*Poke Poke* Are You Still Alive?

Yes, yes I am. Crazy busy though! I got a job in August, although it's only a temp job through May. But, for awhile at least, I am employed and I can afford a bit of yarn.

I know that I've kind of left this blog behind, even though I've been thinking about posting. It took me a while to log in tonight because it apparently my password was wrong, even after I reset it. So, after 2 resets, I was able to log in

I don't know how much I'll be updating until after the holidays, and perhaps then it will be a fresh start. Perhaps a fresh start on another blog server.

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 4

Start of week four already. I've got another good start on this pair of socks. I've completed the leg, heel flap, and turned the heel. I've gotten all of the stitches picked up and ready to start on the gusset. This is the best start on the week I've gotten so far.

This week I'm knitting up SWTC Tidal Wave Sock (pdf) pattern using Premier yarns, Deborah Norville Serenity in Sapphire. My color of the yarn is not the same as on the website though.

I was debating on continuing the pattern down the instep, but I don't think that I will. It will make the instep and sole quicker to knit up.

Here's to the fourth week!

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 3

For the third week, I have accomplished my goal. This week I finished my Grey and Pink Lady Jaywalkers. I also started my next sock. I have one more repeat on the leg, then it's off to the heel!

Project June: Jaywalker Socks

Month: June

Project: Jaywalkers

Completed: One sock, up to the toe on second sock

I've lacked on post a project for this month. I've been so busy just knitting socks and knowing that I've got to get a pair done each week. I wanted to stay on track with this for the year, so I've picked a project.

This is the third pair for the month and for the year. I thought it would be more difficult to stick with this pattern, the same two rows over and over, but it hasn't been so bad.

Just have the toe to complete on the second sock and I'll be done with another pair.

Sock Plunge III, Week 3 Goals

So here we are, the start of week three, and I'm still on track. Yesterday I achieved a huge head start on this week by getting the entire leg knitted of the first sock of my third pair. Today, I've finished the heel flap, turning the heel, and the gusset decreases. I've got a good bit of the instep already knitted. I'd feel extremly accomplished if I could have this sock done tomorrow! It's quite possible, but life has a way of happening and destinies change. I just feel good about having this much of the sock done at the end of Monday.

I'm knitting the Jaywalker pattern in Patons Stretch, Sugar colorway.

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 2

I feel like I did really well this week, completing my two socks, plus almost one leg of a new pair. When Thursday rolled around and I didn't have one sock completed, I wondered if I was going to make it this week. Lots of knitting. And yes, I did a lot of other things this week. So, for what I accomplished this week.

Sock Plunge III, Week 2 Goals

Here we are on week two, and I successfully completed week one! For this week I plan to finish the second sock from each pair that I finished last week. I have the cuff completed, ready to start on the leg of the darker socks, and I'm through one pattern repeat on the bright colored socks, with one and a half repeats to go before I start the heel.

I feel like I've got a good start this week, so we'll see what happens!

Sock Plunge III, End of Week 1

I finished two socks this week, plus got a start on both socks for next week. Not much of a start, but a bit is better than nothing. I met my goal for the first week of Sock Plunge III. Only 51 more weeks to go. 51 more pairs of socks. Yeah, I can totally do this.

Socks on Left
Pattern: Tessellating Lace Socks
Yarn: Yarn Bee, Walk Away, Toe Hold

Socks on Right
Pattern: Socks A La Carte
Yarn: Patons, Kroy Stripe, Mulberry Stripe

Sock Plunge III, Week 1 Goals

Sock Plunge III enters it's first of 52 weeks. Goal? knit 52 complete pairs of socks in 52 weeks. Crazy, no?

Since this adventure starts on a Monday, my week will start on a Monday. Hopefully I'll be a proficient enough blogger to remember to make a post each Monday with that week's goals. And perhaps I'll be a proficient enough blogger to remember to make a post each Sunday with what I accomplished in the week.

We know that won't happen, so go ahead and laugh.

So, onto this week's goals.

First, of course, is to finish two socks. Two makes a pair, even if they are just one sock from two different pairs, right? Oy, did that make sense to anyone?

My plan is to have two different pairs going each week. One pair on my size 1 needs and another pair on my size 2. I'm hoping that it will break the boredom of a sock pattern, not cause second sock syndrome, and keep me going through this plunge.

Pictures will be posted on Sunday of completed work for the week.

Project May: Spiral Socks

Month: May

Project: Spiral Socks

Completed: Both Socks

Aside from working through printing errors in the book, the socks came out fairly well. They fit, which is the most important thing. I was worried about the second sock coming out in a similar stripe effect after the cuff started to pool,but with the stitch count and pattern, they both worked out to be very closely matched. I'm thrilled with the yarn, and have some more already wound into cakes, waiting to be made into a wonderful sock.

Pattern: Socks A La Carte
Yarn: Premier Yarn, Deborah Norville Serenity Sock Yarn, Amethyst

(Yes, I did back date this...)

New Scale & Fiber Converter

I got myself a kitchen scale today to weigh a skein of yarn after I've knit something with it so that I know how much I used for that project. I know, the 1st picture doesn't look that great, but that's just how it's going to be. I love that you can place the scale in the weighing bowl and place a lid over it. That feature will make it a joy to travel with. I don't know if I'll use the bowl when it comes to weighing the yarn. I'll try it out a few different ways and see what I prefer.

