Summer of Socks Prize!

I won not just one...but two skeins of yarn from a contest for the Summer of Socks KAL! It is extemely lovely stuff with a generous amount of yardage. Here are the specs:

Yardage: 560 (4oz.)

Fiber: 2 ply soft 100% Superwash Merino Wool

Yarn weight: Fingering (of course it came from a sock KAL lol)

Made by: Cynthia's Skeins.

I won it for an internet Scavenger Hunt. Funny thing is that the first time I put an entry for the contest I didn't do it exactly right. I thought I had read the rules but with working being the way it was I didn't read them correctly and I ended up having to re-do it. So I figured I was out at that point lol....but guess what? I wasn't! lol

I have no chance at all of winning any of the other prizes because I have not been able to keep up with the sock knitting at all this summer...again due to work. Can you believe that Cookie from "Shut up and Knit!" has made 27 pairs so far? Wow! Right now she is in the lead for the Most Socks Contest but Jeannie from "Sewing, Knitting and Beyond" is close with 23. Wow.

Yup...9 Days

I have been so busy with work that the last 9 days have just slipped by without me being able to post anything. Knitting has slowed down considerably as well due to work. Its been pretty stressful. Though there have been some fun things going on as well. Swimming, yarn playing nights at Deluxe yarns, outings with others...so its not all work...but ALL busy.



Had a weekend when I was able to hang out with my cool friend K, we played yarn, went to see the 5th Harry Potter movie and went out to dinner over a three day period. She lives far out and sometimes it gets a bit difficult to get together. Actually going to see her tonight for a belated bday dinner (her bday). All you can eat crab legs! YUM!


Earlier this week J and I were invited to the lovely Knitty Otter's for a DELICIOUS dinner! For those of you who read her blog you know that she posts original recipies every once in a while ... however...you may not know that she is a GOURMET cook. I have been fortunate enough to sample some of her tasty creations and have not had one thing that I did not like. The other thing is her food always looks pretty. lol...Dinner at her house was no exception. It was a lot of fun to visit with her and her honey. THANK YOU! Got to give their kitty, TKK, rubbies. She is so sweet.



Summer of Socks 2007: River Rapid Socks: I am in the middle of my second sock. These will be a part of my Summer of Socks. I really wanted to make some more socks this summer...thought I would be able too. Summer has gotten away from me. (geez I start my last semester at the University in just a few weeks...but it is my last ....YEAH...diploma will be in hand right around Christmas...YAHOO! There WILL be a party!)


Mystery Stole 3 by Pink Lemon Twist: Slowly but surely working on them. This one has been really slow because I have to really pay attention lol. We are on clue 4 as a group but I have still not knitted past clue 1. Yeah I know.


Summer CAL - KAL : Purse Round up: I picked up the beads I want to put on the one bag I made up myself (that pattern will be written up and shared for whom ever might be interested). I found some fantastic beads made of glass in the shape and colors of fall leaves. Which go with the colors of the bag perfectly. I have 3 other bags that still need to be felted (big purple thing, Lucy bag, Lotrop II bag). I also found a really nice handle (finally!) for the entrelac bag ...just need to pick it up from Deluxe Yarns (whom by the way was over with J and I for dinner the other night. We laughed so much! That always happens for some reason.)


Yarn-In-A-Teacup Swap: I finally got all the things I want to send together and will be wrapping up all the little items on Sunday and mailing them off on Monday to Elan in Canada. :-D

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: OH and how could I forget! I went to the local Border's release for the book last Friday night. By the time I got home with my book it was close to 2 am. So I slept so I could be alert and began reading on Saturday at noon and finished at about 2 pm Sunday. Though I still have questions and like many others thought the Epilogue was kind of sappy...I LOVE IT! JK Rowling, imho, is a creative genius! What a fun book. I need to re-read it again more slowly. I didn't want to accidently come across a spoiler so I stayed off the internet and didn't even check email until I was done. Though my sister called me to see where I was and so did K's hubby (whom I hung up on because he was teasing me too much...brat!). It was fun after I was done to go over the book with my sister and then with K's hubby. K was working on fixing her truck so she didn't get to it until this week. She is now finished and I am looking forward towards dinner tonight and I KNOW we will be going over the whole book! Can't wait!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Movie: Best one out of all the movies. Contained the best acting so for, best depicted action and though they changed HOW some of the story and important information was told it was done in such a way that it added to the story and so that it didn't take away from the story.

