And More Sewing

Caro from Splityarn has posted an excellent tutorial on how to make a change purse. I've been having a lot of fun with these! I even picked one up from her Etsy shop because I loved the pattern and didn't have that fabric. She has a few other tutorials, check them out! Thanks Caro!!!











The insides...














And the chair makes another appearance!

Don't forget to try your hand at my contest...

Red Hot

I joined another knit along, Red Hot Sizzling Socks. I really wanted to knit them with Lorna's Laces in the flames colorway but I also really need to curb my yarn buying so I dyed up a skein of sock yarn with Kool-Aid on Saturday afternoon. I used 6 packages of cherry and sprinkled on 1 package of orange near the end of the steaming process. I hope the color holds up, I really want a pair of RED socks.










Why do I join knit alongs? I think the answer is simple, I like to put the buttons on my sidebar. I also like to have a bit of a structured knitting goal. I work better under pressure otherwise I just sit here and surf the web all day, although a little less now that I found Bloglines! Why do you join knit alongs? Or why don't you?

Bloglines Rules!

Aren't you gals/guys my friends? Why didn't someone tell me to subscribe to this before now?? I now have more time to knit since I'm not thumbing through ____ blogs per day. Guess how many blog feeds I subscribe to and I'll send you a fab prize. After all, the next best thing to buying myself some yarn is buying it for someone else!! Guessing ends Thursday 2/2 at midnight CST so I can get the prize mailed on Friday!

Guessing starts NOW...













This is how Casey leans against the couch when he's gazing outside, with his legs crossed. I think it's hilarious! Sometimes his left leg is just flopping in the breeze.

I'm Jaywalking!

After all that mess yesterday, I finally cast on a pair of Jaywalkers. I started with the larger size and cast on 84 stitches. A bit into the ribbing I figured out they would be too large and ripped. This time I cast on 76 stitches and it's looking OK, I'm using size 2 dpn's. As you may have noticed, I don't knit gauge swatches for socks. They are forgiving enough that I can usually tell just by looking if they'll fit. I have knit a gauge swatch once for socks...the socks I knit for Sockapal2za. I would hate to send someone a pair of socks and have them not fit. That being said, this particular pair of socks will be a gift for someone but she has the same size feet as mine so I'm going with my gut here...













I'm not too crazy about how the colors are pooling but I guess that's the nature of the beast.
Yarn: Socks That Rock - Mesa

**Update**OK OK, I guess I should start using gauge swatches because after further inspection and a try-on, I decided again that the sock was too big. I've ripped and restarted casting on 68 stitches. Let the heckling begin....

REadY tO RiP mY HaiR oUT!

I wanted nothing else than to start a pair of Jaywalkers (link not dial-up friendly all beit very cool) this afternoon (even though I'm not finished with Crusoe) so I starting winding and now there's lots of knots. I'm usually fairly patient with this type of thing but today I want to rip someone's hair out...even my own. Yes, I know it's my fault I don't have a swift but they're so cumbersome. Not really something I want around. Maybe I'll have to bite the bullet and get one. ARGH...










**Update**I ate a piece of chocolate from my Secret Pal 7 and finished winding my STR. Tonight I'll cast on!!!!

Straight From the East Coast

I have received my 1st clue leading me to the identification of my Secret Pal 7. She lives?/works? in New York, New York. Check this stuff out! Two skeins of pink Cascade for felting projects, a beautiful skein of Brooklyn Handspun yarn, a Chibi, a set of size 2 1/2 bamboo needles for socks and of course, chocolate!!!
Thank you VERY much Secret Pal 7!!!!

It's A Beautiful Day...

The second 2nd Crusoe is underway. I riiiiiiped last night, wound the yarn into a new ball and cast on right away. I knit a little last night and today in the car wash line so it will be finished in no time! Thanks to you all for using the poll to help me decide. Rip and restart & eat chocolate were fairly neck and neck so I went ahead and did both!













Today...in Minnesota...in January!...the high was 48º!!!!! Casey was soaking it all in this morning...

Wild for Hockey

Tuesday night we had tickets to the Wild/Coyotes game. It was a really good game and we were able to see Wayne Gretzky. See him? Down there to the right of the opening in the glass in the black suit?? Ya, we hardly could either.










