Good News and Bad News

Good News: My stress about all my unfinished projects has diminished.
Bad News: My lace class was cancelled.

Good News: Turning a heel isn't the difficult trick I was led to believe.
Bad News: I can't read the pattern instructions for a heel gusset to save my life. Took me three tries to get it right.

Good News: I've been knitting quite a bit the past few days.
Bad News: I don't feel like I'm making any progress. I'm beginning to think I have a knitting black hole located in the house.

My camera batteries are depleted. (Hubby's not confessing but I think he swiped them for his GPS). Tomorrow, I hope to show pics of what I've been working on lately.

I have to be the last one to do this. I don't think I'm a meme kinda person, but I keep bumping into it everywhere. So...

4 jobs you have had in your life:
1. Food server at local college cafeteria
2. End of assembly tester for boat dash panels
3. Membership data entry for a health club
4. Automotive engineer

4 movies you could watch over & over:
1. Ever After
2. Ice Age
3. The Outsiders
4. Any of the Lord of the Ring movies

4 places you have lived:
1. Anderson, Indiana
2. Angola, Indiana
3. Utica, Michigan
4. Rochester, Michigan

4 TV shows you love to watch:
1. Lost
2. House
3. Bones - why did they moved it to the same time as Lost?!?
4. CSI - Las Vegas

4 places you have been on vacation:
1. Bar Harbor, Maine
2. Mackinaw, Michigan
3. Paris, France
4. Rome, Italy

4 websites you visit daily:
1. Bloglines - which technically covers a number of blogs
2. Google
3. Yahoo Mail
4. Hmm... Don't have a fourth

4 of your favorite foods:
1. Toasted Peanut Butter Sandwich
2. Lowfat Milk
3. Miso Soup
4. Lamb meatballs with Tomato Rosemary sauce -Yummm!!!

4 places you would rather be right now:
I'm pretty happy where I am but if forced to choose
1. Paris, France
2. Bar Harbor, Maine
3. Fairbanks, Alaska (especially in June for the midnight baseball game)
4. My Local Yarn store

4 bloggers you are tagging:
1. Anyone (can there be anyone?) who hasn't done this meme yet.
2. Anyone who likes the number 4
3. Anyone who doesn't mind answering random questions
4. Anyone who wants to play along

March Madness

My mom is such a good sport. She thinks this "blog thing" is a little odd but she plays along. This is her response to my post.

To: Warm Neck Committee
From: Mom
Re: March Madness

You must realize that the recipient of the BYOB scarf lives in Indiana. No matter how warm the winter season may be, "March Madness" will always bring snow. Since Indiana is the basketball capital of the world, it is an unwritten rule that with sectionals the beginning of March, snow can't be far behind. It doesn't matter if snow has not been seen for weeks, during the month of March THERE WILL BE SNOW! So continue your work knowing that your efforts will be appreciated.

MOM

A New Appreciation

Let me preface this post by stating emphatically, I don't have a clue about raw wool. Having said that I'll move on to what I was doing all afternoon - skirting raw fleece, and I use the term skirting loosely.

Parents of my friend, Lisa, own a flock of sheep. The principle use of the sheep is as natural lawn mowers of the 100+ acres of farm land. Lisa explained one day that almost all the sheep are white, but there is one that is brown. Would I want the wool? We struck a deal of pennies on the pound. A few weeks after Thanksgiving, this was delivered.

I pulled a few fibers from the bags and consulted with my local spinning store owner. She felt that it was worth a try to process. She gave me the name of the mill they use and some helpful internet sites about cleaning the fleece.


This weekend hubby is out of town and so there was adequate room in the garage to examine my sheep. Doesn't look like much when unceremoniously dumped from it's bag.


From what I read, once I unrolled the fleece it would look like a sheep. Skirting is where I was supposed to remove the course fleece from the belly, any leg fleece that had been dragged through the mud, and the fleece that resided near it's, well you can guess that last part.


I had three lumps that rolled out to look like this. I don't see a sheep. If you do, please send me an email indicating where it's head used to be.


Given that I couldn't figure out belly from back nor head from tail, I went by feel. Some of it was obviously extremely muddy, matted, or otherwise not good stuff to keep. Other sections felt like greasy wool roving and I guessed that was ok to keep. I've called the mill and they agreed to review samples of the fleece to let me know if my efforts will amount to anything.

I don't think I am any the wiser when it comes to raw fleece. However, I have gained a greater respect of those that choose to process their own wool to spin.

