Obviously, in view of the fact that I'm now taking antibiotics for my ear infection, sinus infection, and conjunctivitis, and am starting to get over those ailments, I've been bitten by another, more serious bug.
Startitis.
I've got it bad.
I think it's probably because of all my new yarn. I have pretty new toys--I want to play with them! Most tantalizing of all, I bought my first laceweight. A totally new challenge. So I got to thinking about lace, and I asked a few people about good lace projects. Someone mentioned that Ice Queen is pretty popular. So I went and took a look at it, and it's lovely; I started plotting, and reading the pattern, fantasizing about my gorgeous, soon-to-be-realized new Ice Queen... and then I noticed the pictures of the bottom edge. I am very much not in love with the big scallops. The smaller ones at the top are perfectly acceptable, but not the huge ones. Not for me. I thought for a second about modifying the pattern, but then I decided that for my first real lace project, I should try to find a pattern I won't mess with--and therefore likely mess up horribly.
But at this point I've been picturing myself all elegant and '50s movie star-esque in a wimple/cowl thing, right? So I go to Ravelry and search for patterns. I think I've decided on one: Wavy Feathers Wimple. (Although I hate the term "wimple." Makes me feel like I'm considering joining a cloistered order, or something.) The picture on that page doesn't show the lace well at all; if you're on Ravelry, there are some good pictures there. The pattern includes directions for either laceweight or fingering weight, so I could use my pretty new laceweight... or I could go completely crazy and use some of the Knit Picks Gloss (merino/silk) that I picked up at the same time, therefore saving all the laceweight goodness for a large-scale project like a stole. In fact, I think I will use some of the Gloss. Now I just have to decide which color! (It'll probably come down to "Which color do I least want to make socks out of?")
I'm dying to start this thing--I briefly considered running home at lunch to pick up needles and yarn, so I could at least cast on before I leave work at 5! Never mind that I have all evening free to cast on and knit to my heart's content--I seriously considered giving up my eating time in favor of project-starting.
Oh, and I also want to cast on the piggies tonight. It is the pattern for today, after all.
Startitis: It's no joke. Protect yourselves and your families.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Second Entry
Go one entry back for a Jayne Hat picture and Fun with Science.
In my excitement to show everyone my experiment, I almost forgot that I actually knit with some of those ebony needles! That's right: knitting needles are not just for throwing into water.
Ho the Second is on 3s right now, so I wasn't able to use them on that project, but then I remembered this project. These are Slippery Socks from the latest Knitty, and they're on size 2s. So I pulled out the ebony size 2s and knit a few rounds.
Overall, I really like these needles. They're smooth, slightly flexible (but not so flexible that I'm afraid they'll snap), and so dense that you never get that weird slightly grindy feeling when sliding the tips past each other that you sometimes get with bamboo. (I hate that feeling.) These are really nice, and I would recommend them to anyone. My one gripe is that the points are relatively blunt, and the first few stitches were a bit of a hassle until I got the hang of the duller tips.
Best of all, they got me interested in these socks again. The socks (okay, this one sock) had been languishing since Christmas, partly because I've been busy with other projects, and partly because they're kind of fiddly and take more concentration than other things do. I might only do two chart repeats instead of three, though, because otherwise I'm afraid I'll never finish them. I'm thinking about taking them to SnB movie night tonight--I think I'll be able to knit this sock and watch a movie at the same time, but I'm positive I wouldn't be able to knit and carry on a conversation at the same time.
In my excitement to show everyone my experiment, I almost forgot that I actually knit with some of those ebony needles! That's right: knitting needles are not just for throwing into water.
Ho the Second is on 3s right now, so I wasn't able to use them on that project, but then I remembered this project. These are Slippery Socks from the latest Knitty, and they're on size 2s. So I pulled out the ebony size 2s and knit a few rounds.
Overall, I really like these needles. They're smooth, slightly flexible (but not so flexible that I'm afraid they'll snap), and so dense that you never get that weird slightly grindy feeling when sliding the tips past each other that you sometimes get with bamboo. (I hate that feeling.) These are really nice, and I would recommend them to anyone. My one gripe is that the points are relatively blunt, and the first few stitches were a bit of a hassle until I got the hang of the duller tips.
