It’s October?

Where does the time go?  Before you know it, we will be getting ready for Christmas.  I can’t believe it!

I haven’t been knitting much in the last two weeks, but I have made some progress on projects.  I did complete the October KAL for my Monthly Dishcloth group.  The pattern is Skies of New York by Janet Nogle.  I used a size 6 needle with Peaches and Crème in light blue.  This is a nice pattern.

I finished one sock (except for the afterthought heel) of my Halloween socks that I am calling Witch’s socks.  The yarn is String Theory Continuum in the electron colorway with a size 1 needle.  I love this yarn.

I finally got the sleeves finished for my Central Park Hoodie.  All pieces are now knitted.

I do have to knit the hood, which I am working on now and then it’s the bands and putting the sweater together.  This will be my first sweater that is completed.  I will be so happy when it’s finished.  I am using size 8 needles with Tatamy Tweed worsted yarn in purple.  I like the yarn, but it is a little splitty.

I seem to working on these two projects the most when I am knitting.  I hope to have both completed by the end of October.

Another sock bites the dust

I finished the Abstract Fiber sock in the koi pond colorway using a size 1 needle.  I really like this sock yarn.  I love the colors.

Since Halloween is coming, I had to knit a Halloween sock.  I am using String Theory colorworks in the electron colorway.  I am just using a basic sock pattern for this sock with a size 1 needle.  I plan on knitting an afterthought heel.  I love the colors.  I am calling this my witch sock.

I also finished the September Mid Month KAL for my Monthly dishcloth group.  The pattern is Dishcloth Panel Dishcloth by Emily Jagos.  I did not use a knitted or crocheted border on this.  I did use a size 6 needle with Peaches and Crème in yellow.

I am knitting away on my Central Park Hoodie.  I really need to get this finished.  I am almost finished with the first sleeve and hope to start the second sleeve tomorrow.  It would be nice to wear it this fall and winter.

Some socks are a challenge

I finished 3 pairs of socks that had patterns.  They weren’t real complicated.  When you knit a patterned sock, you have to concentrate because of the change in stitches in the rows.  After knitting 3 patterned socks, I decided I needed a break and picked a basic sock pattern using Abstract Fiber’s supersock in the koi pond colorway using a size 1 needle.  This sock was more of a challenge than the patterned socks.

When knitting the leg, I dropped a stitch and had to rip back to get the correct stitches on the needle.  Then I got to the heel flap and dropped a stitch.  I had to rip back again to the beginning of the heel flap and start over.  Then I got to the leg and yes, I dropped a stitch again.  This time, I had to rip back to the leg and start again with the heel flap.  Thank goodness three times was the charm and now I have finished the first sock.  I don’t know if it was me or the new ChiaoGoo red lace needles that I was using. Go figure.

I love the yarn and the colorway of the socks. 

My local yarn shop finally got in some Lorna’s Laces Solemate yarn and I bought a skein in the Vera colorway.  I just have to pick a patterned sock to knit with this yarn.

It’s a wonderful knitting world

Well, it’s been a nice week so far.  The weather has been great, I had time to spend with friends, and I was able to get a lot accomplished around the house (including knitting).

I finished the Capucine hat.  This was a wonderful knit.  It was a very easy pattern and I loved the yarn.  I used Noro Kogarashi in color 10 with a size 10 needle.  The yarn is silk and wool.  It was a very fast knit.  I knit the hat in one day and did the tassels later.  I may just do another one of these.  This will keep my head and ears warm this winter. It makes a big difference when you love the yarn you are using.

I finally blocked the Sugared Violets Shawl.  I used size 6 needles with The Sanguine Gryphon’s Traveler yarn in Gaudi House.  I really love this shawl.

I couldn’t resist buying some yarn this week.  I got Bugga yarn from the Sanguine Gryphon.  Colors are Blue Emperor Dragonfly, Autumn Tiger Beetle, and Tulip Tree Beauty.

 

I was also able to get yarn from the Numma Numma update last Friday.  She had a new yarn called Happy Hour, which is 50% wool and 50% silk.  I got two skeins in that base: Anise and Julep.  I couldn’t resist a skein of the Usual in After Dinner Mint.  You can tell that I like the color green and I am beginning to love silk mixed with wool.

