Mystery Stole Complete!

Another old WIP completed.  I finished the wing on the Mystery Stole.  Boy do I feel relieved.  I had some bumps along the road, but I got through it.  The wing looks kind of cool.

The pattern is by Melanie Gibbons and is called Swan Lake.  I used a size 4 needle with Jaggerspun zephyr yarn in ebony.  Here is the completed stole unblocked.

I also completed the June Monthly Dishcloth KAL.  The pattern is Bluebonnet by Lindy.  I used a size 6 needle with Peaches and Crème in Williamsburg Blue.

One sock is complete using Lornas Laces Shepherd Sock in the Jungle Stripe colorway using a size 1 needle.  I didn’t finish the heel since I am going to use an afterthought heel.  I will do both heels after I finish the second sock.  I love purple and green.

I was happy to get the June shipment of the Cookie A sock club.  The yarn is Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the color Oh My Darling.  I love it.  We got two sock patterns with it and of course cookie recipes.  I am really enjoying this club and plan on joining again.

I had to buy a new sock yarn.  It’s from Three Ewes Twisted in Fiber Sock for Ewe in the saltwater taffy color way.  I like the colors.  This is a variegated yarn, but, she does have striped yarn too and I did order another skein in a stripe.  Her colors are really nice.

Right now, I am just working on the the Jungle Stripe sock and the Minnie Scarf.  I want to get these two projects finished and then try another shawl/scarf.  There are so many wonderful patterns out there.  I just have to decide what pattern I want to knit first….. decisions, decisions.

The Sun is Shining and the Heat is ON

And I am not going to complain.  I love to see the sun and I’m glad it’s not raining.

I haven’t completed anything in this last week.  I am diligently working on the Mystery Stole/Swan Lake.  I will be so glad when this is complete.  So, I have been plugging away.  I had an knitting attack’s episode and had to rip back to a lifeline (about 20 some rows), but now I am back to where I had the problem and have my mojo back.  I have about 69 more rows to go.  So I am about half way finished with this section.

I needed some mindless knitting, so I started another sock using Lornas Laces Shepherd Sock in Jungle Stripe using size 1 needles.  It’s a green and purple stripe  with a basic sock pattern and I plan on trying the afterthought heel on this sock too.

I only purchased one skein of yarn.  I saw a finished shawl using the Sugared Violets pattern by Rose Beck and I loved the pattern and the yarn.  So, I bought Sanguine Gryphon’s Little Traveller in Gaudi House.

Well, back to knitting the stole.  I hope to get at least 12 more rows completed today.

Rain, Rain Go Away for awhile, please?

After a beautiful Saturday, the dreary, rainy days are back.  When will it end.  I guess the best thing about the weather is that I am getting quite a bit of knitting time in.

I had 200 rows on the mystery stole to finish and have completed 50 rows.  It’s all coming back to me now.  I need to knit this in a quiet environment, count out loud, have good lighting (an ott light), and magnifier glasses (I am using 3.0).  The reason is that I am using black lace yarn.  What was I thinking?  I also put in a life line after 50 rows.  So, I’m one quarter complete.  Sounds good, but the rows keep growing by 2 stitches on every other row.  So, I will be up to close to 200 stitches on the needles until I am finished.  Right now I am at 54 stitches.  I will take a picture after I get finished with the next 50 rows.

I did complete the Abstract Fiber sock in the sweet pea color using size 1 needles.  I really, really liked this yarn.  I must get more.

I also finished the Mid May 2011 Monthly dishcloth KAL.  The pattern is Fruited Plains by Andi Worthy.  I used Peaches in Crème in the mauve color way with size 7 needles.

I wasn’t planning on it, but I also picked up the ripple afghan I was working on and started on it again.  Maybe after finishing the mystery stole, I can crochet away on this the rest of the summer.  I just might surprise myself and get this finished yet.  Good thing that the world didn’t end on Saturday.

Well, Numma Numma is back from Mexico and had her last update until September.  So I bought more yarn.  I love her yarn.  I got The Special (a fingering weight yarn) in the WiFi colorway and I got the Usual in Table for Two, Manager’s Choice and Stump Brew.

Off to knit on the Minnie scarf and play Words with Friends.  That is addicting!