Best of all, they got me interested in these socks again. The socks (okay, this one sock) had been languishing since Christmas, partly because I've been busy with other projects, and partly because they're kind of fiddly and take more concentration than other things do. I might only do two chart repeats instead of three, though, because otherwise I'm afraid I'll never finish them. I'm thinking about taking them to SnB movie night tonight--I think I'll be able to knit this sock and watch a movie at the same time, but I'm positive I wouldn't be able to knit and carry on a conversation at the same time.
A Hat and a Long, Mildly Scientific Experiment
I made a hat!
I just need to find some straw to roll it in, and it'll be perfect.
Last night I got ridiculously caught up in my idea of tossing knitting needles in water. Inspired by childhood memories of Mr. Wizard making record players out of construction paper and pins; making smoke rings using a box, a blown-out candle, and a piece of waxed paper; and setting off a ping pong ball-mousetrap chain reaction; I gathered my materials for a truly definitive
Hypothesis: Double pointed knitting needles will either sink or float in water, depending upon the material they are made from.
Materials:
Variables:
Procedure:
Once sink is filled with water, place one DPN at a time onto surface of water and observe. Make note of findings and document with digital camera.
Findings:
First up was the bamboo 5.
My camera isn't the best, and neither are the lighting conditions in my bathroom, but if you click the picture to enlarge it and look closely, you can see that the bamboo needle floats cheerily on the surface. As part of my experiment, I submerged each floating needle and released it, to test whether it was being held up by the surface tension or by the density of the water. In bamboo's case, it immediately sprang back to the surface.
Conclusion: Bamboo floats in water.
Subject 2 was aluminum.
Despite the less than optimal conditions, you can sort of tell that the aluminum needle sank like a stone, despite my attempt to place it gently and allow surface tension to work its magic.
Conclusion: Aluminum does not float in water.
Subject 3 was birch.
As with bamboo, birch floated right off the bat, and resurfaced immediately after being submerged.
Conclusion: Birch floats in water.
Subject 4 was Mystery Plastic.
Mystery plastic sank, but...
...when placed on the surface with sufficient gentleness, surface tension is up to the task of holding up a US 2 DPN!
[It is at this point that I have to confess that I only thought of surface tension as a variable after I dropped the plastic needle in, and it sank. I took it out and dried it off and tried again for the floating picture; it was also then that I put the others back in the water and tried to make them sink or float, respective to their previous floating or sinking. None of my findings changed at this juncture.]
Conclusion: Mystery Plastic sinks in water.
Subject 5 was Bryspun. (Bryspun needles are made of a "special plastic.")
The Bryspun needle sank. Surface tension was insufficient to hold it up. However, this was by far the needle with the largest diameter. Would the surface tension have been up to the task if the Bryspun needle had been smaller? Will someone with more Bryspun DPNs than I have test it out and get back to us, preferably with photographic evidence?
Conclusion: Bryspun's "special plastic" sinks in water.
Subject 6 was ebony.
Saving the best for last--ebony! Here my excitement grew, and my hand shook slightly as I placed the needle gently on the water's surface, holding my breath.
And...
Behold! A floating ebony knitting needle! However, keen observers will notice that there is a visible depression in the water surrounding the needle. Compare this photo to those of the birch or bamboo needles, and you will see that this needle is much more eager to descend than either of the other wooden test subjects. Give it a little poke, and...
...it sinks like a stone.
Conclusion: Ebony sinks in water.
Whew! That was a long, drawn-out way of finding that out, wasn't it? I even left out the part where the first 4 or 5 photos I tried to take of the floating ebony needle mysteriously didn't save in my camera's memory, which led to a few wild thoughts about a vast universal conspiracy not to allow any evidence that ebony does, in fact, float. (Shut up. I'm sick and I haven't been sleeping well.) In the end, I got the shot and concluded that my camera batteries probably need to be replaced.
And there you have it! How I spent my Monday night.
I need to get out more.
