Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Fight Night

In this corner we have blocking socks...and SCP #1 back piece ready to block.

The challenger: piles of material, a sewing machine, pattern pieces and 9 days until Lucca's birthday.

Will SCP#2 front piece be cast on tonight?
Will I be able to make a Peter Pan and a Captain Hook costume in time for the pirate party?

Stay tuned!

M.A.K.A. 0.63 whatever that means. That what the monitor read for distance in 20 minutes. Is that just over half a mile? That is so sad...but I did it!

edit: Sorry, I've had to put in word verification for comments. Too much spam happening.

Monday, August 29, 2005

M.A.K.A.

Along with many of my fellow knit bloggers, I am celebrating a birthday this month. My DH and I are not big on surprises, actually, I usually pick out my birthday gift. So what will it be? A ball winder? A swift? No dear friends...this is it...


I know, you are saying what does this have to do with knitting? Well, ALOT...A HUGE AMOUNT...GINORMOUS!
This is my new fight. You see, I've developed this little BIG problem since diving into this knitting obsession. My knitters Arse. Really, something must be done.
I fell off the Weight Watchers wagon (my first meeting back is this Wednesday for parents and tots) and started sitting on my arse knitting. Not a good combination. So a new feature of this here knit blog will be
Miles Against Knitters Arse. (M.A.K.A.)

Join me in the fight (if you don't do it already)...run, walk, elliptical train...form a ring, make a button...I am on it.
Watch for progress reports on my sidebar!
On the knitting front...I've started a new project for the golf tournament basket...this lovely cabled hat.
I really like this simple Primo wool. I knits up beautifully. It has actually made me reconsider the ribby cardi being knit out of peruvian collection highland wool. The peruvian wool is ok, fine for scarves, but I don't think it will become ribby cardi. No, I want something a little nicer...with more of a stitch definition. Will it be Primo? Or maybe some Jo Sharp wool...I've seen it on sale somewhere on the net...

Friday, August 26, 2005

Fat Needles + Fat Yarn = Sad Looking Knit.

(The views expressed below are those of this knitter. They may not be the views of all knitters...there may be some out there who LOVE chunky knits.)

There are reasons that I did not own any fat needles...
  1. I do not need the satisfaction of knitting a sweater in a night.
  2. I think chunky knits look homemade...cheap...they look like you are taking the short cut...I can't pin point it, but I am not really fond of them.
  3. You literally feel like you are knitting with big fat bread sticks. It is so awkward...so, so wrong.
  4. How can you possibly sew in the ends inconspicuously?
  5. I just don't see the quality in something you can knit so quickly.
  6. Knitter beware: Chunky Knits make you look bigger...so if that's what you are going for, more power to you...but they are definitely not for me.

That brings me to my little scarf project. I really like the pattern, but not like this.

Look at these ends...what to do?

I will make this scarf. I picture more of a gradation of colours. I could use Elann's Peruvian Collection Highland Wool. They have some beautiful browns or greens that I could use to shade the zig zags. I will finish the fat scarf (one day) and give it to someone...somewhere. But it is not what I want to be part of the basket. So I will knit something else. What? I don't know...maybe a hat...I must go through my stash.

Maybe I'll have to go yarn shopping...

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

A quick knit.

One of my many sisters (6 to be exact!) said that we are all contributing a prize basket for a family golf tournament and she would like a knit something-or-other from me! I think I can accommodate that request. So to the stash I go!
A scarf it will be...wearable, unisex...I'm going with it. Of course scarf style will be the source. Being a fan of Debbie Bliss designs, I have been wanting to make the Zig Zag Stripes scarf. Well, I don't have any different colours of one merino in my stash. So I turn to some Peruvian Collection Highland Wool. I have a couple colour choices. So here is attempt #1...

Not acceptable. It looks like granny was using up some odds and ends in her collection of acrylic...not the look I wanted. The colour combination looks cheap.
What about something chunky? That'll give it a more modern flare. I have 4 balls of Filatura Di Crosa Zar One. Is that enough at 60yrds a ball? I hope so. Here is attempt #2...

No, the stitch is too tight for this weight of yarn. I don't own any big needles....this attempt used my largest US#10/6mm. So off to the store for needles.
Using a size US #11 I started attempt #3...

Yes, that is more like it. Of course I had to decrease the cast on stitches to accommodate such a chunky yarn and I chose to do large blocks of colour instead of the stripe pattern. That's an hours worth of knitting...this will be quick! I like this colour combination much better.

