August 2004 Archives

My order from Webs came in yesterday. I ordered 2 bags plus 1 skein of Lana D'Oro in West Point Blue. Ain't it purty?

This is slotted for DH's basketweave pullover from IK Fall 04. I love it! The yarn is soooo soft and the blue is just stunning.

Speaking of it rocks. I picked up some books from the local library. I just love them especially when I can order anything and they will transfer for free. Awesome service. The only things missing from the picture are the Summer and Spring issues of IK, and a copy of Knitting on the road : sock patterns for the traveling knitter by Nancy Bush. This last book is going with me to California. Oh and today I picked up so more sock yarn. Yup. I couldn't help myself. I got Lorna's Laces in a pretty blue colorway.

How about knitting? You ask. Yes, I've been busy. I've got to redo my swatch for Klaralund and right now I have about 16" to go for my Mother's scarf. I'm using Koigu and the Little Leaf Scarf pattern. Here's a picture of it. It really doesn't look like I've made much progress but believe me I have! I had to rip back and redo many rows.

Now for the vacation project bag...I think I'll tackle sock knitting and bring my poncho along. That should keep me busy along with yarn shopping. See you in a week!

Yes, I'm at work. Can you tell? This is only time of the day that I can do research and peruse blogs, Web site, etc. Anyways, I'm thinking of doing some charity knitting, more specifically, for animals. I could do things for cancer patients, kids, international efforts, etc, but I feel animals never get enough from us humans. I've found the following places:

Hugs for Homeless Animals Snuggles Project - they provide a listing of shelters that will accept knitted security blankets.

Critter Knitters' Coalition

Knits for Pets -a list of patterns and resources

I think I'll do some blankets and felted beds for the local shelters.

I just came across this tip for using JaggerSpun Zephyr. This is the yarn I'll be using to knit along with the Colinette Mohair. I'm thinking of buying more for socks and shawls/stoles.

Patterns to consider for future projects:

Stole/Shawls

-Stole from Fiddlesticks Knitting

-Stole from Alison Knits

-Wrapped in a Hug Stole

Scarfs

-Multidirectional diagonal scarf

Mittens

-Blue Blog's Plaid Mitten

-Warmest Mittens

-Knitty's Broad Street Mittens, errata

-More here

So many places and such little time. I've started compiling a list of places I'd like to visit on my trip. Any suggestions?

Fengari on Main Street in Half Moon Bay

BALL & SKEIN & MORE
4070 Burton Dr.
Cambria, CA 805-927-3280

Knitting Arts
408-867-5010
14554 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA 95070
www.goknit.com

LA KNITTERIE PARESIENNE (Studio City)

Velona Needlecraft
5701-M Santa Ana Canyon Rd.
Anaheim Hills, CA 92807
Tel: 714.974.1570
Store hours:
Monday thru Friday 9:30 - 7:00
Sat 9:30 - 6:00
Sun 11:30 - 5:00 (Sept thru May)

More here and here

5 more days and I'm in San Francisco! Sweeeeettt!!! I can't wait. We're flying to SanFran driving over to Lake Tahoe and then coming back to the coast to head down to LA. There will be lots of sightseeing, hiking and driving. The driving will be perfect to catch up on my book club reading and knitting. Oh and you can't have a vacation without some purchases. I'm planning to hit many yarn stores. I just need to come up with a list.

As promised here's pics (click on images for larger picture):

Birthday gift for Mother

Fun scarf for family member

First swatch for Klaralund

Yesterday's purchases

This last picture has my new yarn for the Poncho. It's Jaggerspun Zephyr in Plum, very yummy wool and silk blend. Best of all it's only $4 for 315yds. Yippeee! I also picked up the new Rowan, some Brittany DPNs and the extra Koigu for the scarf.

As for this scarf I'm knitting, the pattern is not difficult but you can loose track and end up messing up the pattern. Which I have done many times and have had to rip back a little. At this rate I won't be done in time. Sad, so very sad.

On Sunday I ventured into my gardens and was disgusted with the lack of maintenance. I need to seriously devote some time to it before Winter sets in. I need to move some plants and remove tons of weeds! Yucky!

Now that I'm knitting I just can't seem to fit this hobby in. The sad part of it all is that the weather has been gorgeous! So there's no reason for me to be knitting inside. I need a chair to sit on my porch and then I can do both. Yup, must find one.

Knitting Front
I'm about half way done with my Mother's bday scarf. I need another skein of Koigu to finish it. While I'm waiting to purchase that I started another project. I'm knitting another scarf for a relative in pinks and purples. Pic to come soon.

The Poncho is still on hold until I buy another yarn to strand along with the mohair. I think I've found one but just need to check for color. While at Springwater Fiber Workshop I found tons of Jaggerspun yarn on cones. Gorgeous stuff! I'm going there today to pick it up along with Koigu. Oh and I'm still waiting for an extra skein of Mountain Colors Weaver's Wool in Garnet. I've emailed the shopowner for a status.

Let's see...Klaralund. I've done a swatched and blocked it yesterday. I think I'll need to go up to US9 needles because my preliminary measurements came up to 17 stitches & 23 rows for 4". That was done on my Denise US 8 needles. I think I'll use my Addis for the next swatch.

And last but not least in my list of projects: the basketweave pullover. I still haven't received my Webs order for the Lana D'Oro yarn. They are sooo backed up. Dang it.

Above is from yesterday's excursion to Springwater Fiber Workshop, an awesome fiber enthusiast workshop and store. They have loads of things, just loads: Noro, Mountain Colors, Rowan, Koigu, Karabella, GGH, Blatt, Manos, more Noro, tons of novelty yarns, all kinds of wool. It was heavenly! And the prices were not bad. I got a skein of Koigu PPPM for $10. I think that's reasonable. Anyways, in the photo is the Koigu (already on needles), Rowan Big Wool, and a handdyed skein of Brown Sheep. I can't wait to go back.