I just need to find some straw to roll it in, and it'll be perfect.Last night I got ridiculously caught up in my idea of tossing knitting needles in water. Inspired by childhood memories of Mr. Wizard making record players out of construction paper and pins; making smoke rings using a box, a blown-out candle, and a piece of waxed paper; and setting off a ping pong ball-mousetrap chain reaction; I gathered my materials for a truly definitive
Knitting Needle Float Test.
Hypothesis: Double pointed knitting needles will either sink or float in water, depending upon the material they are made from.
Materials:
- One ceramic sink filled with Lexington-grade tapwater (No, I'm not the world's worst housekeeper--the stains around the drain refuse to budge despite my best efforts with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, OxiClean, Scrubbing Bubbles, elbow grease, etc., and that's not toothpaste, it's a patch covering a chip in the sink.)
- One bamboo double pointed knitting needle ("DPN"), US size 5
- One aluminum DPN, US size 2
- One birch DPN, US size 3
- One mystery plastic DPN from the Ancestral Needle Cache, US size 2
- One Bryspun DPN, US size 11
- One ebony DPN, US size 2
- One small notebook and pencil, for recording findings
- One digital camera, for documenting findings
Variables:
- knitting needle material
- surface tension
- needle diameter, but I'm pretending it isn't a variable
Procedure:
Once sink is filled with water, place one DPN at a time onto surface of water and observe. Make note of findings and document with digital camera.
Findings:
First up was the bamboo 5.
My camera isn't the best, and neither are the lighting conditions in my bathroom, but if you click the picture to enlarge it and look closely, you can see that the bamboo needle floats cheerily on the surface. As part of my experiment, I submerged each floating needle and released it, to test whether it was being held up by the surface tension or by the density of the water. In bamboo's case, it immediately sprang back to the surface.Conclusion: Bamboo floats in water.
Subject 2 was aluminum.
Despite the less than optimal conditions, you can sort of tell that the aluminum needle sank like a stone, despite my attempt to place it gently and allow surface tension to work its magic.Conclusion: Aluminum does not float in water.
Subject 3 was birch.
As with bamboo, birch floated right off the bat, and resurfaced immediately after being submerged.
Conclusion: Birch floats in water.
Subject 4 was Mystery Plastic.
Mystery plastic sank, but...
...when placed on the surface with sufficient gentleness, surface tension is up to the task of holding up a US 2 DPN!
[It is at this point that I have to confess that I only thought of surface tension as a variable after I dropped the plastic needle in, and it sank. I took it out and dried it off and tried again for the floating picture; it was also then that I put the others back in the water and tried to make them sink or float, respective to their previous floating or sinking. None of my findings changed at this juncture.]
Conclusion: Mystery Plastic sinks in water.
Subject 5 was Bryspun. (Bryspun needles are made of a "special plastic.")
The Bryspun needle sank. Surface tension was insufficient to hold it up. However, this was by far the needle with the largest diameter. Would the surface tension have been up to the task if the Bryspun needle had been smaller? Will someone with more Bryspun DPNs than I have test it out and get back to us, preferably with photographic evidence?
Conclusion: Bryspun's "special plastic" sinks in water.
Subject 6 was ebony.
Saving the best for last--ebony! Here my excitement grew, and my hand shook slightly as I placed the needle gently on the water's surface, holding my breath.
And...
Behold! A floating ebony knitting needle! However, keen observers will notice that there is a visible depression in the water surrounding the needle. Compare this photo to those of the birch or bamboo needles, and you will see that this needle is much more eager to descend than either of the other wooden test subjects. Give it a little poke, and...
...it sinks like a stone.Conclusion: Ebony sinks in water.
Whew! That was a long, drawn-out way of finding that out, wasn't it? I even left out the part where the first 4 or 5 photos I tried to take of the floating ebony needle mysteriously didn't save in my camera's memory, which led to a few wild thoughts about a vast universal conspiracy not to allow any evidence that ebony does, in fact, float. (Shut up. I'm sick and I haven't been sleeping well.) In the end, I got the shot and concluded that my camera batteries probably need to be replaced.
