What a week!

This has been such a crazy week! Between astronomical water bills and baseball practice, it's a wonder I'm still standing. It all started with the water bill. We had a leak last month. Leaks are the work of the devil, let me tell you. $200 poorer, the leak is fixed and the water bill is paid. Still, I called the utility company to make sure they double checked that bill. Of course they did and the nice lady told me how to check the meter myself to make sure we weren't still having a leak issue. So, still sweaty from my workout and donning flipflops, I trotted up and down the street in search of our water meter. I had no luck and succeeded only in looking like a mess while possibly muttering "evil bastards" during my search. DH later found it and everything's okay. Fast forward to Brandon (aka the little guy) and his t-ball practice. I got everyone dressed, fed, loaded up and off to the ballfield in record time. I should have known it was too good to be true. For 30 minutes, I had that child practicing with the wrong team. Of course, no hole was available to jump into to die of embarrassment in. On the upside, I did a pretty nice job of coloring my hair yesterday. See, a ray of sunshine no matter what! I got some pretty neat gifts in the mail from my sister and will post a pic a bit later!

Project Spectrum

Something red, something pink! Here's what I've got so far. The yarn was dyed with kool aid. As a quick note, if you get a hankering to dye your yarn after 10 at night--restrain yourself. It took me forever! The pillow I made quite some time ago from some fabric remnants I bought on ebay. The pink flower on the pillow is from a favorite but very worn sham on our bed. The picture of chloe is just because she wanted to take one! A great big Hi to my project spectrum postcard swap pal Mrs Pao!

Fickle and Fickler

Impatient and unsatisfied. That's how I've felt this week. Not sure why but I've felt like a teenager peering into the fridge and not seeing anything good to eat among the load of food available. The lace shawl has been sitting untouched since, wow, last week. I'm not planning to revisit it until at least Friday. That said, I've been promising a picture on my progress and so I shall finally deliver! I've made a few boo-boos here and there but I'm still pretty darn happy with the shawl so far. Every mistake has been a learning point for me. Now I understand charts and stitches so much better. All that understanding made my head hurt so I took a week off. I was feeling restless. I tried to satisfy my fickleness with some two on two circular socks. Better, but only a little because I'm getting these awful loose ladders on either side of the sock where the two circs "join" no matter how tight I tighten the yarn while making the next stitch. I'm really not digging that at all. It might be quicker and I know some knitters swear by that method, but I think I'll stick to my dpns next time thanks. So last night in yet another effort to quench the impatience, I picked up a crochet hook and some yarn and started a new project. Okay, it's a wrap from some LB Homespun (I know!) but I like wraps to wear around the house and whatever anyone may think of Lion Brand Homespun, it's really really soft. Plus I just got Deb Stoller's new book stitch n bitch the happy hooker. BTW, I highly recommend it! Something about the texture of crochet has always attracted me. I'm not a very skilled crocheter but I do enjoy it regardless. I guess for some things, crochet appeals to me more but for others I find knitting more appropriate. For example, I'm not a huge crocheted sweater fan. Far too bulky for my taste. On the other hand, crocheted socks are a big no no for me. They don't seem to have the same drape and snuggly stretchy fit. Just one woman's opinion. Both are really relevant and have their place. Today, my mind wandered to knitty's Mrs Beetons wrist warmers. I have the perfect yarn for them. I absolutely refuse to start them until I get those socks off the needles which, by the way, I plan to do this weekend. I'll figure out how to fix the loose parts then but somehow I see myself darning those areas. Maybe I should just frog them and do some socks on dpns. I'll think about it. Nah, maybe not. That might drive me over the edge! Thanks for the book suggestion Mandella! I'll definitely have to pick up a copy! We'll see how the top comes along. I'm looking for the right yarn and have a few ideas in mind. I'll post a pic when I get it sourced and sketched!

