Some photos of finished projects

This was sweater I made for my cousin's daughter a while back, it's the spring peeper that I made several of. It was over a year ago, so I don't remember the yarn I used. I finally got a chance to meet her when visited family this December.


Here's the same mittens that S made, they nice quick projects, just needed to look up a couple of things to get done.
Pattern: Kate Gilbert Gifted
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky (1 Skein for Child L)
Needle: size 10 straight needles


This is the shawl collar sweater that I've been working on since thanksgiving or so. the pattern is not particularly hard, but if you look closly you'll see that the pattern kinda breaks around the sleeves, I'm not sure if that was intentional by the author or a mistake, either way when I make this again, I'll continue the pattern, it's not that noticable in the front but it is in the back. attaching the collar was also tricky, not sure I did it right, but it's the best I could do.
Pattern: Vestee from knitty Sping 2007
Yarn: some kind of cheap yarn by the pound that I had lying around.
needles: size 6 circular. (my gauge was a bit off, so I made it with the size 12 months stitch count, but size 18th month length)



I made 2 of these, one in this pretty dark rose color and another in a light pink.
Pattern: baby Hat from One Skein
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino
needle: Size 6.5 double point
- E

Book Review: A Deadly Yarn

A few weeks ago, I finished another of Maggie Sefton's knitting mysteries. This time, I read the third installment, A Deadly Yarn, and I feel like it's the one in which Sefton finds her stride. After having read two of the books, I was starting to sort through the characters, and in this book, Sefton doesn't try to have all of the minor characters play major roles, which makes for a more cohesive story. Kelly Flynn once again is playing detective in Fort Connor. This time a friend named Allison has been murdered, and she and Megan, another friend, are out to solve the mystery. Also, Kelly's relationship with Steve, a local developer, is moving forward, and she continues to explore the world of knitting. Sefton includes several of the minor characters from the other books, but does so more seamlessly. I'm enjoying this series since it gets better on each outing. The fourth book is entitled, A Killer Stitch, and the fifth book, Dyer Consequences, is being released in June 2008. I'll be getting both from the library in due time.

On the knitting front, I have two FOs to block and take pictures of when they are ready. I completed My So-Called Scarf and the second square for my Heirloom Afghan. I've got to put away some holiday items in order to make room for my blocking board, but pictures should be ready in a couple of days. Progress continues on the Minimalist Cardigan as I make my way through the back piece. I agree with S when she states that she will be doing something other than moss stitch after this project. It's a beautiful design, but one that I definitely need a smaller project to balance myself when I hit a plateau with it. I'm off to work on it now though. Good luck to those of you finishing up UFOs before 2008, and Happy New Year to everyone!

-B

Been out of the loop for awhile

it's been a while since I've had any finished objects to post. I did manage to make 2 baby hats from my One Skein book and as soon as I get the picture downloaded off my camera, I'll post it. Otherwise I've been stuck on finishing projects. I have a sweater where the sleeves are a bit too long, and I'm debating whether or not to take it apart and fix it, a baby shawl collar sweater that needs to be pieced together (which really just reinforces the fact that I hate the final step and stitching the pieces together). And after looking up a few directions and help on crocheting from S, I should be able to finish those cozy mittens she made. Considering I had the last 2 weeks off and a combined total of over 40 hours spent on a plane in the last month, you would think I could have gotten more done. Did splurge a bit and picked up a couple of skeins of really soft yarn in Tokyo. sadly, they only had 2 skeins left in the color I liked, so I'll just have to make a hat without a scarf, unless I can manage the hat on 1 and the scarf on the other.

Promise to have some finished projects pictures posted soon.
- E

FO to report

And another finished object to report. I feel like I've been slogging along on this thing forever, but I'm also feeling that it's soft I may never take it off. And while it was an easy, easy knit, it seemed to go on forever. Included is the obligatory bathroom mirror shot as thee is no one to take it for me...and the real camera seems to provide far more flatter pictures than my built in camera on the laptop. Still not the best picture, but I'll take what I can get without a makeup artist and hairstylist after the week its been.

Silk Shrug from Blue Sky Alpaca

7.5 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca - Alpaca Silk in Plum

Addi Turbos US 4 and 9

It was a really easy knit requiring only knit, purl, increase and decrease. No adaptations to the patten. Loving the softness though. Only complaint with the yarn ws that I kept having to cut little balls of fuzz that formed on around the yarn I was working with. As well as some knots as E will attest to, there was always a knot when I talked to her.