Other stuff: One of the OTHER reasons knitting has been a bit slow is because I stopped the above projects to get some secret knitting done. I do not want to say what because I don't want to spoil the surprise. I will be able to share after the 5th though. Also, finished writing and testing a pattern for a crocheted fish shaped wash cloth. Will clean it all up and post it soon (hopefully!).


Yarn: I have recieved some belated bday gifts as well. One from Knitty Otter lady and one from my friend K. BOTH gifted me with SCOUT YARN! Yeah me! I have some Scout yarn. Yippy! I have also purchased some more CherryTree Hill sock yarn. I love that yarn so much!

Books: The night I purchased the last (sniff sniff) Harry Potter book I also picked up "Knit it! Felt it!" Really nice..it has unique pieces in it that can be used as the base for projects that you can make entirely your own. It has patterns in it but it can also be used as book of ideas as a stepping stone to your own ideas.

Work wise: Its been an interesting summer program this year. I have come across some unique situations that I have not had before. As an example this was the first year that as a teacher I HAD to pull out and use "THE LAW" to help out some students. For those who are teachers, counselors or doctors/nurses they know what "THE LAW" is...for the rest here is a brief explanation:

"THE LAW": If a child/student is may cause harm to themselves or others, is being harmed or in jeapordy of being harmed, is involved in drugs, alcohol or criminal activity the property authorities and/or parents/gaurdians must be informed. The professional must take action to ensure the safety of the child/student immediately.

That is it ...simplified and in a nut shell but describes it well enough I think. I have always believed that WHEN it came time for me to pull out and use THE LAW that I would be able to do so with a feeling of knowing that it was for the benefit of my kids. Well intellectually that was the case...and I did what I had to do and what I believed to be the right thing personally but it was emotionally difficult to do and extremely stressful. Which took me by surprise. It was a learning experience to say the least.

School: On the 27th of August I will begin my final year for my license! Woohoo hoo! Its been a long long road. I have had many personal up-hevels that have made the road extremely difficult at times. But I am standing at the end in the light. YEAH! I have to say that the finish will also be well done...without tooting my own horn too loud lol...I will be ending with a flourish...with a high (high!) GPA...a great student teaching opp. lined up (paid at that) and many more grand things that will in the end make the entire trip over the long, windy and bumpy road worth it. Whew! Deep breath.

Ok super long post ...but I guess that is what happens when you don't post for almost 10 days. OOPS.

Summer of Socks: Monkey Socks

I really thought that I would be making more socks then I am, but work has been...well more work then I predicted and is taking up a lot of knitting time. Damnit! lol... Also I have slowed down my pace when knitting on a project. After Sock Madness I found that the process of a project is what I enjoy most not just getting it done. So though I am not completeing as many projects as I was a couple of months ago i am enjoying my knitting much more.


I finally finished my first pair of socks for Summer of Socks 2007. I love them. That Cookie A. sure can design/write a pattern. I have decided to gift these to a friends for her bday so I will have to do the pattern again because I want a pair for me. I still have socks for my honey going (though they are a car project so going really slowly) and I have "River Rapids Socks" from Sock bug. I have been thinking that since I have so many socks on needles waiting to be finished...even though they don't qualify for anything for the KAL that I am going to set a new goal to finish the socks I have started before starting anything new. :-s Lets see if how that works out. I can't seem to stop myself from starting new things lately. LOL...need. self. control.

Specs:

Pattern: Monkey Socks by Cookie A.


Yarn: Zitron Trekking (XXL) in colorway 04, I used about 75% of the skein.


Needles: Addi Turbo Lace circs in U.S. 1 (2.25 mm), I used Magic Loop technique for these.


Notes: When you look at the socks they make you think that the pattern is complicated but it really isn't. Its an 11 row pattern repeat, 3 of which are straight knitting. Its easy to memorize actually. I did not make them as long in the leg as the pattern calls for because I wanted an ankle sock. The pattern works well for that adjustment. The yarn is lovely. Trekking is one of my top 10 favorites. They have nice colors, interesting patterning and it feels nice to work with.

