WandaWoman Knits: Adventures in Knitting and Life

My forays into knitting, the highs and the lows and anything in between

Archive for June, 2006

Seraphim’s humble beginning

Posted by awanda on June 28, 2006

Hi All,
It’s drive-by blogging today. I don’t think I mentioned yet, but I changed my Amazing Lace project to the Seraphim Shawl by Mim, my new favorite lace designer! Not that I have a stable of lace designers, mind you, but I’m loving this knit. I cast with some Plain & Fancy Sheep & Wool that I purchased last year at Estes and I cast on the night before our trek to Estes. I had just a little started that I was able to show Mim while at Estes. I was such a nerd, I was so excited to meet Mim. Anyhow, since I cast on for this shawl, I’ve been knitting it nonstop. As most of you know, I am able to knit some at work while on calls. I had to make myself put it down yesterday as I’m working more of the charted section now (ok, working all charts now) and it’s really too difficult to concentrate and oh say help the people I’m supposed to ! :-) Here’s where the shawl is now and I apologize in advance for the crappy cell phone pic, but I keep forgetting to take pics for the past few days. And yes, I do have a bajillion stitch markers on it, but I need it. This is my first time doing any charted lace.

Below is a close-up of a couple of the lace repeats in the shawl.

Lastly, I’ve since picked up Ribby Shell again. It wasn’t quite as fun knitting it as it’s back and forth knitting since I needed to separate the front from the back. But it’s good knitting while talking on the phone, so I switched back to it and it’s moving along nicely and now it’s not bothering me to knit on it. When I cast on for Seraphim, it seemed like torture to work on Ribby, but now that the rows of Seraphim are getting longer and longer and take an eternity to finish one row, I need to work on something else so that I don’t feel frustrated.

That’s is from my little corner of the world, not much happening,just a lot of knitting on Seraphim. I’m looking forward to the long weekend. I plan to knit like crazy on Seraphim.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Seraphim’s humble beginning

Posted by awanda on June 28, 2006

Hi All,
It’s drive-by blogging today. I don’t think I mentioned yet, but I changed my Amazing Lace project to the Seraphim Shawl by Mim, my new favorite lace designer! Not that I have a stable of lace designers, mind you, but I’m loving this knit. I cast with some Plain & Fancy Sheep & Wool that I purchased last year at Estes and I cast on the night before our trek to Estes. I had just a little started that I was able to show Mim while at Estes. I was such a nerd, I was so excited to meet Mim. Anyhow, since I cast on for this shawl, I’ve been knitting it nonstop. As most of you know, I am able to knit some at work while on calls. I had to make myself put it down yesterday as I’m working more of the charted section now (ok, working all charts now) and it’s really too difficult to concentrate and oh say help the people I’m supposed to ! :-) Here’s where the shawl is now and I apologize in advance for the crappy cell phone pic, but I keep forgetting to take pics for the past few days. And yes, I do have a bajillion stitch markers on it, but I need it. This is my first time doing any charted lace.

Below is a close-up of a couple of the lace repeats in the shawl.

Lastly, I’ve since picked up Ribby Shell again. It wasn’t quite as fun knitting it as it’s back and forth knitting since I needed to separate the front from the back. But it’s good knitting while talking on the phone, so I switched back to it and it’s moving along nicely and now it’s not bothering me to knit on it. When I cast on for Seraphim, it seemed like torture to work on Ribby, but now that the rows of Seraphim are getting longer and longer and take an eternity to finish one row, I need to work on something else so that I don’t feel frustrated.

