tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45244589136944063802024-03-21T23:41:01.928-05:00Lizard KnitsMostly mindless blather about knitting and cats.Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-66438233261318420152010-07-25T12:57:00.005-05:002010-07-25T13:37:05.661-05:00Blah Blah Blah... Where's my Yarn?!<div>So school has been working its magic on me again, and this here blog is the one who gets ignored the most. I have an exam on Thursday. Guess what I'm doing...</div><div><br /></div><div>Knitting, mostly, it would seem. Wanna see? Course you do :)</div><div>These are <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter09/PATTskew.php">Skew</a>:</div><div><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4827105349_9d7c712300_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4827713086_061bfbf4cf_m.jpg" /></div><div>The pattern is from Knitty (I do love my Knitty). It's from the Winter 09 issue, and was written by Lana Holden. I love how they're turning out, but I can't get them on my feet. So it's going to be frogged imminently and reknit using a larger needle. Maybe even some more stitches. We'll see. I actually knit this while on winter break in Paris. I really wish it fit, for the sake of having another pair of socks knit in Paris. It could become a tradition. Guess I'll have to go back, I'm so hard done by. Anyway, the yarn is Koigu, so must not be wasted. I'll give more info when you see them again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next finished object: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunshine-11">Sunshine Socks</a>:</div><div><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4827711900_c9b39b612c_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4827101475_61c4cee238_m.jpg" /></div><div>These photos are terrible. It's actually a really nice day, but my balcony is not particularly welcoming right now. You can see in the pictures, there's a bit of a mess out there, and I didn't want to expose brand new socks to it too much. Consequently, there's a shadow interfering with the colour. The yarn is All Things Heather sock yarn, in the Sunshine colourway. The pattern is called (go figure) Sunshine, and is from Cookie A.'s book Sock Innovation. Love this book BTW.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, here's why the balcony isn't friendly:</div><div><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4827720458_ca3b26f5e8_m.jpg" /></div><div>Momma pigeon is giving me the evil eye. I'm perilously close to her nest which currently contains two egglets. I wanted to sweep up the mess they left from the last batch, but discovered I was too late. So she watches me closely, and I avoid the balcony. It's an arrangement.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what's not finished? How about Evenstar:</div><div><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4827110163_76a67aa0c7_m.jpg" /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4827108841_bee500809a_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 173px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4827108841_bee500809a_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div>I'm soooo clooose... I've finished up to about 12 rounds in on clue six, which is the final clue before the beaded edging. I ordered my beads this past week, and will hopefully have them by the time I get to the end of this clue. It's taking forever, though. There are something between 672 and 570 stitches in a round at this point (I'm sure not counting), and it takes about an hour to knit two rounds. It's Blue Moon Fibre Arts, Silk Thread II in the Winter Solstice colourway, and it's knit on 3.25 mm needles. I can't wait until it's finished, and I can move on to the next project in the LOTR knitalong.</div><div><br /></div><div>So when it takes forever to knit on the shawl, I need something that has a few less than 600 stitches to a round. Enter the new issue of Knitty:</div><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4827717158_84b2042e5a_m.jpg" /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4827715554_b0f359b1bb_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4827715554_b0f359b1bb_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4827715554_b0f359b1bb_m.jpg"></a>This is <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEff10/PATTmysterymanners.php">Mystery + Manners</a> by SpillyJane. I cast on the same day I saw the new issue, and have finished the first one (minus the thumb). I loved the peacock feather motif, and I had leftover Tidepool Heather from my NHM #7 mittens (the blue), and some Eggplant waiting to be something else, and knew they were meant to be. The yarn is KnitPicks Essential. The needles are 2.5 mm.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, yeah. That's all I've got for you right now. I have a scarf that needs ends sewn in, and which I'm avoiding. Maybe I'll be able to show that next time. Mostly, though I'm sitting around waiting rather impatiently for my Mean Girls yarn to turn up. I've been watching the discussion boards on Ravelry, and other people have their yarn, including one hoar in the Netherlands. What's up with that. I might have to take up stalking the mailman... Or Canada Customs. I suspect one of them has my yarnz and I want it. Now! Now! Now! Now! NOW!</div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-85851180198541756992010-05-16T16:13:00.002-05:002010-05-16T16:48:49.761-05:00The one with Pictures<div>Okay, so I promised pictures so here they are. There are a lot of them, I have more, but thought I would wait in case I have nothing to report next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>First up: The yarn purchased at Yarns Etc. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Tahoma, serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre;"><a href="http://www.dreamincoloryarn.com">Dream in Color</a></span></span> Smooshy in the Ruby River colourway:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/4612365135_ed4502aca0_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/4612365135_ed4502aca0_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/4612365135_ed4502aca0_m.jpg"></a>And <a href="http://www.oceanwindknits.ca">Oceanwind Knits</a> Merino 100<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4612363553_4c19106cab_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4612363553_4c19106cab_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4612363553_4c19106cab_m.jpg"></a>Smooshy I've bought before, but this Oceanwind Knits yarn is new to me. It's a Canadian company, which always makes me happy. It's 100% superwash merino wool in a fingering weight. It's also beautifully soft, and the colour is delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div>Ahem, enough of that. I also have some finished objects.</div><div>Trilobite Socks:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/4612983368_bf360dc72c_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4612366951_ed0c367450_m.jpg" /></div><div>Because it's been so long, I will attempt to recap what these projects are as well. These are the Trilobite Socks by <a href="http://wendyknits.net">Wendy D. Johnson</a> from her book Socks From the Toe Up. The yarn is Regia Galaxy in the Jupiter Granite colourway. This pattern was really simple, and I managed to mess it up anyway. If you look closely at the two feet, you may be able to discern a difference in the lace pattern in each foot. This is not an optical illusion. On the first sock, I looked at the chart, thought it looked simple enough and started knitting. I neglected to read the whole chart which actually changes midway up. Go figure. Rather than ripping out the whole foot of the sock, though, I decided to leave it be. My brother wears mismatched socks on purpose all the time, why can't I?</div><div><br /></div><div>Next: NHM #7</div><div><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4612360933_a7377430e8_m.jpg" /></div><div>I'm pretty happy with how these turned out. I originally bought four colours of yarn intending to make two pairs of stranded two-colour mittens. But I mixed up which colours were supposed to go together, and this combination is the result. The blue was supposed to go with a green, and the orange with a purple. I like this contrast, though. Hopefully I will like the green and purple one as much :) The yarn is <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com">Knit Picks</a> Palette in Tidepool Heather and Sweet Potato colourways. The pattern is from the book Selbuvotter: Biography of a Knitting Tradition by Terri Shea. They are from a traditional Norwegian knitting pattern. I love pretty much every pattern in this book, so there could be more turning up here. Someday.</div><div><br /></div><div>On to what I'm working on now.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4612359127_7d1052a592_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4612359127_7d1052a592_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4612359127_7d1052a592_m.jpg"></a>This is the almost completely finished Mr Greenjeans cardigan from the fall 2007 issue of Knitty. It's by Amy Swenson, and is being knit from Briggs & Little Tuffy in the Blue Jean colourway. All I have left is a couple more inches of stockinette on the second sleeve, the ribbing on the same sleeve, to find a button, and to sew in my ends. At the rate I'm working on it, I'm hoping to have it done in the next couple weeks. We'll see. I wouldn't hold my breath.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last for this week, but most definitely not least:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4612969836_e14c264cd5_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4612969836_e14c264cd5_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4612353629_39e8139685_m.jpg" /><br />This is my Evenstar Shawl knitalong progress. So far, I've finished up to the increase row at the end of clue 3. Now I'm waiting on some longer needles so that I can double the stitches and be able to see what I'm doing. Maybe with a longer needle, I'll be able to take pictures that don't look like a blob. A darn pretty silvery blob, but kind of amorphous nontheless. The pattern is by <a href="http://afewstitchesshort.blogspot.com">Susan Pandorf</a> whose shawls have been tempting me for quite a while. Add in The Lord of the Rings, and I'm hooked. Thanks so much Lime N Violet, you master enablers, you :)</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's it for this week. I'm hoping to keep on top of this bloggy thing from now on, and think if I give myself a deadline, maybe it'll get done. I'm taking a rather intensive course in U.S. history this summer where the professor has squished an 8 month course into 3, so we'll see how well I do. Now, I'm going to go and convince myself to read a textbook instead of knit. Wish me luck.