Bloglines....what to say. I guess they aren't updating my feeds...I don't get it. To tell you the truth, I don't even use it. I find it easier to just keep my favourite blogs in my favourites!

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

SCP#1 is just a flying!

This is a really simple knit. It looks complicated at first...but so simple. The chart is there for you, but once you take a close look and start the garment...you see that there is no real need for the chart, just follow the fabric. (Once again...IK spring 2005 Pg 52.)

I must confess, I cable with and without a cable needle, depending on the project. I find my cables look neater with a cable needle, but, there is way too much cabling happening in this project. So for those of you who haven't tried it yet, grumperina and wendy both have great tutorials. Grab some needles and some yarn...sit yourself infront of the computer and learn a new technique!

Monday, August 22, 2005

A little progress on DH's sock

I finally got a little work done on Dh's sock...this time I started it toe up. It's working out much better this way...no guess work as to if I will have enough yarn or not!

I'm not a big fan of pooling...but what do I do? Are there any tricks to avoid this...I can't get this knit picks yarn to work out striping for me. Is it the fact that I ribbed it? Knitting tighter with less stitches it would probably stripe...but I needed more stitches for his width of foot!

Here is baby Jack with his favourite baby blanket!

Friday, August 19, 2005

Knit Night.

We finally found some time to get together for a knit night. I don't usually get too much knitting done on knit nights. I've hooked everyone on knitting, so I like to help the ladies out. I love when I learn new techniques, find some fabulous yarn...or need to show off a FO! I feel the need to share all of this with fellow knitters.
Here is Jen working away on the never ending denim Debbie Bliss sweater...notice the lovely blue fingers. She is learning to shape the neck. (Jen you looked evil in the picture so I took the liberty of cropping to your project!)


Renee working away on her first sock! You knew I had to start someone on socks. Renee is learning to turn a heel.


Aunt Joanne is clearly addicted to socks. She has 3 different ones on the go. We did a little grafting lesson...and she wants to learn toe up next. Oh yes! Aunt Joanne has also discovered the internet...knitting blogs...and new last night, we discovered quilting blogs! If you are looking for Aunt Joanne, she'll be on the net!


This knitter clearly does not want to be on the blog...working away on her third attempt on a Jo Sharp Tweed vest...if she could only stick to gauge!


I keep flipping throught the new Rowan Mag. I'm starting to invision some of the projects in different light. I need to give them a chance. I am really drawn to the simplicity of Shackle. I think this would make a fabulous gift...quick knit...and stash buster. This will also give me a chance to work with felting and beads.
River is gorgeous. I don't know if I will ever wear this...but I could knit it and see. It also works with beads. I may give it a try....especially now that there is a River KAL!
Have you seen Anna's Kiri? I really love this shawl. I think it may make a lovely Christmas gift for a special someone. You may see this on the needles soon!

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Picot bags and pirates.

I am going to say that the picot bags are done...

I am just working away on an icord still. Icords are tedious...they don't knit as quickly as you would think...and a little boring. Yet, they look great with the bags!
Specs for the bags are in this post.

Last night I was working away on Lucca's 3rd birthday party plans. For those of you planning parties, check out this site. It is great, has wonderful ideas. This year we are all about pirates! There'll be some tatoos...spotting scopes...balloons swords (if I can figure out how to make them!)...eye patches...and go home with a treasure chest of goodies!

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

SCP #1 making a comeback.

You must think I am crazy to start on my holiday knitting. I have so many immediate family members...nieces and nephews...that I must be crazy to try and knit for them! I just want them to have a little something (or in some cases a big something) hand knit from moi.

So I received my elann order of jo sharp tweed in the DK weight to make SCP (secret Christmas project) #1. I really hope think the colour works. There is a lot of cabling involved, so it is time consuming...but really beautiful. I love this tweed yarn. Remember this is a secret...the recipient could be reading this...so I am trying not to be too revealing in the photos. (pattern is from IK spring...the Elizabeth Zimmerman design pg.52)



I haven't even touched the cora from elann (ok, I did unpackage it and fondle it...) but it is in the house. I hope to at least swatch it this week. I still need to decide between the two children's sweaters.

And I really have been trying to think of some packaging for my holiday knits. I ordered some of these cedar balls, also from elann, to enclose with the special knits.

