Saturday, February 14, 2009

Maizy harika socks

I started another project today! I cast on the harika socks pattern from Twist Collective.

I am using Maizy sock yarn in Bittersweet and Meadow Mist.
02.14.09 003

This is a challenging pattern, but I'm learning some new techniques and practicing techniques that I haven't used in awhile (two-handed knitting!).

This is the progress I've made so far:
02.14.09 005

More pics to follow as I get to the fun fair isle section. This is my first time using two different colors of yarn for socks. Should be fun!

Blanket update



Jouke can wrap himself in the blanket. Although the needle is still holding the 500 stitches, I have reached the milestone of 1.50 meter. (start was 0.38 meter)
50 centimeter still to go...but I have the feeling that it will not be a problem.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Better late than never


I know I must seem ungrateful, but nothing could be farther from the truth. I'm lazy with the camera. This is the awesome sock yarn that I got from the Holiday Drawing. It's Panda Soy in Evening Blues. I have decided that the next pair of socks I knit are going to be for ME. I haven't kept a pair in over six months. We cannot allow that trend to continue. I've been scouring Ravelry for the perfect pattern. Every time I think I have it narrowed down, I get a new idea. don't you just LOVE it when that happens??? The big bonus is that even if the pattern is fussy, I only do in on the leg part....the whole thing that convinced me to start knitting socks was those little wads that those of us with short feet...and the wads show up in the most interesting of places.

THANKS SO MUCH!!!

52 Week Challenge - Brenda (Owlsrook)



Here is my current in progress project - Wool Peddler's Shawl, from Folk Shawls Book. Started this yesterday with some yarn from my stash. It knits up pretty quickly so far, so I hope to get it done in February.

Also about to cast on for more socks, just need to pick a pattern. I like to work on a couple of projects and switch back and forth between them.

Regards,
Brenda in Alberta (Owlsrook)

new project



I think you will get the idea of this when I get a little bit further. It is the start of a mitten that I am working on for a swap. The design is mine... And Scandinavian yarns are used... thus far I like it

Thursday, February 12, 2009

My 4 Day Shawl

Yep I started this on Sunday and I finished last night. Blocked it today. I will take better pictures but it is not a very pretty day outside. This was photo was taken on my bathroom floor because I hoped the tiles being 13" x 13" would give an idea to size.

Prize yarn arrived way down under

Thanks to Susan Druding for the gorgeous Crystal Palace Yarns grand prize which arrived on Lincoln's 200th birthday here. :) It is even prettier in person than any photos show and has a lovely hand to it. I know I will enjoy knitting with it and look forward to ordering more in the future. My Aussie friends will undoubtedly be wanting some as well.

The Joyful will be used for Adrienne's Round Robin's House pattern which is my all time favorite and what first brought her talents to my attention. I will knit it with a joyful heart, believe me!
I will use the Nightshade for Fred with a pattern yet to be decided, and will use any leftovers for stripes in another pair of socks for his air show collection.

The 2nd red sock is 10 rows short of being grafted and then the custom YFM socks will be cast on with the cream patonyle that also arrived yesterday. I can hardly wait to finish them so I can do MY socks with the Joyful. :)

Thanks also to all of the ladies who make this wonderful KAL happen. It is a joy to "meet" other knitters who share their projects, ideas, and photos. I will post pics as soon as our camera is repaired in Perth.

Cheers to all of you from way down under where our peachicks are thriving and living happily with the roos and our corgi, Razzle.

52 Week Challenge: February



My February project is finally done! I knit it for a donation the Red Scarf Project, they'll be collecting scarves at the Knit Out this weekend at the Mall of America. I used one skein of Caron Simply Soft in red and one skein of Caron Simply Soft Eco in a really nice blue. I used US size 7 needles and did a simple 2X2 rib stripe pattern. I really enjoyed making it but it took a while because I haven't had loads of uninterrupted knitting time lately. I used at least 550 yards for this project.




Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Elf Socks/Slippers


Just a quick pic post of the elf socks I made for my son, not in any of the knitalongs, but I promised a pic, and the pattern came out of the book Rita just posted a pic of, so I thought the timing was right. Enjoy!

52 Week Challenge

Here is my February project. It's a simple shawlette made with one skein (420 meters) of Noro Kuryon Sock yarn.

Monday, February 9, 2009

Finally I say

Thank you!!!