And there you have it! How I spent my Monday night.
I need to get out more.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Updates
You know how I was starting to get sick on Thursday? Yeah. I didn't manage to stave that off, despite drinking so much OJ I started to look a little jaundiced. (Not really.) Oh, well--it was a valiant effort, anyway.
So, as the Horrible Voice-Stealing Cold of Aught-Eight descended, I took up my needles and made myself a cunnin' Jayne Hat.
Samara and I both made Jayne hats, actually. Our colors and finished hat sizes differ significantly, but despite our differences I declare us both to be Big Damn (Knittin') Heroes.
I was really impressed by how easily Samara knit her first hat--her first time ribbing, her first time using circs, her first time using DPNs, her first short rows. And even though she's sick, too, she remained amazingly good-spirited throughout the process. I don't think she's entirely pleased with the way her hat turned out, but seriously--impressive first hat. Yay, Samara!
I'm not completely thrilled with my hat, either, to tell the truth. I'd be happier if it fit me a little better. (Note to self: You have the largest head ever. Accept it.) Here's a list of things that went wrong: First, although the pattern called for US 10 1/2 circs, I only saw 10s and 11s. The 10s were $2 or $3 cheaper, so I bought those. Second, instead of investing in Lamb's Pride Bulky for a silly, movie-inspired hat, I decided to use doubled Wool-Ease. Third, I knit tightly. Fourth, as previously mentioned, I have the Largest. Head. Ever. So, my hat is a little tight, but not so tight that it cuts of the circulation to my brain. I can live with it. I do like it, overall. Hooray for my Jayne hat!
Of course I don't have any pictures of our Jayne hats to share today; maybe tomorrow.
I have completely frogged the alpaca sweater I bought a few weeks ago and skeined up all the yarn. Whew! It was a big job. In the end, I got over 1450 yards of 100% handspun alpaca yarn out of it. Not bad! Now I'm in the process of washing my skeins, which will take me a little while as I'm not willing to devote my entire apartment to drying skeins of yarn. But it's not like I have anything planned for this yarn right now, so I'm not in a hurry. (All right, I confess, I'm thinking "sweater for me," but would it be too unbearably silly to frog a sweater only to knit the yarn into a different sweater? I'm undecided.)
I continue to make good progress on Ho the Second.
And as a wonderful treat when I got back to work today, these were in my mailbox.
Mmm, ebony DPNs, US2 and US4. They're very long--8 inches--but so very pretty! This was the last remaining "I can't resist ordering the sale merchandise I shouldn't buy, but maybe they'll run out before they get to me" order. And I'm glad they didn't run out--these are lovely. I can't wait to knit something with them! I don't remember if the leg of Ho the Second is on 3s or 4s--if it's on 4s, I know what I'm doing tonight!
Edited to add: I'm a huge geek, so of course I looked up ebony on Wikipedia, and here's something fun: According to the wiki article (which is, of course, the gospel truth), ebony is one of the few woods that's so dense it sinks in water. I plan to try it out later--I'll let you know what happens!
So, as the Horrible Voice-Stealing Cold of Aught-Eight descended, I took up my needles and made myself a cunnin' Jayne Hat.
Samara and I both made Jayne hats, actually. Our colors and finished hat sizes differ significantly, but despite our differences I declare us both to be Big Damn (Knittin') Heroes.
I was really impressed by how easily Samara knit her first hat--her first time ribbing, her first time using circs, her first time using DPNs, her first short rows. And even though she's sick, too, she remained amazingly good-spirited throughout the process. I don't think she's entirely pleased with the way her hat turned out, but seriously--impressive first hat. Yay, Samara!
I'm not completely thrilled with my hat, either, to tell the truth. I'd be happier if it fit me a little better. (Note to self: You have the largest head ever. Accept it.) Here's a list of things that went wrong: First, although the pattern called for US 10 1/2 circs, I only saw 10s and 11s. The 10s were $2 or $3 cheaper, so I bought those. Second, instead of investing in Lamb's Pride Bulky for a silly, movie-inspired hat, I decided to use doubled Wool-Ease. Third, I knit tightly. Fourth, as previously mentioned, I have the Largest. Head. Ever. So, my hat is a little tight, but not so tight that it cuts of the circulation to my brain. I can live with it. I do like it, overall. Hooray for my Jayne hat!
