Squiddy!

Everyone, meet Squiddy:



He’s very pleased to meet you.

Actually, Squiddy was supposed to be an octopus but Mr.V informed me that a pointy head is squid thing. Oh, well. He’s still cute.

Pattern: Mr. Octopi posted on Craftster.org (no link for you, it’s seems Craftster is kind of slow at the moment so search for “octopus” in the knitting boards and you’ll find it)
Yarn: Some scrap LB Wool-Ease and part of the Clapotis I never wear.
Needles: Denise Size 6
Mods: The pattern suggests making two increases per increase round. I did that and I would suggest doing that too, otherwise you might end up with a REALLY narrow head. But I guess it all depends on what yarn and needles you use.
Woulda-Shoulda: I kind of fudged the base (which you seam on separately), but you can’t really see that unless you actually look, so it’s alright. What exactly does a grown 20-something do with a knitted stuffy? She’s sits it on a bookshelf at work, of course. He can be my pick-me-up when work gets dull and slow- a reminder of the fun activity that awaits me after hours.

And yes, I did sacrifice a Clapotis to make a leg and the base for Squiddy. I’ve probably committed some knitting mortal sin considering how popular the Clapotis is. But before you cast the stones hear me out: I don’t wear it. Not because it’s a bad design. It was because I chose the wrong yarn. It was my first big knitting project and I didn’t know any better. I plan on making another one (possibly mini-sized) with some variegated yarn like the pattern suggests (possibly even dyeing my own since Knitpicks has expanded their Dye-Your-Own yarns to different weights, plus superwash).

Thanks for all the feedback on the Trial and Error Tank (aka, the TET)! I’m a little less critical of it after reading your gracious comments. I do think I’ll frog the ribbing part and re-knit it with some more shaping and less ease. But I will be keeping the ribbing thanks to your input (and I’ve finally gotten over my “it makes me look fat” mind-set, sorry for that). I also think I’ll be adding some crab stitch crochet edging to the straps and top edges to battle the “rollies”- thanks to Cheryl for that suggestion (you rock!). So it seems the saga of the TET continues.

I’m back to inventing the wheel with my new project. An umbrella cozy? Just wait and see.

Trial and Error Tank

Ok, so that self-designed tank top is finally finished. It's not bad. But I think there a few things I might change.

1. The straps roll (due to the St st) and my first attempt at blocking didn't help. Bugger! >.< So I'm afraid I might have to add some kind of edging either knitted or crocheted to tame the rollies. But first, I'll attempt a wet block and see if that helps.

2. It could probably use a little less ease in the body and better shaping. This was a trial and error design, so I was trying it on throughout various parts in order to get the fit right. I think some better pre-planning would have helped. But, alas, I am impatient.

3. I can't decide if it's the ribbing or the ease that gives this top its "fattening factor". I definately don't want to be designing garments that make people look fat, including me. The shot above doesn't look too bad (if you look closely you can see what humdity does to my hair, yippee!). But the straight on poses were definately adding on some poundage.

So what I think I will do is go back to the drawing board and plan some adjustments. I think this will get frogged for a take 3. But I'll be taking a break and doing some other things first.

So tell me, honestly, what do you think? I'd love some constructive feedback.

YARN! and ML Blanket Update

It's Baby Zoe! And she's sitting on the Mountain Laurel Blanket I knit for her. That's why she's smiling ;) I received this pic in the mail along with a Thank You card from my brother and SIL. I couldn't resist posting it. She's too damn cute!

Anyways. This is just a quick update. I've finished my tank top and will post pictures this weekend, so check back. It turned out pretty good for my first self-designed-knitted-garment-thingy.

And the knitting fairy left me a knitalicious combo on my doorstep yesterday:

Fiber Fix!

My yarn order from ebay came! 10 skeins of Handicrafter Cotton for $5 and 3 skeins of Bernat So Soft for $3. I already have a project in mind for cotton, which is why I bought it in the first place. But when I saw the other yarn for so cheap, I ordered that too. I mean why not? It's cheaper than Wal-mart (I realize this isn't the most fantastic yarn in the world, but :P). AND the Fall IK was in my mailbox waiting for me too. I've been oogling and reading since last evening. I like the Equinox sweater on the cover and Gatsby Girl. Don't miss Eunny Jang's article on lace shaping. I have that saved for tonight (a perfect way to spend a Friday evening).

