Knitting, with Beads

Moving Day

2006-09-12T06:16:00.000-04:00

Knitting, with Beads has a new home. Come on over! It's at Typepad, and hopefully will eliminate the issues that many have had trying to access blogger. I still have plenty of decorating to do, but for now we're just plain and simple.

Thunder Possible

2006-09-11T05:43:00.000-04:00

The other evening, weather.com's forecast read "thunder possible." I think that's a great phrase, don't you? Very majestic, and full of promise.

Look at this cute little guy. He jumped onto my ankle while I was sitting on the ground pulling out a bee sting from my toe. Sister Jane tried to kiss the frog, but when I moved my hand closer to her face the frog startled and jumped away. We were at Daddy's, you know, before my fateful drive home.

My accident happened on the I-65 overpass at Columbus (IN), near where Rob and Matt's ThreadBear shop used to be. My thanks to the FedEx driver and to Chris the truck driver/paramedic who were the first on the scene.

So I'm still pretty sore, and have this incredible set of seatbelt-shaped bruises. If you are squeamish, or don't want to see some bruising, don't click here or here. The bad news is that I can't sit at my torch to make beads. The good news is that I *can* knit.

I completed two pair of socks, meeting my September SAM2 goal. First are the anklets I made with the wool Ruth dyed for me for Dye-O-Rama. I love the way these turned out!

Second pair is the anklets made using Wool2Dye4 Supersock, dyed using my patent-pending kettle/sprinkle/microwave-steam method. I like it because there's no pattern, just lots of lovely random yellow, red, and orange-ness. I used the same method for Dave's KSKS yarn as well as for Jill's August Birthday Swap yarn, so I'm looking forward to seeing how their socks turn out. Of course, Dave can't start his until he takes a *proper* photograph of the yarn. I wonder, will it count if he uses the photo he took when he received the yarn?

Also over the weekend I finished the first Undulating Rib Cashmere blend sock, using some of the yarn I got from Dave in my KS Kit. This sock feels incredible on, and will be a very welcome addition to my sock wardrobe.

Finally, I started my socks for the Mystery Sock KAL. I'm using the Lavender Wildfoote from my birthday package from Joan, and the lacysocks pattern posted to the KnitList in 1997 by JP. It's a simple lace pattern, but quite nice.

Ouch

2006-09-07T10:01:00.000-04:00

Pardon me while I indulge in a little self-pity. History: My dad has a 1991 GEO Tracker that I've coveted for over ten years. I told him more than once to be sure to please let me have first dibs when he decided to sell. So he did. And Jane and I drove to southern IN yesterday so I could pick it up. Which I did.

I then proceeded to total it. Less than an hour after finally getting my hot little hands on the keys. I'm banged up, but not seriously. Moving rather slowly today. Dang, I hate when that happens.

ETA: Read Sister Jane's account here. ps. seatbelts really *do* save lives, like mine.

Birthdays

2006-09-02T10:14:00.000-04:00

On my 22nd birthday, I received the best gift possible: I went into labor! Isaac was born the next morning just after 9:30 am at Silas B Hayes Army Community Hospital in Fort Ord, CA. How very cool is that?! Happy Birthday, son!

I remember another very special birthday, much longer ago. It was August 31, 1964 and in celebration of my third birthday, my mom let me hold Sister Jane, then almost three months old. Thanks Mom, for another awesome birthday gift!

And speaking of birthday gift babies, my dad's birthday is September 2nd. Happy Birthday, Daddy!

This year's wonderful gift arrived in the form of my August Birthday Swap package from the Fairygodknitter, Joan.

A lovely pile of tissue-wrapped goodies tumbled from the box.

I was frozen with indecision for all of about five seconds - which to open first? One at a time, I began unwrapping these delightful wonders - check out the loot!

Two set of KA bamboo double-points; size 0 (2.0mm) and size 1(2.25mm). Incidentally, the needles I received from Dave are 2.5mm, so how perfect is that? A very clever little pair of snips disguised as a pen, a booklet packed with helpful sock information, an inspirational magnet, a miniature sweater key-chain, a Fortune-Telling birthday book, three packages of toffee, and enough yarn for FOUR pair of socks! You say you want to see a closer view of the yarn?

Two balls of Cascade Fixation in shades of soft green, two skeins of Wildfoote in lovely lavender, Mega-Boots stretch in an autumn colorway, and two hanks of Koigu! I've knit several pairs of footies with Cascade, and am tickled to have more. The other three are all new to me, and are all yarns that I have coveted. Color me one lucky pal - thanks a million, Joan!

Don't Sweat the Bag, or I Heart Algebra

2006-08-31T09:16:00.000-04:00

One of the rules in the Knit Sock Kit Swap was "Do not fear the bag." So, I didn't. What I did do, though, was think about it for a long time. See, here's what happened: when I initially signed up for the swap, I started planning a really cute bag, maybe bug-shaped, maybe with flowers, but definitely girly. Then I got my swap partner's name from Bev. Okay, time to re-think the bag, 'cuz Dave doesn't come across at all girly.

I asked myself what kind of bags men carry. My answer was briefcases, messenger bags, backpacks, and duffle bags. Aha! A duffle bag! That's what I would make. One with handles and zippers and pockets... Denim would be good, with a lining of soft striped flannel... sort of like jeans and a comfy flannel shirt. (That's maybe not quite as clever as it sounds; the blue and white striped flannel was near the top of the first box of my fabric stash I opened.)

No pattern, I just decided to wing it. First cut was the handles, then the outer pocket. I dug around for a template for the round pieces at the end, and came up with the lid of a plastic margarine container. The diameter was 6 1/4". Here's the really exciting part... I got to multiply by pi! Isn't that awesome!?! Since this wasn't rocket surgery, I did do some rounding, multiplying 6.25 by 3.14159. The measurement around the bag needed to be in the neighborhood of 19 3/4 inches. Adding some for seam allowances plus the fudge factor, I cut a rectangle as wide as I thought the bag should be by 22 inches. I used the outside pieces as a pattern to cut the lining and interfacing, then just started sewing stuff together. Here's the only in progress pic I managed to remember to take:

(like my fancy ironing board cover?)

Thanks to my years of working in fabric stores, and of just being a pack-rat in general, I have quite a collection of all sorts of sewing pieces-parts, including a nice assortment of zippers. I just dug into the zipper box and found a few likely-looking candidates and inserted them here and there for some pocket fun.

The lining was assembled the same way as the outer bag (well, except no handles), then hand-stitched to the zipper. A lick and a promise with my iron, a few lampwork bead zipper pulls, and there you have it!

Tomorrow: My birthday swap package is here!!!

My KSKS Package Arrived!!

2006-08-27T12:44:00.000-04:00

On Saturday Chuck the mailman knocked on my door and presented me with a lovely sight - a package from Canada! Because of a .ca email addy early on, I was pretty sure my pal was Canadian, and I was right. In fact, my pal was my pal, Dave, of Criminy Jickets. Shades of deja vu - Ruth was my pal both ways for Dye-O-Rama. If I'd had my thinking cap tied on tightly, I would have thought to ask Chuck to pose for a picture. Oh well, maybe next time.

Zach the Cat scored with this really cool toy. It's a springy wire with little thingies on the end, and drives him crazy when I wiggle it along the floor.

A few weeks ago Dave posted about his bag, and I remember thinking how very cool it was. It's the Fold of Function from Vicki Square's Folk Bags , based on a Korean jumeoni. His pictures are better than mine, so be sure to go take a look.

It's knit of silky soft cotton demin, with green embroidery and I-cord drawsting. Hey Dave, is that the same green as your Tiger Swallowtail Shawl? Dave's knitting is so nice and even, very professional-looking. He mentions being concerned about the looks of the inside of the bag, so of course I had to turn it inside out and perform a close inspection. Dave, it's perfect!

And the yarn. The yarn! There is enough for two pair of socks, both very luxurious. On the left is Auntie Marts Angora Sock Yarn, which is 45% wool, 25% angora and 30% viscose in the loveliest shades of green, blue and mauve. The other is Lucia, in the June Hothouse colorway, 30% cashmere and 70% merino. I may have already accidentally cast on with this yarn.

Also in my kit was a set of 6" bamboo double-points from Collection, with an ultra-smooth finish and just-right points. (The urge to test-drive these needles was a factor in the accidental cast-on.) Some very nifty spiral needle-holders, a bag of toffee (my favorite!!), and some Maple Syrup in a maple-leaf-shaped bottle rounded out the kit. Am I lucky, or what?! Thanks a million Dave, you're a swell pal.

August Sock-A-Month - Done!

2006-08-26T07:09:00.000-04:00

The thing about having umpty-'leven socks in progress is that it can take a long time to complete a pair. Here it is nearly the end of August and this is the first pair of socks I've completed.

Yarn is Kona 2-Ply Superwash Fingering from Sheila at Wool2Dye4, dyed with Dharma acid dyes. I used my Chiagoo bamboo 2.25mm double-points over 60 stitches with a short-row heel. The sock on top has been machine-washed and -dried, and has bloomed and softened. I. Love. This. Yarn. It's very pleasant to knit with, and even nicer to wear. The washing has softened the colors, but I think it's more a case of the yarn blooming as opposed to the colors fading.

Tomorrow: My KSKS package arrived!!

World-Class Contender

2006-08-25T03:50:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty sure that I've managed, quite by accident, to create the world's ugliest hand-dyed sock yarn. I set out to dye this skein of Kona 2-ply Fingering Superwash pink with just a touch of brown. Okay, back up a little here..... last spring I participated in a cooperative buy for acid dyes from Dharma. There were many color choices, but budget constraints dictated I not choose one of everything. I specifically decided not to buy any brown dye. In fact, I remember thinking, "Well, that's just plain silly, buying brown dye. Anybody can mix up their own. It's a piece of cake. All I need to do is just mix complementary colors and I'll get brown." Heh. Pride goeth before a fall, eh?

Fast forward to August... I used my $50 gift certificate from Wool2Dye4 (Thanks again, Sheila!) to get two 1-pound cones of Kona 2-ply plus an eight-ounce hank of Kona DK. Except for a slight blue fingernails incident, I was fresh off the success of dyeing my KSKS pal's yarn (hi Dave!). I used the kettle-dye/ sprinkle dye/overdye method (patent pending) and came up with some pretty nifty wool, if I do say so myself. But enough of that - anybody can dye gorgeous yarn. This story's about the antithesis to gorgeous.

I started with an overall dye of pink of fairly light intensity. Next step was to blend turquoise and yellow (no green, see above) and dunk part of the pink skein into the pot. I checked on it after about ten minutes and started having some doubts about my master plan... it wasn't looking so good. An hour or so later when the dye was exhausted, I was sure of it. I was heading down the ugly highway.

