I'm back to knitting

My hand feels much better, but I'm taking it easy. The good thing is that I picked up my ripple afghan and I started crocheting on that again. Maybe I need to go back and forth between knitting and crocheting for awhile?

My hand didn't stop me from buying yarn though. I got two orders from the Loopy Ewe this month. In the first one, I got from left to right: Handmaiden Casbash in forest fairie, Fleece Artist in Cezanne, and Brooklyn Handspun in Moody, Mint julep and flowering. I love all of these yarns.

In the second order, I got Shibui sock in color 1675, Alchemy Juniper in The night air and dragon and Enchanted Knoll Farm in Sunflower.

My hand made me feel bad, but the yarn made me feel better.

I can't knit!

I have stopped knitting for a couple of days because my fingers have been getting numb. It's not a continual numbness. I guess it's Carpal tunnel syndrome and I don't want it to get worse. I do have a glove to wear but that wasn't helping. I think it's because I have been knitting too many socks on double pointed needles. Maybe I will have to switch to circular needles for socks. It has been better the last two days, so I will back off for another day or two. Maybe I will pick up my ripple afghan since it's crochet.

I did finish another sock before I stopped knitting. It's Trekking Zitron XXL in a demin colorway (335). I used size 2 needles. These should be great with jeans.

I then started a basic sock using Sweet Georgia sock yarn in the saltwater colorway with size 2 needles. I really like the yarn and the color.

I am still working away on my Girasole (I'm on chart E) and I've started the sleeves on my Central Park Hoodie.

I have been buying quite a bit of yarn from the Knitter's Edge. That place is my downfall. But, I still love it there.

I got two skeins of Zauerball. Tropical Fish and Summer Meadow. Pretty colors.

Two skeins of Prism Saki sock yarn. One colorway is Freesia:

The other colorway is Aruba. Eileen (from Knitter's Edge) is working on a sock using this colorway and it is very pretty.

I also got Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino to make a baby hat. The colors are an off white and denim. It's such nice soft yarn. I got the pattern from Jimmy Beans Wool.

I also bought 4 skeins of Encore worsted yarn in purple to make a baby blanket.

Now if I could only knit.

Yarn Clubs are fun

I have been getting shipments from the Yarn clubs I have joined. It's like Christmas when they come.

From the Rubber Ducky Yarn Club, I got pima petite in lilac. It's such a pretty color.

From the Intentions Yarn Club, I got Family. It's 200 yards of wool. Feels so soft!

From the Sundara Sock Club, I got 3 skeins. From left to right: Bronzed Sienna, Basil over Buttercup, and Ember over Flame. I love Sundara Sock yarn.

From the Loopy Ewe sock club, I got Sanguine Gryphon Bugga in the colorway Rusty Willow Sawfly. Cool accessories too! Not pictured is also a Loopy Ewe stitch marker.

I finished one Trekking sock and cast on for the second sock. Hopefully, I will finish this pair by next week and then I plan on casting on with Sweet Georgia sock yarn. I can't wait to try it.

Knitting Like Crazy

I am really knitting like crazy and actually finishing projects!

Here are my Sundara socks in prickly pear that I completed earlier. I loved the color.

Then, I finally completed my Malabrigo socks. I started these in December using two cable needles (two socks on two needles). I am not really fond of this method as it seems to take so long to complete a pair of socks. I like doing one at a time. At least I finish one sock and then it gives me the incentive to finish the other sock. Cable needles are nice, but I still like the double pointed needles. The color of these socks is Tiziano Red and I used size 1 1/2 needles.

I also completed the July KAL for my dishcloth group. The pattern is called Beach Umbrella by Andi Worthy. I used size 7 needles with Peaches and Creme in deep purple.

Then I started another pair of socks using Zitron Trekking XXL in color 335. It's like a denim color. I am using the Signature Double pointed needles in size 2. As you can see, I am almost finished with one sock. I will probably complete the one sock this week.

I finally finished the front of my Central Park Hoodie and started on the sleeve. I am working slowly on the girasole. It's not that I don't like it, but I have been on a sock knitting kick. I also started another sock, but I will tell you about that another time.

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?