BDay/Going Away Present
The Classic Elite Commotion scarf is done! Sorry no pic right now. Now I just gotta boogie and finish the Koigu scarf for my Mom. I'm doing this pattern.

Denise Needles
My order has arrived. I got mine from Copper Moose off ebay. Awesome price and free shipping. I highly recommend this vendor. Now for the needles. I just don't know. They feel so whimsy. I have to give them more time but at least now I have an emergency set. I think I'll continue to buy Addi Turbos because they rock! Oh and I want a complete set of Brittany DPNs. Yes, yes, yes!

Lobo would like to say something, go ahead Lobo:

"Can I surf for cat food now?"

As promised the recent stash enhancement photos:

Noro Silk Garden #71 for Klaralund

Regia sock yarn

Classic Elite Commotion - Grape Fizz

I've started using the Classic Elite for a scarf. I'm knitting it up on US 11 needles in garter stich. This a gorgeous yarn, very light, soft, but with enough warmth as Fall weather scarf. I can't wait to give it as a gift.

In the meantime, I'm waiting for my Denise needles to arrive and a book of stich patterns I won on eBay. Once the needles arrive I can begin my swatching for Klaralund. I want to be ready to start that project when I return from my vacation.

Lobo and Pikachu are patiently waiting for me to get off the computer and resume petting them. Off I go.

I went to Knit Happens today. I can see this become my weekly walk from work and spend $$$.... Gotta love habits. I picked up some Regia limited edition sock yarn. 1 ball of Cascade Commotion in a lovely color - this will become a scarf for my dear Mom.

I can't wait to tackle sock knitting on one circular. Scary but fun challenge. Pic to come soon.

Pikachu says ooohhh more yarn!

I can't wait! Here's what I've found thus far...

Hellchick's toe-up

Toe-up techniques @ Knitty

SockKnitters

It's pouring out there right now. I must get to my comfortable chair and knit.

So, I have about 4"s, yes moving slowly but have no fear I will get it done. I've just been pretty occupied getting supplies for next two projects. I just got a notice that my Klaralund yarn is on its way. Yippeeee!!! Fast and speedy.

Poncho - click image for bigger picture

I'm also researching which yarn stores I'll be visiting during my trip to CA. I'll be Lake Tahoe, Big Sur area, and then down to LA. I'm thinking of stopping by one in Cambria but not sure which in the other two areas. Must do more research.

Today I left work early and stopped by my LYS. I picked up a some things: a copy of the new Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton Noro book, Stitch and Bitch, and two skeins of sock yarn that was on sale. I always browse through that section and have never bought anything but not today! This winter I want to tackle making socks.

Here are my beloved cats, Pikachu and Lobo. Pikachu is the king of the mountain, prima donna, "I Rule The House" kinda guy. Lobo is resigned to let him think that but deep down she knows she's got him wrapped around her paws. They spend many evenings reestablishing the totem pole. Lobo looses.

King Pikachu

Queen Lobo

WIP
The poncho is coming along. I've got about 3" done only 17" more to go. I'll need to find longer circulars very soon. Great!

Klaralund-along
I've joined this knitalong which starts in Sept. I hope to join the ladies at Knit Happens for the first session. It's the day after my trip to CA so we'll see how I feel. Now that I have the book all I'm waiting for is the yarn to arrive.

Today I took my lazy butt down to Old Town to visit Knit Happens but no luck. They're closed on Mondays, doh! So, I'll visit later this week and get my fix.

Oh yeah, and progress...I've ordered the yarn for the baskeweave pullover from Webs. They're having a summer sale right now. I got a great bargain on Lana D'Oro.

Countdown to vacation...20 days

Secret Pal 3
Yeah! I'm in. I can't wait for my secret pal. Check out the sign up for more info:
SP3

Alright I'm taking the plunge and doing the knittyblog's pattern for my poncho. I'll do the main part w/ the mountain colors and then add the mohair or mix the two.

The neck will have the yummy lana grossa pep. Yummy! Oh and I found that someone on knitty will be having a knitalong for the basketweave pullover. Perfect!

Next up..buy yarn for pullover. I think I found the exact same one from a Canadian source.

There are sooo many things I want to start making at the same time. I've gotta pick three things, something mindless: poncho, something difficult: basketweave pullover, and something fun. Now there's the problem. What shall I make that's fun and for me. There's the cardigan that I need but haven't found a pattern yet. There's the cool Kyoto sweater I want. Then I read about the Klaralund Noro pattern at WendyKnits and fell in love. I have a big thing for drapey sweaters and an even bigger thing for handpainted yarn, like Noro, Colinette, Manos, etc. You get the picture expensive taste with little cash-o-la.

I could start all four projects but then if I wanted to join the knitalongs it may not be fair. But who knows. Opinions anyone?

I'm trying to keep myself busy since Julien's passing. During my pregnancy, I picked up knitting to make some things for him and my niece. I had forgotten how much fun it was! I use to do a lot of crocheting and knitting when I was a little girl. Well, now instead of making things for Julien I'll be making things for myself and the family.

First up: a poncho! That's right. I've always wanted one. I have some gorgeous Mountain Colors Weaver's Wool Quarters in Garnet, Colinette Mohair in Velvet Plum, and Lana Grossa Pep #33 for some fun.

Now I'm still a beginner but a very fast learner. Actually the poncho is my fifth project but the largest. I was going to do Knitty's Villa but then I saw this from the Knitty Blog. I'll have to enquire w/ the KR's and see what they think. I just don't think the drape will be the same.