Tonight: CO for Mr. Octopi
TGIF!

SmockTop Sundress Finished!

My first successful attempt at sewing without a pattern. I'm quite proud of myself. I LOVE this fabric. It's light and silky and just perfect for summer.



And me modeling, not the best picture, but whatever:



If I were to do it again I would make the "bodice" piece a bit wider. The top section lies right at my natural waist, which is something I'm not really comfortable with. I like stuff to sit below my waist. That's just me.

Overall, I'm happy with the results. But I definately got the sewing bug off of me. I probably won't be sewing anything again for a long, long time.

I'll make up a tutorial if anyone's interested. :)

Shhh...

Don't tell Mr. V, I just bought MORE yarn. Well, not that I really need to keep it a secret. I'm not afraid to tell him or anything (not that it'll be secret for much longer), but even he's been noticing the large amounts of yarn laying idle in my craft area. My stash has quickly outgrown it's plastic container and is now overflowing into shopping bags (note to self: purchase more plastic containers). Now, my stash isn't exactly large by most knitter's standards. I'm normally pretty good about buying yarn when I actually have a project planned. Normally.

But I've found that stashing just CANNOT be avoided under the following circumstances:

1. Loving family members give you random balls of yarn as gifts. They don't realize that buying one ball of yarn in one color limits the project possibilities greatly, but they're heart is in the right place and you appreciate the thought. Plus, you have something to fondle while trying to figure out what exactly to knit with it.

2. Evil on-line yarn stores (*cough-knitpicks-cough*) offer free shipping after spending X amount of money. Even though you realize that spending more to get free shipping doesn't really save you money (unless you're buying really expensive yarn *cough-noro*) you still frantically search the site for yarn that you will "probably, certainly, most definately" use in the future.

3. Yarn sellers discount yarn to such a ridiculously low price that you feel you MUST buy it because it will never again be in your grasp. Again, it forces you to buy yarn for some glorious mystery project ("I'll find something to knit it with, really!"). I almost fell victim to this earlier today (damn you Herrschner's !!)

Wait! Actually I did eventually fall victim to this. But in the end, it only cost me $3. I found an awesome Ebay store where I got a 10pack of Bernat Cotton for $5 (which I'm planning to knit Licorice Whip with) and a 3 Pack of Bernat So-Soft for $3 (this is stash enhancing purschase, I'll use it really!). I actually made sure to read the auction a couple times to make sure I was reading it right. They say they sell discontinued items and overstock and that they're an actual yarnstore located in Nebraska. And for once, the shipping costs didn't make me want to commit manslaughter. Here's the link to the store: check them out. NOW!

Sundress and Tank top are coming along. Sundress will finished first though. Perhaps tonight. I was hoping for earlier, but well, me and sewing don't get a long very well. I had a little mishap that required some back-tracking. >.< God, I love knitting!

Designing Woes

I've been designing two garments at the moment. One, is a knitted tank top. The other is a sewn sundress. I've hit pitfalls on both so far. It's kind of discouraging, but I must persevere (my inner-masochist won't let me quit). First, let's look at the tank top:

This take one. I worked it on Size 5's in the rnd. I chose ribbing for the bottom part thinking that it would help alleviate the need to decrease for waistshaping and help make it more form fitting. I tried it on at the point you see you here. It doesn't look bad. But it doesn't look good. The bottom edge fits alright, but the ribbing wasn't doing a good job with waistshaping. So I frogged back into the ribbing and started knitting on Size 3's thinking that the change in needle size would shape the waist, again, w/o having to dec sts. Wrong. I'm decreasing stitches now on Size 5's. We'll see how that works. I'm getting bored with this. I think it's time to move onto to something I have a little more confidence in finishing before the season is over.

Enter, the sundress.