<br /></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-42681423193316569592010-05-09T11:02:00.002-05:002010-05-09T11:27:10.360-05:00Back from the DeadHello? Is this thing on?<div><br /></div><div>Erm, it's been a really long time since I posted, as my Mom reminded me this morning. Being chided by your mother on Mother's Day has had the result of lighting a fire under my behind. School really tried to wipe me out this year, and while I've been knitting off and on (gotta stay sane somehow, right?) I have been really bad about documenting it. So I'm going to attempt to give a progress report based on my last posts. I have no recent pictures, though, so you'll have to use your imaginations.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here goes:</div><div>First up: Lenore socks. Almost done. Just need to get the ends sewn in, wash them up and deliver them to the recipient. Hopefully, she'll still want them. I'm feeling the most guilty about these ones.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next: Trilobite Socks. Finished. Yay! They don't actually match, though because I messed up reading the pattern on the first sock and thought it might be fun to make the second sock properly. Matching unmatched socks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another long neglected project was my Mr. Greenjeans cardigan. It had been abandoned with the body completely knit. All it needed was a button band and sleeves. It now has a button band and 1.33333 sleeves. I'm determined to get some UFOs finished.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, there has been some increases to my stash. I'll try and get pictures when the sun comes back, but there was a new yarn store that opened locally, and it's really close to where I work downtown. It's called Yarn's Etc. And can be found at 1 Nicholas St. if you happen to live in Ottawa, check it out. It's small, but the owner is really friendly. She carries Lorna's Laces, Berocco, and Dream in Color yarns among other things. Good prices too. I got some Dream in Color<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; white-space: normal; "> Smooshy in Ruby River and some Oceanwind Knits Merino 100 in Razzcherry. (I don't know why the font changed here. Maybe something to do with attempting the hyperlink thingy.)</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>I've been listening to Lime N Violet. Never a good idea when you're feeling overwhelmed by assignments, but those master enablers have had their way with me twice. </div><div><br /></div><div>First being the Evenstar Shawl knitalong. Holy crapola! I got a late start on this because I needed to wait until school work had been finished and turned in, consequently I'm only halfway through Clue #2. Clue 7 (the final clue) has just been released. I'm so excited by what I've seem of other people's shawls online. Seriously gorgeous shawl. I hope I can do it justice. I'm knitting it in the exact same yarn as the designer. That being, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silken Thread II in Winter Solstice. Again pictures soon. I also subscribed to Susan Pandorf's Lord Of the Rings Knitalong for the Fellowship of the Ring. I'm a colossal geek, and the LotR is my favourite book of all time, and I adore the Peter Jackson movies based on them. This is going to be exciting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, I joined the Mean Girls Yarn Club 2. Also as a result of listening to Lime N Violet when my defenses are down. Curse those master enablers! I can't wait for my first shipment. I promise to make a point of posting about it. If I'm allowed :)</div><div><br /></div><div>So there's maybe a couple other things, but I'm going to hold onto them until I can get some pictures taken. This has already been a word heavy post without anything interesting to look at, and no links to follow, so I'll leave it at that, and hopefully I'll be back next week.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre; "></span></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-16686380351233137602009-09-09T19:36:00.002-05:002009-09-09T19:41:58.735-05:00Baaaaaa...<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQOxrPJSA5TruhP664qUbSxeKN5B7qNLgc_dkWBNiDcCMOKh4qsF3GSyAQQnK2hkmxINQYvHDeCL13aGHRQRSqSY1Z74D3chX5c_PuPpJ7KPYUb2dnTcqK7o8qKDK6yu4Sa8GpUfbmwEr/s1600-h/Sheep.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQOxrPJSA5TruhP664qUbSxeKN5B7qNLgc_dkWBNiDcCMOKh4qsF3GSyAQQnK2hkmxINQYvHDeCL13aGHRQRSqSY1Z74D3chX5c_PuPpJ7KPYUb2dnTcqK7o8qKDK6yu4Sa8GpUfbmwEr/s200/Sheep.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379631446747577218" /></a></div><div>Yeah, that's how I'm feeling. I just wanna say that I haven't fallen off the face of the planet. I've been distracted by the truly vicious time waster that is Guitar Hero 5. Yeah. Just thankful I didn't get my plastic toy guitar on the new Beatles Rock Band today. Anyway. I have made some progress on the Lenore socks, but due to my inability to ignore the shiny coloured notes on the screen, I have not got a photo to prove it. I am done with the heel and have decreased the gussets and am ready to start on the body of the foot. I swear.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pictures soon :*)</div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-2535555056929534212009-08-18T15:15:00.004-05:002009-08-18T15:41:16.323-05:00Quoth the raven...<div>Nevermore.</div><div><br /></div><div>A little while back a friend asked me if I would knit a pair of socks for her teenaged daughter. She had seen my blog, and had liked some of what I'd already done. It would have been impossible to say no when a teenager actually expresses an interest in handknits. She thought she'd like something in blacks and purple/burgundy. Enter Socks that Rock in Lenore:</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn4ntrv9AkD7JfELZytr1f69ru6fXl3jCFNSd8RaRVHVlkG0QTs-dqSTlFLwWLF-vSnkBjQTM549QNXoUOPJJyj_pGWRNE6UtUMfsZkR-esJIRuXgndBlsYEftfpNffCgllQE8bjhkFxW6/s200/Lenore+yarn.jpg" /></div><div>This yarn is very had to photograph. It's primarily black, with a deep pinky/purple washed over it. Then for a pattern, she'd like something gothic inspired. Hmmm, can't think of anything much more gothic than Edgar Allen Poe, whose poem inspired the name of the yarn. Interestingly, both the poem and the yarn inspired a designer:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3834769412_7866fc7a3d_m.jpg" /></div><div>Lenore socks, by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (aka the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a>). I've got a skein destined to be these socks for me too.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I ordered the yarn, and it arrived late last week. I wound it up right away:</div><div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2462/3833979439_8755a57d12_m.jpg" /></div><div>And using a digital scale split it into two equal cakes of yarn. They look different in size, but they weigh the same amount. One is more densely wound than the other. In this picture, on my monitor, you can see the variances in colour better, if not the specific colour. Then I cast on:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3833977291_f2103783d1_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3833977291_f2103783d1_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3833977291_f2103783d1_m.jpg"></a>This progress is over the last couple of days, and so far, I'm very happy with how they're turning out, and I hope that the young woman in question is too. I'll be trying to post progress shots on these socks every few days or so. Fingers crossed :)</div><div><br /></div><div>They are not my only project, though. I have a finished object to report:<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3833977291_f2103783d1_m.jpg"></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3833973743_00c232b8e9_m.jpg" /><br />The Double Eyelet Rib socks are finished. Yay! The pattern is a freebie by <a href="http://wendyknits.net/">Wendy D. Johnson</a> and I used Knit Picks Essential yarn in the Russet Tweed colourway. I used about 1.5 balls of yarn. Someday, I'll come up with a great idea for using up all the leftover sock yarn :)<br /><br />No rest, though. No second sock syndrome for me. Nuh uh. I cast on the second Trilobite Sock:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3833981847_38416d61cb_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3833981847_38416d61cb_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2470/3833981847_38416d61cb_m.jpg"></a>I'd messed up the chart on the first sock for the entire foot of the sock. But I decided that I would knit the second sock properly rather than trying to repeat my mistake. So I'll have mismatched socks. My brother would approve.<br /><br />Incidentally, the Lenore yarn was not the only one I ordered. I might have bought a couple more skeins to justify the shipping.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2170/3834773654_e2aff13516_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2170/3834773654_e2aff13516_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></div><div>That's the Lenore in the middle with Fred Flintstone flanking it on the left, and Winter Solstice on the right. My lovely parents also presented me with a glorious gift certificate for Blue Moon for my birthday, so expect to seem more Socks that Rock making appearances in the future. I'd better get knitting.</div></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-56784678202618337202009-07-20T15:26:00.002-05:002009-07-20T15:44:29.135-05:00Shhhhh<div>More yarn.