New Project and it’s not a sock

I finally started a new knitting project that is not a sock.  I am knitting the Minnie scarf (also goes by the name of Bobble scarf) by Jumpers Cable knitting.  I am using Manos Silky Blend in color 300A (a blue color).  I love this yarn.  I am also using a size 7 needle.  The scarf is a sideways scarf and is easy to knit. This is the first time I am using the new version of the Signature Cable needle and I love it.  The cable is really nice and so are the needles.

I finally finished my Chevron Scarf that I started in March of 2007.  I used Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarn in Watermelon Tourmaline and Farmhouse with a size 5 needle.  I have blocked the scarf and it blocked at over 80 inches.  So, it’s a nice size scarf.  I am very happy with this.  I love the colors.

So, I am down to the following old projects that I need to finish:

1. Central Park Hoodie

2. Mystery Stole – which is my next project to finish

3. Olivia Sweater

4. Ripple Afghan

5. Afghan Squares from the Great American Afghan.  - I really only started this in November and only did about 2 or 3 rows on the first square.

The rest of the projects that I have on the needles are newer projects that I have been working on.  I figure that I will finish the Mystery Stole and then start working on the Central Park Hoodie again in September.  I am feeling really good about my goals for 2011.

I have also finished the first Abstract Fiber sock in Sweet Pea and cast on for the second sock.  I am using size 1 needles.  I just love this yarn.

It’s really nice not working.  I am getting a lot of things done around the house and a lot of knitting done.  I am certainly NOT bored.

The rain is back

It was such a lovely week this week.  The sun was out and it was warm.  Beautiful spring days until Friday when it was overcast all day and now today with the rain.  It makes it cooler outside, so I can’t sit on my porch.  Darn!

I have gotten further with my Abstract Fiber sock.  I really, really like this yarn and the colors.  I will definitely get more of their yarn.  The color is Sweet Pea with size 1 needles.  I am past the heel and on my way to the toe to finish up one sock.

I also knit on Cat Bordhi Ocean Toes sock.  I really had trouble with this pattern.  I had to rip it back many times, but finally got to the designated rows by Friday.  This week we are taking a break since everyone has not gotten to that point and I am so glad.  I need a break from this sock.  I am using size 3 needles with Crock-O-Dye yarn in color 559 (a seafoam green).   I am not liking the yarn.  It’s nice and soft but is fuzzing up.  Not happy with that.  It isn’t helping that I am having problems with the pattern and I’m not happy with the yarn.  But, I will plod on and finish it.

Still working on the Chevron scarf.  I have about 20 inches more to do and hopefully, I will be able to finish it within the next week or two.

I got the Loopy Ewe’s Mother’s Day kit.  The yarn is Studio June’s Super Cash Sock in the color Beach Glass.  Nice yarn!  It also came with a project tote and cute flowered tape measure.

The Turtlepurl yarn I ordered came.  This is Softshell turtle toes in Kiping at camp and Haeeyyy.  Love the yarn.  I plan on using this for a Daybreak Shawl.

And, I finally got another skein of Wollmeise lacegarn in the color Fliederbrusch.  Isn’t it pretty.  Lot’s of yardage on this one.

Off to knit on the chevron scarf.

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day.  It was a beautiful day out today.  The sun was out and it was warm out.  I got to sit on my back porch.  Maggie loved it.  She is so happy to be outside again.

Finished my Twisted Limone socks with the afterthought heel.  This worked out well and I’m glad I tried it.  I used Tangy sock in Fruit Salad with size 1 needles.  I will definitely use this heel with other striping sock yarns.

Then I started a basic sock pattern using Abtract Fiber Supersock in the color Sweet Pea and a size 1 needle.  I really like how this yarn feels and I love the color. It shows up lighter on the picture, but it really is a darker green.

I also finished the Monthly Dishcloth May KAL.  The pattern is Ulysses the Unicorn by Janet Nogle.  I used Peaches and Crème in gold with size 6 needles.

Still working on the chevron scarf and did very little knitting on the Mystery Stole 3.  I’m feeling really good though that I have completed a lot of old projects.

Cast on for a Cat Bordhi sock called Ocean Toes.  Two of my other knitting friends are also working on this sock.  I haven’t gotten very far, so no picture.  We want to have the leg of the first sock completed by Friday so I guess I have to get moving.

Off to knit!

Still finishing old projects

I am so glad to have finished my stuffed mittens.  I had finished the first one years ago and finally started on the second mitten recently.  I used Kraemer’s Summit Hill yarn in blue quartz with size 4 and 6 needles.  Stuffing the mittens was okay, but I don’t think I will make this pattern again.

