Purl Talk!

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2010-12-09T13:52:00.001-06:00

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Originally uploaded by k_purls2

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2010-11-19T23:19:00.001-06:00

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Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Squishies

2010-07-27T23:11:00.003-05:00

Squishies
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Squishies

2010-07-27T23:11:00.001-05:00

Squishies
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

#26 drop stitch scarf

2010-04-16T00:55:00.001-05:00

#26 drop stitch scarf
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

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2010-04-05T23:13:00.001-05:00

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Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Do Over Yarn Over

2009-09-08T19:13:00.001-05:00

Do Over Yarn Over
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

I've had a sneaky suspicion for some time that the patterns I worked
on were flawed. I'm not getting the same results, but it looked cute
so there. But as I knit the lace edging on my Ishbel, I know something
is wrong. I'm advancing in my knit-turity and can spot a pattern. My
lace has no identifiable pattern and doesn't look like Ysolda's or
Tama Lama's. Something is wrong with yet another pattern! On the way
home, I had to take a detour which gave me an opportunity to stop and
see Tricia, the best knitter and teacher ever (Nana's Knitting Shop!)
What ever could be the problem? My convoluted YO technique. I can't
even explain the uniqueness of my approach to YO. Rip YO RIP. On the
upside my Ishbel will rise like the Phoenix. Thanks Tricia!

Ishbel on the Hana Coast

2009-09-04T21:56:00.001-05:00

Ishbel on the Hana Coast
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Ah Maui. My favorite hobby with beautiful yarn at my favorite place in
the world enjoying a beautiful view.

Koolhaas

2009-09-01T14:37:00.001-05:00

Koolhaas
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

I finished the koolhaas but I think I need to redo it. It fits too
snug. On the picture it doesn't look as harsh but my husband looks
like he's wearing our son's winter hat. I used CEY Venezia at 6
stitches per inch on a size 6 needle. I increased the cast on by an
inch because my Uncle's head measured 22 inches. I did the 4 repeat
because my hat measured in height the 5 repeat with my substitution
yarn. I think I should have completed the fifth repeat and perhaps a
sixth. I think it is okay snug but needs about an inch in length to
look good on an adult head particularly with this weight of yarn and
for my purpose. My elderly uncle stays cold and I need something to
cover his ears.

On the upside, I did learn how to cable without a needle! And I pretty
much memorized the pattern, so if I do it again it will be faster.

Starting Ysolda's Ishbel

2009-08-28T19:19:00.001-05:00

Starting Ysolda's Ishbel
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

My Koolhaas hat is done, pictures to come. My next commuter / vacation
project is Ishbel. I'm using Malabrigo lace. The color is beautiful
but man is this yarn delicate! I'm feeling habu flashbacks, but they
are tempered by my memory of Tammy aka Tamalamadingdongs lovely Ishbel
knit with Malabrigo sock, ah it was so springy. I was sprung, had to
knit it. Tammy was so posh at Nana's Knitting Shop's Twist Collective
Trunk Show showing off hers. So far this is a great commuter project,
the center of the scarf is stockinette with steady increases which
don't require a book on the lap. Should be an enjoyable flight. Wonder
how far I will get.

It's All Kool

2009-08-26T08:08:00.001-05:00

It's All Kool
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Still working on the Koolhaas, decided to use CEY Venezia, it knits up
beautifully. Last chance to sit out in plaza, rainy rest of week.
Hopefully I will finish this hat by Friday.

Commuter Knitting

2009-08-22T14:28:00.009-05:00

Commuter Knitting
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Out and about on Saturday, knitting on my commuter project,
Sockpixie's Groovy Socks. I'm making a lot of progress and the pattern
is perfect for knitting on the go because the repeat is an eight
stitch repeat. I think my pattern is supposed to be a chevron but I
can't see it well, it may be hidden in the colorway. It is pretty so
I'm happy. The yarn is Lornas Laces sock. One skein of green and one
green aqua and yellow mix. I think it's called daffodil, can't remember.

My koolhaas is not so cool. I made a mistake and need to do some
ripping. Can't commute with it because it requires attention and my
pattern. I'll work on it tonight.

I'm about to go the Chicago All Star Basketball charity event at the
United Center. Tee hee, I'm going to KiP! Happy Saturday.

Trying to Keep My Kool

2009-08-19T14:59:00.001-05:00

Trying to Keep My Kool
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

I'm sitting in Daley Plaza by the fountain trying to do a gauge swatch
of Jared Flood's Koolhaas Hat. My great uncle, Willie is very ill and
stays cold, I thought I'd knit him a hat to wear indoors and I didn't
want something that fit or looked like a bulky winter hat. I've knit
this hat before and I do vaguely remember the challenges, but like
childbirth, I try hard to put such memories deep in the recesses of my
mind in case I decide to try it again.

I want to knit this by Friday and luckily for me, the Fall 2009
Interweave has an article on knitting cables without a cable needle.
So, here I am, attempting to learn, frogging incessantly. The other
issue is fiber. I'm trying to be a good yarn and money steward and use
what I have. I'm using my koigu sock yarn doubled.You guessed it, the
double yarn is giving me a headache. I'm about to try it single and
see what I get.

As far as the pattern goes, I'm not sure, can't remember if on the
first row the purl stitch is supposed to sit out the way it does, but
as I type this I kind of remember the centers combs being diamond
shaped.

Hopefully I have better luck working on this on the way home from work.

A Visit to Stitches DC

2009-08-13T09:48:00.001-05:00

A Visit to Stitches DC
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Right off the Metro's Blue Line at the Eastern Market stop is Stitches
DC. It's not far from the Capitol area and I believe the area is
called Capitol Hill. The block that the shop is on reminds me of
Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Lots of ecletic shops and eateries line
the street.

Stitches is a pretty shop, beautiful natural light and airy. I think
there was an outdoor courtyard. The front window reminded me of a
cupcake / candy "shoppe." Stitches has a front area and then a hall
leading to the back where there is more yarn and classroom space. I
give it an A for physical arrangement.

I finally got a chance to see and touch Spud and Chloe and some
interesting organic wool. I'm not sure what that means though. I
enjoyed the many samples on display including a beautiful beret knit
out of Blue Sky's Organic Cotton. The pattern is Springtime Beret on
Ravelry. There were also several lovely baby knits on display.

Stitches DC stocks a lot of higher end fibers, a great place to
splurge for the perfect hat, scarf or shawl or baby gift. I scored a
skein of Karabella's Supercashmere in a plush pink. It was on sale 50
percent off and still a splurge at $21.

While googling the shop, I ran across a blog entry from the White
House's Director of Public Engagement discussing a roundtable recently
held at Stitches regarding Healthcare Reform. Politics and yarn, I
like it!

Although I was nervous about my travel companions, the boys were well
behaved. I think the airy shop and serenity lulled them, or the
gynormous pizza slice I stuffed them with one block earlier bought me
20 minutes of blissful yarn shopping.

A Visit to A Tangled Skein in Hyattsville MD

2009-08-12T20:01:00.002-05:00

A Visit to A Tangled Skein in Hyattsville MD
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Thank goodness I am big city gal, born and raised on public transportation. In every city I visit, the trip isn't complete without
a bus or train ride. Today I got out the map, ventured from DC to Hyattsville, Maryland to visit A Tangled Skein, Stacey www.crimsonpurls.blogspot.com
linked me to CiCi who gave a list of shops in the DC area.

We took the Greenline there and it was fun! The Metro is nicer than
the EL. The seats are comfy and I'm digging how the have an automated
sign telling you wait times. I'm not digging the idea of having to pay
to get out the station. Is that to keep out the homeless? I don't know
how I feel about that. Come to think of it, didn't see any homeless in
the subway.

The buses run by the hour in the afternoon, but the trip was short. A
Tangled Skein was on the corner in what looks to be a former bank
building or maybe insurance office? Nice columns out front!

The shop was full of yarn and I must say it rivaled home. Generally
when I travel shop I try to buy something I can't get at home from my LYS. Often this whittles the selections. Of my standouts, the shop had llama silk, merriboo (merino
and bamboo), several bamboo blend options and two beautiful malabrigo silk colorways vienna OMG! And this regal purple turquoise and
pinkish. I decided upon the meriboo by Frog Tree. I bought four skeins
in colors inspired by the ceiling tile at the Capitol tour and a
tapestry at the Smithsonian American Indian museum. Turquoise, cream,
brown and red.

Tangled Skein also had a nice selection of tools, alot of crochet
options, left with a gift for mom.

Lastly the owner, I believe her name was Sheryl, she was warm, patient
and knowledgeable about the tools and the fiber. I had both boys with
me and Aaron was on prenap 10. I've seen the nervous gritted smile of
shop owners with a toddler running around, but she never made me hurry
or even peeped around the aisle at my "Aaron no!" declarations.

I enjoyed it and the trip was well worth it. I'm excited about
embarking on a project with my find. Sheryl also shared with me the
Frog Tree uses it's sales to benefit the work community. I'll have to
look that up when I return home. Thanks CiCi and Stacey! And Lansing
my co-navigator for taking a nice picture of mom.

Oh What a Tangled Two Circs

2009-08-10T10:05:00.001-05:00

Oh What a Tangled Two Circs
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

I prefer knitting my socks two at time on circular needles. The hiccup
is the yarn constantly tangles. I have to stop at the end of every
round to detangle no matter how hard I try to avoid it. Now, I'm about
to add two more skeins as I attempt to knit Sock Pixie's gorgeous
cornicopia socks. Arrgh! And this is supposed to be my compact travel
project. I need help.