Next project is the minialist with B.

S.

Mittens for Winter

Just to prove that someone other than B has been knitting. As the weather has started to turn a little cold out here, I decided it might be a good time to try and actually finish (and we all know I mean start) some cold weather gear.

Gifted Mittens by Kate Gilbert

1 skein Debbie Bliss Superchunky Cashmerino
8 dpn and 10.5 circular and dpn clovers
Started 11/29 - Finished 11/30

Loved the pattern. Very quick knit. Love the yarn as anyone that knows my knitting, I will use any excuse I can to knit with it. Although they don't quite look like a matched pair, doesn't really matter as they are the softest mittens I've ever owned. Now if I could just figure out exactly how to modify the pattern to make them fliptops. I am working on that. I have one finished. We'll see if I do the second one.

I am working on some other projects...I just need to do some finishing. Maybe over Christmas.

S

Everlasting Bagstopper

I know that I finished the Bagstopper ages ago, but I know that it's been received and put to work. So, without further ado, and since there has been a distinct lack of knitting in this house this week, I bring you my Bagstopper (1 skein of Louet Euroflax Sport in French Blue). -B

Knitting Updates

Well, there has been knitting around here at the house when I can grab time. I'm about half way through the My So Called Scarf. Below is a picture. This is definitely a pattern that I will knit more than once. I love the design and the look and have some other yarns in the stash that would suit it.

I've also been making some progress with the Minimalist Cardigan. I'm working on the back first (as pictured above). I love the Mission Falls yarn's color and feel and found that using a row counter has helped a great deal since I don't get to knit on it as much as I would like. Hopefully, once work lets up after this week, I can get some good time in with this. -B

Why I'm Buying Handmade this Holiday Season

The main reason why I am buying handmade this holiday season is to help promote artists and artisans who are independent and selling what comes from their hearts and minds. The second reason is to take a break from the big box stores and encourage originality. The third is the mall. The mall on a Saturday scares me, and that tends to be why I shop on random weeknights if I have to go. But, we have DH's 10th high school reunion tonight and I needed a new pair of "slimming" underwear and a new lip gloss from Bare Escentuals at Sephora. I somehow got in and out in 30 minutes and was relatively unscathed. However, I could not get over how busy it was. I have never been a Black Friday shopper (except for when I ordered handmade Hanukkah cards from etsy.com yesterday), so I was blown away by the crowds today. Well, I better get back to coordinating our holiday card list so that I can start getting a few done each night over the next two weeks. Best of luck to all of you braving the malls!

-B

Ravens and a Blogiversry

Well, it's tough to believe that a year has already flown by, but on Tuesday, it was our one year blogiversary. Yay!! It's been a great venture and we are truly enjoying the blogosphere. My only knitting update this week was that I had to restart my Minimalist Cardigan because something was off. It's ok, as I was not too far in at the time of frogging. But, I have worn the Chevron Scarf to work and there has been much oohing and awwing. So, that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Very proud of myself for that one!

On the 5th, I took part in the Ravens frenzy over on Blue Moon Fiber Arts, and below is my take. Gorgeous, is all that I can say. I cannot wait for the accompanying book in January. Now that I've spent my free day this month on this purchase, I am making a mental note. Must bust stash!

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Twisted in Grawk (I have two! I feel a Wicked sweater coming.)

The rest of these are all STR Mediumweight: (If you click on them, you can really, really see the colors!)

Valkyrie

Raven

Corvid

Korppi

Tlingit

Fire on the Mountain (not a Raven, but I couldn't help myself)

Farmhouse (same as above; I have no willpower)

-B

Minimalist Cardigan and Stashalong

Well, I have to say, I went a bit fiber crazy in the last month. Between the trip to Rhinebeck, subscribing to Brooklyn Handspun's Holiday Sock Club, a Sundara purchase, and signing up for the Rockin' Sock Club, I have an abundance of yarn. I also bought enough Mission Falls 1824 Superwash Wool to start the Minimalist Cardigan. This is my first sweater attempt. I am boldly going where S and E have gone before. I am starting with the back and love the ease and the look of the moss stitch design. This one will definitely be worn a great deal! I also re-upped for Stashalong. I am taking the monthly option this year as the checklist one was too stressful. It does mean that I do get a free day each month if I choose to use it. I think it will be used this month either for the Ravens update on BMFA or Sundara's last update before her prices go up. Tough decision this Monday and Tuesday. I'll have to see if the other colorways are as awesome as Lenore. Stay tuned to see what the buy will be!