Also completed this weekend was my third prayer shawl.  I liked the Marble Chunky yarn so much, I had to make another one.  The color is MC 16 (a gold colorway) using size 13 needles.

 

I finished the April Mid Month dishcloth KAL.  I enjoyed this one.  I used Peaches and Crème in Bright Navy and Shades of Spring with size 6 needles.  The pattern is the Stained Glass cloth by Lindy.

Still working on my Twisted Limone socks.  I have started the second sock and have placed my yarn for the afterthought heel.  I am using Tangy sock in Fruit Salad with a size 1 needle.

Note the Chic a bag that is holding the yarn.  I love this bag.  It works great for holding a ball or cake of yarn.  I hope to finish these socks by the end of the week as my friends and I are going to start a Cat Bordhi sock using her new sock book.

Since I finished the prayer shawl and mittens, I dug out the Mystery Stole 3 and Chevron scarf that I started in 2007.  I only have to do the wing on the Mystery Stole, so it shouldn’t take too long to complete, but I am really knitting this slowly so I don’t make a mistake.  I need to knit this at home without any distractions.  I am about a third complete on the Chevron scarf and think that I can finish this pretty soon too.

For the Chevron scarf, I am using Socks that Rock yarn in Farmhouse and Watermelon Tourmaline with size 5 needles.  For some reason I thought I had to knit the scarf until I finished the yarn, but after reading over the directions, I am suppose to make the scarf about 77 inches before finishing it off.  I will definitely have to block this scarf.

Well, I am off to knit.

Adding to Stash

Numma Numma is back and I was able to get some new yarn.  In the Usual base, I got Lunch with the Knitgirlls, in the Toasty base, I got Fresh peppers and Blackberry jam.  I love Numma Numma Yarn.

From Twisted Limone,  More Tangy in the color firecracker.

From Abstract Fibers, Their Supersock yarn in Koi pond and Sweet Pea.

From the Sanguine Gryphon, Skinny Bugga in Sundowner Moth.

At the Knitter’s Edge, I got two different types of Manos del Uruguay yarn.  In lace, which is 70% baby alpaca, 25% silk and 5% cashmere, I got color 7805.

Then in a silk blend (70% merino and, 30% silk) I got color 300A.

Finally, from the Loopy Ewe, the April Yarn club came. It was comprised of Madelinetosh Sock in the color Midnight Rendevous with a shawl pattern called Nefertem by Kristen Kapur and a sock pattern called Rubux by Jeannie Cartmel.  Also included in the package was a BIG Baggu Bag

Guess, I better get knitting.

I Got an IPAD2

I am so excited.  I finally got my Ipad2.  I ordered it about a month ago since it was so hard to get in the store.  I was suppose to get it next week, but it came 2 weeks early.  I am in heaven.  I got it all set up and I’m ready to go.  I have been playing Angry Birds Rio like crazy.

Even though this has been a distraction, I did finish another project.  It’s called the Lush Sampler Cowl by Classic Elite.  I used Madelinetosh yarn in silver fox with size 8 needles.  It knit up fast and I like how it turned out.

Since I finished my Wollmeise sock, I cast on another sock.  I am using Twisted Limone’s Tangy yarn in the color fruit salad with size 1 needles and a basic sock pattern.  I am going to try the afterthought heel with this yarn since it has wide stripes.  I thought this looked bright and springy.

I also plan on going back and finishing up a thrumbed mitten that I started in 2007.  One mitten is finished and I have to knit the second one.  I know I won’t be using the mittens this winter, but I will be ready for next winter.  I am doing well this year finishing old projects.

When will it be warm for a whole week?

Today the weather was nice, but yesterday was beautiful.  The sun was out and I had windows open.  However, most of this week was dreary or rainy.  I believe we are suppose to have some rain next week too.  I hope this stops soon.  It would be nice to have a whole week of warm sunny days.

This week I finished my Wollmeise basic socks.  I used Red Hot Chili in the 80/20 blend and used size zero needles.  I really enjoyed knitting these socks.

I’m doing the happy dance too because I finished a shrug that I started back in 2006.  The pattern is Rena by Berroco.  I used Berroco Softy yarn with a size 11 needle.  I am so glad to be finished with this project.  I really didn’t have much to finish.

