FO Monday

Okay, two posts in one night. Pretty unbelievable for me, I know. As new projects seemed to have jumped on the needles with willy-nilly startitis, I started feeling the need to finish some things. One of them was the languishing Fair Isle Jazz Scarf. Truthfully the knitting was finished a couple or even a few months ago, and I fringed one end of the scarf, but never felt like doing the second side. Since I had issues with making tassels, I took the easy way out and fringed it.

So, a crappy bathroom mirror pic, but seeing as how I don’t know when my photographer would be available, this is what you get. Besides, I just wanted to “get er done.” And that has happened. As much as I enjoyed knitting the scarf, well, at least the fair isle portion of it, the scarf is really too wide for any true usage, at least imo. When I finished it, I really realized how wide it is. I’m a little less than thrilled at its utility, but quite pleased at how it turned out. It truly is a great (for me) piece of knitting and I learned a lot from knitting this. I feel that I’ve conquered my fear of cables, at least more advanced cables than what I normally did. Although I’ve conquered it, I still don’t enjoy cables, but I can do them and that’s what counts. I really enjoyed fair isle, I can see more of it in my future.

On my head is my completed Rasta Hat. Yay, I finally finished it. I sat it down for at least a month or more, hmm just checked the archives, ok, about 2 months and finally realized that picking up the stitches for the brim wouldn’t be so bad. Which was totally easy, but in my head I’d made it so much more difficult, that I left it for awhile. I worked on it on Sunday evening for maybe 1.5 hours and the hat was done. I really like it, but it is very warm.

Project Specs:
Fair Isle Jazz Scarf from Scarf Style
Project length: Too long, started January of ‘06-end date April ‘07
Size needles: US 7 (4.5 mm needles)
Yarn used: Cascade 220 in various colors
Modifications: not really, but I subbed Cascade 220 versus Mission Falls 1824 Wool. Don’t be scared off by the time it took to complete this project. I put it down for the summer and the cabling took me awhile to work through, but once I did, I could hardly put down the fair isle, which was apparently the part I enjoyed the most.

Project Specs:
Rasta Hat pattern by Shannita Alleyne-Williams (featured on Knitty Gritty)
Yarn used: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (3.25 skeins and boy was I was a little ticked that I needed that 4th skeins but oh well)
Needle size used: US 8 for the “body” of the hat and sz 6 US for ribbing, as well as elastic knit in for the ribbing
Project mods: none, worked as the pattern was written. Because I wanted to use yarn that wouldn’t leave deposits or fuzz in my locs, I chose to go with the DB Cash Aran, which is the some of the yummiest stuff I’ve ever knitted. It’s a bit pricey to use 4 skeins with about 90 yds each, but I did get some of it on sale, so it wasn’t so bad. I wouldn’t mind making a sweater out of this stuff, but it would be so expensive, so that would probably never actually happen. I’m very pleased with the hat and it’s so warm. Not the best time to use it now, but it will be great for next winter. I love how the decreases on the top of the hat have this perfect star formation. I didn’t notice until I took pictures, isn’t that funny?

Back to the books people!

FO Monday

Okay, two posts in one night. Pretty unbelievable for me, I know. As new projects seemed to have jumped on the needles with willy-nilly startitis, I started feeling the need to finish some things. One of them was the languishing Fair Isle Jazz Scarf. Truthfully the knitting was finished a couple or even a few months ago, and I fringed one end of the scarf, but never felt like doing the second side. Since I had issues with making tassels, I took the easy way out and fringed it.

So, a crappy bathroom mirror pic, but seeing as how I don’t know when my photographer would be available, this is what you get. Besides, I just wanted to “get er done.” And that has happened. As much as I enjoyed knitting the scarf, well, at least the fair isle portion of it, the scarf is really too wide for any true usage, at least imo. When I finished it, I really realized how wide it is. I’m a little less than thrilled at its utility, but quite pleased at how it turned out. It truly is a great (for me) piece of knitting and I learned a lot from knitting this. I feel that I’ve conquered my fear of cables, at least more advanced cables than what I normally did. Although I’ve conquered it, I still don’t enjoy cables, but I can do them and that’s what counts. I really enjoyed fair isle, I can see more of it in my future.