That’s is from my little corner of the world, not much happening,just a lot of knitting on Seraphim. I’m looking forward to the long weekend. I plan to knit like crazy on Seraphim.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Seraphim’s humble beginning

Posted by awanda on June 28, 2006

Hi All,
It’s drive-by blogging today. I don’t think I mentioned yet, but I changed my Amazing Lace project to the Seraphim Shawl by Mim, my new favorite lace designer! Not that I have a stable of lace designers, mind you, but I’m loving this knit. I cast with some Plain & Fancy Sheep & Wool that I purchased last year at Estes and I cast on the night before our trek to Estes. I had just a little started that I was able to show Mim while at Estes. I was such a nerd, I was so excited to meet Mim. Anyhow, since I cast on for this shawl, I’ve been knitting it nonstop. As most of you know, I am able to knit some at work while on calls. I had to make myself put it down yesterday as I’m working more of the charted section now (ok, working all charts now) and it’s really too difficult to concentrate and oh say help the people I’m supposed to ! :-) Here’s where the shawl is now and I apologize in advance for the crappy cell phone pic, but I keep forgetting to take pics for the past few days. And yes, I do have a bajillion stitch markers on it, but I need it. This is my first time doing any charted lace.

Below is a close-up of a couple of the lace repeats in the shawl.

Lastly, I’ve since picked up Ribby Shell again. It wasn’t quite as fun knitting it as it’s back and forth knitting since I needed to separate the front from the back. But it’s good knitting while talking on the phone, so I switched back to it and it’s moving along nicely and now it’s not bothering me to knit on it. When I cast on for Seraphim, it seemed like torture to work on Ribby, but now that the rows of Seraphim are getting longer and longer and take an eternity to finish one row, I need to work on something else so that I don’t feel frustrated.

That’s is from my little corner of the world, not much happening,just a lot of knitting on Seraphim. I’m looking forward to the long weekend. I plan to knit like crazy on Seraphim.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Estes, Estes, Estes

Posted by awanda on June 23, 2006

Estes, how many ways can I count the joy that is Estes?

The joy of hanging out with my girls?
Michelle invited us into her home to spend the night and then we got an early start for Estes shopping. Below is a group picture of some of the Denver knitters at the blogger-meetup at Estes.

Then I got to meet new friends. One of which is Margene. Last year I spotted Margene, b/c really, Margene is a tall lady that you cannot miss. But I didn’t “know” her, so I shied back and didn’t introduce myself. This year, I vowed I would not be the shy wallflower. I got to meet many bloggers from the Utah crew and beyond. I was so excited to meet Jen, Snow, as well as seeKristi and see Amanda again, whose blog I can’t find the name of right now, sorry! I also saw Michaele again, who was a “Utahn”, but she will moving back to Denver, yay! I met some new bloggers to me from Utah, such as Mim (whose patterns I love and I may have scared her a bit with my enthusiasm!) but sadly I missed meeting Stephanie from Wyoming. Maybe next time.

Besides meeting new friends and hanging out with old friends, there was shopping! I’m not much into the animals, so animal shots here. This girl was all about the yarn and no, no fiber, because I don’t spin. Not knockin’ those that do, I just don’t. Right, so onto to the yarn. First we have some beautiful cormo. Since last year when I first put my hands on it, but I was lacking cash, so I petted it and moved on, I’ve really liked this vendor, Elsa Sheep And Wool. All of their yarn is in natural colors, which I thought might be just wonderful for a Madli’s Shawl. The yarn is 2-ply and supposedly laceweight, but this yarn is a bit thicker than that, perhaps fingering or sportweight, but what’s nice about it is besides from the beautiful grey color, is that the wool is soft (not the softest yarn I’ve ever touched, but it is soft) and sproingy. It feels like a sponge. I walked around holding my little quarter lb. of love yesterday. Each hank sports 700+ yards. Gotta love that.

At the booth of Skaska Designs owned by Galina Khmeleva, I picked up some lovely laceweight yarns. The yarn is called Superlamb, has 1,315 yds and 100% wool. I chose two colors, one a lovely light gray color, Lead, to be used for Mim’s Icarus shawl and the second in a Tourmaline color for a Leaf Lace Shawl, possibly.

