Jillian's Knits

Monkey socks ... DONE

2008-02-29T10:52:00.002-05:00

Love this pattern. REALLY love the Koigu. It's my new favorite sock yarn. Mmmmmm need more Koigu.

A treasure find!!

2008-02-24T10:40:00.001-05:00

I found a 1971 copy of Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmerman this weekend at a book sale. Hardback. YOu won't believe this but I paid ONE DOLLAR for it. I mean, I never EVER find steals and deals like that. So excited ....

I'm an addict

2008-02-08T10:27:00.000-05:00

I'm officially addicted to Ravelry. I'm JillyKnits over on Ravelry if you wanna stop by.

Here's my latest project. It's a display sock for my LYS in the new Noro Sock. not the greatest photo but the colors are really cool.

I've also been finishing up the Monkey socks and working on my Entrelac scarf. Little projects to work on during my lunch break and when I'm not SEWING.

Nevermind on the new blog

2007-10-09T15:28:00.000-04:00

SO, although I'm only 25 ... learning a NEW way to blog is just beyond my realm of possibility.

I have been sewing quite a bit lately. I've taken two classes and I'm starting the third round this week. Class is great because it's "free sewing" time. You can work on any project and get the wonderful advice of a seasoned sewer.

I finally picked up some knitting today. I just can't knit during the summer. It's WAY too hot outside to touch wool.

More to come later! I'm back ... I think!

New blog

2007-06-22T10:56:00.000-04:00

I'm moving on over to WordPress. You can find me here: http://jillknitsnsews.wordpress.com/

I CAN SEW!!

2007-05-29T14:14:00.000-04:00

I have been having an affair with this:

This is my FIRST EVER sewing project. Obviously created under the fine direction of my local sewing shop. YAY for sewing.

The quest for knowledge

2007-05-03T16:14:00.000-04:00

I'll be starting my very FIRST sewing class tonight at 5:30. I'll report on how it goes! WAHOO!

Obsession du jour

2007-04-25T10:23:00.000-04:00

I was blogging around and found this, which led to this:

Long time, no posting

2007-04-16T11:36:00.000-04:00

It has been a LONG time since my last post. And, no I haven't finished the second Monkey Sock.

I finished the cropped Cardi from Blue Sky Alpacas and have started the eyelet cardi. I've also purchased yarn for a Rowan project from the new Kabash Collection. And Flair is lurking in the shadows. What's a girl to tackle first?

The Rowan project will be my first item knit from a chart. I'm swatching now to get the hang of reading the chart. It's more complicated than I thought. Simply keeping up with what stitch I'm on is tricky. But I'm going to hang in there b/c the sweater is beautiful.

Pics to come, I'm at work, not photography going on here today!

AND, I bought a new Namaste bag. The Executive tote. It's great to take my purse contents and knitting project everywhere I go. It's a bit on the big side, but "you gotta do whatcha gotta do", right?

One Monkey Down

2007-03-01T13:39:00.000-05:00

One more to go! I finished this up in the waiting room yesterday while my newest little niece was born.

Destashing

2007-02-26T13:49:00.000-05:00

I'm Destashing! Check out my deals and others here.

Progress

2007-02-22T10:05:00.000-05:00

I am almost finished with Monkey sock #1. For those who asked in my comments to the earlier post, I'm using the Monkey Sock pattern found on Knitty.com. The Koigu colorway is P105D. LOVE it. Yes, i took this picture in the car on my lunch break. Ignore the pale, plae skin. And no, I was not driving.

I also started the Blue Sky Alpacas cropped cardigan in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky. LOVE this yarn. I had to make an emergency call to Yarn Paradise in Asheville to get two more skeins after realizing I had purchased yarn for the XS size rather than the small. Luckilly they had what I needed. Pictures of the cardi once it's further along.

I saw a new Blue Sky Alpacas pattern on their Web site this week. It's the eyelet cardigan. Very nice. Hope Yarn Paradise gets the pattern soon. The LYS's around here don't carry the line.

I also bought Wendy's latest pattern "Flair" and the Blue Sky Alpacas cotton yarn to make it from KPixie. That should arrive soon. I have enough to keep me busy. I am so excited though, because the past six months of knitting have been consumed with gifts. Time for some selfish knits!

That's all for today. Happy knitting.