On my head is my completed Rasta Hat. Yay, I finally finished it. I sat it down for at least a month or more, hmm just checked the archives, ok, about 2 months and finally realized that picking up the stitches for the brim wouldn’t be so bad. Which was totally easy, but in my head I’d made it so much more difficult, that I left it for awhile. I worked on it on Sunday evening for maybe 1.5 hours and the hat was done. I really like it, but it is very warm.

Project Specs:
Fair Isle Jazz Scarf from Scarf Style
Project length: Too long, started January of ‘06-end date April ‘07
Size needles: US 7 (4.5 mm needles)
Yarn used: Cascade 220 in various colors
Modifications: not really, but I subbed Cascade 220 versus Mission Falls 1824 Wool. Don’t be scared off by the time it took to complete this project. I put it down for the summer and the cabling took me awhile to work through, but once I did, I could hardly put down the fair isle, which was apparently the part I enjoyed the most.

Project Specs:
Rasta Hat pattern by Shannita Alleyne-Williams (featured on Knitty Gritty)
Yarn used: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (3.25 skeins and boy was I was a little ticked that I needed that 4th skeins but oh well)
Needle size used: US 8 for the “body” of the hat and sz 6 US for ribbing, as well as elastic knit in for the ribbing
Project mods: none, worked as the pattern was written. Because I wanted to use yarn that wouldn’t leave deposits or fuzz in my locs, I chose to go with the DB Cash Aran, which is the some of the yummiest stuff I’ve ever knitted. It’s a bit pricey to use 4 skeins with about 90 yds each, but I did get some of it on sale, so it wasn’t so bad. I wouldn’t mind making a sweater out of this stuff, but it would be so expensive, so that would probably never actually happen. I’m very pleased with the hat and it’s so warm. Not the best time to use it now, but it will be great for next winter. I love how the decreases on the top of the hat have this perfect star formation. I didn’t notice until I took pictures, isn’t that funny?

Back to the books people!

KFKS no more

I had high hopes for the KFYS (Knit From Your Stash), for those not in the know, but I failed miserably this year. So I’ve decided no more. Joanne had the right idea of not feeling guilt about buying yarn and I’ve decided to adopt this same attitude. Even with some stash busting efforts last year and then lots of yarn buying, I found that I used more than I bought and that’s all I can really hope for. I’m good with that. The yarn that did me in was a purchase of Touch Me. I finally caved and got some Touch Me to make Vintage Velvet from Scarf Style.

I also did finish the My So-Called Scarf and added fringe. I’ll try to get a picture up by the week’s end. I’ve also been working on finishing up the Fair Isle Jazz scarf, as it needed something on the bottom. I tried making the tassels, but apparently I am a bonehead, as I couldn’t get it to work right, so instead I’m also fringing the scarf, but with the multi-colored strands from all colors used in the scarf. I really like the design of the scarf and love that I did this Fair Isle work, but the scarf is really not functional. It’s far too wide to be used or worn with my coats and jackets, so I’m not sure what the purpose of it was, other than to be completed. Which is not terribly bad, but I was so excited to finish it and then realized it’s just not functional for my day-to-day wear. Hence, why I bought yarn to make the My So-Called Scarf. I just need to block it and it will be ready for its debut.

The Rasta hat is nearing completion. I’ve decided to work the brim on the hat, but I’m a bit unclear on the instructions. Once I get it figured out, I shall be done with it.

Although I participated in KFYS, buying sock yarn was still allowed as part of my rules. Well, I think I really overdid it in 1.5 months time.