I will assume that they cannot actually touch the fabric because of the oils...but I will find some lovely breathable boxes for the recipient to store their hand knit in with the cedar balls somehow attached to the inside...without actually touching the garment.

Monday, August 15, 2005

Go With The Flow Socks

I love these socks.
You can see the picot cast off in this photo:

The colour is a little better in this photo:


Started: July 29, 2005
Finished: August 12, 2005
Pattern: Go With The Flow from IK Summer 2005.
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM P314L
Adjustments: Toe up baby! Thank you Purly for the inspiration and the help! Short row heel and toe. My gauge is 7.5 sts/inch on US#2 addi turbo. I do knit tight. I did try it on the US#1 but it was way to tight. It made the fabric stiff. I found the foot measurements worked out the same as it would for socks with out a lace pattern. I wasn't really sure when to start turning the heel. I kept trying it on...knitting some more...trying it on...etc. I finally turned the heel but too late. So I had to rip back the heel and shorten the foot and redo the heel. Now it fits perfect. I wouldn't normally use a patterned yarn for patterned socks...but I wanted to give it a try. I do like it, the koigu colours all blend so nicely that I think it works. I still love the classic look of a solid coloured yarn with a beautifully knit pattern though.
The toe up basics are here.
The picot cast off is here.
I love toe up socks, another pair is already on the needles!

Thursday, August 11, 2005

Stress + needles + yarn = quick knit.

First of all...I just love knit bloggers. It is nice to know people find your knitting interesting...and you know how great it is to finish a fabulous knit.
Thank you all so much for your comments. You are too kind.
I now see myself entering a lace knitting world...and may never return.

I know, I know, where is that other "Go with the flow sock"? Well, its going with the flow...slowly. I find myself wanting so badly to knit something and have at it. Then I cast on the second sock with a vengeance...and knit a little...and a little more...I already know I can successfully make the sock, the challenge is gone. But I keep at it. Only a couple more inches and it will be done.

I sat down (after a lovely evening with my two ever so well behaved...ahh...well...yes, well behaved children that were lovingly sent off to bed...)with this

and this

and made this!

Started and finished: August 10, 2005
Pattern: Debbie Bliss Picot Bag from "Special Knits"
Yarn: Knit picks Shine in Orchid, less than a ball.
Adjustments: None.
So quick and cute. This is one of the bags for the nieces christmas gifts. I used up some stash...will the knitpicks shine ever run dry?! I need to find a beautiful ribbon to tie it with or maybe make and I-cord.
How about a cute pair earrings for their freshly pierced ears to put in their bags? All girls love jewelry!

FYI I used just under 2 skiens of the blackberry ridge lace weight silk/wool blend yarn for Ene's Scarf.

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

Ene's Scarf

Thankfully, it did get big enough when blocked. So large, infact, that it did not fit on the board all at once.


When I wrap it around, I do still wish it was a little larger...just a bit.
Pre blocked it measured 25" from bottom point to top edge, 48" across the top edge, and 34" measured along the side. (the pattern says 32", 56" and 40" but when I got gauge with us#7 the stitches were too loose. When stretched for blocking I doubt you would be able to tell between yo's and stitches. So I knit on the #6's)
After blocking, it measures 30"from bottom point to top edge,65"across the top, 43"measured along one side.


Started: July 22, 2005
Finished: August 10, 2005
Yarn: Blackberry ridge lace weight Silk/wool blend in Deep Red
I really like this yarn. It knit beautifully, feels wonderful (softened up after washing). It bled a little, nothing that I would worry about at all. Slight colour in the water. I love the colour of this red.
Pattern: Ene's Scarf from "Scarfstyle" Interweave Press.
Adjustments: None really, besides my gauge being off for a tighter stitch. I did a full wash and block as per your suggestions instead of the damp towel over the blocked knit. I think you need a full wash for this baby.

All in all, it was definitely worth the trouble it gave me in the beginning. I will be making another one of these...most likely in the new year for Mom's bday?!

What is this rowan crap?

Ok, I loved the idea of joining the rowan club. I got some "cork"... a yarn they are discontinuing, for a gift with some crazy poncho pattern. I will use the yarn, but don't you think sending knitters a new yarn would be a better plan? Maybe we would like the yarn and order some instead of wishing we could get more of that discontinued yarn. You also get a couple magazine throughout the year with your membership and access to some old patterns of theirs on the web.
I just got the Rowan#38.
Hmmmmm.
What is this suppose to be?
Grunge knitting or something.
Help me out here.