Now, I'm not a math person at all. I suck at math. Conversions I'm even worse at. So of course, I search on line to find a converter to do the work for me (I mean, why not?). This converter I've come across is great for fiber lovers. It converts yards to meters, meters to yards, ounces to grams and grams to ounces.

I can't wait to start trying this out. I'll be posting the link in one of my sidebars. You can also click here to get to the converter.

I've found another yarn count converter that I like much more. Click here for that one.

52 Pair Plunge

I just joined a group on Ravelry called 52 Pair Plunge III.

I must be crazy.

52 pairs of socks in a year. 52 pairs of socks between June 1, 2009 and May 31, 2010.

Totally crazy.

Time to add another goal widget!

At least socks are portable....it will be the only thing I work on I think. Guess what my projects of the month are going to be?

How many pairs do you think I'll finish? Place your bets now!

I Have a Case of Startitis

I have a major case of startitis.

I started a pair of Musica Mitts today during my evening knitting group.

Then I came home and casted on for another Weekender Lace Wrap (No picture yet!).

There's a shrug that I want to cast on and start working on, raglan style. I want to cast on for a Booga Bag with some yummy Malabrigo.

Oh yeah, and there are these socks that I just started. I've finished the heel and the gusset for the first one. Socks are from Socks A La Carte.

I also have a hat that I've started, Selbu Modern.

I've got an unfinished shawl I'm working on when I feel like it. I think I'll be good on projects...For now!

Flip Page Errors in Socks A La Carte

Wanted to make anyone with this book aware with some printing problems I've come across. Taking this directly from a post I made in the Ravelry group for Socks A La Carte.

I was using my flip pages and found some problems in my book, so you might want to check yours. I’ve only done this with the heel/toe part because I think it’s just a case of mislabeling.

In my book I have two flip pages labeled for:
Dutch Heel with Star Toe
V Heel with Origami Toe
Round Heel with Star Toe

In my book I don’t have flip pages labeled for:
V Heel with Double Decrease Toe
Dutch Heel with Double Decrease Toe
Round Heel with Classic Toe

I hope that everyone can follow the next part. Post any questions you may have.

1. V Heel with Double Decrease Toe - This is the 1st flip page labeled V Heel with Origami Toe. This is the 7th flip page.

2. Dutch Heel with Double Decrease Toe - This is the 2nd flip page labeled Dutch Heel with Star Toe. This is the 15th flip page.

3. Round Heel with Classic Toe - There is not a flip page for this heel/toe. Both flip pages labeled Round Heel with Star Toe are that heel/toe combo. These flip pages are 12 and 13.

I Think I Like Socks

These pictures say it all...Mind you, this is just what I have upstairs and could find....I know there's at least one 100g ball missing.

And yes, I did take the time to turn the balls into cakes. Cakes are better than balls.

Yes, I'm aware that sounded a bit dirty. That was the point. :)

Project May: Spiral Socks

Month: May

Project: Spiral Socks

Completed: One sock

Getting through this pair quickly. Aside from dealing with a few errors, they aren't all that bad to knit. The toe decreases didn't have any errors, so that was a plus!

I'm hoping that I can get the second sock to stripe as this one did. I'll keep messing around until I can get it close to the same effect.

Worst. Project. Ever

I'm glad that I got this kit for free, because I would have hated to think I paid the amount it retailed for. I despised knitting this with every stitch I knitted. I'm sure out there somewhere there's someone that enjoyed knitting this. The kit is for a elephant shaped baby bib, a hat, and rattle.

I have my reason for disliking it, as did someone else who knitted the same bib. The yarn supplied varied in thickness, even though it was the same brand of yarn. Along with that, the yarn seemed to be too thin to really work up well. Doing the intarsia wasn't enjoyable because of the yarn. Using metal needles wasn't a wise choice, but it was all I had at the time. As this was a gift, I needed to get it done.

I was knitting it for a friend of my aunt's. Her friend and her friend's husband are originally from India. It's good luck for an elephant to have it's trunk turned up, from what my aunt tells me. So when I was offered this kit, I knew it was perfect.

Off I went, started knitting, and disliked it from the start. It was difficult to work on because I just wanted to be done with it. I stuck with it to get it done and was thrilled when it was off the needles. I pinned it out to block it before sewing a backing on it. The bib stayed pin for a few weeks.

Finally got around to backing it, forgoing the crocheted edging. Lets just say the the backing didn't work out too well. That got removed, and I just gave the bib to my aunt. I was sick of looking at it and wanted it out of my sight.

And the finished project looks....Kind of scary. I've started the peanut shaped rattle, but it's not priority. The bib was.

If you would like to knit this kit, you can purchase it here.

Project May: Spiral Socks

Month: May

Project: Spiral Socks

Status: Leg completed on first sock


I just started these socks from the Socks A La Carte book. I'm work with Serenity Sock yarn from the Deborah Norville collection in the Amethyst. I am loving this yarn! This colorway isn't long enough to self stripe, but I cast on in just the right spot to make it stripe. I'm hoping I can achieve the same effect on the second sock. Despite working around errors, these are coming along quickly and shouldn't be a problem to complete. These are also the socks I started on while waiting in line at the Vera Bradley sale.

May's Project of the Month

Pick Three...With Three Errors?

