Annual Trip to The Fold

For the past several years a bunch of us Knitters get together on the first day of the year for a little fiber, friends and food.

What is our destination? The Fold!

(from the front)

We pile in what ever vehicle we so happen to have (Thanks Jen!) and we set off a little too early in the morning for most people on the day after New Years Eve.

(from the back - Thanks Aleta!)

Time goes by fairly quickly... even with an hour and a half drive to the middle of farm country other wise known as Knitter's Mecca. I really wasn't planning on getting anything. I love just being with The Girls, but once there a few things started calling my name.



Two books: Mostly Mittens and Book of Sweater Patterns. Then I couldn't pass up the Malabrigo sock yarn in a muted green color, 2 skeins of Renaissance and several skeins of Lanett fingering weight yarn to do a mitten-hat-scarf set using those colors.

Once our parade of knitters were done we headed to the Gaylord for a Awesome Indian buffet. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. We had a blast and I'm so grateful for having such good friends. It was truly lovely to start my new year off with a bang like that. You guys are the best! Now mark your calendars, because come summer solstice we're doing it all over again.

Faery Ring Update

All last week I blogged about the newly finished objects that happened over the Holidays and I'm sure you might be wondering what I've got on the needles now.

Just ONE thing. There I said it. This is unlike me. I'm currently working only on the Faery Ring... well, sure I could pick up the sock blanket, but I don't count that. Fingering weight yarn on very small needles, yeah... that is sooooo a life long project if I ever saw it.

Since there was a list of gifts that I needed to get done I hadn't thought about upcoming things I'd like to cast on. I just knew I had the Faery Ring to get back to and then all of a sudden I realized I didn't have anything else but that.



It's definitely further along since I've been working on it all week. The fronts are done and on holders and now I'm concentrating on the back.

The downside to knitting it all in one piece is the sheer weight of the project. It can be a little stressful on the wrists but the nice thing about it is having that extra bit of warmth on the lap. I love winters, but this harsh and extreme cold is no fun. I hope you all are staying warm this winter.

FO: Red Cloud Hat

Pattern: Red Cloud Anime Hat for Eric

Yarn: Cascade 220 in Black, Red and White

Needles: US 7 circular needles

Started: December 7, 2009

Finished: December 9, 2009

This has been an ongoing endeavor since December of 08. Back then I wanted a double knit hat with the Red Cloud image on the side, but it failed as a project last year. Yet I was determined to not let it beat me. Since the lining of the Star Hats I knew I had my solution to anime character hat.



I'm still considering whether to write this pattern up or not. I'd hate to get sued for copyright violation or anything. That's also to say it would be a free pattern, so no earnings or such would be made. I just don't know if anyone would really want to make this. Would you?

FO: Norwegian Star Earflap Hat For Mac

Pattern: Norwegian Star Earflap Hat by Tiennie Knits

Yarn: Cascade 220 in Pink and Purple (half a skein in main color and a quarter of the other)

Needles: US 7 circular needles

Started: December 5, 2009

Finished: December 7, 2009

No modification were done... and yes you read that correctly. Knit in two days. Great quick knit. The polar fleece lining took longer to do then knitting the hat.



And I'm not sure if it's just me or perhaps this look has been around for awhile and I just didn't realize it... but I'm seeing this style hat EVERY.WHERE. go figure.



I also think she has warmed up the idea of this hat. It might not be Hannah Montana, but it sure keeps her noggin warm in these below 0 temps.



And how could she not smile at our matching hats!

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;)