Next I decided it needed to be pinker, so back into the pot with the whole skein along with a lot more pink dye. Wow - it's not getting any better. In fact, we're getting pretty close to hideous by now. What else could I do but add more dye to the pot? In went some turquoise and yellow and a pinch of black for good measure. I may have used more colors; I'm rather vague on the details by this time.

I really am an optimist. When the dye exhausted (again), I remember thinking, "Oh, it'll get better once it's dried. Surely it will. Won't it?" Clearly I was delusional. Are you ready for it? Can your stomach handle it? I had to take multiple shots, since none of these come near showing the true hideousness. If you think it looks pretty, then rest assured that's an accident of the light. Fair warning.....

My apologies to sheep everywhere.

Herringbone Rib

2006-08-24T05:38:00.000-04:00

Lori in Michigan asked for the pattern, and since Blogger won't tell me how to contact Lori, you all get it! It's a very simple four-stitch, two-row repeat:

Row One: Knit
Row Two: *K2, Slip 1, K1, YO, PSSO* repeat from *

I found this pattern, along with Jill's recommendation, at Aloha & Oreos, although I can't find the specific entry right now. Thanks to Jill for sharing!

ETA: This stitch pattern as written above is for knitting in the round. If you are knitting flat, row one would be purl.

KSKS Bag Sneak Preview

2006-08-23T14:30:00.000-04:00

The kit for my KSKS pal is winging its way north. So, even though I'm very pleased with the bag and am dying to show it off, today there are only little bits and pieces so as not to give too much away.

The yarn is Wool2Dye4 Superwash Supersock, dyed with Dharma acid dyes. My fingernails were blue for almost a week after this!

Welcome Back, Old Friend

2006-08-18T03:37:00.000-04:00

It's good to see you again. I've missed you. After a mere seven and a half weeks of procrastination, I finally resurrected my Singer Quantum CXL to stitch the bag for my KSKS pal. So far, all I've done is hem flannel blankies for Sister Jane's pups. (After a good cleaning and oiling, that is.) I tell you what, it feels good to be back at the controls of a sewing machine again. This one has seen a great deal of service, that's for sure. More than a hundred quilts have passed between the presser foot and feed dogs, as well as countless articles of clothing. I have three more blankies to hem, then I'll wind the bobbin (can't find the box of spares) with blue thread and get stitching on my pal's bag. I'll be pretty much winging it as far as a pattern goes... I know exactly what I want it to look like, so here's to hoping I can match reality to my imagination!

In other, actual knitting, news, I've joined a couple more knit-alongs. For the Mystery Sock KAL , I'll be knitting one of three patterns I've scouted out. We're to knit a sock using any pattern found online, as long as it has no picture. Sounds like fun, eh?

The other is the SAM2 hosted by Knittin'Mom Chrissy. This KAL should be no problem at all for me as the only requirement is to knit at least one pair of socks each month. The socks can be started any time; it's the completion date that counts here. Heh, I've got so many single socks that I could just knit second socks for the entire six months. Currently on the needles I have a black stockinette sock for SocksforSoldiers (second sock), rainbow anklet knit from Kona Superwash Fingering (second sock), Amble knit with Yellow Kroy (another second sock), pink-and-green anklet using the wool dyed especially for me by Ruth (another second sock), Aran Braid for Teri using Melody by JoJoland (yet another second sock), and finally, the one and only first-sock-in-progress, using Claudia Handpaint Blue Sky and the herringbone rib pattern lifted directly from Jill.

Actually, that's pretty good, right? I mean (aside from the fact that there are so many of them), they are all second socks. Maybe someday soon I should list all the single socks waiting for a mate. or maybe not.

Dye-O-Rama Updates

2006-07-18T23:10:00.000-04:00

You absolutely have to go see Ruth's blog..... I can't tell you just how happy it makes me to see the socks she knit with the wool I dyed for her! Be sure to click on the picture for the larger version, and don't forget to check out the outrageous hats as well. Oh - and she's selling some of her luscious hand-spun now, too.

Yesterday was the day for the prize drawing for DOR participants. There were 40 (!!) prizes, so I figured my chances were pretty decent for landing something - and I was right! I scrolled slowly down the pretty prize page, and cheered when I came to my name. I won one of the Wool2Dye4 $50 gift certificates! How excellent is that? I'm debating what to spend it on; thinking probably some more of the Kona Fingering Superwash. Ah, decisions...

Needle Review - KnitPicks' DPNs

2006-07-17T22:02:00.000-04:00

One of the recent hot topics on Socknitters' has been KnitPicks Options Knitting Needles. In addition to these well-received interchangeable circulars, KP also introduced 6" metal dpns. Oddly enough, I haven't seen any talk of the dpns on Socknitters'... so I decided to order a set and give them a try. At a very modest $3.99 for a set of 5, I figured it was practically my duty to sock knitters everywhere to review these new needles.

Despite concern over backorder and lag time issues, my needles (ordered on a Thursday) arrived last Monday. My first impression was a twinge of disappointment that the package didn't state the needle size. Turns out that it does - on the UPC sticker. The packaging is, well, cheap, but that's fine with me. I don't want to pay extra for fancy packaging that in all likelihood I'll throw away, as I tend to keep my dpns in a case by size.

The six-inch-long needles are pretty, shiny nickle-plated and feel substantial compared to my usual bamboo needles. The points are perfect with a taper measuring just under half an inch ending in sharp tips. The size 1 is a 2.5mm, though, which is often classified as a US size 1.5.

I immediately started using the KP needles in my current sock (in Wool2Dye4 Supersock) but gave it up after a few rounds - they were just too slippery. Also tried with Regia and Paton's Kroy with the same results. Not to be daunted, I dug into my stash and found some Sockotta. Perfect! The cotton content which would make knitting with bamboo less than fun makes using these needles just right.

I seem to be knitting rather tightly, but am quite pleased with the resulting fabric. An odd thing, though, is that I did notice while working the short-row heel - my tension is much looser on the purl rows. Not unacceptably so, however, just a thing for me to keep in mind with the next socks....I may want to knit a flap and gusset instead of short row.

The only thing I would change about these needles is the length - I much prefer using 5" dpns. Otherwise, they're pretty terrific!

Watermelon ......

2006-07-10T22:49:00.000-04:00

See, aren't they nifty??

A Hard Day at the Office

2006-07-09T21:44:00.000-04:00

Whew! I'm tard. Just finished a five (+) hour stint at the torch, and that's after two two-hour sessions earlier today. One reason I wanted to get a lot of melting time in is that the weather forcast calls for warmer weather over the next few days. Sitting near a kiln set at nearly 1000 degrees, and in front of a torch whose flame reaches over 1500 degrees makes for more warmth than I can handle when the temperature goes up.

Been working on some cool bead sets, too. I dusted off my Zoozii triangle press and made some nifty watermelon slices. Those took extra patience, 'cuz I used opaline glass which boils quite easily, so it need to be worked slowly. Also still working on prototype disc beads for a special order, and even playing with some ruffled discs. I should have plenty to list on JustBeads tomorrow!

Good night, Mother.

Things That Make Me Happy

2006-07-08T18:27:00.000-04:00

Having a big, strong man as across-the-road neighbor. Jason loosened the O2 tank cap - thanks man!

Things That Irritate Me

2006-07-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

I hate when I can't get the cap off the oxygen tank! Especially when, like today, I'm smack in the middle of a creative streak at the torch. dang. I'm bummed.

Caution: Cute Cat Ahead

2006-07-08T01:01:00.000-04:00

Zachary Cat, my Feline-American companion. He's such a hep cat. Almost three years ago Jane and Bry rescued him from a shelter. He was a tiny, sickly kitten who required meds and special feeding. Zach came to live with me before Christmas 2003, and has been my steadfast friend ever since.

A Rainbow of Flavors

2006-07-06T22:47:00.000-04:00

Sheila (of Wool2Dye4) recently added Kona 2-ply fingering superwash to her line, so of course I had to give it a whirl. I was impressed with it right away, so nice and soft, and with that lovely sheepy scent, too! I dyed it in the good ol' ROY G BIV tradition using my acid dyes, and really impressed myself with the results. I wound off an ounce to test-drive, and managed not only an anklet, but also the fair isle section of another sock.

Sorry for the crappy pics, but I wanted to get them snapped for tonight. The black yarn is KnitPick's Essential sock yarn. I've had a couple of skeins for ages, but this is the first I've knit with it. It makes a nice fabric, but I'll reserve judgement until I've worn and washed it a couple of times.

The fair isle pattern is just one I made up. I was shooting for something simple enough to let the yarn be the star. I kinda think the diamonds look too busy, but the arrow thingies turned out very nice. Also, the arrow pattern doesn't show the beginning-of-the-round jog as glaringly as does the diamond pattern.

The color is represented best (although still not quite right) in the detail pic. Be sure to click to see a larger view.

In other news, Sister Jane finally made the switch to a more traditional blog format. She's just now entering her fourth year as a breeder of Labradoodles, and has built up quite a following with her Doodle Diaries. I'm looking forward to reading comments from her loyal readers.

Oh how fun - there's a lightning bug in the house! I think I'll turn out all the lights and watch the show. Yeah, so I'm easily amused. Wanna make something of it?

Mowing Meditation

2006-07-05T22:40:00.000-04:00

See, I told you I'd be talking about mowing my grass. Lawn maintenance is still relatively new to me. After apartment living in California, and having a yard full of rocks (on purpose) in Arizona, I had to get used to needing to mow. I remember back when I was a kid, using the riding mower was fun, in a sort of Tom Sawyer whitewashing the fence kinda way. Apparently that joy didn't carry over into adulthood.

Anyway, following the mower around the yard gives me lots of time to think. Today I worked out how I'll be assembling my KSKS pal's bag, decided I need new hiking boots, realized I need to trim my toenails, and pondered other vital issues. Maybe next week I'll spend my mowing time thinking up better blog fodder.

Program Crash

2006-07-05T02:51:00.000-04:00

*sigh* I had a really great post almost all finished, when Netscape screwed me and crashed. True, the post relied heavily on adorable cat pictures, but this is a knitting blog - what did you expect?

Stay tuned tomorrow when I try again.

August Birthday Swap Stuff

2006-07-03T20:53:00.000-04:00

Q What day is your birthday?

the 31st ... barely made it!

Q Are you crafty?

yes, indeed I am!

Q Would you enjoy things like: Buttons, ribbons and embellishments?

sounds like fun - yes!

Q Do you dye your own wool?

I do

Q Do you like to scrapbook or make homemade cards?

I've done a bit of cardmaking, but it's not at the top of my list.