This is take two on the pattern pieces. The first try I didn't give myself any ease, and I realized rather quickly that a skintight garment wasn't what I was going for. Luckily, I only cut out one piece. I had enough fabric to make up for the mistake, but just enough. I can't afford anymore. But I'm confident now. I have the pieces cut out and I drafted some directions so I don't f-up the sewing step. One of the major reasons why I love knitting more than sewing is that knitting is very forgiving when it comes to errors. Made a mistake? No problem, just unravel and try again. No harm done. But with sewing, you have limited fabric, you cut or sew wrong, you're pretty much screwed. Maybe I'm just not creative enough. Who knows.

ETA for the Sundress- sometime midweek. (i hope).

Must. Resist. Temptation...

Some links of interest:

Has anyone been to Herrschner’s website? They have awesome yarn sales every week. Some of these yarns are ridiculously priced. For example: Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora for $2.97 (reg. $7.50). The shipping rates are typical ($4-up). If they had a free shipping deal after a certain amount (like Knitpicks) I would be in heaven. But you can sign up for email notices of their yarn sales, which change every week. I have noticed that some of the items sell out, so a heads up via email may be a good way to go if you like bargains.

Ferragamo, or rather “Fake-a-gamo”, bag. It’s a neat pattern inspired by a Saks “carry-all”. I think they were asking $1650 for it in the catalogue, but thanks to some Craftster-gals there is a knock-off pattern available and it’s free, free, free! *adds to knitlist*

Megan’s Counterpane/Coverlet Square. Been thinking about making a fancy blanket just for us (Mr.V suggested such after seeing the Mt.Laurel Blanket). This is a possibility. I like the idea of knitting smaller pieces and then sewing them together later. This would be a nice “off-and-on” project. You know, something to turn to when everything else is super boring.

I really need to stop tempting myself with all these projects. I already have enough on my plate at the moment with designing and knitting my own tank top and also designing and sewing my own sundress. BTW- I have finally decided on a sundress design so now I can start making the pattern. That’s what’s up for this weekend. I’m not sure what else I’ll be doing. It’s gonna be freaking hot this weekend: a good excuse to stay inside (with the a/c) and knit. I'll be sure to post some progress pics this weekend, too. Stay cool.

Utica Boilermaker 15K 2006- A knitgirl goes the distance

Gete Wami of Ethiopa wins the Women's Title with a time of 49:31
(thus, reaching god-like status-click on the pic for more highlights)

The 15K was a great success! I had a great run and a great time considering that was my first long distance race (I've only done 5k's since now). I completed it in just under 1h45m. That average's out to a nice comfortable pace. But what was nice was that I enjoyed myself. Yes, I actually enjoyed running a 15k (9.3 miles) on a warm summer's morning. Although I was tired towards the end, I wasn't miserable. That had a lot to do with the spectators cheering you on the whole way, the music, and my running partner. I was weary about this race. The training runs were hard and hot. But then I remembered why I run in the first place: because I like it and kept that in mind up until race day and when I crossed the finish line.

If you run, I would definately consider this race for next year.

Poor Choice of Knits

Well, Eliza looked good on the mannequin in the pattern picture. On me? Not so much. But looking at its partially completed form you can probably see why it's just now been frogged.

1. It's too short
2. It's not form fitting and, thus, makes me look fat.
3. The shape of the neckline is also not flattering.
   

I got about half-way through the straps, decided to try it on, and then decided to frog. Remember when I said I'vebeen wanting to create my own patterns (and maybe one day actually sell them?) Well, I started. I've CO'd for my first self-designed top. A tank top. Simple, and I think a good place to start.

Tomorrow is the big day for me. Tomorrow I will run the longest distance I have EVER run... EVER! I'm actually kind of excited and pretty confident. I've been watching my diet this last week and a half (with the help of Mr. V). I've also had some pretty good training runs. I was able to get up to about 8 miles during training, which should be good enough. The race starts at 8AM so the sun won't be as bright. Bring it on, baby.

Wish me luck!

Mid-Week Ramblings

In case you can't tell, work is kind of slow right now. That's one of the reasons why I've been posting a lot lately. I'm working on the straps for Eliza and I'd say I could probably be finished with it this weekend. I'm on the fence about how I like this tank. But I am a little more optimistic now the straps are forming.