My favorite white shirt and other things

Have you ever had a piece of clothing that looked fab on and you wore it until it was worn to bits and couldn't be worn anymore? I had a white shirt like that. It was great. I was 22 years old and single. That shirt looked hot! Hell, I looked hot when I wore it! It had a deep u neck and was made of some stretchy fitted material that hugged my body appropriately. Not too tight; not too loose. I felt like Goldilocks. It was just right. That shirt is long gone now. I have no idea when I finally tossed it. Marriage and two kids later, I'd almost forgotten about it until last night. Last night, I joined project spectrum. Since I'd committed to knitting two tops already with the KAL for the sexy knitters club, I really wanted to use project spectrum to expand myself artistically. That in mind, I pulled out my sketch pad and colored pencils. I sketched up several different designs for tops to knit or crochet. The first was in pink, which is the color for March. (I'll be taking a photo of something red (also for March) in honor of my late grandfather who loved to take photos.) The second was in blue because , hey, I like blue. That's when I got to thinking about that amazing top and how cool it would be to knit one up for myself. Keep in mind the original was a store bought machine knit spandexy blend in an impossibly small gauge. Still, I thought, why not pay homage to it and knit up something in a similar profile that makes me look and feel amazing? Why not? I've toyed with the idea of designing my own knits before but have never pursued it. Well, today is the day I put pen to paper, take some measurements and begin the rough draft of a pattern. I can't promise I'll finish it soon but my goal is to get the top done by the time summer is upon us. I'll likely source the yarn next month so this is the month to do the math. I'm pretty excited about it! In the meantime, I'm finishing up my lace shawl for the class I took a Needlecraft University (needlecraftuniversity.com). It's been slow going but I'm taking my time too. I'll post an in-progress pic later. I've just started on some socks for the two up at a time on circs pattern I got from knitpicks. I needed a quick project to work along with the lace to satisfy my impatient side. Today we're trekking to the Barnes and Nobles in Waco. I really wish we had one here but it's only 40 minutes away so I guess it could be worse. So far, I'm really enjoying teaching cycle class. I did a 70's mix (thanks to Stephanie at Nakedie knits on blogger for the cd ideas) that really went over well. I plan to do a couple more new cd's soon. Meanwhile, I'm looking for ideas to expand my workout in ways that will be fun. I've layed off the weight training so I know I need to pick that up at least twice a week soon. Maybe I'll devise some type of obstacle course type drills. Something dynamic and fun to do. Till then, I've got a load of knitting and cycling to do. Funny, this is something I enjoy even though I get paid for none of it. Knitting is just fun and I volunteer my time for the cycle class. It's at the gym on post and the classes are for soldiers and their dependents. I don't remember getting this much satisfaction from work I got paid a lot of money to do. You know, I'm just glad I'm able to do my bliss. How many people can say that?

Knitter Down! Knitter Down!

Okay,
After many mathematical calculations, numerous cast ons and frogs, I have to admit the agony of defeat. Ene's has whupped me. Big time. I thought I had it figured out. I really did. Actually, I almost did. One side was right. The other was off causing me to want to pound my head against the wall in frustration. What the heck was I thinking when I decided to tackle that? However, in the spirit of those athletes who fail to take home a medal, I've come up with a game plan to prepare for my next round with Ene. I signed up with Needlecraft University for an online lace shawl knitting tutorial. I'm also planning on buying a couple of lace knitting books. Lace knitters of the world, if you know some good ones, let me know. I'll have another go at Ene. She hasn't beat me entirely, only temporarily. Until then, I'm scaling back. I'm going to cast on for a lace scarf from Lavish Lace called Ocean Moods. It's a smaller project with a much simpler design. I think I can finish this in time for the end of the KO. It just won't be the same though. *Sigh.* Oh, Sandy J, you caught me! I'm too cheap to buy a skein winder as well!! I'm always meaning to but it takes away from the yarn budget. Which is crazy because I'm up to my elbows in yarn right now. Funny, I'm always wanting more. I know, I'll ask my Mom to get me one for my birthday!