-B

My Mom met the Yarn Harlot

Yup, my mom rocks! A couple of week ago, I mentioned to my mom that the Yarn Harlot was going to be speaking in her area. I wouldn't be able to make the drive there and back, but wanted her to let one of the knitters nearby that it was happening. Now, my mom know how to knit, but doesn't really enjoy it. However, since the days of waiting in a 4am line for Cabbage Patch Kids, you know that she is willing to attend any event that her kids mention. And so, she saw the Harlot. When she and my sister came the next morning to get me for Rhinebeck, she had a copy of At Knit's End and Casts Off in hand. Not only had she gone to the talk (and laughed uproariously), she had Stephanie Pearl-McPhee sign the books for me. Yay!

In other equally good news, I am now the proud owner of some Sundara Yarn. I finally bit the bullet and ordered these 5 skeins of Sport Merino in Green over Sand. They arrived today and I am happy that I ordered when I did. Check out Sundara's site for information about her switching mills and how it may be affecting pricing. I will continue to order from her and the prices won't dissuade me as the yarn is as gorgeous as everyone claims it to be.

Finally, I finished the chevron!

Man, this did take me awhile with many weeks where knitting was non-existent. But, I am thrilled with the outcome. I got home early from work today and took advantage of the light and our adorable backyard. I used almost the entire yardage in the two skeins of Koigu and knit it on size fives in bamboo straights. The two Koigu colors were 524 and 107. I can't wait to wear it both to work and out. Yay! My second wearable knit!

-B

Rhinebeck Haul

First, my mom and sister and I had a blast. They got to my house around 7:30am and we took off for upstate NY. A little later, we got into the fairgrounds at about ten and made a bolt for the ATM station. I needed to get cash, and remembered that the gentleman who was selling the gorgeous handmade baskets that I missed out on last year might be there. We walked through the Food Pavilion and found him! I grabbed a great large basket (picture to come later this weekend) and from there we set out to The Fold.

Now, my sister and I both competed nationally in our sport, and my mother raised us, so the competitive juices were flowing. Mom hopped on line to hold our place and sis and I dove into the group. She was just going in to help, but after glancing at some colors, she suddenly had a skein in her fist. We made our way back out to take mom's spot so that she could wander, and hopped on line. We got through the line in about ten minutes (not the long lines anywhere like last year), and by the time we paid, sis had added another skein to her bag. Below is our haul:

STR Mediumweight in Cobalt Bloom

STR Mediumweight in Orange Red Clover Honey

STR Mediumweight in Queens Rock

Twisted in Puck's Mischief

Seduction in Rooster Rock

Next stop was Brooks Farm, where I purchased the following to do two Clapotises:

Duet in Black

Four Play in All About Purple

After we got through building A, we wandered over to watch the Border Collies catch frisbees and sheep. We dropped the first part of the haul off at the car and came back to have BBQ lamb for lunch. Next, we had a great time walking through the livestock barns. Llamas, alpacas, and sheep! Oh my! I bought these two skeins at the Staghorn Alpaca booth:

Java Colorway

I love that they name their colorways after the alpacas from which the fiber came! This is a booth that DH and I hovered around last year, but I was too nervous to buy since I didn't really have a project for it. Apparently, that same situation did not hold me back this year.

We stopped by Hope Spinnery and Maple Creek too. I had wanted to make the Hourglass Sweater that S made in Maple Creek, but they didn't have enough superwash merino for my size of the sweater. Hope Spinnery was nice and a cute booth, but I feel like I need to get some projects out of the way before I buy anymore.

We were at the fairgrounds for about five hours and had a blast. My mom loved spending the day with her two girls and finally understood why knitters moan and gasp as if in ecstasy when we touch yarn (not something she got when listening to the Harlot the previous night). My sister and I have already planned that we will get a BnB with our husbands and make a weekend of it next year. All in all, a great day.

