Work Break means more time to knit

I finally finished a project (even though it was a small one). I finished the Mid June KAL from my Dishcloth KAL. It's called Joanne's Washcloth by Michelle Miller . I used size 6 needles with Peaches and Creme yarn in faded glory. I really liked this colorway and will probably buy a cone of it when I place my next order with Peaches and Creme. The pattern was really nice to work, but next time I think I will change it to make the pattern more symetrical.

I am almost finished with my Sundara sock in Prickly Pear. I just have to finish the toe, but here is a picture that I took earlier.

I really like the yarn. I need to finish these and get back to my Malabrigo socks because two of my other knitter friends and I are going to knit the croc socks by Monica Knits. We are going to do this at the same time to help each other. We are also each working on the Girasole by Jared Flood.

I was very happy to be able to purchase another knitting bag from Green Mountain Bags. This is called the Madison Bag, which is also called a sweater bag (it's large enough to put a sweater in it). I love the pattern because it's different from anything I ever had before.

I also purchased some more yarn (like I really need it), but I couldn't resist. I got Plymouth Montagna yarn (2 skeins) for a scarf

and Fortissima sock yarn that stripes in red, white and blue (now how could I turn that down with the Fourth of July around the corner).

Plus, I couldn't turn down buying more Touch Me yarn from Jimmy Beans wool since it was on sale for an unbeatable price. I got 6 skeins of dark taupe and cream. Time to make another scarf.

I will have lots more time to knit since I have to take 8 weeks off from work. So, I don't go back until after Labor Day. I am so glad for the break.

I Love to Read Books

I have been reading a lot and I have been enjoying it very much.

What I Did For Love - Susan Elizabeth Philips

The 8th Confession - James Patterson

Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous - Fern Michaels

Big Cherry Holler - Adriana Trigiani - Great book from the series Big Stone Gap

First Comes Marriage - Debbie Macomber

Wanted: Perfect Partner - Debbie Macomber

Vision in White - Nora Roberts - Great story, can't wait for the sequel

The Other Side and Back - Silvia Browne

All Pets Go to Heaven - Silvia Browne

Bulls Island - Dorothea Benton Frank - I love all of her books

The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch

Accident - Danielle Steel

Summer on Blossom Street - Debbie Macomber

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - Lisa See

Illusions - Janet Dailey

Eucalyptus - Murray Bail

Dropped Dead Stitch - Maggie Sefton

Lorelei's Guiding Light - Lorelei Hills

Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind - Ann B. Ross - I read this in a day and got more books in the series

Look Again - Lisa Scottoline

The Rest of Her Life - Laura Moriarty

I love to read books, especially in the summer.

Weather has got me down.

The weather sure is getting me down. There is totally too much rain going on here. Today, we are not having rain and currently the sun is shining, but it comes and goes. I guess I shouldn't complain because it will probably get real hot and I'll be complaining about that.

I have been knitting up a storm. I got through Chart C of my girasole. I really am enjoying this pattern. I also have been knitting on my Sundara sock and hope to finish up one sock today.

I have a dishcloth on the needles from my Yahoo KAL group, but I think there is an error in the pattern, so I haven't finished it yet until I find out for sure. This is getting to be a common occurance with these KALs.

I ordered more sock yarn from Sweet Georgia. I just love her colors. From left to right the colors are Boyesenberry, Saltwater, and Savory. I just need to get some socks finished so I can try one of these colorways.

I also got some Mama Llama Original sock yarn from the Color Coop club.

I love these project bags from KIP bags by ruddawg on etsy. Right now she doesn't have any bags, but keep checking because it's worth it. The red bag has a divider inside that is great for two separate balls of yarn to use for two socks on two circular needles. The bags also have pockets inside to put needles and other knitting gadgets. She did a really nice job on these.

I also got a nostepinne from A Piece of Vermont.

Well, guess I'll go knit.....or maybe read.