Baby Kimono

2007-02-13T13:26:00.000-05:00

This is my sister at her recent baby shower with the kimono I knit up for her. She just loves it. can't wait to see my new niece in it. (That's my mom's hand in the left corner. She just had to touch it.)

photos with new camera

2007-02-09T12:28:00.000-05:00

Today my darling husband bought me a new digital camera. No more 2 megapixel blah. I have a Kodak Z710 with 7 MP and a 10x optical zoom and lots of other cool stuff. I told him of all the places we could use the new camera. Vacation, parties, new births and he added "yeah, and you can take pictures of your knitting!". There's no hiding from him.
So, here are the debut photos from the new toy. First, my new STR in Lucy that I posted about yesterday. It is all I hoped it would be. Beautiful and SO soft.

Next we have the lovely monkey sock in Koigu. I love this yarn as well. And the colorway is divine. I really like the way the colors are working up in this pattern.

And last but not least ... Cody. He's so cute.

Oh My! STR is here!

2007-02-08T13:13:00.000-05:00

I did it. Last week. I succumbed to the Socks That Rock phenomenon.

And guess what? The lovely Lucy yarn will be waiting in my mailbox when I get home!!! How do I know? Well the folks at Blue Moon Fiber Arts actually let you know when your package has been received by your very own post office. I just logged in to my account on their Web site and the package arrived at 8:47 a.m. today. You can imagine how excited I am.

Now, for the perfect STR pattern. Jaywalkers? Anyone have a suggestion?

I'm off work tomorrow so I hope to get in some quality knitting time. I'm on the fifth repeat of monkey sock #1 using some beautiful Koigu. Photos coming this weekend.

Monkeys and Frogs

2007-02-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

I started the Monkey socks last night. They are coming along fine. I've just finished the cuff and the first two rows. Nothing exciting enough to photograph.

Sunday, however my knitting was overtaken by a huge frog. I started the IK jacket I mentioned in an earlier post, with only a half stitch difference in the gague. I thought I could deal with that since it's a jacket to be worn over a cute top.

Well, I get about a third of the back knit and it says the measurement from the CO edge should be about 5.5 inches. Mine was 7.5 inches. UGH. I clearly did not measure the gague vertically. FROG. Very bummed. The mission falls wool may not work for this jacket afterall.

taaa daa .. First socks complete

2007-02-03T17:42:00.000-05:00

Presenting, my very first pair of knitted socks!! I am SO excited. When I was finishing the toe, I got this knot of anticipation in my stomach. Already doing a guage swatch for the Monkey socks from Knitty with Koigu!

Sock CRAZY

2007-02-02T16:04:00.000-05:00

I'm officially an addict. I've almost completed my first pair and have already begun planning for pairs 2 and three. And should I tell you about all the sock yarn I've purchased in the last month?

4 skeins Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock (and ordered 4 more, they haven't arrived yet)
2 skeins hand-dyed from Miss Babs (she's a local)
1 skein from Socks That Rock in Lucy (LOVE this color, check it out at www.bluemoonfiberarts.com)

I also got the new IK sock book (25 Favorite Socks) I mean, I need patterns for this sock yarn obsession. And another pair of #2 circs.

I'm certainly ambitious. Socks are addictive.

SP9 Bounty

2007-01-31T11:21:00.000-05:00

My SP9 sent my last package a week or so ago. (Note: SP, I tried to e-mail you. Did you get the note?)

She included some yummy purple yarn that I plan to turn into some snuggly mittens, a Michaels gift card, hot chocolate and cute little note cards. Oh, and some little "J" sitcky notes. I LOVE sticky notes.

This round has been F-U-N. I so enjoyed spoiling my pal over at www.quirkycrochet.blogspot.com and receiving is always a treat!

New and ambitious projects

2007-01-29T11:50:00.000-05:00

I finished my first ever sock and have cast on for its mate! I'll post photos of the pair.

This weekend, however, i finally found a perfect pattern in the Winter Interweave Knits for some Mission Falls wool I've had since July. I'm going to knit this:

AND, I had a gift certificate to Yarn Paradise in Biltmore and I found the perfect cropped cardigan for Spring. I'll knit this in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Chunky. The color is going to be a pale blue. CAN'T WAIT to start these!

I also scored some Koigu in a beautiful colorway for socks, and ordered some more Lorna's Laces. I'm thinking that socks will become my year-round little project because they are so darn fun and portable. Now I need to get more KnitPicks circs so I can work on more than one at a time.

A Finished Object, a sock and new techniques

2007-01-21T18:32:00.000-05:00

I finished a baby kimono for my cousin who is having a baby in four weeks. I'll see her this weekend at my sister's baby shower. So, of course I've started one for my sis too. I've used Mission Falls 1824 Wool for both. It is really soft.

The sock is looking lovely. I had a nice lady from my church help me with the tricky step between the heel turn and the gusset decreases. This is Lorna's Laces Shep. Sock yarn. Love this stuff. I plan to buy more very soon, as in tomorrow when I visit Why Not Knit in Atlanta!! I'll be there for work, but the boss has designated Monday as a travel and shopping day.