Q What small project would you be interested in making? Socks, mittens, scarf, hat, baby items, wash cloths, doilies, shrugs etc

socks. I'm so predictable

Q What are your favorite scents?

I like light floral scents, and the smell of baking chocolate chip cookies.

Q Do you like stationary and cards?

like 'em, don't use 'em though.

Q Do you like hand lotions or soaps?

yes

Q Do you like to sew or embroider items?

sewing - yes ..... embroidering - not so much

Q Do you like beads?

heh. yes

Q What kind of mail-able snacks do you like to eat?

toffee

Q Do you like to wear costume jewelry? Necklace, earrings, bracelets etc.

like it, collect it, don't wear it.

Q Do you like to play cards or board games?

sure

Q What are your favorite colors of yarn?

green, purple, yellow, pink, orange

Q Do you like solid, variegated, heathers, or self stripping yarns?

yes. not so much with the heathers, but the other three I do like using. for socks.

Q Do you like kitchen magnets or key rings?

hmmm, don't have strong feelings about them. I have enough key rings, but my fridge is nearly nekkid.

Q Do you like picture frames?

yes

Q Do you like to make/or use stitch markers?

I don't often use them, but I do like making them.

Q Do you collect anything?

dust. (I crack me up.)
I like Rosie the Riveter and old rhinestone brooches and old hankies and old tea towels.

Q Do you have any allergies? Smoke, food, fiber, pets, etc..

nope

Q Do you have any hobbies?

knitting. (again with the cracking up here) also I read a lot, mow my grass, and work with hot glass. I do some jewelry-making as well.

Q Do you like scented or unscented candles?

scented

Q Are you a fiber snob?

yep, 'fraid so.

21 Days

2006-07-02T20:43:00.000-04:00

Seems I've read somewhere that if you want to establish a habit, perform the task for 21 days, and then it'll be second nature. Or something like that. So... that's what I'm going to do. For the next three weeks I will post a daily update here, about knitting and making (and selling) beads, and about mowing my grass. You know, the important stuff.

Update on Teri's corner of KnitBlog SwapLand: Lots going on here. First and foremost, many many thanks to Ruth of Wooly Wormhead fame. She was my pal for the Dye-O-Rama swap. In fact, we were pals both ways! Ruth designs and knits/crochets the most wonderful hats - you've gotta go check them out. So, back to the yarn. She dyed two skeins of yarn for me - both are pink and green. One of the greens is a delicious olive, and the other a pretty pastel mint green. I've gotten one sock finished. - isn't it purdy? I love how it stripes. The cuff is 64 stitches, and then I decreased down to 60 after the short-row heel.

In addition to the wool, Ruth sent stitch markers that she made for me, plus a decadently dark chocolate bar. It was good. I mean really, really good. I licked the wrapper.

The yarn I sent to Ruth came from Sheila at Wool2Dye4 (where else?!?). It was Kona Superwash DK, dyed in jewel tones with acid dyes.

The purple doesn't show up very well... bummer. I also made some beads for Ruth, inspired by a pic of beads she posted some time back. I liked them so much, I made more! Lemme see if I can find a picture...

Don't forget, click on the pic to biggify.

In other swap news, I'm in the Knit Sock Kit Swap (KSKS) . For this swap, we make a project bag, then fill it with everything needed to make a pair of socks, including a pattern. That's my task for this week, to make the bag and dye the yarn. Still a few weeks to the deadline, but I don't want to do like I did with Dye-O-Rama. Poor Ruth had to wait so very long.

Finally, I've just received my pal for the August Birthday Swap. Hi Keohinani! There's a questionnaire; I'll do that either later tonight or tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Mother!

KSKS Questionnaire

2006-06-19T21:31:00.000-04:00

I've become a regular swap harlot. Dye-O-Rama is over (more on that soon), I'm waiting for my partner in the August Birthday Swap, and most recently, I've joined the ranks of the Knit Sock Kit Swap. Here is the questionnaire, along with my answers:

Q What are your favorite colors?
It's so hard to pick just one. Some days it's green (sage, moss, olive, emerald, grass, jade...), others it's purple (lavender, amethyst, plum, violet... ). Then there are the pink days (magenta, fuchsia, rose, pepto bismol... ). Oh! and can't forget orange (coral, tangerine, peach) and yellow (sunshine, lemon, banana, dandelion), particularly as a combination.

Q Are you a new sock knitter? How long have you been knitting socks?
Nope, not new at all. I think the first pair of socks I knit was somewhere around 20 years ago, then about 5 years ago I picked it up again... and two years ago sockknitting became my knitting obsession.

Q Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?
Solid colors are good, but I do prefer multis.

Q What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn?
Wool, baby, wool. Some nylon added in is good, too.

Q Where do you usually knit socks?
At the computer, while reading, watching movies, sitting in the back yard, snatched spare time waiting for appointments. You know, the usual.

Q How do you usually carry/store small projects?
For my current project, I use a small tote bag when I'm on the go. For others, ziploc bags do the trick. I also have a small basket on my desk, just the right size for a couple of balls of yarn and some needles.

Q What are your favorite sock knitting patterns?
I'm a big fan of the plain vanilla stockinette sock. I also enjoy choosing a stitch pattern and adapting it to socks.

Q What are your favorite sock knitting techniques?
See above re: stitch patterns.

Q What new techniques would you like to try?
someday entrelac

Q Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting?
Dpns all the way. I've given 2 circs and Magic Loop a try, but wasn't thrilled.

Q What are some of your favorite yarns?
Current favorite is Wool2Dye4's Supersock. I also like using Regia, Regia Stretch and Opal. I've used Cherry Tree Hill - like the yarn but the dye wasn't set and socks look nothing like the original colorway. Lorna's Laces is nice, but I'm not as big a fan as many.

Q What yarn do you totally covet?
cashmere/wool/nylon (or similar) blend

Q Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?
pass

Q Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?
I bought some off-brand bamboo dpns on eBay. They were 12" long. I cut down the size 1s and 2s into 5" needles, and love them!

Q f you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?
Hah! I've taken this quiz; I'm shetland wool.

Q Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?
toffee

Q What’s your favorite animal?
favorite animal for having around the house is a cat.

Q Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages?
I have a Feline-American companion named Zach, he's about 2 1/2.

Q If you were a color what color would you be?
green.

Q Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s)..
My sister know the answer to this one! My favorite shirt is a man's long-sleeved olive-green shirt. It's cotton, and sadly, is falling apart. I will wear it until it literally falls off my body.

Q What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?
I love the pictures at the NASA website, particularly of galaxies and nebulae.

Q Do you have a wishlist?
heh. only in my head.

April Garden To Dye For

2006-05-18T16:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not doing a very good job of keeping up with the recording of my socks here... I'm just a little behind. These were knit from Wool2Dye4 Superwash 100% Merino, dyed with Paas, knit on US1 dpns over 60 stitches - plain vanilla stockinette. The heel is a short-row version of Priscilla Gibson-Roberts' design. I made a little gusset before and after the heel, otherwise the socks would have been a little snug and my mother would have gotten another pair. heh.

I increased a total of 12 stitches, then just before starting the heel I rearranged the stitches so there were 18 on each (of four) needle. After the heel was knit, I slid the extra stitches back on the sole needles - so that there were 21/15/15/21 just like after the increases. Then I decreased two stitches every other round just as in a traditional flap heel/gusset. When I had decreased down to the original 60 stitches I just went 'round and 'round until the toe decreases.

These socks also were my first time going with a rounder toe decrease. Although I do have pointy feet (thankyouverymuch), I prefer the new way.

Opalicious

2006-05-16T16:47:00.000-04:00

Saturday Chuck the mailman brought me this:

See the return address? It was my box of prize Opal from PT Yarn - wheeeeee! Check it out

There's Magic 1051, Prisma 1190, Petticoat 1290, Opal Uni 1233, Elements 1073 and 1077, Dreamcatcher 1236 (2 skeins), 1230, and 1234. Pretty cool, eh?

I've been carrying the bag ful of yarn with me from room to room. Makes me think of Jill with Pinky. Good ol' Jane - I even schlepped it to her house and she pretended to be interested - she even sniffed the Petticoat! It's like she says, I pretend to like the dogs and she returns the favor with my yarn/socks. heh.

It's Magic

2006-05-06T11:03:00.000-04:00

Opal Magic, that is. The Opal Chatters Newsletter sponsored an Easter Egg hunt in April, and I won a skein of yarn. My very first Opal - how exciting! Using the Mermaid sock from Lucy Neatby's Cool Socks Warm Feet, I knit a cuff of about four inches over 72 stitches. From there I did a short row heel over half the stitches, then continued to decrease down to a total of 60 for the foot. Since the pattern stitch spirals, I morphed into a 4x2 rib for the instep, then to plain stockinette about 1/3 of the way to the toe.

As much as I like the looks of the spiral rib, it really eats up the stitches. I had to use 72 instead of my normal 60, and even then it's a little snug. Also seemed to take forever to knit it to four inches. I'm thinking I may save that stitch for smaller socks.

In dyeing news, I've had a colorway in mind for a few weeks now. Green with purple and yellow, inspired by my lawn full of dandelions and violets. I remember a couple of years ago being inspired by the same thing to make a bright set of floral beads.

I broke out some of the Easter Egg dye that Jane got for me, and dyed up a 3 1/2 ounce hank of Wool2Dye4 Superwash Supersock. Here's a picture of the skein. You know, I really like to look of yarn re-skeined after dyeing to show the colors together, but without a swift or niddy-noddy, I just didn't have it in me to do the work just for a picture. I think a swift purchase is in my near future.

After taking the picture, I draped the skein over the back of a chair and using my hand-held winder, made this ==>
(as always, click to biggify)

By now, I'm coasting toward the toe decreases on the first sock, just a simple stockinette on US1 dpns over 60 stitches. I did something a little different at the heel, but I'll go into more detail in the next post. In the meantime, dye on!

Chee-Toes

2006-05-02T06:19:00.000-04:00

Finished the Cheeto socks yesterday. It didn't even take the entire 50 gram skein of Regia Stretch. I used US 1 dpns and 60 stitches.

Helper Kitty

2006-05-02T06:14:00.000-04:00

Zack takes his helper kitty status quite seriously. Heh.... goofy kitty - he kept batting around the beads while I was trying to take pics.

Eggsellent Haul

2006-05-02T06:08:00.000-04:00

Good ol' Jane. I had told her after Easter to be on the lookout for Easter egg dye kits on sale, and to buy some for me if she found a good deal. She was at CVS yesterday and bought all they had - at 90% off! I had fun opening all these boxes last night and harvesting all the color tablets. Some of them had packets of dye; it'll be interesting to see how that stuff works.

