Happy Memorial Day

It’s so hard to believe that it’s the end of May and we will be celebrating Memorial Day this weekend.  The last few days have been cool and today I have a picnic to go to .  Hope it warms up.  At least the sun is shining.

I finished the Cameo shawl.  I didn’t have enough of the red in one skein to finish the striping, but since I started this shawl last year, I forgot I bought two skeins of both colors.  So, I was able to finish the pattern as written.  I only needed one skein of the white.  I used Madelinetosh Tosh sock yarn in tart and farmhouse white with a size 5 needle.

I still need to block the shawl.  This is another pattern that called for the picot bindoff.  It wasn’t too bad as it didn’t have as many stitches as the Yowza weigh it shawl.

Since I have been so good, I cast on another sock.  I am using a basic sock pattern with a size zero needle.  I started with a size 1, but the pattern was pooling, so I dropped down a size.  The yarn is by Lemonade Shop and is the rainbow stripe color.  I already finished the leg on the first sock.  The yarn is really soft and nice to work with.

I plan on going back to the Gale sweater this weekend.  This is another project that I need to finish.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!

More Finished Objects

I completed the Bulky Rayon Chenille Cowl using Blue Heron Bulky Rayon Chenille.  I used a size 6 needle.  I did wash and dry it.  The approximate size prior to washing was 46 inches and it grew to about 56 inches.  I panicked when it was drying as I didn’t think it was growing, so I stretched it.  I had to turn the dryer back on several times. Unfortunately, some of the side stitches broke.  I used needle and thread and sewed it back together.  I think it will be okay.  The cowl really softened up after washing and drying.  I will definitely make another, but will not stretch it.   I believe that it will grow once completely dry.

I also finished the CookieA Hedera socks.  I can’t believe that I cast these on almost a year ago.  I used Hazel Knits Artisan Sock yarn in the Blueberry color with a size 1 needle.    I love this yarn.  The pattern was easy and I enjoyed it.

I started back knitting the cameo shawl.  This is another project that is almost a year old.  I am knitting the striped section now and am more than half way completed.  I panicked because I didn’t think that I would have enough of the main color yarn (Madelinetosh sock in tart) to finish all of the striped repeats.  Good I checked Ravelry because I bought two skeins of both colors, so I will have enough.  I am using Madelinetosh sock in tart and farmhouse white with a size 5 needle.

It feels good to finish my knitting projects.  After the cameo shawl, I will go back and finish the Gale sweater.  I’m being real good and not casting on any new projects.  That helps a lot.

It feels good to finish projects

I am finished with the Yowza Weigh it Shawl.  I used Miss Babs Yowza yarn in the color prince with a size 7 needle.  The knitting wasn’t bad, but the picot bindoff was torture.  I couldn’t wait to finish it, but it got nice.  I do need to block it though.

I also finished the first Hedera Sock by Cookie A.  I am using Hazel Knits Artisan Sock yarn in the color blueberry with a size 1 needle.  I love Hazel Knits Artisan sock yarn.  The stitch definition is wonderful.

I cast on for the second sock, but I’m currently trying to finish the Blue Heron Bulky Chenille Cowl.  I am close to finishing this project, so I think that I will keep at it.  Interesting that these 3 projects are in the blue family.

I also bought some Universal Yarn in Cotton Supreme.  I need cotton yarn like I need a hole in my head, but I wanted to try this cotton yarn out.  I will make a washcloth out of it.

So, this week my goals are to finish the cowl, cast on the washcloth and make progress on the second Hedera sock.  Here’s hoping that I can do it.

Finally it’s warm outside

Today was a beautiful day.  It was warm enough to sit outside to knit and read.  I really enjoyed it and it looks as if this coming week will be the same.  Finally winter is behind us.

I have finally been knitting and trying to finish things before casting on something new.  I did finish the Sunny Baby Blanket that I was working on.  I used Encore in the color 0215 ( a yellow color) with a size 8 needle.  I did adjust the pattern.  I cast on 108 stitches and only did 9 repeats total of the pattern.  I like how it turned out.

I also finished my St. Patrick’s Day socks.  It’s a little after St. Patrick’s day isn’t it?  I used Fab Funky Fibers yarn in the color Shades of Green with a size 1 needle.  I also did an afterthought heel for this sock.

I am working on finishing the Cookie A Hedera socks, the Yowza weigh it shawl, and the Bulky Rayon Chenille Cowl.  Hopefully, I will have another finished object this week.