Next up is Plain and Fancy Sheep and Wool Company in Henderson, TX. I cannot overstate how much I love their yarns. Every year, I go back for more. The first pic is 2 skeins of sportweight in pinks and greens and this is to make some sort of scarf, shawl, something for my cousin who was sick earlier this year. She’s in a sorority (AKA) and those are their colors. I know she would be happy with anything, but to have something in “her” colors will be even better. I’m thinking perhaps a Clapotis or something lacy, we’ll see.

Then I have 4 skeins more of Plain & Fancy, but this time in turquoise, also sportweight, but to make a sweater for me. Don’t know a pattern or anything yet, but I do love it and it is subtly variegated in the same color. Plus, I couldn’t decide on a variegated color. I did see a color that I love that Margene got, but I think she grabbed it all before I got there. Next time I know to be right at the P&F booth first thing!

Lastly, I also bought some yarn at Brooks Farm. I was pretty sure I would get away unscathed seeing as how most of their yarn contains mohair and I’m allergic. But some yarn ended up in my hot little hands! Finally a yarn that I will use for Clapotis! Both yarns are a Limited Edition I, that it appears are only sold at shows. It contains 60% superwash wool, 20% silk and 20% viscose. I’ve heard rumors this is their sock yarn, but I’m not sure about that. Nonetheless, the 2 skeins that are shades of brown and blue, that will be for my Clapotis. The red yarn, I don’t know what I will do with it just yet, but the color is beautiful and I will find a use for it, not to worry. Each hank has 420 yards and it appears to be sportweight to me.

And that my friends is the fun that was Estes! Next up, my new lace project and I have been getting quite cozy.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Estes, Estes, Estes

Posted by awanda on June 23, 2006

Estes, how many ways can I count the joy that is Estes?

The joy of hanging out with my girls?
Michelle invited us into her home to spend the night and then we got an early start for Estes shopping. Below is a group picture of some of the Denver knitters at the blogger-meetup at Estes.

Then I got to meet new friends. One of which is Margene. Last year I spotted Margene, b/c really, Margene is a tall lady that you cannot miss. But I didn’t “know” her, so I shied back and didn’t introduce myself. This year, I vowed I would not be the shy wallflower. I got to meet many bloggers from the Utah crew and beyond. I was so excited to meet Jen, Snow, as well as seeKristi and see Amanda again, whose blog I can’t find the name of right now, sorry! I also saw Michaele again, who was a “Utahn”, but she will moving back to Denver, yay! I met some new bloggers to me from Utah, such as Mim (whose patterns I love and I may have scared her a bit with my enthusiasm!) but sadly I missed meeting Stephanie from Wyoming. Maybe next time.

Besides meeting new friends and hanging out with old friends, there was shopping! I’m not much into the animals, so animal shots here. This girl was all about the yarn and no, no fiber, because I don’t spin. Not knockin’ those that do, I just don’t. Right, so onto to the yarn. First we have some beautiful cormo. Since last year when I first put my hands on it, but I was lacking cash, so I petted it and moved on, I’ve really liked this vendor, Elsa Sheep And Wool. All of their yarn is in natural colors, which I thought might be just wonderful for a Madli’s Shawl. The yarn is 2-ply and supposedly laceweight, but this yarn is a bit thicker than that, perhaps fingering or sportweight, but what’s nice about it is besides from the beautiful grey color, is that the wool is soft (not the softest yarn I’ve ever touched, but it is soft) and sproingy. It feels like a sponge. I walked around holding my little quarter lb. of love yesterday. Each hank sports 700+ yards. Gotta love that.

At the booth of Skaska Designs owned by Galina Khmeleva, I picked up some lovely laceweight yarns. The yarn is called Superlamb, has 1,315 yds and 100% wool. I chose two colors, one a lovely light gray color, Lead, to be used for Mim’s Icarus shawl and the second in a Tourmaline color for a Leaf Lace Shawl, possibly.