Now what is this addiction to sock yarn? I have no idea! I'm knitting my very first sock and currently have enough sock yarn to make 6 more pairs of socks (at least). So why, oh why am I buying it like it's vanishing from the planet? I have no idea. I'm in love with sock yarn. I'M ADDICTED!

And I've learned to make a button hole and seam a garmet! YAY.

Evidence ...

2007-01-18T16:35:00.000-05:00

The Big Bad Baby Blanket in action.

Entrelac scarf

2007-01-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

So, this is a lesson in doing research. I went out to my LYS during lunch and bought the Scarf Stlye book ($22). Then later that afternoon found this on a blog:

JUST what I wanted to make. A great photo and a link to the FREE pattern. A quick call to the LYS and I'm returning the book today in exchange for the yarn to make the scarf.

I'm really bad to buy an entire book for ONE pattern. When, in fact, good patterns are often found online free or for a few bucks.

Note, I lifted the image from this blog: http://www.allisonknits.com/archives/2006/10/another_finishe.html

You can also get the Entrelac Scarf pattern here! Love the blog and all the FO's are GREAT!! Have a look.

Entrelac?

2007-01-10T13:16:00.000-05:00

OK, so I've been interested in this entrelac idea for quite sometime. And since I have officially finished the baby blanket, it's time to add another "big" project to the list.

It's "Lady Eleanor" from Scarf Style. Has anyone seen this thing? It's lovely entrelac stole knit with only one variegated yarn "color". I think I'll use Noro. I'm also thinking of reducing the size to make it more of a large scarf than a stole.

Now, I've never attempted entrelac, BUT I intend to figure it out and I think only using one yarn will simplify it for me.

And, although I vowed to never again knit a scarf, this book (Scarf Style) has some really beautiful patterns.

LOOK, LOOK, it's an FO!!!

2007-01-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

That's right ... the big bad baby blanket is FINALLY finished. Now off to block it to take to Leslie tomorrow!!

Oh, and progress on my sock ....

Oh Christmas Yarn

2006-12-29T08:54:00.000-05:00

I got four skeins of Lorna's Laces sock yarn, enough to make two pairs of socks. YAY. I'm knitting my first sock and have knit about 5 inches of the leg. YAY me.

I also got a gift certificate to Yarn Paradise in Biltmore. Haven't used it, but I WILL ;)

I'm coming to the end of the never ending baby blanket. I'll post pics when I get home. I've been in Asheville visiting my parents this week.

Hi SP9, hope you had a nice Christmas.

Can it be done?

2006-12-11T15:13:00.000-05:00

Can I finish the baby blanket before December 21? I have about five more rows and then the 22 row seed stitch border. I don't know what I've been doing lately, but it's not knitting.

I have so many things I want to knit for myself. The top two being some mittens and a pair of socks. Luckilly I'm off work from Dec 22 until Jan 2. Hopefully I'll have some knitting time!

OTN

2006-11-21T14:23:00.000-05:00

On the needles:

BABY BLANKET
Baby Kimono for my cousin (Kimono Due: Saturday at 2 p.m.)
Newsboy Cap (SNB Nation)

And, I just hit the sale at my LYS and got four skeins of Rowan Tapestry. I think this will make a lovely pair of mittens. I hope four skeins is enough. I'm thinking about trying the Flap-Top mittens from Handknit Holidays. Has anyone tried this pattern?

Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Knitting!

Good intentions

2006-11-16T09:23:00.000-05:00

I had every intention of taking some pics of my latest knitting projects last night. BUT, it didn't happen.

I started the newsboy cap from SNB Nation. I'm new to cables so this should be interesting. However, I did find some good instructions at www.dummies.com.

STILL slaving away at the baby blanket. How lame is it that it's not finished? I have about 4-5 inches by my latest calculations.

Hi SP9, how are you?

Look. I FINISHED something!

2006-11-02T16:27:00.000-05:00

I said I was going to knit this hat, and I did. Only took about three hours of knitting. YIPPEE! I needed to finish a project before I could face another baby blanket row! Only 3/4 of that blanket left ... I CAN DO IT.

Also, I'm dying to try Socks that rock yarn. Check out this FAB color way:
Roctober

True, I have yet to finish even one sock, but you must always be on the hunt for the perfect yarn, right?

Bounty from SP9

2006-11-02T13:52:00.000-05:00

Look what my SP 9 sent!!!! You guessed it .. special edition Secret Pal 9 sock yarn!