Anne Lindbergh felted boots

2009-08-08T17:21:00.001-05:00

Anne Lindbergh felted boots
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

In addition to the mittens I mention below these felted boots with
embroidered trim were also on display. Cool!

Aviator mittens

2009-08-08T17:18:00.001-05:00

Aviator mittens
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

I'm at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Imagine my
knitterly delight to see these knitted mittens belonging to Mrs.
Charles Lindbergh who flew with her famous aviator husband. How about
that! Fascinating! I love the patterned wings on the cuffs.
Take that Capitol building where knitting needles are not welcome.

Pack light!

2009-08-07T17:55:00.001-05:00

Pack light!
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

The bridge of Erika Badhu's Bag Lady..... " So- pack light yea yea yea
yea!" I should have been focused on clothes for conditions, extra
pants for Aaron and making sure I had my the spray top to my leave in
conditioner and my toothbrush (dang!) but instead I was in the middle
of the floor sweating about what project I could travel with. I'm in
the finishing stage of my summertime tunic and I don't have anything
portable on the needles. So there I was this morning trying to stuff
all the fiber I needed to start my Bettye Wrap. I discovered I am
short 2 balls of Louisa Harding's Grace and I'm no longer feeling the
color palette. Now I'm in a panic...what do I want to knit? What is
reasonable to pack? What will I realistically work on? I can't believe
I didn't have some ideas ready to go. I need to refresh my knit queue.
I settled on knitting socks and had to quickly wind the yarn. I'm
excited about the project, I'm knitting Sock Pixie's Cornicopia socks
in a limited edition Lorna Laces colorway I bought last summer from
Jimmy Beans. Wish me safe travels and happy knitting well productive
knitting! I don't want to bring these skeins back unworked.

Kid's Color Block Cardigan an Ode to Baby Winburn

2009-08-06T21:04:00.001-05:00

Kid's Color Block Cardigan an Ode to Baby Winburn
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

I knit this beauty, Leigh Radford's kid's color block cardigan from
her One Skein book. This cardigan is darling with it's asymetric front
panel and playful colors. The book inspired me to live a little and
experiment with color palettes. It's so funny to me that although I'm
a graphic designer and enjoy creativity, I'm straight laced, stay
within the lines when it comes to my knitting. I confess to you that I
was a little green today when my mom proudly proclaimed that she was
done buying crochet patterns and would start "putting her own
signature and twist" on the patterns she owned.

Now being that this pattern is from One Skein and inspires one to use
those orphan skeins and one ball beauties, I would have been remiss to
go out and purchase yarn (all the same color too I bet). Plus at one
point will I actually use and enjoy the trunk and roller cabinet full
of fiber that I already have tucked and snuggled away? So out came the
skein of soft butter yellow left from my beret, crimson red from
Corey's procrastinated hat, charcoal Debbie Bliss, one of my first
yarn purchases ever, old-timer gray that I borrowed from Rochonda, and
the quarky green/olive/pea whaa? green that lived on a hat for Aaron
and Josh. So much love and memories of projects and yarn shopping
poured into this sweater that prayerfully will comfort Baby Winburn
this fall when he or she debuts. I hope that Nicoles heart jump for
joy ever times she snuggled with her first child.

Ah, ode to Baby Winburn. What would be a song without the bridge, a
sonnet without that underlying carry through? These buttons are so
special on the sweater I love them. Different shapes and a splash of
color. They almost remind me of colored ivory playing a melody.

Romantics aside, practically I learned how to do i-cord edging and
perfect my shoulder seaming skills. This sweater, though it was quick
to knit, probably 5 hours leisure, the finishing was equal in time and
demanded close attention. I also "squoze" in a lesson in math and
resizing. The pattern calls for bulky, I used dk. The pattern's
smallest size is 2t, I made mine 3 to 6 months.

7th inning

2009-08-05T21:30:00.002-05:00

7th inning
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

5 to 1 sox bottom of 7

I'm officially a man

2009-08-05T20:51:00.004-05:00

I'm officially a man
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

I quit! Can't do 2 things at once! Too hard to knit and watch the game. This game is too good. I probably should have started something before getting here so I could have been in the zone. All I have to show for Stitch n Pitch is this raggedy and tangled cast on. I should have brought some crochet cuz Tameca is jamming on her "super-size" market bag. "Excuse me Miss, would you like that super-sized?! I'm having fun!

Score one for the sox!

2009-08-05T20:33:00.003-05:00

Play yarn!

2009-08-05T20:33:00.002-05:00

Play yarn!
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Live from Stitch n Pitch 2009

2009-08-05T20:32:00.007-05:00

Live from Stitch n Pitch 2009 at US Cellular Field, Sox vs Angels! Go
Sox! We got a sporty yarn bag and a stitch marker. There's a
raffle...will today be my day?

The park is nice already had a polish with sauerkrat! Yum! My buddy Tameca is crocheting a market bag for a church crochet group, Shepherd's Prise and I'm about to get busy on my socks at the Sox, pun intended! This is so much fun! Ever noticed how
green the baseball field is? Very cool. I need to hunt down some
baseball green fiber and make a cute hat or socks. Lornas Laces has a
pretty green.

2009-07-18T16:17:00.001-05:00

Txting 1 2 3! Testing mobile blogging by text. I'm 80 percent done with summertime tunic!

Commuter Knitting the Summertime Tunic by Katie Himmelberg

2009-07-11T09:45:00.002-05:00

Commuter knitting
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Commuter knitting, every knitter needs one project you can take on the road. I've been knitting in the mornings on the train and have found, by trial and error which projects work best for me when commuting. Projects with simple, repetitive patterns (so I don't have to try and hold a book open or cart one back in forth in bag) work well. Smaller projects that can easily fit in a little sac that Ms. Williams made for me work too. Finally, I have to be able to complete at least two rounds in 10 minutes (I need to fill a since of accomplishment!). I worked on the fitted shrug on the train and this week, I decided to give Katie Himmelberg's Summertime Tunic a whirl. It is from Interweave's Summer 2007 edition. Summertime Tunic - Interweave
Shared via AddThis

I think it is cute and it is a simple stockinette all the way through. I'm able to knit this baby and talk on the phone or people see. Today I knitted in the back of the car while my husband and son sat in front. My son took this picture of me with my iPhone. I uploaded the picture to flickr from the phone and thought I would be clever and blog about it on the expressway during traffic, but it doesn't look like that functionality is available through flickr yet. If someone knows how let me know, I'm curious.

Anyway, back to the tunic. I'm knitting it with Sirdars' Baby Bamboo, It feels very soft and knits the color up wonderfully. However, I've been through 3 spools and each one there is some sort of defect with the yarn midway through where the fiber is knotted or split. Twice it caught me off guard and so I have a two little stubbles in my top.

The other issue is the sizing of the top, I'm a little worried about how it will fit and drape. I probably should have figured in some shaping, but we will see. The size jumps from 29 to 33. I added a few extra stitches to do a 31" bust fit figuring there was a lot of ease in the top as I looked at other finished projects.

Today, the tunic comes with me to a picnic, hope I don't knit BBQ sauce into it.

Fitted Shrug with Cap Sleeves from "Doublestitch, Designs for the Crochet Fashionista"

2009-07-06T22:38:00.004-05:00

KC_fittedShrug2
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Alright y'all! I'm officially a crochet fashionista! I spent years crocheting blankets and slippers, this is my first garment. I'm pretty excited. Last year, my friend Rochonda bought me Erika and Monika Simmons' book "Doublestitch, Designs for the Crochet Fashionista." I think a have a pattern book fetish that rivals my yarn. I really do enjoy looking at the photographs, creativity and even the book layouts. They are inspiring. Anyhoo, I flipped through the book and I liked a lot of the stuff, but some of it had a little more "ista" than I had in my fashion. I wasn't brave enough yet. But a couple patterns made it to the "to do" list including the Fitted Shrug with Cap Sleeves. At the time, I was shrugged out, so it was the bottom of my list. But, a few weeks ago, I gave into the "maxi dress" craze and got a long tube dress from Old Navy. The dress needed a light shrug for the chilly evenings or air conditioned hang outs. I started combing through my patterns for something quick and voila! I stumbled back upon this. Now, because as I already mentioned, I've only mastered blankets and footies, I was a little nervous, but I read through the pattern and saw that it was a simple construction comprised of double-crochets and chains. (Always read your patterns first!) I was hooked!

The yarn is Malabrigo worsted in the magenta sapphire colorway. It took 1.25 skeins. That's the thing I hate about crochet, it uses more yarn than knitting, this is definitely a one skein knit project. The color is wonderful, I love it. The remainder of the yarn will be a scarf for the winter. I was on the fence about using the Malabrigo worsted for a summer piece but given the pattern stitch, I thought it would be open enough where it wouldn't feel out of season. These pictures were taken tonight in 78/80 degree weather and I was comfortable. Malabrigo feels very soft on, this is my second garment with this particular brand.

It took 4 days to complete, on the train which amounted to probably a three hour crochet if I did it straight at home, a perfect weekend project.

I crocheted the size 34-36. I measure 34." Though it fits comfy, to get the snug shrug fit of the book, I probably should have crocheted one size smaller and then added rows to the front panel as needed, which is easy enough since you can try on the piece during construction and edit as necessary. Also, my shrug flares out, which may be because I picked up more stitches than I should have for the final trim. I also did an additional 2 rows on the fronts to increase the width of the panels. I'm small chested but thought the panel needed a tad more. I felt like the shrug was slipping down and off to easily. I'm also a closet conservative so I could be playing it a little safe, while wearing a tube top dress! Oh, the contradictions. Summer love ya'll!

