February 2012 Socks, Completed Before April?

My February 2012 socks have been taking a while, I keep getting distracted by other projects, cardigans, shawls, scarves, and a test knit. Lately I have been taking them to work so they are my only choice during my lunch break. It has definitely provided much needed progress.

I absolutely live the colors, the navy, purple and green go so well together and the yarn is so soft, not even the littlest bit itchy. The yarn is King Cole Zig Zag and I can't remember the Colorway. I purchased it from my LYS, Knit'n'Purl in Dandenong. I have a few other skeins of king cole and I love all the colorways.

My Holden Shawlette

Searching for a shawl pattern that included a lace pattern that was a bit of challenge, but not so that I would get flustered, I chose the Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilkes. I really like this pattern. It has enough of the stockinette portion to really show off the varigated yarn I'm using, but I am also really looking forward to getting to the lace. It looks like so much fun!

The two photos don't really show off the yarn as well as I'd hoped, but it is truly gorgeous. The main base color is blue, with porions of indigo, purple and a bit of bright jade green just to give it that little flash. The color is definately me andI cannot wait to see it finished, although a part of me doesn't want it to end! I mostly knit with solid colors, so I didn't realise how truly pleasurable varigated yarns can be.

I'm using Zig Zag by King Cole and it's a 75% wool, 25% nylon blend. Very nice to work with, soft and oh so pretty. I purchased it at a local yarn store in Dandenong called Knit'nPurl. They don't have a website but they have a nice range of yarns and the owner is lovely.

Frogging Back

Over the last few days, when I have had the chance to knit, I have picked up my striped, raglan, top-down, V-neck sweater and knit a few rounds. Things were going well, I tried it on regularly to ensure the shaping was working, and it seemed fine. But once I had done the inch or so of straight knitting for the waist, before you begin the hip increases, I realised that the sweater was just not sitting right and I had put the decrease bust shaping in the wrong place. I had also somehow ended up with more stitches on the back of the sweater than the front, and it was bunching up a bit. So later today  plan to rip back to just before the bust shaping began and try again. I don't want to, but I can tell I will not be happy if I leave it as is.

So rather than continue on last night after driving Mum home, I did some spinning and worked a bit on my socks. They have been on the needles forever, so maybe I should try to finish them up by the end of the year. My feet no longer get itchy in my handknit socks, which is great. I now find that if I wear cotton store-bought socks, my feet freeze. I now need the warmth and thickness that the handknit socks provide. Which I love because I do get a kick out of seeing the colours when I see my feet. A lot more interesting than white cotton socks.

Last Minute Christmas Knitting

It came to my realisation that I have knit a cardigan for my mum, a sweater vest for my father-in-law, and a shawl for my mother-in-law. So who's missing? Dad! I felt terrible and since it is now less than a week til Christmas I think I'd better get moving. So I decided upon a cabled beanie and matching fingerless mitts. Although it is the wrong season, I hope he will find them beneficial in winter, especially when he takes the dog for a walk.

On another note I have been looking at knit toy patterns, and I am very fussy about the ones I like. I don't like the ones that look like a 5 minute knit sewn up and called a toy. I like the toys that look like animals, have many design techniques involved and that look really really cute. Although both my kids are past the soft toy stage, I am thinking about making some for the Christmas Tree Donations at the department stores next Christmas. That way I get to experience the fun of making these toys and know that they will be going to less fortunate kids.

New Years - Casting on and weaving ends

Well, I finally finished Chloe's cardigan and she loves it. She hasn't taken it off since i gave it to her, and it doesn't even have buttons yet!!! So happy and proud of myself. I promised myself I would finish by new years, and I did with an hour and a half left! A very close call. :) I did the finishing and weaving ends yesterday, but that didn't count. I had finished knitting!