I love the Socks A La Carte book. I love the concept of it. What I don't love is that I think I've found three errors...In each of my choices for my first pair of socks from the book. That's not real reassuring.

I'm posting this to my blog to see if it's just me, or if it's the book. One I know for sure is an error, the other two I need confirmed.

Cuff: I chose the Upward Spiral Cuff, page 29. There are four rounds to complete this pattern. Rounds 1 and 3 are the same, and those are right. Rounds 2 and 4 can't be done the way they are instructed and the stitches line up correctly.

Leg: I chose the Spiral Galaxy Leg, page 36. Rounds 13 and 14 should be omitted, otherwise you'd have too many knit rows and it would not come out like the picture shows it should.

Feet: I chose the Dutch Heel with Star Toe, page 50. I have just done the Dutch Heel, so this is the only thing I know to be wrong on this section thus far. I have checked with someone else on this one, so I know that this one is wrong. Row 3 doesn't work with the number of stitches you have.

If anyone else has found any errors, post them in the comments. I'm wondering how much errata there is. There has only been one errata posted to the SWTC website for the book, but I'm planning on e-mailing the address provided with what I've posted about. I do hope that this had just been a fluke and I'm not going to find anymore with the next pair of socks that I do, but with the one that's been posted, the one I know for sure, and the possibility of two others, I'm not too hopeful.

So, is it just me, or are these errors?

Weirdest Place I've Knitted? Could Be!

If any of you are familiar with Vera Bradley, you probably know of the major sale in Ft. Wayne, Indiana each spring (and if you aren't familiar with Vera Bradley, the link is gladly provided). You have to wait in line to get into the sale, then you grab what you want, then you have to wait in line to pay for all of your goodies, and then you go home to admire all of your goodies and match bags and accessories and see what you still need and make your list for the next sale (last year they had a fall sale. Hopefully another one this year?).

I went up Saturday with my mom (she went Wednesday, the day the sale started, and got me what I wanted, plus some!), and had started a sock the night before so that I had something portable to slip into my bag.

I knitted in line while waiting to get into the sale. I knitted while I sat in a specifically taped off area with some of our VB goodies while mom went back to look around some more. I knitted while going through the weaving line to pay for all of our VB. I had young girls wondering what I was knitting, some other ladies saying, "Look, she's knitting!", and if anyone tried to grab something that was mine...well, they weren't going to get far (not that I promote violence with knitting needles, but when you're stuck in a group of women trying to grab a sought after bag/pattern that's dirt cheap, even though you didn't want to be stuck there, you do think about it....).

I do believe that knitting at the Vera Bradley sale is the weirdest place I've knitted...For now. Very public knitting!

Project April: Fluff Scarf

Month: April

Project: Fluff Scarf

Status: Completed

This scarf was easy enough to finish. It just involved sitting down and finishing it. The shedding throughout was horrible, so that's going to mean watching what I wear clothing wise if I ever do wear this scarf. The yarn was fun to knit with though, soft and colorful. It's done, it toook me long enough, and I love how it turned out in the end.

April's Completed Project

(Yes, I backdated this...)

Knit Socks? Me? NEVER!!!

I was one of those knitters that was never going to knit socks. I didn't want to waste my knitting time on something that no one's going to see unless I pull up the leg of my pants, show while the sock was a WIP, or carry around a finished sock. No sock knitting for me.

Then I have a really great friend (who knows how much I hate her in the most loving way for this) who tells me to knit just one pair. See if I like it, be able to say that hey, I knitted a pair of socks.

All throughout the leg I'm going on about how much I hate knitting socks, I'm never making another pair. This one pair is it and then I'm done.

Not the case. I was in love with socks as soon as I turned the heel.

So what do I get for myself on Saturday? Socks A La Carte: Pick and Choose Patterns to Knit Socks Your Way.

I can not wait to work on a pair of socks from this book. You can choose the cuff, leg, and heel/toe that you want to use for a pair of socks. It even has a section with the pages in thirds so that you can flip the page for each element of the sock to have a small "preview" of what your sock will look like.

Right now I'm working on a pair of Jaywalkers. I'm using
Patons Stretch Sock in the Licorice colorway. It's a yarn that pools, so I wanted to pick out a pattern that would work well with pooling yarn. I also decided to use this yarn with the pattern because the pattern doesn't have a lot of give to it. With the stretchiness of this yarn I'm making the smallest size given. The pattern is easy to remember and I'm loving how it's working up with this yarn.

It's an odd yarn to work with because of how it stretches. Talk about not holding the yarn taunt as you work with it. My knitting seems to be coming out evenly though.

Here's how the leg on the first sock looks. I'm working on the heel flap section now, and it should be easy flying with the rest of the sock after that. I really just want to turn the heel. It's just magical, the best part of the sock!

Project April: Fluff Scarf

Month: April

Project: Fluff Scarf

Status: 80% Completed

I'm choosing this project for April because I am nearly finished with it, and I'd like to be finished with it. I had to frogged it when I was almost done knitting it the first time. Here's to hoping that doesn't happen to me again.

I'm following the One Row Reversible Scarf pattern (Ravelry page here). It's an easy, lacy pattern to follow. This pattern can also become mindless knitting after you get the first few rows established.