Adventures in Tanis Gray's Short Sleeved Cardigan, (ATGSS)

2009-05-19T09:25:00.003-05:00

Yipee! I already have an update! Knitting to work this morning on the Metra was a wonderful. I successfully knit 2 rows. The stitch markers worked like a charm. I wish the idea had popped in my head sooner.

And Ms. Gray responded to my post. How cool is that? Wow! Thank you!

Pictures to come!

Adventures in Tanis Gray's Short Sleeved Cardigan

2009-05-18T22:12:00.002-05:00

Summer Vogue Knitting 2009 is on the stands and I love it. I settled on Tanis Gray's Short Sleeved Cardigan. It is beautiful and sassy. It's dreamy.

It's also a tongue twister and a riddle! Let me qualify that by saying it is for me. As Prince would say, "It's the Beautiful Ones..."

I don't have pictures to show of my progress because I have been knitting and ripping for about 1.5 weeks add to that another week of trying to get gauge and master the repeats triton lace pattern and the gauge on the wavy lace pattern which is the heart of the tongue twister. It is series of yo's and SKP and S2KPs that if you aren't careful...Arggggh!

But this is a lesson in patience and hard work and I'm ready, I think. This post is an official encouragement to me. Keep it moving Kaye!

The pattern calls for Jade Sapphire's Silk Cashmere. I'm using Debbie Bliss' Prima, which is 80% Bamboo and 20% Wool. The color is this amazing teal, 35715. The yarn feels soft and the color is rich. However, I realized that I don't really like knitting with Debbie Bliss yarns because I always experience splitting. My gauge swatch has several areas where the needle went straight through the yarn and only caught a part of it coming back through the loop. And, as I knit this piece, which is a series of K3tog and PSSO and SKP, well you get the picture, it is slowing me down as I try and avoid and/or fix splitting fiber. It's the Beautiful Ones.

Now, when I did my gauge, I knitted the wavy lace pattern at 29sts/26 rows at 3.5" instead of 4." However, the garter stitch was exactly 4" as the pattern calls.
The triton lace pattern, the other pattern for the sweater (there are three total), came out to 4" as well. Since the bodice is sewn separately to the front, it was recommended to me that I knit the wavy lace pattern portion at the larger size and in so doing, that part would actually come out to "size." The hiccup came when the pattern uses the same number of cast ons for the first four sizes! Add to that the work, when completed, will be turned 90 degrees so the knitted x-axis is actually y when completed. Arggh, the beautiful ones.

So, off I went, and ripped out it was, five times over. Last night I got my pencil and tried hard to figure out the math. The pattern repeat is 15 stitches plus 1! I decided to decrease from 91 cast on to 76. I think it is working, but I can't tell because I keep messing up the pattern repeats! As I muttered to myself walking to work after another frustrating rip out on the Metra train this morning, I had an idea...try placing stitch markers at the end of each pattern repeat so if I make a mistake I can see where it was. It worked. Tonight I got see that I messed up the second repeat. Dang.

I'm going to get this sweater finished. It's the beautiful ones.

Wound and A Wound I'm Bout to Go

2009-05-08T22:03:00.006-05:00

Whooo Hooo!

My birthday was last Wednesday and my mother gave me a great gift! A swift and ball winder! It was finally delivered Tuesday and I had the opportunity to bust it out and wind one skein this evening. I'm about to be a ball winding fiend! I have a gaggle of skeins waiting for me.

She bought both through Amazon. The swift is through Franklin Crafts, it is plastic. It works pretty good, the stop tab isn't heavy duty firm, so I'm curious to see how it holds up with bulky yarn. The swift can easily mount to the dining room table. It came with a plastic carrying case, which I think is fantastic. It was very easy to use, it's like opening an umbrella pretty much.

I wish the ball winder had a carrying box. The ball winder is through JoAnn Fabrics, though I wonder if it is similar to the one that Knit Picks is selling. The impetus is to wind fast, but each time I picked up the pace without guiding the yarn, it got tangled on the bottom. Because the handle is so light, it is Mercedes Benz CLK350 gas-pedal easy to start flying through (LOL). But, when I took my time, it worked like a charm. Overall, I like them both and am very thankful.

Isn't my first skein cute! This skein is actually special. When I visited New York last year I went to School Products. This skein was given to me as a "gift with purchase." I've wanted to knit it up for some time.

Thanks Mom! I'm feeling like I'm going to be saying that all weekend. Just in a knick of time.

UFO Landing

2009-04-26T20:31:00.005-05:00

I made it to the finish line twice since I last blogged. Maybe blogging brings back the knitting mojo? I'm very happy with the socks I knit for my husband. I like the colors and how the variegation came out. It's just a simple knit, but as he would say "me likey!" I lost my tag so I don't know what the color is, but the yarn was purchased last October at Chicago's Yarn Con

The yarn is called Sophie's Toes. It was the first time I purchased indie yarn. I like it. The color held true throughout, no heavy pooling or fading and the yarn was sturdy. It didn't ply apart. I would buy another skein.

I knit the socks together on circulars, thanks to the class I took last summer at Nana's Knitting Shop. I'm really digging the two at a time on circulars.

I also finished my habu kusha kusha scarf. Pictures to come on that. I'm very close on the Nikki Epstein bag.

This weekend I started my gauge to make the Tanis Gray sweater in the latest Vogue Knitting. I'll blog on that when I get some pictures.

Happy to be back. Me.

Runaway Bride

2009-04-12T18:18:00.004-05:00

I haven't purchased a single skein of yarn in months (mind you I used to go to the yarn store at least once a month). I don't know what is. Overall, I really love knitting, but I can count on my hand the number of projects I've finished and enjoyed. Maybe I pick bad projects, ones that take too long, that might not really enjoy, those that seem interesting at the time. Or maybe I'm a knitting flake?! I need help. How do you pick projects? How do you get them finished?

I haven't blogged in some time, and a lot of it has to do with not knitting. I decided today that I would knit and write something on my blog, so at least I have a step towards making a change, beginning anew! But...everytime one tries to make a change, resistance and its bootleg friend discouragemenet steps up their game...listen to this.

1. I wanted to work on my Nikki Epstein intarsia bag. I really want to finish this bag, which has been on the needles for 2.5 years! I took a class a Nana's Knitting Shop in the Winter of 2006. This is an example of project that has been daunting. It's a large felted bag, so just miles of knitting and intarsia with a way too many colors for a newbie. Since it is a mammoth project, it isn't portable. Now, I can't find my magazine with the instructions. It was in the bag, but now I can't find it and I want to finish this bag. Boo Hoo!

2. Then I look at my Kusha Scarf and I'm ashamed that my last post in August was about this scarf and it is still not finished. Now this one, looked beautiful, seemed like a good idea, but I quickly learned that the whole dental floss knitting is not for me. My relationship with this scarf is dragging. It's not just that it's miles of stockinette, I'm really not feeling how it is turning out. It could be the color, I've come this far, probably have about 5 inches to go.

3. Socks - at least I had the thought to learn how to knit two at a time on circulars. I literally have about 3 inches before decreasing for the toe. I've been working on these for months too. I bought the yarn for my husband. He agreed to go to YarnCon with me and the least I could do is make him some socks, I'm sure it was painful, but he was a good sport. YarnCon was in October by the way.

4. Finally something finished! I finished this darling Side Cloche from Boutique Knits. Love this hat, made it in 2 nights with malabrigo to match a scarf my husband bought me for Christmas. Unfortunately, the hat didn't match the scarf once all of the variegations came a calling. That sent me back to square one to make another hat with a different yarn. But, I loved this hat and wore it anyway. Now....the hat is lost! I can't find it!

I don't know what is happening to me and knitting! Does love really hurt this much? Somebody share some ideas with me on how to get a project that I love and can finish. I feel like the runaway bride.

What's On My Needles

2008-08-02T22:14:00.001-05:00

kusha_0802
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Hi, right now I'm working on a mini KAL with Crimson Purl and Adrienne. Yes, Adrienne, press on my sister! Ok, this started in June after I read one of Crimson Purl's posts about a visit with Adrienne and her habu score. Off we started. Who knew that knitting with habu was like a giant trying to play footsies with Thumbelina! Man, it has been quite an adjustment to knit with this dental floss. LOL But, the yarn is so beautiful, I've been determined. I started knitting it with straight needles which drove me straight crazy. So, it sat for a few weeks. This week I switched to circulars and I'm soaring! Now I made a few adjustments primarily to the width, so we'll see how it goes. I'm determined to get this baby completed this month because I've already prepared a Fall/Winter knit list!

I'm also working to finish my first pair of socks on two circulars. I'm about 75 percent finished....

Still working on my Nikki Epstein purse...

Birds of a Feather

2008-05-27T23:38:00.002-05:00

Flock together! Yes I have yet another lone sock!

Meet Birds of a Feather, from Sock Pixie. The yarn is Plymouth Sockatta. Once again, I shortened the length of the cuff. One day I'll knit a taller cuff. This pattern was very easy, my first time doing a slip stitch for color work. I really enjoyed it. The only problem is...the sock is too big. I keep knitting big socks and I don't know why! Unfortunately, as I may have mentioned in an earlier post, this sock was supposed to be a gift and the receipient's foot is smaller than mine. I'm going to have reallocate the gift to someone with a larger foot and wider ankle. I'm trying the sock again, but this time, instead of casting on 64, I'm casting on 56 and see what that yields me.