I am working hard to get the basic sock completed using Abstract Fiber in time for the end of Summer of Socks 2011.  Only problem is that I keep dropping stitches.  Hopefully, I am back on track.  Off to try and finish one sock tonight.

Finally the rain is over….I think

We had so many days of rain lately and the sun finally came out on Friday.  Fortunately, we didn’t have any problems, but many people lost power for several days.  Now that it’s September, I guess that we will have some hot and humid days to look forward to.

I have been busy knitting.  I finished the Sugared Violets shawl, but haven’t blocked it yet.  Pictures coming after I block it this weekend.  I also completed the September Dishcloth KAL.  The pattern is There’ no place like home by Sue Schaeffer.  I used Peaches and Crème yarn in verde green with a size 6 needle.

I also completed the Froggie Bath Puppet.  This is so cute and fun to make.  I made it for my great nephew.  I used Cotonade in color 531 (a lime green) from a kit I got at the Knitter’s Edge with a size 7 needle.

I started a basic sock pattern sock using Abstract Fiber Supersock in the color koi pond with a size 1 needle.  I love this yarn and how it knits up.

I also started another shawl.  It’s the Copykat shawl, but I am knitting a plain version with Swans Island merino yarn in marine blue with a size 5 needle.

I also bought some yarn from the Knitter’s Edge for some quick hat patterns.  I got Katia’s Fabula in color 91.

And I got a skein of Noro Kogarashi in color 10.  I plan to cast on the needles with this yarn tomorrow.  The hat is really cute. Can’t wait to post the finished picture.

Hope we have beautiful weather this week.  I think we deserve it.

Irene is visiting us

Well, batten down the hatches.  Irene is coming.  We are ready here.  We are suppose to get rain and wind, but not as severe as New Jersey and New York.  Let’s see what happens.  I am more concerned about losing power, but we are prepared for that.

I finished the Daphne socks from the Cookie A sock club.  I used size 1 needles with a Verb for keeping warm Metamorphosis yarn in sugar jets.  This yarn has silk in it.  It is a sport weight.  I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the yarn and may just buy more skeins.

 

I did start another sock using a basic sock pattern.  After three pairs of cookiea sock’s, I think I need a break.

I also completed the August Midmonth KAL from my Monthly Dishcloth group.  The pattern is Summer Daze by Alli Barrett.  I used Peaches and Crème yarn in the light grape color with size 6 needles.

I also started a frog puppet.  I thought I would make it for my great nephew.  Let’s see how this knit goes.

Yard Sale

We had a three family yard sale today and I am exhausted.  I did pretty well and most of the stuff I had left over, I took to a local church for their sale.  It was wonderful to get rid of that stuff.

I was worried about the weather.  I was afraid it would rain.  The day started off foggy, but the sun came out and it turned hot.  So glad that is over with.

I did finish one of the Cookiea’s Daphne socks from the sock club.  The yarn is Metamorphosis from a verb for keeping warm.  This is a sport weight yarn and has silk in it.  I wasn’t sure how I would like knitting with it, but it’s not bad and I like how the pattern is turning out.  The color is Sugar Jets and I used a size 1 needle.

Still working on the Sugared Violets shawl, but I did buy more yarn.

I purchased some Plucky Knitter single ply merino in the color Barndoor.

One of my knitting friends bought some  of Sanguine Gryphon’s Mithral lace weight yarn and I loved what she knit.  So, I had to buy some for myself.  I got a skein of The Reader and Paesaggio a Bordighera.

I love Madelinetosh’s Pashmina yarn, so I bought 3 skeins to make the Sothia shawl.  I got 2 skeins of Cloak and 1 skein of Antique Lace.

I’m not knitting the Stephen West Mystery shawl after all.  I waited to see some of the spoiler pictures and I am not thrilled with the pattern.  I don’t believe that I would wear the shawl, so I’m not wasting good yarn on something I won’t use just to participate in a Mystery KAL.  I am really disappointed.  I loved the Daybreak shawl so much and plan on knitting another.

Off to knit and then relax for the rest of the day.