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3740286654_4bcc8155ca_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3740286654_4bcc8155ca_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3740286654_4bcc8155ca_m.jpg"></a>So, the final package arrived, and it is glorious! Three skeins of <a href="http://www.bluemoonfiberarts.com/newmoon/">Blue Moon Fiber Arts</a> Socks That Rock. Haida from the Raven Clan. ST-2 from the Multicolor Wave collection (This is a Sock Summit colour, wahhh!). And Lover's Leap from the Watercolor Wave collection. I'm in love with this yarn. I'm dying to order more. It was a non-customs purchase too, so it will happen. Just have to wait a little while.<br /><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3740286654_4bcc8155ca_m.jpg"></a>In the meantime. I said in my last post that I had knitting content. So here it is:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3739497867_3952a3e602_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2424/3739497867_3952a3e602_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/3740293224_70a09076ae_m.jpg" /></div><div>These shots are of a tank top from a knitting magazine I'd never encountered before. The magazine is called Verena Knitting, and is a UK magazine. The pattern is called Chocolate. I've dubbed my version Turquoise Chocolate, but I need a new name for it. I'm knitting it out of Waikiki, a yarn I picked up on sale when a LYS closed a while back. It's a linen, cotton blend, and I love the colours. I have a suspicion it will be really, really busy. Here's hoping it's wearable.<br /><br /></div><div>I also have socks. I finished the first Double Eyelet Rib sock:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/3740288008_ea0631c3da_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/3740288008_ea0631c3da_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2638/3740288008_ea0631c3da_m.jpg"></a>And started a Trilobite sock from Wendy D. Johnson's book Socks From the Toe Up.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3740289196_59f27dd3ae_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2427/3740289196_59f27dd3ae_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></div><div>I'm a real freak, though, and failed to read the pattern properly. I knit along merrily through the toe, up the foot, into the arch shaping, turned the heel, knit the flap, and when I went to start the leg back in pattern, I noticed. I had knit the whole foot only repeating the first half of the chart! So, the leg looks decidedly different from the foot. Notice, I left it as it was. Can't be bothered to fix it. So lazy, am I. Now I need to cast on another sock quick, before I catch the dreaded second sock syndrome. Wish me luck :)</div></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-10094658409685739622009-07-13T10:15:00.003-05:002009-07-13T10:48:24.526-05:00SockapaloozaWell, sockyarnapalooza would be more appropriate, but it doesn't roll off the tongue as well. There has been an explosion of yarn acquisition chez Lizard. That yarn diet that I was supposedly on leading up to the Sock Summit that never was has definitely disintegrated. Ah well, c'est la vie. Enough with the talky, on to the goodies.<br /><br />I made three separate orders, experimenting with different online vendors, and two of the three have arrived. First: <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a>.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3690408218_d2974d490f_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2671/3690408218_d2974d490f_m.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3689606717_e56141987d_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3689606717_e56141987d_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These are: <a href="http://www.dyedreams.com/">Dye Dreams </a>Dream Sox in the Passion Flower colourway. Soooo Pretty. And <a href="http://www.dreamincoloryarn.com/">Dream in Color</a> Starry in the Wisterious colourway. It's a little difficult to see in the picture, but Starry is spun with a silver filament. Sparkly stuff has been a problem of late. This one spawned the following order. It's so incredibly squishy in the skein that I had to try and get ahold of its sister yarn Smooshy. I was very happy with the service from the Loopy Ewe, I got my package super fast and it had a personalized message from the shopowner in it. Unfortunately for me, there was an issue with customs fees. Not the shop's fault, and I highly recommend it if you live in the U.S. or they have something you have to have and can't get at home. Which they might. Seriously, they have awesome selection.<br /><br />So in order to get that Smooshy, I turned to a Canadian vendor: <a href="http://www.thesweetsheep.com/xcart/home.php">The Sweet Sheep</a>.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3690410176_eebe543b13_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/3690410176_eebe543b13_m.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3689609009_93a043ac35_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3689609009_93a043ac35_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Dream in Color Smooshy in the Flamingo Pie colorway, <a href="http://www.colinette.com/">Colinette</a> Jitterbug in the Ginger Cinnabar colourway. I can't imagine that pie made from flamingo would be particulary tasty, but the yarn sure is. And the Ginger Cinnabar looks good enough to eat too.<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3690406266_f9bf206340_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3690406266_f9bf206340_m.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3689610899_3df23237fe_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2513/3689610899_3df23237fe_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />All Things Heather sock yarn in the Sunshine colourway and <a href="http://www.malabrigoyarn.com/">Malabrigo</a> sock yarn in the Stonechat colourway. I have no idea what a stonechat is, but the colour is fantastic, and the ATH one totally looks like sunshine. This also came super speedily, and no customs fees. Yay! I'll definitely order from the Sweet Sheep again. All of my yarn is gorgeous, and I can't wait to knit with it. I'm thinking I should think about getting a scale so that I can split them up easily. I hate that paranoia as you're halfway through the second sock and aren't sure if you'll have enough yarn left over to finish it.<br /><br />So, I have one more package winging its way to me and I anticipate its arrival very soon. When it arrives I'll try and get the pics up pretty soon. I also have some new knitting content to post too, but this has been a picture heavy post, so I'll save it for when the next package arrives. Now, somebody needs to lock my credit card up somewhere safe :)Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-82870880804803045932009-06-15T16:38:00.002-05:002009-06-15T17:08:08.816-05:00<div>Hey, Remember this?</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt4WkPNNIhw1CEtWKz7IYme9YIBQPZYBaow-yfWWQyswe5W5SrxF-3tTakNkGJO-oHjA2kWboG9yjc98ABn11HBtW6K3vlzfchAVlMMMoONHTZkV_J0pKUY8Brx1NVd12Jw91vy4WtKts/s200/unblocked+mystery+stole.JPG" /></div><div>Yeah, no wonder. It's been languishing for nearly two years now. Sadly waiting for me to be bothered blocking it. Well, no more:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3629679569_ff541299fe_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3629679569_ff541299fe_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3629679569_ff541299fe_m.jpg"></a>To jog memories, this is the wing portion of Mystery Stole 3, also known as Swan Lake. I had a wedding to attend on Friday last week, and it occurred to me that the beads in the stole (which you admittedly can't see in the pictures would match perfectly with my dress. So here's the result:</div><div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/3629682569_f24f3e8791_m.jpg" /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3629683941_7b76a52303_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3629683941_7b76a52303_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div>These aren't the most flattering pictures of me, but the stole looked amazing. For the record, it is the Swan Lake Stole designed by Melanie at <a href="http://www.pinklemontwist.blogspot.com/">Pink Lemon Twist</a>. It's knit out of an unnamed raw silk dk weight. The beads are I think size 6 and they're a soft coral colour. If I remember correctly, I knit it on size 4.5 mm needles. I've loved this stole from the start, it's merely a result of my hatred for finishing that it has languished for so long.</div><div><br /></div><div>Moving on. I was on a roll last week. The wedding I attended on Friday was for one of my cousins, and two of her sisters had received handmade afghans as wedding gifts from me. It's become a tradition (To date I've crocheted 4 bridal afghans, and knit two) so I couldn't not make one for her. I've blogged previously the Hex Afghan by Nora Gaughan from <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Knitting-Nature-Designs-Inspired-Patterns/dp/1584794844/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245102878&sr=8-1">Knitting Nature</a>. Here it is blocking:</div><div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/3630491530_f42fa6002b_m.jpg" /></div><div>And posed in my parents' backyard:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3629675751_e50b653066_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3629675751_e50b653066_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3629675751_e50b653066_m.jpg"></a>This knit up fairly quickly and is the main culprit for the delay in blogging this time. All I had to show was a big brown blob. I think the blob turned out pretty well. I just hope the bride likes it as much as I do. It's knit from Patons Shetland Chunky in Taupe with 5.5 mm needles.