I'm also tickled to say I'm learning how to knit two socks at a time on two circulars! Yipee! So far I like it. There's a lot of tangling, but it works out. I'll get some pix uploaded soon. Last, but certainly not least (it's actually the real reason I'm posting today)... tagged me! I like reading Kris aka kniftyred's blog. She knits beautifully and her family tales crack me up! She and her daughter did some gardening recently and I'm totally jealous. On the sock tip, she's got some really cute FO's!

Anyhoo, here are my responses

I was tagged by Kris at Kniftyred to play in a meme.

The rules: Are posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves a comment, letting them know they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answer.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? Standing up in my friend Jessica's wedding. I'm going to post a picture because I think I totally look like a Supreme with that frosted make-up and dress. Oh to be young again, my hair was so thick and luscious. Sadly, I was also spending precious last days with my grandfather, PawPaw.

2. What are 5 things on my to-do list today - not in any particular order? Work, work , work, laundry, knit some baby socks for a shower this weekend, go to the post office, wash dishes, send out thank you cards from my birthday, call some people about my friend's baby shower, work on my two circ socks (see why I'm overwhelmed? Always packing the day too tight)

3. Snacks I enjoy: cupcakes, twinkies, lemon squares, dried apricots, gala apples, tortilla chips and guacamole, snickers, skittles, cookies, pretzels

4. Places I've lived: All Chicago neighborhoods: Morgan Park, Bucktown, Wicker Park, Justice, Rogers Park, Lawndale

5. Things I would do if I were a billionaire: figure out how to share it with others, get a Ph.D. in art history, buy a home on Longwood Drive in Beverly, spend a month in Paris, set up a trust fund for my grandchildren (which I don't have yet) oh and given the current climate, see if I can't buy me an oil refinery. Buy Rowan and Karabella Companies. Establish a scholarship fund for cake bakers. Yes I would.

I'm tagging
Bravebird

Passionknits

Breeanelyse

SHEILAZ CROCHETZ, THREADZ & KNITZ

Niksknits

Shopdaughter

Thank You Baby!

2008-04-30T16:24:00.006-05:00

Show and tell! Look at the knitting love I received on my birthday from my family!

A delicious cake. Yellow cake, lemon meringue filling and buttercream frosting. Oh yeah!

A Namaste, clutch bag. This bag is BAAAAAhhhhD! I really like it. I'm going to be a little fashionista with my clutch/knitting bag. It opens up to store needles and then there are two insides. One side for small/sock projects and the other is for my ID, credit cards, keys. Thank you to my dear hubby. He must be tired of seeing me run out the door with my purse, diaper bag, and overflowing burlap knitting bag.

I also received a gift certificate to Nana's Knitting shop, a knitting pattern book from my friend Kelly and, this cute little card.

Hmmm, my husband always gives good love, but I never expected him to throw a little yarn goodness my way. He never seems to thrilled to share my affections (LOL). Will there finally be peace between my yarn and my man? Aww, there will be because he loves me. I love you too babe.

My Birthday Wish

2008-04-29T15:44:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to me. Thank God for birthday cake, cupcakes, buttercream frosting and another glorious year of life. Praise Him!

I'm Slippin' and Knittin,' My First Slip Stitch Pattern

2008-04-24T22:10:00.006-05:00

Woo hoo! I'm just bubbling with delight over this sock I'm working on. The yarn, the needles, the pattern, all lined up! ooooo la la! And, as a perfect topping, this project is a gift! Oh the love. OK first of all, the yarn. It's a stash bust! Well over a year ago, I purchased some happy spring colored Plymouth Sockotta. I tried to pull up the color, but I think it may be discontinued. I also have one ball of solid red Plymouth Sockotta. I didn't think I would like knitting with it because it felt kind of waxy in the skein, but so far, so good. Together, the colors make me crave the Skittles rainbow! Knitting and sugar high? Delicious.

I'm a maverick, knitting these babies on 9" size 2 circulars. Every time I knit a stitch, I start singing "isty bitsy spider, goes up the water spout..." It's so small and really drives home the reality of knitting on small needles. I must say though, I'm flying through the rows. Ladder problems? Gone. I love knitting socks on these circulars. Time to give knitting 2 socks on "normal" size circulars or the magic loop method a whirl. Don't get me wrong, dpns are workable, but this is so much faster! These circulars are going to have me strung out on socks!

The pattern is Birds of a Feather from Sock Pixie. It's a very simple pattern. I've never knit the slip stitch for color work. The happiness of the multicolor yarn is leaping for joy with the red. I really love it! C'est tres facile!

Birds of a Feather I love you. Just don't tell Baudelaire.

P.S. The stars are lining up for a season of sock knitting. My LYS, Nanas Knitting Shop, just started a sock club and they'll be teaching sock classes for every level in May. Beginner, toe-up, magic loop, 2 socks on circulars and pattern making! That Tricia, such a talent.

P.S.S. Going to see Yarn Harlot tonight, who should I take BF or B? Oh the decisions. Oh, I'm so shady. As Jill said on "The Real Housewives of New York City" "I've been a very bad girl" tee hee! Yes the show is a guilty pleasure. I love it!

TaDa!

2008-04-19T23:35:00.003-05:00

Yipee! One sock done, now I'm waiting for the other shoe, or sock as it were, to drop. But it won't do it by itself. I've got some knitting to do.

This pattern is the baudelaire sock by Cookie A. from knitty.com. It is a toe-up design. I edited the length to make it an anklet with a picot bind off. Toe-up sock knitting comes in handy when you are unsure about the available yardage of your yarn. I bought two skeins of beautiful lace weight cashmere (Nep A-96) at Habu during my NY trip. I only have 200 yards total. I know, yikes. So, I combined it with a skein of School Products lace cashmere. The aqua of the lace cashmere brings out the orange and aqua flecks in the Habu cashmere. Voila! An anklet is born.

The pattern is straight forward and if you lose your place, the lace repeat is easy to pick-up/find your way. I've only made one full pair of socks before, also toe-up, but with short row shaping for the heel. This pair or ahem, sock is a gusset heel with wrap and turns. I think I like short row shaping better. I had a difficult time figuring out how to lift up and knit the wrap stitch. To give a fair opinion, I have knit 2 individual toddler socks from top down and three-quarters of a man sock top down. I still prefer toe-up.

This time I tried a different cast on method. The provisional cast-on yields a nicer toe than the figure-eight method in my opinion. If you are interested, there's a great archive article in knitty that explains several toe-up cast on methods.

The only thing I'm curious about is the width of the ankle. It's a little loose. I think next time, I'll toy with doing some decreases to get a better fit. I'm also curious about size. I wear an 8.5 shoe, should my sock be a smaller size? My finished sock is a little big, particularly at the heel.

Baudelaire sock, you're so cute. I'm going to knit you a partner real soon.

A Glutton For Punishment

2008-04-15T22:58:00.003-05:00

OK, today was my first day back in blog and online knit land. I did a lot of cyber cruising to catch up (man I missed some good stuff! Happy Belated Birthday again to Crimson Purl and Nik and Kamika! Knifty Red finished a whole lot of stuff AND vacationed! Thank you to Tricia at Nana's for putting out a friendly APB on me! Passionknit unwittingly sent me on a cruise for cupcake blogs. I LOVE CUPCAKES! The crazy thing is I was just thinking today what fun it would be to have a cupcake and pizza birthday slumber party).

But I digress, the real reason for a second post in one day is to show you something I just saw over at Vogue Knitting totally connected to my previous post. The Spring Summer preview is out. Check out this link and guess what I'm eyeballing. Yessssss I'm a glutton for punishment. I'm bout to man up and go get'em! I must redeem all of the pouting and complaining. If get up the needles to do this, it will be one helluva redemption. In the queue it goes...

And thank you so much to everyone who has already left notes of encouragement on my previous post. I don't know how to get your email addresses so that I can respond back individually, they don't come through to my inbox. But thank you thank you thank you. They really warmed my heart!

Fair Isle Vest for KAL Complete

2008-04-15T09:18:00.006-05:00

It's been a month since I last blogged, but I have been knitting. Truthfully, part of the reason I hadn't blogged was because of my discouragement with the vest. I didn't want to verbalize my issues and be a wet blanket for the world. Then, I was working on a very large project that kept me strapped to the computer on overdrive. I couldn't bear one more second to get on and blog. (that's right get out the violins and hats to join my pity party). I wanted to share another FO, but this post is dreadfully long. Sorry. I tried to make it reader-friendly by numbering each lesson.

I completed the vest almost two weeks ago and wore it last week. It was a great beginner fair isle project since the pattern area is relatively small. It looks decent in this photo, but just wait until I start to "expose" all of the issues!

Pattern: Rib/Fair Isle Vest, by Melissa Matthay, Vogue Knitting Fall 2005

Here are all the hard lessons learned:

1. This piece is knit in two flat pieces but fair isle is better done in the round. Thankfully, my personal knit gauge was consistent so the rows lined up for seaming, but the edges were a little messy adding time to finishing

2. Somehow my gauge for row height was off when I started knitting, which affected the pattern because it was supposed to be a deep neck "v." I think knitting in the round would have alleviated this issue. It could have also been my stranding technique that lengthened the stitches. I ended up with more a low crew neck because the pattern called for the neck shaping to start the row after the armhole decreases ended. Had I understood the construction before hand (note to self: read AND understand pattern before starting), I could have made adjustments. Additionally, because of the row height problem, the fair isle starts at point that intersects my breast. I was expecting it start and the base of the bust. I have a small bust and the intersection combined with the crew neck gives me a flat chest look.

3. The fair isle pattern was confusing. The chart is like 18 stitches, but is a repeat. However, the chart wasn't built to be one-size-friendly, meaning go the end of chart and repeat. For my size, I had to mentally figure out the motif and adjust where I started to keep the motif consistent. Unfortunately, I didn't figure that out until the back was completed, which brings me to lesson 4.