I'm knitting the scarf from Yarn Bee Featherwisp. Nice yarn in the skein, so soft to the touch, love the colors, love the shine. The one downfall? This yarn sheds like no other yarn! I've got more of this yarn in my stash. I can't wait to work with it, except for the shedding. Needless to say, this scarf, and any others, will be reserved for knitting at home. I don't want to leave a pile of fur somewhere. I'm much too nice of a girl for that!

This picture is not updated, but it's what I'm working on. I've gotten a lot more knitted than that.

April's Project of the Month

The Duct Tape Knitted Prom Dress

Found this video while checking the news on CNN.com.

I know that Duct Tape can be used for absolutely anything. I've even heard of the Duct Tape Prom. But this is new to me.

No Motivation

I've not had much motivation to blog lately. I've got some movies to blog about, some projects to blog about, and a trip to the frog pond.

I think I'm hiding how I'm really feeling, mentally. My sleep is so off. It's been hard to get out of bed this week and do much of anything. My sleep is so off. I'm thinking this is not a good thing and I need something done about it. But I just don't know what.

Something just isn't right. And I don't know what that something is. :(

Let's add that I didn't get the job. :(

Cross Your Finger, Toes (And Anything Else That Can Be Crossed)

Job interview.

In about 11 hours.

So freaking nervous.

I really need to get this job.

I don't even know what position it's for.

Another Goal For The Year

As my list of things to knit, and complete, during 2009 seems to be an ever growing lists of items, I've decided to add another goal. Hopefully I'll be able to achieve one of the two.

My new goal is to knit a marathon. Yes, I'm going to knit a marathon. Using this widget from KnitMeter.com, I can enter my projects and the amount of yarn that I used and come up with how many miles I've knit. I've added the widget to my sidebar to remind me to keep track!

Because We All Need To Laugh Sometimes

Hope you get a laugh!



I have seen this one in person!

Sad Day

I've been away for a few hours, running errands and attending my journaling group. This isn't knitting related at all, but I need to post it.

I just learned of the passing of actress Natasha Richardson. It's a sad day all around. I've been following developments closely since I first found out about her ski accident. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, the acting community, and by her fans.

Project March: Vivid Rose Mitts

Month: March

Project: Vivid Rose Mitts

Status: Both Mitts Completed

I finished the second mitt two weeks ago, after two solid days of working on them. Once you get going, these mitts become so easy to work. I'd love to make another pair of these some day.

I did have one problem, after I cast off. I put both mitts on, looked at them, and noticed that on the top of the left mitt, I'd done a k1p1 ribbing instead of the moss stitch. It wasn't all the way around the mitt, just on half of it. So I had to rip out the bind off and two rows to fix it. I hardly had enough yarn to finish the bind off for a second time.

I adore these mitts and I've received so many amazing comments on them.

March's Completed Project

Follow Me On Twitter!

I added a new blog widget, Twitter! Now I can update what's going on if I can't get to blogging!

Movie Knitting: Stick It

Movie of Choice: Stick It

Project of Choice: Skull and Crossbones Blanket

Stars (out of five): ***

What could be better than watching a movie about gymnastics? This movie brings out how catty and competitive that world can be (It's not called gym-nice-tics ya know). As a girl is forced to return to a world she once walked out out, Haley butts heads with new coach and teammates. She's also not one to stick to the rules and breaks them nearly every chance she gets. In the end everything works out in a stick and competitive competition.

This movie is mindless, a fun comedy to watch. It's from the writers of Bring It On, so it's got that flair to it.

I chose to work on my Skull and Crossbones blanket because it was there and I wasn't feeling all that steady at the time. It's coming along slowly, but that's the point of it.

Dark Star Beret

I knitted this beret as a Knit-A-Long (KAL for future reference to any non-knitting readers out there) with one of my Ravelry groups. This pattern is yet another wonderful knit by Natalie Larson, called Star Crossed Slouchy Beret (available as a Ravelry download).

I used some Caron Simply Soft, black, that I had in my stash. It took less that a 3 oz. skein to make a single beret, so this is easily a one skein project. It also makes it a quick gift knit for those last minute birthdays or the holidays.

This beret has cables scattered over it, twisting in both directions. the decreases for the top are done with both k2tog and ssk. It's got a wonderful fit to it. This will most likely be one of my go to berets. I'm planning on making one in white.

Dark Star Beret

The Peachest of Baby Blankets

This blanket was fabulous to knit. It's from the book 8-Hour Baby Blanket...Revisited from Plymouth. It was a joy to knit, and it did take 8 hours. Some of the other patterns out of the book may take longer, but any of the smaller blankets could easily be done in weekend.

I was commissioned to knit this blanket for a good friend (totally knit worthy!). After looking through some of the patterns in the book, she settled on the Diagonal Texture Baby Blanket. Knitting this blanket was enjoyable due to the fact that it wasn't solid stockinette stitch. Each row was made up of knits and purls, and was very easy to follow.

Done on size 13 needles and holding two strands of worsted together, the blanket works up quickly. I used Plymouth Encore Worsted in number 448.

If you need that last minute baby gift, go check out your lys and see if they have this book!

Movie Knitting: The Nanny Diaries

Movie of Choice: The Nanny Diaries

Project of Choice: Fluff Scarf

Stars (out of five): ****

This movie, adapted from the book of the same name, was adorable. A coming of age story, a girl fresh out of NYU, trying to find herself. Annie becomes a live in nanny for an rich, uptown NY family. Not the job she was hoping for, she quickly learns of all the demands and strict rules that being a nanny brings. She uses her time as "field research" that will help her achieve what she really wants to do with her life.