Mother Nature

To: Mom
From: Build Your Own Birthday Knitters
Re: Mother Nature's Co-operation

The BYOB Warm Neck committee is requesting that you speak with Mother Nature. As you are also a mother, they feel that She would listen to you more than them. They are faithfully knitting on the BYOB scarf that you chose. However, questions have been raised whether that was a wise decision on your part. As the winter so far has been barely cold one day and summer's coming hot the next, a scarf has been rendered fairly unnecessary this season.

The WN group would like to feel their efforts are not in vain and request that you politely tell Mother Nature to get with the program. It is still technically winter for another two months. If you are unable to obtain Her co-operation with the season as a whole, could you try to enlist Her help with the following matter. If She is just going to melt the snow a mere five hours after She makes it, would She please stop timing said snowfall during the morning commute to work.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated,
Warm Neck Knitters

P.S. The Warm Feet committee would like to let you know, they don't care what is going on outside. They are fully hypnotized by the sock they are creating and cannot be bothered with temperature changes. They are so enamored with their creation that they assume you will be as well, even if it means you are wearing 100% wool on a 90F degree day.

What to do?

Yesterday, Marji commented in her post about the stress of too many projects at once. I've been avoiding my knitting room and I think she may have hit upon the cause. Every time I have to get something from that room, I am reminded of the 6 sweaters, 1 felted bag, 1 baby blanket, 2 scarves, 1 shawl, 1 hat, 1 mitten and 1 sock that are all vying for my attention. These are just the ones that haven't been permanently banished half-done or are still mere skeins waiting their turn.

Now double digit quantities of in progress projects is normal for me. I knit for the challenge. I start something because I can't quite see how A leads to B leads to the finished item in the picture. Once I get it, somewhere between casting on and binding off, I lose momentum. I'm ok with that. Some time later, often many days weeks months later, I may finally finish what I started. If I don't I'm ok with that too. It wasn't meant to be and the yarn eventually makes its way to something else. But, lately I've been feeling this HUGE pressure to finish something, anything.

I believe what tipped my sanity over the edge is lace. Yes, lace. I've never knit lace. The concept doesn't seem difficult. Any lace pattern I've seen involves stitches I've used. Nothing dramatic about a few k2tog's, or yo's. However, I've seen lace being blocked - not easy. I've also seen lace blocked badly - not pretty.

So, I signed up for a lace class. Did I mention this class is 5 months long? No. Did I mention that this class has homework? Oh, forgot that too. I already have assignments and the first session isn't until February. The stress started when I realized that I would need to pull four projects off their needles to do the homework or buy more needles. We knitters know that needles aren't cheap things growing on trees. Then again, we also know that pulling a project off needles isn't a casual act either.

I could go for option C - finish them and free the needles. However, it wouldn't be a fun finish. I'd be knitting to get it done, not for the pleasure of seeing the item grow or take shape. For now, like a deer caught in headlights, I'm opting for D-do nothing and hope for the best. Might happen if I could get my magic needle case to work.

This little piggy...

Remember that nursery rhyme, the one about the pigs going to market? For some reason that is stuck in my head as I am knitting my first sock. I'm extremely proud of myself for starting this little adventure. I haven't had a challenging knit in some time. This sock has filled that void.

The status is that I've made it past the cuff and started the 4-stitch pattern I chose from Sensational Knitted Socks. At this point, mild panic has begun to set in. Just mild, nothing that requires heavy medication or large quantities of whiskey. Only the mild panic that comes from self-doubt.

I purchased SKS because it accommodates different yarn weights and gauges. It works like a buffet dinner. Choose your options and get a sock. However, it doesn't cover the obvious things. Things that aren't so obvious to a person who hasn't knit a sock. Such as how long should I knit the leg? Which heel gusset is best? I am, of course, ignoring the possibility that the obvious is obvious to everyone. It's just me that doesn't get it. I knew this when I bought it and figured Google would be my new best friend for sock answers.

As I am debating the benefits of chamomile tea vs rum cokes for calming my nerves, the doorbell rings. Woo Hoo, look what the mail brought to me. I've already poured over the pages about techniques and each of the patterns. My awesome secret pal has made everything ok again. I've found the sock I'm going to use for reference in length and construction. Deep relaxed breathing has been restored.

Breaking news...

...I have started my first sock! I can't believe how small the stitches are. They are really, really tiny. When you view a persons sock on their blog, the stitches look waaaayyyyy bigger. I think they should put warning labels on those pics - "objects may appear larger than real life".

The yarn is Koigu and I am using 2.75mm needles. The gauge I am aiming for is 7 stitches/inch. I have seriously underestimated what 7 stitches/inch looks like, but it does seem to go quickly. I suppose it will when you only need 64 stitches around.