I got my April shipment from the Cookie A sock club.  There are sock patterns and cookie recipes of course, but the yarn is a new yarn by Lorna’s Laces.  It doesn’t even have a name yet.  The yarn is made up of 55% superwash Merino, 15% nylon, and 30% Outlast, a fiber technology that continuously interacts with the body’s microclimate and the environment to moderate temperature from being too hot or too cold.  The color is Boysenberry Jam.  The yarn is really soft.  I love it!

I also bought two skeins of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock in Watercolor and Glenwood.

I’m behind on my reading

I haven’t been reading that much in the last couple of months.  I guess I have turned my attention to finishing up some knitting projects.  I know that I will catch up as the weather gets warmer and I can sit out on my back porch to read and knit.

The latest books I have read are:

Think Twice – Lisa Scottoline

Needles and Pearls – Gil McNeil

Best Friend Forever – Jennifer Weiner

The Inn at Angel Island – Katherine Spencer and Thomas Kinkade

Wild Orchids – Jude Deveraux

From Dead to Worse – Charlaine Harris

True to Form – Elizabeth Berg

Miss Julia Paints the Town – Ann B. Ross

If you Believe – Kristin Hannah

The Last Time I saw You – Elizabeth Berg

The Carrie Diaries – Candace Bushnell

Pinheads & Patriots – Bill O’Reilly

This Time Together – Carol Burnett

Roses – Leila Meacham

Another One Bites the Dust

I finished the Inside Outside Scarf by Elise Duvekot.  I started this scarf in November of 2008 and I’m glad that I finally finished it.  It’s a tricky technique as you knit a stitch below the stitch on the needle and you really need to be careful when knitting it.  If you make a mistake you have to pay attention to getting the stitches correct.  I had to talk myself through the pattern to help me stay on track.  The pattern tells you to knit the scarf until it gets to about 50 inches.  I went a few inches longer, but when I blocked it, the scarf grew to over 70 inches.  I used size 10 needles with Noro Silk Garden in colors 201 and 205.  I was NOT real thrilled with the Silk Garden yarn since it had knots in the skein.  Also, the pattern calls for 1 skein of each color, but I had to use a small part of a second skein in each color (not because I made the scarf longer) to finish it off.  Fortunately, I had the yarn.

I also finished the April KAL from my dishcloth group.  The pattern is Geffrey the Giraffe by Janet Nogle in Peaches and Crème camel colorway with size 6 needles.

I finished one sock in a basic pattern using Wollmeise 80/20 twin in Red Hot Chili with size 0 needles.

And, yes I got more yarn.  From the Loopy Ewe, I got Kollage Riveting yarn in dusk denim and storm denim and Gale’s Art sock yarn in the color crayon box.

Also, from the Sanguine Gryphon, I got Skinny Bugga in Strawberry Crab.  This is a new Spring colorway.

I’m currently working on the second Wollmeise sock and started another cowl called the Sampler cowl.  It’s a Classic Elite pattern.  I’m also hoping to work on two other older projects to get them finished.  So far this year, I am doing well with getting projects completed.  I may actually do well this year with my goals for 2011.

Spring may just be here

Today was the first day that I felt we were starting to get into Spring.  It wasn’t real warm (about 50 degrees), but it was nice and sunny out and there was no snow on the ground.  We were suppose to get a bad Northeaster Thursday night into Friday, but I guess the weatherman got April Fooled because the storm moved out along the coast and we were spared.  I was NOT upset.  I am hoping that we are now finished with snow.  It’s time to move on to the next season.

I finished the Sunny Baby Blanket by Lucie Winkler.  I used Plymouth Encore in color 9626 (a blue tweed that reminds me of denim) with size 8 needles.  I enjoyed this pattern and would knit it again.  The only problem was that it called for 4 skeins of yarn and I could have used 5.  I only did 12 repeats of the pattern rather than the 13 it called for.  I just have to wash it and it’s finished.

I am still working on my Wollmeise Red Hot chili socks.  I am enjoying the yarn.  It’s just a basic sock pattern with size 0 needles.  I probably could have finished the one sock, but I wanted to get the baby blanket finished.

Of course I had to buy more yarn.  I got the Sanguine Gryphon’s Bugga in Emerald Swallowtail.  I am so partial to green.

Knit One Crochet Too in Crock-O-Dye color 559 (seagrass – another green).  This has silk in it.  It’s a very soft yarn.

Last, but not least, I got Lornas Laces Shepherd Worsted in Zombie BBQ to make monsters.