Prize giving...

Sock Madness 2007 has been over for a while now but it took me a bit to send out the two packages of prizes/surprises and I couldn't post any pictures until the recievers had a chance to open them. Didn't want to spoil it for them. This was the first time in my life that I sent a gift to people I have never met be for and the first time I have participated in a yarny/knitty type of gift giving kind of thing. lol It was a lot of fun putting it together. I know how I felt getting my prize for Round 3 of SM...I knew it was coming and from who but did not know what it would be.


Golden Purl won the ebony needles I donated for SM. I wanted it to be a good prize so I sent a few other things as well. She sent me the kindest email thanking me for what I sent. I am really glad she liked it all. I was especially glad I had sent along stitch markers because she said she doesn't have any handmade knitting jewelry yet and had wanted some but could see buying them for herself. I just kept thinking what kind of cool things would I like to get in a package and went from there. (It is how I am putting together the package for the swap I am now) It was a lot of fun.


The other package I sent out was to Hilary and Felicia who put together SM. One night I got the idea that it would be nice to put together a thank you for them. I certainly had a lot of fun and "met" some super fun people online because of the game. Others thought it would be a good idea to send a "thank you" as well. About 15 people or so participated. They each sent a little something for each one of them. I wrapped everything up and sent it out last week. A bit later then I had intended (sorry to all of you that contributed). They posted pics to what they recieved on the SM flickr group page. I was really amazed at the creativity and thoughtfulness that was put into what was sent. Gave me great ideas for future swaps or prizes ;-).


Today, I recieved the email of the partnering for the "Yarn in a Teacup Swap". My "downstream" partner is Elan. I have been a lurker on her blog for awhile. My "upstream" partner is Mentalrose from Tangled. I had not visited her blog before today but have put her on my blogroll. She has a really nice blog. I have already exchanged a couple of emails with Elan and am really excited to send her the package. I have been collecting little things here and there, I hope she will enjoy it. :-)


I had a lovely "road trip" with my friend Kathy, Knitty Otter, Monkeysocks and about 9 others, on Saturday. I have to download the pics first. I will post about the day this week. :-)

A Socking Along...

Just wanted to post a quick update... Well into my 2nd Monkey sock on magic loop. Slowly working on my version Wendy's Knit Toe-up sock. Its slow because its car knitting or group knitting. Since I am almost finished with the Moneky socks I am picking out my next "complicated" sock. I had picked the next pattern out but have since decided that I want to try something that I haven't tried before and that not that many people are doing just to be different. :-) Mix it up a bit.

Well time to heard students off to lunch. I am gone this coming weekend so will catch up with posts Sunday night or Monday. Going an a knitting group trip with some friends to Lake Tahoe, will take pictures and write up a post for next week. So everyone have a great weekend.

Monkey Needs a Friend

Just finished the first of my Monkey socks. This pattern has some kind of mojo and that Cookie A knows how to write a pattern. Easy to follow and fun to knit. This is short but I leave you with a serious of pictures of construction of the sock

.

A comment about the earlier post...I recieved a concerned phone call....ty to my lovely friend :-) hugggsss! She called just to check up on me (not saying who cause its her and my personal business, she is a FRIEND). Just so for infor for those of you who care about me know. I am fine. I wasn't crying or hurt at all. I was PO-ed...big time. I just do not suffer fools well sometimes. Shrugs we all have our things. Mine happens to be messages from silly people who need to get a life. If they think my posts are such drivel and the world is such a serious place then what in the hell are you doing checking over a knitting blog? Just kind of curious...if you have such low thoughts about the world, society and people then shouldn't you be out there trying to do something to change it instead of bitching about it or pointy fingers at others whom you are assuming are wasting time? I am out "there" doing something about it....(my personal non-knitting info that I will speak of in general terms ...see?) Ok yeah ....I said I wasn't bringing it up again ....but damn some people's kids I swear! Now I am just laughing about it because it is rediculous.