I loved the main character of this film. Always trying to make he best of a situation, even when stuck in a corner. Watching the bonus features on the DVD gave a closer look at the book and how it came about. I haven't read the book yet, although it is in one of my many stacks of books to read. Check out the movie, check out the book, and see what it's like being on the bottom looking up.

I choose my Fluff Scarf to work on due to the fact that it was already out and I had been working on it. Plus, I wanted something mindless to work on while I was watching this movie.

*The opinions posted above are that of the author.

Project March: Vivid Rose Mitts

Month: March

Project: Vivid Rose Mitts

Status: 1 mitt completed

I'm choosing this project so that I don't have the dreaded second mitt/sock/sleeve/anything else that comes in a pair syndrome. It really shouldn't be a problem for me to complete the second one, as the first one didn't take me very long to knit up at all.

The pattern I'm working from can be found here (opens in a pdf file). I love the pattern, although I'm not used to reading the charts from left to right instead of right to left. The first mitt doesn't look that great in places where I was doing some of he colorwork. I attribute the fact that I was stressed as to it not looking well.

Here's to Project of the Month: March. I've met my goal the past two months, so let's hope I can meet my goal for a third time!

March's Project of the Month

It's Times Like This

The last few days have been mentally draining on me. Too much going on for me to really handle. To the outside world it may seem like nothing at all. To me though, I'm left wondering when the next thing is going to shatter my world or make me question life altogether.

I started working on a new project to work on when my head is too cluttered to be able to sit down and write anything out. I started a blanket using a lace skull and crossbones pattern that can be used in nearly anything. I'm doing the blanket out of black and white.

No pictures yet as I just started and I'm only really working on it when I'm in a bad state.

Can it please be March 26th already? I don't have therapy until then unless I just happen to get an earlier appointment because someone else canceled...

*sigh* Eventually things are going to look up. Somehow, someway. They always do.

Project February: Upstairs Shawl

Month: February

Project: Upstairs Shawl

Status: Completed on the 2nd; sent out on the 27th

Finished so early, sent out so late. Basically, I just sat and knitted the rest of this shawl in one day. I wanted to get it completed, I wanted to get it sent out, and I wanted to move onto something new. Completed. Check. Sent out. Check. Started something new before it was sent out. Check. I really do hope that the recipient likes it, as it is a comfort shawl. Only time will tell.

I did enjoy knitting the Upstairs Shawl pattern and I do plan on knitting it again in a lace weight yarn. I do think this pattern could be adapted for nearly any weight of yarn and come out beautifully.

For this shawl I used Hobby Lobby's house brand, Baby Bee, in Sweet Delight Pomp Crayon. For a yarn that is mostly acrylic, it's got a soft hand to it. The small silver thread wrapped around it caught on the needles a lot though, so that was a pain. I believe that I used two full skeins and just a bit of a third. I'm not exactly sure. The shawl was knitted on size 8, 24" circular needles.

Overall, I do like how the shawl turned out and would easily make it again with this yarn as a gift.


I feel safe posting pictures, so here they are. The pooling doesn't seem as noticeable when you're looking at the shawl as it does when you're looking at the pictures.

February's Completed Project

Movie Knitting: Burn After Reading

Movie of Choice: Burn After Reading

Project of Choice: Fluff Scarf

Stars (out of five): *****

The Coen Brothers present to you another great movie, Burn After Reading. What do you get when you mix a group of people together that somehow have ties to each other, yet aren't aware of it? You have a movie of demise, longing, cheating, hilarity, and down right stupidity (only in the best way of course). This movie held my attention for the entire 96 minutes. There's nothing like watching what one person's actions do to another and how that affects someone they are linked to and what one person can think of another's involvement with an organization they aren't linked to in the slightest. Smart acting, with most parts being written for the actor or actress portraing that character. For a lot going on at once, it's easy enough to follow along if you're paying attention. The story wraps and weaves it's way around, coming to an ending when you're just trying to figure out the start.

Choosing the Fluff Scarf to work on was probably a wise choice as I didn't have to pay attention to what I was doing. It was much easier to focus on the movie...Otherwise, something might have been missed.
*The opinions posted above are that of the author.

Movie Knitting: The Dark Knight

Movie of Choice: The Dark Knight

Project of Choice: Lace Stole

Stars (out of five): *****

I haven't seen many of the movies that make up the Batman franchise, and I'm not much of an action movie type of girl, but I didn't want to miss this film. I should also state that I wanted to see Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker (which was amazing). This movie goes beyond my expectations. There is no shortage of suspense as the story weaves it way around. The story also has some unexpected events happen, events that make you questions the integrity of the characters (well, unless you're a huge Batman fan I suppose!). Who's on what side? What does the villain really want? Who's going to be the one that is saved? Or better yet, what's going to be blown up, flipped over, or torn apart next? The acting is superb from all cast members, the special effects top notch, the set design spectacular.

Knitting did not come easy during this film as I was glued to the screen, especially during the last half hour. If you haven't seen this film, I recommend checking it out.

*The opinions posted above are that of the author.

What Have You Done?

Stole this from another blog. :) She knows who she is.