Summer of Cookie A Socks

I finished the second pair of socks using a pattern from the Cookiea sock club.  Honestly, this is the best club.  The patterns are great and the yarn is wonderful.  The yarn is Hazelknits Artisan sock in Oh my darling.  The pattern is by cookiea and is called Jubilee sock.  I used a size 1 needle.

I started on the August sock from this club.  The pattern is called Daphne sock.  Yarn is by A verb for keeping warm.  It’s Metamorphosis in the color sugar jets.  I am using size 1 needles.  Since this is a sport weight yarn, I cast on 60 stitches for the medium size.

I also finished the August KAL from my dishcloth group.  The pattern is by Elaine Fitzpatrick and is called Baby Seahorse.  I used Peaches in Crème yarn in the color Persimmon with a size 5 needle.

The Loopy Ewe got Swans Island fingering merino yarn in stock.  At first I thought, no way.  Then I checked out the web site and looked on Ravelry and I caved.  I bought two skeins in the Marine colorway to make a shawl.  It is so soft.

My new favorite sock yarn!

It’s Hazel knits Artisan sock.  I got a skein of oh my darling from the Cookiea sock club and I’m knitting the Jubilee sock pattern.  The yarn is so soft.  It’s not splitty and very easy to knit.  Here is is one sock completed.

I do have some of this yarn, but haven’t used it so far.  But, I did buy a skein of Sweet Crush from the Loopy Ewe.  I couldn’t resist the color.

The August shipment of the Cookiea sock club came this week.  I got another skein of yarn that I never had before.  It’s a Verb for Keeping Warm, Metamorphosis yarn in Sugar jets.  I already know which pattern I will be knitting.  I plan on knitting it after I finish the Jubilee sock. I love this sock club!

I also bought Sanguine Gryphon’s skinny bugga in The very hungry caterpillar.

And, I couldn’t resist these knitting kits from my local yarn shop.  I think the puppets will make great gifts.

Cookiea

I love cookiea designs and her socks fit me well.  I am so glad that I joined her first sock club.  The patterns are great and the yarns are super.  The first patterned sock I made was the monkey sock pattern designed by her.

I finished the Boysenberry Yo socks.  I used a size 1 needle with Solemate in Boyesenberry Jam color way.  Solemate is a great yarn and I will definitely buy more of it.  Can’t wait to wear them.

I started the next sock by Cookiea called Jubilee socks.  I am using size 1 needles with Hazel Knits artisan sock yarn in the color Oh my darling.  I am not a fan of orange, but I love this color.  It’s more like a creamsicle color.

Next shipment from the sock club is due in early August and I can’t wait.  I’m predicting Socktopia yarn.  Let’s see what happens.

I am still working on the Sugared Violets shawl.  This is an easy knit.  I am using size 6 needles with Sanguine Gryphon’s Travelor in Gaudi House.  I love the colors.

I am using the Signature circular’s and I really love them.  The cable is 32 inches and I find that with the longer cable, it’s easier to use the longer size needle.  So, I got 6 inch needles instead of 5 inch. Signature is suppose to be coming out with smaller size needles (size 1 and 2) and I can’t wait to get them for sock knitting.  I am hoping that they will make two different size 1’s and 2’s to distinguish what needle you are working on when using circulars to knit socks.

So Many Projects…Can I find the time?

I have been buying more yarn.  I can’t stop myself since I have projects I want to knit.

I am planning on joining the Stephen West Mystery KAL that starts on August 1st.  So, I bought Madelinetosh pashmina in tern, nebula and steamage.  I just love the colors.

I also got Bugga from the Sanguine Gryphon in Bog Fritillary and Cowkiller.  Possibly for another Daybreak shawl or another Stephen West project.

Finally, I bought Koigu KPPPM to knit a linen stitch scarf.  The colors are:  P123A, P401, P304, and P6308.

Now, I just have to find the time.  I am almost finished with my Boysenberry Yo socks and I’m still working on the Sugared Violets Shawl.  I think I am going to knit the Cookie A Jubilee socks next from her sock club using the Hazelknits yarn in Oh my darling.  I need to wind the yarn tonight.