Time for bed. Sweet Dreams...ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Summer of Socks Update

Honey has been asking for more socks soooo... I downloaded Wendy's Generic Toe-Up sock pattern and am using it as my "don't need a pattern small to carry around" knitting project. I am using Patons Kroy sock yarn on US 3 dpns. I am doctoring the pattern (of course lol) so that I cast-on 18 stitches to begin with (because it makes the toe less pointy) and I instead of plain stockinetter I am doing a k2p2 ribbing (except on the soled) because ribbing seems to shape to my honey's foot better then stockinette.

Here is the Monkey Sock. After the mis-step it is now going well. The 2nd pic shows up to 3 pattern repeats. I am just going to do one more pattern repeat because I want to have a shorter ankle sock (the pattern calls for 6 repeats). The yarn is working well with the pattern, compliments it well. I knitting the sock with Magic Loop using Addi Turbo Lace US1 needles. Oh and just as an aside the lovely stitch markers seen in both socks were a gift to me from the lovely Tezzcan in Britain. They are my fav stitch markers for socks because the rings are tiny for sock needles :-).

Toes & Heel (and more...)

I was reading Chappysmom's blog today and she posted a great link for sock knitting. I thought I would post it as well to share the info., :-) Check out: "Toes & Heel (and more...)".

I have been knitting socks but making slow progress because "life" stuff gets in the way of knitting. Don't you just hate when that happens. I will post progress pictures tomorrow :-).

Update 24 June: Found another place that has a list of instructions and help for sock knitting: Socktopia's Tutorials

Swaps and KALs

Yarn in a Cup: This will be my first swap. Have never done one before so this seems like a fun one to do. Its being put together by Zoe of Zoe's Knitting Bag. :-) Seeing as the place I work has cool thrift store/antique shop it always has cute "tea" things. Can't wait will find something fun there and other goodies for my swap partner. When I get matched up. Of course there will be yarn involved. Since Zoe is in Britain I think we will get a good mix of people from all over, which is always cool.

Summer Kal - Cal Purse Round up: Finished my 6th bag and have found some really cute embellishments for it. Also last night I found a slightly large then silver dollar size Chinese "coin" that will work well for bag closure and will be unique.

Summer of Socks: Aka SoS...love that. I started my Monkey socks and was in the middle of doing the first pattern repeat when I realized something just wasn't right and I had too many stitches (yes I was knitting along without counting duh me lol). Soooo I had to rip out late last night so I only have the cuff of the first sock done. However this am before leaving the house I decided that I need a project that I really would need a pattern for and one that I can knit in the car on the way too and from work or when playing yarn with others. So I downloaded "Wendy Knits" 's toe up sock pattern and will make ankle socks. So I will have two pairs going. As usual cannot stick to just one project.

Well I hear entirely too much talking from my "kids" and it doesn't sound like school work talking so need to go light a fire under their feet. Its Friday, Its summer and they all asked if they could get done early but they must work first. LOL...but seriously this group of kids this year (about 12) are extremely motivated. I don't mind if they are chit chatting as long as they get their work done. One young man recieved an Astronomy course (from BYU courses for High School students) on Tuesday, with 6 lesson he already knew the info. Two hours after starting it he comes to me and says: "Miss Vikkie I'm done with the course. Can you correct it for me please?" I laughed and said "Yeah, go find a quiet corner and work"..."No, no seriously I am done with the whole thing." So I took it and corrected it...not only did he finish but he did not miss one so he is done...an entire semester done. That is just one...all of them are kicking butt and taking names. I love them! They are just great! I love this job.

Summer of Socks 2007

I have picked my first pattern for Summer of Socks, which begins on Thursday (21 June 2007). I have picked Cookie A. "Moneky Socks" pattern to be the first one. I have wanted to make these for awhile. I have other socks in progress but the rules for the KAL require that you start a new on the 21st so that everyone is starting at the same time. So no working on old patterns already in progress. :-) I might not make them as long as the pattern calls for because the color (Trekking XXL 04) I am using is springy/summery and I think shorty socks go well for summer. I am also going to use a size smaller for the needles then the pattern calls for because I learned during Sock Madness 2007 that when doing a lacier pattern I tend to knit loose and then the sock will end up too big. I will post pictures when I start and while I progress. The KAL goes until September so I will be making other socks. There is a contest and prizes but unlike Sock Madness it is not a timed competition but I didn't join it for the prizes I am hoping to "meet" other knitters (like I did with SM) whom I wouldn't have come across other wise. :-)

Bag Update. I finished knitting (including the handle) the one skein Chan bag and am on the handle for the bag that I am making up. Once I finish that handle I will felt all the bags I have made together and then post completed pics. As I have said before I am putting the bags into the "Summer KAL - Cal Purse Round up" which also goes until September. Nice people in this KAL.