This is the book that I won waaaaayyy back for finishing a project, and the yarn is from the Carefree KAL, Panda Silk (don't have it with me to find the colorway), which is even more gorgeous in person than in pictures. It's soft, it's sleek, it's just....just....perfect. I was one of the finalists and got to choose the yarn I wanted.

I've been doing a lot of knitting this year, mostly for me, because it's been so nasty cold in my part of the country and I needed hats and a neckwarmer and legwarmers and all kinds of stuff, but I never have all my photos on the same computer and keep forgetting to post when I have them. Today I only have a photo of the legwarmers on this computer; everything else is on my laptop at home.


I have to run, so I'll just say that these are over-the-knee height that slouch over the ankles and still end up knee socks. I'm going to take the foot off because it's made of chunky yarn and doesn't fit in my clogs; I'll end up with the footless version of the pattern. I'm making them of Claudia's Hand Painted Yarn, chunky, in the Pink Dot colorway, at least 232 yards in the first one alone.

Later!

rita

Thank You

I received this in the mail last Friday. But, I did not know what for as I did not win it or anything. Adrienne just told me MAZ donated her Carefree KAL prize to me. Thank You so much. It was such a surprise. Thanks again.

Thank You Susan for the yarns you donate to keep this KAL going.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

52 Week Challange - Debbie (Grandma 07)



I finished my pair of Salida socks this afternoon. This was a challenging project, but I think the end result was worth the effort :) These were cast on on Feb 1 and finished Feb 7. I used about 350 yards of Panda Silk in color 3003 and the leg is 5.5 inches from cast on to heel.






The color of the yarn is most accurate in the progress photo...my photo-taking skills are not the best sometimes!

3 done 1 start

I'll start with a new start. This is a test knit. They are ready to start the heel soon. Interesting pattern that will be out in April. Very interestings. Don't you agree Brenda??? lol The yarn is my prize for the Olympic Soxs KAL back in Aug.
This is the start of the December sock of the month from Theknitter.com . I started these the last week of Jan. Yarn is a Cascade Handpainted.
Here they are done. I finished them Feb 2. They were a very quick knit on size 2 needles. These were knitted a lot taking care of my Dad.
The start of the January sock of the month from Theknitter.com. This is a trekking yarn. The matching surprised me as I was again taking care of my Dad and just casted on without thinking about matching them. I did not think there would be stripes in the yarn anyways. These would have been started Feb 2.
Here is another test knit. I started these as I needed another pair of socks going...Feb 4. Stash yarn. Yarn is socka. Bejeweled Diamonds is the pattern name.
Here are both pair completed. I think I have met the yardage for Feb. Again I am surprised at how well they matched up. The darker pink pair will go to Jess for Valentines day. The light pink pair will be for me to wear Valentines day. Also the light pink pair has beads that I am not sure show very well.

Tomorrow I will cast on for this. Again the yarn has been waiting to be knitted for a while. I am having a hard time waiting to cast on. Oh and Dad is doing great and does not need the help anymore.

The Wedding Gift Is DONE!


I finally decided that this one massive hand towel ( or really dinky bath towel!!!) would have to do for the wedding gift. I don't know if this counts or now as I started in Jan and finished in Feb...but regardless, the set is done. The towel alone has about 400 yrd in it, and whatever is in a regular ole 9x9 dishcloth times 5. Why the burgundy one? My cousin is marrying a man of Chinese descent and red represents happiness. My aunt said that my cousin will wear a burgundy sash at the reception, so I thought throwing an extra (and burgundy) washcloth might mean something to them. Or not. The thought was there. I published the towel, about a third to half done the middle of Janurary. If needed, I can go find the exact day.

Now I'm off to see if I can get a pair of socks and a pair of felted slippers done by my daughter's birthday.

I'm soooooooo behind. I really must love it here with as often as I place myself right where I am! ROFL(at myself)

Have a fantastic weekend.


Oh here. To see exactly how far behind I am.....this is the beginning of the pair of socks. And no. There is not a finished one hiding anywhere (although I really really wish there was!!!)

Blanket update

I measured the blanket this afternoon... and I am over half the length that I need. 1.15 meter is done, and 85 centimeter still to go.

Two Socks


I finished the second sock. Funky looking, huh? I have a philosophy about socks. (Yes, I know, I'm deep.)