Lace Knitting: The Battle Begins

Gyaaahhhhh! That's how I feel right now after casting on last night and struggling through Ene's scarf. I patiently wound my yarn (knitpicks Alpaca Cloud in midnight) into balls two nights ago. This task took me over two hours and I am convinced I need a skein winder. The night before the knitting olympics began, I checked my gauge. Good thing since I was a size 4 needle. Note to knitters all around, buying cheap needles is like throwing away good money. I didn't happen to have a nice pair of size 4 needles that are circular so I thought I'd just get the boye knitmaster ones where I could change out the cords and needles. They were inexpensive and my only option locally. Pieces of crap. They snag the yarn at the joins and come unscrewed. So today in complete frustration, I visited the scarf style kal blog for tips. One recommendation for a more suitable substitute was Knitpicks pallette or other fingering weight yarn. As it happens, I have some knitpicks essential in a nice fawn color. Now, this is actually a sock yarn but I believe it will work fine. Why am I switching yarns? Because I can' t continue to knit on those crap butt needles and have no LYS near me. The knitting olympics would be over by the time I got new needles in. So, in the interest of continuing my lace battle and competing in the knitting olympics, I am going to change yarn and check gauge again. I think I'll be able to use my size 6 circulars (the nice bamboo ones) with this yarn. Okay, they're 29 inches instead of 32 inches but I think I can make do. Note to self, buy some more nice circular needles in smaller gauge. I'll use the Alpaca Cloud later on the branching out scarf if Ene's doesn't drive me completely mad. My stitch count is off already and I'm definitely going to have my work cut out for me. Is there some secret to lace knitting that I don't know about? What in the heck am I doing wrong? Does anyone know of a lace knitting book or dvd that can help a complete lace doofus? It's like I follow the chart and end up with not enough stitches for the chart. Acck. Back to the drawing board for me. Wish me luck as I cast on with the new yarn and give this another go. I just refuse to believe that this is beyond me.

Recycle bargain time baby!

Thrift stores are wonderful things. If you're willing to pick through the cruddy stuff, you can find some real bargains. Big bargains. I've taken a keen interest in recycling yarn lately. I mean, hey, my monthly blow money allowance only goes so far. So on payday, I took my bargain hunting behind to the thrift store on post. Oh joy of joys! I found some real gems. An XL sweater of 100% supersoft merino wool; a vest of shetland wool; a cardigan of lambswool, and another cashmere cardigan. My total price spent was less than $15.00. Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout! I could never buy that quantity of yarn anywhere else for such a small price. Not sure what my plans are for the fiber but I'm mulling over some ideas. I will definitely be dyeing the merino and may even try my hand at hand painting it and turn it into a wrap or shawl. We'll see. I definitely see a trip back to the thrift store in my future. Some other great potential was there but I had the strong suspicion that those sweaters were slightly felted from improper washing. Dang. Hate it when that happens.

Picovoli, How do I love thee, let me count the ways...

Ah the joy of a finished object. What began as yarn recycled from a previous knitting disaster has been molded into a really really great shirt that is quite flattering if I do say so myself. This is one of the few things I can see myself knitting more than one of. I'm thinking Luna yarn next go round for a nice color change. Elann.com sells it in a pretty pink color I like. I'm very into pink lately. Picot edging is highly recommended as I see myself having several more goes with the steam setting of my iron for the hem of this. I chose not to do picot with this one because for some reason it seemed intimidating to me. So, in the interest of not overcomplicating my knitting life, I chose the straight edging which, like all good stockinette stitch, is quite adament about its' desire to curl. Okay, I also got overly excited and should have blocked more thoroughly and carefully but I wanted to wear my Picovoli like now. Serves me right for lacking patience! I added length to mine since I happen to prefer a good amount of belly cover. Actually, this accomdated the curl of the hem quite nicely and even the curl didn't look so bad because of that. Grumperina created a real winner with this pattern. It fits like a dream. It knits up fairly quickly and you can even do it while watching TV. I know because that's how I knit it. You seriously do not want to know how up to date I am on The Flavor of Love on VH1. Seriously.