Bold what you've done, mark in another way what you plan to do, and leave anything else alone!

Afghan
American/English knitting
Baby items
Bobbles
Buttonholes
Cable stitch patterns
Cardigan
Charity Knitting
Combination knitting
Continental knitting (does trying count?)
Cuffs/fingerless mits/arm-warmers
Darning
Designing knitted garments
Domino knitting
Drop Stitch Patterns
Dyeing Spinning Fibre
Dyeing with plant colors
Dyeing Yarn
Entrelac
Fair Isle knitting
Free-form knitting (If by this is meant I made it up as I went)
Fulling/felting
Garter stitch
Gloves
Graffiti knitting
Hair accessories
Hats: Cuff-up
Hats: Top down
Holiday related knitting
Household Items
I-Cord
Intarsia
Jewelry
Kitchener stitch
Knitted flowers
Knitting a gift
Knitting a pattern from an on-line knitting magazine
Knitting and purling backwards
Knitting art
Knitting for a living
Knitting for pets
Knitting for Preemies
Knitting in public
Knitting Items for Weddings
Knitting on a loom
Knitting smocking
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars
Knitting to make money
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Knitting with alpaca
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Knitting with beads
Knitting with Camel Yarn
Knitting with cashmere
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with cotton
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Knitting with dpns
Knitting with Linen
Knitting with metal Wire (disliked it but was interesting)
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Knitting with silk
Knitting with someone else's hand-spun yarn
Knitting with soy yarn
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Knitting with wool
Knitting with your own hand-spun yarn
Lace patterns
Long Tail CO
Machine knitting
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Moebius band knitting
Norweigan knitting
Participate in an exchange
Participating in a KAL
Pillows
Publishing a knitting book
Purses/bags
Rug
Scarf
Shawl
Short rows
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Slip stitch patterns
Slippers
Socks: toe-up
Socks: top-down
Steeks
Stockinette stitch
Stuffed toys
Swatching
Sweater
Tassels
Teaching a child to knit
Teaching a Male how to knit
Textured knitting
Thrummed knitting
Toy/doll clothing
Tubular CO
Twisted stitch patterns
Two end knitting
Writing a pattern

Steal this and post it on your knitting blog!

Movie Knitting: Step Brothers

Movie of Choice: Step Brothers

Project of Choice: Lace Stole

Stars (out of five): **

Tonight I rented Step Brothers from RedBox (gotta love free rental Monday!). Normally, I love Will Ferrell, but this movie did nothing for me. Sure, it had it's funny moments, as his movies do, but it didn't seem that anything really carried this movie. There were more F-Bombs dropped than I think I've ever heard in a single movie before. I've heard every word in the book, and it seems like every word was used in this movie. The storyline was unique and different, but it just did not play out well. The writing was horrible and repetitive. The acting seemed off, even forced at times. This movie will not be one of my recommendations to see. With this being all that I can say about this movie, that should be considered a good thing, as there's nothing good about it.


*The opinions posted above are that of the author.

Oscar Winning Moment 2009

I feel totally compelled to post this here.




Yes, I know it's not completely knitting related, but she has been known to pick up the needles. I just love her speech!

Oscar Night! Part Two

I greatly enjoyed the Oscars this year. I love how they presented some of the major awards with winners gracing the stage, each one addressing a nominee. Loved the musical numbers, too! Watching the "In Memoriam"...It makes you realize how many great people were lost in the past year.

Slumdog Millionaire, a movie that was supposed to go straight to DVD, doing so well! Penelope Cruz winning Supporting Actress. Heath Ledger winning for Supporting Actor, his family taking the stage to accept his award. Kate Winslet, who I love, winning Best Actress! And I'm not afraid to admit that I did cry. I loved her speech! Sean Penn and Dustin Lance Black winning for Milk. Now, for Best Picture...The winner is...Slumdog Millionaire! A fantastic night for this movie!!!!!!

So many great movies and the people that made them possible were nominated this year, and I have yet to see any of them! It's time to start watching. This year's Oscars has to be one of the most amazing!

I managed to get a few rows completed on the stole, enough to finish another pattern repeat. I was too entranced to knit on it much...

And so many good movies coming up later on in 2009!!!

Oscar Night!

I love watching the Academy Awards! I love seeing what dresses are hitting the red carpet and who wins what awards. And for a toned down Oscars, I have to say I'm enjoying it. Also, I realized that I seriously need to do some movie watching!

So, what am I knitting during the Oscars? I just finished a beret, the Star Crossed Slouchy Beret with some Caron Simply Soft from my stash, in black.

Now it's onto the lace stole I feel like I've been working on forever. I am finding it very difficult to just sit and work on it. I don't know what it is about it that's making this project turn into one that I just don't enjoy working on. So, here goes to working on that and hopefully making some progress.

Updated Sidebar Widgets

I've updated my sidebar widgets with the projects I've completed this year. Five so far! And the year isn't even a quarter of the way over.

Anything with a star in front of it's name means the project is completed. I'm getting down my list. I've noted the projects that have already been started. I feel like I'm doing a lot of the little projects right now. There's a shawl that I can't wait to start though.

I'm having a huge case of startitis because I so badly want to make all of those projects listed. I also want to finish the projects so that I can put them to use before it starts to get warm here.

I started a new scarf today and, while it is knitting up quickly, I don't know if I can get it knit up quickly enough to wear it before it gets warm.