Socks should be loud. Socks should have verve and attitude. Socks should positively scream that they're hand knitted.Pattern specs:
Yarn: Fortissima Socka Colori, 2 skeins (200 grams total)
Needle: Addi Lace Turbo US size 0
Pattern: Basic 64 stitch sock with short row heels

Friday, February 6, 2009

52 Week Challenge














One hat done and felted, the next one on the needles. I couldn't resist posting 2 pics of the finished one, as you can see, my oldest son got me good, lol, and I had to share. According to the pattern, it takes 190 yards per hat, and looking a what I had left, that's about right (I might have used a little more).

Super Slouch



Hi all! This project doesn't count for Feb. and isn't a UFO but I haven't posted here in a while so I thought I'd share anyway. I've been wanting a cute slouchy hat for ages but the ones I make (and try on at stores) are always too small because I have a massive head and a ton of really thick hair. So this time I used much thicker yarn than the pattern called for and larger needles and I looooove how it came out! It has the perfect amount of slouch and it's purple which automatically makes it awesome. The pattern is A Slouch for All Seasons by Melissa LaBarre of Knitting School Droupout (love her blog, she has such great style!) and the yarn is Cotton Ease in plum.

I really need to kick it into high gear with my charity scarf (Feb. project) if I want to get it done to donate by the 15th. I've been spending a lot of time getting my Etsy shop ready so I haven't had tons of free knitting time, but now I should be able to devote the time needed to get it done.

-Kala

52 week challenge - Brenda (Owlsrook)



Feb.6/09 - Completed my Openwork Rib Socks last night. These were started on Feb. 1/09 and progress photo posted at that time.

I used Knit Picks Essential in "Grass" Color. Ladies size medium with 5.5 inch cuffs, used 358 yards for this pair.

Regards,
Brenda in Alberta

Thursday, February 5, 2009

52 week KAL

Project #1 socks - Pattern Marian by Gigi Silva - yarn Patons Kroy. Started Feb. 1.

Project #2 Jojoland Swirl scarf.

Last UFO finished

On January 1, this sweater was 90% complete. I've been knitting gifts and am not finished yet. We have a large family. I worked one square a day to finish this. The yarn is Noro Silk Garden. The pattern is Autumn Leaves Cardigan by Nancie Wiseman, which calls for Noro yarn.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

deadline for posting finished projects

for the 52 week challenge kal, progress and completed project pictures must be posted to the blog by the 4th of the following month for credit.

can you believe that january is almost over? this kal is going to make this year fly by fast. i am so glad that i am not trying to challenge myself here. i have been amazed at the projects you all are churning out. unbelievable!

so, i need to see posting by february 4th if you want your "j"!

Changes to 52 week challenge kal requirements

Dr. Laura here:

i've made changes to the rules for the year-long challenge.
these lower the yarn requirements for both crochet and knit.

they are more explicit for knit, to wit:

"1 pr adult socks with a leg of min. 4 in above heel".
also, i think that making a matching headband, i=cord lariat, baby sock or ornament would suffice.

re crochet, as i don't do this, i followed the guidance of those who do -and stayed more towards the high end.
that reminds me, LOL, did you see the David Letterman show where Lily Chin made Dave a sweater in under 45 min?

I apologize for the confusion.

NOW *** please quickly re-examine your projects for jan & what you thought wouldn't work out. I had several emails from folks who didn't feel they could meet 350 yds.

you still have some time before the end of the month!!

ANOTHER note (er um hint???): my idea in calling this the 52-wk challenge was hoping to see something every week, but i know that's tough. you might keep it in your mind to see if you can't post every week! will be interesting to see who has a post per week at the end of the year!!

blessings, :L


ufo KAL - Intense Rainbow Hexagon Blanket, II

I forgot to mention last time the name of the pattern I'm using - it's Motif #30, from Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs, by Edie Eckman. I've gotten a little over 20 more blocks attached to the blanket in the past week. Not quite as many as I wanted too, as I took a brief break to make my sister a requested pair of fingerless mitts, but I'm happy I did get over the 50 block mark.