I finished sewing the skirt from the red fabric in the previous post. It's a very simple design, but that's ok because the fabric stands out on its own just fine. And I think I've found a dress pattern for the other green flowered fabric. I'm glad I'm putting my sewing machine to use. It was getting kind of dusty sitting in the corner amongst all my knitting stuff. Poor thing. It'll be getting some more attention soon enough.

Has anyone seen the new Summer Knitty? This is probably the best one yet in terms of the sheer number of things I'll actually knit (or rather, see myself knitting). I'm not upset over the lack of "summery" items. It's already kind of late in the season to be knitting a large "summer" projects. Small projects are good for the soul anyway. I would say most knitters knit less in the summer anyway (at least I do), thus, big projects just won't do. Here are some of my favorites:

• rpm
• Manresa
• Tulip Toes
• Baudelaire

There's more, but I'm too lazy to list and link all of them. Hopefully, you're not too lazy to click. :)

I also read this article about designing and publishing knitwear. This is something that I'd like to do. Though, I find the idea of designing a sweater quite daunting, probably because I haven't really knit any. So I guess I'll have to start out small. I have a couple of ideas swimming around in my naugen. I have a sketch book where I right down pattern adjustments and notes. So what's stopping me?

Eliza Progress and such

So here is Eliza in it's partially complete glory. Nothing fancy, and the yarn kind of masks the seed-stitch ribbing a bit. But better lighting will solve that problem.

As you can see it's a simple tank. A little to simple, if I do say so myself. It's not the most interesting thing to knit. But that might have something to do with the size5 and 4 needles I'm using. I'm knitting this out of recycled yarn (wool/silk/cotton blend), btw.

Guess what? I'm actually going to sew something. I purchased some silky fabric at Joann's the other day. They're having an awesome sale on their summer fabrics and the clearance fabrics are an extra 60% off. So stock up, bitch!


The green flower fabric is incredibly silky. This will be a summer dress. I'm thinking of maybe following on on-line tutorial or even designing my own. I think I can do without an actual pattern. Craftster has silenced my inner voice that says I need a pattern for everything. The red embroidered fabric is also silky, but has a slight tafetta-like texture. This is already cut and pinned and ready to be sewn into a simple summer skirt. There was only a little more than a yard left on the roll so I'm limited as to what I can do with it. But it was only $1.69/yd so I'm happy :)

I don't have anything planned for the holiday. I'm not a big July 4th person. Plus, it being a tuesday really dampens a lot of potential holiday excitement (yes, I had to work yesterday). But not that really do anything anyway. But if you aren't a homehugging nerd like myself and have plans, be sure to have fun and be safe :)

1000 Islands Camping

Some pics from the 1,000 Islands weekend:

The beach at Wellesley Island State Park (no goose poop in sight, but plenty of algae. chilly water- ah, refreshing!)

I came, I saw, I conquered (also at Wellesley Island)

The sun retreats over the Isles

be one with your surroundings...

Boldt Castle

A great weekend getaway! I highly recommend.

Don't you have a vacation to plan?

More Stalling

Some more links of interest:

• Knitted Wire Bracelet Tutorial- found on craftster. Super sweet! Although I’m not a big jewelry wearer, I’m a big jewelry admirer and maybe soon, a jewelry crafter.
• Lace Leaf T-Shirt- free tutorial also found on craftster, but linked to the creator's website. Very tempting. Very cute.
• July MagKnits- although I haven't been into any of their patterns lately. But it is nice to have new free patterns every month. The Ballet T is the most knit-worthy in my opinion, and the side-knit socks are also interesting.
• Summer Knitty 06- which should be out any day now...

Tomorrow I have off from work so I’ll post pics of Eliza and my camping trip. Promise.

An amusing fashion tidbit: I normally read nytimes.com for their Fashion and Style section. I can’t take real news anymore so I read the superficial glarp that no one else admits to reading. I found this article entitled “Earth to Milan: Show a Little Restraint” by Guy Trebay (if you click, you might have to sign up first). And if you click you must absolutely view the slideshow. It’s a review of the Milan menswear collections. Don’t waste your time reading the whole article. Read this excerpt and then view the slideshow:

Say no to zippers so brief that they are an affront to the masculine anatomy (Costume National). Say no to boring minimalist blazers worn over tights that leave little doubt as to whether the wearer has been circumcised (Calvin Klein). Say no to seersucker swallowtail coats for the beach (Etro); to pastel golf wear seemingly designed for caddies with a sideline in a soft-core porn (Missoni). Say no to the unfortunate trouser length that, as the stylist L'Wren Scott remarked, now blights the streets of London.