Of course I don't have any pictures of our Jayne hats to share today; maybe tomorrow.
I have completely frogged the alpaca sweater I bought a few weeks ago and skeined up all the yarn. Whew! It was a big job. In the end, I got over 1450 yards of 100% handspun alpaca yarn out of it. Not bad! Now I'm in the process of washing my skeins, which will take me a little while as I'm not willing to devote my entire apartment to drying skeins of yarn. But it's not like I have anything planned for this yarn right now, so I'm not in a hurry. (All right, I confess, I'm thinking "sweater for me," but would it be too unbearably silly to frog a sweater only to knit the yarn into a different sweater? I'm undecided.)
I continue to make good progress on Ho the Second.
And as a wonderful treat when I got back to work today, these were in my mailbox.
Mmm, ebony DPNs, US2 and US4. They're very long--8 inches--but so very pretty! This was the last remaining "I can't resist ordering the sale merchandise I shouldn't buy, but maybe they'll run out before they get to me" order. And I'm glad they didn't run out--these are lovely. I can't wait to knit something with them! I don't remember if the leg of Ho the Second is on 3s or 4s--if it's on 4s, I know what I'm doing tonight!Edited to add: I'm a huge geek, so of course I looked up ebony on Wikipedia, and here's something fun: According to the wiki article (which is, of course, the gospel truth), ebony is one of the few woods that's so dense it sinks in water. I plan to try it out later--I'll let you know what happens!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Thursday
I woke up this morning feeling like I'm getting sick. I've got the sinus ickies that suggest "impending sinus infection," and I've got body aches. Yuck! I'm attempting to stave off the sickness by copious internal application of the best beverage ever invented: a half and half mix of orange juice and lemon-lime soda. Fingers crossed!
I was cashiering last night at second work, and because the parking lot was nearly empty when I arrived, I stuffed my sock-in-progress in my apron pocket. (Shut up. At least I don't have to wear a stupid hat, too.) It worked out very well--I'm approaching being able to knit without looking, so I was able to keep an eye out for customers (excuse me, not "customers"--"guests") and shove the sock back in my pocket before they made it to the register. As a test, I kept knitting when a manager came up, but she didn't say anything about it, so it appears that knitting at the register is perfectly acceptable! I made some nice progress--except that at one point, I slid a cardboard box down into a bag, and the cardboard sliced through my palm. I now have an inch-long cut at the base of my lifeline on my left hand. Grasping things causes my hand to fold right along that line, which makes knitting difficult. I may have to lay off for a few days. Damn! Now what will I do on my lunch hour?
I was cashiering last night at second work, and because the parking lot was nearly empty when I arrived, I stuffed my sock-in-progress in my apron pocket. (Shut up. At least I don't have to wear a stupid hat, too.) It worked out very well--I'm approaching being able to knit without looking, so I was able to keep an eye out for customers (excuse me, not "customers"--"guests") and shove the sock back in my pocket before they made it to the register. As a test, I kept knitting when a manager came up, but she didn't say anything about it, so it appears that knitting at the register is perfectly acceptable! I made some nice progress--except that at one point, I slid a cardboard box down into a bag, and the cardboard sliced through my palm. I now have an inch-long cut at the base of my lifeline on my left hand. Grasping things causes my hand to fold right along that line, which makes knitting difficult. I may have to lay off for a few days. Damn! Now what will I do on my lunch hour?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Loot
What KnitPicks order?
In front, we have 2 colors of Essentials sock yarn, then 5 colors of Gloss sock yarn (wool and silk!), and in the center back, 4 skeins of laceweight merino in Redwood, a pretty heathered reddish brown.
Someone please take my debit card away from me before I have more yarn accidents...
100th Post
100 posts... man, I talk about yarn a lot, don't I?
To celebrate, I present a picture of my finished neckwarmer.