Isn't it gorgeous! The photos aren't the best, but oh well. This is my first

cabled project and it was a lot easier to cabled than I had imagined. I think I now have a cabling bug :)
I recently ordered some beautiful new handwash wool in a red tweed to make my mum a long cardigan/ jacket for mother's day. This gives me five months, so I should be done by then. I can't wait to get the wool, but I expect it to be a few days away still. I bought it from Bendigo Woolen Mills and their prices are fantastic! I bought 800 grams for $44. Couldn't get close to that at my local Spotlight.
I'm going to visit a few LYS's this week, to explore, but also to hunt down some new needles. The ones i'm using are ok, but i'm sure that there are nicer ones out there. Should be fun.
For now however, I'm going to work on a simple afghan square for some mindless knitting. I then have Nathan's jumper with a couple of stripes to finish up. Even though It's summer, it makes sense to me to make these cold weather garments now, before it's too late!
Til Next time, Danielle

Bored and Excited!

I have gotten bored with my current projects, dad's sweater because it is sooooo simple and sooooo brown, my ribbed cardigan because it is sooooo black and soooo ribbed, my niece's blanket because it is soooo pink and sooooo awkward the longer it gets.

So I have had a few ideas, which should keep me busy for many many months (and more!) and keep me interested with the different colors and techniques. I am going on a quilt/afghan/blanket binge. they are:

1. Pathways blanket, using all the varigated, self-striping and patterned yarns with a base cream color, knit on a diagonal. Quick and easy little squares, lots of color and as I'm sewing them together as I make them......quite addictive.

2. Blue Blanket, Green Blanket, Purple Blanket, Yellow Blanket, Pink Blanket, Natural Blanket, Red Blanket etc. These blankets with all be made from individual colors, but with as many variations that I can find. I intend to go through a stitch dictionary, The Harmony Guide, and create squares using techniques from the book, beginning to end. Covering basic stitches, cabling, lace, colorwork and fairisle, I hope to have very colorful, interesting and individual blankets.

3. Classic Country Quilt, using the above technique of squares using various techniques but using a variety of colors that to me represent a classic country look. Cream, muted and musty pinks, greens, blues and reds, This quilt is destined to be the centrepiece of whichever room it ends up in.

In case you are concerned about the destiny of all these quilts, they will eventually make it to their owners, the family members or friends who fall in love with them. I have no fears that they will end up homeless or banished to a cupboard, even in this house there can never be too many blankets/quilts/afghans/throws etc.

I also have plans to make baby clothes for my niece who will be delivered on 9 November. But no hurry there, I'll be making size 1 & 2's, plenty of time. I will not forget my current projects, they still hold their places, the sweater whle reading, the cardigan outside and the blanket for watching movies.

Til next time............happy knitting!

Danielle

Outdoor Knitting

Yesterday was a gorgeous day, Spring is definately in the air! I had the kids outside for a few hours, playing on the swings, slide, trampoline, balls and with Angel, our dog. When they got bored with that, out came some books and the matchbox cars. While my DD read about Wooly Mammoths (and insisted on sharing every word :P) my DS set up his car ramp to race his matchbox cars through the umbrella hole in our Jarrah table. A couple of sandwiches and some fruit and they were content away from the tv which was a miracle in itself.

I, on the other hand, got to enjoy a few hours of "Day Knitting" in one chunk. While outside they let me knit on my black ribbed cardigan which was fantastic. It was so much easier to see in daylight. A lot trickier to see inside unfortunately. But I managed to add a few inches which I'm really pleased with. Just hope it fits at the end! I've never made a cardigan for myself before.

I'm hoping to go outside again today, it's supposed to be another nice spring day, but knowing Melbourne, maybe not! I need to work on my dishcloth blanket and dad's sweater today too, even a couple of rows feels very productive.

Oh and yesterday was a cleaning day too, which followed a baking day! I tidied up a lot of the house, which isn't easy with 2 kids and 2 grown men who quite frankly, can't seem to put anything away. They all have a habit of turning any surface into storage, which gets very cluttered very quickly. A bit of vaccuuming today, some more tidying and hopefully a lot of knitting!

Til next time......Danielle

Knitting in Black

I bought some yarn ages ago, in black without thinking through how it would be to knit. It's not too hard, but not too easy either. I'm knitting a ribbed cardigan in one piece, and although i'm good at ribbing, because i can't see exactly where i am at a glance, i need to look closely. I always check once in a while to make sure i haven't accidently knit instead of purled, or vice versa.