Finished objects to come! (Well, a finished object)

I WILL make this hat!

2006-10-26T13:52:00.000-04:00

Books. Books.

2006-10-24T09:16:00.000-04:00

Just after complaining of having too many projects and too little time, I went and ordered two books with some fabulous patterns in them. Holiday Handknits has a great flap-top glove pattern that I'm dying to knit and the stockings book is just too cute!

Here I go adding to my to-knit list. Ahhh, the obsession of a knitter!

Oh, and hi SP9. I got your cute little card! Thanks a lot!

I have patterns. I have yarn. I have ZERO spare time.

2006-10-18T10:49:00.000-04:00

OK, it's fall and I have absolutely NO warm snuggly hand-knits to wear around. I am TOO busy. I go to work, I go to Curves to exercise or go jogging, I take the dog to the park, I eat dinner, I shower and I go to bed.

I need to knit. I MUST KNIT. It calms me. It's fun and let's face it, if I don't knit I will forget how!

My knitting goals:

FINISH never-ending baby blanket
Knit French Market bag
Start sweater
Complete an entire PAIR of socks
Knit super-cute ear flap hat from Colinette

Now, to find the time to do it all.

Secret Pal 9

2006-10-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

YAY, it's time for Secret Pal 9. How exciting. Here's my questionnaire ... Can't wait to find out who I'll be spoiling!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love wool/Merino, solids and variegated. I also like silk blends. Cottons are good for things like kitchen cloths and towels. Not a fan of acrylics or novelty yarns.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have my straights in fabric-type needle holders and my circs are in the KnitPicks Options notebook.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for three years. I taught myself a lot and received help from ladies at a church-knitting group and my mom. I would say I’m an intermediate knitter.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

No.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)

I like lavender in general. But few other “flower” scents. I really like citrus scents and the nice light fragrances found at Bath & Body. I also like the “fall” and “holiday” scents found at places like Yankee Candle Co.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I try to stay away from sweets, but do have a crush on Hershey’s chocolate and the seasonal Reese’s candies (pumpkins, Christmas trees, hearts etc.), they are so fresh-tasting!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I really don’t have much time for any other crafty hobbies. I don’t spin.
I did recently learn to crochet. Basics here. I find it’s faster but I haven’t really completed any crochet projects. I’m more into the knits.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I love Contemporary Christian. I also like Billie Holiday, she’s fab! I don’t have an MP3 player and I doubt my stereo will play MP3s. Bummer.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like browns, reds, greens and darker teal shades. Can’t stand yellow or pastels of any shade.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I’m recently married (May 2005) and have no children. We have a Brittany Spaniel named Cody that serves as a child for now.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Yes to scarves, hats and mittens. I live in the mountains of NC where it gets REALLY cold during winter months. No ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I like to knit most anything EXCEPT blankets. They NEVER end! ;)

13. What are you knitting right now?

Baby blanket (never-ending), socks, and I plan to start a Kim Hargreaves sweater as soon as the blanket is finished.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Of course, who doesn’t?

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Circular, aluminum. I recently purchased the KnitPicks Options set and love them for every project. I also have a ton of bamboo straights but rarely use them since discovering Addi Turbos and the KnitPicks Options.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both, but I haven’t tried them out yet.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

Oh geez … a year, maybe.

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Love Christmas. Love the decorations, the food, the fun and mostly the significance of the holiday. I also LOVE Thanksgiving. The food …

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn. Knitting Books.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I’ve been dying to try Socks That Rock sock yarn. I’d also like to get the Vintage Knitting book with patterns by Kim Hargreaves and some others.
I do not subscribe to a knitting magazine. I normally peruse them at the LYS and buy if there’s a great pattern.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

I recently learned socks on two circs, but wonder about the magic loop. I’d like to knit both socks at the same time, which I suppose I could do with the two circs? Can you tell I’m new to sock knitting techniques?

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Barely. I just started last spring and other projects came up, as they tend to do and I have yet to completely finish a PAIR ;)

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

July 7.

I'm a failure ...

2006-08-16T14:39:00.000-04:00

Yes, that's right. A yarn-diet drop-out. I decided to put myself on a yarn diet. Now, some of you are thinking "That was your first mistake." And yes, maybe I did set myself up for failure.

How did this happen, you might ask. I went to my LYS a few weeks ago in search of the last gift to send to my SP8 .... and I found this ... NEW sock yarn. Hand-dyed by a local. I WAS WEAK. And the LYS lady was no help in my weakness, depending on how you look at it.