That is exactly how I felt after looking at the pictures: Just Say No. In some cases, I squinted in order to tell whether the model was actually a man. Good grief. I’m not saying I like my men macho or anything, but I don’t want a poster boy for androgyny either. Hello! A man doesn’t have to be feminine in order to be well-dressed.

live to knit

Not much going on in my knitting world. I’m working on the front part of the Eliza tank, but I don’t have anything else going on besides that. This week I’ve been surfing knitting sites for new patterns, yarn, and what not. Here are some of the things I found that were interesting and would like to share:

• Blue Alvarez’s “Licorice Whip”- a lacy summer sweater. Her designs are cute, though I haven’t made any yet. This might be first, because it’s by far my favorite. She suggests 100% cotton, but I’m sure a wool replacement would make for a toasty fall knit.
• “Nautie” by Knitty- I’m feeling the need to stashbust and I think this stuffed sea creature is too cute. I gave my away my last stuffie, Andes, to my 4-year old nephew. I figured he would be a more appropriate owner. But this is a good summer stuffie I might just give away.
• “Tips on Walking and Knitting at the Same Time”- posted by a Craftster gal. I actually saw a woman knitting while driving a few weeks ago when we were stuck in traffic in Philadelphia (FU, Penndot). The pace was a very slow crawl so it wasn’t exactly dangerous. Needless to say I was in awe. I don’t think I’ll ever be so hardcore as to knit while walking or driving. Walking and knitting seems like a safer combination so if you want to give it a whirl give it a clicky-clicky.

Camping in the 1,000 Islands was very nice. We had a lovely time at Wellesley Island State Park and will want to go back again. The place is freaking huge. It’s a hike to just walk around the campgrounds. We never touched the hiking trails. Nor did we go canoeing. But that’s ok; something to look forward to for next time. I got bit up pretty bad on my one leg. I don’t think I’ve ever had bug bites that made me look like I have the “the plague”. Not pleasant, but they’re healing. Note to self: next time buy the damn bug spray.

While waiting for our boat tour at Alexandria Bay, Mr. V and I walked around some gift shops. One store actually had a section of YARN! A little corner tucked away in the back devoted just to yarn. Of course I had to fondle, though, sadly I made no purchases. I have more yarn than I know what to do with. I was tempted though because they had Cascade 220 Superwash on sale for $5. >.< But it was a nice surprise.

I’ll post some Mr.V’s digital pics this weekend. I still use film, so I’ll be waiting a while for my images. I’ll post some Eliza pics soon too.

For you locals: Fireworks are at the Inner Harbor this year and start at 9:30 pm. I’m not going, but I figure I’d pass it along.

Summer Fun

Well, my summer fun activities will continue this weekend. Mr.V and I are doing a weekend camping getaway to the 1,000 Islands. You know, the wonderful cluster of islands resting where the St.Lawrence River dumps into Lake Ontario. I heard it's beautiful, and the camping is supposed to be good. Not that I would know because I have been camping exactly once in my life, and it wasn't the best experience in the world. But it wasn't because this "city grrl" isn't down with mutha nature, it was because we were at a campground that had nothing except, well, ground. It was boring. But this time I've booked a shady spot close to the St. Lawrence River at Wellesley Island State Park. It supposed to be nice, and they have stuff to do not only at the park, but at nearby Alexandria Bay, NY. Here is the itinerary:

• Hiking
  
• Swimming (as long as there is no goose poop on the beach *crosses fingers*)
• Canoeing (can rent them on site)
• Cooking dinner over a fire outdoors (this idea of this fascinates me, even if it is just hot dogs)
• S'mores!
• Tent sleeping (which isn't bad with an air mattress, again, sleeping without proper roof=fascinating)
• Waking up at the crack of dawn, in which case we will do one of the first 3 activities again.
• Q: Would toasting pop-tarts over a fire be a complete disaster?
• Travel to Alexandria Bay, NY (about 10 min from park)
• Go on 2-Nation, 2-Hour boat tour of the 1,000 Islands
• Stop by Boldt Castle on Heart Island and ponder yet again why I am not independently wealthy. Also take lots of pictures.
  