Next up is Plain and Fancy Sheep and Wool Company in Henderson, TX. I cannot overstate how much I love their yarns. Every year, I go back for more. The first pic is 2 skeins of sportweight in pinks and greens and this is to make some sort of scarf, shawl, something for my cousin who was sick earlier this year. She’s in a sorority (AKA) and those are their colors. I know she would be happy with anything, but to have something in “her” colors will be even better. I’m thinking perhaps a Clapotis or something lacy, we’ll see.

Then I have 4 skeins more of Plain & Fancy, but this time in turquoise, also sportweight, but to make a sweater for me. Don’t know a pattern or anything yet, but I do love it and it is subtly variegated in the same color. Plus, I couldn’t decide on a variegated color. I did see a color that I love that Margene got, but I think she grabbed it all before I got there. Next time I know to be right at the P&F booth first thing!

Lastly, I also bought some yarn at Brooks Farm. I was pretty sure I would get away unscathed seeing as how most of their yarn contains mohair and I’m allergic. But some yarn ended up in my hot little hands! Finally a yarn that I will use for Clapotis! Both yarns are a Limited Edition I, that it appears are only sold at shows. It contains 60% superwash wool, 20% silk and 20% viscose. I’ve heard rumors this is their sock yarn, but I’m not sure about that. Nonetheless, the 2 skeins that are shades of brown and blue, that will be for my Clapotis. The red yarn, I don’t know what I will do with it just yet, but the color is beautiful and I will find a use for it, not to worry. Each hank has 420 yards and it appears to be sportweight to me.

And that my friends is the fun that was Estes! Next up, my new lace project and I have been getting quite cozy.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Estes, Estes, Estes

Posted by awanda on June 23, 2006

Estes, how many ways can I count the joy that is Estes?

The joy of hanging out with my girls?
Michelle invited us into her home to spend the night and then we got an early start for Estes shopping. Below is a group picture of some of the Denver knitters at the blogger-meetup at Estes.

Then I got to meet new friends. One of which is Margene. Last year I spotted Margene, b/c really, Margene is a tall lady that you cannot miss. But I didn’t “know” her, so I shied back and didn’t introduce myself. This year, I vowed I would not be the shy wallflower. I got to meet many bloggers from the Utah crew and beyond. I was so excited to meet Jen, Snow, as well as seeKristi and see Amanda again, whose blog I can’t find the name of right now, sorry! I also saw Michaele again, who was a “Utahn”, but she will moving back to Denver, yay! I met some new bloggers to me from Utah, such as Mim (whose patterns I love and I may have scared her a bit with my enthusiasm!) but sadly I missed meeting Stephanie from Wyoming. Maybe next time.

Besides meeting new friends and hanging out with old friends, there was shopping! I’m not much into the animals, so animal shots here. This girl was all about the yarn and no, no fiber, because I don’t spin. Not knockin’ those that do, I just don’t. Right, so onto to the yarn. First we have some beautiful cormo. Since last year when I first put my hands on it, but I was lacking cash, so I petted it and moved on, I’ve really liked this vendor, Elsa Sheep And Wool. All of their yarn is in natural colors, which I thought might be just wonderful for a Madli’s Shawl. The yarn is 2-ply and supposedly laceweight, but this yarn is a bit thicker than that, perhaps fingering or sportweight, but what’s nice about it is besides from the beautiful grey color, is that the wool is soft (not the softest yarn I’ve ever touched, but it is soft) and sproingy. It feels like a sponge. I walked around holding my little quarter lb. of love yesterday. Each hank sports 700+ yards. Gotta love that.

At the booth of Skaska Designs owned by Galina Khmeleva, I picked up some lovely laceweight yarns. The yarn is called Superlamb, has 1,315 yds and 100% wool. I chose two colors, one a lovely light gray color, Lead, to be used for Mim’s Icarus shawl and the second in a Tourmaline color for a Leaf Lace Shawl, possibly.

Next up is Plain and Fancy Sheep and Wool Company in Henderson, TX. I cannot overstate how much I love their yarns. Every year, I go back for more. The first pic is 2 skeins of sportweight in pinks and greens and this is to make some sort of scarf, shawl, something for my cousin who was sick earlier this year. She’s in a sorority (AKA) and those are their colors. I know she would be happy with anything, but to have something in “her” colors will be even better. I’m thinking perhaps a Clapotis or something lacy, we’ll see.