Picovoli for Sexy Knitters Club KAL

Okay, I thought at first I wouldn't be able to do this knit along since I have a number of projects on tap. Then, as I was trolling through my stash and creative closet, I came across three recycle sweaters that I've been meaning to frog for the yarn. One of them was a failed knitting project in Berroco Cotton Twist. Beautiful concept that went horribly horribly wrong. Why? Well, it makes me look HUGE. That alone is reason to frog in and of itself. However, a second reason made it impossible to look at my FO (finished object ) without cringing. I dorked up the lace pattern. I mean really really screwed the pooch. In that moment, lace knitting became my evil nemesis. The Darth Vadar to my Luke Skywalker. The Lord Voldemort to my Harry Potter. You get the idea. Since then, I've determined I will conquer lace knitting, just maybe not today since this post is about Picovoli. So, I mustered all my strength and grabbed the demon FO and proceeded to frog with great abandon. After all, that yarn was freakin' expensive and I'll be damned if I am going to let it remain in the form of a sweater that frightened me AND made me look like a pastel cow. Thus, the start of Picovoli and my participation in the Sexy Knitters Club Knit Along. I gathered my needles and rewound my yarn with growing anticipation. What if the gauge was way off? What if the yarn wasn't going to work? As the gauge swatch came together, I realized YES! Eureka! I can do it! Here's a picture of my progress. Okay this pic is a hair old since I just am getting past the armholes now but I don't plan on another photo till try on time at just below the bust. I take photos in bulk. I'm very regimented that way. Anyway, I'll keep my progress posted here and on the SKC site. In the meantime, I'll prepare to document my ongoing battle with the evil nemesis lace knitting. I'll be a lace knitter if it's the last thing I do!!!

I'm finishing my asymetrical sweater today!

I'm so psyched! My asymetrical sweater is almost done and I should be able to finish it today. I'll modify the post later with a picture. It has knit up very quickly! In my official opinion, Teva Durham is a knitting genius. This sweater has been fun and quick to knit but it has also been educational for me. How she came up with the shaping, particularly of piece 2 in the side seam, is very unique. I hope to have enough yarn left over to make another gauge swatch hat for afghans for Afghans. As usual, I over-ordered since I subscribe to the "buy an extra skein, you won't regret it" theory of yarn sourcing. Right now, I have so many projects on tap and so many I want to do. I wrote a list out this week and I was surprised at how long the list was. The next project of priority is finishing my Picovoli top for the KAL with the Sexy Knitters Club. After that, well, it's just a toss up. Maybe I'll write all the projects down on a strip of paper; place them in a hat, and draw them out to put a priority order to them. Then again, maybe I'll force DH and the kids to learn to knit and do my knit project bidding for me.

As you can see, I've finished! Yeah! Ignore the hair and white bra peeking through. It's Sunday and that means I have a free pass on bad hair and poor foundation garment choice. Everyone does. It's an unwritten rule, kind of like yielding to other shopping carts when exiting an aisle. Carts on the end have the right of way. :-)

Closer Look

Here's a closer look at the hat I knit last night. This is actually the gauge swatch hat from Teva Durham's Corrugated Asymetrical V neck sweater in Loop d Loop. I love that book! This hat knit up very quickly in Knitpicks Sierra (color: coal). No, I didn't block it. I tend to leave hats and socks unblocked unless it just must be blocked. Probably lazy of me but that's what I do. Good thing Mrs Durham leaves this particular sweater unblocked. I'm going to enjoy knitting a sweater I don't have to block for a change.

kai and b model the hats

Okay, just finished another hat for afghans for afghans last night. So,
I figured I would sucker the boys into modeling them. You can see the
enthusiasm. I'm planning to ship these off Tuesday priority so
hopefully they will warm the head and ears of a child in need. I have
to say, knitting them was fun. I love hats because you can really get
decorative or keep it simple. Besides, who couldn't use a good hat?

Why you should never knit to Star Wars

Okay, I've taken the plunge into casting on for multiple projects. This is a very big step for someone who is as OCD as I am. Last night, DH wanted to watch Revenge of the Sith and since no true crime shows were playing that I was jonesing for, I approved his request. As I gamely sat on the couch with needles in hand, I worked on my sock while Annakin was lured to the dark side. Apparently, I was lured to the big dummy side during this time. Eyeballing my work, I thought it looked, well, enormously too big for my foot. Turns out, I kept increasing and knitting without counting my stitches per needle. I should have had 15; I ended up with 22. Yeah, while Annakin and Obeewon battled it out, I frogged back to 15 stitches per needle cursing Sith lords and the dark side the whole way. Next time, I'll be sure to watch what I'm doing instead of what Darth Vader's doing. I have two more projects to cast on for and the I'll list my wip's and provide some pics. Till then, knit on!