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what else? Elated from having completed so many large objects, I may have had a moment of weakness in a LYS. I've been avoiding buying yarn in preparation to attend <a href="http://www.socksummit.com/">Sock Summit</a>. But try as I might I was one of the 30,000 knitters who bombarded the server and consequently was unable to get a spot. I'm disappointed, but that's the way these things go. Maybe they'll put it on again next year. In the meantime, I console myself with yarn:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3630487710_34a0e8d038_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3630487710_34a0e8d038_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.estelleyarns.com/">Arequipa</a> wool/alpaca blend sock yarn. It's a kind of dark picture, but it was the only one that came close to showing off the actual colour of this yarn. The colour is very eloquently called 221. I couldn't resist the washy watercolour feel of it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3629681293_bc7c6cc49d_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3629681293_bc7c6cc49d_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/3629681293_bc7c6cc49d_m.jpg"></a>Koigu KPPPM in the equally eloquent P40395. I can't seem to even find it on their site. Ah well. I shall fondle it fondly anyway. In the meantime, I have a couple socks on the go which I'll get to in a couple of days, but this post is getting far too long, so you'll just have to wait :)<br /><br /></div></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-51501586119166281032009-04-26T09:31:00.003-05:002009-04-26T10:07:00.624-05:00Sidetracked<div>So, I've had one full week to myself with no school, and I've been trying to rediscover my life. I think I had one, and it's nice to see that it hasn't abandoned me entirely. I've been knitting and I'll get to that, but first I need to own up to a serious distraction:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3476564016_e61fbb2cf0_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>I found this book in the new materials for the library, and while I don't tend to do a lot of cross stitch, I fell in love with this book. I promptly ordered it online, and as soon as it was in my hot little hands, bought the materials for the main attraction:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3475756543_1059766a03_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3475756543_1059766a03_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div>I know, eh? Looks fantastic! Okay, so here's what it will look like:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3476573278_e08321253a_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 180px; height: 240px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3476573278_e08321253a_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div>Eventually. The whole book is stuff related to magic and witchcraft. Some of it is kitschy like cutesy little fairies and wizards, and the dragon on the cover (which I think is very pretty, just not for me), but then there are images of Father Sun and Mother moon, and this cushion. The Celtic wheel of the year. I hope mine comes out looking at least something like the picture from the book.</div><div><br /></div><div>So enough of that. This here's supposed to be about knitting, so here's some knitting:<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3475759691_a16be787be_m.jpg" /></div><div>This is going to be one of those projects that looks the same every time. The Hex Afghan from Nora Gaughan's Knitting Nature. Maybe I'll mix up the pictures a bit by incorporating things in the background to make it a little more interesting than a neutral taupe afghan. Case in point: the lovely Rock Band drum kit it's photographed with here :)</div><div><br /></div><div>I've also been working a little bit on my Double Eyelet Rib Socks:<br /><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3404/3475757921_1b81cddc80_m.jpg" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3476570354_b02fe482ea_m.jpg"></a></div><div>Not too much to see there, either. I've finished the heel and am about to work up the leg. This is a great, simple, easy to memorize pattern that is perfect for mindless television knitting. If only the afghan above wasn't so time sensitive, I'd be much further along on this. Ah well, what can you do?</div><div><br /></div><div>But wait, there's more. I went to Michael's to get the materials for the embroidery above, and encountered something else. Who knew there'd be yarn at a crafts store?</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3476570354_b02fe482ea_m.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3476570354_b02fe482ea_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /> </a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3475762765_cda9db85a8_m.jpg" /></div><div>Well, okay, I knew but in my defense, the Kroy was on sale. So, as the labels state, this is Patons Kroy Socks and Stretch Socks. Muslin and Licorice colourways. The stretch is something I've never tried. Not sure how that's going to work, but I think it's worth a try. So anyway, I'm going to cut it off there, and hopefully get some more knitting done.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-5809640917894806992009-04-13T09:48:00.003-05:002009-04-13T10:19:53.967-05:00Return to the land of the livingWell, almost anyway.<div><br /></div><div>I have been plugging away on the final bits of my courses this term, and am so close I can almost taste it. I wrote my history final on Thursday, and have my astronomy final on Saturday, and then I'm free until September. I have been knitting off and on in an attempt to remain sane, so here's an update.</div><div>Carolina Sock number one is complete. Mostly. I have ends to sew in, but that part is not conducive to sanity, so it will wait.<br /><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3438545448_a714d0acf4_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>In the meantime, I like to work one sock pattern and then another sock pattern before returning to the second sock from the first, so here's the new sock:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3438546794_e1c81ac3e4_m.jpg" /></div><div>This is Wendy D. Johnson's Double Eyelet Rib sock. It's knit from Knitpicks Essential yarn in the Russet Tweed colourway. I was nervous about the little flecks of colour that are mixed in this yarn, but the pattern is coming through alright, I think. It's a great pattern, incidentally and is one of her free ones. I might also have preordered her book last week too, so there should be more to blog soon :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Stash enhancement. Hmmmm, there shouldn't be much to say about that. I say "shouldn't," which somehow doesn't mean "isn't." Ooops. Some was necessary, and I'll get to that, but this is really pretty:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3258/3437675665_8ba61b7f01_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>This is a hand dyed sock yarn from a Canadian dyer from Quebec called <a href="http://biscottecie.com/boutique/index.php">Biscotte & Cie</a>. Her colours are really gorgeous. This one is Lupin in the Witch's Cat colourway. It seems to meet the fine standards of the actual witch's cat in the picture. Check!</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3437672329_5461552daa_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>Regia Galaxy Jupiter Granite. This was an accident too. I went to the LYS to get the yarn which is coming next, and found this in the sale bin. How could I resist? Seriously :)</div><div><br /></div><div>This is what I went for, though:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3437673507_4166cd1b72_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>Nothing spectacular, just a simple yarn. Patons Shetland Chunky. I got 15 balls of the Taupe colourway. This is meant for a wedding present for my cousin. The wedding is in June, I think I can manage. Here's what I've got so far:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3437676943_8e92e462c3_m.jpg" /></div><div>It's difficult to tell, but this is about half of the first repeat on Nora Gaughan's Hex Afghan from Knitting Nature. I've wanted to knit something from this book for some time, and I've finally gotten the chance. So far, it's coming together really well. I just hope it doesn't get tedious. I know it's going to get heavy. Thank goodness this wedding is in June and not August :)</div><div><br /></div><div>The last one is one I bought ages ago, but realized I had neglected to blog it. </div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3437674621_89bc7a9691_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>I'm not sure how I managed to miss it in my blogging, except that it's really pretty and it's possible I was hoarding it. This is Americo Original 100% dehaired baby llama. The colour is a steely grey, and I have one skein of it. It's luxurious, and I'm awaiting the perfect pattern for it. In the meantime, it sits on my desk and gets petted.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's about it for now. I just thought I should check in with the blog every month or so. Bad blogger, I know. Summer is almost here, and that should offer lots more to say. I should return soon. I hope. No promises :)</div><div><br /></div></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-8791467979180018332009-03-15T09:51:00.002-05:002009-03-15T10:15:34.060-05:00More socks<div>Wow. Once I get back to it, I finish fast. Or so it would seem. I have a research paper due on Friday, so that might be it :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, onwards. Hedera is finished:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3355924667_f19c8cbff8_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>I love this pattern. I love this yarn colour, though I did have a little trouble with splitting. Not so much as to be concerned. I think next time I use Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock, I'll try knitting from the outside of the ball. I suspect that might have been the source of the trouble. How 'bout a close-up?