Stupid glare... All of the buttons are black except the second one down, which is red.
Here's another option.
In this one, the top (nearly invisible) button is red. I think I like having it second in line better. Now all I have to do is sew the buttons on and I'll have something to keep my neck warm.
When I turned on the news this morning the bottom of the screen was covered with school closings. More than just schools, actually--schools, daycares, museums, you name it. (Not the university, of course.) So I thought, "Wow, there might actually be some good snow out there!"
It's a little blurry; I took this as I was walking from my car to my office. Observe the not-quite-covered grass and the mere dusting on the picnic table. This is what makes a snow day in Kentucky.
Ah, winter.
To celebrate, I present a picture of my finished neckwarmer.
Stupid glare... All of the buttons are black except the second one down, which is red.Here's another option.
In this one, the top (nearly invisible) button is red. I think I like having it second in line better. Now all I have to do is sew the buttons on and I'll have something to keep my neck warm.When I turned on the news this morning the bottom of the screen was covered with school closings. More than just schools, actually--schools, daycares, museums, you name it. (Not the university, of course.) So I thought, "Wow, there might actually be some good snow out there!"
It's a little blurry; I took this as I was walking from my car to my office. Observe the not-quite-covered grass and the mere dusting on the picnic table. This is what makes a snow day in Kentucky.Ah, winter.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Happy Friday
Neckwarmer, take two!
Ah, that's better! I ended up frogging what I had done and adding a moss stitch border. Now it lays nice and flat, and has a pretty accent feature. Of course, you can't really tell any of this from the picture. Take my word for it--and maybe squinting at the photo will help!
I've had a few internet-based yarn-related accidents lately. Have you ever seen something on sale, and you knew that if you didn't order it you would hate yourself, but you kind of hoped that the vendor would run out of it before they processed your order so you didn't have to feel bad for spending more money and also didn't have to regret not ordering the wonderful sale item when you had the chance because you'll never be able to afford to pay full price?
They didn't run out. The color isn't accurate on my screen--it's moderately less blue in real life. This is Peruvian Highland Silk in Alpine Violet, from Elann.com. 80% wool, 20% silk, dk weight , 122 yds per ball. I have a full bag of this. What shall I make with it? I don't think I have enough to make a sweater that will cover my ample... charms. I thought about maybe buying a few balls of a coordinating color and winding up with a sweater's worth, but it looks like Elann actually discontinued this yarn--I can't find it on their site anymore. I'll think of something, I'm sure!
Have a happy weekend, everyone.
Ah, that's better! I ended up frogging what I had done and adding a moss stitch border. Now it lays nice and flat, and has a pretty accent feature. Of course, you can't really tell any of this from the picture. Take my word for it--and maybe squinting at the photo will help!I've had a few internet-based yarn-related accidents lately. Have you ever seen something on sale, and you knew that if you didn't order it you would hate yourself, but you kind of hoped that the vendor would run out of it before they processed your order so you didn't have to feel bad for spending more money and also didn't have to regret not ordering the wonderful sale item when you had the chance because you'll never be able to afford to pay full price?
They didn't run out. The color isn't accurate on my screen--it's moderately less blue in real life. This is Peruvian Highland Silk in Alpine Violet, from Elann.com. 80% wool, 20% silk, dk weight , 122 yds per ball. I have a full bag of this. What shall I make with it? I don't think I have enough to make a sweater that will cover my ample... charms. I thought about maybe buying a few balls of a coordinating color and winding up with a sweater's worth, but it looks like Elann actually discontinued this yarn--I can't find it on their site anymore. I'll think of something, I'm sure!
Have a happy weekend, everyone.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Oh, Right!
I have a blog! Raise your hand if you forgot!
Oh, um, yeah. I didn't forget either. *Lowers hand*
I'll spare you the "but I've been so buuusy..." whining, because who isn't busy? Just because I have two jobs, social obligations, and a need to occasionally scrape the crusted goo off of my dirty dishes and possibly get some sleep doesn't mean I should slack in the blogging department, does it?