Milestones and Annie Modesitt

Can you believe that I forgot my anniversaries?

On May 28th, it was my three year anniversary for writing this blog. I can't believe I've been at this for three years now.

On June 12th, it was my 5th year anniversary for going to knitting classes. I started out at Kraemer Yarns and followed my teacher to The Knitter's Edge. I've come a long way since that Saturday in June.

In May, I was fortunate to meet Annie Modesitt at Mountain Knits and Pearls in East Stroudsburg. She taught a combination knitting class there. What fun! She also taught us the grandma's increase and knitting without a cable needle. I enjoyed meeting her and learning new techniques.

Here Comes the Sun!

What a wonderful day. I got to go to knitting and see all of my friends and it finally turned out to be a nice sunny day. We have had so many dreary and rainy days that it didn't feel as if summer would ever get here. I think we may be seeing more of the sun now. Next I will be complaining about the hot weather.

I started my Girasole. I am using size 10 needles with Crystal Palace Eco Alpaca in natural. What lovely yarn. This is my first pattern knitting from a chart and it hasn't been too bad. I am making the blanket, but it can also be made as a shawl. This is a wonderful pattern and not a difficult knit. I started Chart B. Looking forward to seeing it progress.

I haven't been knitting on my Leaf Lace Scarf by Jane Russell lately, but here is a nice picture. I am using Ella Rae merino yarn in color 103 with a size 3 needle. I really like the Ella Rae yarn and the pattern is an easy lace pattern.

I have also slowed down on my Sundara sock, but at least I am at the heel. The yarn is really nice. The color is Prickly Pear and I'm using size 1 1/2 needles. I started out with size 2's, but frogged and went to the smaller size.

I really need to have blinder's on my eyes when I am at knitting. I saw a skein of Trekking XXL in a denim blue. I really don't need to buy any sock yarn, but I couldn't pass this one up. Just what I need - another project.

Oh, Oh, a new yarn shop opened in the area today. I must go visit. It's called Conversational Threads and I know that I won't get out of that store without buying something.

Too Many Projects

I must have a short attention span. I start a project and next thing I know, I drop it and start another. Why is that? Is it because I get bored with what I am knitting because it's taking too long to complete? Is it because I have hit a place that I don't feel comfortable knitting? Is it because I made a mistake and have to rip it out? Is it because I found another project I want to start? Is it because I don't like the pattern or the yarn? I guess at some point one of these is the reason why I drop a project and start another. How about you?

I have been working on some projects. I am still knitting my CPH, but I do have to rip out several rows and reknit them because I made a mistake. It's not too bad and won't take long. I am almost finished with the front and will only have the sleeves to do and then the hard part comes (sewing it together, doing the ribbing and the hood).

I have been working on my lace scarf, but it's not the Fiddle head Scarf. I was getting bored with that one, so I frogged it. I did start another scarf called The Leaf Lace Scarf. Which reminds me that I have to update Raverly with this project and take a picture of it. I like this pattern much better.

I also am working on a sock using Sundara Sock Yarn. I frogged the sock originally because I didn't like how it was pooling, so I went to a smaller needle (size 1-1/2). It's a little better and I can live with it.

Now, I want to start on the Girasole by Jared Flood. It's so beautiful and I want to make a blanket. I ordered the yarn, so I need to wait for that and maybe buy some needles.

In the meantime, The Knitter's Edge has been tempting me with projects. They had Sockotta on sale and showed a knitted scarf using this yarn. It's called the Montego Bay Scarf, which takes only one skein of yarn. Of course I had to buy three skeins. It was so cheap and the scarf would make great presents.

From left to right, color 367, color 6669, and color 5618. Sockotta is 45% cotton, 40% superwash wool, and 15% nylon

Then they had a special on Fantasy Naturalle and had a neat pattern for a market bag, so I bought 2 skeins of that to make the pattern. When I will start that is anyone's guess. The color is 9001 and is like a denim color.