Maintaining gauge will be difficult for me. I am a loose knitter and have always struggled when I need to use needles smaller than US6. And for those who have knitted socks, how do you check gauge? It's hard to lay flat to check. I don't usually swatch for swatches sake. Instead I would cast on a sleeve for sweater gauges. If you are right, you've already started the project. If you are wrong, you haven't invested in a whole front or back. I can't check by fitting them as my mom's measurements are an inch larger than mine.

I can't show more than what you see below, because the socks are a birthday gift for my mom. Her birthday is close to Christmas and this time I offered her choices for knitwear. I don't want to spoil the surprise by giving too much detail before she gets them.

Also, I finally got off to a good and final start for the BYOB scarf. I am now a full 5 inches into it. I love the way the colors are changing as I knit. No obvious stripes or pooling. Of course, now I've probably jinxed it. Hee Hee.

Blurred Vision

This whole week has seemed a disorganized blur. Strange when you consider that life events have been rather slooowwww. Yet somehow I managed to not get a good photo of my ISE scarf, not thank my mother for the wonderful stitch markers and needle case she sent, or blog about how the BYOB Warm Neck has been started and frogged three times. Well there is nothing I can do about the first except hope that my scarf pal is better with a digital camera than me graces me with a better photo.

The stitch markers - lots and lots of stitch markers. She sent me little ones for sock needles and some for worsted weight needles. The fates are telling me I had better start my first sock soon. Now aren't they gorgeous? I keep telling her she should sell them.

And this is the needle case. It matches the "Vera" tote and cases that she made for me a few years ago. I carry so much in the tote that I've broken the strap seams - twice!




Have I mentioned that I have the best mom ever? Hard to believe that we fought like cats and dogs when I was a teen. Well, okay, maybe I did all the fighting and she just tried to survive it. Either way, I have the Best. Mom. Ever.

As for the BYOB scarf, it is a lovely autumn variegated Manos. It demands plain stockinette stitch. Tried moss stitch - the variegation was ... too variegated. It got lost in the moss. Tried ribs 2x2 and 3x1 - the ribs were...too ribby. I'm aiming for something classy. The ribs spoke more functional than class. I can't bring myself to knit the whole thing from beginning to end in stockinette. But I think I have found the answer. I am going to begin and end it with something similar to the Mermaid tail found in New Knits on the Block with stockinette in the middle. My mom wants it short, about 3 feet, and this detail will give it the little extra that I'm looking for.

And to continue with my inability to get my act together, I forgot in the above list to mention my awesome secret pal. She has been sending me e-cards and e-mails that make me laugh and warm my days. She must also be slightly mystic. She wished me a weekend of knitting and petting kitties. Today, hubby had to leave for work early. I slept in and woke to two cats sitting in his place. Waiting patiently for my attention. Now, I'm off to knit, knit, knit.

Ready for a New Home

My ISE scarf is blocked and laid out to dry. I hope to have it in the mail by the end of the week.

Sorry about the colors. The dining room lighting leaves a lot to be desired.

Secrets Are Fun

My blogging started with Yarn Harlot. That led to Too Much Wool. That led me to another blog, and then another, and another, and so on. That led me to start expressing my own knitting life. Along the way, I have discovered I really love secret exchanges. Currently I am participating in the ISE and SP7 exchanges.

For the ISE, I feel this pressure to knit a "perfect" scarf. The pressure is strictly self applied. I have knit gifts for others, but always non-knitters. There was no worry about mis-crossed cables, accidental yarn overs, or the occasional dropped stitch. Only my eye would ever notice the imperfections of my knitting. Not so with the ISE recipient. She knits, too. She knows all about mis-crossed cables, accidental yarn overs, and the occasional dropped stitch. So in addition to the normal doubts about color, fiber, and pattern, there is the doubt about the quality of my knitted work.

BUT... she also knows the true value of my scarf. I know that however my choice of colors or pattern is received, there is no doubt that it will be received with a full understanding of the time, the process, and the effort that went into it.

Also, my previous best is not enough. I have raised my expectations about my work and am holding it to a higher standard. A standard I hope to continue regardless of the next giftee's choice of hobbies or passions. I have a greater sense of pride about every stitch I am forming.