Lucky for me I've managed to squeeze in one or two yarny activities to report on. Last weekend during a trip to Louisville I found some men's sweaters in a thrift store to cannibalize for yarn. After consulting with the wonderful knitters at Stitch and Bitch, a plan was hatched. Step One: Unpiece sweater. Step Two: Find yarn end(s). Step Three: Place yarn end in ball winder (Thanks, David!), and use ball winder to unravel sweater (Thanks, Robyn!). Step Four: Use niddy noddy (Thanks, Jane!) to make skeins from balls. Step Five: Wash skeins to make yarn all smooth and happy again. Step six: Re-ball yarn, and play knitting!
I'm currently on Step Three.
That's what I got from the cuffs, neck, and waist of Sweater #1, which were all separate pieces. I have decent hopes for the larger balls on the bottom and right, but the tiny ones on the upper left will likely go into the orts jar (which I plan to make from a wine bottle holder thingy as soon as I remember to buy one, preferably on clearance). I'm discovering issues with this sweater that make me wonder if it'll be worth the effort, but knowing me (and my stubbornness) I'll probably soldier on regardless. The other sweater should be easier; that one's seamless. I'm doing that one second so I can practice on the less awesome sweater.
What else have I been doing? I've made decent progress on Ho the Second.
Look, cuffy goodness!
I finished my bias scarf.
I still haven't given this a clever new name even though it just cries out for one because my brain hasn't been able to manage "clever" lately. I'll keep working on it, though.
I started another Trekking sock like the one I started and abandoned before I did the Pirate Socks.
This time, in a fit of madness, I swatched first. Amazingly, it appears that this attempt will actually fit me. Who knew?
And finally, I cast on a neckwarmer to match my red gloves and calorimetry.
Ooh, rectangular! Now that I'm about 5 inches into it I wish I had given it a moss stitch border. I'm thinking about frogging it at lunchtime and redoing it. I don't want a sub-par neckwarmer!
Happy knitting, everyone!
Oh, um, yeah. I didn't forget either. *Lowers hand*
I'll spare you the "but I've been so buuusy..." whining, because who isn't busy? Just because I have two jobs, social obligations, and a need to occasionally scrape the crusted goo off of my dirty dishes and possibly get some sleep doesn't mean I should slack in the blogging department, does it?
Lucky for me I've managed to squeeze in one or two yarny activities to report on. Last weekend during a trip to Louisville I found some men's sweaters in a thrift store to cannibalize for yarn. After consulting with the wonderful knitters at Stitch and Bitch, a plan was hatched. Step One: Unpiece sweater. Step Two: Find yarn end(s). Step Three: Place yarn end in ball winder (Thanks, David!), and use ball winder to unravel sweater (Thanks, Robyn!). Step Four: Use niddy noddy (Thanks, Jane!) to make skeins from balls. Step Five: Wash skeins to make yarn all smooth and happy again. Step six: Re-ball yarn, and play knitting!
I'm currently on Step Three.
That's what I got from the cuffs, neck, and waist of Sweater #1, which were all separate pieces. I have decent hopes for the larger balls on the bottom and right, but the tiny ones on the upper left will likely go into the orts jar (which I plan to make from a wine bottle holder thingy as soon as I remember to buy one, preferably on clearance). I'm discovering issues with this sweater that make me wonder if it'll be worth the effort, but knowing me (and my stubbornness) I'll probably soldier on regardless. The other sweater should be easier; that one's seamless. I'm doing that one second so I can practice on the less awesome sweater.
What else have I been doing? I've made decent progress on Ho the Second.
Look, cuffy goodness!
I finished my bias scarf.
I still haven't given this a clever new name even though it just cries out for one because my brain hasn't been able to manage "clever" lately. I'll keep working on it, though.I started another Trekking sock like the one I started and abandoned before I did the Pirate Socks.
This time, in a fit of madness, I swatched first. Amazingly, it appears that this attempt will actually fit me. Who knew?And finally, I cast on a neckwarmer to match my red gloves and calorimetry.