And of course the KC self-portrait, he loves these ;-)













And for those of you out there with a mullet, I apologize in advance. They are out of style, even at a hockey game. You can barely see this one but it's there, believe me. He was sitting a couple of seats away so I couldn't really use the flash, it would have been to obvious.
For the sanity of everyone involved, please cut your mullets!!!!

I Messed Up

I just realized that on my 1st Crusoe sock I cast on 56 stitches and on the 2nd I cast on 64. That's 8 stitches difference which equals about an 1 and 1/4 in size. What should I do?

What should I do with my 2nd Crusoe sock?
	Rip and restart
	Rip and use needles for a Jaywalker
	Leave it alone and continue
	Put it down and start something other than a sock
	Eat chocolate
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Under the Weather

I feel like I've been fighting a cold for about a week but it finally caught up with me even after a gazillion doses of Airborne (love that stuff!). Anyhow...last night Kyle came home with a get-well knitting giftie, a stitch 'n bitch design journal! It's plumb full with cool stuff. Today I'm taking it easy, catching up on LOST episodes and knitting.

Year of the sock:
I proclaim 2006 as my year of the sock, it's all I have on the brain.
Knitting chi is not on my side today. I desperately want to start a pair of Jaywalkers but my size 2 needles (I think I'll be using that size, any advice?) are tied up in my 2nd Crusoe sock. At least I'm at the heel flap!
I signed up for sockapaloooza this morning over at The Blue Blog, I had a great time with sockapal2za I couldn't pass this one up.










And of course Casey's relaxing just like me! After all, Tuesday = day off.













Secret Pal 7 update:
I sent out a package for my pal last week and I'm anxiously awaiting her response...too bad I can't tell you who it is ;-)

Ely in January

This weekend was filled with laughter and visits with family who we tend to see only this time of year, even though we all live fairly close...we need to change that.
Kyle & I headed North to Ely on Friday afternoon. Stopped at a little casino for a 1/2 hour and came out $16 ahead.
Saturday we made our way over to the International Wolf Center and did a little shopping too. The wolves were almost posing for us as this alpha male made his way past us a few times. Huge animals, they look so approachable when there's a wall of glass between you and them.













Of course I visited the local yarn shop, Sisu Designs and found a few must haves. I was wearing a blue down vest at the time, do you see the trend?? Of course the Trekking will end up to be a pair of socks (when? who knows) and the Artyarns merino will be a hat or maybe a Panta to match said vest. I also picked up one of these bags, mine isn't pictured.













And the usual KC self-portrait before we visited a local bar and took over. There were 12 of us which basically took up all the seats at the bar. We played a goofy dice game and took crazy shots...we=my mom and my cousins and me! Good times.

I'm Home

I'm home from a weekend away. I'll update tomorrow night...

I Couldn't Resist

I've been seeing so many cool socks knit with Socks That Rock I couldn't resist buying some! I'm still waiting on a 3rd skein...this stuff is SO nice.










And a skein of Vesper sock yarn available here or here, sometimes.

Sewing

I was introduced to pin quilts by my SIL Paula on our 2003 Hawaii trip. She's made them for her girls since pins are a great way to remember trips and special places. Pins take up very little room, something that I've been trying to gain. Kyle receives pins for most holidays from our nieces and wanted a way to display them. I finally got around to making him a pin quilt, now he has to gather them up and pin them on!













Close ups of the blocks, and yes they aren't centered. I made it that way. Seriously.

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Pattern: Airy Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Kidsilk Haze color# 592
Needles: #10 Sears Aluminum Straight (10¢ garage sale find!)
Started: January 10, 2006
Finished: January 15, 2006
Alterations: I added 2 repeats for extra length

Knit for my mom's birthday, Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

Podcasts: Knitting or Otherwise

Is anyone else addicted to these damn things? Right now I listen to Cast-On, ABC's LOST, About Time, and Penguin books podcasts. Are there any other must-listen-to podcasts??