Thanks Little Sister.

Round Robin

2006-04-27T01:25:00.000-04:00

There was a softball-sized (and shaped) robin outside my window this morning... man, that bird was chubby! I've been taking advantage of the splendid weather and sitting in the backyard knitting many evenings recently, and am getting to know a few of my bird-neighbors. Most interesting is a little woodpecker; he's fun to watch.

I dyed one skein of Regia stretch using a mix of Wilton's and Kool-Aid. The orange is the exact shade of Cheetos! Heh, I have Chester Cheeto socks. As always, click to biggify.
This is the second incarnation of my Chester C. anklet. The first had a short-row heel, and was too short. I should have known better, but after all those baby sox with short row heels, I became rather accustomed to them. I love this new heel, though. It's Eye of Partridge, and looks pretty spiffy, doncha think?

Dye Me a River...

2006-04-21T08:55:00.000-04:00

First thing: the Baby Socks are this very minute winging their way to the west coast. I shed a tear or two upon seeing them leave the nest. Goodbye, little darlings!

Second thing: I got my package from Wool2Dye4 last week, and what a package it was! Superwash sock yarn (100% merino), 100% Superfine Alpaca Laceweight, Silk and Ivory (a 50/50 blend of silk and merino, sport weight), Toaga (an absolutely delicious blend of 78% mohair, 13% wool and 9% nylon in DK weight), and some Bolero (another mohair/wool/nylon blend boucle). All in natural and waiting to be dyed. Also got a dye kit, with real-live big-girl dye powder.

Third thing: I found Scout's Dye-O-Rama, and signed up right away. Go ahead, check out that list - I'm right near the top!

I'm planning two different ways to dye self-striping/patterning yarn. I want to break out the knitting machine and knit up some blanks, and I plan to come up with a way to use the coat tree as a warp board to wind really really long hanks. Before I can do that, though, I need to wind off smaller amounts from my supersize hanks that Sheila sent. Need something to distract the cat...

102 Dalmations Socks

2006-04-17T15:56:00.000-04:00

Welp, it's done! It's rather obvious that I'm no photo stylist, but still, this one ain't half bad. Thanks to Sockbug for layout inspiration.

All the little dears are soaking in the tub right now. No. really. The pile was too large for the sink, so into the tub they went. Ya think I should have lit tiny little candles and filled tiny little flutes of champagne?

Never Give Up, Never Surrender!*

2006-04-15T01:00:00.000-04:00

No Mother, I may be tired, but I ain't giving up. I'm working on sock number two of pair 49. Doesn't look like I'll make the April 15th deadline, but should hit the mark on the 16th. Click here to see them.

Heh... I've become so accustomed to planning ahead with the colors that I've already got up to pair number 54 in my head. I do plan to stop at 51, take a group photo, wash, pair and label the socks, then ship them to PT Yarns. Since the contest deadline is the 30th, I may (or may not) knit more to send separately.

I have a new favorite - do you love these as much as I do? They're knit using Paton's Kroy Sock, leftovers from my Amble socks and Bryony's Cascading Leaves.

*What movie is this from? I know, but do you?

Tired at 44

2006-04-10T08:59:00.000-04:00

It's official. I'm tired of knitting baby socks. I wonder if there's some significance in the fact that I discovered that on pair number 44, which just happens to be my age? *sigh* only seven more to go.

Just Call Me Ms. Fix-It and... I Love It When I'm Right

2006-04-08T19:58:00.000-04:00

This afternoon when I started the water for my shower, the hot water wasn't. Hot, that is. So I went outside, opened the water heater closet and poked at some things and twisted other things and removed a couple of cover plates and finally found the pilot light. Which wasn't. Lit. So I lit it. Ahhhhh, nothing like a good, hot shower!

The civil defense sirens in our area are set to go off at noon each Saturday. Today, at noon TST (Teri Standard Time) they sounded for one minute. Ha - Daylight Saving Time, put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Just a Little Behind ...

2006-04-04T09:06:00.000-04:00

Dangit - I missed my first Blogiversary! Yesterday marked one year since my first post. Lotta socks under the bridge in the last twelve months, including nearly forty pair of baby socks for the Longest Line Contest sponsored by PT Yarns.

These are my favorite pair so far. Knit using leftovers from my Olympic socks (Knitpicks Color Your Own 100% merino wool) over 32 stitches on US size 1.5 bamboo dpns.

My goal is to have at least 51 pair completed by the 15th of April. I'll wash them, take a group picture, then pair and tag them before sending them on their way. The deadline is the 30th, but I want to be sure to get them submitted in time to be counted. I plan to win the first prize of 15 skeins of Opal! It'll be odd knitting full-size socks after that, but hopefully I'll have lovely new yarn for consolation.

My Declaration of Independence

2006-04-02T10:06:00.000-04:00

For the first time in over 30 years, Hoosiers joined most of the rest of the United States this morning in moving clocks one hour ahead in order to observe Daylight Saving Time. Arizona and Hawaii are the only two sane states left, leaving their clocks alone year-round.

I realize that the measurement of time is a purely human invention, so time manipulation isn't against God's law. But dangit, it just ain't natural! I have the clock over there on the right set to Indiana time, and I'm not budging. The rest of the state can go crazy, but as for me, I'm sticking. So there.

What's Yer Hurry?

2006-03-10T15:21:00.000-05:00

At long last, here is the picture of my Knitting Olympics 2006 socks - which were indeed completed within the timeframe of the Olympics. Be sure to click on the pic for a larger version.

Yarn used: KnitPicks Color Your Own fingering weight wool, plus some really old red wool from my stash. Size 1 bamboo dpns got the job done for me.

For dyeing, I used both Kool-Aid and Wilton's Icing Color. I have to say I was a little disappointed in the Wilton's - I had anticipated much brighter colors than I actually got. And the black? Well, it's brown. The red? Salmon pink. (That's why I dug into the stash closet for red)

There's nothing written down for these socks, I just made up the designs as I went along. It really was a lot of fun, and not nearly as difficult as I had thought. Yay for the Olympics!

Olympic Update

2006-02-14T13:15:00.000-05:00

Even though I couldn't cast on my Olympic sock until Saturday**, I've made very good progress. I'm designing as I go... see?

I stopped at this point (just completed gusset decreases) because I haven't decided about the pattern on the foot. I'm leaning toward just stripes of the different colors. The socks would look really cool with more interesting patterns, but that just doesn't seem as practical.

I know you're dying to see the inside, aren't you?

I'm planning to pick up the stitches at the top of the cuff and knit the ribbing after completing the foot. I'm working up my nerve to do corugated ribbing.

**I procrastinated the dyeing, and had to wait for the yarn to dry before casting on!

Can't Stop

2006-02-09T06:16:00.000-05:00

More baby socks! These were knit from some old wool, Bernat Meadowspun or something like that, on US2s, 32 stitches.

And these are from KnitPicks, 32 stitches on US 1.5s.

Oh Baby!

2006-02-05T15:15:00.000-05:00

So I decided that knitting baby socks would be fun... the Opal Chatters Newsletter published by PTYarns announced a contest. And since I covet the sock yarn prize, I'll enter! First pair I made from a ball of leftover either Regia or Opal, 28 sts on US1 dpns.

The second pair was made with the same amount of stitches, but this time on US2s with Briggs and Little sport weight dyed with KoolAid...

On the needles right now is the second of a pair of solid red sockies. I've got about the next 10 or so pair planned out already. What... I said I want to win, didn't I?

Even More Wool...

2006-02-01T21:50:00.000-05:00

This is the wool I had to be patient for... I kept getting outbid. Isn't it purdy? Again, fingering weight 100% wool, 220 yards in each 50g ball. The pattern is modified Aran Braid Socks for Teri
(how could I resist!?), knit over 64 sts on US1 dpns.

Same deal as the orange/yellow - you get two 50gram balls shipped First Class within the US for $12.00. If you live outside the US, just ask and I'll figure the shipping. E-mail me at teri.p AT insightbb DOT com.

EDITED TO ADD: yarn is all sold - thanks!

Spaced Out

2006-02-01T21:42:00.000-05:00

Got this great fingering weight wool on eBay... but I hadta buy an entire bag of each color. Here's the first pair of socks, in a subtle shading of yellow to orange. The non-pattern is just a purl stitch every 4th stitch on every 4th row. Knit over 64 sts on US1 dpns.

So now I have spare yarn! 2 50g balls 100% wool 220 yards. My gauge in stockinette is 8.5 stitches and 11 rows per inch. EDITED TO ADD: yarn is sold - thanks!

What the... ?

2006-01-22T05:39:00.000-05:00

In my invalid state I have little energy, and am boring myself silly trying to rest. Looking for simple tasks for a little diversion, I cleaned out my purse.

In addition to the regular purse clutter, I found a stale* Vanilla Wafer and a piece of kitty kibble. Now I have enough to keep me entertained for hours, contemplating how the kibble got there.

*I'm assuming it was stale - I surely didn't eat it.

No Spam for You!

2006-01-08T03:00:00.000-05:00

Please excuse the Seinfeld Soup Nazi rip-off.

Check out what this woman does ... very very cool!

I made a most excellent set of beads this week, but have been foiled in my attempt to post a picture here. Not for the first time, either. I get an itty-bitty picture in a weird sort of static-looking canvas.

So anyway, last week I made letter tile beads for Jill, spelling her name. We had so much fun playing with them that I started thinking about doing the entire alphabet. Then on the 4th, I noticed Google's celebration of Louis Braille's birthday, and got a brainstorm. (and believe me, it was painful) Took several sessions at the torch, and more than one letter tile had to be re-done, but finally completed the Rainbow Braille tiles. Already have plans for the next set in the works.

Knitting, not so much. First sock of the new year doesn't even rate a picture. I finally decided to knit a toe-up sock along with the Socknitters SAM, using leftovers. Frigging foot was 13 inches long, and even felting didn't rescue it. So I'm going to cut off the cuff and use it as a wristwarmer. Back to cuff-down socks for me...if it ain't broke, etc.

Why Yes, I Do Have a Picture...

2006-01-03T07:01:00.000-05:00

I don't have grandchildren yet (and a wait of a few more years is fine with me!), but I DO have grandsocks. I'm ever and ever so proud - check out Kelly's Fuzzy Feet.

Last winter Kelly was an avid scarf-knitter; made some awesome scarves. This year she branched out into hats and purses, and Fuzzy Feet! Over the Thanksgiving weekend at Pokagon, she and I did a lot of sitting and knitting. I was her verbal pattern for the first FF since the pattern printout disappeared the first evening.