</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3355925963_e1b3cfd48f_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>There is one teeny thing I would do differently. Next time I knit this pattern (and I suspect there will be a next time), I'll make a point of counting pattern repeats. I seem to have made one sock about half an inch shorter in the leg than the other. I will not embarrass myself further by showing a picture of this atrocity, but I also refuse to rip it and knit it over again. I don't wear socks with anything but long pants or inside of a boot anyway. So there :P</div><div><br /></div><div>I will not let it get me down, however. I've already moved on:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3355923515_a5e8ed33c4_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3355923515_a5e8ed33c4_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div>This is Carolina by Momma Monkey. This is another amazing sock designer. I understand she passed away recently, clearly she was taken too soon. This is the first of her designs I've knit, but I've got plenty more lurking in my sock file. It's very similar in concept to Grumperina's Jaywalkers, a sock I've already knit twice, and so far I'm finding it quite agreeable. The yarn is Trekking XXL in colour 182. It's all khaki greens and rich golds with a steely blue-grey and touch of cream thrown in. I suspect this is going to stall in favour of a certain Japanese samurai who is going to have to become my priority, but based on the speed with which it's come together so far (I started yesterday morning), I expect you'll be seeing it again very soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>In non-sock news:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3356746664_513da87663_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3356746664_513da87663_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div>I've actually got this mitten on the go lately too, I've merely neglected to blog it before now. Not really sure how that happened, but here it is now. How about a shot of the palm?</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3355928431_80e9e24cd4_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3355928431_80e9e24cd4_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></div><div>This is NHM #7 from the book Selbuvotter : biography of a knitting tradition / by Terri Shea. The yarn is KnitPicks Palette in Sweet Potato and (I think) Tidepool Heather. This is an enjoyable knit and I hope to be able to get back to it soon. Meh, samurais await.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've also picked up the stitches for the button band on my Greenjeans cardigan. Which hasn't been seen here for a while. But I've messed up the count, and now have to rip it out and start again. At least it's only 2 rows, and while it's a couple hundred stitches, it could be worse. In the meantime. I've got some new skis to pick up today, then it's work work work. I wonder if Tom Cruise movies might qualify as research...</div><div><br /></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-67197963149096031962009-03-08T12:11:00.003-05:002009-03-08T12:30:55.827-05:00Socks!<div>Yes, folks. I'm back to knitting socks. I last posted this sock in August of last year. Pretty appalling, really. Well, it's been sitting idle since then (due to no fault of its own, it's gorgeous) and I picked it back up the other day. When last we saw it, sock number one was just at the end of its heel flap. Behold:</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1X-y_4Rvjc5mx_GP3wT1E6QvbPrN_0g8wRFHL7IRw1AXJ8zwuK6DkhqCMj65bM8mGW1peIlzxpNariykx3ij9YcSPFV5f-9l_FtKsR5DjwIRHApNlJYJNQ-NP8sJdeL26EAoXnV7IlMr/s200/Hedera+Socks.jpg" /><br /></div><div>Owing to the long gap in posting about this sock, I'll remind you what's going on here. This is the fabulous <a href="http://www.cookiea.com/">Cookie A</a>'s design <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATThedera.html">Hedera</a>. It's being knit on 2.5 mm KnitPicks circular needles (which I love, if only the joins would last better) out of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Blackberry. I'm a fan of all socks Cookie A. I have knit several pairs of her socks in the past, and will knit <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Sock-Innovation-Techniques-One-Kind/dp/1596681098/ref=wl_it_dp?ie=UTF8&coliid=IYA3XM29X1PZN&colid=10A0WZ13SJC4O">many more</a> in the future. Case in point:</div><div><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2338/2037625170_771935d30f_m.jpg" /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/2038642341_4548f53d20_m.jpg" /><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2174/1834051080_4c558dbc7e_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div><a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/PATTpomatomus.html">Pomatomus</a>, <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTbaudelaire.html">Baudelaire</a>, and <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter06/PATTmonkey.html">Monkey</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>This all brings me to this: <a href="http://www.socksummit.com/">Sock Summit</a>. I am so dying to go. Maybe I'll see some of you there.</div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-53388582367839036652009-01-25T11:44:00.005-05:002009-01-25T12:15:14.729-05:00The Power of 6<div>First things first. I've been tagged by my good friend Jennith at <a href="http://bog.araska.org/">The Blog Bog of the Tundra.</a></div><div>This is the 6th photo from the 6th folder in My Pictures:</div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8_3b9yA1zWt2hkt728mP1KkwNkd2vQTP5L1oXWnSOOJwx3hEA-WSN5-HWjkTrphpc0XBOhoBxvig1qtvLiF7SrGe_DfRNSVXMUdyTPMqAox0HbR5wK9EueXJ1hnGxu5-w_pj5u0F8nY2/s200/IMG_1619.jpg" /> <br /></div><div>A couple of friends and I were lurking inside the Chateau Laurier Hotel being silly. This bunny ears thing has become a bit of a trend of late. Juvenile, but oh so fun :) I don't think Mr. Lennon minds too much. Mr. Trudeau is equally unlikely to be offended. Yoko, on the other hand, if you happen to see this blog, all apologies. No offense intended :)</div><div><br /></div><div>The rules:</div><div>1. Go to your documents. (Or if you are a Mac user, go to your pictures folder)</div><div>2. Go to your 6th folder.</div><div>3. Go to your 6th picture.</div><div>4. Blog about it.</div><div>5. Tag six others to do the same.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't have many bloggy friends to tag, so if anyone reads this and want to play along please feel free. Just let me know. Incidentally, if you have a chance check out Jennith's photography. It's phenomenal. Just sayin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Onward. Knitting stuff. This is still a knitting blog. Behold:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3225899384_c8a6241737_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>Oh, wait. Zara, get out of the gorram shot!</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3225898144_da0c939214_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>Thank you. Now. Finished <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTmosey.html">Mosey</a> legwarmers from Knitty. These were designed by Susan Power and are one of the first projects I have actually used to suggested yarn. They are knit from Patons Classic Wool Merino on 4.5 mm needles. I love these, but suspect I won't be getting much wear out of them for a while. It is currently -15 outside with a windchill making it feel life -23. Note those temperatures are in Centigrade, for those unfamiliar with that scale, -23 is -9 F. Legwarmers ain't gonna cut it around here :P In the meantime, a couple more shots of them before they get put away:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3225042989_4bc7a71f09_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/3225898608_5ac733c8c2_m.jpg" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3225044729_9e30c498cb_m.jpg"></a></div><div>Again, I can't stress how much I love these, but continuing on:</div><div><br /></div><div>Reglisse is finished. I'm going to have to mail it, but the Ottawa bus drivers are on strike (STILL) and I can't get to the post office. Thank goodness 2 year olds don't have a huge concept of stuff like late birthday presents. I hope...</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3225043929_c74ac0e979_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>Here it is. I'm pretty pleased with it. I just hope it fits. If I understand it correctly, this kid is enormous. I knit the 3 year old size, but to my untrained eye, it looks really small. Here's hoping right. Here's a shot of the zigzag motif down the sleeve:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3225044729_9e30c498cb_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3225044729_9e30c498cb_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /></div><div>So, to recap, this is Reglisse. It's from an old vintage Phildar book that was my mother's. It's knit from Lang Jawoll Silk which was chosen in part for it's colour (Reglisse is licorice in French), as well as for the fact that it is supposedly superwash. And it is knit on 2.5 mm needles. Yikes! This yarn is gorgeous. I have enough left over to make socks for me, yay!</div><div><br /></div><div>So on the whole, ufos are becoming fos, and with any luck, I'll continue to have stuff to share. I did a big chunk of the Serendipity Stole (remember that?) today, and will hopefully be able to share the second last clue with you shortly. In the meantime, try and stay warm. Knitting helps :)</div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-69337135603989672952009-01-18T12:18:00.003-05:002009-01-18T12:31:11.325-05:00Happy New Year!<div>Belatedly :)</div><div><br /></div><div>So it's another year. Hopefully it will be full of lots of knitty goodness, and I'll have lots to show for it. First, though I'll cap off the projects from 2008. This is my final Finished Object (or Objects to be more precise) of 2008:</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3206209607_17de4758e5_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3455/3206209607_17de4758e5_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div>Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman. I followed her instructions, with no changes, and came out with a perfect little jacket, who knew?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3206210995_3dfacd4e7d_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3206210995_3dfacd4e7d_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div>This shot is a better representation of the colour. The yarn is Sublime Superwash Merino, in a really pretty green shade that I used previously for a coworker's blanket. This time it's for a very good friend of mine who is expecting her second in May (I think it's May, I'm not good at the baby stuff). </div><div><br /></div><div>The booties are Saartje's Bootees in the same yarn. Here's a better shot:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3206212383_9e588fb98b_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/3206212383_9e588fb98b_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div>Again, the colour is best in the previous picture. I'm in love with these booties. I've seen them all over the blogosphere, and always thought they were pretty cute, but seriously, until I actually had one finished in my hand, I had no idea. Hopefully this little ensemble will fit, I'll have to wait and see. Might also have to force myself into disgusting newborn presence in order to acquire photographic proof. Blah, what can you do?