these people function with black paisley wallpaper? That can't be a flattering color to put makeup on.



We've been dry-fitting the floor tile all week and we're planning on setting that this weekend. Hopefully along with the counter-top for the cabinet.

In the knitting department I've started two new projects.



The Absinthe socks from Knitty Spring 2009. The pattern just pulled at my cable heart strings and couldn't help but cast on.

Next is the Tapestry Cowl by Pepperknit.



I was just awestruck by the reversible cowl so much that I had to cast on immediately especially when I saw other examples made with the Malabrigo Sock yarn.

The other big news is the Nubby Cardigan has been seamed together and needs button bands and collar to be considered finished. I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend even while I slave away doing manual labor.

FO: Tiny Toes

Pattern: My own generic toe-up gusset heal flap.

Yarn: 2 skeins Interlacements Tiny Toes

Needles: US 1.5 / 2.5 mm

Started: February 9, 2009

Finished: April 22, 2009

Comments: The colors of this yarn are what drew me to it. The softness was the next thing that I fell in love with. Once I started knitting I found that it was not heavily twisted and this meant I didn't have to perform the helicopter untangle you might experience with other yarns.

Beyond that I wasn't overly impressed. I guess I'm getting pickier as I knit with different sock yarns. I also find the small skeins a tad annoying. One skein only has 185 yards and your forced to purchase two to complete a pair of socks.

I had miscalculated the length of my foot, or perhaps was knitting blindly knitting when I should have been measuring. So, I over shot by a full inch. Lone behold they fit my mother perfectly, just in time for Mother's Day.

Monday Update

I really should have known. For all things that go right, there is then something that must be wrong.



The Tiny Toes that I've been working on here and there seemed to be going okay. That is until I tried it on. If I put the heel in the proper place I'm then left with extra on the toes.



Heels will have to be ripped out to the main foot and taken back about half an inch. That is unless I should give them away to someone with larger feet?

FO: Cable Lagoon Socks

Pattern: Cable Lagoon by Me (download PDF from sidebar)

Yarn: 1 skein of Malabrigo Sock yarn in Lettuce Colorway

Needles: US 1.5

Started: December 31, 2008

Finished: February 4, 2009

Comments: When I was gifted this lovely skein of yarn, it totally screamed Cable Socks. I then thought of the Cable Lagoon pattern would be perfect but would it work. The pattern was originally done in a thicker weight yarn. The Malabrigo is more on the thinner side and because of that I had to add extra purl stitches between the cables for a custom fit. So, in the end I adding an extra 8 stitches for a total of 80 around.

Love the yarn and would totally have stash full of this stuff. I can only see if they stand up to wear and wash over time.



I would just like to say the weatherman lied. Bright sun and talks of warming tempatures fooled me into believeing that I could run a quick photo shoot this morning. I don't think the tempature was above 0 this morning...and as my dearly departed Mother-In-Law would state, Colder then a Witches Tit!

Best Cheesecake Ever

I seriously wish the Internet would catch up and get taste-o-vision so you could partake in the awesome goody-ness that is Blueberry Cheesecake. I know several of you are going to be mad at me for not posting a photo, but seriously... it's that good and nobody is happy with a photo of an empty pie plate.

My dear friend Knitterary knows how to throw a party and when it was deemed Winter Blues Bash... Well hell! Blueberry cheesecake is a must. I did a little research and then saw this recipe that had 74 reviews and 96 percent of the reviews would make it again, Perfect!

I would like to mention when you make the topping, go for the full 10 oz jar of fruit spread, as you can never have enough;)

In knitting news, the Pea Coat is all seemed up and will be lined soon. I don't want to post any more photos until it's complete and I have my photo shoot. I do have to say that I'm really falling in love with it again. (you were right TT;) The issue was lining up the belts properly so that one side isn't lopsided and the collar isn't distorted with my right side on my chest and the left up by my ear.

Postwar Mittens are almost complete with only thumbs and binding off for the tips:



I know I'm going to try and block these, but is there any suggestion on how to do that? should I do it on a tall glass?

The Cable Lagoon Socks are coming right along. I've modified my own pattern and done the heel flap gusset instead of the short-row heel as it's my preferred method. I've got plenty of yarn, so no need in worrying about running out.

Busy Days

I sometimes wish that I could win the lotto. sigh, it would be nice to have all that free time to do What. Ever. You. Wanted... instead of working EVERY day until you shrivel up and croak. Not like I'm bitter:P

So, while I'm stealing a quick moment from my ever lovin paid job, I wanted to post about my current projects.

Pea Coat from Hell! is in the middle of being seemed.



As of this very moment. I don't like it. Perhaps I'll feel different once I get the collar on and finish the lining.

Lets move on... Cable Lagoon socks are to the point of creating the heel. I love this part as it means it half way done.



Postwar Mittens are to the thumbs and I'm super excited to get these going. We have one more class to finish the thumbs and then I'll have my first FO of the New Year.



In other news, my dear friend and shop owner Trish cast-on my St. Brigid for me, so now I'm all ready to jump start that project come February.



Tata for now... I hope my work schedule will lighten up soon, but just know I'm still Knitting!

Second Verse, Same as the First

On New Years Eve I cast-on for a new pair of socks and I can't get enough of the green. I seriously want to eat these socks. The yarn is the Malabrigo sock yarn in Lettuce colorway. Go figure, right?

I've been having a very difficult time not starting the St. Brigid as I'm not suppose to start until February along with everyone else in the Knit-A-Long. sigh. So in light of the fabulous cables to come I've done this pair of socks up in my own pattern, Cable Lagoon.

As of today the pattern has been downloaded 536 times, HOOT! If you'd like to download your own copy, you'll find the link on my sidebar.

FO: Plaited Points Socks

Pattern: Plaited Points from Knitty Winter '08

Yarn: one skein of Malabrigo Yarn Sock

Needles: US 2

Started: December 11, 2008

Finished: December 29, 2008

Comments: I would put this pattern in the more experienced category for sock knitters. Not that it's difficult, but there is lots of pattern reading and checking involved.

I'm pretty happy with the final fit of these socks. I didn't make any modifications, but if I was to do this again, I would perhaps do the heal different. The short-rows makes for bunching and I don't think I need a deep heal.

The cables pop on this slightly variegated yarn. Anything else with too much color change and you'll loose them. The yarn is nice to work with. Did get a knot, but that doesn't bother me so much.

I would say that knitting the sock on size 2 has given me a more loose fit, but as it turns out not loose where you swimming in the sock. Will have to give it ago with shoes for the true test.

One thing that I did like about these is the little motif put on the back of the cuff. How fun is that?



I would have modeled these myself, but as the temps are low...there is no way I'm going outside for any long periods of time.

I would also like to point out this makes my total projects for 2008 a whopping 30! Now, time to pick out another sock project...