I did finish the July Mid Month Dishcloth KAL.  The pattern is Sea Waves by Andi Worthy in Peaches and Crème peacock.  I used a size 7 needle.

Off to knit…..

The dog days of summer have arrived

It’s going to be hot this week.  Guess, I will spend my time knitting inside.  This past week was a fixit week.  We had Sears in to fix our icemaker for the refrigerator and a plumber in to fix our powder room toilet and we had to get a new water heater. I finally have hot water…..thank God!

I finished the Daybreak shawl by Stephen West.  I really enjoyed this knit and really loved the yarn.  It is so soft.  I used size 4 needles with Turtlepurl Softshell Turtle toes in the coloways Kiping at Camp and Haeyyy!

In fact, I liked the pattern so much that I bought Skinny Bugga in Common Emerald Moth and Bess Beetle to do another one.

However, I won’t be starting this right away.  I already started another shawl called Sugared Violets by Rose Beck and I plan on participating in the Stephen West Mystery KAL that starts on August 1st.

I also completed the July 2011 Dishcloth KAL.  The pattern was Heart and Moss by Janet Nogle.  I used Peaches and Crème cotton in red with a size 7 needle.

I am finished with one Boysenberry Yo sock by Cookie A.  I am using size 1 needles in Solemate by Lorna’s Laces in the boysenberry jam color way.  I highly recommend the yarn and I love the color and pattern.  Can’t wait to get more.  My local yarn shop is getting this yarn.

Well, I better get my cleaning in before it gets too hot.  Stay cool where ever you are.

Twenty-five more books to go to reach my Goal

Well, I finally am back on track with my reading goal for 2011.  I have been reading like crazy.

Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch

Dreamlovers by Dodd Darin – brings back old times of the beach movies and oldies songs

Dewey by Vicki Myron – a great pet story

On Christmas Eve by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer

The Girl who chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen – wonderful book

Say When by Elizabeth Berg

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen – guess you can tell I like her books

House at Riverton by Kate Morton

Summer and the City by Candace Bushwell

Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah

Talk Before Sleep by Elizabeth Berg

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

How to Knit a Love Song by Rachael Herron

Until the Real Thing Comes Along by Elizabeth Berg

Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell – didn’t like this as much as the other two books

The Wedding Promise by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer

Are You There Vodka, It’s Me Chelsea by Chelsea Handler – liked it better than I thought I would and almost considered getting her other books, but got tired of the stories by the end of the book.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett – Great Book!

The Land of Mango Sunsets by Dorothea Benton Frank – I love this author

Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux

Never Change by Elizabeth Berg

Lickety Split by Kathy Hogan Trocheck

License to Pawn by Rick Harrison – interesting read

Crisis by Robin Cook

Smokin Seventeen by Janet Evanovitch – love these books and can’t wait for the next one.

Unraveled by Maggie Sefton – Love this series too and I’m looking forward to the next one.  Why can’t authors write fast enough?

Enjoying my knitting projects

Yes, I am enjoying my knitting projects.  I haven’t finished anything this week, but I am making progress on several projects.

I got past the heel on the Boysenberry Yo socks (a Cookiea pattern) with size 1 needles and Lornas Laces Solemate in the Boysenberry Jam color.

I’m happy with the Olivia Sweater I am knitting.  The pattern is by Berroco.  I started this sweater back in 2004, but it was too big.  So, I frogged it and started over.  I am past the ribbing on the back.  I am using size 10 needles for the body of the sweater with Araucania Nature Wool Chunky in an orange colorway.  Hopefully, I will finish this by September.

Then, I am also working on the Daybreak pattern by Stephen West.  I am using size 4 needles with Turtlepurl yarn Soft Shell Turtletoes in Kipping at camp and Haeyyy!  I am currently working on the stripes and I’m loving this pattern as well as the yarn.

I got more Socktopus Sokkusu yarn from the Loopy Ewe in lime and basi and pinkly.

From the Knitter’s Edge (my lys), I got a cotton yarn on sale called Cotonade by Knit One Crochet Too.  I got one skein in a lime green and 5 skeins in a purple colorway.  I plan on knitting a market bag with the purple yarn.

Hope everyone has a Happy 4th of July!  I also hope you are enjoying your summer.