</div><div><br /></div><div>In other projects, I've almost finished the Reglisse pullover it's knit, just unassembled. Soon, I promise. Also, I have finished my Mosey legwarmers. They are fabulous, but have yet to be photographed due to a combination of laziness on my part, frigid temperatures that are far beyond the possibility of legwarmers being enough to keep limbs from falling off, and a bus strike here in Ottawa that has reduced me (as an individual who chooses the more environmental public transportation system over owning a vehicle) to becoming a creature that lives in the dark. Hopefully, I'll get some pictures soon.<br /><br /></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-57322448291644616852008-12-23T17:56:00.003-05:002008-12-23T18:09:53.259-05:00Secrets revealed<div>I seem to have been more secure in my speed knitting abilities when, in my last post, I suggested finished Moseys, but in my defense, I've been working on time sensitive projects. The one that was all stealthy has been gifted, so now I can reveal it here:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3216/3132055370_c85a4707c1_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>Jared Flood's Druid Mittens. I loved these on the cover of Vogue Knitting this fall, and wanted to make them for me, but when I bought the magazine, a friend of mine loved them too. So, she's got them. They're knit in the specified yarn in the exact same colourway. That being Jamieson's Spindrift in Leprechaun. These were a really fun knit, and I have yarn to knit some for me too, in a turquoise colour. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I have other projects to finish first. The most pressing is this one:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/3132057310_b9c2ca751a_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>The Reglisse pullover. This is the picture from the vintage magazine. Love the collar and bowl haircut. You can's see it clearly, but on the next page, the same little boy is also wearing knitted pants. I decided to resist trying those out :)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3131227765_73da42d6ce_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/3131227765_73da42d6ce_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div>Here's my progress so far. It's getting pretty close to the wire, but three year olds aren't very big, and hopefully the sleeves won't be too heinous. I still have to figure out how to adapt them into the round. It might be faster to just knit them flat and deal with the seam. We'll see. My nephew's birthday is on January 3, so I have a small time cushion, but not enough for me to relax quite yet. How about a close-up:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/3132056678_b24bbb158a_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3035/3132056678_b24bbb158a_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div>It's pretty dark, but with the licorice coloured yarn, the flash just doesn't work. I'm actually loving this yarn and the pattern. Who knew knitting in the round in reverse stocking stitch would be so enjoyable? Anyway, I'm flying to my parents' place tomorrow morning, so I'd better get a move on and find out whether Porter allows knitting needles on the flight. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy holidays all, whatever they may be, and peace be with you.<br /><br /></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-39888914889425281672008-12-14T13:33:00.001-05:002008-12-16T09:18:04.966-05:00This just in...<div>Yay! There has been success! I've been fighting with my Internet Explorer for the last little while. It seems to insist on shutting down every time I close a popup window. The photo installation window for Blogger, for example. So now I'm using Safari. And lo, pictures:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/3107326189_92afa47069_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>First up, the third section of the Serendipity (aka Mystery 4) stole. I'm still plugging along on this, very slowly, but I'm determined to finish it before the new year. Next up:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/3107290977_df0a5b4bb2_m.jpg" /> <img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/3107292275_e8f20bc739_m.jpg" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3107296429_53cc2d5d15_m.jpg"></a></div><div>The first of the <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTmosey.html">Mosey</a> legwarmers. So far, These are turning out pretty well. I'm actually more than half way finished the second one since this picture was taken, but couldn't be bothered photographing it. By the next post, theoretically I should be finished them. Now for the priorities:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/3108118048_d626935654_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>This is holiday knitting. I wasn't going to post it until after the holidays, but I'm sure that the individual who will receive this doesn't read my blog. I doubt very much that their mother does either :) So I know it doesn't look like much, but by some miracle, or possibly merely knitting genius:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/3108116238_f21ba171c3_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>That weird piece of knitted fabric becomes this. Elizabeth Zimmerman's brilliant, and always popular Baby Surprise Jacket. The yarn is Sublime Extra Fine Merino DK, and I used it for a blanket for another expectant mother. This one is for an as yet gender-determined baby due in the spring. I still had yarn left over so I thought these would be fun:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/3107295111_6df70c58b5_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div><a href="http://members.home.nl/tdpj/Patronen/Bootees/Saartjes%20bootees.pdf">Saartje's Bootees</a>. Also in the same Sublime yarn. I have knit both, but haven't done the seaming yet. They are pretty sweet. Next I need to walk to the notions store and get some buttons for both the jacket and the booties. I hope she likes them. I suspect that baby won't care one way or another. Baby does, however have a big brother, and I can't knit a sweater for one and not the other. So:</div><div><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3107289755_fa10bd47e3_m.jpg" /><br /></div><div>Three balls of Lang Jawoll Silk. This is planning on being a vintage sweater found in an old Phildar book. Phildar Mailles Enfants No. 54. I can't find a date on it, but it screams 1970s. The sweater is called Reglisse which I think means Licorice. So the colour is a deep charcoal grey with some lighter grey flecks in it. I'm done the ribbing at the bottom of the body, and have begun the main body of it. It's mostly reverse stockingette stitch, and I'm doing it in the round. I might be insane to knit an entire sweater in purl. We'll see how it goes.</div><div><br /></div><div>There may or may not be other stealth knitting going on, but that's all you get for now :) I did manage to stumble across a great deal on yarn for charity projects. I don't particularly like working with acrylics, but each one of these bags cost me a whopping $2.09. I'm seeing lap rugs and possibly hats:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3107296429_53cc2d5d15_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 180px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3263/3107296429_53cc2d5d15_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3266/3107293573_b47723855a_m.jpg" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3107289755_fa10bd47e3_m.jpg"></a></div>I did some researching in the rest of the yarn section at the Zellers store I was at and determined that the bag on the left (blue and lavender) is TLC Amore, and the three bags on the right are Phentex Chunky. That's what I've got for now. I'd better get that holiday knitting out of the way, and then I can think about what I'll do with this.<br /><div></div>Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-51290858565826413102008-11-26T11:21:00.002-05:002008-11-26T14:23:47.674-05:00Peer pressureFirst up, I'd like to apologize for the horrifying lack of pictures lately. It's not as if I haven't been knitting. I have, if only sporadically. It's not as if I haven't taken photographs of the knitting I have done. I got a shot of my completed Seredipity Stole clue 3 the other day. The problem is my new printer. Huh? Yeah. I got my printer connected to my computer which had me very excited as it allowed me to actually print out an assignment in order to turn it in to my Astronomy professor. Turns out, professors like it when you turn in your assignments. Go figure. It's a great printer. It prints in colour, it scans (an excellent feature for tricky knitting charts in magazines you don't want to bugger up), it might even make julienne fries. Unfortunately, its software seems to have bunged up my computer's ability to recognize my camera or its software! So. I'm focussed on medieval Japan for now (for which I need my printer), but hopefully I can figure out the problem and show pictures soon.<br /><br />As for peer pressure, the <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a> has been cranking out scarves of late. I've been admiring her lovely scarves thinking "those are pretty, but I don't feel a need to knit one." I thought the same thing when I saw <a href="http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/">Brooklyn Tweed's</a> scarf. Now, while I don't need a new scarf, and I can't think of anyone else who could use one right now, I'm finding myself thinking something new. Now it's all about "Must. Knit. Scarf" Damn good thing I have no Noro in my stash at the moment, or I might be in serious trouble.<br /><br />With any luck, I'll get the pictures sorted out soon. Until then, I'll keep knitting.Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-22532627122702741782008-11-18T12:23:00.003-05:002008-11-18T13:52:42.660-05:00I'm itI've been tagged. My first ever meme. <a href="http://blackstarknitting.wordpress.com/">Anneh</a> has asked me to share 7 random facts about myself.<br /><br />The rules:<br />-Link to your tagger and list these rules<br />-Share 7 facts about yourself (random or unusual)<br />-Tag 7 other people at the end of your post by leaving their names and links to their blogs<br />-Let them know they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog<br /><br />So here goes:<br />1. I eat everything separate. I'll eat all of one thing, then another, and another, until I'm done everything. In a specific order, too. Vegetables, potato, meat. I also really don't like it when things come into contact with each other either. Lots of jokes have been made at my expense regarding baby plates with divided sections.<br />2. I don't like chick movies. I like movies with lots of death, violence and gore. I truly loathed the Notebook.<br />3. I hate silence. It doesn't matter what I'm doing in my house, the tv or stereo are always on. Failing that, I'll talk to myself. I try not to do that in public, but I'm almost never without my iPod. I don't know what I'll do when it gives up the ghost.<br />4. I'm a Witch. Seriously. Wiccan is the preferred term, but it's tantamount to the same thing. I don't spend a lot of time on it, though. I'm kinda like Catholics that go to mass on christmas and easter.<br />5. I'm back in school after 8 years away. My degree is in English Literature, which anyone who knew me in high school would find hilarious. I took grade 12 English twice, and OAC English 3 times. In my defense, most of that was because I didn't get on with my teacher, and dropped it a couple of times. Still, doesn't lend me to an English scholar :)<br />6. I don't like children. Babies give me the creeps, and ultrasound pictures gross me out. They look like little aliens or something. Shudder.<br />7. I love sorting things. My mother had a big box full of miscellaneous loose buttons, and I would dump it out on the living room floor and sort them regularly. Then, when I was done, I would dump them all back in the box so I could sort them again next time. It didn't come as much of a surprise when I became a cataloguer. I guess I was born for library work.<br /><br />So there you have it. If it wasn't clear before that I'm a little off, it must be crystal now. I'm not going to pass this on. If anyone reads this and wants to play along, feel free. Just let me know in the comments.<br /><br />My Serendipity Stole is coming along nicely. I'm done my second clue 3, and will get pictures up asap. Until then, I hope this has been entertaining :)Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-28681688389208071912008-11-08T13:29:00.003-05:002008-11-08T13:51:01.803-05:00Progress ReportAt the risk of repeating myself, I'm still here. I've been finding that my knitting has been sadly affected by my educational situation. Professors are so rude. They assign papers, and assignments and exams willy nilly with no respect for a person's knitting time. What can you do? I have been finding some time, but not so much for blogging. So if I actually have anybody still with me, here is the payoff :)<br /><br />Mystery Stole 4 has been named. It will henceforth be known as the Serendipity Stole. And here is my progress:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/3012652375_f796a4a918_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3158/3012652375_f796a4a918_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Clues 1 through 6. That's all of them. This is, however only half of the stole. This has been set aside so I can go back and knit clues 1 through 5 again. Then comes the grafting fun. How bout some shots of this section?<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3013482042_7d953bb544_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3168/3013482042_7d953bb544_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This makes it hard to see the beads, but I like how the stitches pop.<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/3012648591_fb9ba0b924_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/3012648591_fb9ba0b924_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Some diamonds. Cat hair is extra ;)<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3013486076_fcb00c39b7_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3013486076_fcb00c39b7_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This makes me think of fish. I don't know if that was the intent, but there could be a seaweed, underwater thing going on with this stole. I love how the edges are all wavy.<br /><br />So I've finished knitting clue 1 again, and have started on clue 2. Hopefully I'll get through that one by the end of the weekend (2.5 hours of Coronation Street on Sundays are prime knitting time) and can get on to clue 3. I think that's where we left off before, so that's where I'll try and get back to photographing it. I'm hoping that I can get it ready to be worn during the festive season. Crossing fingers. I have two assignments due in November, so we'll see. Knitting is excellent for procrastination.<br /><br />In other project news, I got nothing. I'm pretty much focused on the Serendipity Stole for now. One project at a time makes for slow blogging, but it's about all I can handle right now. Hasn't stopped me from shopping though:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3013493734_78c86c80e2_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3171/3013493734_78c86c80e2_m.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/3012656639_049ab3ef98_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/3012656639_049ab3ef98_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Tidepool Heather, and Green Tea Heather<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/3012655529_bf0bb06c26_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/3012655529_bf0bb06c26_m.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3012657523_5f42f62dac_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/3012657523_5f42f62dac_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Eggplant and Sweet Potato. All Knit Picks Palette. These are planning on being some mittens, gloves and or socks. Someday.<br /><br />I will admit to some stealth knitting which will get some blogtime in December or the new year. Enough about that for now. Never know who's reading. So. Back to work.Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-86422533079197663502008-09-18T17:40:00.002-05:002008-09-18T17:46:41.602-05:00Stole progressAnd not much else...<br /><br />I'm a little late in posting this. I actually finished the knitting on Sunday, but it was miserable weather until Tuesday, and today is the first time I've been home long enough to sit down for a minute. I'm still plugging away at my Mystery Stole. Here is is after the second clue:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2868254919_2516778de8_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2868254919_2516778de8_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I love how it's turning out. I am ploughing through my bead supply super quickly. I hope that the number of beads slows down a bit through the main body of the stole. I love the beads, but I'm not sure I can get more of the same. And I still have to knit the second half.<br /><br />Oh well. I'm too busy to worry about it. I'm going to be traveling this weekend, so I'm hoping to get some non-lace knitting done on the Greyhound. Hopefully, I'll have something new to share next week. Till then...Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-34112795011736836852008-09-07T12:38:00.002-05:002008-09-07T12:48:02.379-05:00UpdatesSo, as of Friday Mystery Stole 4 is underway. I have been waiting impatiently for this for a while because this time I was going to use actual lace weight yarn. This terrified me. As you can see, though, so far so good:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2836129797_beb0503a01_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/2836129797_beb0503a01_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is the first clue for MS4. And a closer look at the centre beaded motif:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2836131623_6ac248a653_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/2836131623_6ac248a653_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Pretty, pretty, pretty. This sort of thing is always a little bit stressful, what with the not knowing what the finished project is going to look like. But if this pattern continues like this, I have no fears.<br /><br />MS4 is not, however, the only project on the go. Here's the other thing I've been focussed on this week:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2836960616_bec4226504_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2836960616_bec4226504_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My Mr Greenjeans cardigan is coming along nicely. I'd really like to get this finished before fall hits it's full swing. So far, I love this sweater. Just look at that ribbing:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2836963180_3baefc1573_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/2836963180_3baefc1573_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Okay, so it's not the best photo, but trust me. It's fantastic!<br /><br />With that, I'm off back to the stack of DVDs that await me. I'm waiting for more MS4.Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-12447049601154308222008-08-30T10:40:00.003-05:002008-08-30T11:02:25.128-05:00GreenjeansSo, as promised, there's new progress and new stash enhancements.<br /><br />First up: Embossed Leaves sock. I'm not happy with the fit. As you can see the toe is way too long, which was unavoidable because of the way the pattern flows into the toe decreases.<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2810615493_6faceffec9_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2810615493_6faceffec9_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I knit this on 2.75 mm needles as the pattern called for that size. I think that I'll frog it and try again with something in a 2.25 mm needle. I think that'll make a big difference in the fit. Failing that, this pattern isn't for me.<br /><br />Moving on. I cast on a new sock instead of fixing the Embossed Leaves one.