Well, I got my last Wool Girl Sock club shipment.
This was a nice club, but I decided to cut back in 2010 and not sign up in 2011.
The package included 1 skein of Miss Babs Yummy fingering weight sock yarn in the color Love Letters, a Love Letters sock pattern by IrishGirlie Knits, an Ardor shawlette pattern by Jenny Raymond, a vintage heart sachet, a stitch marker, a set of Love Letter photo greeting cards, a mini Oscar Wilde diary, and a gift tag.
Maybe it’s the weather. It’s been cold here and we have had several small snow storms. That must be what is getting me in the mood to knit and cast on for different projects.
I finished a Darrell Waltrip dishcloth by Rhonda K. White. I used a size 6 needle with Peaches and Crème in Victorian Christmas. I enjoyed how this turned out.
Then I completed the January KAL dishcloth called Happy 2011 by Alli Barrett. I used a size 6 needle with Peaches and Crème in baby blue.
I also finished my Christmas socks. I used a size 1 needle with Frolicking Feet yarn in the color way called Christmas Cactus.
I started another sock using Lorna’s Laces Shepherd sock in the pullman color way with size 1 needles. This is the first time I am using Lorna’s Laces yarn. I love how it feels and how it stripes.
Then one of my friends was knitting a cowl using Plymouth Yarn Mushishi. It' looked so nice that I bought the yarn and cast on for the cowl. It’s a simple pattern of purling 3 rows and knitting 3 rows. I am using a size 9 needle.
I found two other patterns that I want to start knitting. They are both small shawls. I will be casting on soon. I just need to get more needles. Yikes!
I want to stop adding yarn to my stash and I really am going to try hard this year to knit from my stash. But, before I do that, I had to buy some yarn before the year 2010 ended.
I couldn’t resist the new colors of Sanguine Gryphon’s skinny bugga. From top to bottom: I got Two butterflies went out at noon,The very quiet cricket, Sandworm, and Shelob.
Then, I was lucky….very, very lucky to catch Loopy Ewe putting up Wollmeise Twin sock yarn. I got two skeins. The colors are Granatapfel and Gazpacho.
I was checking out the Yarn Harlot’s blog and saw socks made out of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock in the pullman colorway. I just had to have it. I have cast on for a sock already.
I couldn’t resist Dream in Color’s Smooshy December Dream club yarn in the color candy floss. Actually, I loved the pattern and that hooked me to get the yarn.
Last, but not least, one of my knitting friends was knitting a cowl using Plymouth Yarns Mushishi yarn in the color 9 (red). It looks so pretty and it’s so soft, I couldn’t resist it either.
So, that was my last buying binge for awhile. It’s knit from stash time and I certainly have a lot of it. I could open my own yarn store. I won’t say that I won’t buy any yarn because if I can be lucky enough to get more Wollmeise, I wouldn’t turn that down and Numma Numma should be back to dying yarns again soon and I certainly can’t resist that. I didn’t sign up for any sock clubs. I will sign up for the Loopy Ewe club, but if I don’t get in, I won’t be real disappointed. 2011 seems to be about moderation in many ways.
I need to revisit the resolutions that I made for 2010 and see how well I did.
GOALS for 2010
1. Organize closets and cabinets – Definitely start to purge items by having a yard sale. I definitely did a lot of organizing. I went through the whole house and finished the basement and garage, the first floor is finished except for the kitchen, the second floor is complete, but I still need to do the attic. I did not have a yard sale, but have things ready for one.
2. Update my blog once a week. – I did not necessarily post once a week, but I did make up for it in other weeks. I had 56 blog posts for the year.
3. I will not buy any new yarn from January through April and buy sparingly the rest of the year. – Well, that didn’t happen.
4. Knit 12 pairs of socks – I only did 8 pairs of socks. I got slowed down because of work.
5. Finish some UFO’s – At least 9 items – That didn’t happen either.
6. Knit a clapotis – Didn’t happen
7. Lose weight and exercise – I did join a fitness center, but gained any weight back I lost this past year.
8. Read 65 books – I read 76 books
9. Clean off old computers and recycle them as well as some old printers. – I did do that, but need to do some more.
GOALS for 2011
1. Finish organizing closets and cabinets and purge items
2. Update blog at least once a week
3. Knit 12 pairs of socks
4. Finish some UFO’s
5. Join Weight Watchers
6. Read 65 books
7. Stash bust
8. Recycle old electronics
Maybe I can meet these goals. It should help that I’m not working.