Christmas Knitting *Installment #5

I think this is my last entry for Christmas knitting. These ankle socks were made for my mom using Alison's ankle socks pattern and Rowan Cashsoft DK color # 509 lime. They are super soft. Little did my mom know that when we were shopping back in November, she actually picked out the yarn for her very own socks...sneaky aren't I??










Whew! I made it...that's all my Christmas knitting. Now I get to knit stuff for ME!

More Yarn Yummies

I thought you may want to see the other 2 Christmas giftie skeins up close, see this post for details.











A message to my SP7...I've put up links to my SP Questionnaires on my sidebar for quick reference, I'm looking forward to this!!!!

Knitting Related Gifties *Installment #4

Can you beleive I'm still blogging about Christmas??

Again Santa pulled through with a little on-line buying this year. This t-shirt came from Knitiot.com...I love their stuff. I haven't worn this yet but it's going to match a bright orange hoodie I found at the Gap just beautifully (it looks like orange is no longer available).

Another Pair Complete

Two finished pairs in 2 weeks??
Yes that's what you see. I'm bound and determined to give all my single socks a mate.













Yarn: Trekking XXL Color #100
Pattern: A Basic Sock Pattern from a sock knitting class. 72 sts, 1x1 ribbed cuff 3x1 rib leg & instep
Needles: #1 birch DPN's
Started: October13, 2005 for Lolly's Socktoberfest
Finished: January 12, 2006

Christmas Knitting *Installment #4

I didn't really knit this stuff but I wanted to give my knitting / blogging friends something special for Christmas so I dyed them some yarn. I asked them what their favorite color / color combonations were way back in November so they had enough time to forget about it. I used dye your own sock yarn from Knit Picks and dyed the yarn with Kool-Aid, remember when I was doing this??
On the top of the picture there's Mary's Grape Fusion: she also received some coupons for knitting help since she wants to learn how to knit socks.
In the middle there's Lara's Midnight Knitter: she received a little tote bag and some fun tools since all her stuff is packed away for a bit while she finishes building her house!
On the bottom we have Nikki's Super Holly: Nikki got a few tools for her tote bag (I gave it to her last Christmas) and a sock pattern that she can't wait to start!













Here's a peek inside Lara's new knitting bag. I used Mariko's tote bags 101 tutorial to make it!










And here's a closeup of one of the skeins.

On My Lap Today

Since the truck is in for repair, I'm homebound today...ah shucks ;-) I need to finish reading the book for bookclub tomorrow night and I've been truckin' away at my 2nd Trekking XXL color#100 sock. I hope to finish it up today. WHAT? Would that make 2 finished pairs in a week and a 1/2?? It must be some sort of a knitting miracle. I've been working on some sewing projects too...maybe I've finally reached the sock knitting groove.










And here's what Casey Blue is up to today.

De-Lurk Dang-It

It's de-lurking week so get out there and drop comments...but please start here! xoxo

Secret Pal 7 Questionnaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? I usually gravitate towards natural fibers and I usually shop at yarn shops vs. hobby shops so I guess you could call me a yarn snob.
Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? For the most part but I have purchased some.
2. Do you spin? No but I've thought about getting a drop spindle.
Crochet? I learned how but I don't ever do it.
3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? In a basket.
4. How long have you been knitting? Since December 2002
Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I'd say intermediate.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? yes I do. Does this link work??
6. What's your favorite scent? I like light scents like vanilla or fruit. I don't like floral scents.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? yes.
Favorite candy? chocolate, nerds rope, jelly bellys
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I'll try just about anything. I like quilting, sewing, and beading but knitting usually comes 1st.
9. What kind of music do you like? all kinds.
Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? yes
10. What's your favorite color? pink
Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? I like bright colors but I also get into moods where I like more jeweled tones. I'm not too picky.
Any colors you just can't stand? not really, I don't usually choose pastels (except pink).
11. What is your family situation? married, no kids
Do you have any pets? oh yes!!! Casey the Weimaraner
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I wear mittens mostly, then hats and scarves but never ponchos.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I like anything soft, if I had to choose I'd say any merino wool.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? anything plastic-y / squeaky, I can't stand acrylic yarn or fun furs.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? socks and felting.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I really like socks for the portability.
17. What are you knitting right now? my 2nd Socktoberfest sock. Also on the needles: a solid sock, and a scarf and I guess my oldest UFO (see #23).
18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? sure I do!
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? either, I usually like knitting scarves on straight...it just feels right.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I knit with all types of needles but I especially like birch needles.
21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I have a ball winder but no swift.
22. How did you learn to knit? my mom taught me.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? my sock yarn mittens. I have 3/4 of a mitten to knit and the pair will be done!
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I don't really get into animated characters, I just like dogs.
25. What is your favorite holiday? my birthday (is that a holiday???) I also like Christmas.
26. Is there anything that you collect? besides yarn?? ;-) pincushions I guess and I also like gadgets.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? none, I usually browse at the bookstore before buying.
28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? not really, I guess I do have a few knitting books on my amazon wish list.
29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I'd like to learn to knit off a chart and also knit socks toe-up and maybe on 2 circs.
30. Are you a sock knitter? Yes!!
What are your foot measurements? I wear size 7 1/2 shoes which means my feet are about 9" long
31. When is your birthday? 09/24