Ooh, rectangular! Now that I'm about 5 inches into it I wish I had given it a moss stitch border. I'm thinking about frogging it at lunchtime and redoing it. I don't want a sub-par neckwarmer!Happy knitting, everyone!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Little to Report
Sorry for the lack of posting--I haven't been knitting much that's blog-worthy.
This, though not knitting, is blog worthy:
Today I am wearing my shiny new red shoes, and I love them. They make me smile every time I catch sight of my feet. (I'm saved from whore-ishness by the rounded toes. If they were pointy, I wouldn't be able to wear them.)
I've been working on my bias scarf.
It's not as lumpy as it looks. It is a little bit lumpy, though--sometimes "inc 1 at the beginning of the row and dec 1 at the end" is too complicated for me. As this is a silly, beaded, fluffy, bias scarf I make no apologies for the lumpiness. This scarf exists to make me giggle, and uneven edges don't take away from the amusement factor.
In conclusion, today I celebrated Thursday by ordering yarn from Knit Picks. Why did I not send an e-mail asking if people wanted to order things to bump me up over $50 to get free shipping? I didn't ask because I didn't need anyone's help in getting my order over $50, and I didn't want to encourage anyone else to stray down that road. It's just best not to go there if you can help it.
This, though not knitting, is blog worthy:
Today I am wearing my shiny new red shoes, and I love them. They make me smile every time I catch sight of my feet. (I'm saved from whore-ishness by the rounded toes. If they were pointy, I wouldn't be able to wear them.)I've been working on my bias scarf.
It's not as lumpy as it looks. It is a little bit lumpy, though--sometimes "inc 1 at the beginning of the row and dec 1 at the end" is too complicated for me. As this is a silly, beaded, fluffy, bias scarf I make no apologies for the lumpiness. This scarf exists to make me giggle, and uneven edges don't take away from the amusement factor.In conclusion, today I celebrated Thursday by ordering yarn from Knit Picks. Why did I not send an e-mail asking if people wanted to order things to bump me up over $50 to get free shipping? I didn't ask because I didn't need anyone's help in getting my order over $50, and I didn't want to encourage anyone else to stray down that road. It's just best not to go there if you can help it.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Command Performance
"We ran out of internet," they say. "Make more!"
I know I've been lax in the posting department, but give me a break!
Here's some stuff I made.
It's a cupcake! I love useless stuff. I love knitting useless stuff. In fact, I bought a whole book about knitting useless stuff.
Here's what my next useless thing will be.
Piggies! The best part is that you sew snaps on the baby piggies' noses, and the other end on the sow's tummy. They're so damn cute!
Here's something else I made.
It's another calorimetry--who's surprised? I really enjoy the way the variegated yarn worked with this pattern. This is yarn from Mom's stash--thanks, Mom!
I cast on the Second Ho, and as you can see, I haven't gotten very far. I haven't had the time and quiet necessary for knitting the cuff. I'm going to make the time soon, though.
Finally, I'm working on a hat! I'm planning to donate it once it's done. (I have to admit, I'm getting a little bored with this hat.)
I'm still working on my bias scarf, but I don't have any new pictures of it.
I'm not feeling terribly clever or witty at the moment, but here's some new internet! Happy knitting, everyone.
I know I've been lax in the posting department, but give me a break!
Here's some stuff I made.
It's a cupcake! I love useless stuff. I love knitting useless stuff. In fact, I bought a whole book about knitting useless stuff.Here's what my next useless thing will be.
Piggies! The best part is that you sew snaps on the baby piggies' noses, and the other end on the sow's tummy. They're so damn cute!Here's something else I made.
It's another calorimetry--who's surprised? I really enjoy the way the variegated yarn worked with this pattern. This is yarn from Mom's stash--thanks, Mom!
I cast on the Second Ho, and as you can see, I haven't gotten very far. I haven't had the time and quiet necessary for knitting the cuff. I'm going to make the time soon, though.
Finally, I'm working on a hat! I'm planning to donate it once it's done. (I have to admit, I'm getting a little bored with this hat.)I'm still working on my bias scarf, but I don't have any new pictures of it.
I'm not feeling terribly clever or witty at the moment, but here's some new internet! Happy knitting, everyone.
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