<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2810611125_7faca17cd1_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2810611125_7faca17cd1_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATThedera.html">Hedera</a> by Cookie A. I adore her patterns. I've knit several before, and there will be more. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the Blackberry colourway and so far, I'm in love with this sock. The pattern is so incredibly simple, and yet, it creates such a beautiful effect. Love it!<br /><br /><a href="http://pinklemontwist.blogspot.com/2008/08/mystery-stole-4-sign-ups-are-open-until.html">Mystery Stole 4</a> begins Friday, September 5. I am now prepared. I showed you my beads last week, now here is my yarn:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2810613979_cf20262ecf_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2810613979_cf20262ecf_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Knit Picks Shadow in the Hot Rod Heather colour. Red is notoriously hard to photograph accurately, but on my monitor, this picture is pretty good. Friday can't come fast enough :)<br /><br />So, I found a diversion. In the same shipment from Knit Picks, I got my first set of Options needles. So I cast on for a project that's been waiting for a while now:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2811457646_707b89369b_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2811457646_707b89369b_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is the beginning of <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall07/PATTgreenjeans.html">Mr Greenjeans</a> by Amy Swenson. The yarn is Briggs and Little Tuffy in the Blue Jeans colour. I think that's appropriate, Blue Jeans/Greenjeans. It's fate :)<br /><br />One last thing I got was this:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2811454566_4958475124_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/2811454566_4958475124_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is an experiment. I have a gift knit on my horizon that I want to be easily washable, but pretty and soft and natural all mashed together. So I ordered one ball of Knit Picks Swish Worsted superwash wool to test knit and wash before I bought a large project worth of yarn. It's the Clematis Heather colour and is really pretty. I think I'll get more of this colour for something for me... after I recover from my tuition payment.<br /><br />So there you have it. Lots going on. More to come. Hopefully with some regularity. I'll keep you posted.Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-32658751113304642202008-08-29T07:50:00.002-05:002008-08-29T07:57:53.115-05:00TeaserSo, I'm at work (can't you tell), but I thought I'd post a quickie. I finished the first Embossed Leaves sock, but I think it's too big, and too loosely knit, so I think I'll frog it and start again with smaller needles. I'll post pictures later to show what I mean. So in the meantime, I started a new sock, cause, you know, that's what I do :) Again, there will be pictures later. It's a beauty.<br /><br />But that's not the important part! I have mail waiting for me at the post office! My KnitPicks package came with my Mystery Stole 4 yarn in it. I can't wait to post pictures. Or blog about it :)<br /><br />Be back soon.Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-75973955909803139022008-08-25T17:09:00.002-05:002008-08-25T17:21:58.450-05:00Where did August go? I was pretty preoccupied through the majority of this month, but it's the last week of August already and school starts next week! Why is it that the time always speeds by when you don't want it to? On the plus side, since I wrote my final, I've had actual knitting time! Behold:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2797197449_189dd79eb5_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/2797197449_189dd79eb5_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Finished Annetrelac socks!<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2798043404_bc16279cc3_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2798043404_bc16279cc3_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />To recap quickly, because this pair of socks took a ridiculously long time to finish. The pattern is: Annetrelac Socks by Sandy Beadle and appeared in the Holiday 2007 issue of Interweave Knits. The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome in the Misty Moor colourway which I love! I knit these on 2.5 mm needles (dpn for the entrelac, 2 circs for the stockinette). I'm very happy with how these turned out.<br /><br />Onward, however. Just in time for school to start back up again, Mystery Stole 4 will begin! I'm waiting impatiently for my yarn to arrive, but in the meantime I'll share these:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2798044060_258cd6782f_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3273/2798044060_258cd6782f_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Very tricky to photograph, beads. I tried in the tube and you couldn't see that there were individual objects inside. This is the best I could do. The yarn I've ordered is a heathered red, so these beads, which are actually a hematite colour only clear, ought to pop. I hope. They should also sparkle. They have some cut spots on them to catch the light. I'm expecting the yarn to arrive later this week or early next. I've got my fingers crossed.Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4524458913694406380.post-8550064139139874892008-08-17T15:16:00.002-05:002008-08-17T15:35:21.889-05:00Hi. I have emerged from under my school-related hidey hole, and have some actual knitting to report. Not a lot, but some. So let's get to it.<br /><br />First, I have been working on my Annetrelac socks. I finished the first one:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2771338385_89351c3779_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2771338385_89351c3779_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />And took to second sock in progress on a field trip:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkSSKOPom8ola9F4DQ8ITBVHda3K4htvHGKUlGyT9pFK-ugYHw0zkX41ZaIdPyCFtq3QR2Rf3141nwItbzc9Hj4ePw2b8OtCQYNbd50SsIYQCyC7YN_-ajGFiGmOgFI44iwFHL3lKhNC4/s1600-h/Adventures+with+the+Annetrelac+Sock.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235584181100485874" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkSSKOPom8ola9F4DQ8ITBVHda3K4htvHGKUlGyT9pFK-ugYHw0zkX41ZaIdPyCFtq3QR2Rf3141nwItbzc9Hj4ePw2b8OtCQYNbd50SsIYQCyC7YN_-ajGFiGmOgFI44iwFHL3lKhNC4/s200/Adventures+with+the+Annetrelac+Sock.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I'm channelling my inner <a href="http://yarnharlot.ca/blog/">Yarn Harlot</a> with these pics, but it was fun. One of the really wonderful things about living in Ottawa is the <a href="http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1170701489551">Central Experimental Farm</a>. I actually live across the street from this corn field in the middle of the city.<br /><br />There were cows, trust me, they're there.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamphUkeDzUX08OJE3UCnv5Bfvj83qWNHVdEXM_HOcoleOFZUkijiS19UMQqtAvcg2zgOb8c0lXW9iqFhw_WqeMfkeOUFrh1CS4xKBjCgC1VVDecnd-cggW3pwHb5P2kHB9e1vV2Wywq6M/s1600-h/Sock+meet+cows.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235584185519815010" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamphUkeDzUX08OJE3UCnv5Bfvj83qWNHVdEXM_HOcoleOFZUkijiS19UMQqtAvcg2zgOb8c0lXW9iqFhw_WqeMfkeOUFrh1CS4xKBjCgC1VVDecnd-cggW3pwHb5P2kHB9e1vV2Wywq6M/s200/Sock+meet+cows.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />And far more importantly, there were sheep:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tc4OWyFyabbOv2DlCnJ9AhQWvNgjuNtyz2LhaE7X25_mkLzR5GiDd8FQthEJqNkSXALdQEvQ3tDbMh2wFdWr-gQ-Y88EQMuJjK-Bunu3hkXedtyrn7LPQop3V3HAoHWIsm-tjbrBVJPJ/s1600-h/Sock+meet+sheep.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5235584190756122194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tc4OWyFyabbOv2DlCnJ9AhQWvNgjuNtyz2LhaE7X25_mkLzR5GiDd8FQthEJqNkSXALdQEvQ3tDbMh2wFdWr-gQ-Y88EQMuJjK-Bunu3hkXedtyrn7LPQop3V3HAoHWIsm-tjbrBVJPJ/s200/Sock+meet+sheep.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I wonder if they recognize the sock...<br /><br />In other knitting news, I finished something:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2771335849_908675e82b_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2771335849_908675e82b_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />This is a baby blanket I knit for a co-worker who has since had her little girl, and taken possession of the gift. That makes it bloggable, right?<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2772183254_ac95386d16_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/2772183254_ac95386d16_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />It's a simple garter stitch blanket based on a washcloth pattern. It's knit out of Sublime Extra-fine Merino DK, which is lovely! I almost wish I could have kept this blankie for me. I did manage to keep back 4 balls though, so maybe something. It's 25 inches square, knit on a 4.5 mm needle. I really love this project.<br /><br />Not one to settle for a single pair of socks on the go, I also cast on this:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2772187126_8b173d6bf1_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/2772187126_8b173d6bf1_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Embossed leaves by Mona Schmidt from the book Favorite Socks. This is a pretty simple pattern to work with, and I'm enjoying them quite a bit. The yarn is On Your Toes Bamboo, and is really slippery and really, really splitty, but I love the fabric it's making. The colour is really pretty too. This picture is a little more accurate:<br /><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2771339359_3e77416d88_m.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3093/2771339359_3e77416d88_m.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A nice close-up on the leaves which really pop.<br /><br />So anyway. I've got a little under two weeks before the fall term starts, and I've joined Mystery Stole 4, so there's yarn acquisition to be done, and there should be some actual activity on this here blog. No promises :)Lizardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02623835245173297588noreply@blogger.com1