When things are finished

I like it when things get finished all at once. Typically, there are not more than 3 projects on the needles at one time around here and they are usually balanced so at least one is a 'quick knit'.

Summer tops are a favorite to make for Bugg, partly because she is so small and they knit up so fast. She picked out the Athos pattern from Norah Gaughans Volumn 2. It is knit in Berroco Touche on size 5 and 7 needles. The only change made was to knit it in the round. Increases and decreases were made at the side markers. The side seam sewing was happily omitted.

The side photo was taken prior to putting the sleeves in. Bugg and I both liked this top a lot better with the sleeve.

After scouring Ravelry for finished projects in the same colorways of Silkience, trades were made to secure enough yarn to finish that darned Viva cardigan. If you make this pattern in the stripe sequence, pick up an extra skein of each color. The yarn was inexpensive, but with shipping, it was a better deal to swap on Ravelry.

I've been yearning to spin, but the blanket has been my primary focus this week. the edging should be finished tomorrow. A couple of different things were attempted and I will blog more about i-cord finishing when the final photos are up later this week.

The colors are so vibrant that I couldn't bring myself to discard any of the ends. I've a couple of ideas on what can be made with them.

Finished photos this week - I promise!

Ah...warmth!

The spinning bug has definitely visited this week.

I got a little bag of roving a few months ago in a Ravelry swap and wanted to see what I could do with it.

It is wool and rayon mixed with some angeline(?) and became a nice little 130+ yards of yummy yarn.




Quite an improvement from what it was before spinning.

I spun it all up on Friday and it hung balanced immediately.

I am pleased!

My next spinning adventure should take me to Beth along with my Briar Rose Roving that I've been coveting for quite awhile.

If you have a minute, go check out this Ivy League Vest. It is so beautiful!

Lovely little skein

Yesterday was hectic.

The majority of the day was spent sewing and blocking strips for the Hope Blanket Donation Drive.

We met friends for Bugg's tennis match and then had dinner. This, being my first real outing since oral surgery, I was tired!

Once home, I wandered by Georgia and felt her tug at my heartstrings. Funky Carolina had tucked a tiny little scrappie into one of my packages and it became this 40 yard little skein. My experience with fiber isn't refined enough to tell you what this is, but I know it is wool and has fairly long fibers. I should have taken a 'before' photo.

This was just enough spinning to satisfy my need to create and finish something.

Oh, the thoughtfulness of Funky Carolina is just one more reason I love to buy her wonderful fibers. Check out her Etsy shop.

What's that you say? You want a blanket?

...waylayed a few days by oral surgery but I'm back on track now!

Fiber can be finicky and I've decided to block again as sewing progresses which should make the final few seams a breeze.

I wish you could touch this for yourself - it is incredible!

Don't forget to donate to The American Cancer Society - it's a great cause!

A peek at some handspun

This roving was ordered from CJ Kopec's Etsy shop at the end of January. Edited to add: she has 2 available in this colorway in her Etsy shop today.

Secretly, I think this was more than 4 ounces because I was able to get 410 yards out of it.

The largest skein is approx 290 yards and the smaller is approx 120 yards.

It is ultra soft and will make something wonderful in the future.

All of the charity blanket rows are stitched together and I will post new photos at the end of the week.

What I finished today: Kentucky Sleep Socks

Kentucy Sleep Socks (2)
Originally uploaded by kniterella

Bugg will be surprised next year when she is sitting in her dorm room and the chill is just hitting. A box will arrive with miscellaneous goodies and these socks. She will have an 'aha' moment as she thinks "now, that is what those socks were for".

In the meantime she is slightly annoyed that these are her Kentucky Wildcat colors and they aren't being given to her.

The quest for repair continues. After 5 1/2 years following the 4wheeler accident, I've completed the last major teeth repair. It is a relief that in 10 months or so it will be all finished. It hit me yesterday that there has been a tremendous amount of time wasted on repairs for a 15 minute ride. Yes, I had a full faced helmet on. No, I wasn't going fast. Encourage your loved ones (and even those who aren't) to wear a mouth protector and to always be careful because freak accidents do occur.

I need to rest a bit and will continue stitching on the charity blanket tomorrow (hopefully).

Scotch Grace Thistle finished

Scotch Grace Thistle finished (8)
Originally uploaded by kniterella

A little break from stitching on the charity blanket netted a couple of photos.

Details on Ravelry but for those of you who have not joined up yet:

Scotch Thistle Lace Stole
500 yards of Briar Rose Fibers Grace
Size 5 needles
Finished size: 68" long, 17 1/2" wide

This was a quick knit (seriously!) that was cast-on the first day of Spring Break and finished a little more than a week later.

Better photos may come later. My favorites are always the modeled shots.

Edited to add modeled photos - more thanks to Bugg.

Wisteria!

Charleston, SC
Originally uploaded by kniterella

Wisteria was full bloom in Charleston along with the azeleas and roses! It was difficult to come back to the Michigan weather - although, it has been sunny today.