I love the colors. It's making me want to put a hold on the current sock project to use it, even though I have NEVER completed a whole sock ... nope not even one. I admit ... I have issues and I need a support group ;)

In other news ... I received this surprise in the mail a few weeks ago from my SP! Isn't it great? Perfect for my new sock yarn. Thanks SP! You're so sweet.

The summer of cotton

2006-08-07T09:05:00.000-04:00

It's SO hot. Too hot to touch wool. So, here I am with more Warshrags on the needles. This set is going to my grandmother as part of her birthday gift. She will be 80 this Saturday. She gets so excited at the thought of her granddaughter knitting, so I thought I'd share some of it with her. Plus her eyes aren't as good as they once were and she's given up all knitting and crochet. ;(

This weekend, I went a little nuts in the Suagr N' Cream isle at A.C. Moore. Looks like a lot of people will be receiving warshrags as gifts!

Oh, and THANKS to everyone who commented on my post last week! PEOPLE DO READ MY BLOG!

And now a word from the resident blogging helper ... who says "Yarn is good for chasing, chewing and barking at." Isn't he the cutest dog? I adore him (in case you hadn't noticed)We were on our way to the dog park this evening when it began raining, so here he is, keeping watch on the blogging.

Hi SP8! Hope you are doing well.

More, more - we want more ... warshrags!

2006-07-27T20:07:00.000-04:00

I could get addicted to these things. One down, tons more to go! I'm thinking little Christmas gifts with a nice bar of soap ... hmmm.

THIS was given to me by my dear mother-in-law for my birthday. I've been drooling over it each time she and I go to her LYS. Time to fill it UP! Plus it looks really cute in our living room.

BTW, does anyone out there (besides you SP8;)) read this blog? I don't know how to get a counter working and I sometimes wonder if I'm talking to myself here.

The Warshrag phenomenon

2006-07-24T14:08:00.002-04:00

I've been following the Warshrag madness over on the Mason-Dixon KAL. I purchased the book a few months ago and four balls of Sugar n Cream to join the craze. Here's my first attempt. I love the pattern. These are great for those of us who need an instant-gratification type project now and then!

Sock Progress

2006-07-20T14:43:00.000-04:00

While I was on vacation, I made a little progress on my sock on two circs.

You can knit the darndest things!

2006-07-20T09:25:00.000-04:00

Last night, at my church knitting group, a lady was knitting a Seatbelt Snuggly. That's right, for all those who are less than tall and can't get their seatbelts to stop rubbing their neck raw ... KNIT a SNUGGLY. Now, she got this pattern online, FREE. So I googled it with no luck. She was also making one for a child's car seat. Isn't that resourceful. She said kids can also use it for a little pillow while napping in the car.

While I won't be needing one, I thought someone in blog land could benefit from the pattern ;) Here's the link:
http://www.magknits.com/chilly04/patterns/snuggles.htm

KnitPicks Options Needles

2006-07-18T09:42:00.000-04:00

They arrived in only 6 days!

I cast on for a gauge swatch last night using the new interchangeable set. Love them so far. Although, I don't really understand how the lock tool works. I could use a bit more direction.

The tips are much more pointed than Addis, which I like. But, my fingers will need to get accustomed to the pointy tips as I use both index fingers to brace the needle while I move the yarn up.

The cords are very flexible and had no memory of being packaged. The join is very smooth.

I also like the small notebook for organizing the needle tips and cords. The zip pockets are perfect. I ordered the needle gauge. It is magnified for easy stitch counting ... love that. And, I got the needle size ID tags which I'm using in the pockets to identify the tips.

GREAT, GREAT, GREAT. AS GOOD AS ADDI TURBO at a FABULOUS PRICE for all the needle sizes you get and all the extras.. KnitPicks, you have my vote on the needles!

Treats from my SP!

2006-07-12T07:34:00.000-04:00

Look! I received these lovely wrapped goodies. I couldn't wait to open them!

When I did, they revealed this .... A book from my "Must Have List" (which is now complete), a knitters journal, Interweave Knits Summer 2006, cotton yarn and a dishcloth pattern, a KNITTED washcloth, orbit gum AND a lavendar sachet pack. THANKS SO MUCH SP! You're spoiling me!!

Toys?

2006-07-11T14:23:00.000-04:00

As if I need a new knitting obsession. The thing is, my sister is having a baby in Feb. Along with clothing, I would like to make the little tyke a toy.

The problem with this book is that it's not available locally. I HATE to buy a book online before seeing it myself.

Has anyone out there used this book? Good? Bad? Ugly?

Must we leave?

2006-07-07T16:32:00.000-04:00

I hate the end of vacation. I hate leaving the beach. We've been at Topsail Island for the past week. Big fun. Small town, great food, and I have more sun on my sknin than I would want to show the dermatologist. The pic are DH and I after dinner last night and a lovely sunset we caught on the way back.