Summer of Socks

Yes I did it again! Joined another knit-along. The Summer of Socks KAL doesn't official begin until June 21st but others are making plans with patterns and yarn and the lock. I have soooo many patterns and soooooo much yarn and waaaaaayy to many needles that I am ready to go.

This one isn't a timed competition like Sock Madness was. Its a knit along that will have prizes as it goes along but not timed things that need me to sit for 2 days straight without stopping and knit like a crazy person. There are prizes for the person who did the most socks, knitted or crochet. I do make crochet socks but I have WAAAAYYYY too many knitted socks that I want to do soooooo not going there. With all the years of crocheting I have done I just do not have love for it right now. There is also a flickr group for it.

On another note: The prize I donated for Sock Madness was won by Golden Purl (aka Jean)....woohooo Jean. She is getting the lovely eboney needles (and some other little cute things that I hope she will enjoy....but shhhh don't tell her lol...well guess I just did since she visits here...me and my big mouth...wink to herlol) Before I send it out I will take a picture of it as well.

I am also getting ready to send a big surprise gift/thank you so some others soon. Probably in the next week or two. Some others are involved so I want to given everyone who wants to play with me in this a chance.

I am right now just out of control with projects....geez....I am slowly but surely finishing things but I get way to excited by starting something new:

1. Booga bag: waiting for hanles and a closure. I want something cool and different then what others did so that it will be uniquely mine! Sorry thats how I roll...like (LOVE) to be different (if you doubt this view the picture of my car below...enough said lol).

2. Entrelac Bag: felted, I made handles but I don't like them but I don't know what to do next. I want something cool and different to use as handles; it also needs a clasp as well

3. Duplicate Stitch Bag: main bag construction done but have not finished the duplicte stitch design yet; again as with the other bags I am not sure what to do about handles or closure.

4. Knitting for peace feltefd messenger bag: its begun and one more time (sorry) I need a cool closure for that. I want something like a fun and funky hing....but don't know where to find this sort of thing.

5. Small Lucy bag: just got to the handles and yes sorry....I need a cool closure

6. Amanda's Squatty Sidekick bag: not started yet but pulled out, it will need to be full/felted and yeah...i know bored with this....need a really cool closure....I am planning to use that SWS yarn from Patons (I think its Patons)

7. Hermione's Knitting bag: its from the new harry potter themed knitting book "Charmed knits". By the way this book is great, simple to understand patterns with easy to follow pictures of concstruction. It was a really well done book.

8. Charity projects: have child socks to make, hats and other bits for next november. I have some done but they need ends sew in and need a nice bath.

9. Baby projects: need to work on blankies, socks, bibs and wash cloths all for gifts, oh yeah and binky holder :-)

10 Pomatomus Socks: First sock almost to toe...needs its mate

11 Monkey Socks: not started yet

12 Diagonal Rib Socks: not started yet

13 Snowflake lace socks: started and both are past the cuff with one set of the 12 row repeat done on the leg

14. Magic loop socks: pair almost to toe

15. Jaywalkers: needs a mate

16 Surprise gift: can say no more here :-D

17 Dave KAL Scarf: 1/4 of the way

18 Last minute knitted Gifts Chevron Scarf: more then halfway

19 Red Lace project: from Arctic Lace, half way through

20 Purple lace project: was started but ummm messed and had to rip out and it is waiting for love.

21 Mint green lace project: umm waiting....cast-on but thats it

22 Peach lace project: 2 pattern repeats done

23 Harry Potter set for sweetie nephew: yarn is staring at me, must start soon

24Round 7 socks: One finished one to go

25 Diagonal Rib Socks: not started yet

26: Lace from Victorian Lace today: not started yet

27 Lace sweater for me: yarn is on hold and waiting for me :-D

28 Mobious scraf: finished

29 Entrelac socks: waiting for me

30 Entrelac stole from Scraf Style: Finished waiting to be take to the state fair to be admired lol

31 Zig Zig scarf: waiting to be gifted to a lovely person. enough said there.

32 Afghan: yeah honey is still waiting for one :-s sigh.....have made him 6 pairs of socks and gorgeous scarves, hats and mittens...and something else coming his way....but....he wants a blankie! sigh i just can't find the right pattern.