Then there is the Secret Pal exchange, my first. So. Much. Fun. I think most knitters suffer from being generous to a fault are of giving nature. I have found so many things that might work as little gifts for my palee, I have to restrain myself from shipping them off all at once. Plus, there is the bonus satisfaction of responding to my husband's sarcastic "More yarn stuff??" with "not for me, for my pal". Hee-Hee

I am excited about meeting two people I may otherwise have never met. My pal seems to be full of humor and kindness. She didn't waste one second in letting me know she had my name. And my palee is impressive. She is the mother of many and in the process of finding a way to work from home. Some days I can barely remember to feed and water my two cats.

Yup, for sure, secrets are fun!!

The Other Cat

I have nothing knitworthy to blog. However I feel a strong desire to post something. In my thinking of a topic, it occurred to me that I have never posted about the other knit loving animal in our home. Caesar. Unlike Cleo, he won't steal your seat or your lap while knitting. Doesn't want anything to do with humankind, unless you are 6'4", smell of catnip or tuna, and aren't a girl. He also pretends to not like my knitting. But every morning when I get up, he walks oh so nonchalantly out of my knitting room. (Yes, I have a whole room - woot!!) And on more than one occasion I have found little bits of Caesar in my basket of odd ball leftover wool.


He tries to hide it, but a wool fiber lover can always spot their own kind.

Magic Needle Case

I just had a "duh!!" moment. I casted on for the mittens to go with the scarf for my grandmother. Knit 2'ing, Purl 2'ing away. Enjoying the simplicity of it all. Now, like most mittens, the cuff is done on needles smaller than the main mitten knittin' (Say that ten times fast). So, here I am knitting on my size 7's. Relishing the fact that without swatching, I'm still on gauge. I'm now ready to switch to my size 9's and. . .

I don't own any size 9 DPNs.

Moreover, I was surprised by this lack of needles. Why is a mystery. I was certainly forewarned. I have a knitting journal. It has a list of all my needles catalogued neatly inside. The row for size 9 needles shows a 24" circular, 14" straights, and 10" straights. Not a single mark for DPNs though. Not even a smudge or speck that I could mistake for a mark.

What was I thinking? That the cuff would last indefinitely? That the time for larger needles would never come?. That I would unroll my apparently magic needle case and they would be available without ever entering a store? Seriously?

Think that needle case could come up with a whole set of rosewood Lantern Moons while it is at the act of creating my size 9's?

Memories for Two

My Grandmother's birthday is this week. She will be 85 years old. She is in the most amazing physical health for her age. Her mind, however, is another matter. In her early 70's she began to show signs of memory loss. As her only granddaughter, she remembered me far longer than the other grandkids. Even after she forgot my name or how she knew me, she remembered my knitting. I would come to visit, pull out my latest project, and you could almost see the memory click into place. "You are the lady who knits." Bittersweet.

She may not remember who made this for her. But I will know and that's enough.
It's finished, but I didn't get a photo before mailing it.

Secret Pal 7 questionnaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? I suppose I am a snob. I prefer natural fibers. I don't avoid Red Heart / Lion Brand, but I don't buy them for a project except maybe large blankets. Do I have to admit to being a snob? Connoisseur sounds so much nicer. :)
2. Do you spin? Crochet? I know how to crochet, but it isn't my preferred use of fiber. I don't spin, but have been tempted. I just haven't found the time to learn yet.
3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My mother made a knitting tote and needle organizers for me. They are all full. She is currently making another circular holder for me.
4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I have been knitting for over 7 years. I would say I am intermediate knitter. But it depends on the project.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No, but I wouldn't turn down window-shopping at Amazon, Knit Picks, or some other online store if my SP wanted some ideas.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I like candles that smell sort of earthy like coffee, nuts, chocolate, etc.. And bath products I like light, fruity smells like raspberry, cucumber, or citrus. And vanilla is a good scent for anything.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I don't have a sweet tooth for candy except for dark chocolate. I prefer baked goods like cookies or cake over candy. And I also like mixed nuts.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Craftwise, I am pretty much obsessed with knitting. But I also like gourmet cooking.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Most of the time I listen to country music, but I listen to other stuff too. Anything but rap or elevator music. My computer can play MP3s but not my stereo.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? Usually autumn or winter colors - blue, green, red, rusts.... I am not a big fan of pastels. I think they make my pale skin look even more washed out.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I've been married for 1+ years with 2 cats, Cleopatra and Caesar. The cat's names not my husband :)
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Scarves, hats, and gloves. I like being able to use all my fingers. I don't wear ponchos since I prefer big casual sweaters.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? Merino wool or alpaca are my favorite fibers.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Anything that is stiff or not soft. I like yarn that has a nice drape to it, if that makes any sense.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Recently, I have been obsessed with sock yarn. Have I ever knitted socks? No, but I have been buying sock yarn like I have 8 feet instead of 2.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? For quick projects, I like hats and scarves. Larger projects are usually sweaters.
17. What are you knitting right now? I have a lot of in process projects hidden about the house, but I am actively working on the Aran Tweed sweater from the latest Interweave, 1 hat, and 2 scarves.
18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Of course, those are often the best kind.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circular or 10" straights.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Addi's are my usual choice, but I have a fair number of bamboo/rosewood needles incase the yarn is too slippery for the Addi.
21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I have both.
22. How did you learn to knit? I am mostly self-taught from books.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? I have a 2/3's done sweater that is at least 3 years old. The yarn is a ribbon yarn and I hate the way it twists when I knit.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I don't have a favorite character, but I am a big fan of the Pixar movies. My favorite animal would be cats.
25. What is your favorite holiday? Probably Halloween.
26. Is there anything that you collect? Stitch markers - I am addicted to stitch markers. Big, little, beaded, charmed, doesn't matter.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Interweave and Vogue
28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? Since I have all this sock yarn, I ought to knit at least one pair of socks. I hear a lot of good things about Nancy Bush's books for sock patterns.
29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I would like to learn to lace knitting, and the Cat Bordhi moebius seems cool, too.
30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? My mom wants socks for a birthday gift, so I will be soon. My feet are 8.25" around and 9" long from tip of toe to back of heel. I wear a size 6 1/2 shoe.
31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd) July 30
32. Any allergies? None, but strong perfumes or smoke make me sneeze.