I visited three yarn shops, thanks to the help of the knit list gals. Not much stash enhancement, just two balls of trekking. Maybe I can talk DH into stopping off in Winston on our way home to check out the yarn there ;)

SP8, thanks for the e-card. Loved it!

v-a-c-a-t-i-o-n

2006-07-05T07:53:00.000-04:00

That's right, I'm posting from the beach. Not a lot of knitting going on here, it's entirely too hot. I have worked on my socks a bit more, but that's it.

Yesterday brought clouds so we headed off th Phootsy's Yarn shop (thanks to the KnitList crew). It was an alright place. I purchased some Trekking sock yarn. Haven't used it before. I got this nice tweed color and a self striping in pink/brown/cream.

So, back to vacation. Topsail Island is wonderful. Small place, good food and beautiful beaches. The forecast looks like rain tomorrow, so we may venture to Wilmington in search of another yarn shop, I've heard they have a few good ones.???

My birthday is Friday, meaning I will accumulate some cash that will definitely go toward stash or knitting tool enhancement. I am seriously considering the Options needle set from KnitPicks. I do not own an interchangable needle set. Mainly b/c the Denise never appealed to me with the plastic and I'm not a fan of the feel of the Boye needles in general. I have been reading online reviews of the KnitPicks set and it seems they are similar to addis, so alas, I may just need to purchase them.

I am also considering the Green Gable pattern for my next big project. Seems easy enough. Plus I already have two skeins of the suggested yarn and know that I can hop over to my LYS and get a third from the same dye lot. It uses Lambs Pride Cotton Fleece.

IF ANYONE IN BLOG-LAND has adivce on either the KnitPicks needles OR a good yarn shop in Wilmington, NC,PLEASE post a comment!!

Look SP8, It's socks on 2 circs

2006-06-28T20:12:00.000-04:00

Finally! My needles made it all the way from Japan. Now, my KnitPicks sock yarn has something fun to do.

This is SO much faster and easier than using 4 dpns. Why did I wait SO long to try it? Thanks SP8 for the book. I'm on my way to my first pair of completed socks. Well, I'm at the cuff of sock one ;)

So much knitting, so little time, so many more things I want to try

2006-06-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

I am hard at it on the Big Bad Baby Blanket. I picked up a stitch, realized it three rows later and my LYS owner suggested I drop it, well it works but the three rows are sagging! EEEEK. I hate ripping things like this for fear I will not be able to recover all the stitches.

I've finally finished the front of the Rowan Summer Tweed sweater now I'm on the back.

Socks are on hold until I receive my 2 circs from eBay. I also ordered two more circs from the new KnitPicks line. I think I'll ask for their new set for my birthday.

I've put all crochet on the back burner for now. Must finish the summer sweater before summer is gone, and must finish the blanket soon.

I am dying to try some NEW yarns (Socks that Rock, Regia, Mission Falls cotton, anything Rowan and whatever else produces beautiful knitted things) and work on a second sweater tank. WHEN DO I HAVE TIME? Not sure. Vacation next week should lend itself to some knitting, at the very least during the 5.5 hour drive to and from the beach.

Hey secret pal! How are you??

Happy Knitting!

Addi's are on the way ... I think

2006-06-15T15:21:00.000-04:00

Those socks on circs just got easier! I have the book (thanks to SP), I have a ton of sock yarn and I just found a sweet deal online, $6.50 ea., for Addi Turbos. The price for two, plus shipping, was the same I would have paid at my LYS for one pair.

Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY LYS, and the owner. But a girl needs a deal once in a while and $13 for two circs is a deal if you ask me.

I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival.

In other knitting news, I am finished (FINALLY) with the front of my Rowan Cotton Tweed sweater. Now for the back. It involves a tricky V that I WILL need assistance on. LYS lady (Laura) has already volunteered to come to the rescue on that. Pretty pic of front to come ....

SP8 ... You are so COOL!

2006-06-12T20:27:00.000-04:00

It's here, it's here!! I got my very first treat from my SP8. It's fabulous. THANK U!
I got two balls of sock yarn, "Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles" AND, yes there's more ... Knit.1 magazine, very cool. Thanks SP8, you're the best.

Goodbye finicky dpns, hello circs and happier feet!
Off to read all about this new technique and dream about all the socks I can make, once I figure it out!

doggie doo

2006-06-09T17:54:00.000-04:00

Ain't he cute??

Ribbit

2006-06-08T09:31:00.000-04:00

Remember the socks I posted about long ago? Well being my first pair, I turned chicken on the gussett and laid them aside for a while.