• Go Mini-Golfing
• See other sites in Alex-Bay

I think that list looks pretty fun. Mr. V and I are excited because if we really like it than this might be "our" place to go every summer. Just like my family has "the shore" (aka: Ocean City, MD). If all goes well, next time we might stay on the Canadian-side for a little walk on the wild side. *nudge-nudge, wink-wink*

As you can see, there is no knitting on that list. But that's ok. I'm almost finished with the back part of "Eliza". Maybe I'll finish that tonight for good measure. I'll be sure to post pics of my trip and progress pics of Eliza next week.

Other activities I have planned for this summer in no particular order:

• Harborfest
• Boston!
• Utica Boilermaker 15K (yeah, 15k. I'm training now with a friend from work and I have to say the heat is making me a little discouraged, but I'm trying to stay positive. Call me crazy, but I'd much rather run in 30 deg cold than 75 deg heat. But at least I can say: "yeah, I ran 9.3 miles on a hot summer's day just to see if I could." or is that really something I should brag about....?)
• JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge (this is a 3.5 miler happening August 1 at Onondaga Lake Park and after that15 k, this should be a piece of cake. Check and see if your company is participating. It's a great event for runners and walkers alike.)
  

Phew! Have a good weekend everyone!

Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet

Here it is! The efforts of LAST weekend. I really mean it too. I finished most of it between Friday and Sunday of last week. *insert big-toothy grin* I weaved in the last of the ends on Tuesday (not like there was a lot of them).



And here is a really bad, self-made model shot (I should really start modeling my FO's on stuffed animals. or I could always have Mr. V take a shot, but at the time he was napping and I didn't want to disturb him).

Someone should develop a tutorial on how to properly take a picture of yourself while wearing your latest knitted creation. Hmm....

Project: Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet by Julsey723 on Craftster.org
Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky (100% Acrylic) in some green color indicated by a number (how creative!), 1.5 skeins (total cost of yarn ~$4 for 2 skeins)
Needles: Denise Interchangeables Size 11, long circular
Mods: Lengthened the body, perhaps, a bit too much cuz now it looks like a cardigan rather than a capelet. Since I'm taller I was afraid a short capelet would look funny. But adjusting the length was extremely easy: just keep knitting after you separate the sleeves.
Woulda-Shoula: You can see that the front edges roll a bit. Blocking will take care of this (I'm sure) if you go out and buy the Rowan Polar that is recommended. But if you're cheap like me, then you'll just have to widen the garter st edging to 4-5 sts instead of just 2. I imagine that should take care of the problem. It doesn't bother me so much. If I were to make another one I would do that, because it would most certainly be made of acrylic (please don't hurt me). Would I make this again? Sure, maybe as a gift, but I'm not into repeat-knitting to be honest.

I haven't worn this out yet because it needs to be washed and dried. That's what I normally do to my petroleum-byproduct clothing items, they just feel nicer after a good wash and a dose of fabric softener. I've been into green lately. Green is quickly taking over my wardrobe. At least I'm over my black phase. Color is good. Color is my friend...

Summertime Rambling and Ashley Paige's Sexy Little Knits!

Thanks for all the compliments on the Mountain Laurel Blanket! And thanks so much coming back to read this blog!

This will be my third summer in Syracuse. I’m surprised to see the difference in behavior between the people of PA and the people in CNY. I get the impression the folks in CNY really take advantage of the summertime. I’m sure it has a lot to do with the fact that wintertime around here makes it almost impossible to be overly-adventurous (unless you do a winter activity like skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing). So, CNY’ers seem to get out and enjoy themselves. There’s lots of going-ons downtime, people are finally discovering the Inner-Harbor, people are hitting the parks, lakes, and beaches… My point is for most people life is busier in the summer. I think that’s why I’ve been neglecting this blog for while. Not that I’m overly busy, but blogging time has been replaced by trip planning, trip-taking, or other sorts of summery things. And when my downtime comes around I find that I’d actually like to knit, watch movies/anime, or read. I can’t blog about knitting if I’m not actually knitting anything. I’m sure once Autumn is upon us once again, I’ll be more attentive to blogging again. But I’ll try to post up at least once a week for now on.