4. I like the colors I chose, but together, they don't show the motif as well as the pattern sample. The blue and green harmonize such that the pentagon doesn't stand out and then the fuchsia vibrates because it is complimentary to the green. Instead of an identifiable pattern, it looks like gratuitous color blotches in my opinion. I used this to my advantage...I didn't frog the back. I don't think someone can easily tell the pattern is off unless they are closely staring at my back, which could happen if I wear it in the ice-cream line.(I know that was real janky on my part)

5. When ribbing flat, take note of where you end so that when seaming, you don't end up with a single knit or purl column at the seam. I probably could have alleviated this by starting each row with 1 knit or 1 purl or starting the front k2 and the back p2. With my arms down, one can't tell, it will be my personal issue. I almost reseamed to make a big ole' purl column in an effort to camouflage my mistake with a design element, but what the heck, my vest in all its glorious imperfections mirrors life.

6. Don't use superwash yarn for fair isle garments. As I read more about fair isle and gained hands-on experience, I learned wool was better to use because the fibers will stick together as you knit and fill out during blocking. Overall, mine is OK because it is a small area, but had I knit a sweater completely in fair isle, I think you would see some gaps. I was really worried during blocking and actually put the vest in the dryer on air to fluff it out some. Even still, the one superwash (Lorna Laces green) is a little unruly in the group. It was beautiful to knit with, very soft, just the wrong project.

7. Use the same brand yarns. I stashed busted to put this vest together. The fair isle portion I used Lornas Laces Superwash, Cascade 220 wool and a mystery ball of superwash (I can't remember the name) They were the same gauge, but the ply looks different in all of them (this is me knit picking) which I didn't notice until after the project was done. (Note to self: Pay attention to your swatch!)

8. I used Jaeger extra fine merino aran for the ribbing. As I blogged about it earlier, it wasn't very forgiving in terms of stitch definition until it was blocked. It also lengthened more than I expected in blocking and didn't draw back up. It is piling a little after one wear as well. In the fair isle pattern, this yarn did not play well with the others.

9. I had problems with stranding, but scheherazaad gave me good suggestion on how to run my English stitches in the back instead of the front. I also watched a Knit and Crochet Today episode where the new strand is run under the old strand.

10. OK after 9 complaints, I'll end with a praise...my mother-in-law was impressed! She liked it. I worked on it one night in the ER with her and when I wore it last week, she noticed and was happy to have seen it in construction and then complete. So it was a good opportunity to connect with her. My mom liked it too, but that doesn't count because I could make a backward rag and my mom would gush with praise, that's what mom's do!

So Unfair, an Update on My Fair Isle Vest

2008-03-15T13:08:00.002-05:00

Greetings from the lily pad! I'm frogging today. I had grand hopes of finishing my KCAL project by today, which was the first deadline. Thankfully, the end date was extended to April 15.

The good news is I completed the ribbing for front and back, for a total of 27" inches of straight k2p2. Yikes. I won't even tell you how I misread the directions and actual knit 17 inches and had to rip out 3.5. Yes it did hurt. Today is my second round of frogging with this vest. I'm ripping out 4 inches of the fair isle. It's uneven. I did check my blocked swatch to see how forgiving the yarn will be and frankly, I'd be asking for a miracle if I kept building on the current stitches. In addition to the uneven stitches, my floats in the back are also a little crazy. On the purl side, I'm having challenges catching the yarn from the left hand to float with the right stitches. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I'm knitting with both hands, Continental and English. Therefore, I expected my tension to be even. Now I see the importance of picking a fair isle that is knit in the round. You need a whole 'nother gift to be able to keep the purl side even. But, I guess if I had knit in the round, I'd be faced with steeking.

Another option could be knitting backwards, which I learned from an old Vogue magazine, but I don't know how to do so with both hands. I can only do it English. Oh well, so..........Let 'em rip! RIP my totally unfair fair isle. I'll do better next time.

Thank You Jinann!

2008-03-09T22:43:00.003-05:00

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I had participated in a Valentine Swap on Ravelry. Along with the Malabrigo swap, it was my first time having a swap pal. Jinann, my Valentine pal, has been so sweet and lovely. I really appreciate her. My package was so enjoyable! I'm still romping around with my cute knit bag in tow and honey I drank lattes to my heart's content...I swear she sent me the best coffee beans ever! This week, Jinann sent me some stitch markers. I love them! Don't you? The beads are very pretty. It may be hard to see but there are swirls on the beads, they look like blown glass. She also sent me another lovely pair. Thanks to Jinann, I officially have some stitch marker bling! Oh yeah, I'm a serious knitter now! Thank you so much Jinann. You are great!

Project Runway 4, Knit On!

2008-03-05T22:41:00.007-06:00

Oh wow, I just finished watching the finale of Project Runway. Fierce, baby fierce! It was FANTASTIC! I cried! Christian, Jillian and Rami truly truly out did themselves. Wow! I'm so inspired now to press on in my own career. Isn't it terrific how art and creativity inspires us? Jillian gave a big shot out to knitwear with several knit pieces. The striped scoop neck with the i-cord looped sleeves/wings...I'm all over that. That sweater is hot. Totally me. I also liked the ruffled black knit in gold trim, aw man, I liked everything. But the scoop neck, yep, yep. Jillian's stuff is quirky like she is. For that matter, so am I. That girl wears some tripped out stuff on the show. She's cute and actually perfect for Ralph Lauren, now to think of it, knitwear is in her career pedigree.

Rami's collection I really liked too. The judges didn't care for the color but I appreciated the jewel tones. My favorite was that fuschia tuxedo-like skirt and the black top. Michael Kors said Rami is cerebral, I couldn't agree more. He's very smart and precise with his designs. Interesting.

Christian? BAYbeeeeeeee, you are fierce. Coined the right word for yourself. This 'chile is hilarious. Me and my son loved all of his work throughout the season and today did not disappoint - everything was together. He even picked the right models. I heard him say he was looking for tall and dark models and when I saw the pieces, the black skin just stood out in those ivory pieces. Perfection. My favorite was that feather dress in the end and the first outfit. No wait, that three toned ruffle dress! Bam! Oh and let's not forget the toppers, how I love big brim hats. Reminds me of when I was little, shopping with my grandmother for her hat, suit and gloves for church. I can't wait 'til I'm "grown" so I can stroll into church with a hat like Christian made and a fur coat (yeah I said it, LOL). - Amen y'all! Praise Him!

OK I can't blog anymore I need to be somewhere focusing so I can blow up like these three. So impressed. They put last year to shame. Bravo!

What Do Ribbing and UFOs Have in Common?

2008-03-01T11:22:00.007-06:00

Nothing! But while I'm knitting a grand total of 33 inches of k2p2 for my fair isle vest, my mind wanders in and out of knitting consciousness. Last night, I remembered the baudelaire socks I started knitting in January. I need to finish them. They would be my very first pair of socks for myself. I made my husband a pair last summer for his birthday. Previously, I've also knit about 3 single baby socks and 3/4 of an adult sock. Discovering toe-up knitting was critical for me. In my opinion, it makes a difference to start at the bottom and see the sock being formed more quickly. Once the heel is turned, the final length of the cuff is up to the knitter. With toe-up, you can also try the sock on as you go for a better fit. Something about knitting a bottomless tube when starting top down, just drives me batty. Another reason I need these socks is because I love socks! Male dress socks to be exact. I'm in my husband's sock drawer way too much. I like the intricate color work, the comfort of the cuff, the warmth, the material of male dress socks. Women knee-high socks just aren't as nice. Why is that? Anyway, this summer, I'm going to be a sock fiend so I'll have my own stash in the Fall, made with love. Yipee! Want to see my progress on the sock?

The yarn, oh, it is delicious. These socks are cashmere baby! Oh yeah! I combined Habu cashmere nep A-96 with a skein of finger weight cashmere from School Products. The Habu is beige color with flecks of orange and pink, which glow against the turquoise cashmere. Both were purchased in New York on a trip. I've been to the city twice in the last 8 months and each time, I've come back with cashmere because you can't beat the cost! The Habu cashmere, 107 yards, I scored for a little under $10.00 and at School Products, I bought 380 yards of the finger weight for I think about $15. The Habu showroom is a very cool visit, but totally dizzying. Baskets on the floor and a small closet to select from the inventory. Definitely check out the website first and go with a shopping list or you will get lost in the shuffle like I did. School Products is right around the corner. I love that store! Yarn on cones too! In addition to the cashmere, I bought camel hair yarn and over 1,000 yards of Italian wool very inexpensively. Hot damn! I'd love to go again toward the end of the summer, if I successfully stash myself out over the next few months. Wouldn't that be a great reward? Actually, I also want to check out the Webs tent sale one year.

How did I digress? Anyway I like the baudelaire pattern, the stitch repeat you can almost remember after two rounds or so. I think I'll leave the project in the car and work on it when waiting for my son after school or while "passengering."

Progress on my KAL, yes! I'm finished with the ribbing for the front. Instead of heading right into the fair isle, I'm going to do the ribbing for the back so I can work on all of the fair isle together. Also, I'm concerned that I might not have enough of the Jaeger extra fine merino in garlic. Boo hoo! I'm so scared because it is discontinued! Yikes! But I did make contact with someone on ravelry and with an online store, both of which have the dye lot I need! Hooray!