Then I have 4 skeins more of Plain & Fancy, but this time in turquoise, also sportweight, but to make a sweater for me. Don’t know a pattern or anything yet, but I do love it and it is subtly variegated in the same color. Plus, I couldn’t decide on a variegated color. I did see a color that I love that Margene got, but I think she grabbed it all before I got there. Next time I know to be right at the P&F booth first thing!

Lastly, I also bought some yarn at Brooks Farm. I was pretty sure I would get away unscathed seeing as how most of their yarn contains mohair and I’m allergic. But some yarn ended up in my hot little hands! Finally a yarn that I will use for Clapotis! Both yarns are a Limited Edition I, that it appears are only sold at shows. It contains 60% superwash wool, 20% silk and 20% viscose. I’ve heard rumors this is their sock yarn, but I’m not sure about that. Nonetheless, the 2 skeins that are shades of brown and blue, that will be for my Clapotis. The red yarn, I don’t know what I will do with it just yet, but the color is beautiful and I will find a use for it, not to worry. Each hank has 420 yards and it appears to be sportweight to me.

And that my friends is the fun that was Estes! Next up, my new lace project and I have been getting quite cozy.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

One word Meme

Posted by awanda on June 21, 2006

Although I don’t do this often(memes), I’m doing this one because it is simple and doesn’t require much for me to do it. It’s also very interesting to me to see how others perceive me.

Please leave a one-word comment that you think best describes me — it can only be one word long. Then copy and paste this into your blog so that I may leave a word to describe you.

There you have it! Comment now.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

One word Meme

Posted by awanda on June 21, 2006

Although I don’t do this often(memes), I’m doing this one because it is simple and doesn’t require much for me to do it. It’s also very interesting to me to see how others perceive me.

Please leave a one-word comment that you think best describes me — it can only be one word long. Then copy and paste this into your blog so that I may leave a word to describe you.

There you have it! Comment now.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

One word Meme

Posted by awanda on June 21, 2006

Although I don’t do this often(memes), I’m doing this one because it is simple and doesn’t require much for me to do it. It’s also very interesting to me to see how others perceive me.

Please leave a one-word comment that you think best describes me — it can only be one word long. Then copy and paste this into your blog so that I may leave a word to describe you.

There you have it! Comment now.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »

Green, no, Blue Gable finished

Posted by awanda on June 19, 2006

Finally I have another FO to show. With a nod to Project Spectrum, I’ve actually finished a project in the month that is this color. This one is Blue Gable. It’s taken awhile, although technically I was finished a few weeks ago. I’m not exactly thrilled with this project and I think I will need to make a few more mods before I’m truly happy with it, but it depends on if I really feel like doing it.


Project: Green Gable
Yarn used: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in color Columbine
Project time: May 1st-May 30th
Modifications: I made the 38″ bust size initially but was concerned about the fit, so I upped the size to the 40″. After blocking, it fits a bit big in the neck area. I think a round of single crochet around the neckline will take care of it. I did use more waist decreases for a fitted look, but after washing, the sweater loosened up a bit, so it kind of doesn’t matter I suppose. After doing about 5 or 6 waist decreases for shaping, I then increased 4-5 rounds. I’m mostly pleased with the fit, but the sleeves are a bit off. After wearing it a bit, I think I prefer the cap sleeves, so I will have to rip those back again, but at least that will be pretty easy. I may rip back the bottom bind off and make the body about 1.5 to 2″ shorter too. It’s just not quite right, but I think once I make those changes I will be totally happy. I can’t tell you when that’s going to happen, b/c it’s too hot to wear it now and I’m just not in the mood to actually deal with the changes, hence why I’m going ahead and posting a pic b/c I probably won’t talk about this one again for a long time.

Next up, the Estes score!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a Comment »