Now, onto the knitting-related:

I finished the Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet Tuesday night. I started it the Friday before that. So I pretty much had it done over the weekend. That’s my kind of knit! Pictures this weekend

In the mean time I’ve finally decided on what to knit with that recycled yarn from long ago (that’s just been sitting waiting to be used). I decided on this pattern from Berocco. I’m not a huge fan of Berocco designs, but some of their more recent stuff is pretty nice (don’t tell the You Knit What! girls). Either their patterns are right on, or waaaayyyy off. But this, I like. There are some other ones I’ve been scoping as well.

Did I tell you how much I love my local library (Hazard branch on W. Genesee for you locals)? I love them because not only do they have an awesome DVD collection that includes a good selection of anime (doubly awesome because anime is quite pricy, I saw the complete series of Last Exile thanks to them, and not to mention the first 5 seasons of The Sopranos… but I digress) they also are really good about ordering the newest knitting books. Lately, there are always at least one or two knitting books gracing their New Items shelves. Sweet. I got this one yesterday:

Sexy Little Knits by Ashley Paige

It’s quite intriguing. She’s not kidding when she says the knits are little and sexy. Sexy cuz they’re little. It almost puts a Victoria’s Secret catalogue to shame. But what I like is that designs aren’t vulgar-sexy (which really isn’t sexy, imo) more like Vogue-sexy. There are lots of bikinis (which I find most interesting), some summer-wear which aren’t my cup of tea, and some “loungewear”. She has a pattern for hipster panties, which I’m going to look into to. I like these new books that gear towards the young and “hip”. I hope to see more.

I showed Mr. V some of the bikinis when I was paging through, and then later on I saw him paging through it on his own which I thought was cute. I don’t ever recall him paging through one of my knitting books or mags on his own before. Not that I mind, but I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself (but don't get the wrong idea about him, Mr.V = best hubby Ever). Honestly, he only liked one or two of the designs, and he thought most of the bikinis were too skimpy and unpractical since knitted bikinis aren’t really meant for swimming. Oh well, I still recommend it.

I'm back, and I'm NOT empty-handed

I guess I've been on something of a blogging hiatus. Since the last post (feels like forever ago) I was knitting the f**k out of the Mountain Laurel Blanket in hopes of completing it by June 2- the day I go (went) to visit my brother, SIL, nephew, and my new neice (to name a few). Unfortunately, FO-bliss was not in my stars. But I gave it all I could. I even knitted during the 3.5 hr drive down to my hometown in the Lehigh Valley of PA (no, I wasn't driving and knitting-Mr. V was nice enough to chaffeur). I was still left with one more side border to knit and attach.

So I showed it to them in all its half-finished glory, graciously accepted compliments, held the baby (adorable, btw-now I want a baby but that's another post), and proceeded to enjoy my visit. In the end, I think admitting defeat was the best thing for me. During the time I was at my MIL's house in York, PA I managed to get within a few inches of the finish line quite easily. It was nice knitting without panicking or with my inner track coach whistling at me to keep up a good pace.

Thursday night (while comfortably back home), I did my victory dance... well, my victory pat-on-the-back. And I found myself staring at the blanket laid out on the bed. Just staring. I can only imagine the look of my face, the shape of my smile while hovering over my new creation. Yes, my SIL is not the only proud, new mommy in the family.

I can't believe I made something so big and so fancy.


My MIL and her friend asked me how many hours I spent on this. I can't really say. I worked on it so sporadically in the beginning and then I worked like a machine in the end. I didn't really take notice. Not that it really matters to me. A qualitative description is alright by me: a really, long time.