Somewhere, I saw a pattern called the Undulating Waves Scarf by Laura Nelkin. It's a beautiful lace scarf with beads. Well, I just had to have the yarn for that. I ordered a kit with the yarn (Schaefer Heather in the colorway Eleanor Roosevelt), beads and pattern.

What is wrong with me? I am going to have to spend every hour of every day getting all of this knitting done.

I have finished two projects. Ha! Wait until you see this. I finished two dishcloths. I think I like knitting dishcloths because they are quick projects and I finish them. I completed the May Mid-Month dishcloth called Cabbage Patch. I used a size 7 needle with Peaches and Creme in the Shades of Spring colorway. I loved this colorway and I'm thinking of getting a cone of it. When I first saw it I thought it was more baby colors, but it really looks great with this cloth.

I also finished the June KAL called the American Flag dishcloth by Emily Jagos. I used size 6 needles with Peaches and Creme in delft blue. I enjoyed knitting this pattern.

Wonder what project will be next to catch my eye? I better count up my knitting projects in progress and see how many I have. I need to focus on finishing them.

Knitting Friends and Therapy

About 5 years ago, I decided that I wanted to really learn how to knit. Oh, I played at it on my own when I was a teenager. At that time you could only buy long straight needles and the yarn selection wasn't that exciting. Of course since I didn't really know much about knitting, I started knitting a scarf. I probably never finished it because it was too wide, a boring gold color, the ends curled, and it was taking too long to get to a finished product. When I picked up the needles again, I found shorter 10 inch needles and started knitting dish cloths. I figured that dishcloths would be good because they didn't take long to knit and I would learn to knit different stitches. They were a great choice because I am still knitting dishcloths and still learning new stitches..

But, I wanted more. So, I dug out a newspaper article about a shop that gave knitting lessons, found out that they had lessons on a Saturday morning, which was great since I worked. That is where it all began and I haven't looked back. I have grown as a knitter. I have accumulated a large stash and am the proud owner of quite a bit of needles as well as knitting gadgets and bags to carry everything in. However, more than that, I have met some wonderful knitting friends. I am so glad that I am able to work part time and go to knitting class twice a week. Some of us call it therapy. It's that and more.

What's even better is that the Knitter's Edge opened in Bethlehem, PA and they have a large number of classes, a wonderful selection of yarn, and great atmosphere. Every Friday, we knit from 10 AM ish to Noon in the classroom and then we escape to the sofas to enjoy the beautiful bow window and get to see all that is happening in the shop. Here are some pictures:

Lois knitting for her granddaughter

Sharon knitting a prayer shawl for a friend.

Darcy looking through the many pattern books they carry

Cindy watching what Diana is unpacking for the store

It's hard to resist buying more yarn when we escape to the sofa's. As you can see, I bought some baby yarn to make hats. The one skein is Sidar Snuggly Kisses and other other skein is Jeannee.

I also got Plymouth Ecco Cashmere yarn to make a lace shawl.

Can't wait for Friday to get here so I can see all of my knitting friends.

Socks and Sock Club Yarn

Well, I really got my sock knitting mojo back. I finished another pair of socks. I am calling them Circus socks because they are so colorful. I used Meilenweit Multieffekt yarn in color 3123 with a size 2 needle and a basic sock pattern. I really like this sock yarn and I'm sad that they discontinued it; however, when I was sifting through my stash, I found more of it in the same colorway and another colorway that I used before. I'm so glad I bought extra.

I enjoyed knitting these socks with the Signature double pointed needles. I cannot say enough good things about these needles. I even bought more sizes. They are wonderful and make knitting fly!

I am so back to sock knitting that I picked out several skeins of sock yarn from my stash that I wanted to knit up next. I haven't tried Sundara sock yarn yet, so I cast on for a pair of basic socks using size 2 needles in the prickly pear colorway. I like the color and the yarn is wonderful to work with. I am glad that I have more of Sundara's yarn.