Then the next week we spent some time on the phone while Kelly turned the heel of the second FF, then it was off to the races! With her purse-knitting experience, she's become rather good at felting, so that was the easy part here. And look, aren't these marvelous! Awwwww, my very first grandsocks.

I need to print out a picture for my wallet.

(Not Exactly) Breaking News...

2005-12-30T23:55:00.000-05:00

Sock knitting is continuing on unabated here; socktivity has been particularly heavy this week. I completed Isaac's socks on Christmas Eve. Knit of Paton's Kroy in Shaded Spruce, 10x2 rib over 72 sts on US2 dpns.

Next I whipped up a pair for me using Briggs & Little Durasport, purple overdyed with Kool-Aid. They're in the hamper, so pictures have to wait.

I'm very excited about the current socks ip.... Using Regia 6-ply Crazy Colors and the August 31st stitch pattern from the 365 Knitting Stitches a Year Perpetual Calender, I've designed my birthday sock. First one completed and second just a few inches into the cuff. I'm using US2 dpns, and the fabric is rather firm. Probably should have gone with US3s, but I can live with them this way. Back to the needles!

From the Swiss Cheese Palace...

2005-12-25T09:01:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Breakfast for Zach: a whole can of tuna.

Breakfast for me: peanut butter cookies. yumm!

Knitting Activity: a sock for me. First of a pair, 'cuz it's not like I already have a dozen or so single socks waiting for mates. I completed my Christmas knitting yesterday afternoon, so treated myself to a new project. Pics later, after the gifts have been opened (since I forgot to take pics before wrapping).

I've been perusing patterns for knitted kitties... I have an order from Brother Tim's grandaughter for a red cat with an orange tail and a blue ribbon around its neck and one green eye and one blue eye. I like the Knitty pattern, but it's a little larger than I wanted to make. Also found this one that's pretty nifty.

Then, while on my search for the perfect kitty pattern, I discovered these charts. Seems pretty obvious these are absolute must-knits in the near future, don'cha think?

What Not To Do

2005-12-11T17:17:00.000-05:00

If you eat beans (and some cornbread and a couple of tortillas) for three days straight, don't fall asleep with your head under the covers. Even if it's only 52 degrees in your house. I'm just saying.

Knitting, with Beans

2005-12-08T13:03:00.000-05:00

People are so weird. You'd think we live out back of beyond. There's a snowstorm just west of here, looming over my house. (and a lot of other houses, too.) I needed to run into town for a loaf of bread and wasn't really too surprised to see the grocery store packed! Carts overflowing, lines snaking around and shelves bare. People! You can go out tomorrow after the snowplows and buy your Lay's and Ruffles. Honestly.

I finally needed to visit the gas station last week. I paid $2.22 per gallon; of course the day before the price had been $1.92. And today it's $2.18. I seem to have the knack of purchasing the most expensive gas possible.

Oh, and the with beans? I got some pintos and already have them soaking. mmmmm, beans and cornbread - perfect storm food!

Opposite Day

2005-11-14T19:22:00.000-05:00

This just cracks me up. really.

Your Birthdate: August 31

You're a pretty traditional person. If it's lasted, it's probably good.
You seek stability - both in your career and your romantic relationship.
In return, you're very loyal and predictable. Which is usually a good thing.
Without a partner, you feel lost. Being with someone is very important to you.

Your strength: Your dependability

Your weakness: You hate being alone

Your power color: Midnight blue

Your power symbol: Shell

Your power month: April

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Signing off now, Teri the hermit

Warm Fuzzies

2005-11-14T05:10:00.000-05:00

Finished!! Fuzzy Feet knit of Reynolds Lopi-Lite on US10.5 dpns. Took only two trips through the washer to reach this level of delicious fuzziness. Thanks to Laurie/ Crazy Aunt Purl for initiating the knitalong, and to Anmiryan of Gromit Knits for hosting Fuzzy Feet Along! These will come in handy (or should that be footy) this winter here at the Swiss Cheese Palace.

In other felting news, I knit this buttonhole bag the other night after emailing back and forth with my stepsister Kelly. Last winter Kelly learned to knit, and made some absolutely gorgeous scarves. When November rolled around this year, she decided to stretch her wings a little bit, and has been knitting and felting like mad! She inspired me to venture into the world of bag-knitting, and wouldn't ya know, now I'm hooked. Thanks Kelly Sue!

Don't want to forget the beads part, y'all. Shown here is the second SweetTart sock with the beads inspired by the colorway. (As always, click on the pic to biggify it) I used enamels and a method of layering glass colors to match the wool colors... not too shabby, eh?

Recent Socktivity

2005-11-05T07:03:00.000-05:00

Okey-doke... batteries are charged, and I'm finally back online.

These are the socks I knit to give to my glass-friend in place of the faded CTH sox. They're knit of Regia Strato Color on US1.5 dpns, 60 sts and PGR short-row heel.

Regia Jubilee, on US1 dpns over 70 sts. Started in October (so they qualify as gen-yu-wine Socktoberfest sox) for my son. I'm a little further along by now.

Regia Jacquard, 60 sts on US1 dpns. First sock completed ages ago, and second sock begun in October.

And finally, these monstrous Fuzzy Feet!! I used Reynolds Lite-Lopi in purple and black, on US10.5 dpns. Since this photo I've felted them - it took two trips through the washer. Pics soon (they're still a wee bit damp).

There Really Oughta Be a Rule.....

2005-11-01T21:40:00.000-05:00

... about getting a rebate when gasoline prices drop. Since I work at home, I don't do a whole lot of driving; sometimes I can go a month on a tank of gas. I filled the truck tank two or three weeks ago when gas was around $2.80. Today I saw that Ricker's has regular for $2.29. Somebody owes me about eight bucks.

I had grand plans for today's post, including lots of pictures of recent sock activity. After taking just one picture this morning, though, my camera batteries pooped out. Stinking things are still recharging!

Take another look at the Cherry Tree Hill socks - I'm so bummed! As always, I washed the socks when they were completed... they faded terribly. In fact, the picture doesn't reflect how much more dull the colors are now. You can kind of see it by comparing the ball of wool with the socks. These were supposed to be a gift, but I'm certainly not going to give a fading pair of socks... So I've started another pair. Of course, I can't show you a picture of those yet, so tune in tomorrow!

The Celebration Continues!

2005-10-20T13:11:00.000-05:00

Socktoberfest 2005. It's a month-long celebration here at the Swiss Cheese Palace. In addition to completing the Hot Sox, I'm working on the second Regia Jacquard sock, and these delicious Cherry Tree Hill socks. The colorway is Fall Foliage, knit on US2 dpns in a K8P2 rib. I'm knitting them for a glass-friend .... hope she likes 'em! The colors of the yarn are actually a bit more muted than the photograph shows, although the colors in the beads are true.

The beads are made using five different shades of coral glass, plus a little bit of yellow, purple, brown and black. I love this combination, and am heading over to the torch right now to work with them some more. Oh, and you can see the beads on my eBay list - I'll be posting the auction this evening.

Sandy, the Sky Queen, has a mitten knit-along going. I've joined Warm Hands, and plan to get mitten knittin' soon. And just for Sandy, here's today's sky as seen from over my back fence.

Still Hot, not so Crunchy

2005-10-20T13:07:00.000-05:00

Finished! Knit with Briggs & Little Sport (not Tuffy like I said earlier), a 1-ply 100% wool. I dyed it with Kool-Aid, rather successfully if I do say so. The yarn wasn't terribly pleasant to knit with, being a little scratchy, but several washings have softened the socks considerably. They keep my feet extra-warm with these hot colors!

Socktoberfest 2005

2005-10-10T12:23:00.000-05:00

Okay. The other day I was reading Claudia's blog and learned about Jane's contest. Then today I'm reading Norma, and discover Socktoberfest 2005. Which is pretty funny, really, since Norma's not exactly in love with knitting socks. I know - I mean, NORma, who doesn't like to knit socks?

So then I bop over to see Lolly, the brilliant mind behind Socktoberfest. I snagged a button

then went on to check out some of the other participants of Socktoberfest. Go look at Amy - she's running a contest, with a prize of (what else) sock yarn! And then I flip back to Lolly and discover a nifty quiz:

Wow! You would have been a pair of socks as long
as it's possible for socks to be before they're
tights - and all multi-coloured with pretty
patterns and detail all over the place - then
you could stand and admire your sock-self all
day!

What type of sock are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
Which is really fun. And true. No, really!

No Such Thing as a Cat-Free Zone Here...

2005-10-07T21:21:00.000-05:00

After showing all my single socks, it's only fair to show the pairs, too, isn't it? Actually, this is my official entry in Jane's All Socks contest. To be honest, this picture is missing a couple of pair - one pair on my feet and one in the washer. As well as all the socks I've gifted, naturally.

The anklets are all made with either Cascade Fixation or Elann's Sock-It-To-Me Esprit, with the exception of the multi-colored socklets on the bottom right. Those are made of KnitPick's Dancing - I don't recommend this yarn for anklets like this because it only takes about 3 minutes of wear to make them feel loosey-goosey. I plan to frog these and knit a pair of socks for my niece. Maybe. Someday.

Seeking Companionship...

2005-10-07T18:29:00.000-05:00

Digging through my bag of sock projects unearthed ten single socks. One of them doesn't really count as it's the current SixSox pattern, Mosaic, and is a current work in progress. The other nine are documented below - in separate entries because I had a long post with loads of pictures when Netscape crashed.

Most of the socks are basic, some with heel flaps and some with short-row heels. It's my arsenal for mindless knitting...

Let Me Call You SweetTart

2005-10-07T18:23:00.000-05:00

Superwash wool/nylon blend from SuanKnits, dyed with Kool-Aid. The sock is nice, soft and comfy, but the yarn is a little splitty. The pattern is a K2P2 spiral rib. Second sock is about a third complete.

Spring Prairie

2005-10-07T18:20:00.000-05:00

Knit Picks Sock Landscape Spring Prairie.... nice wool, but has to be handwashed.

Regia again

2005-10-07T18:18:00.000-05:00

Regia Jacquard Color. I'm actually going to have to [shudder] count when I knit the second sock since I didn't bother making notes on this one. bummer...

Not Go Team

2005-10-07T18:14:00.000-05:00

Red with white checkerboard started out as the SixSox Go Team sock, but I discovered that I was too impatient to knit stranded two-color work. I'll do it again just to make this poor dear a mate, but probably not again.

The wool has been around a while; it's Nomotta Germantown Zephyr, washable 100% wool. Put up in cute little 1 ounce skeins with extremely detailed washing instructions on the reverse of the wrapper. Nine steps - that's NINE, folks.