What I knit in 2010
26 Dishcloths
2 Cowls
8 pairs of socks
1 Chemo hat
2 Hotpads
4 scarves
1 baby afghan
2 baby hats
1 prayer shawl
UFO’s
Multnomah Shawl
Girasole
Leaf Lace Scarf
Central Park Hoodie
Silky Tie Wrap
Candle Flame Shawl
Habu Scarf
Ripple Afghan
Black Fetching Gloves
Knit One Below Scarf
Thrumbed Mitten
Mystery Stole 3
Square a long afghan
Snowflake Cloth
Orange Sweater
Shrug
Socks that Rock Scarf
Baby Sweater
Prayer Shawl
Ripple Baby Afghan
Mobieus Scarf
Caera Cowl
Great American Afghan Squares
Christmas Sock
My goodness, 24 unfinished projects and I have 3 more projects that I plan on casting on within the next few days. I have to get knitting!
I have finished my 50th pair of socks. When I started on this journey of knitting socks, I was determined to master it. It has been an ongoing process and I learn new things all the time.
Some things I have learned:
1. I hate ribbing of K1, P1. I still use it for socks but do prefer K2, P2 or K1 through the back loop and P1.
2. I have learned that when picking up stitches for the foot of the sock that it is better to k1 through the back loop.
3. I have learned how to avoid holes when picking up stitches for the foot.
4. I also have found a toe decrease that I like better than others. It is a personal preference. I found this recipe from a sock pattern I was knitting. The pattern was Croc socks by Monica Jines.
5. I learned how to feel comfortable doing the kitchener stitch. (Using a cheat sheet really helps)
6. I’ve learned how to do a toe up sock.
7. I’ve learned how to do a patterned sock.
8. I’ve learned how to follow a chart.
9. I’ve learned how to use double pointed needles.
10. I’ve learned how to knit two socks on two needles.
11. I’ve learned that I prefer to knit one sock at a time on two needles.
12. I’ve learned that I love sock yarn and that you can use it for other projects other than socks.
13. I’ve learned that handpainted sock yarn is nicer to stripe than hand dyed sock yarn.
14. I’ve learned that I love Sanguine Gryphon’s bugga and skinny bugga sock yarn, Wollmeise sock yarn, Numma Numma sock yarn, Sundara sock yarn, Socks that Rock Sock yarn, Trekking sock yarn and Online yarn sock, and all the other sock yarn out there as you can tell from my stash. But, I especially love sock yarn with cashmere in it.
15. I’ve learned that using size 1 needles with 64 stitches really does make a nicer sock. It fits nicer and makes for a denser fabric. When I first began knitting socks, I would have fought tooth and nail using such a small needle. Size 2’s were my needle of choice.
16. I’ve learned that even though you are using a pattern designed by someone else, you can change it to suit yourself.
17. Last but not least, I’ve learned that I love knitting socks!
Looking back, I have learned quite a bit from knitting socks.
I have finished the Embossed Leaves socks (pair number 50) by Mona Schmidt. I used size 1.5 needles with Sanguine Gryphon’s skinny bugga in leaf insect.
So, try knitting socks if you never have and if you have tried and feel frustrated, don’t give up. Once you do feel comfortable knitting socks, you will feel a great sense of achievement!
Well, either you are ready or you are not. I’m just about there. All my presents are wrapped, food is bought, and I think that except for a few odds and ends, I can actually relax tomorrow. Maybe I will even get time to knit.
Tomorrow night, my family will be visiting for Christmas. We usually order out for pizza and I have some snacks ready plus cookies of course. Christmas Day, my father-in-law will be up for dinner. Then it’s all over for another year.
I did finish the one Christmas gift I was making. I made a prayer shawl for my Mother-in-law, who is in a nursing home. I used Marble Chunky in color MC15 with size 13 needles. I really liked this yarn and I’m now working on a shawl for me.
I also finished the last dishcloth of the year in my Monthly Dishcloth group. I used size 7 needles with Peaches and Crème yarn in Powder puff. The pattern is called Snowy drops by Andi Worthy.
After all the hustle and bustle of this week, I will be glad for next week when I can relax and knit. I don’t even care if it snows next week. I’m ready for a blizzard.
I am knitting. Yep, I am knitting quite a few different projects and I am getting somewhat close to finishing a few of them.
I am finally on the second Embossed Leaves sock. I should be close to starting the heel flap soon.
I am also getting close to the toe decreasing on the Frolicking Feet basic sock in Christmas Cactus. I don’t think I will have these finished for Christmas, but maybe for New Years I will.