A Month of Firsts

2008-02-27T13:37:00.005-06:00

First, let me say thank you to Kris and Kamika for their recommendations yesterday on fixing my uneven stitches. I blocked my original swatch last night and it worked! It made a big difference, even in how the yarn feels this morning. I simply soaked the swatch for about 15 minutes in cold water and then gently pressed out the water, first by hand then towel blotted (gently!). This was the first time I posted a question on my blog regarding knitting help! Thanks!

Before I go on, let me first thank my Valentine swap pal from Ravelry, Jinann who sent me my very first pair of pretty stitch markers! Before this gift, I used string and/or the standard Clover circles. I think this may be a new habit forming...

February maybe be short and the second month of the year, but it is first in my book, for I've got a long list of accomplishments this month... My first KAL, first fair isle project, first knitting swap, first time posting regularly to my blog, first time reading other knit blogs, first time making web buddies, first time finishing a sweater for myself, first time attempting to knit something based on sight and not the pattern, first knit-lit read, first time listening to pod casts, first time actually setting aside daily knit sessions and I started my first knitting bucket list. A month of firsts! Maybe this can be an annual thing. It sure is nice to look back and see how far one's come. Ah, I love February. God is good.

There's Always One...

2008-02-26T13:23:00.005-06:00

This is a call for help and a sanity check. I'm knitting the bottom of my fair isle vest which calls for 16.5 inches of k2p2 rib. To date, I've completed 6 inches. But looking closely at my work, there are a few uneven stitches, popping and twisting about, vying for attention. There's always one, trying to be the superstar.

Certainly I know nothing is perfect and this can in the end add charm, but by golly I don't want all these bad stitches spotting up my 16.5 inches of ribbing! The ribbing is the bulk of the vest! I don't want homemade. I want craftsmanship! Am I needlessly obsessing or is there something I can do? Will it fix itself in the blocking process? If it matters to note, I'm knitting continental on circular needles, my tension is moderate and I keep my stitches close the tip, but not clinging to the edge (if that makes sense).

Now, it could be the yarn. This Jaeger Extra Fine Merino feels nothing like my favorite Karabella Aurora 8. Karabella's merino is soft, smooth and very forgiving on stitch definition. The Jaeger feels a little rough and heavier in my estimation. I don't know, I don't know...

Musing on Starting My First Fair Isle and KAL

2008-02-24T20:36:00.005-06:00

I'm working on my first knit-a-long with the Ebony Elite group that I joined through Ravelry. The KAL started February 15 and runs through March 15. After some hiccups with my first selection, the Sunrise Circle Jacket from Interweave, I settled on trying a new technique, a fair isle! I'm very excited to knit a fair isle vest.

Fair Isle has been something I wanted to try since I first learned how to knit. And, I've loved this vest since I first saw it in the Fall 2005 Vogue Knitting. The upside to the piece is that it's a good opportunity for me to get my feet wet with two strand knitting without pulling out my hair. (Please note: the picture above is not mine, it is property of Vogue Knitting Magazine).

Today, I'll show you the four colors I'm using. Proudly, they are all from my existing stash! The base color is a beige from Jaeger Extra Fine Merino. Cascade 220 in fuschia, a green Lornas Laces and I can't find the label for my electric blue yarn. I do remember though that it was purchased at Nana's this summer.

Looking at the hand wound yarn collectively, each ball is unique. The color is beautiful yet its raw shape is odd and potential unrealized. Though photographed together, each one exists alone, vying for space and attention. Check out the green ball, blurred into the background, or look at the spaces left between them. I've seen that void before, haven't you? Amazing that the strands will be woven together to create something new, different, lovely, unified and complete. Or, they can stay in the stash, beautiful but alone without a purpose. Knitting is more than technique or craft, it can be a good lesson in community and potential. I needed to remember that today.

Anyhoo, musing aside, I've also included a picture of my swatching. The base of the sweater is done with 8 needles and the fair isle is completed with size 10. Swatching the pattern was crucial for me to see how the colors went together. I settled on the blue/green mix and will pull in the fuschia as the tertiary color. When I started the pattern, I knit the strands with one hand, but once I got in the groove and watched a tutorial on Knittinghelp.com, things worked more smoothly. Namely, I started knitting with both hands, utilizing the Continental and English methods which helped get the stitches more even. Although I'm on gauge, I will have to work carefully to make sure my stitches stay consistent and not too tight or loose. I'm very excited about posting my progress regularly. See you later.

One word. Phew.

2008-02-21T21:52:00.007-06:00

Sittin' in the park waiting for you-hoo-hoo /Sitting here on the bench / with my back against the fence / wondering if I have any sense / Something tells me I'm a fool / to let you treat me so cruel / but nevertheless I say again / you gotta me waiting / Sittin in the park, waiting for hoooo-hoo-hoo-hoo / Why oh, why oh, why oh, why oh, why oh, why oh, why / Sitting in the Park, lyrics by Billy Stewart

My dad loves this song, I do too quietly and it seems appropo for my journey and twisted relationship with the Central Park Hoodie. I googled the lyrics to get them right, but it doesn't show the group I have in mind, I think it was the Intruders, but it's too late at night to call my parents to confirm.

"Sitting in the park," once upon a time, well over 16 months ago, I embarked upon the Central Park Hoodie. It could have been a lovely short stroll, but I stopped and smelled the roses, took a few naps and became a project squator. At the end of the journey, it was darn right painful. I couldn't get through it! More than once I screamed like Florida Evans "Damn, damn, damn!" I'm so through with this sweater that I didn't even bother to make button holes, it's just going to be my lil Spring jacket sans closure. Oh, the irony! But ah, she is lovely isn't she? I do love her and am frantic that this baby is done.

Here's the short version of the convoluted story...My mother was supposed to crochet me Leigh Radford's Blizzard shawl from Scarf Style. We bought 8 skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca's cotton in the orchid colorway from Nina. We - she - got side tracked. Then a few months before delivering my wonderful son, I decided to use the stash to knit myself a little sweater that would be comfortable and nursing-friendly. This decision was encouraged by my bud/knit pupil Rochonda who was working on a baby dress from Debbie Bliss' Baby Knits for Beginners. The "simple" pretty little dress project is a whole 'nother story! Reflecting back, that whole knitting episode was curseed. OK, so back to knitting postnatal. Uh, yeah. No time for knitting, let alone a bath. I started strong though, got a lot of knitting done on the way to church or stealing in moments during nap time. Then the hoodie got put down, several times...to knit baby shower gifts, finish this, start that...take a shower, you know how it goes. Fast forward to December 2007 when I blocked it and ran to get help from Tricia on seaming the shoulders. Still we eeked along for two more months. The hood was wisdom tooth painful. I don't know why. Doesn't matter parce que c'est fini!

Random side notes on the yarn: I love Blue Sky Alpaca! I've knitted with their suri yarn and alpaca before. The cotton did not disappoint. The color is beautiful and this baby is mad warm, cuddly and soft. The Blue Sky Cotton would be perfect for a baby or child sweater. The only annoying thing is that it is pilling a little, but I think it will add to the sweater's charm as I romp around the city this spring, when the weather breaks. The other issue that I'm just beginning to understand the sagging nature of cotton (doesn't bounce back like wool), not very elastic. When I blocked the sweater, it stretched a lot in length. If I did the sweater again in this material, I would modify the length.

Misc: I started this sweater with the intention of wearing it post-baby and to accommodate my nursing "figures." Now he's weaned and I'm getting back lean. (hey a rhyme!) Consequently, my sweater fits a big in the shoulders and is a little boxy. But, it works out because it will be my grocery store, errands, run to Starbucks, lounge around the house, take my son to tennis, hang out in the park hoodie.

Lastly, I can't speak more highly of the Fall 2006 Knitscene. I have worked on three projects from it. My working copy is banged up something awful. I do have a brand spanking new copy of this sold out edition if anyone is interested...

A Thankful Heart

2008-02-15T21:18:00.005-06:00

I entered two swaps on ravelry at the same time, Malabrigo and the Valentine Swap. For the Valentine Swap, we agreed not to open our packages until the 14. Now, as I mentioned earlier, I am new to whole swap thing, so I was tickled when my secret pal sent me anonymous emails! Let me tell you, my package was wonderful. I'm very excited and very thankful. Jinann was very sweet to me. Hugs!

I received 2 skeins of alpaca. I really like alpaca! Paca ped for socks, I'm so curious! And a lovely skein of red alpaca with gold flecks in it. I also received a skein of Cascade 220 for some good ole felting! Yipee! Isn't my new knitting bag the cutest?

Check out my photos above to share in my delight, but let me also share a testimony, you never know how God will work things out, even in small matters. Ok, so I was in Target last month and picked up the Friday Night Knitting Club, you know how we do in Target...Go in for baby diapers, come out with a basket full of who knows what. I got to the counter with second thoughts. I'm really trying to be a better steward over my financial resources. It so easy to go overboard in this beloved hobby. I left the book in the store and my friend Kelley told me she would loan me hers. Then, this week, I was out of coffee beans. I love making my own lattes. I had already been to the store three times and consistently picked up way more than I should. It just wasn't prudent to go back one more time and further over budget. So, on Wednesday, I doubled ground some old Folgers decaf. Nuff said. Let me tell you on Thursday when I opened that package and saw the book AND french roast coffee beans, I was so happy. Had I opened the package earlier, I may not have appreciated those coffee beans the way I did last night. Did you know that Caribou french roast coffee glistens in the bag? Does all french roast? I hadn't noticed.