Easter Egg Jacquard

2005-10-07T18:04:00.000-05:00

Lang Bebe Color, 100% superwash wool. I was still working on my basic pattern with this sock; according to my notes I actually decreased after the ribbing. It was one of the first short-row heels I did - nice, eh? I got the yarn at Stitches and Scones, my LYS which is not really terribly local. It's about 45 minutes away. I've only visited once, and then only because I was in the area to pick up some glass.

Camel/Charcoal

2005-10-07T18:01:00.000-05:00

Regia Linien. This poor dear has been languishing for months and months, for no other reason than I just sort of keep forgetting it. As much as I like the colorway and patterning, it just doesn't have the allure of the brightly colored wools.

Hot and Crunchy

2005-10-07T17:58:00.000-05:00

Briggs & Little Tuffy, a sport weight wool single. This was dyed with Kool-Aid, and is probably my favorite colorway of all the dyeing I've done. Sadly, the yarn is sort of, well, icky feeling. I've washed the sock a couple of times, and it does seem to be softening up. The second sock is about half done.

Beaded Sock

2005-10-07T17:56:00.000-05:00

This is, ummmm, I think Regia Cotton Surf. I was knitting this sock during the blackout in early January. Sadly, I can't find the beads, so if I want to make the second sock with the same beads, it will stay in the "to do" basket for a good long while. 'Sides, with winter just around the corner, I figure cotton socks can wait.

Amble

2005-10-07T17:51:00.000-05:00

Amble - the August/September SixSox pattern. Knit on US1 dpns using Patons Kroy Socks. Although I think the sock is quite attractive, I didn't particularly enjoy knitting it, so I imagine it will stay single for a while.

The Journey Begins (Again)

2005-09-30T13:27:00.000-05:00

So today was the posting of the first clue for Mystery Shawl 2. I'm using Coral Zephyr on US4 needles. (Got the yarn at Bo Peep's Wool Shop) I was kinda bummed that I couldn't cast on the instant I downloaded Chart 1 'cause I discovered the yarn still in the hank. I thought I would never get my ballwinder filled!

Anyhow, obviously I did get the ball wound, and the first clue completed - isn't it lovely?! This is the first time I've knit with a single strand of laceweight, and it took a bit of getting used to. Even switching to fingering for a sock will seem strange now. But I'll get over it.

Why Yes, We Do Have Weather!

2005-09-21T17:12:00.000-05:00

See Sandy ... ? We have weather in Indiana, too.

Somebody Stop Me!

2005-08-30T22:26:00.000-05:00

Help me - I can't stop knitting! After fiddling around with the charts from the Mystery Shawl for a couple of days, I finally settled on this simple scarf. I'm using lace weight 100% wool from Handpaintedyarn.com (in Violetas colorway), and a version of the chart from Clue 4. The yarn is doubled on US8 needles - my favorite red plastics with the nifty tapers.

In between swatching and charting, charting and swatching (and some frogging), I managed to complete the second twisted rib Ballet sock for SuzyQ, and the first lime sherbet sock. Pics to come soon.

Mom treated me to breakfast this morning (my birthday treat), and I gave her the Dreamsicle shawl. Except I had to take it back right away to weave in the two ends... good thing I had my knitting bag! Mom actually poked fun of me for bringing it along.

Mystery Solved

2005-08-27T19:58:00.000-05:00

Stick a fork in her - she's done! I completed the knitting of my Dreamsicle Mystery Shawl last night, and blocked her today. A special thanks to Zak The Cat for his invaluable assistance. As always, click on a picture to view a larger version. Finished measurements: 76" wide by 39" from top to tip.

The yarn is Monty 3/9, 100% merino described as sport weight, but I'd say it's on the light end of the scale. I got it from Sheila at Wool2Dye4, and I can't say enough good things about her service. I used approximately 6 1/2 ounces (which equates to just under 700 yards) on US8 needles. I started out with straights, then switched to a circular when the stitches were too crowded.

I dyed the yarn with Kool-Aid, using about a dozen packs of lemonade and one package of orange. I purposely used a pot a little on the small side in order to get the slightly variegated look.

Mom asked me the other day what I plan to do with this shawl. I dunno - I'll figure something out.

A little housekeeping -- I made a change in the comments. Now one must complete the verification in order to post a comment. That's to prevent spammers. Also, unless you are a Blogger member, I don't have any way to reply to your message. At least, I don't think so. Perhaps a bit of research is in order.

New Furniture

2005-08-26T11:05:00.000-05:00

See? Two new buttons...... one for ISLAGA (Indiana Society of Art Glass Artists) and one for MysteryShawlAlong 2. I was member #3 of this new group - I just can't get enough!

I'm on row 3 of the final chart on my Dreamsicle shawl. I was dismayed to see that each and every row had a double decrease requiring stitch marker manipulation. Just too, too much. So I took the liberty of reassigning the spot for markers. So far, so good.

The Things We Do for Love

2005-08-25T20:32:00.000-05:00

Sheesh. Remember how much I love driving around Dayton? Saturday I'll be driving Sister Jane and a dog to some itty bitty town southeast of Dayton, so we'll be circumnavigating my favorite city. Go here and click on the 'puppies' link... you'll see Molly a little ways down the page. Isn't she a cutie?

I found a source for 12" bamboo dpns, and spent this afternoon wiring up some stitch markers to match three new pair of needles.

Before I made any of these, I tested the size ones by using them for my current sock. The needles are spiffy, but I gotta tell you, knitting a sock using 12" dpns isn't a walk in the park!

So this sock I'm working on is the new design to take the place of the Surf's Up sock. I guess now that Surf's Up is a washout I can show you my first sample. Isn't that a great stitch pattern? I originally saw it when I was browsing dishcloth patterns. Check out the Lacy Mock Cable - it's on the lefthand side. I wrote to the designer of the pattern who graciously agreed to allow me to use her pattern - nice lady! Maybe I ought to send her an e-mail to let her know I've changed my mind about using the pattern.

Step Four - Complete!

2005-08-21T19:19:00.000-05:00

Hasn't Renee designed a gorgeous shawl? Step four is done; one more step and I will officially have knit a shawl. I would have finished this chart sooner, but I spent the morning in the dentist's chair, and the afternoon in bed recovering. Too bad I can't convince him to trade his services for handknit shawls and socks.

Speaking of socks, I've canned the Surf's Up sock. Seems I chose the same stitch pattern as the designer of a recent Sock-of-the-Month kit. I plan to peruse a couple of books this evening and see what I can come up with.

Zak loves paper... specifically, he loves to attack and rip it up. What a tiger!

Fer Pity's Sake

2005-08-18T16:28:00.000-05:00

I had a lovely, witty entry all written up, even illustrated... and Netscape froze up. Don'tcha just hate that? I've downloaded Netscape 8.0. It's kind of weird looking, so we'll see.

Step three of my Dreamsicle shawl is done. I simply whizzed through the chart; had it finished by Sunday night. Here it is pinned out on black fabric (I used knitting needles as blocking wire substitutes - aren't I clever?). I've tried out several different needles on this, including 10" red plastic straights, 14" aluminum straights, aluminum circs, and nylon circular needles. I liked the 10" red plastic ones best, but it they were too short past the step 2 halfway point. The nylon circulars were nice too, but turns out they're size 9, and I can't turn up a set of size 8s.

I've dyed the wool for my Surf's Up socks, and have just cast on and knit a whopping three rounds so far. Not picture worthy yet.

In glass news, check out these needles - aren't they spiffy?! The matching stitch markers are made with sterling silver, and Swarovski crystals. There are two each of slightly different designs. I haven't listed them on eBay just yet, but plan to in the next day or so.

Lemming Land

2005-08-11T18:45:00.000-05:00

Step two of my Dreamsicle Mystery Shawl is complete. (As ever, click on the image for a bigger view.) There was only a little tinking, and no frogging, praise be! Looking forward to the next step, to be revealed tomorrow morning.

I got all happy this afternoon when I won two auctions for knitting needles and accessories. On the way to me is a box with 13 pair of plastic needles, a few long flexible stitch holders, two row counters, and some other stuff. I've developed quite a liking for the plastic needles. Plus, the colors make them fun to top with lampwork beads. I'm still in the engineering phase in the matter of attaching the beads to the larger sizes, though. Bamboo needles are easier, since I can easily carve the right size to fit the bead cap. Hmmmm, need to think on it some more.

Motherrrrr, There's Nothing To Do

2005-08-10T22:05:00.000-05:00

Apparently I don't have enough knitting works in progress. There are at least a dozen socks awaiting a mate, ~~two~~ ~~three~~ four socks currently on the needles (but - ~~two~~ three of those are second socks), the Mystery Shawl, and a coupla other things that I don't remember right now.

I've spent the last hour or more poking around trying to decide what I should start next. What I have nearly settled on is dyeing the yarn for the Surfs Up socks I am designing. But the wool is in an 8 ounce hank, and I need to wind off enough for the pair of socks and I have neither a swift nor a niddy-noddy. I don't even have an obliging young daughter whom I've convinced holding the skein while I wind is fun! (Yah, Mom, that one's for you!)

Perhaps I should continue my safari. I could always start another shawl... I mean, I've finished chart #2 of the Mystery Shawl, and won't get the next clue for nearly 36 hours. I should be able to get a lot done in that time, right??

I Went to a Garden Party ....

2005-08-09T19:39:00.000-05:00

Lately my lawnmower's been giving me fits. Yesterday evening my next-door neighbor was in his backyard and must have heard me ~~swearing at~~ cajoling the dratted machine. Good ol' Bobby tinkered with it a little, and soon I was cutting merrily away. He came back over a few minutes later with his weedeater and took care of the ~~jungle~~ weeds at the edge of the yard. Nice fella, eh? Thanks Bobby!

Mystery Shawl is progressing quite nicely. I'm about halfway through Chart 2, with few problems so far. The little bit of tinking I've done was in the same row, so no fits for me today.

Dreamsicle beads are made with coral and pale ivory; they match pretty well, don'tcha think? I'll be listing them tonight on eBay. There is a half-price sale on the Featured Plus upgrade for the next couple of days, so I'd better get torching. It's good to have a set featured, but the $20 fee just about kills me in the summer. Sure will be glad when school is back in session and all you jewelry-makers are shopping online again!

Back to Work

2005-08-04T21:46:00.000-05:00

Ever wondered how many beads I make in a sitting? (I know, but just pretend you have, okay?) This here is the stack of beads I made during a 5-hour torch session. Some are encased and some have stringer decoration, but there is nothing terribly complicated or time-consuming here. 5 hours is longer than I typically work at one sitting - usually I torch 2-3 hours a couple of times per day. At least in the summer; it's not much fun sitting in front of the flame with sweat running down my face.
Some knitters say knitting when it's hot is just too uncomfortable. I take the opposite view, knitting is my way to cool down.