I have too many projects started again. I'll never get anything finished...

Is This A Bad Thing?

I'm going to admit something. My bedroom is a mess. Like, you'd never believe I was a Virgo if you saw my room and how disorganized it was mess.

I am thoroughly scared by the amount of yarn I am finding as I start to clean my room. Scared as in, "I forgot I bought this" as I find a bag with yarn in it. As in, where am I going to put all of this yarn and how am I ever going to use it all scared.

Anyone know of a yarnaholic anonymous? I think I need one...

Knitting Update

With the sun breaking through the clouds of a really rainy day, I figured I'd do a quick update.

I've got some projects completed that I need to blog about. I've got some frogged projects to update. I've received some gifts from friends that I need to post. Oh, and one very humorous situation that just wasn't all that funny at the time - and one I wish I had pictures of.

So, there will be new blog posts in the near future. In the meantime, get lost in a game. Boomshine can become addictive, as I've found out.

Springing Forward In Completed Socks

I've completed my first pair of hand knit socks! Yes, there are mistakes, one of which I didn't catch until the one sock had been completed for a few days. It's just in the decrease area for the toe, so it won't be noticeable to anyone except myself, unless another knitter notices it.

I was sucked in the moment that I turned the heel. There's just something so magical, wonderful about that step.

I love how the socks fit, I love how hand knit socks feel on my feet. I may not knit another pair anytime in the near future, but this won't be the last pair that I knit!

Springing Forward Socks

These socks make the second project of January that I've completed, and second on the list for 2009.

Super Bowl Knitting

Was that not an exciting Super Bowl? It would have been much better had the Arizona Cardinals won the Lombardi, but I guess you can't have everything go your way (story of my life actually). I love an underdog team and wanted to see them win so badly!

During the game I worked on the shawl that I want to complete by the end of the month. I've completed almost two full pattern repeats today, working on it during my knitting group that meets on Sundays and during the game. It knits up so quickly once you get into the rhythm of the pattern.

I have to say that the ads this year were pretty good. This though, is my top favorite!




I want to thank everyone for the comments! I'm thinking about doing a weekly post on Saturday responding to some comments that have been left. I don't know why I didn't think of that idea sooner! So, look for that to be coming your way.

Project February: Upstairs Shawl

Month: February

Project: Upstairs Shawl

Status: Half Way Completed

I've picked my project for February. Pictures and info will have to wait though, as it's a gift for a friend, and I don't want to ruin it by posting pictures of the yarn and how the project is looking.

I've picked this project because it's something that I need to get done, as I've been working on it on and off since late October, early November.

Here's to February!

The "Other" Four Letter "S" Word

The other four letter "S" word could be one of two words right now. Let's start with this one.

Sock.

Yes, it's a four letter knitting word. I swore I'd never knit socks, never waste my time on a knitted project that no one would really see. What is the point? No, I'm not going to knit socks and you can't make me! EVER.

No longer can I say that. I have started knitting a pair of socks, my first pair of socks. These will not be my last pair either.

No, I will not like knitting socks. No, I will not like the feel of them on my foot when I try them on. No, I will not love turning the heel.

Damn.

I'm knitting the Spring Forward pattern from Knitty. It's a lovely lace pattern that's quick to memorize. My yarn choice is Lion Brand Sock-Ease in Cotton Candy. I didn't want to spend much money on sock yarn if I ended up not liking to knit socks.

Lion Brand Sock Ease

Hot pink, light pink, lime green, and purple make up the colors in this yarn.
Fingering weight, 438 yd, 75% Wool, 25% Nylon

And now, for the other "S" word. SNOW. Oh, how I despise the snow when many inches fall. I won't be going anywhere today. I'll be lucky to go anywhere tomorrow. Nothing like a day to knit! These pictures are outside my window.

So, either be glad you aren't here right now, or wish you were here, whatever you fancy. I have no idea how many inches fell here, but I'm sure I'll be aware when I go and bring the toter in from trash day this morning!

You Must Watch This

A good friend of mine sent me this video on Ravelry, and I had to post it here. No intro is needed! Enjoy!

Project January: Endpaper Mitts

Month: January

Project: Endpaper Mitts

Status: Completed

I didn't blog much about the project choice for January. Since I had already finished one mitt, I decided that finishing the other mitt would be plausible by the end of the month.

Eunny Jang designed these wonderful mitts, and you can find the pattern on her blog, here. If you haven't done a stranded project, these mitts would be a perfect first project.

I made this pair using dpn for the cuffs, size 1, and two circular needles, size 3, for the colorwork. Until this project, I had not used the two circular needles knitting method. It was probably not the wisest choice, particularly for a stranded project, but it worked. My knitting was tighter using this method, but the mitts have stretched a little with wear.

I used Red Heart Ltd.'s Heart & Sole for this project in the Mellow Stripe and Black colorways.

I love how they turned out, and are my favorite pair of the three pairs I've made.

January's Completed Project

I've Decided on a Layout

Okay, I've been going back and forth, looking at each layout. I've decided to go ahead and stay with the white background. I think the simple layout will allow the pictures to pop out more, that is, when I post them.

I'll add color through my text. If I remember, I'll just change my font color each month. I know, you're all thinking, "Like she's going to remember." :-p

Widgets will be added again in the next couple of days. I also need to become better about tagging posts.