33 knitted toys: waiting for me

34 Yarn to dye: mmm yummy....special yarn needs special dye...having a hard time finding what I want.

35 Stitch markers; waiting to make more

36 Spinning: need roving, tools and a teacher. I NEED TO SPIN!

37 Yarn covets: Scout yarn, Socks that Rocks Yarn...sigh.

Well thats it...enough is a better word. LOL....geez I am way over the top here huh? Yeah I know! Don't say it....I do know!

It's Over...Darn

Well Sock Madness 2007 is over...and the winner is...drum roll...KristiR! Woohooo...Conffetti...Balloons...cheers for her! I am happy to say that the communications on the flickr group is still going on...which I am glad for because I have really enjoyed getting to know a lot of the people who played the game. Our lovely hostess have already stated that there will be a 2nd SM...but in the mean time we will continue to keep the flickr group going. Yeah!

As for my Round 6 socks...the pattern that put me out LOL...well I ripped them out...I got half-way into the foot of one and it didn't fit...it was soooo tight I could barely get it over my foot. The stitches were puckering and the floats were wonky. Yes I know that means I pulled it to tight. I WANT to do these socks because they are gorgeous. But I want to find a pattern for Fair Isle that is simple and flat so that I can practice the technique, so that I can get the hang of two color work and floats. I also need some color inspiration because after I ripped out my first version I realized I had lost the love for the color combo and started the pattern again...toe up this time. But I didn't like that color combo either.

In the mean time I have plenty of projects going as I have previously listed LOL... Here is an update picture of the Round 7 pattern. I really like it. I don't find it as difficult as the R6 socks. That pattern is lacey cables with an interesting open work effect on the back of the leg. almost to the toe. The pattern was written for 2 circulars but I decided to do it by Magic Loop. They are going pretty fast. I think I would have been done with the pair if I didn't have to stop knitting to study for finals.

Speaking of which...FINALS ARE OVER! Woohoo. I am pretty sure that I am getting 2 A's out of four classes. For the other two...well I am on the border for an A to a B for one and C+ to B- for another. So until the grades are posted I will not know. Bs I can handle but I reall do NOT want that C... I worked so hard for that darn class and was carrying a solid A for 2/3rds of the semester....and then after Spring Break we were given the hardest take home exam I have ever had. The teacher "tested" on information he didn't lecture on...and since we didn't have a textbook (yes thats right no book) we had to research the info. Since its Mathematical proofing its not an easy thing to research. Though I did not fail the exam I did low enough to affect my overall class grade and went into the final hoping to get 80/120 points in order to get a B for the class. I HATE that! Anyway...I am done bitching....lol just needed to VENT.

The upside is that I took my last final on Monday night and am now off for the rest of the week. YIPPY! I am taking a class for the Mini-Summer Term starting next Monday but for now I am off! So guess what that means....you got it! KNITTING...AND MY LYS! No money to go shopping but can still play yarn! YAHOO ME!

Final Round

Ok the 7th and Final round of Sock Madness begins today. Just recieved the pattern and it starts with: "Cast on 99 stitches on two circulars..." WHAT THE....???? LOL...It is a really nice looking pattern. I don't know how fast someone can go when starting with that many stitches...should be interesting. I have been working on my Round 6 socks...but I got to the foot part and tried on the socks and it was so tight I could barely put it on. Sooooooooo.....I ripped it out...yes I did. LOL...and then I started in a different color combo...but this morning looking at it ...I did not like it...was not feeling the love. Soooooo.....I ripped it out LOL. I am putting the R6 socks on the side, I need color combo inspiration, I WANT to do the socks but I think first I need practice doing Fair Isle on a flat piece so that I can understand how to do the floats, because the reason my socks were so tight is because I pulled them to tight and many of the stitches caused the sock fabric to pucker. So I am going to try R7 and I am thinking of using my super wild yarn that I dyed. I also have so many projects on needles:

1. Magic Loop Socks
2. Pomatomus socks
3. Schaefer/Arctic Lace shawl
4. 3 Lace projects
5. Feather and fan scarf
6. Chevron scarf
7. Entrelac bag needs handle and button (and possibly a lining but I don't sew)
8. Booga bag needs handle and closure
9. two charity scraves need ends woven
10. Duplicate stitch bag needs designed finished on front, handle and button

Ok so ummm I shouldn't have made that list LOL because now I am in shock LOL. Oh boy...lets not talk about the projects that I have seperated out with their patterns and yarn that I want to start as well. LOL....umm okie dokie.....

Anyway, tonight playing yarn with some other yarn fanatics. Tommorrow going down to the Truckee River for the River Festival and then going to see Spiderman. Some good movies coming out soon as well: Pirates 3, Harry Potter 5, Shrek 3...etc. Good Summer movie season coming...hope it lives up to the hype.

Drop everything...

...to do this! I have a serious problem! ...a problem with beautiful hand painted yarn

Cabin Cove Mercantile
Fingering weight
450 yds
Handpainted By Dave Daniels
Colorway: Mountain Meadow MN096
US 9 24" Circulars
Chevron/feather fan pattern

I love it....its super soft and the colors are bright and soothing...reminds me of spring wild flowers....and though I have tons of projects going and a lot of yarn that I want to play with i HAD to stop and play with this one. Isn't it great! Yes I know its sock yarn but I have been wanting some of Dave's yarn for so long that I didn't want to make something that would be hidden under pants...it needed to be showed off....thought I have to see thay socks made for this yarn will be really happy and relaxed feet because it is so very soft.

Sigh now the only problem with this is that once I use it I will want more Dave Yarn....damn that sucks when that happens huh? hehehehe......

Oh and by the way lovely enabler Florrie from Deluxe yarn is way too accomodating sometimes....I just mentioned to her that I want to try spinning but that I just wanted to get my hand on a drop spindle and some roving just to see if I could do it and if I would like and what does she do.....oh here had this in the back just sitting there....hands be a good size portion of roving in a natural color and a spindle that she just has lying around....no she doesn't sell spinning supplies....yet anyway.....it her stuff but she let me take it home with her to try.....she is such an enabler lol...geez!

Over

Well I gave it my best shot but my partner is a knitting machine

stayed up until almost 4 am and got this far:

Which is halfway up the foot...not fast enough darn it!

Congrats to KristiR!

I will finishe but much slower....I am tired!

The Semi-Finals

Alrighty...I am doing the lavender with white accent for my Round 6 colors. I am paired up with a tough knitter. She was the first person finished in Round 5...even with the pattern instructions having many mistakes! Woohoo! Its all good for me though...I have done a lot of thinking about this:

1. This game started with 128 players from all over the world. Many of whom could easily say that they had been knitting for 40+ years. Yes 40! Wow...and here I am in Round 6 in the Semi-finals...having won my division! WOWIE ZOWIE...who knew?!?

2. I am happy to be in the top 4 and in the Semi-finals. I have yet to have a full year knitting.

3. I basically taught myself from www.knittinghelp.com videos.

4. I have been fortunate enough to have a LYS, in which I have made the most encouraging and supportive friends.

5. In this past year I have met some of the most artistic and talented knitters who do not hesitate to share their knowledge and skill. The Knitty Otter lady, to name one of the many.

6. I continue to push myself and try to learn something new and this game has helped me gain many new skills to add to my knitting tool box. With this I learned ...or rather re-learned the lesson ....that you never know what you are capable of until you try and if you work at it you will succeed (nothing that is worth anything is ever gotten easily...it takes work to get the things that trully mean something in life!)

7. Through this game I have seen how to play a game. I watched other knitters stop their own knitting to help others even their opponent. True demenstrations of sportsman ship.

8. I got free original patterns! Woohoo.

9. I won a prize for making a mistake and not giving up! A really nice prize too!

10. Finally and most importantly....I have made some new friends. Seriously....I haven't met them face to face....but they are friends...and whether or not we ever meet I will count them among my friends and know that I will keep in contact with them. Celtic Memory, to name one.