I bought (for the first time) some yarn from Adrian of Hello Yarn and oh, my goodness, the package and everything was beautiful. It came in a Priority Mail box, but with chocolate tissue paper covering the yarn, which was enclosed in clear plastic bag with a postcard thanking for my order and a pattern for socks as well.

The color is called Staggering and it certainly lives up to its name. It is staggering to me in its beauty. I thought that perhaps I shouldn’t buy it, but then a lot of her items go fast and so I went for it. I’m very happy that I did. I love it. I may even attempt a pair of Jaywalkers, but I’m not sure of the sizing of that sock. It calls for 74 or 86 stitches and I’ve never knit a pair of socks for myself with that many stitches, but I recall that there were alternate sizing out there (in blogland), so we will see.

The next beauty is sock yarn purchased from Fearless Fibers. Can I tell you that I love this stuff? The color is Brick House, and it’s sort of muted and vibrant reds/oranges. I love it. It’s 100% merino wool superwash and it contains 550 yards! People this is a great deal! I’m always excited about a perceived bargain. So I’m sorry if I come off a bargain ‘ho, but I truly love a great deal. This stuff, $14.50 for 550 yards, you can knit a beautiful scarf or socks out of this. You can even knit thigh-highs with the yardage. Yeah, I’m pretty excited. I’m actually planning on knitting a Forest Canopy Shawl with it.

Some friends and I went in on a box of Socks That Rock and basically placed one large order of Socks That Rock. I splurged and got two skeins, one in the colorway Nodding Violet and the other in January One colorway.

Lastly and certainly not least, were some splurges with Colinette Jitterbug sock yarn. This stuff comes in some great colorways. One of the main reasons I splurged on this stuff, while I love the colorways, it does retail for $20. Not bad, the price, but the yardage is about 300 yards. Not very much. But my LYS had their annual end of year sale and with 35% off, it was less dear. First I bought one skein, then a few weeks later 2 more skeins jumped in my hand when I was returning some other yarn.

Flanking the Colinette on both sides, are the two skeins of STR. In the middle, there is Colinette Castagna, Blue Parrot and Copper Beech. I’m ready to dive in and knit tons of socks now.

KFKS no more

I had high hopes for the KFYS (Knit From Your Stash), for those not in the know, but I failed miserably this year. So I’ve decided no more. Joanne had the right idea of not feeling guilt about buying yarn and I’ve decided to adopt this same attitude. Even with some stash busting efforts last year and then lots of yarn buying, I found that I used more than I bought and that’s all I can really hope for. I’m good with that. The yarn that did me in was a purchase of Touch Me. I finally caved and got some Touch Me to make Vintage Velvet from Scarf Style.

I also did finish the My So-Called Scarf and added fringe. I’ll try to get a picture up by the week’s end. I’ve also been working on finishing up the Fair Isle Jazz scarf, as it needed something on the bottom. I tried making the tassels, but apparently I am a bonehead, as I couldn’t get it to work right, so instead I’m also fringing the scarf, but with the multi-colored strands from all colors used in the scarf. I really like the design of the scarf and love that I did this Fair Isle work, but the scarf is really not functional. It’s far too wide to be used or worn with my coats and jackets, so I’m not sure what the purpose of it was, other than to be completed. Which is not terribly bad, but I was so excited to finish it and then realized it’s just not functional for my day-to-day wear. Hence, why I bought yarn to make the My So-Called Scarf. I just need to block it and it will be ready for its debut.

The Rasta hat is nearing completion. I’ve decided to work the brim on the hat, but I’m a bit unclear on the instructions. Once I get it figured out, I shall be done with it.

Although I participated in KFYS, buying sock yarn was still allowed as part of my rules. Well, I think I really overdid it in 1.5 months time.

I bought (for the first time) some yarn from Adrian of Hello Yarn and oh, my goodness, the package and everything was beautiful. It came in a Priority Mail box, but with chocolate tissue paper covering the yarn, which was enclosed in clear plastic bag with a postcard thanking for my order and a pattern for socks as well.