I did start another shawl using Marble Chunky in color MC16 and size 13 needles. I love the color. This one is for me.
I also started a Ripple Baby Afghan to put on the back of our new Lazy Boy chair. I am using size 8 needles in Fantasy Naturale color 8013. Only 16 more repeats to go.
This didn’t stop me from buying more yarn. I got Skinny Bugga from the Sanguine Gryphon in Arge Moth.
And, I also got Gia Fingering yarn from the Sanguine Gryphon in the color Pororoca.
Plus, I got Little Traveller sock yarn in color balleyboley forest to use on one of the three Advent Calendar scarf patterns that are available this year.
The Sanguine Gryphon’s winter colors are coming out and I’m afraid that I will have no will power and will probably buy more of her yarn. I just love it.
From the Loopy Ewe, I got Madelinetosh Pashmina in briar purple and Cascade Epiphany in color 1310. I just had to try these two yarns. They will be either for a cowl or small shawl.
Lucky that I keep casting on new projects isn’t it?
Well, we haven’t had any snow accumulation yet, but we have had snow flurries. It’s so pretty to see the snow when it’s flurries. However, Sunday we could have some snow on the ground. But, that’s okay. I have no where to go and I can curl up and read a book or knit. I’m just about ready for Christmas. I only have a few small items to get and just have to wrap a couple of things. So, bring on the snow!
I finally finished one of the Embossed Leaves socks. I am using Sanguine Gryphon’s Skinny Bugga in leaf insect with a size one and one-half needle. I altered the pattern a little (cuff and toe), but I like how it’s turning out.
I also finished the December KAL from my monthly dishcloth group. The pattern is Knitted Tree by Frugalhaus. I used Peaches and Crème in Christmas Green with a size 7 needle. This was fun to knit.
I also started a basic sock using Frolicking Feet in Christmas Cactus. I'm using a size one needle. Not sure if I will finish this in time for Christmas.
I was fascinated by another knitter’s project of the Ribbed Mobeius Scarf, so I went on YouTube to see how to do the cast on and I am loving this pattern. It’s very easy once you get the yarn cast on. I am using Araucania Panguipulli in color 5 with a size 10 needle.
I did have to buy more yarn. I got more Marble Chunky in the color MC16 (a gold colorway).
And, I got Fantasy Naturale in color 8013 to make a small afghan to put on the back of our new Lazyboy chair.
I’m a happy camper. I’m enjoying my time at home, doing what I want to do when I want to do it, surrounded by yarn and knitting with my friends at the Knitter’s Edge. What more could I want?
Yippee, I did meet my goal of reading at least 65 books this year. I know that I won’t meet all of my goals, but at least I accomplished this one. I have read the following books lately:
Skein of the Crime by Maggie Sefton
A Wish for Christmas by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer – this series is a great read.
Growing up Laughing by Marlo Thomas – I loved Danny Thomas. This was about growing up and also some insight about different comedians.
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovitch – another great book
They call me Baba Booey by Gary Dell’abate and Chad Millman – He works with Howard Stern, but this was about his life and his mother who had mental problems.
Happily Ever After by Nora Roberts – the 4th book in the Bride series. This really wasn’t as good as the others.
The Handmaid and the Carpenter by Elizabeth Berg – A great read for Christmas.
Dune Road by Jane Green – I love her books and this didn’t disappoint.
Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs – the third book in the series and it was really good.
I still have time to read a couple more books in the month of December.
It’s good to be back….back to knitting socks. It’s been awhile since I was working and then working on other projects. Socks were on the back burner. But, I finally picked up a sock I had started back in October. I am working on the Embossed Leaves Sock by Mona Schmidt. I am using a size 1.5 needle with the Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga in Leaf Insect. I hope to be turning the heel by the end of the week.
I want to start on a Christmas sock. A plain basic sock pattern using either String Theory Continuum sock yarn in Kinetic Energy. I got this yarn in a kit from Simply Socks. It was the Fa La La sock kit. We got a reversal project bag, bottle cap magnets and gift cards with the kit. I really like the yarn too.
The other sock yarn I am thinking of using is the yarn I got at the Knitter’s Edge, my favorite local yarn store. It’s from Frolicking Feet and the color is Christmas Cactus. I think I will knit my Christmas sock out of this yarn.