Picked them back up and did well with the gussett, but destroyed the pattern b/c I had forgotten where I stopped in the pattern repeat. Tried to fix it but failed. So I RIPPED the whole sock. BLAH. I'm thinking of trying socks on two circs. Could it be easier? A lady at my knitting group says she would be happy to show me.

Also got my SP8 spoilee yesterday and my spoiler ... so excited. I just can't decide which cool things to send to my spoilee?!

How do you like the chicken graphic? It's hilarious! Wish I could figure out how to get it (and buttons) into my side bar. My husband said this chicken in the movie reminded him of me b/c I take my knitting EVERYWHERE!

Secret Pal 8

2006-06-06T11:59:00.000-04:00

The following is more than most want to know, but could be crucial for my new Secret Pal! So excited.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love wool, for obvious reasons. Also love anything Rowan. In the cheaper yarn selection, I like Lion WoolEase, LionCotton and MicroSpun HATE Lion Brand Homespun. IT splits and fuzzes. Don’t like novelty yarn either.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have several things. Two knitting needle cases, one crochet hook case, the sleeves they came in and a small box for the rest of my crochet hook collection.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for about three years. I would say I am an intermediate knitter and beginner on crochet.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
no

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

Orange and herb-type fragrances.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Not really. I do love Orbit gum!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

Knitting and crochet are all I have time for on the crafty side. I do not spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Contemporary Christian, Jazz, Big Band. No MP3’s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color
family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like reds, pinks, blues, greens and browns. DISLIKE YELLOWS and most oranges.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am married (recently celebrated one year anniversary). One dog, Brittany Spaniel. Zero children.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Definitely wear scarves and hats, as I live in an area that is REALLY cold in winter months. No ponchos. I have a million scarves.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I enjoy most things. No real favorite as of now. Everything has it’s merits. I have not ventured into lace, don’t think I will.

13. What are you knitting right now?

A baby blanket for a friend, socks, and a summer tank. I am also working on some crocheted squares to sew into a throw.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Sure.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Addi Turbo, all the way. Circs normally, b/c they are multi-purpose.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No, I covet both.

17. How did you learn to knit?

Mostly self-taught the basics with help along the way from my mom and several ladies at my church knitting group.
Stitch N’ Bitch has also helped me refine some techniques.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?

Oh, two years.

19. What is your favorite holiday?

Well, Christmas of course. But more for the significance and the cheerful memories made than the gifts.

20. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn, knitting books and such.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I would love to try Socks That Rock sock yarn and Euroflax linen (this idea came from Mason Dixon Knitting). Actually, I would love to try any nice yarn!

I just bought two books I was dying for, One Skein and Mason-Dixon, but I would like to get “Socks Soar on two Crics” just to try the technique. This would also mean investing in two pair of Addi Turbo circs in #3 (It’s my fav sock needle size).

I don't currently subscribe to any magazine that's knitting related, but Interweave Knits/Crochet look great.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Socks on 2 circs.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. My memory fails on my measurements.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

July 7! Soon!

A quickie

2006-06-01T16:04:00.000-04:00

I finished the bath mat from One Skein in a record 3 days. Mostly working on it in the evenings before bed. Whew. Mom loves it. However, it turned out a bit more square than rectangular. My fault of course b/c I didn't buy quite enough yarn to go the extra two inches. But, all the same, she loves it. I think I need one for our bathroom!

Slow progress on the Big Bad Baby Blanket. And all other projects are halted until it's finished.

I really must take the time to work with my digital camera and, are you sitting down, our dial-up internet service in order to post more pictures of my stuff. Let's face it .... we read blogs more for the photos of the cool projects than the content. In fact, I'm impressed if you are reading this b/c that means you made it this far without a single visual! I can't believe it!

Summer's here

2006-05-25T13:07:00.000-04:00

It's finally above 70 degrees in Boone! YAY.

I'm currently crocheting my mom a gift from One Skein. Must hurry as her birthday is June 1. I decided to try the bath mat. I'm nearly half finished and only started last night. It works up easily. Hope to have a picture this weekend.

I'm also knitting a Big Bad Baby Blanket from Stitch N Bitch. This is my second. Although the baby will be born in July, I love to give blankets. I'm using this lovely green/blue colorway from Artyarns. Yummilicious!I think the mom will love it. I can't bear to knit baby things in pastel. ;)

That's about it for now.

A little Bedfellow

2006-05-09T15:12:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I visited my sister who has a 3 year old. I was showing my knitting/crochet projects when my niece found my Stitch N' Bitch crochet book. She leafed through and pointed to the bedfellows and said "I want one of these Jilly." Who could resist? So, I will attempt to make the bear in a bright pink with light pink accents and cream colored shorts! We'll see how this turns out. I am new to crochet!