I've decided to go ahead and make this baby blanket sized, and then make another (bigger) blanket for me, using a different pattern. One where the blocks are bigger, and the method in which they attach to one another isn't so obvious. I've been playing with patterns, and this is what I've come up with :


Now, this is where I could use some help. I'd really like to use some more Mini Mochi with this, for varying reasons, but can't decide which color to use. Anybody got any ideas? I don't plan on starting this/making it for the ufo kal - that's what the Intense Rainbow's for; I'm simply looking for opinions on color choices. =)

another pair of So Square socks



I started another pair of air show socks for Fred last week (on Friday, I think) and finished the first sock last night. Will definitely finish the second by Valentine's Day for him. He asked me to knit a custom pair to match our plane and suggested cream on the top with 3 red stripes and then the blue foot starting 3" or 4" above the ankle to represent the belly of the plane. I ordered some more cream patonyle and will use the leftovers (hopefully enough) of this sock (400 yds for size large) for the stripes and fortunately have lots more of the blue I dyed for the other so square socks (Anne Hanson) I made during the holiday KAL. Here are some pics to show beginning and end of the first sock. It is in Cascade Heritage "wine" colorway and is much prettier in person than the computer shows. More of a cranberry/crimson red. Only one bit of pooling and won't show when worn. :) I hope he gets his custom socks before my prize yarn arrives. You know I will want to begin the Joyful Panda immediately. But I did choose a second colorway for him. Do you think he will have enough socks?

UFO projects




Hi I am finally signing in for the ufo projects that I want to finish by March. I put one of them into the 52 week contest and realized that I started it before January. One is a pair of fingerless mittens for my niece that she wants fingers added last minute ( not! I am too new to figure that out!) The mittens are at 50%. And a purse I need to edge, line and add handles to. The purse is at 75%.



Hi! I just got my package! Yeah. Thank you soooooo muchhhh! Now I need to pick a pattern. Does anyone have any help with this. I do not what to make baby things. I am 8 years old.


Katie


P.S. Here is my UFO. It is a hat for me. My first projekt on circle needles.

52 Week Challenge



Here's the dishcloth I finished!! Combined with Cara's mittens this gives me enough yardage for my "J"!!! I' m not exactly sure how many yards the dishcloth used since the label was written in Chinese, but I'm sure it was enough!!

I'm so glad I learned bobbles just in the nick of time in order to be able to do this. Bobbles and I were having a time of it!!

52 Week Challenge


Yikes, I almost forgot to take a pic of the hat I am making before I finished! I will be making another one anyway, as I didn't make the decreases as stated in the pattern, and didn't realize until I was almost finished with them! Oh well, it's going to be felted anyway, so it will be interesting to see how much of a difference my boo-boo makes. Anyway, here it is:

Panda Superwash Pic


Got a pic today of my yummy yarn winnings, Panda Superwash, stained glass colorway, mmmmmm!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

My Yarn Arrived, Too!!

Oh, it is so beautiful and soft!! I love it!! Thank you so much!! Two skeins of Panda Superwash in Mint Print!! I can't wait to get my hands into this!! But, I'm going to have to wait a bit until I finish some other projects on the needles!!

Beth

February project: socks done




My cellphone is acting up. I had to use the scanner to show you the pair of socks I knit for me. Unfortunately the scanner is not big enough to scan the pair...
But still, they are done and I am happy with them.

To answer Kadezmom's question: You can feel the silver sparkles when knitting, but it does not itch on the feet. The silver is a bit rougher on your hands compared to the yarn.

I used: 2 balls of Fortissima Socka Disco Socka (210 meters each) and had left over: 50 meter in total. So 370 meters yarn used... That is 404 yards for this pair! Used needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm

Monday, February 2, 2009

Mine, Too!

My Final Prize Drawing yarn arrived today too, sry, no pic at the moment, but it's the gorgeous Panda Superwash in the Stained Glass colorway. It is as gorgeous in my hands (well, more gorgeous because it's in my possession no, lol)as it is online. I will have to start trolling through my socks patterns to find the best accompaniment (and maybe get more needles, as all my other size ones are currently occupied, lol).
Thank you once more, whoo-hoo!

Prize yarn arrived!

My prize yarn arrived from CPY today for winning favorite CPY project!
02.02.09 003

It's the beautiful new Panda Superwash in Joyful and Neptune. Both very pretty colorways and oh, so soft!! I need to decide on a pattern worthy of this yarn! :-) Of course, I still have my UFO projects to finish... and the Inner Truth scarf... I always seems to have more yarn than time to knit. But new yarn is always good inspiration!!

Thanks to all who voted for my pink mystery socks as their favorite CPY project!!

And thank you to CPY for the generous prize! I can't wait to post photos of my finished socks knit from this pretty yarn.

-Cathy