Really, I don't think I will make any of this.
Pandora is a maybe.
Spencer...I guess I could make the gloves.
Abigail Scarf...I love, but this involves some crocheting. I don't think so, maybe in the new year.
That is all that I would even consider making. I hope #39 produces something more practical.
I don't think I will be joining the Rowan club again.

Oh, Ene's is complete. Can I just say, that it is fabulous! This may be my favourite knit item so far. I am not a shawl person, but as a scarf...and little flip and wrap....I love it! I am just waiting for the ends to block. (it wouldn't all fit on the blocking board!) Pictures will be posted today!

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

Closing the gap.

Migraine again. I feel like I have had 10 this summer so far. I normally get one once a month....but this has been crazy. I need some serious meds for these. Today it is gone, but let me tell you, there is no knitting with a migraine.
I was able to knit a little last night on Ene as the migraine started to ease up on me. I am so close now!

It really does look lovely...but a little small. I know the chic in the pic is about a size 0 and it could wrap around her a couple times! A size 0 I am not...so we will see how this will work. A scarf or a kerchief!

Hopefully I can finish this by the weekend and finish the leg of the sock and be on my merry little knitting way!

Friday, August 05, 2005

Trying to clear my plate.

I am trying to finish this sweater that really wasn't suppose to be. The front and back's are complete.


I am not sure when the arms will be knit...I would like to finish Ene's first.

SCP#1 I know what I am knitting...what colour? I am horrible at deciding on colours. I ordered the Jo Sharp silkroad tweed dk in Boheme. It is a strange blue...I don't know if it will work for the recipient of SCP#1. If it doesn't then SCP#2 will love it...but what to knit? Some sort of cardigan I am envisioning. Any ideas?

Also, if Kathy left any at Elann.com (she is really enhancing her stash!)...I am getting some Cora for Lucca's sweater. I am thinking of Scamp or Action.

In the mean time, I am hoping to finish my socks, Ene's, restart my DH's socks and make some of the draw string bags for the nieces. I also had an idea for one of my nephews...he is a Harry Potter reader. I think this is cute for a little hand knit something from his favourite aunt!

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

A little Ene's progress.

I've been working a little on each project that is on the needles. I finished the first lace chart of Ene's with no problems. I missed a YO at one point but caught it on the way back. Other than that, these charts are a breeze. Have no fear of this pattern. There are a lot of sts on the needles, so it takes a while to do a few rows!

It does look small...most likely it will be a little smaller than the pattern size. I knit tight and I just didn't like it on #7 needles. I know lace looks smaller before blocking...we will see.

I really like the whole idea of the stitch ya neck out KAL. I wish I would have joined, but really I have no extra knitting time right now. I have started to think about my Christmas knitting...the list is long.


  1. Major SCP (secret Christmas project)...remember...here. I still have to go out and purchase the DK weight yarn and get it going.
  2. Major SCP #2...not quite sure what to do yet, most likely a cardigan...washable for sure.
  3. A sweater for Lucca...Matteo's is complete.
  4. DH has seen this design and liked it! That will be major project #3.
  5. Last year I made hats or socks for the 11 nieces and nephews...what will I do this year? I am think about this for the girls...but no ideas for the boys yet.
  6. We also pick names for gift amongst siblings. I have to do a little something for that person.
  7. I was thinking of felting bags for my SIL's. That's two more things to knit there.
  8. My FIL would also like a sweater.
  9. My MIL got these already, as you may remember...but I could do a scarf or something for her.
  10. Socks....there will be lots of socks.

That's all I can think of now...of course there is the sweater for myself I have on the needles...the scarf, the socks...and ribby cardi is waiting...and DH's socks....and...and...and...mybe I will join the next SYNO KAL!

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

First toe up complete.

I finished the first "Go With The Flow" sock. I decided to do the same cast off that Purly used, the picot cast off. It actually does look really nice with the lace. Once you put the sock on, it doesn't flare at all.



I really like the the toe up method. So I ripped my DH's sock that I had started. The gauge was too tight anyway. I will start it toe up...well...once I finish my socks!

For those of you who take alot of pictures but are too busy knitting rather than scrapbooking...I finally found this product. I've been working on it rather than knitting. I'll let you know how it turns out...so far so good.