All of these things put together....whether or not I make it to Round 7 Finals....I have won...if you don't thinks so then go back and read the numbered portion of this post LOL....I won...and won big time!

Anyway...the pattern is to come out between 12 and 4 pm my time. In the mean time going to have some lovely Vanilla coffee...and read a bit in the Yarn Harlot's newest book..."Casts Off"....if don't have....MUST GET IT....SHE IS TOO FUNNY FOR WORDS!

Round 6...Choice?

OK....FIRST OFF...It's the 2nd of May and we are supposed to get snow today! WTF! Ok sorry for the base comment ...but I mean really now...snow in May? What gives.

Well as I have mentioned Round 6 starts on Friday, not sure yet what the time for the release of the pattern yet....they haven't said. The specs given are as follows:

"Needles = US #2 The designer used double-pointed needles but I favor the magic loop. As always, I say that you should use what makes you happy - as long as it’s the right size.
Yarn = fingering weight in 2 colors. She used Lana Grossa Meilenweit Cotton (209 yards per ball.) I used one skein of Cherry Tree Hill (420 yds per hank) and one hank of Louet Gems (185 yards per skein). I used a variegated and a solid but the variegated is really subtle. The designer used 2 solids. What the yarns we chose have in common is that they both had a high degree of contrast and I think it adds to the design but… it’s up to you, I could be wrong.
Gauge = 38 stitches/4 inches"

That is quoted from the SM webpage...I did some swatches as you can see above, I got about 9 (to 10) stitches to the inch. I have posted three ways to go with this sock...either a lavender sock (yes its lavender and not bluish as it looks in the pick), with and accent color of white, black or yellow.....or a yellow sock with an accent of blue (on the bottom), black or lavender....OR a white sock with a blue accent or one of the funky colors that I dyed recently. Not sure which to go with...have not knitted a swatch with the white...its just a hair thiner then the yellow and lavender....its also a nice yarn, softer and has a lovely sheen to it....

oh and before anyone asks....I have no idea what the white, yellow and lavender yarns are....umm well I have had them in my stash for years....and I do mean YEARS....I purchased them from a shop in Carson City, Nevada that used to sell yarn on cones for machine knitting (the shop has since closed because the owner retired)....at that time I was still crocheting and made lace items with them but I have a ton left ...and in different colors. I know that the yellow and lavender are wool and acrylic blends...but have no diea who made it....the white has a lovely sheen to it and is extremely soft....on close examination it looks like its a cotton blend and it make gorgeous lace....and I do mean gorgeous (even if it was crochet lol) I have a lot of it so socks from it will not make a dent in what I have of it....anyway .....LOL not sure which way to go with these.

I pulled out all of my sock yarn yesterday....umm which was a thrill for the dog and one of the kitties....darn them! LOL Honey just rolled his eyes and looked away...I sat there sifting through it all ...trying to combing variegated with solids, the variegated I have is just all too busy...LOL...I love wild colors and patterns and my sock stash shows that big time but for this upcoming pattern I do not think that wild will work well. Thats what I get for always walking off the beaten path! sheesh!

I am pretty certain that the pattern will be Fair Isle/Intarsia...I have yet do make anything with these techiniques because what I have practiced with it always comes out looking wonky. I just don't get how to get the floats on WS to come out flat so that the stitches on the RS don't looke squished and pulled to tight. Even with the practice swatches above...the stitches didn't not look nice though I tried to keep the floats in the back loose. Is there some trick that I am missing....My lovely Knitty Otter friend did a gorgeous hat and her floats are expert...it was her first try with the technique too....If I have a chance to meet up with her before Friday I will show her my swatches and see if she notices what I am doing incorrectly. She is super nice and I am sure she would offer me tips if she can see what I am doing. She rolls that way! :-D

Oh speaking of the Knitty Otter...she isn't feeling to well, so stop on by her blog and send her good vibes will ya? She just had a bday too and then promptly became ill...yuk!

Well thats it for now...finals are coming up...they start next Thursday but I only have one that I am worried about...Math 475: Sets and Numbers....the last few proofs I did were bad, bad, bad.....the class was going really easy for me until the last month when every proof and theory the Prof. has lectured on has looked like something from another planet! Hate when that happens!