The color is called Staggering and it certainly lives up to its name. It is staggering to me in its beauty. I thought that perhaps I shouldn’t buy it, but then a lot of her items go fast and so I went for it. I’m very happy that I did. I love it. I may even attempt a pair of Jaywalkers, but I’m not sure of the sizing of that sock. It calls for 74 or 86 stitches and I’ve never knit a pair of socks for myself with that many stitches, but I recall that there were alternate sizing out there (in blogland), so we will see.

The next beauty is sock yarn purchased from Fearless Fibers. Can I tell you that I love this stuff? The color is Brick House, and it’s sort of muted and vibrant reds/oranges. I love it. It’s 100% merino wool superwash and it contains 550 yards! People this is a great deal! I’m always excited about a perceived bargain. So I’m sorry if I come off a bargain ‘ho, but I truly love a great deal. This stuff, $14.50 for 550 yards, you can knit a beautiful scarf or socks out of this. You can even knit thigh-highs with the yardage. Yeah, I’m pretty excited. I’m actually planning on knitting a Forest Canopy Shawl with it.

Some friends and I went in on a box of Socks That Rock and basically placed one large order of Socks That Rock. I splurged and got two skeins, one in the colorway Nodding Violet and the other in January One colorway.

Lastly and certainly not least, were some splurges with Colinette Jitterbug sock yarn. This stuff comes in some great colorways. One of the main reasons I splurged on this stuff, while I love the colorways, it does retail for $20. Not bad, the price, but the yardage is about 300 yards. Not very much. But my LYS had their annual end of year sale and with 35% off, it was less dear. First I bought one skein, then a few weeks later 2 more skeins jumped in my hand when I was returning some other yarn.

Flanking the Colinette on both sides, are the two skeins of STR. In the middle, there is Colinette Castagna, Blue Parrot and Copper Beech. I’m ready to dive in and knit tons of socks now.

The Current Object of My Knitting Obsession

which has not been keeping me from blogging, but an old project lying around. Shortly after the beginning of the year, I really felt the urge to get this knit off of my plate. Fair Isle Jazz beckoned to me and I’ve been working on it at home in short bursts and finally last night, I finished the last of the striping sequence. I’m thrilled to be finished with the scarf, although I do wish the cabled section was a bit longer, but I was fearful of running out of the orange, which was the main color. And I would not have had enough if I wanted to do one more repeat. I am hoping that the scarf does block out a bit longer, but I’ll be happy nonetheless with it. I do still have to sew up the side ends, work the tassels and block it. But I’m pretty happy to be done knitting with it.

I’ve been doing a lot of knitting, but hadn’t felt too inspired to blog. Part of it is probably because I’m working on the second toddler hoodie sweater (1st one was for Chason) and although it’s going, it’s not very exciting to me. I decided the third sweater will wait until next fall and it will be a bigger size. I’ll probably stop by the LYS this week and pick up an extra skein, so that I’ll be sure to have enough yarn for the bigger size and thus ensure that I’ll have the proper dyelot and so on.

I also started a new sock, Monkey from the latest Knitty and I have to say, I can see why Cookie A. calls it monkey. Once you start knitting it, you really can’t get the monkey off your back. I love this pattern and the yarn I’m using (Austermann Step color: 10) in pinks/green

I started off the new year knitting a sock pattern instead of my standard stockinette socks, I was pretty pleased by this and that it is such an engaging pattern. It’s really hard to be bored by this pattern. I hope the same is true for the second sock.

Lately I’ve been not too excited with my knitting, save for the Monkey sock. I’ve been wanting to cast on for a new sweater, but feel that I should finish the kid sweater first. But then I’m not really sure what the next sweater will be. Since I’ve been a bit bored and not finding something that is engaging me to that other level of knitting, I think it might be time for a bit of lace to enter the knitting line-up . . .

More to come later this week . . .