One of the things I love about this blanket is that there is a lot going on. Here are some detail shots for posperity:






So without further ado:

Project: Mountain Laurel Counterpane Baby Blanket by Kim Salazar
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, 100% acrylic, color "Orchid", 5 skeins (cost of yarn ~$10)
Needles: Denise Interchangeables Size 7 for the whole blanket
Mods: Not too many modifications except I used size 7's instead of size 5's because my yarn is acrylic and I wouldn't be able to block it if the gauge was too tight. Meaning, I was afraid the blanket wouldn't lay flat on size 5's. Plus, larger needles mean less time. The blanket measures 42.5"x39.5", larger than what would be needed for a newborn, but this way they can get more use out of it.
Woulda-Shoulda: As far as the pattern goes you can't ask for better. The pattern is easy to read, and surprisingly not as complicated as one might think. There is lots of lace but after completing 18 full hexagons, 4 half-hexagons, 6 seed-stitch triangles, and several feet of cable and lace border you get familar with the patterns REAL quick. I believe there is one error, and it's on the border pattern, second-to-last row, you k2tog instead of k3tog. Can't miss it, and it'll become pretty obvious to you why it should k2tog instead of k3tog. The only thing I would have done different for this project was start it earlier. Let me repeat.

START THE BLANKET EARLY!!!

I'd say start soon after you know she's expecting. That way, you can knit your heart out when you're feeling adventurous and put it away for a while when you're bored out of your mind. As everyone knows, knitting the same thing day after day makes Cath a dull girl... I mean... you get the idea. But for those who persevere there is great satisfaction when all said and done (sorry if I sound like Yoda). Also, I took the suggestion of someone on Craftster and sewed the pieces together as I went along. It helps, but if you really hate sewing and weaving in ends then this pattern is not for you, sorry. I believe Karin is knitting this (or will be soon) for an expectant. So check her out if you want more Moutain Laurel action. Good luck with that and the apartment search, Karin!

Now that's over,

I've CO already for my next project: the Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet. Small project, bulky yarn. Awlriiight!

Mountain Laurel Blanket... continues

So here is where I am as of now:


Damn near finished. (with the exception of the border). The last unattached row was where I was planning on stopping. But then I realized a small yet tedious problem with the opposite corners.

Corner one (finished side):



Corner Two (most recent, unassembled side):


At first I shrugged my shoulders "Meh". However, after more thought I realized that sewing the border over a sharp edge will probably turn out crappy. *sigh* One more row of 4 Full Hexagons! I can do it. I think I can, I think I can...

How happy was I when I finished what I thought was my last! Full! Hexagon!

But what's worth doing is worth doing right. The only thing I had planned for today was heading outside for a short run and watching a few episodes of Last Exile. But it's raining like a MOFO and my time might be better spent elsewhere. I can bust out a full hexie in 2 hours flat (I timed myself earlier this week). I have 8 hours worth of hexagons ahead. Who wants to bet I can get 3 done today?? Anyone?

lol, the blanket's looking pretty good so far, though.

Hedera Socks! for Mom's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all. I'm happy to say that I was able to finish the Hedera Socks and mailed them Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately, Mater has yet to receive them. There's something about her P.O. that tees me off. It's the fact that I pay more for Priority Shipping but it doesn't seem like they treat it like it's a priority. But she can send something to me parcel post and I get it in like 3 days. Anyways... pretend these are my mom's feet:

Pattern: Hedera Socks featured in the Spring '06 Knitty
Needles: Size 1 dpns
Yarn: Knitpicks "Palette" in "Sky" 100% Peruvian Wool, about 1.3 skeins
Woulda-Shoulda: Well, if I wasn't working towards a deadline I would have actually stopped and corrected some of my lace mistakes. The lace is somewhat forgiving, it also helps that this particular garment is worn on the feet. So unless my mom hang's around people with insane foot fetishes the mistakes will probably go unnoticed. So I'm not worried. Other than that, the lace is VERY easy and the socks can really soar especially if you're knitting like a bat out of hell! My only criticism of the design would be the really tall heel. I'm not sure if that's because my row gauge was off or if it's designed like that. It looks a little funky, but not too funky that I would trouble myself with modifications. I highly recommend. But I would definately look into a cotton or cotton blend yarn if you want to wear these in the summer. They're quite toasty in wool, even with all those holes.

Now, all my attention is focused on the Mountain Laurel Blanket, which I am confident I can finish before June 2. I can bust out a full hexagon in an evening so I can be pretty productive even during the week. On that note... gotta go complete my daily quota :-)