Memo from BYOB Knitters

To: Mom
From: BYOBK

The Build Your Own Birthday Knitters have received your request for Warm Feet and a Warm Neck. They have confirmed that your winter wear consists of a Forest Green coat, a Steel Gray / Green coat, and a Brown Tweed coat. They have also verified that you have no preference in the matching / not matching of feet and neck.

The group has formed two subcommittees. It was agreed that the WF have slightly more members as the stitches are smaller and more numerous than a scarf. Also, it takes two socks to make warm feet versus one scarf to make a warm neck.

The yarn for each has been selected. The WN committee has agreed upon a Multi-colored Manos. A button has been temporarily agreed upon. The debate is - aye for the way it blends nicely with the Manos, nay for possibility of not matching the winter wear. The WN has also agreed to share a glimpse of the chosen colors.

The WF group, however, is being stubborn and insisting on complete surprise. They are willing to share that the yarn chosen is Koigu. The WF realize that this may have no meaning to you, but they are very excited.

Estimated completion date of said knitted items is second week of February. Should progress be hampered by indecision, distracted by yarn sales, or speeded up by knitting needle addiction, you will be informed as soon as possible. You can check on the status of your items at any time by viewing the progress bars to the right.

The BYOB Knitters would like to thank you for patience.

Link to BYOB Survey

Secret Scarf Progress

Between Christmas and New Year's I cast on for my Scarf Exchange project. I had originally wanted to use the Manos, but it just wasn't speaking to me. That left the Silk Garden. I am loving this yarn. It is so light weight and much softer than it's Kureyon cousin.

I have also been enjoying the process. I was inspired by the
IK web pattern Dibs on Ribs. I wanted to knit the whole scarf in one piece though. Thus, I have had to spend a large amount of time figuring out the shaping required to keep the scarf flat. This project has really challenged me. I learned a lot about the appropriate use of short rows and waste yarn.

I've made it through a whole repeat (I am using that term loosely - a repeat equals 1/4-1/3 of the total length). Now, I can enjoy the knitting and watching the stripes appear as my reward for the effort of creating my own pattern. :)

New Years Confession

I've been reading in blogland about many who have come clean with recent yarn acquisitions. I have to confess. I'm guilty of the same. In my defense, it was on sale!

First is some Debbie Bliss Soho and Koigu from Knitting Room. That isn't the full purchase of Soho. There are five more now living in my stash.

From Heritage & Spinning I purchased some Gem Opal that has been dyed in Trout colorway. I was told if you want to get your significant other on board with your hobby, you have to find the right bribe. My husband is an avid fly fisherman. Trout colored socks is apparently the way to his heart.


Last but very much not least, from Skeins on Main I picked up some Rowan Cashsoft DK, cream and red. This is for a request from my brother for a baby sized skull cap with a number 8 on the brim. This was his way of letting me know that I am going to become an aunt this august. Woo Hoo! What a great start to the new year!

Edited 07Jan2006: It breaks my heart to learn that tragically this small hat won't be needed. I am praying that my brother and his family can find the strength to cope with their grief until better days return.