-B

Brooklyn Handspun Holiday Club

Last month, I signed up for the Brooklyn Handspun Holiday Club. I have always admired the colors that Marie produces, and was curious to get my hands on her yarn so that I can get started on some socks. My package came while I was away at a conference on Monday (yes, I also went to Rhinebeck, and yes, that post is coming later). I immediately opened the package when I got home yesterday afternoon and was blown away by how gorgeous the colors are. The colorway is called Spook, and it came with the Charade pattern from Sandra Park. I am excited to start using them after I get some other projects wrapped up. Below are two pictures of the gorgeous, gorgeous yarn! Oh, and my mom met the Harlot (yes, that post is also coming later).



-B

Blog Action Day

Today is Blog Action Day. The goal of the day is to have bloggers comment about sustainability and the environment in their own way. In the knitting world, alternative fiber sources, organic wools, and sustainable practices have been a hot topic. As a staunch environmentalist (I clean the bathroom with lemons, baking soda, and vinegar and my mother thinks I'm crazy), I have begun to think about the yarns that I purchase and their impact on the earth. I do like that by knitting, I avoid a good amount of conspicuous consumption, and like the individual stamp that I put on my work. But, I will be making an effort this weekend to look over the new eco-friendly stalls at Rhinebeck. One stand in particular is that of Hope Spinnery. It was recently mentioned on Ravelry as a shop that people are curious to see, and I can be counted among that group. Hope Spinnery is from Camden, Maine, and they operate their business by harnessing wind power. To quote their webpage:

"Hope Spinnery is a wind-powered fiber processing mill nestled in the hills a few miles inland from the coast of Maine. Our fiber comes from local farms, we are committed to chemical-free processing methods and use only natural dyes to create our beautiful and striking yarn, knit wear, and other products.In addition to creating our own line of yarn, we also offer custom processing services.We take great care with your fiber and each step ensures that the texture, luster, and beauty of the original fiber will be retained."

I keep bandying about the idea of getting wind power and solar power whenever we take the plunge and buy our first home, so the fact that a fiber company is incorporating it into their process makes me a little giddy. I'll update on Sunday how the yarn feels and for which project I chose it. Fingers crossed to a beautiful day that day!!

-B

New Dishcloth

I have to say that for the last few months, I've been waiting to knit the Monthly Dishcloth patterns at the start and in the middle of the month. I think it's been a good decision. I'd rather not end up with cloths that I don't need, care for, or have anyone to give to. This month's cloth falls in that category. I wish I did have a volunteer fire person to pass the cloth onto, but I'll keep it in the "to be gifted" pile where it will wait for the right person to come along for it. It's a cute pattern, and a nice change for the October cloth to not have to do with Halloween. The picture below gives you a good view of the pattern of the axe and helmet. It took me awhile to figure it out, but I eventually did. The yarn is Lion Brand Cotton in Red. I knit the cloth as always on size 7 Addis.
I am gearing up for Rhinebeck next weekend. I'll be going on Saturday with my mom and sister (a new knitter). I need to go through my pattern files and see what yarns I need, and also allow enough in the budget for yarns that I want. It will be a well deserved splurge, and hopefully a beautiful day outdoors.

-B

Finished Projects!!!

It's official. I'm a slacker. It's been a very long time since I've had a completely completed project (i.e., ends woven in and everything). Let's face it, it's been a long time since I've had anything to show on the blog. And not only do I have one, I have two.


Moss Stitch Scarf














Yarn: Reynolds Blizzard (2 balls)
Needles: Clover Bamboo, size 15
Pattern: My own design
Start: September 2007
Finished: October 1, 2007


I've had the yarn for a while and knew what I wanted to do with it, just lacked the motivation or focus to get it started. It's just a basic scarf in a moss stitch. I have one more ball that will probably get used for a matching moss stitch hat. Its very fuzzy and warm. It would make a very good go play in the snow hat. I realized after the fact it would have been far easier if I had added or subtracted one stitch instead of having to figure out whether I needed to knit or pul when turning.