Some much yarn, so little time

My stash is now officially taking over my life. It's true. I'll never have enough time to knit everything I want to knit. So, in the interest of efficiency, I have decided to teach myself how to knit continental style. In the meantime, I do have one project on the needles and am making plans to cast on for a second one. On the needles right now is a simple feather and fan afghan. Why you say? Because lace knitting has been my evil nemesis to date, confounding me and foiling my plans to knit beautiful things. So I figured, why not take a step back and choose something very simple on large needles to grasp the rudimentary concepts. So far so good. Don't laugh at the yarn choice. It's really not so very hot and not what I would choose for most projects but I wanted this to be functional. To me, that means DH can machine wash it and not turn it into a nice placemat. History is behind me on this because he has turned two pairs of socks into booties. Once payday hits, my plan is to run gleefully to the store and purchase two pairs of size 3 24" circulars so I can cast on for my socks. I'm trying this pattern that allows you to work both socks at once toe up. I don't get why socks are so intimidating so the whole toe up thing didn't appeal to me as much as the two at the same time thing did. It's almost too much for my overcaffeinated self to handle. 'Scuse me while I knit for a bit!

Charity Knits

Not long after I took up knitting, I decided I wanted to knit for more than just me. Afghans for Afghans was the perfect choice for a lot of reasons. First of all, my sister has been over there twice already and is now there again. She related a lot of stories of absolute abject poverty. Not the kind that she or I had ever known but poverty so great that parents were unsure of whether they would be able to feed, clothe, or provide shelter for their children. The pictures she took were mesmerizing in a unique way. It was like looking into some alternate universe. I googled charity knitting and up popped afghans for Afghans. I've sent them two shipments already and am working on my third. Right now they need hats. 500 hats to be exact. These hats will provide warmth for children who may go cold otherwise. DS can tell you firsthand, winter in Afghanistan is bitter. If you happen to knit or crochet, please consider putting your current projects on hold and whipping up at least two hats to send in. You can go to the website at afghansforafghans.org and get the guidelines and mailing address. Please note that you need to use all wool or 75% wool for these items. They do accept lower percentage wool blends for other shipments but not this one because it will be keeping little heads warm. I am planning on putting some earflaps on mine and will post a pic while in progress this week. Thanks for letting me get a little preachy. This is very close to my heart.

Chloe the wonderdog

Here she is, the wonderdog!!!That thing around her neck was for Halloween. I can't see dressing her up so I just got her a little neckband. She actually stole the little catnip toy on the floor from Thomas. She just has a real thing about stuffed animals. I gave her a bath today so she smells like a princess again. That'll last about a day, if that. She has a real itch for rolling in funky stuff.

Dad and the boys
Alan and the kids on the way in an old pic. He was off that day so took them in to school. I love it when he can do that. I'm definitely not a morning person. He and my oldest are very much early risers. The little guy and I could sleep through just about anything.

The boys on Dad's truck

Here's the kids on Dad's truck. They are enjoying the break so far and will no doubt be sorry when it's over. They go back to school on Tuesday. Yey!!

Hey and Happy New Year!!!

Hey all! Hope everyone has had a Happy New Year and isn't too hung over!!! Enjoyed some champagne and wine last night and watched a movie with DH. Not too exciting but I woke up in my own bed and not headachy in the least! Next week I start my cycle/spin classes (teaching them) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I'm really excited about that and am planning to burn a couple of cd's this week and coreograph (sp) them. I promise to post some photos in the next few days of knitting WIPs, my kids, DH, me, my doggie and cat. I can't believe it's the new year already. So little time, so many things I want to do. I'm not sure I'll be able to fit it all in really. Here's to trying like heck to anyway! Till later! knitncycle (real name: Alicia)