The Current Object of My Knitting Obsession

which has not been keeping me from blogging, but an old project lying around. Shortly after the beginning of the year, I really felt the urge to get this knit off of my plate. Fair Isle Jazz beckoned to me and I’ve been working on it at home in short bursts and finally last night, I finished the last of the striping sequence. I’m thrilled to be finished with the scarf, although I do wish the cabled section was a bit longer, but I was fearful of running out of the orange, which was the main color. And I would not have had enough if I wanted to do one more repeat. I am hoping that the scarf does block out a bit longer, but I’ll be happy nonetheless with it. I do still have to sew up the side ends, work the tassels and block it. But I’m pretty happy to be done knitting with it.

I’ve been doing a lot of knitting, but hadn’t felt too inspired to blog. Part of it is probably because I’m working on the second toddler hoodie sweater (1st one was for Chason) and although it’s going, it’s not very exciting to me. I decided the third sweater will wait until next fall and it will be a bigger size. I’ll probably stop by the LYS this week and pick up an extra skein, so that I’ll be sure to have enough yarn for the bigger size and thus ensure that I’ll have the proper dyelot and so on.

I also started a new sock, Monkey from the latest Knitty and I have to say, I can see why Cookie A. calls it monkey. Once you start knitting it, you really can’t get the monkey off your back. I love this pattern and the yarn I’m using (Austermann Step color: 10) in pinks/green

I started off the new year knitting a sock pattern instead of my standard stockinette socks, I was pretty pleased by this and that it is such an engaging pattern. It’s really hard to be bored by this pattern. I hope the same is true for the second sock.

Lately I’ve been not too excited with my knitting, save for the Monkey sock. I’ve been wanting to cast on for a new sweater, but feel that I should finish the kid sweater first. But then I’m not really sure what the next sweater will be. Since I’ve been a bit bored and not finding something that is engaging me to that other level of knitting, I think it might be time for a bit of lace to enter the knitting line-up . . .

More to come later this week . . .

The Current Object of My Knitting Obsession

which has not been keeping me from blogging, but an old project lying around. Shortly after the beginning of the year, I really felt the urge to get this knit off of my plate. Fair Isle Jazz beckoned to me and I’ve been working on it at home in short bursts and finally last night, I finished the last of the striping sequence. I’m thrilled to be finished with the scarf, although I do wish the cabled section was a bit longer, but I was fearful of running out of the orange, which was the main color. And I would not have had enough if I wanted to do one more repeat. I am hoping that the scarf does block out a bit longer, but I’ll be happy nonetheless with it. I do still have to sew up the side ends, work the tassels and block it. But I’m pretty happy to be done knitting with it.

I’ve been doing a lot of knitting, but hadn’t felt too inspired to blog. Part of it is probably because I’m working on the second toddler hoodie sweater (1st one was for Chason) and although it’s going, it’s not very exciting to me. I decided the third sweater will wait until next fall and it will be a bigger size. I’ll probably stop by the LYS this week and pick up an extra skein, so that I’ll be sure to have enough yarn for the bigger size and thus ensure that I’ll have the proper dyelot and so on.

I also started a new sock, Monkey from the latest Knitty and I have to say, I can see why Cookie A. calls it monkey. Once you start knitting it, you really can’t get the monkey off your back. I love this pattern and the yarn I’m using (Austermann Step color: 10) in pinks/green

I started off the new year knitting a sock pattern instead of my standard stockinette socks, I was pretty pleased by this and that it is such an engaging pattern. It’s really hard to be bored by this pattern. I hope the same is true for the second sock.

Lately I’ve been not too excited with my knitting, save for the Monkey sock. I’ve been wanting to cast on for a new sweater, but feel that I should finish the kid sweater first. But then I’m not really sure what the next sweater will be. Since I’ve been a bit bored and not finding something that is engaging me to that other level of knitting, I think it might be time for a bit of lace to enter the knitting line-up . . .

More to come later this week . . .