Knitting Related Gifties *Installment #3

I threw these stitch holders into my own stocking, hey if I really want something I should get it right? I really just wanted to show you this beaded seaturtle purse I got from my nieces. Don't you just love the beaded bobble on the zipper?? Thanks Megan & Jessica!

Christmas Knitting *Installment #3

After last years mini-sweater ornaments, I wanted to do another knitted ornament and came across the pattern for these mini-stockings in Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. I used Jamison's Shetland Spindrift yarn in Sorbet (570), Surf (135), Scotch Broom(1160), Crimson (525), Natural White (104) and Leprechaun (259). I made tags with Sculpey clay and wrote names and/or dates on with a permanent pen. I really like the way they turned out.

Kool-Aid Socks

I finished one of my singles!!! Now I have a pair of socks to match my berry-blue Converse.
Yarn: Knit Picks Color Your Own sock yarn dyed with berry-blue and lemon-lime Kool-Aid
Pattern: Retro Rib Socks by Evelyn A. Clark Interweave Knits Winter 2004
Needles: Skacel 3.0 mm (is this a US #2 1/2?, it doesn't quite fit in the #2 slot on the gauge ruler)
Started: August 13, 2005
Finished: January 3, 2006
Adjustments: I only knit 12 pattern repeats for the leg instead of 17 and decreased the toe down to 24 sts instead of 16. I'm not fond of pointy toes.

I love this pattern!










I thought the retro rib socks looked good with my retro chair ;-)

Knitting Related Gifties *Installment #2

This trial size lunch box was hiding under my tree this year, and it was for me!










Look what I found inside!!! Thanks Kyle xoxo.

Christmas Knitting *Installment #2

I started these felted bags way back in October when I took a road trip up to Ely for my uncle's 50th birthday party. The pattern came from Knit for the Cure MN, free with a yarn purchase, and they knit up very quickly. For these 3 bags I randomly came up with the patterns as I went along, I think that was the most fun. I've knit this pattern on many occasions and plan to do more this year. Two of these bags made their way to Honolulu...I hope they aren't too hot. ;-)











These bags were knit with Nature Spun in the colors Peruvian Pink (N85) Turquoise Wonder (N78) and Spring Green (109).

New Years Resolutions / Goals

I did pretty darn good with my 2005 resolutions so I decided to make a few more this year while continuing with my previous ones.
*Read more, maybe a book per month? I know this doesn't sound like much but I only managed to read about 6 books in 2005, I started 2 others but never finshed...horrible.
*Learn to knit off a chart (ie: Knitting on the Road)
*Organize Recipe Box
*Buy less stuff...I must have something around here that will work
*Knit /sew from my stash
*Learn to knit socks on circular needles & toe up
*Enter 2007 with pairs of socks...no singles singles singles singles (yes that's 4 singles, or is it really 2 pair
:-)?

So there you have it, a few simple goals to strive for in 2006.

I'll leave you with a photo of the now eaten key lime coolers I received from my Secret Pal 5 as a Christmas gift, it was a lovely surprise! Thanks Paula, they were de-lish!










Since I had such a great time with Secret Pal 5, I've signed up for Secret Pal 7...