I did buy more yarn.  I got Madelinetosh sport yarn in the Woodstock color.  I plan on using this to make a shawl.  I don’t know what kind yet, but I am sure I will find a pattern.  However, this is on the back burner for now because I want to finish some projects first.

I also got Llama Lace Melange yarn in colors 105 and 106.  I plan on using this to knit the kite shawl.

Last, but not least, I had preordered yarn from Fibernymph Dyeworks in Soft Kitty, which is in the Bedazzled Base and Sad Panda, which is in her Bounce Base.  I got those this week.

My camera broke, so I ordered a new one.  I should get it this week.  I ordered a new bag from CraftssoMatic on Etsy and I want to show the picture of it.  It is so cute.  I had to order another bag from her and that should come this week.

Back to the knitting

Well, I think I got my knitting mojo back.  I have been knitting a lot more than I have been in awhile.  Maybe it’s because the snow is finally gone from my yard and after ending March with snow, it looks like April will really be bringing us the spring weather.   Although, we may have rain, at least it will be warmer.  Tomorrow and Monday are supposed to be in the 60’s.  How wonderful is that?

I have been knitting on my Yowza  weigh it shawl.  I am using a size 7 needle with Miss Babs Yowza yarn in the color Prince.   I still have a way to go, but it has gotten bigger.

I finally finished one of my St. Patrick’s sock except for the heel.  I am doing an afterthought heel on these socks, so I will do the heels when I finish both socks.  I am using a size 1 needle and I’m using Fab Funky Fibers shades of green yarn.  I did start on the second sock.

I also worked on the Blue Heron Bulky Rayon Diagonal Cowl.  I am using Blue Heron Bulky Rayon Chenille  in a blue violet colorway with a size 6 needle.

I like this cowl so much and also the yarn, so I bought another skein in the color silver.

I am working on a third hitchhiker.  I am using Wollmeise pure in the Amazonia color with a size 2 needle. 

Last, but not least, I am knitting a second baby blanket for charity.  This is the Sunny baby blanket that I have made before.  I really like the pattern.  I am using a size 8 needle and I’m using Encore worsted yarn in the color 0215 (a yellow color).

I did finish a Bonbon bunny for my great niece for Easter.  This is a great pattern by Susan Claudino (no knit sherlock).  The pattern has great instructions.  They are very detailed and I love it that you don’t have to sew the limbs on.  They are attached as you knit with a three needle bindoff.  It knit up very fast.  I used a size 4 needle with Gnome Acres Squishy Gnome in the Bunny foo foo colorway.

I have so many other projects that I want to start, but I need to finish some of these projects.  So, back to the knitting for me.

Counting the days to Spring

Honestly, I can’t wait for the warmer weather.  We haven’t had a ton of snow, but we had several days of snow throughout the winter and I am so sick of it.  It has been melting and I can’t wait until it’s all gone.  At least the temperature has been in the 40’s and 50’s and the sun has been out most days.  Today is a dreary rainy day, but the rain has to be melting the snow.  Right?

I haven’t been knitting much.  I had an upper respiratory infection and that has kept me down.  I am almost over it all together and I am happy about that.

I did finish the vertical lines baby blanket.  I used a size 9 needle with Encore Colorspun in color 7650.  This is for charity.

I then bought more baby yarn to make blankets.  I got Encore color 0215 and Encore Colorspun in color 7749.

After finishing the vertical lines baby blanket, I started my third Sunny Baby Blanket.  This time I used a yellow yarn (Encore in color 0215) with a size 8 needle. I am making this pattern smaller than it is supposed to be.  I cast on 108 stitches and won’t have as many repeats.

I also bought yarn from GnomeAcres in her fingering and worsted weight to make bunny rabbits out of the color bunny foo foo.  I hope to get one made for Easter for my great niece.  The pattern is BonBon by Susan Claudino (no knit sherlock on Ravelry).  It’s so cute.

I have so many things on the needles, so I have to get back to those projects too.  Maybe the nicer weather will get me knitting?

Many projects on the needles

Everywhere I look, I have knitting bags with projects inside.  What was I thinking?  To top it off, I could start more projects.  I think I need to finish some before starting something else.

What do I have on the needles that I am actively knitting (note that I said actively – I have other projects on the needles that are in time out)?

1. The chenille diagonal cowl

2. Hitchhiker

3. Yowza weigh it shawl

4. Cameo Shawl

5. Hedera sock

6. Gale sweater

7. Baby blanket shown below

8. St. Patrick’s day sock shown below

Too many projects and not enough time……..

I did start a baby blanket to donate to a hospital.  I am using the Vertical Lines Baby Blanket pattern with a size 9 needle.  I am using Plymouth Yarns Encore Colorspun in the color 7650.