I really need to finish my malabrigo socks, but they are on two circular needles. I am about ready to do the heel so I don't have much to finish after that.

It was like Christmas this week. I got two sock club shipments. The first was from the Loopy Ewe. It was a wonderful package. I got a tote bag, pen, Dye Dreams Luster Sox in the Shades of Emerald Colorway and a sock pattern.

I also got my May shipment from the Color Co-op Sock club by the Unique sheep. I recieved a skein of The Sanguine Gryphon Little Traveler sock yarn in the Goa colorway and a sock keeper. I love the Sanguine Gryphon's sock yarn.

It's been a lousy weekend. We had a lot of rain late yesterday and today is dreary and cool. I hope next weekend is better. But, I guess this weather makes it a good weekend to knit.

Why won't some knitter's share?

I finally finished my first sock of 2009. I was beginning to think that I lost the desire to knit socks. I had started these on double pointed needles and I believe that even though I don't mind knitting socks on 2 circular needles, I like double pointed needles better. It takes too long to get the satisfaction of a finished sock when you knit two together. I start to lose interest in knitting them. Yes, I know some people have trouble with the second sock syndrome when knitting one sock at a time on double pointed needles, but I get more excited to knit the second sock because one sock is finished and I only have to knit one more. The second sock seems to knit up faster for me. I won't give up the circulars completely, but I love my double pointed needles the best.

These are a basic sock pattern using Yarn Chef's Bouillabaisse yarn in Moldy Jack O Lantern's colorway with size 1 1/2 needles. I really like the stripping on these socks.

I have a pair of Malabrigo socks on circular needles. I am close to turning the heel, so I really need to finish those up, but I couldn't resist starting another pair on double pointed needles using the Signature double points. These are really nice needles. I am using size 2 needles with Meilenweit Multieffekt yarn in color 3123 using a basic sock pattern. I like the yarn. My Easter socks were also the same yarn but a different colorway. Check the striping on these socks.

I finished another dishcloth from the Monthly Dishcloth Group KAL. The pattern is Daisy by Lindy and I used size 6 needles (Signature) with Peaches and Creme in Lemon. This was a cute pattern.

Now I have to get on my soap box. Knitters are great people - most of the time. I say most of the time, because I have run into knitter's who don't like to share what yarn they used or where they got a pattern. I have a huge stash and many patterns, but if I use a particular yarn or a pattern I know what kind of yarn I used and what the pattern was. Here are some examples where I found where knitter's don't like to share.

1. I saw a really neat pair of socks online and had to have the yarn. I contacted the person who posted the picture and she thought the sock yarn was Mountain Colors. I searched through Mountain colors yarn and bought what I thought was the yarn (it's in my stash). A couple of years later, I was looking through pictures and patterns I had printed out and found the sock I loved so much. Guess what? It wasn't Mountain colors. When I saw the picture again, I realized that it was Socks That Rock Fire on the Mountain and I had bought the yarn and made socks out of it. Now, just remember that I knit these socks over two years ago and I didn't have to look up the name of the color or who made the yarn.

2. I was at knitting class one day and a knitter was looking at yarn. She was wearing a short shawlette and we all complimented her on how nice it was. We asked her what the pattern was and she didn't know. I can't believe she didn't know. When you knit something, it's hard not to remember what pattern you used. You may not remember where you got the pattern, but you remember the pattern (especially if you liked it and wore the finished product).

3. At knitting class, I saw a small purse on the counter. It looked like a pattern I saw online. A friend and I were looking at it and the teacher who was having a class on this purse told us that she made the purse and had a class for it. She told us it was called the bubble bag and it was in a Knitter's magazine. I searched Ravelry, the Internet and Knitters for the pattern and could not find anything that looked like the bag. Then, I got smart and remembered who I thought designed the pattern. It is called the dumpling bag and the pattern was published in Interweave Knits. I figure that the teacher did not want anyone to know where to get the pattern, so you had to sign up for her class. That is terrible! She purposely renamed the pattern and threw us off on what magazine the pattern was published in.