I need to collect some knitting blogs to start reading and to place on my list. What should I be reading?

Okay, it's time to get the blog back on the topic of knitting. I do need to post my project for January because I'm nearly done with it! Perhaps I'll post it when I am completed.

And now to return this blog to knitting.

Opinions Wanted!

Alright, I've been screwing around with my blog for the past couple of days. I've got this original blogger template up, and found a tutorial that helped me to make it three columns wide, which is what I want.

I loved the colors and the cheeriness of the other template. I also like how clean this one looks. If I keep this one, I'll change some font colors.

It's really a matter of deciding at this point. I may just keep this one. What do you think?

Thanks For the Comments!

Thanks so much for those that left comments about my new template. I think I'm going to keep it. Screw IE! I love the template, the colors, and the fact that it's three columns. I can't find another three column template that speaks to me as this one did.

So, my blog is either gonna look great (cuz Firefox is great!) or it's going to look sucky (cuz IE is sucky).

And this is a knitting blog so I guess I oughta post a knitting picture. And obviously screw the grammar for today in this post! I'm allowed to do that once in awhile, right?



Some Malabrigo Lace. Because we all love Malabrigo in any form.

ETA: Using this template has also taken away some options for when I post, either editing a post or creating a new post. And frankly, I'm not excited about that. It's like the older blogger, I think. So, I think I'm going to revert back to another template, or find one that work and allows me the options I want while making a new post. I guess I'm just not gonna be happy about this.

New Template

It was time for a change in the look of my blog. It was just looking so depressing and sad in the dark colors, and I couldn't find the right combination that elicited joy from myself.

So, I found this template and loved it! I'll get around to adding my widgets again and getting the look just right. I've been doing editing within the html, so if something looks off, let me know. I know the title is huge and way off if you're using IE as your browser. I normally use Firefox, so it looks like it should to me.

Enjoy the new cheerful look!


ETA: I've been screwing around with the html stuff, and I know I'm never going to get it to look how I want it to look on both browsers. So, if anyone has any ideas, I'd be very appreciative. For now I'm just going to leave as is.

How Exciting Is This?

It's become some sort of obsession of mine, checking my Ravelry project page for comments and to see if any of my projects have been favorited by other members.

What a surprise today when I saw that a project not previously favorited had been favorited.

What's even better about it is that project was favorited by the author of the book in which the pattern came from!

Now, about the project.

I had been joking around with some friends on how I could knit practically anything. I mentioned handcuffs and that I found this pair that I wanted to knit in a book I had just gotten at the library called Knockdown Knits: 30 Projects from the Roller Derby Track.

Being the person I am, I decide to knit a pair for a friend (who I don't talk to anymore). I'm given the most perfect yarn for the project from a friend that's in my knitting groups. Black with beads from ICE Yarns. Blend that with Lion Brand Lame in silver, and you have the most perfect cuffs!

ICE Yarns Bead Fancy, Black with Rainbow Beads.

This yarn was fun to work with, even though some of the beads are difficult to see on the black yarn.
82% Polyester, 18% Sequins

Lion Brand Lame in Silver.

I wanted something to add to the cuffs, and I knew this would be the perfect addition.
Fingering Weight 65% Rayon, 35% Metalized Polyester

Finished Project

Overall, this was a quick, fun, and easy knit. It took no time to knit these up and have them put together. Make sure you check out the book, too!

Knitting Projects for 2009

There are some projects that I'd like to get completed before the end of 2009. I've got the list in my head, so now it's time to put it down in my blog. The list will contain projects already started and in need of finishing, or projects that I want to start.

All links will open in a new window/tab.


*Warm Color Fingerless Mitts (picture)

* Wrap in Malabrigo Lace (picture)

* Fluffy Lace Scarf (picture)

* Celtic Knot Stole (picture)

* Winter Twilight Mitts (pattern)

* Leaf Lace Shawl (Ravelry)

* Lacy Accents Scarf x 2 (Ravelry)

* Plymouth Confusion Scarf x 2 (Colorcard)

* Fingerless Mitts for a friend

* Comfort Shawl

* Baby Blanket

So, the list for 2009 has been made. Now, for how the "Project A Month" will work.

Each month, I will choose a project to complete. Most likely the choice in project will be something that's already on the needles. It doesn't matter the length in time that it's been on the needles. By the end of the month, the project will be completed. I'll choose the project-of-the-month a few days before the new month begins, and will try to make it a point to post the project and the stage it's in on the first day of the month.

I'll be posting the project for January in a few days. I just needed to get updated photos taken, then uploaded. That is one thing that I'm not good about. Perhaps that will change in 2009!

Knitting Plans 2009

Here are my knitting plans of 2009.

1. Finish at least one project a month.
2. Update Ravelry as needed
3. Use more yarn from my stash and stop buying so much! Only buy if there's nothing in my stash that will work.
4. Update my blog. Try for once a week.

Let's see how long these plans hold up!

What I'm working on now (links to my Ravelry Project Page):

Warm Color Endpaper Mitts
Cheshire Cat Stole
Fluffy Lace Scarf

So hopefully sometime this month one of the three will be completed!

Happy 2009!!!

Hope everyone has a year full of knitting!!!!

Apparently, my resolution is to knit enough to empty four of my containers of yarn. Yeah right. This was made for me, not by me.