Books books books

2006-05-04T16:42:00.000-04:00

I want SO many books! If only I had a zillion dollars in my knitting budget - yes I have a knitting budget - I would just buy the books and the yarn to make all the projects inside!

I'm working on Ginger, the lovely Summer Tweed sweater. I am a bit nervous about the V in the back. Luckilly, Laura at my LYS is FABULOUS and has offered to give me a tiny session on this.

I am also into a granny square blanket from SNB crochet. I've substituted the Woolease for Microspun in FUN, bright colors.

The sock is a hopeless case, until I have someone show me the tricky gusset .... it's at the bottom of the knitting basket :(

catch-up

2006-04-27T11:25:00.000-04:00

Well, much to my suprise, crochet was fairly easy to learn. Thanks mostly to the "Happy Hooker". I am well on my way with my first crochet project that will be donated to the threads of faith group at my church.

"Ginger" is about half finished (front). And, my sock is at the bottom of the bag with a nice little heel turn. Honestly, the GUSSET scares me. I think I will take it to my LYS for guidance there!

Photos to come later. Thanks for all the comments on the blog. It's exciting!

To crochet or not to crochet?

2006-04-18T14:04:00.000-04:00

OK .... is it total heresy to put my knitting aside for a few days to learn crochet??

My 80-year-old grandmother recently gave me a million crochet hooks (some which are believed to have belonged to my Great Grandmother) and 32 "Granny Squares" to do something with (what? I'm not sure yet) But, she said I could only have them if I promised to learn. And we all know you CAN NOT lie to your grandmother. And, who could pass up anything that dals with yarn??? Not I!

So what am I doing? Trying to figure out how to crochet. With the help of my latest purchase .... Ms. Stoller and I should be on our way.

I must say, this book looks great. From what I have already learned about crochet, most of the instructions make sense. So far, it seems pretty easy.

I MUST be more careful

2006-04-07T13:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I made it to row 22 on "Ginger" – the lovely Rowan Summer Tweed tank – only to realize I had mis-counted the rows for decreasing. So today during my lunch break I headed over to my LYS and together we realized that I also misunderstood the directions on decreasing. AHHHH the woes of trying new things. Needless to say, we ripped ... frogged and ripped a bit more and my progress was reduced to row 8, which is where the mess began.

Hopefully I will finish before warmer weather arrives .... Luckily the highs will be in the 70's here until late May.

I am also planning my next project – a tank from Stitch N' Bitch. So LYS lady and I calculated the necessary yarn for that so I can save my "fun money" ha!!

No progress on the sock ... too much excitement about the tank. But - who has only one project on the needles? NO ONE.

Happy Friday, and Happy Knitting!

Two words ....

2006-04-06T12:18:00.000-04:00

Addi Turbo .... welcome to the world of Addis. I LOVE these things. I purchased my first pair yesterday (until now I have been a staunch bamboo user) to use on the Rowan Summer Tweed sweater (see below) "Ginger". I figured since the yarn was cotton it may work best on some sort of metal. My LYS lady recommended Addis. Smart move. Why hasn't anyone told me? I cast on to a bamboo needle b/c the first few rows had to be on 7s. Wow, that was a pain ... cotton on bamboo, ICK. So I moved up to 8s with the shiny new addis and am very pleased.

Also making progress on my first ever sock and finished the Big Bad Baby Blanket for a friend. Pics to come ...

Happy knits!

First Ever Sock

2006-03-31T13:47:00.000-05:00

As you might have guessed, this is my Sock-In-Progress, first attempt at socks. Going well so far, but I'm not to the tricky part yet ... the heel.

I'm using Dancing Yarn from Knit Picks in "Jig". The pattern is from Sensational Knitted Socks.

Cutie Patootie Booties

2006-03-31T13:44:00.000-05:00

These are the booties I just finished for a friend. The pattern is from Stitch N' Bitch Nation and was SUPER easy. Knit in Lambs Pride Bulky.

Three words

2006-03-31T13:10:00.000-05:00

ROWAN SUMMER TWEED. My latest yarn splurge! I have never attempted a sweater ... my LYS had the most beautiful cotton tweed yarn that I was DYING to create something with. So, I am taking the plunge. Not only did I buy the yarn (it was a bit expensive) but I am going to attempt to make "Ginger". SO exciting.

YAY!

2006-03-31T11:30:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad to have a blog. I love reading others' knitting blogs so I decided to create my own. Pictures and details on latest projects to come!