There is much to do to catch up with after being away. The charity blanket is primary on my list and with the squares all blocked, the layout needs to be determined and stitching it together will follow.

Knitting managed to happen while Bugg drove us around. No pictures this time, but it is lacey and so close to being finished that the final photos will probably show up before in process ones.

I want to catch up on the blog postings -- what were you all doing? There are over 120 new posts last week just on the blogs I regularly read...that will take some time.

One for the road

Mim is holding a contest for those who can show the signs of Spring. I've been floundering with the frequent snow this year and was so excited to see my little bud. I've watched him, dreaming for the day his bloom would finally burst.

We awoke to...this

Bugg and I are throwing in the towel and heading South for some of this...

My only regret will be that I won't be around if Bud does finally bloom!

All talk and knitting too

Thinking about my finished knit projects and the wip's helped me realize that many of them haven't been posted here. True, true, much time has been spent blocking the squares (the marvelous squares), but there are a few finished objects that can be shared.


This Rose Trellis Scarf was made with Atacama yarn that came to me through a Ravelry swap. It took 2.5-3 skeins and looks very different knit up than in the hank - this was a good gamble and there was enough yarn to make it sufficient length. I like to put it across my throat and pull the ends back to the front then put a scarf pin on.









The Chantal cardigan has been a favorite since being sewn up - I have worn it many times and Love the design. The Berroco Ultra Alpaca and Alpaca Light are perfect - soft and squishy! It would be nice to make it again, but the endless fisherman's rib will keep me away.








There was a nightmare last week where a blue cotton zip neck vest tried to eat me. Translated, this meant that a vest knit up last year was waiting impatiently for a zipper to be sewn in. The nightmare scared me and I gave it...

So, all of these finished things meant there was time to cast on for the vest while waiting for the squares to dry...

I LOVE this vest. The Miski yarn doesn't help my resistance at all ~ all soft and cuddly just yearning to be knit up. The colors chosen (by me) really don't work together. Two colors need to be ordered to even begin and now there is extra Miski, so I began sleep socks for a special someone...in Univ of KY colors.

The plan is to send something handknit every month after Bugg goes to college and these will be perfect for that.

Finally, a new addition to the family arrived - quite unexpectedly! KC (Casey) came to live with us Easter Eve thanks to Bugg. Now that she is 18, she feels like she can last chance rescue any little doggie that needs a home. He's cute, well behaved (for a pup), and housebroken. He is also huge! We are all adjusting and I remind myself that Bugg will be leaving for college in 3 months. Luckily, My Favorite Youngest Son loves this dog, too. Oh, it didn't take long for him to commandeer Lucy's bed...this might get messy ; )

Blocking the squares

This is going to be one incredible blanket. There is no rhyme or reason as to how the squares are layed out for blocking. All of the squares are here (although all are not pictured). The remainder will be pinned out today.

Donations are still being accepted!

A posting of substance

Please help by donating to The American Cancer Society!

Many talented knitters and designers have combined efforts to create a custom blanket that will be given away to someone in appreciation for their donation.

We are 18% toward our goal and all donations are to benefit The Hope Lodge. You can read more about it here.


There are a few packages still in transit and assembly should begin next week.


Thanks to all of the fabulous knitters/designers and to Chris. Can you believe those colors?

For those of you who are interested in having an opportunity to received the finished blanket, you still have time to donate!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Hope your green beer is cold and you don't get pinched unless you want to be!

A busy week

I managed to give the Namaste bag away in appreciation for donations to The American Cancer Society. The squares for the most fabulous blanket are trickling in, long before they need to be here. Just seeing the brilliant design and stitch work is inspiring and the blanket is going to be fabulous.

My destash has progressed and I was feeling pretty good about the results before the rooting around began. Realization: there is still too much yarn and I am still in love with all of it - what's a girl to do?

The chiropractor came to my rescue for a very tight muscle in my shoulder. It is still a bit sore, but is much better.

The Easter Bunny popped by courtesy of my mom...who loves Easter too

Unlike myself, there were 3 knit projects cast on this week - Fetching (everyone except me has made these, right?), a rose trellis scarf, and a cable lace redux. All are relatively quick knits and having 3 WIPs is not a concern. Just trying to bide my time until the blanket parts are all in and the assembly begins.

A most exciting package arrived from Ivy. I 'met' her on Ravelry and have enjoyed chatting about that Lady B bag in Dutch Treat (which I've now decided to part with). Anyway, Ivy sent this most beautiful yarn which I've never seen. Mirasol yarns has quite the palette! This is their Hacho which will become some yummy socks and a surprise - 82 yards of the most incredible baby llama ( Miski) that I have ever seen. I hope to check out one of their vest patterns that has caught my eye. Yardage for the pattern is difficult to find online, so a plan will have to develop.

Last, but not least, the most ugly socks are finished. The first one has been languishing for at least 2 years. They are destined as a gift for someone who loves pink...and I hope to never see them again.