The pattern is from the book "One Thousand Sweaters" and i love the fact that the book teaches you how to mix and match bodies, sleeves, pockets and necklines. It is also fantastic for giving a lot of basic patterns for loose or fitted garments. I believe this will help me to understand future patterns that i read. I chose just a basic 2x2 rib, because of the black. I want the cardigan to be fitted and have made it with negative ease. Only just. But i also amended the pattern to knit the two fronts and the back in one piece, so i figure it'll be a little bit bigger because of no seaming.

I have been working on my dad's sweater while reading "Comfort Food'. It's not really my kind of thing, but it's ok. While knitting my ribbed cardi I have been alternating between podcasts and listening to audio-books. I'm currently listening to "Deja Dead" by Kathy Reichs. I've read it before, but i love her books. The dishcloth blanket I'm making for my niece is plodding along, I do a couple of rows here and there when i get a chance. Usually when the kids are quiet and eating!

Definately feeling kinda lonely for knitting company, but it's so hard without a car. Unfortunately no one lives close enough that i feel comfortable inviting them over, it's a long trek for them. And I don't know any knitters that live closer. Hopefully I'll find some soon, taking little one to playgoup this week, might meet some then!

Til next time . . . . . Danielle

No Followers :(

Had a sad realisation today, no followers :( Poor me. Oh well, just like a diary I will babble to myself. It's been a while since my last post. The cardigan is finished and dearly loved. Worn multiple times. Fits well, but in my opinion it's a bit short and the arms look a bit too baggy. But gotta love those kids, 7 year olds don't spot the flaws, just the love.
I would post a pic, but haven't figured that out yet.

I started knitting socks for myself, but the bad luck was the first one was huge! Although I followed the pattern and checked the gauge, it just wasn't right. I made another which I finished tonight and it fits perfect. I just need to knit the second sock now, and i'm so excited to wear them! They will be my first knitted socks.....ever!

I haven't made much progress on my dad's sweater, been too busy with my socks. I did start my niece's blanket/afghan. It's made out of double sport ply, on 6mm needles. Each square is a dishcloth pattern, of a heart. It actually looks really good. Very very pink!

My third term of my studies begins today, and I just want to knit! But oh well, i'll pick it up tomorrow. Still addicted to Knitmore Girls Podcast at the moment, and I have a few more waiting in line. I have also downloaded a heap of audiobooks, including Harry Potter and Twilight, as well as Jonathan Kellerman, David Baldacci, Anne Rice and more. I'm kinda bored with tv at the moment.

Til next time...........Danielle

What's next?

I have almost finished the cardigan, sewing it up and then knitting the neck, then i'm done. Which is great because I'm sick of hot pink for the moment. I'm excited about making more progress on my dad's sweater, getting through the ribbing so it can be a reading project. I also plan to start my first pair of socks, for when I'm watching tv with my man in bed. Something that requires some focus, but allows me to still watch the movie. Over the years I have bought dozens of multi-colored acrylic yarns, every time I saw a color combination I liked, I bought it. I had no idea what I would use it for though.

But my interest in socks has been peaked with all the sock crazy knitters out there. I have finally found a pattern for anklet socks, as I don't wear long socks, never have. So although the pattern requires circular needles, I think I'm going to use DPN's. I actually like using them for small circumference items.

I am reading "The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs and absolutely loving it. I really enjoy the way knitting has been intwined with a fascinating story about a group of women and the difficulties and challenges they all have in their very different, yet the same lives. I love the idea of a knitting club and being a part of a group that is so welcoming of everyone regardless of their skill, background or age. It's very refreshing. Although there are similar SnB groups around me, As I have 2 kids and no car, it's very difficult to attend a meeting. Which I find so sad. I really want to go! It gets lonely knitting alone, although with my iPod, movies and books, I get by!

Til next time..........Danielle

Wedding Knits

Last night i didn't get as much knitting done as i'd hoped, we were too distracted discussing the wedding plans. We spent yesterdaylooking around at potential venues and found one that offers the chapel and reception with beautiful gardens all at the one place. So we are booking in for 3 July. This has provided me with new knitting project ideas. As it will be a winter wedding, and i will be wearing a sleeveless or strapless dress, I have already looked for patterns for a shrug and a lace shawl. I figure I would make both and see which one i want for the day. Definately the shrug, because it will make moving around easier, especially as a big dress might make things difficult enough already. But because I have wanted to try out lace, I figure this is a perfect opportunity to knit one that I love. I have found a few designs I like, but i will keep looking for the moment.