I am not advocating giving out patterns for free, but I can't understand why some knitter's can't let you know the name of a pattern or yarn so you can buy it. Even if someone knits the same pattern, it could look different because someone else knit it and used a different yarn. What happened to sharing? If someone asks me about a pattern or yarn, I feel it's a compliment to me because they liked what I was knitting. Why won't some knitter's share?

Learning new things

I am knitting more. I finished a dishcloth from a KAL. The pattern is called April Showers by Deborah Tilley. This was a nice pattern to knit. I used size 6 needles and Peaches and Creme in faded denim. I also tried a provisional cast-on with a crochet hook for this dishcloth. I am not ripping out the cast on, but it is a nice cast on as it looks the same as the bind off. So I learned something new. It's good to learn new things.

I also started working on my Yarn chef sock. I'm almost finished with the first sock. I like how it is patterning.

I have also gotten back to reading. I haven't been reading as much as I should since I have been working. I finished the following books:

Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovitch - I always like her books

There's no place like here by Cecilia Ahern - This was a really different storyline. I enjoyed it very much.

Too Fat to Fish by Artie Lang

Death by Cashmire by Sally Goldenbaum

Baby Proof by Emily Giffin - I love her books

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani - Great read and I must get the other books in the series.

Well, I only have to work two more days this week and then I'm done with taxes until November. I will probably teach a little, but it will be nice to have off.

Nothing like buying yarn to make you feel good

I can't believe that tomorrow is Friday. This week really flew. I got a lot of cleaning done this week, but still have more to do. Guess, I will save it for next week.

I have had ups and downs with how I have been feeling this week. I finally got fed up last night and got out my netti pot. I don't know why I didn't do that sooner. I really slept the best in a long while. I usually get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, but because I must sleep with my mouth open, I get thirsty, so I have to get something to drink. Well, that starts the vicious circle. I sleep two hours, get up to go to the bathroom, get something to drink and then it happens again. Last night I got up once to go to the bathroom, but didn't have to get something to drink. I felt really good today too. So, the netti pot wins the award.

I have been treating myself to some yarn. I just had to have a Chevron Love Mitten Kit from Knitterly Things. It was hard to choose a color, but I chose Brilliantly Bold.

I must really like kits because I found this Mobius caplet kit at The Knitter's Edge and just love the pattern. So, I had to have the purple kit called Violets are Blue.

I also bought another skein of Ella Rae's lace merino. The color is 102.

And, last but not least, I got my Rubber Ducky April Club shipment. What a great colorway for spring. It's good I took a picture of the shipment because the Jelly Bellys are gone.

Time to Knit, Read and Clean

What a week it was. I can't believe that tax season is over. Monday and Tuesday were steady days and I was freaking out that I wouldn't get 2 returns completed in time. I had to take myself off the schedule to make sure that I had time to work on them. Luckily, it all came together and I got finished. Tuesday, I started to get a sore throat and Wednesday I had either a cold or allergies because all I did was sleep all day and blow my nose. I was glad I took off on Wednesday. Thursday, I had to go back in and work for my District Manager, but I was much better. I still have 4 more days to work, but it won't be as bad. Once May gets here I am finished until December (unless I teach and I'm still debating that).

I did get to go to my knitting class on Friday, but by the time I left I was feeling the effects of sinus pressure. I got home and slept and didn't go to class on Saturday. I figured that I better take it easy and recuperate so I don't get worse or infect anyone else.

I have been working on projects. I am getting close to finishing one front panel of my Central Park Hoodie.

I completed the April KAL called Illusion Egg Hunt by Debbie Tilley. It is a cute cloth but had many errors, which is quite frustrating. I used Size 7 needles and Peaches and Creme in white and emerald green.

I also started a Fiddlehead Scarf using Ella Rae's Lace Merino in color 103.