Did the time change kick anyone's butt but mine? How does one little hour do that?

Here's to a great weekend, cheers!

What I finished this week

I really like the idea of the Namaste bag giveaway popping up first, but my hope is that you will zoom on over and donate to the American Cancer Society to benefit the Hope Lodge and still catch up on what I've been doing this week.


There are finished objects!!!!


That darned Chantal cardigan by Norah Gaughan from the Vol 1 book - love it! Hated knitting all of the fisherman's rib and waffle between thinking that I should/could have knit this in one piece back and forth and that it was fine as it was written. It is quite possible that I would never have finished it if it was all in one piece. I did do the sleeves at the same time and that nearly killed me! Bugg and I walked into the store and found these buttons right off - seriously, it was a 5 minute visit and we were out of there with buttons that I am happy with!



I did have one skein of each yarn left over and I know it can be returned. There were maybe two rows left on each shoulder (sleeve) and the Ultra Alpaca ran out. I couldn't see opening a whole skein for a few rows and bind off so I doubled the Ultra Alpaca Light and finished up with it - can't even tell! The remaining skeins will go back this week and something new will probably follow me home.


Some spinning happened this week. My goal was to spin a bit thicker and practice placing the colors where I wanted them. Overall, the result is very pleasing and this may become a hat.








Fiber: Funky Carolina 4 oz. Superwash Merino



Large skein - 134 yards

Small skein - 38 yards

**WARNING** Husbands need not go further** (this means you, honey)

Now, at the risk of tempting you endlessly with yarn...I have a TON of stash that I would love to disburse. If you are on Ravelry, check here for some enabling opportunities. If not, check out the photos in my stash on Flickr.

Just in case you were sidetracked by all of the goodies - don't forget to go back and donate to The American Cancer Society. The Namaste Bag will be mailed out on March 11th (that is only 2 days from now) and it could be yours in appreciation of your support.

Is this your bag?

Is this Namaste Jetsetter bag yours?

It is ready to be shipped out in on March 11th - if you have donated here then it could be arriving soon on your doorstep.

Thanks so much for supporting The American Cancer Society through our charity drive!

Back to basics

I've been longing to take it down a notch. Get back to a few of the basics and control the insanity instead of it controlling me. From time-to-time, I try to re-evaluate where I spend my time and put a check in place to see if that is still the most valuable draw for attention.

There are many new happenings; spinning, Ravelry, impending college life for my daughter, charity opportunities, and a few projects that don't get off the ground because of the limit on hours in a day.

Knitting remains my first hobby of love, but spinning has been tugging with urgency. Oh, the draw of the fiber...the possibilities...the uniqueness of each strand. I am amazed when the plies are complete and there sits a new skein of yarn that was created by transferring energy through my hands.

Ravelry is, arguably, the most valuable resource to come along for the fiber world in my lifetime. Once my number had been called and I became a newbie Raveler, it was evident that it could become a time-suck. The masterpieces that people come up with are astounding. The opportunity to join communities and meet others who share the same interests is readily available at the click of my mouse. I've met other Ravelers whom are now friends and I am grateful for the chance to 'talk' with them. Need some yarn? This is a swappers dream! It began for me as an online notebook which is what I've needed. A place to organize my stash and future projects. Success and failure has been realized - I have successfully organized most of my stash, but discovered the sheer humungasaurus of it at the same time.

Volunteering for a charity should be easy, right? The squares for the Hope Lodge Charity are beginning to roll in and excitement grows. The perfect way to stitch the blanket, the perfect edging - all are dancing through my mind.

But still, we have college visits coming up and my little girl will be going away in the Fall - and that's all I can say about that right now because it is still too fresh.

So, I am taking inventory to downsize the things I need to cut back on in order to divert energy toward the things that will nourish my soul. A new list is forming and we'll just see how I do at getting through it.

Reduce, reuse, and destash. As I told my dear friend last night - if someone will knit with it... Time will be limited admiring fantastic projects, blog posts will decrease, the basics will be re-located. Family will continue to come first, friends will be held near and dear to my heart and all else will follow.

Easter is coming!

Easter is, perhaps, my favorite Holiday. Besides the significant religious occurrences that Easter marks, it also means that Spring is eminent (or it did before we moved to Michigan).




My empty jars from Dame Candles present an opportunity to celebrate my Easter convictions and to recycle. I help save the environment by reusing those ultra-cool jars and use up some of the bits of odd yarn and thread.




The stitches could definitely be more even, but I was winging the design while I went so the next one will be better.




I have the chart and pattern and if any of you are significantly interested, it can be pulled together quickly.


Other designs are floating in my head and they are going to bounce around until they are on paper and become real life so, get ready...you may grow weary of knit jar covers.





Particulars:
Yarn: Knit Picks Palette in blush, sunlight, and white. Bunny tails made from Berrocco Plush in white. Various color of DMC threads.

Needles: Size 4 DPN

...and there has to be candy inside, right?