I just started this on Friday and this is how far I have knitted.  It is interesting how the colors are knitting up.  I am using the Addi Turbo needles with this project and I just love these needles.

I also got past the heel on my St. Patrick’s day sock.  I figured that I needed to do an afterthought heel for this sock.  I am using Fab Funky Fibers yarn in the Shades of Green color with a size 1 needle.  I am only using a basic sock pattern for this sock.

I had put in a request many months ago for Dream in Color Classy in the color Mountain Wildflowers at the Loopy Ewe.  The yarn finally came in and now I have two skeins.  I think this will be a hat and cowl.

Back to knitting and listening to podcasts.

Snow is an incentive to knit

We have had some snow recently and it got me knitting.  We didn’t have as much as they had in Northern New England, but there is something about snow and being in the house that gets me in the mood to knit.

I finished my Christmas socks, which turned into my Valentine Socks.  I used yarn from the Lemonade Shop.  The color Peppermint ice cream.  I used a size one needle.

I cast on for the Blue Heron Bulky chenille cowl using the color blue violet.  I cast on 44 stitches and I really like how this is knitting up.  I used a provisional cast on and will join both sides once I finish it.  I am knitting with a size 6 needle.

I also cast on for another hitchhiker using Wollmeise pure in Amazonas with a size 3.0mm needle.

Since I finished one pair of socks, I cast on another using Fab Funky Fibers yarn in the color shades of green.  There are 7 shades of green with navy blue between the shades. I am using a basic sock pattern with a size 1 needle.

I did get two new skeins of yarn.  I got Plymouth Kudo yarn in the color 41 to make the Birthday cake cowl.

I had ordered yarn from Desert Vista Dyeworks to use for next Christmas.  It’s in her Viso base in the color Holiday Stripe Thick.

Well, we are supposed to get more snow tomorrow, so I guess I will be knitting up a storm.  I have a lot of things on my needles to keep me busy.

Yarn, Yarn and more Yarn

I’ve been on a yarn buying spree.  I just couldn’t resist.

From the Loopy Ewe, I got Tumbleweed Yarns Aurora in Sidewalk Sandwich and Sugar Shell.  These are both self striping yarns.  I also got Western Sky knits Aspen in Rustic Rainbow to make the sockhead hat.  I couldn’t help but pick up a bar of Loopy Ewe soap.

Then, the Loopy Ewe put up Wollmeise Yarn.  Even though I came to the party late, I was able to get two skeins of Pure.  The colors are Amazonas and Happy Birthday Kristina.  I plan on casting on Hitchhikers with these skeins.

When I was at my local yarn shop, I saw a really neat cowl made out of Blue Heron Bulky Rayon Chenille in the color blue violet.  Well, next thing I knew I had to buy the yarn.

So, I need to wind a skein of Wollmeise and cast on for the hitchhiker and then cast on for the cowl.  I also have my sights on another skein of yarn for another cowl.  I think I am going to have a lot of things on the needles soon.  As if I don’t already.

I did finish one of my Christmas socks in Peppermint Ice Cream that I bought from the Lemonade Shop on Etsy.  One down and one to go.

It’s time to knit!

Happy New Year 2015

Goals for 2014

1. Read 65 Books – I think that is a good number and don’t want to set a goal too large. – I redid my goal to 100, but only ready 91 books

2. Knit 12 pairs of socks – didn’t make this goal either.  I knit 9 pairs of socks, but have knit over 100 pairs of socks

3. Finish the Central Park Hoodie – One of these years I will do this. – didn’t make this goal either.  I didn’t even touch this knit.

4. Stash Bust – Get rid of at least one storage tote of yarn either by using it or passing yarn along or selling it. – I did stash bust.  It probably amounted to one tote of yarn, but probably filled it with new yarn

5. Clean house – it’s time to go through the house again and reorganize and get rid of stuff I don’t need. – I did a good job of this.  I went through 3 floors and got rid of a lot of stuff.  Only have to clean out the attic.

Goals for 2015

1. Read at least 90 books

2. Knit 12 pairs of socks

3. Finish a sweater.  I have the Central Park Hoodie, the Olivia sweater, and the Gale sweater.  So, hopefully I will finish one of them because I would like to knit Lori Versaci’s Pour Moi cardigan.

4. Stash Bust

5. Clean out the attic and books

6. Finish some UFO’s

7. Finish more knitted projects

8. Counted Cross Stitch

 

FINISHED PROJECTS FOR 2014

I finished 16 projects this year.  In 2013, I finished 29 projects.  It keeps getting less and less.  What’s with that?