I think the shrug would be ideal for the reception and the shawl for outdoor photos. I'm really torn between what shape to choose. I love the triangular shape, the way it sits and the way that the pattern is displayed so clearly. Some of the rectangular shawls have the intricate designs slighly hidden, because they are scrunched up. But some of them are gorgeous so it's hard to decide. The round shawls are impressive, but i'm concerned they may be too big, and the square shape looks adaptable, but i worry that it will be too bulky. After all, for a bridal outfit you want it to be delicate, glamorous and beautiful.

So plenty more researching I think!The cardigan is getting there, slowly. I will definately finish the first sleeve today and start the second sleeve, but depending on nap times, and bedtimes will depend on how much time i get to knit. I also need to fit in reading some of my textbook and i have to finish the book "Hide". I read it til my eyes were blurring last night.

Til next time.......Danielle

No Knitting, Just headaches

Last night and today i have had some of the worst headaches ever.....all stress related. My partner of almost 9 years and I have finally decided to get married, but there is so much involved! Not to mention the finances of the whole affair. At least we have managed to find somewhere that we both like, that contains the chapel, beautiful gardens and a reception room with full catering and a bar. But my head already hurts!

I haven't had much time to knit or read or both because of the running around and research. I also have the kids to look after, chores to do and catch up on some studying :( but I'm determind to get sleeve number 1 finished today, even if I have to drink a gallon of coffee.I'm absolutely loving the book "Hide" by Lisa Gardner. Definately recommend it to anyone who loves psychological thriller/ mysteries. But then I've loved all her books that i've read. I just got my hands on the new Kathy Reichs novel "206 Bones" and "the Scarecrow" by Michael Connelly. At the library I also found "Bones" and "Compulsion" by Jonathan Kellerman and Kate Jacobs' "The Friday Night Knitting Club,". I haven't read much in ages with all the studying i've been doing, so i'm really enjoying myself. When I get the time!

My son hasn't napped for the last 2 days, which has meant very long and loud days. Hopefully tomorrow, with his dad back to work, he can give me a break and nap away the afternoon, at least til we pick his sister up from school. In one more week we have the term 3 holidays, two weeks off school. Luckily Brian, my partner (soon to be hubby) is taking most of the holidays off, so we can go do some things with the kids, and even give each other a break, hopefully. I just want to get a few hours of knitting and reading in a day and i'll be happy. I'm really very simple, not high-maintenance at all!

Til next time.......Danielle

All About Yesterday

I realised this morning that each blog is all about yesterday. I never have time on the day to write, I knit til i'm to tired to do another row.....then I go to sleep. So it's always the next morning that I blog about the day before. Oh well, it's all good I suppose.Yesterday was productive again once my son had his nap.

I knit and read Hide by Lisa Gardner and had a lovely break. Managed to completely finish the body of the cardigan and I measured it against my daughter because it looked like it might be too small. But thank goodness it looks like a perfect fit. I wasn't sure if i've got enough contrast yarn, so this morning i went and bought another ball and the buttons for the cardigan. So Cute! I found purple heart shaped buttons with little polka dots on them, ideal for a 7 year old I think.Haven't had a chance to work on dad's sweater yet, but I will get there. So close to finishing the cardigan that i can't stop! I guess that where I am a project knitter, I can't just put one project aside to start another. i'm too excited to see what the one i'm working on will look like when completed, if it fits and then I can take a photo! It definately becomes an obsession. Especially with projects I designed or amended myself, I get really anxious to see the end.

My two afghans for my kids were pattern free, just spontaneous and random yarn combinations. And this cardigan design was originally a varigated yarn. I didn't like it, too busy, so I chose a hot pink and a pale purple and did set stripes......and it's gorgeous!Hoping to knit today, if i ever finish up with housework and cooking. Stupid chores.....they just interfere with knitting time!Til next time, Danielle