Only the Lonely Valentine Match-Up

2008-02-13T22:23:00.009-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Now there is a place in my heart for eros love. The sensation of butterflies and tingles sparked by my husband's touch. The glee as a tween to fantasize that Ralph meant me when he stood up to Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike. Let's pause and sing the line together, shall we? "If I love the girl who cares who you like? New Edition I love you!!!! But beyond the thoughts of sugary sweet "Cool it Now" lyrics, beyond reveling in sugah from my hubby, way past the delight of any chocolate, truffle or cupid wing, is my valentine hope that perfect love abounds in your life. The love that restores and redeems. The love that is patient, kind, protecting, trusting, full of hope, joy and perserverance. There is no greater love. Seek after it and be fulfilled this Valentine's Day. Be encouraged.

Now on to a little Valentine fun. The Only the Lonely Match-Up. A few days ago I pondered the fate of lonely yarn. It seems absurd that just about everything can be repurposed...except for a ball of re-wound or messy yarn, perhaps without its label, definitely without a project to call its own. In the grand scheme of things it is still top quality fiber(yes I have snob tendencies), it is still lovely but unfortunately very lonely. It's not you fair fiber, its me! You are beautiful and I know there is someone out there to love you like you deserve.

Could it be you, my knitting friend? Do you believe in stronger love the second time around? Take a chance! Open your stash bin to new opportunities. The lovely in each picture below is yours to adopt today as-is for $2.14 plus the cost of shipping. To pull on your heart strings and in the interest of full-disclosure (no unadopting or throwaways allowed!), I will briefly share each adoptee's story.

1. Half Skein of Lamb's Pride Worsted (85 wool, 15 mohair) in M-34 Victorian Pink
This was one of the first skeins of wool I ever purchased. I posted the sordid details about the now defunk sweater I attempted with this yarn. She's pretty, but everytime I look at her, the premature death of my first sweater haunts me, beauty never realized.

2. One skein of unknown 100 percent wool in mustard yellow
Kool Knits in Naperville was having a going out of business sale, I saw her and envisioned a delicious quickie. I settled on the derby hat in Vogue Knitting, but it just wouldn't work. boo hoo.

3. One and one half skeins of Sorriso (33 wool, 67 polyamid) in pink/green/white
I thought I was having a girl. Got ahead of myself. Nuff said.

4. Tahki Charles Baby (100 wool) in blue
See number 2 for same sob story. I never attempted anything with this gem.

5. Karabella Jewels (40 tactel, 30 nylon, 28 cotton, 2 lurex) in 3844
Karabella is one of my favorite brands, so I gobbled up Jewels from a clearance bin. I had some gift ideas but when I got home, second thoughts overtook me. The colors are pretty but I realized that me and novelty yarns lack the chemistry needed to cook up true creativity.

6. Half skein of Berroco Plush (100 nylon) in white
My friend's son Josh got some really cute boots using this plush and berroco suede. What will you do with it?

7. 2 and 3/4 skeins of Berroco Plush (100 nylon) in electric blue
I wanted to make my newborn a baby sac with this yarn. Can you say Cookie Monster? What was I thinking? Oh that's right I was delusional from lack of sleep.

8. One skein, unknown novelty (100 nylon)
I think it is Paton's but I'm not sure. I started trying to duplicate a shawl I made using Karabella Magic. This yarn of course couldn't measure up to my former love. Awwww.

9. Partial skeins, Rowan, chunky print in a khaki green
Ah, we had some good times froclicking through Wrap Style. I love my capelet made from this yarn.

10. Partial skein, Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille in merdusud (teal)
I have a heart for this yarn, my mom and I got it together while shopping at a LYS. This year at our crochet and prayer group, Shepherd's Pride, I had the privilege of making a really pretty boa for the Christmas scarves project. Good memories.

11. One and one half skein, Patons Divine (79 acrylic, 18 mohair, 3 polyester) in deep earth.
I knew she was from the wrong side of the tracks. It was dark, I had a few coffees in me, she looked good.

12. Three quarters of a skein, unknown in cream
I picked her up with number 8. I was missing my relationship with Habu mohair. Trying to recreate the magic, but alas... I don't even know her name. I think it might be Patons glimmmer. Oh, I'm so ashamed!

13. One skein, Karabella labirinth (58 merino, 12 superkid mohair, 17 polyamid) in 31305, pink/beige/grey
She was alluring, but we came up short. I do have a hat, but I had hoped for a more fullfilling relationship.

14. One skein, Schachenmayr Bambino (60 cotton, 40 acrylic) in pink mix
Thought I'd make my newborn daughter a happy hat. Boy oh boy.

15. Partial skein, Malabrigo worsted (100 merino wool) in marine
I so love our time together making my Green Gable. Sheer delight. But I'm not interested in a little love. I want more! And since I'm stash busting, I need not be tempted by her hanging around.

I Ain't Been Knitting

2008-02-11T21:45:00.001-06:00

Technically I've already blown the whole purpose of this blog, my unwitting and now bootleg accomplice in an effort to erect an accountability partner for my knitting. I haven't knitted in several days. boo hoo! The sticks briefly clicked over the weekend, but it was a distracted effort at best. Instead of reading my central park hoodie pattern or figuring out how to finish the brim on my MJB hat, I read blogs. However, if I could add some fine print to excuse the detour, it was all for knitting inspiration! Happily, I did get knit-inspired and blog educated. Hey how do you like my avatar? I learned that from Crimson Purl's (see her info below) blog. Did you know you could animate avatars? Anyhoo, I digress...I've checked out the blogs of some friends from the Ravelry groups. Funny thing happens, you stop at one blog and 10 blogs later...OMG where am I! But it was fun, educational and a needed rest from this week's madness. I must say there are some very talented knitters and bloggers out there. Bravo! For them that is...and for me, three lashes with a wet noodle because my UFOs are still floating in space. ET come home! I'm about 10 seconds from sending up a Hubble to keep an eye on things.

So when you need some rest or have read time, check out these blogs, many interesting things going on in the virtual neighborhood. I'll continue to post more as I have several bookmarked. Go on, get surfing (is that still an in-style term?) If you get lost, enjoy the ride, take in the "sites," and let me know what you think.

Crimson Purl
She recently knit some lovely projects. My favorite post was picture souvenirs from a baby shower at a local restaurant. Ah, sisterhood.

Skyline Chilly
Another talented knitter. She has a contest going on this month to support Leukemia. Go check out the beautiful sock pattern and leave a word of encouragement for her efforts.

Niksknits
A biologist, knitter, designer. That's a lot of talent. I connected with her comment "Watch her as she starts a project for herself and ditches it to knit a gift for someone else.

Tightly Wound Loosely Knit
Tightly Wound and her sister Loosely Knit are about to embark on a tag team adventure. To celebrate, they are spreading goodwill in a hearty contest. Go check her out.

Evil Tuesday
Devin is getting married in June and is knitting a wedding shrug for the big day. What a way to soothe wedding jitters.

Kinky Coils
Hair advice, oh so needed. And her writing is a hoot. Thank you!

Cozy's Place
As I mentioned earlier you can start at one blog and end up, 10 clicks later someplace completely different. Reading Kamika's blog sent me here. This woman is a funny writer.

Only the Lonely Valentine Match-Up

2008-02-09T14:44:00.001-06:00

Originally uploaded by k_purls2

There goes my baby \ There goes my heart \ They're gone forever \
So far apart \ But only the lonely \ Know why \ I cry \ Only the lonely \
Only the lonely \ Know the heartaches I've been through \ Only the lonely \ Know I cried and cried for you \ Maybe tomorrow \ A new romance \ No more sorrow \ But thats the chance - you gotta take \ If your lonely heart breaks \ Only the lonely By Roy Orbison

What must it feel like to be discarded or stored away, for your beauty to never behold the light of day? What must it feel like to be ripped out, frogged and put into a ball when you were once a lovely hank, a scrumptious skein, whisked out of the store with delight, now stored away with empty promises? I think we know. How many of us have been loved and then dumped. Oh, the heartache! Only the lonely understand.

There are anti-cruelty societies for pets to find new homes, thrift stores for vintage clothes, heck even raggedy used cars get some love. So were does lonely yarn go? Without their label, converted to a ball or leftover from a project, these poor fibers are passed their prime, no longer needed and loved. This, my fellow knitters, should not be! OH, the heartache! Love is a battlefield!

I believe in my heart there is a place for these yarns. There are needles out there pining for 40 more yards, fingers longing for the touch of one more skein no longer sold. Artistic minds dreaming of gathering and creating, an adventurous spirit ready to try a new technique or weave a bright color. There's a place for the lonely!

Come back on Valentine's Day and see who's among the lonely. Karabella Aurora 8, Berroco Plush, Rowan, Malabrigo, Takhi and more. Odd, small, scrapped, once loved, but now lonely fibers looking for a home. Send for them as-is, take them home for only $2.14 plus postage.

Malabrigo Sweet Treat

2008-02-07T00:55:00.001-06:00

My first swap completed! It was interesting to learn the ropes of swapping - the stalking, the creative shopping, the local treats, phew! I sent my package to Melissab, a friend from ravelry. Today I got this package from simplethings, now a new friend on ravelry. Two skeins of emerald blue malabrigo and one in bergamota. I probably would not have picked the bergamota in the store, so it is definitely a treat. I love it. I think I'm going to whip up the luxe neck warmer from Knit 2 Together (see picture above from the book). The bergamota could also make a beautiful hat, the color is very rich. Malabrigo is joy to knit.

Also included in my package was some wool wash, which I totally need a set of bamboo knitting needles and darning needles with a case. Thanks again neighbor!

Melody, Neckwarmer, Neckwarmer, Melody.