1. 9 Pairs of socks

2. 2 shawls

3. 1 Baby Blanket

4. 1 Cowl

5. 1 hat

6. 1 prayer cloth

7. One washcloth

UFO’s

10 UFO’s in 2014.  Last year I had 8.  The list keeps growing

2 Pairs of socks

Strandwanderer

Advent Calendar Scarf

3 Sweaters

1 Afghan

2 shawl’s

That is 10 too many, especially when there are other projects that I want to cast on the needles.

Reading makes the world grow

Well, 2014 is over and I did not make my goal of 100 books.  I did read 91 books.  This is what I have read since I last reported.

Matters of the Heart by Danielle Steel

Concealed in Death – J D Robb

Gods in Alabama – Joshilyn Jackson

Key Lime Pie Murder – Joanne Fluke

Stealing Home – Sherryl Woods

Waiting for the Moon – Kristin Hannah

The Light Between Oceans – M.L. Stedman

Top Secret Twenty – One – Janet Evanovich

Love Letters – Debbie Macomber

Pretty Woman – Fern Michaels

A Slice of Heaven – Sherryl Woods

The Fixer Upper – Mary Kay Andrews

Feels Like Family – Sherryl Woods

Guidebook to Murder – Lynn Cahoon

Mission to Murder – Lynn Cahoon

Language of Flowers – Vanessa Diffenbaugh

A Seaside Christmas – Sherryl Woods

Santa Baby – Sherryl Woods

The Christmas Bouquet – Sherryl Woods

All is Bright – Katherine Spencer

Can This be Christmas – Debbie Macomber

Shirley, Goodness, and Mercy – Debbie Macomber

All Fall Down – Jennifer Weiner

The Island – Elin Hilderbrand

Savannah Blues – Mary Kay Andrews

Mr. Miracle – Debbie Macomber

Guess, I better start reading.  Maybe I will be able to read 100 books in 2015?

A Belated Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah

It’s over.  All the time and preparation and before you know it Christmas is over.  Why do we do this to ourselves?  At any rate, I hope for those who celebrate, you had a Merry Christmas or Happy Hanukah.

Finally, things have calmed down and I can knit again.  I probably didn’t do any knitting for about 2 weeks.

I finished my Thanksgiving socks using Dancing Dog Dyeworks Grade School Turkey color using a size 1 needle with a basic sock pattern.

I immediately cast on for a Christmas sock, which won’t be finished until next Christmas.  I am also using a basic sock pattern with a size 1 needle.  The yarn is from The Lemonade Shop in the color Peppermint Ice Cream.

I did get some more yarn.  I had ordered more yarn from Knit Circus awhile ago and it finally arrived.  The yarn is The Greatest of Ease in the Color Brew Crew.  I love the blue color.

Katia Jumbo yarn in the color 100 to make a cowl.  This yarn is very soft and should knit up fast.

Last, but not least, I bought Madelinetosh Twist Light in the color Doctor’s without Borders.

Back to knitting!

Better Knitting Week

This has been a better knitting week.  I am turning the heel on my Grade School Turkey sock using a size 1 needle and a basic sock pattern.  The yarn is from Desert Vista Dyeworks.  I really love her yarn and colorways.

I also started on another shawl.  It’s the Yowza weigh it shawl by Susan B. Anderson.  I am using Miss Babs Yowza in the color Prince.  The pattern calls for a size 9 needle, but I am using a size 7.

I also got two skeins of yarn this week.  From the Lemonade Shop, I got her fingering weight yarn in Peppermint Ice Cream.

From Lollipop Yarn, I got a skein of What a Maroon.  I love the colors in this ball.

Happy Thanksgiving

It was a nice week.  I only had to work in the office one day.  I was able to get a lot of cleaning finished this week and was even able to get most of the Christmas decorations up.  I only have to put up my small tree and I will do that later today.

I got the Bella Shawl blocked and here is the finished product.

I really like this shawl.

I also finished one of the Grade School Turkey socks.  The yarn is by Desert Vista Dyeworks and I am using a basic sock pattern with a size 1 needle.

I started on the second sock.  Looks like I won’t have this finished for Thanksgiving.  Oh well.  I am enjoying knitting this sock.

I also received a skein of yarn from the Lemonade Shop.  It’s fingering weight yarn and the color is Holiday 2014.

I still have one more day of peace and quiet before I am back at work again.  December is going to be a hectic month.  I have to get my Christmas shopping finished.  Enjoy the holidays!