Sneak Preview

2005-08-04T05:11:00.000-05:00

So I decided yesterday morning that I didn't have enough WIP, and that I should design a sock. Here's a sneak preview.

Beads? What do you mean, I should be working?

Changing My Tune

2005-08-02T23:16:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the SixSock Amble is growing on me. This is 5 rounds into the second repeat of the (16-rnd) pattern. After the first few rounds following the chart became much easier. Now I'm watching the chart and counting the stitches while knitting, pretty much just like Jan describes it - like touch typing. Clicking on the pic takes you to a larger version showing the pattern a little better.

Yarn is Patons Kroy Socks, color #54729 (I forgot the name), and the needles are my 5" Surina wood, US1. The color must be discontinued, because it's not listed on the Patons site. I got it from Elann a month or two ago.

Please take note of the rib - I am so proud of the fact that I followed the instructions and knit a full two inches.... of course, I did change it to a K3P2 from K!P1. I've gotta assert my individuality, y'know?

I toted the Mystery Shawl to Sister Jane's this afternoon for a little show and tell. Mom was there, and was duly impressed. Jane pretended to be interested, because as I told her, I pretend to be interested in her dogs. Fair is fair, after all.

I'll leave you with a pic of Zak guarding the Mystery Shawl chart. We won't let on that it's the uncorrected version.....

Conversion

2005-08-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

I am now a confirmed chart follower. Until today, I had little experience knitting by following a chart ... I thought I was a lifelong written-out knitter. I knit the first few rows of the Mystery Shawl, then on to chart #2. After futzing around with the stitch count (this was before the corrections were posted), I started sailing along. The scales have fallen from my eyes.

So here it is, my mystery shawl, first week. Kinda purty, eh? I frogged and started over 3 or 4 times (each time at around row 15, so no big deal really). I'm using some old Boye size 8 plastic needles, but since they're only 10" long, I can see I'll be digging in my needle stash soon for circs. I'll miss the points on these red Boyes; they're lovely and pointy and a little concave.

I'm not as thrilled with my new SixSock. It's knit in gansey-style, again with the chart. I'm hoping it'll grow on me. Pics in a day or two, when I have more to show.

Swatch This

2005-08-01T04:38:00.000-05:00

Mystery shawl swatch - blocked measures 5 3/4" x 3 1/2" (I forgot to measure it before blocking). One pattern repeat (23 sts) with a two-row stockinette border at the top and bottom, size 8 needles.

Okay, Renee, I'm ready!

Mysterious Knitting

2005-07-31T19:00:00.000-05:00

I'm in the process of winding the wool for the Mystery Shawl, knit along due to begin tomorrow. I ordered a half-pound skein of Monty 3/9 Merino from Sheila at Wool 2 Dye 4 on Wednesday, and plucked the package from my mailbox on Friday. In addition to the wool, the package included a sample of Lavender Eucalan and a card with generous samples of the wools offered at Wool2Dye4. $12.00 was all this wondrous bounty cost me!!

The orange dreamsicle deliciousness is a product of about a dozen packages of Kool-Aid Lemonade and a sprinkling of Orange and Tropical Punch. Even after generous rinsing, it smells like a lemon sheep.

Now for the swatch.....

Teri's Big Adventure

2005-07-27T05:48:00.000-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of driving to New Jersey to deliver a couple of puppies. (You remember, sister Jane breeds Labradoodles) Below is a list of unofficial awards for the month of July:

Cheapest gas between home and Weehawken, NJ: Pendleton, IN at $2.17 per gallon.

Most expensive gas blah blah : Somewhere in eastern Pennsylvania along I70 at $2.38

Most expensive instant cappuccino: At a Stuckey's just west of the Ohio border on I70 - I paid a whopping $2.11 for a 16 ounce cup. It was okay. Typically I can get a 24 ounce cup for a little over a buck. I stopped at this Stuckey's out of a sense of loyalty from way back.... my first real job** was at a Stuckey's.

** Okay, my first real job was detasseling corn, but come on now, does that count? It is, after all, more like slave labor. I seem to remember earning $1.14 per hour. And this was mid-seventies!

Weirdest shopping experience: Meijer's in Dayton, Ohio. I stopped there at 11:45 pm on Friday, July 15th. I was amazed at the number of cars in the parking lot - it could have been the middle of the day on a weekend. Nearing the entrance, I was even more surprised at the crowd of people milling around - some even in costume. Jeez, and I thought my life was boring. At least I don't (usually) get my kicks out of hanging around discount superstores at midnight. Perhaps by now Harry Potter fans may realize what I didn't - that the Half-Blood Prince book was released on the 16th. So that's what all the excitement was in Dayton.

Crappiest traffic jam: again near Dayton, took 45 minutes to travel 3 miles because of road construction. And this was midnight Friday!! Maybe it was all the Harry Potter fans...

Worst weather: Once again, Dayton, Ohio. Severe thunderstorm. I think I'm developing a Daytonphobia.

Most difficult to navigate: Hands down, Weehawken, New Jersey. You drive along the NJ Turnpike and take the exit for the Lincoln Tunnel, then drive and drive and drive until you're almost at the tunnel entrance and suddenly there's this horrid mess of streets and hills and weird intersections and you're supposed to be able to make sense of the Mapquest directions and you can't and thank goodness you have a charged cell phone and the people talk you right to their door.

Most misleading state motto: New Jersey. The Garden State? Don't get me wrong, there are areas pleasant to look at..... but get this - at one point I was sure the puppies had simultaneously had severe diarhea. Turns out I was just passing a stinky place.

Friendliest toll booth operator: Southbound NJ Turnpike exit 8.

All in all, it was a good trip.

You want knitting news? You know the deal, here it's pretty much all socks all the time.

Cloverleaf Rib (from the Six Sox KAL) made from Kool-Aid dyed superwash, 60 sts on size 1.

Kool-Aid dyed KnitPicks yarn, spiral rib 60 sts on size 1 dpns.

Elann's Sock-It-To-Me Esprit in white and ummm, I forget the color name. 44 sts on size 3 dpns.

There are more, but I seem to have misplaced the pictures. And speaking of misplaced, I still haven't found that lost ball of Dancing yarn....

Let's Pretend...

2005-06-18T06:28:00.000-05:00

That I didn't just let more than a month pass since my last post, k? Thanks.

I'm still going with the beads-to-match socks. Here's the latest:

Sock is an anklet of my own design out of Elann's Sock-It-To-Me Esprit in white and turquoise, 44 sts on US3 dpns. These socks are completed as of last night.

This sock I call Cloverleaf Parrot. The pattern is from the SixSoxKAL, wool is a 75/25 superwash wool/nylon blend from Suan Knits, dyed with KoolAid, 60 sts on US1.5 dpns. First sock completed a couple of weeks ago, second sock cast on last night.

Plain stockinette out of Lang Bebe Color, 100% superwash wool, 60 sts on US1.5 dpns. First sock complete, second sock not yet started.

Also, on the completed scale is my first pair for the SixSox - Chutes and Ladders.

The yarn was from my stash, way old stuff with no label. I'm pretty sure it's acrylic. Knit over 60 sts on US1.5 dpns. I've worn and washed them a couple of times already, and the yarn is turning ugly - sort of pilling and fuzzing. The rest of the stash yarn went into the Goodwill bag (with the exception of a small ball for repairs). I like the color, and don't want to be tempted to waste my time knitting with it again.

The cinnamon sox were knit using Knit Pick's Color-Your-Own dyed with KoolAid. 60 sts on US1 dpns. Both socks completed.

Enough with the pictures, already! I've lost a ball of yarn. Damnit, I can't figure out how that could happen. It's Knit Pick's Dancing, in the Tap colorway. No, I haven't started anything with it yet, and no, I don't plan to knit it up soon. But I want to know where it is. The search did precipitate the organizing of my sock yarn stash. I have a basket full of yarn, and a (really big) bag full of single socks accompanied by the matching yarn for the second socks. I won't reveal exactly how many; suffice it to say we're well into the double digits.

Here, yarny yarny yarny.......

In the Groove.....

2005-05-13T20:15:00.000-05:00

It's been so long since I have felt truly inspired at the torch, I don't even remember the last time. Tonight is the night, I can tell. (So what the aitch eee double-hockey sticks am I doing here??) I should have been able to predict this - I ran into an old school friend today, and made tentative arrangements to meet him and another fellow for karaoke at Sister Jane's ~~bar~~ pub tonight.

Knitting News

Not much, really. Worked some on the second Peacock sock, and knit another couple of mitered squares.

Interesting Encounters

I carried my cuppa coffee to the counter at the service station and the clerk greeted me with an enthusiastic "Hola!" (Please use your imagination to insert the upside down exclamation point at the beginning.) My high school Spanish kicked in and I answered "Hola. Que tal, como esta usted?" (again with the imaginary punctuation, please.) Then Fred (get this) asked me "Donde esta el bano con queso malo?" Yah, he asked me where is the bathroom with the bad cheese.

I'm off to the torch - and by the way, just because I announce I'm inspired, don't expect great things. I'll keep you posted.

Starstruck

2005-05-12T21:46:00.000-05:00

I used to think I was cool, not the type to go all giddy just from a little attention from someone famous. Well, I'm here to tell you that I'm not. You know about Wendy and her upcoming contest with L-B, right? A couple of days ago I left a comment asking her if she planned to begin her Inishmore at a minute after midnight on the starting date. Today when I was reading her last two posts, I discovered she answered me in public, in front of God and everybody! And she linked to me!! Am I a doofus for getting happy about that, or what?

I have some Schachenmayr Crazy Cotton (from Elann) that I bought thinking of socks. It's sportweight cotton, and too heavy for socks, though. In considering what else I could knit with it, I remembered coveting the Jamie Blankie by Kay of Mason-Dixon fame. I dug out some natural cotton from my stash, and have started down the path of mitered squareness. I'm already eyeing the colorway, and working out which colors of glass to use for a matching set of beads.

I have a question for all you Grammar Avengers. It has to do with the use of a/an preceding an acronym such as LYS. I never can decide just which way to swing when I'm writing something like that ... the rules tell me to write a LYS because of the "L," but when speaking aloud, I would say "an ell wye ess" - yes? What would you do?

Muse Does Double Duty

2005-05-09T20:44:00.000-05:00

My fascination with patterning yarns is spilling over into the glasswork. Check out my latest "matching set."

Pretty nifty, eh? The wool is Lang Yarns Bebe Color 100% superwash wool... snagged from the clearance shelf at Stitches and Scones. I'm using US1.5/2.5mm dpns from Doublepointed.com. The beads are on eBay.