I love the yarn. I am using size 3 needles. I am trying out the Kollage Square needles that I bought at the Knitter's Edge. They are nice to use and the cable is great, but the join isn't that great. I also bought a set of 5 double pointed (size 2) needles from Signature Needles. They have gotten great reviews, so I thought I would try them out. I need to finish two pairs of socks before I try these out though.

The last two days we have had great weather. We were able to clean off our screened in porch and get out some furniture. We sat outside early yesterday evening and it was perfect. Today, it was a little cool, so we didn't stay out long. At least we are ready to go whenever we have a warm day.

I have off the next two days, so I will be cleaning (my house really needs it), reading and knitting. Maybe I'll do some cooking too. Well, I'm off to start another Dishcloth KAL. I am behind and have to catch up.

Happy Easter

Had a wonderful weekend and a great Easter. I just have to get through the next couple of days and my life will change. Counting the days until April 15th and it can't come soon enough.

I have been knitting, but will post pictures later. I finished a dishcloth and I have been working on my Central Park Hoodie.

I will be so happy to be free again.

Planning the Next Projects

I had a nice week. It went fast and I got to go to my knitting class on Friday and Saturday. I worked on my Central Park Hoodie. I am just about finished with the back, but keep messing up the last six rows. I was also able to start knitting again on my Malabrigo sock and also knit on my prayer shawl. I am close to finishing the second skein of yarn and will start the third and last one. The end is in sight.

I did buy the skein of Ella Rae Lace Merino Yarn that I wanted. Maybe this week I will start knitting the Fiddlehead scarf. The yarn is a pretty green and blue.

One of the knitter's in my group was working on a prayer shawl using Plymouth's Encore Boucle Yarn in a blue/green colorway. I just loved it, so I bought 6 skeins. After I finish my current prayer shawl. I will start one with this yarn.

I also stopped in at Michael's on Saturday and bought 6 skeins of Vanna's Choice yarn in dusty green to make a scarf.

I think I'm in project overload.

I did complete the March Mid-Month KAL for my dishcloth group. It's called the Windmill Dishcloth by Sewfunky. I used Peaches n Creme in Aqua Mist ombre with a size 6 needle. This was a fun dishcloth to knit.

Tax season is getting close to the end. I will feel better when I get three tax returns completed that are complex. Hopefully, I can get two of them finished this week. Only 18 more days to go!

I love Spring

I love Spring and I love daylight savings time. It's so nice to have it stay lighter longer and even though the temperature could be warmer, at least it's not snowing or freezing out. March is almost over and that means April is around the corner. Soon we will be able to get out our porch furniture and sit outside. I can't wait!

I think I am getting my knitting mojo back. With the new yarn shop opening and tax season almost ending, I will have more time to knit and get some of my projects finished as well as start new projects. I have been pretty good about buying new yarn. Most of what I have been getting is from yarn or sock clubs.

I finally got my first shipment from the Lime and Violet Intentions Clubs. I am pleased with the yarn and the colorway. It's a superwash merino with bamboo in a green and purple colorway.

I also bought a skein of the Berocco Sox metallic yarn in color 1375. Of course I had to get this from The Knitter's Edge.

They also carry Ella Rae lace merino. I really want to make something with that yarn and did find a project. It's the Fiddlehead scarf from Knitspot. I got the pattern so now when I go to class this week, I will pick out a skein of yarn. It takes 350 yards of yarn and I believe that the ella rae lace merino has more than 400 yards on the skein. I can't wait to start it, but this gives me the incentive to work on other projects I need to finish. And, I do want to do another Vintage Velvet scarf using the Touch me yarn.

I do love the Ella Rae books. I saw one on the Internet and had it on my list of things to purchase and was jumping up and down when I found it at The Knitter's Edge. One book is afghans and the other has great sweater patterns. I already have a sweater picked out, but need to finish my Central Park Hoodie first.

Well, I'm off to do some knitting.