I started on the second ball of Marble Chunky yarn for the prayer shawl for my only knitted Christmas gift. I really like this yarn. It’s acrylic, soft and washable. I just had to buy more colors, so I got MC14 (red) and MC6 (blue/brown). I think there is another color that I want to get yet. I like this so much that I am getting rid of the Lion Brand Homespun yarn I bought awhile back. I will donate it to a prayer shawl group.
Are you knitting any Christmas gifts?
I really had a great Thanksgiving, especially since I had quit my job. It just wasn’t working out for me and I was having blood pressure issues. So, I guess my body was telling me to take time to smell the roses and stay home. I am enjoying it immensely. I get to do what I want (knit and read) and what I am really looking forward to is sitting at home and watch it snow. I won’t have to worry if I should stay home or go into work.
I have been knitting. I finished the November Mid Month Dishcloth KAL. The pattern is called Fire N Ice by Janet Nogle. I used Peaches and Crème yarn in Premium Passion and Delft Blue with a size 6 needle. This was a fun knit and it turned out really nice.
I also completed the Purl Ridge Scarf. It’s a scarf that is knit in the round. The pattern is by Stephen West. I really like his designs. I used a size 8 needle with Madelinetosh dk yarn in the oxblood color way.
I really enjoy knitting cowls, so I bought yarn to make more. I got Rowan Lima in a grey and purple color way.
Rowan Drift in a grey color way. I think I am on a grey kick.
Also, Araucania Panguipulli yarn to make a Mobius scarf in a blue/teal color way.
And I bought more Baby Ull yarn by Dale of Norway to get ready to knit more calendar scarves. I still have to block the last one I knit and will have to post a picture once it’s blocked. I got a green color (9013)
and a grey color (0007).
I have much knitting to keep me busy during the winter months don’t I?
November is flying by and Christmas is coming up pretty quickly. One of our local radio stations is playing Christmas music already. It just doesn’t seem right. It was nice that Daylight Savings Time ended last Sunday and we got an extra hour, but I hate that it’s dark out so early. I am dreaming of Spring and warmer weather.
I got my last Loopy Ewe Sock Club shipment. It was a nice package. We got The Sanguine Gryphon’s Bugga yarn in Great Purple Hairstreak, A top down sock pattern by Debbie of Nutty Creations and cabled hat pattern by Sara of the Sexy Knitter. Also in the package was a set of stitch markers and a Loopy Ewe Stitch Marker pocket.
So, this was the second year that I was in the club. I will go into the lottery again, but won’t be guaranteed a spot. So, if I get in, I get in and if not I should be in the Don’t Be blue club, which will be nice.
I also bought some Fortissima Color Sock yarn in color 164. I liked the different shades of red on this yarn and it would be nice for Christmas or Valentines Day.
I completed the November 2010 dishcloth KAL. The cloth is by Elaine Fitzpatrick and it’s called the peanut cloth. I used Peaches and Crème in color peacock with size 6 needles.
I also finished the Twist baby hat by Melissa Goodale. I used Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in a blue denim colorway with size 2 and 3 needles.
I need to give this hat and the Sprout hat to my niece. Her baby was due on November 12th, but she had the baby on November 4th. He was 7 pounds, 8 ounces and she named him Carter.
I have been reading, but work sure is getting in the way. I think I will make my goal of 65 books for the year, but I need to get reading.
I have finished the following books:
Fly Away Home – Jennifer Weiner (great read and hope there is a sequel)
On Mystic Lake – Kristin Hannah – I just love her books
A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolft
Dream When you’re Feeling Blue – Elizabeth Berg
Promises to Keep – Jane Green
1022 Evergreen Place – Debbie Macomber
The Surgeon – Tess Gerritsen – Scary book
Big Russ & Me – Tim Russert
The Perfect Christmas – Debbie Macomber
The Things we do for Love – Kristin Hannah
Low Country Summer – Dorothea Benton Frank – Love, love her books
Heart of the Matter – Emily Giffin
Home Again – Kristin Hannah
I got the October shipment of the Wool Girl Sock Club. It is a nice package.
I got a skein of Sweet Georgia Tough Love Sock in Terrywinkle colorway. Two patterns: The Sock Thief sock pattern by Liz Abinante and Secret Love Scarf pattern by Liz Abinante. A wooden box designed by Brooke of Mmin: I like Dreamin, A handmade glass needle vial by Zecca (I love these), a loop design vintage stitch marker, and a handmade gift tag.
One more shipment of Woolgirl to come in December.
I got to go to knitting for over an hour on Friday. That made me feel good. I was working on the prayer shawl for a Christmas gift. It was also nice to see my knitting friends.
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