Here and There Cables














Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran, 8 balls
Needles: Clover Bamboo, size 8
Pattern: Scarf Style - Here and There Cables
Started: April 17, 2007
Finished: October 1, 2007

This was scarf was started when I needed a project that could travel home with me last spring. I never thought this project could possibly take this long. Its one of those projects you need to pay attention to to make sure you're cabling the right rows...which there are many errors in the project. I did add two rows between cables. It started out as a mistake, and I realized I liked them better when they were spread out more. But 8 balls of cashmerino seems to go on and on. And I finally finished it all last night and wove in all the ends. I think it may become a christmas present for a friend that isn't aware of the blog. But I am very happy to have it finished, finally. I had to include the picture of weighing the scarf as it was a bit cumbersome and heavy towards the end, but very warm and fuzzy.

More finished projects to come soon.

-S

Ravelry t-shirts!

If you haven't already spotted them once you sign in, Ravelry is now offering t-shirts. I purchased the black one that says "I swatched Ravelry". The picture below is a closeup of the detail.



They clearly mention that the size runs small as it is an American Apparel t-shirt. I have a 42 bust and ordered the XXL just in case. I have an XL shirt of this from American Apparel and it's really only appropriate in size for staying in my house. I also swung by my LYS and picked up enough Mission Falls 1824 Wool in Pistachio to start the Minimalist Cardigan from Interweave.



Just gotta get one of those scarves done and I will be ready to cast on.

-B

FOs and a Drop Spindle Kit

Well, I have officially blocked the Derby Poncho. Below are some pictures that DH took for me of the work in full and in detail.



I feel really accomplished with this knit because I feel like it sets me up to try my hand at a sweater. I think it will be one from Rowan. I have the yarn since I ordered it from Webs last spring when it was on closeout. So, it's just a matter of finishing some FOs from the list on the right before I cast on. Speaking of UFOs, I am about half way through the Chevron Scarf, just cast on My So-Called Scarf in the Manos #113 colorway, and am working on the second square of the Heirloom Afghan. I feel like I need to get at least one of those off the needles before taking on the sweater project. I've been working most on the Chevron. I've gotten hooked on the "Watch Now" feature of Netflix, so I've been watching the first season of Law & Order: SVU while the Chevron and I bond.

I also finished the Everlasting Bagstopper, but will hold off on posting pictures of it until the intended user has received it. Once she has, I will have a flurry of this project that I am destined to knit again.

I have been itching to try my hand at spinning, but don't want to rush into it. So, I picked up a Drop Spindle Kit over the weekend. I am excited to try it out and see how I do. The kit is a great one put together by Aboundingful Farm . I will keep you updated on the progress as it develops. Maybe I'll see how it takes by the time Rhinebeck rolls around, and perhaps I will come home with some fleeces to spin on my own. Only 34 days until Rhinebeck is here, so I keep knitting to feel like I have gotten through a good amount of stash to justify the cash that will be dropped that weekend. Can't wait!

-B

Two Book Reviews

I'm surprised that at least ten days have gone by since I last posted. I've made good progress with my knitting this past few weeks, especially in light of how busy work has become again. I realized last night, however, that I had finished two more knitting mysteries and never posted about them. Both books were enjoyable, although I am enjoying one series more than the other.



I have continued to read the Knitting Mysteries by Maggie Sefton. I finished book two, Needled to Death, a few weeks ago, and once again enjoyed the adventures of Kelly and her friends as they piece together another murder mystery in their knitting community. The characters were better developed in this second book, but the author continues to try and have too many friends at the knitting shop, and therefore, since not many of them have developed solid plot lines, they are often confused for each other by this reader. I wish she would pare down the amount of characters and focus on the story, but perhaps she has something planned for all of them in future books. I already have reserved the next book in the series, A Deadly Yarn, at the library in hopes that the series improves.



The other knitting mystery that I read last month was Knit Fast, Die Young by Mary Kruger. I totally love this series. What Sefton is still working through, Kruger does wonderfully. The mystery is interesting, Kruger does an amazing job of developing characters that matter, and I would love to visit the imaginary shop in the book. As someone who has spent time in the Buzzards Bay area of Massachusetts, I also enjoy the regional references that Ms. Kruger provides since she lives there. Ariadne, LYS owner and designer, and Diane, her best friend and spinner, team up again in this book with Ariadne's possible boyfriend, Detective Josh Pierce, to solve mysteries and keep their daily lives as sane as possible. I can't wait for the next one in this series, but don't know when it's coming. Here's to soon!

-B