2008-02-03T22:42:00.001-06:00

Hello, I'm Mehl-LOW-DEE!I I love my dear friend Melody. She carefully and joyfully annunciates her name to announce, actually proclaim her presence. Mel is quite a character, you'd love her. Very sweet, adventurous, giving and hilarious, oh and a great cook and entertainer. She is a closet diva, so it came as no surprise that she'd send me a pattern to "whip" up a 'lil scarf. Not just any scarf, a high collared neckwarmer. Funky, yet Elizabethan. Fabulous. Hmmm. Totally Melody.

This piece was crocheted in Autunno merino wool. It is uber soft and the color is scrumptious. It is a lovely chocolate and the french grey and black variegation contributes to its rich appeal, in my opinion.

I'm posting myself modeling the neckwarmer because Melody is a busy bee. Who knows when I'll see my buddy again? Alas, I have to settle for virtually gifting this gem. Yes I'm giving her the guilt trip that I lay on thick at every opportunity. What are friends for? Oh yes, I know...breaking in neckwarmers. This is going to be very cute with my coat. Wonder how a chic beret would flow with this? Mel, you better come get your neckwarmer, it is making its way to my rotation very shortly. Love you girl!

Ode to my Central Park Hoodie

2008-01-19T20:30:00.000-06:00

Oh Central Park Hoodie
Dear purple, lilac, sweet soft
blue sky cotton weaved and
twisted in delight
you know how I love thee
you promised to be good to me
your promised a walk in the park
SO GET OF THE BENCH!
Ah, forgive me for the yell
But to ponder makes
my eyes swell
Will I ever know your smooth fibers
running across my skin
Us frolicking in the wind
enjoying the sun
WHY THE TORTURE
ARE WE THERE YET!?
I will finish you central park
hoodie. One day. One day.
My dear purple, lilac sweet soft
blue sky cotton sweater of love.

Green Gable Completed!

2008-01-16T09:45:00.000-06:00

Here she is! My Green Gable Sweater! This was knit in Malabrigo, merino worsted. I have to say I'm very pleased with it. All in all, it was easy to knit, especially since it is knit in the round! But beyond the pattern, knitting with Malabrigo was a dream. I even used my cheapy needles and it was still fun! Very soft. The yarn is also very wearable, it feels like butter on the skin! Mmmmmmm, buttah! I've also used Manos before, which in contrast, is a little itchy.

The color is amazing, the pictures don't do this colorway justice. But I must admit, after doing the swatch, I didn't think I'd like the color variation, inherent in kettle-dyed yarn. I took the yarn back! Tricia, my LYS owner and Tim Gunn coach told me to "carry on!" and sent me marching home...with the yarn in hand! And tada! I'm glad she did. This baby has personality.

I started the sweater around Thanksgiving, but have picked it up and down through the holidays and such. If I had worked straight through, I think it could have been finished in one week, knitting at night.

Pattern note: The total stitch count is off for the medium size when you get to the underarm. Which explains why I initially thought I did something wrong. I also knitted a few extra rows at the underarm for better ease. I did make two hiccups in the raglan shaping but the yarn and pattern held up and hid it well.

Here's the story on how I found the pattern. I wandered into Nana's Knitting Shop, my LYS to get some help from Tricia on the the Matador sweater in Knitscene's 2006 magazine. By the way, this magazine has great patterns including the Central Park Hoodie. Anyway, when I get there, it is Saturday, Tricia's off day, so Cory, was giving me some advice and showed me her Zephyr style Wicked pattern since the Matador was also knit raglan, but unfortunately from the bottom up? Weird. In comes Lauren wearing this lovely short sleeved sweater in golden heathered brown. "Did you knit that?! Where's the pattern!" was pretty much all I could utter. It fit Lauren very well, tailored around the hip and waist and the lace top was attractive. Needless to say, I bought the pattern but still no yarn. I came back a few days later to see Tricia and remarked about Lauren's sweater. "Cascade 220." "No way!" Of course as Vanna, I mean Tricia, the hostess with the mostess does, she took me on tour of the all yarn that was made just for me and my pattern. Of the choices, the Malabrigo was calling my name. A very seductive experience as the other enablers in the shop added their background melody, cheering me to take three skeins home, even though I was supposed to be working on something else! I have a little ball left for a scarf or maybe a hat for my toddler. I love Nana's!

One More Green Gable Photo

2008-01-16T09:41:00.001-06:00

greengable_malabrigo2
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

OK, I'm not good at blogging and I couldn't figure out how to attractively post two pictures, so here is a close-up of the sweater.

Loving Yarn

2008-01-12T19:50:00.000-06:00

Well it's a New Year and my goal is going to be to post once a week. Blogging is new to me and I've been slow about getting into the blogging spirit. Part of the problem is that my knitting has been sporadic. It's tough to get focused time while trying to keep my precious little one out of my stash! I am very excited about some upcoming posts. I'm blocking my Green Gable sweater, knitted in Malabrigo and almost finished with my Central Park Hoodie.

But until next time, I thought I'd share some cute pictures and example of my hampered knitting. This was taken while my friends from Shepherd's Pride, my church crochet circle, were working in my living room on our holiday project. My son got into my mom's stash. He's hilarious!

cableCravat

2007-11-14T16:41:00.001-06:00

cableCravat
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

OK, so I'm being a little coy! I need to interrupt my post on the hats to announce my first artistic endeavor.....ta da! The cable cravat. A soft little beauty, a la petit scarf. Something very chic to keep the neck warm and pretty. I was bumping around with some Lion Brand Thick and Quick and came up with this. I love it! I'm going to try and remake it with cashmere or merino wool. I'm so proud!

Mad Hatter

2007-11-14T16:30:00.001-06:00

Safi Hat

Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Fall is here and I love hats! Hats are also a stash buster and quick to knit. In the last two weeks, I've knit four hats. Admittedly, I said quick to knit too quick. There is a reason why it is tongue twister...my needles were just as confused.

First up, the Safi Hat from the Rowan Cotton Rope Collection. I used Malabrigo merino worsted that I had left from an earlier project. Malabrigo is a joy to knit. So soft and the color is beautiful. The pattern was confusing, written in European abbreviations. I still think I got something wrong, but AH! the color and beauty of malabrigo masks it all. Hmm, this comment is strangely philosophical and superificial all at once.

Once Upon a Yarn

2007-08-24T15:38:00.000-05:00

Vogue Eyelet Pullover
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

I was an adventurous newbie. No scarves for me. No sir! I jumped in with both feet first because I was head-over-heels in love with knitting. I dragged my mother to pretty much every yarn shop in Chicago one afternoon. We found a store up North who had monthly project classes. Eureka! I poured over the Spring/Summer 2005 Vogue Knitting and found this pattern for the Eyelet Sweater. Well, hindsight 20/20...I didn't know anything about gauge, yarn substitutions or the sheer cost of natural fibers! Knitting is not necessarily for the wallet-challenged. Now when I used to crochet as a teen and college student...1.99 ball of acrylic from Woolworths or Kmart baby! But now I was big-time and I was not about to spend hours knitting in a material that would not last. My mother calls me a yarn snob, but I don't care! Anyway, I digress. The pattern called for a cotton/microfiber. The sales person pointed me to the Lambs Pride Wool and Mohair as a substitute. What was she thinking?! The drapes are totally different and I didn't know how to make the adjustments. Plus there is something fishy about my front and back pieces, which I'll show you later. But, the detail is beautiful, don't you think? All of the pieces are finished, but I'm delaying unraveling the front to fix the obvious error. I also don't remember where I left off in terms of finishing the neckline (I threw it in a big in a fit of frustration without taking notes). And, I'm embarassed to haul this nightmare to my local shop for help. But, now that I am in talk therapy via this blog, it's time to get it finished! Don't let me talk myself out of it!

Alas, it was beautiful experience to knit. I enjoyed it, but because I never finished this ubiquitous first project, it set-in motion my delay in finishing an adult-sized sweater as well as my dear husband's smug comments regarding my sincerity for the craft "so where's that sweater anyway?" The other bonus were the knit friendships I forged with some really nice people in my Tuesday evening project class, Susan, Lee and another lady whose name now escapes me. Eek!

Vogue Eyelet Pullover Problems

2007-08-24T15:33:00.001-05:00

Vogue Eyelet Pullover Problems
Originally uploaded by k_purls2

Here is front and back. As you can see, the front is noticeably shorter, even though I have about an inch or so left for the neckline. And, with the stitch detail, there is considerable pull upwards in that area. This fabric is unforgiving, so unravel I must.

Confessions of a Window Knitter

2007-08-24T00:19:00.000-05:00

I need to lose a little yarn weight. It's my guilty pleasure. My trunk at home is overflowing. Not only is the designated yarn space bursting at the seams, but so are the two bins in my closet, the basket in the corner and the re-purposed paisley photo box at the foot of the bed. Oh, I almost forgot, the shopping bag by my dresser and the one in the girls' closet. Why am I hoarding yarn? It's not like I don't have 50 pairs of knitting needles in a pottery container longing for fiber to loopy-d-loop. What I do have is the best intentions, but then I get distracted...by the lovely pattern in the latest knit mag and the gorgeous balls of fiber that call my name every time I stop by the yarn store to ask a question or scoop up a few skeins for the latest baby birthed into my circle of friends. What's an extra ball of Karabella Aurora 8 or Lorna's Laces sock yarn between friends? Plus, who can pass up a sale? Stock up now and knit later! NO NO NO! I got it all wrong. I need to be a better steward over my yarn resources. I'm going to get busy and publish all of my work on this blog, my new accountability partner. I'm going check-off the yarn in my storage like a 101 things list. Will you be there for me? Oh goodness, am I scaring you? I'm definitely scaring myself. Here we go...