I'm going through a love/hate relationship with these needles. On the plus side, they're made of wood, are 5" long, and come in sets of 5 for a killer price. On the minus, they're, well, not exactly splintering, but they do catch the wool. I've devoted literally hours to sanding and waxing. I got a nice note from customer service when I wrote to them about this offering to replace any of the needles I'm unhappy with. I'm hesitant to part with any of these needles I've worked on so hard as I have a feeling the replacements wouldn't be any better. Ya get what you pay for, right?

Thanks .... But No Thanks

2005-05-08T20:40:00.000-05:00

Zak gifted me with a very special Mothers' Day pressie today. I headed out back for my daily sit-and-knit a little later than usual. Okay, this is how oblivious I can be..... I knit for nearly 15 minutes before gazing down toward my feet to see a pile of fluffy gray feathers...... and a bird's head. Yep - just a head. Say it with me: "Euuuuuuuuwwwwwwww!" I must admit I considered taking a pic for the blog, but in the end decided to spare you.

Finished the Lorna's Laces Lakeview sox on Friday. The second sock just lay awaiting the afterthought heel for over a week. I don't know exactly when I became so blase about completing sox, but I didn't even try these on until yesterday for the photo session. You can't really tell in the photograph, but the colors and dye pattern are slightly different. My fault for not checking to be sure I had the same dyelot. I know it's no big deal, really, but you'd think when I decided to invest $18 in wool for a single pair of sox that I'd at least check.

These are the second pair of my summer sox, knit from Cascade Fixation. I can get one pair of footies from one 50g ball, so they're very economical. I sort of went crazy over at Elann with the Sock-It-to-Me, and have a bunch of colors now. Remember the Peacock sock? I've cast on and knit a couple of inches of the second sock.

Hey to my pal Doro!! She's an online friend from way back in my polymer clay days. It's been ages (maybe a couple of years??) since we've spoken... I was reading some of the Harlot's archives (including comments) when I ran across Dorothy, and e-mailed her right away. Good to talk to you again, my friend. I haven't forgotten that I want to send you a box of yarn.

Speaking of the Yarn Harlot, no, I ended up not going up to K'zoo on Friday. I was bummed to miss out, but that's just the way I am. I did order the bookbookbook from Kaleidoscope Yarns, though. (Plus a few balls of wool to keep the book company.)

Instead of travelling to Michigan, I got to babysit for niece Jill. We had fun; she's a pistol! She says "Shake it, baby" and other things. Sister Jane is trying to convince me Jill says "Shake your booty," but I swear I hear boobies... I'm just saying.

Harry Potter and the Klingon Empire

2005-05-06T05:34:00.000-05:00

Q: What do Harry Potter, a Klingon Bird of Prey, and my blog have in common?

A: Invisibility, baby!

See, it's not that I haven't written any posts over the last week and a half, it's just that they never actually made it to the computer. What I need to do, it seems, is to develop a cable hookup between my brain and the net. No, better still, make it wireless! Of course, that means most of the time I'd have to walk around with my head covered in aluminum foil to prevent everything from spilling out. Perhaps a nice wool hat with a foil lining would do the job.....

Wednesday I finally got it together and cleaned up the back yard. The horrid ice storm in January left so many branches and sticks on the ground it seemed to take forever to pick them all up... and enough broken still in the trees that every wind brings down more. Anyhow, Jill and I picked up the last of them and I mowed the halfway-to-the-knees-high grass. I just love a newly-mown lawn.

So I sat out back last evening enjoying my short grass and the birdsong, knitting on the current Sock-It-To-Me pair. They're Peacock, and use the Double-Eyelet Rib pattern in 365 Knitting Stitches a Year, June 14th. Oh, and before I forget, thanks to the Harlot for pointing me in the directions to the errata. Jeez, a person could have half the calendar just by printing out the corrected pages!

Ummm, where was I? Oh yeah, the Peacock sock. Here's a pic of the first one:

Also snapped a pic of the complete Sage socks:

Knitted from Elann's Sock It To Me Sage, using US3 / 3.25mm dpns.

Zack the cat is such an enigma. He's not exactly afraid of heights, but does indeed usually find a way to avoid jumping from more than three feet up. So last evening he went into stalking cat mode, and raced up this tree to follow a bird. I couldn't believe how high he climbed - see, here's proof:

Yeah, you'll just have to take my word for it that he's really where the arrow indicates... Here's the real Zack:

I know, gorgeous, isn't he?

I'm still debating this evening's activity. I really really do want to go see the Yarn Harlot in action, but knowing me I'll poop out. It is only a 3 1/2 hour drive (or so), so that's not really the issue. If someone had told me ten years ago that I'd be such a hermit now, I'd have called 'em a big fat liar. I also want to go see Bryony's play.... she's so excited about being on stage at the Paramount!

What's new in glass action..... oh! oh! oh! I can't believe I almost forgot this! I finally made a set of end-beads for the bamboo needles I bought ages ago... Whaddya think?

Better get back to the torch for some more...

Doodles Do It

2005-04-24T06:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday saw us on a road trip - I went with sister Jane to Kentucky for a Doodle Date. Jane breeds Labradoodles (that's a cross between Labradors and Poodles, you know), and was going to meet up with a new breeder friend. I'm often the designated driver, as Jane's sense of direction is, well, lousy. I always enjoy these trips because it means we get time together.

So Holly the Doodle was scheduled for a date with Joker the poodle. It wasn't just a matter of driving the two to a movie, though. See, since Holly is a 64-pounder, and Joker tips the scales at 12 pounds they needed some assistance. I won't go into details, but let's just say I'm now scarred for life. I knew there was a reason I didn't want to be a dog breeder.

We've another road trip today; this time'll be quicker since we know just where we're going. Did you know Kentucky is a simply gorgeous state?

I got exactly nothing done with glass yesterday, and knit about four rounds on the Lakeview sock. I'm going to settle in with my needles and wool for a bit this morning before Jane and Teri's Big Adventure, Part II.

Score!

2005-04-23T04:58:00.000-05:00

Wheeeeeee ! Chuck the mailman brought (count 'em) not one, two or three..... but nine sets of 5" dpns.

Ordered from Doublepointed.com late Monday night, arrived in the post on Thursday. Now that's service! I used the US3s to finish the second Esprit Sock-It-to-Me sock Friday afternoon, then picked up the second Lorna's Laces Lakeview. I love the feel of the needles, but do have one complaint. The points are a touch rough. Easily repaired with an emory board, though. I paid a total of $57.00 (including shipping) for nine sets of 5 each, made of wood.

I finally shipped off the Spumoni Socks - the (very) belated thank you to a glass friend. I made a pretty nifty label in Paint Shop Pro. I cropped a section of the knitted fabric, stretched it out into a long skinny rectangle, gave it a brushtroke effect, then printed the info on top of it all. See?

The weather took a turn for the nasty; it's raining and cold out there. I caved in and re-lit the pilot light on the furnace, so now it's toasty inside. Good knitting time!

Surfers Do It ...

2005-04-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

..... Wax their boards, that is. I was merrily knitting along on the K2P2 rib of my newest sock and decided my US1 Brittany Birch needles had too much drag. I dug out some beeswax beads (from my candlemaking days) and waxed each needle, buffing them until they sang.

So many times a digital camera will exaggerate the colors - not this time, though. As seen on my monitor, the colors in this sock are quite accurate. It's Schachenmayr Nomotta Micro Color, in #80 Phoenix colorway. Tell me, does this look like the same yarn? Yeah, that's what I thought, too. I like what I got, just was quite surprised. It's sport weight, 145m per 50g, 100% Acrylic microfiber. It sort of feels rayon-y, a bit heavy and quite silky. It tends to split, but otherwise makes for pleasant knitting. I'll reserve final judgement until I've worn and washed these a few times.

I'm so easily amused. Yesterday evening I was enjoying the sounds of spring, including the noise of a tractor traversing back and forth in the field that adjoins my back yard. I happened to look up and saw that the young farmer had a companion, a lovely young woman, squeezed into the seat beside him. Nothing like date night on the farm!

2005-04-15T20:46:00.000-05:00

Spumoni Socks - Tasty!

Pancakes, Anyone?

2005-04-15T20:36:00.000-05:00

Had my mammogram this morning. whee. Apparently the first set of film wasn't good enough, so I got to undergo the masher a second time - then the processor ate the film and I had to go a third time! Huh. I shouldn't have to go again for three years. No, seriously, I'll go yearly ... it's important.

Finished the Spumoni socks, now I just need to wash them and pack 'em off to Kentucky. I'm beyond embarrassed by now. They are a thank-you gift for a fellow lampworker who sent me some purple glass last year when I was desperate. The silver lining is that she surely will be surprised! Knit from Plymouth Sockotta (color 30) with US1 dpns. This was my first pair using Sockotta; I got it off the clearance rack at Stitches and Scones. I will knit one more pair with the other ball I picked up the same day, then I think I'll steer clear. I'm not overly fond of the texture.

Chuck the mailman brought me a beginner's spinning kit today. It includes a spindle, two booklets, and 6 oz of wool. I've read through the books, and spent about 35 seconds trying to spin. Stupid spindle, I think they sent me a defective one!

Mount Kitchener

2005-04-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I reached a milestone - one of the biggies in the life of a sock knitter. As soon as I stitched the last stitch of the toe of the first Spumoni sock, I chopped off the appropriate length of yarn, reached into the drawer for the tapestry needle, threaded it on, and proceded to graft the toe. You see, I have bookmarked a picture tutorial for the Kitchener process, and up to now have always opened the page to follow along. Ha! didn't need to this time..... double ha!! didn't need to in order to finish the heel, either. yay me.

Almost as noteworthy is the fact that I had cast on for the second sock within 10 minutes of weaving in the ends of sock one. These are a gift for a fellow lampworker who was a lifesaver when I needed a particular color. The bad news is that that was over a year ago -- I'm seriously behind in my thank-yous...

Singles Bar

2005-04-04T19:20:00.000-05:00

I'm kind of embarrassed to admit just how many single socks I've knit over the past few months. Actually, I started January by declaring that my socks didn't need to match... but my Virgo-ness crept up on me, and now I'm frantically pairing up socks with balls of matching wool. All the while dying to dig into my stash.

My most recently completed sock was knit from Lorna's Laces #304, Lakeview. It was the second of a pair, except I didn't like the first one, so I frogged it and now the second is the first and the first will become the third. Still with me? This was my first time knitting with LL wool, and I must say, it feels decadent. Guess that makes it a little easier to swallow knitting three to get two.

The colorway inspired several bead sets; two have already been sold on eBay. Here's the third.

I hear my torch calling.