What happens to a seam deferred?
DH is off on the first leg of his adventure. He flew out yesterday and arrived safely at Fort Jackson, SC to “re-green” as the Army quaintly calls the program to bring people who have been
out for a little while back up to mission ready. He expects to be there for a
couple weeks before actually going to
The kitties and I have been rattling around a little bit. Zelda has been doing some serious moping and clinging to me, Saucey is more used to the occasional coming and going, so she is more relaxed. I suspect she and I will start moping more down the road.
BUT…
The toe-up striped socks are finished! They definitely have their own distinct look. See?
Here’s all three pair that came from the two balls of Noro Kureyon Sock yarn. (Colors S185 and S180)
You can sure see the family resemblance between all three pair, yet none of the six socks are exactly identical. I love this yarn. I just recently got hints from someone about getting her own pair…. Is there any better excuse to shop for yarn?
This picture probably captures the colors best...
Since I already wear the other two pair a lot, I’m glad to have a third to put into the rotation. Now I won’t have to fret so much when I haven’t had time to wash socks!
AND…
I finished (drum roll please)... the Santa Cruz Hoodie for DD#1. Here’s a kind of bad self portrait I took using the mirror.
This is for you sweetie
This thing is really big on me, but she wanted it big and comfy. I think it will fit her exactly like she wanted.
Pattern:
Yarn: Cascade Quatro in color 5018 (Body) and Cascade 220 in color 8892 (sleeves)
Size 9 and 11 circular needles / size 9 dpn
Pattern Mods: knit body and sleeves in round to start of raglan shaping
My knitting goals for the week are to finish the other Horseshoe cable sock, finish the MIL sweater, swatch for my top-down sweater and maybe my squirrely mittens. But maybe that’s a little ambitious…
I cast on for these quick knit socks mainly to use up the yarn that has been sitting on my worktable for several months, but also, with a foggy cold brain, I needed something simple to just knit away.
I decided to do these toe up since the yarn I'm using is the odd bits of Noro Kureyon Sock left
over from the two pair of striped socks I knit last summer. Also, I didn’t want to guess at how long to make the leg and still have enough yarn for the foot. These will be fun when they are
finished. They will be more fraternal than the other two pair, but that’s part of the fun with the
Noro. Sometimes you just don’t know what you will get from one ball to the next. For anyone
who has never tried Noro, I heartily recommend you try one of the many projects that allow you to play with the colors in the yarn. These socks combined two color-ways in two row stripes. There is also a scarf pattern for silk garden (the project that inspired Becca to create the socks that inspired these). Another fun way to use Noro in a project is Entrelac.
The heel design is the one that Becca suggested when I said I didn’t like the wrap and turn short row heel I did on my only other attempt at toe-up. I had to go back and frog the first heel
because I made the foot too long, but with the adjustments made, I am now getting a perfect fit.
I can see why some knitters do their socks exclusively toe-up. It is definitely a plus to be able
to try the foot on once the heel portion is finished. The first sock is done and the second only
about 10 repeats away from the cuff. Like I said before, a very quick knit.
I have really enjoyed knitting these for more reasons than just being a quick and simple project.
While I was knitting these the color combinations made me flash back to this post and the great trip I had to CA and especially the evening we spent at the farmers market seeing all the lovely flowers, fruits and vegetables….the yellow, gold and orange remind me of the sunflowers and squash we admired, the purple and green stripes of the gorgeous array of eggplants, I didn’t include all of the pictures from that night because it was just too hard to choose. Here's a selection so you can see why the color combinations in these stripes stirred up memories of that trip and so much more:
Good times!
Yarn is Ultra Alpaca in dark grey; double stranded
Pattern is “Warm and Ready” from Knitters Winter 07 (also the cover pattern from Guy Knits)
Needles size 9
This pattern is about the quickest hat to knit up for a man’s hat and looks great. I didn’t get a shot of him modeling, but, hey it’s a hat. He loves it.
I worked a bit more on the MIL sweater… it’s coming along at a reasonable pace. And finally, I started another pair of socks, but I’ll leave those for the next post because there’s much to say.
Sure, a cold spell is coming… in January… and you call that news?
Well, now, what’s significant about this picture isn’t the arrival of more cold weather as suggested by the title, but the little weather charts below the title. The chart compares the normal temperature range for January (-30 to -40 c) to the temperatures that AK has actually had for the past week(-38 to -45 c). Brrr….
The reason this is of any concern at all, is because DH has just received orders from the Army recalling him to active duty and sending him on a one-year deluxe vacation mobilization to Northern Alaska. He’ll be leaving this month, so it’s happening very fast. This will be a significant change here at Nana’s house. (Not to mention for DH too!) It’s been in the works for a while, but it was difficult to think about (or discuss) until the reality of the orders happened. The Army didn’t invite me to come along, so I will be holding down the fort here in relatively warm IL.
We know the location could be worse and are very thankful he’s going somewhere that I will be able to visit (eventually).
I’m sure the kitty girls and I will all be just fine, but life will be different for sure. I plan on going there once or twice for a visit, since I’ve always wanted to visit AK anyway. We’ve had little short separations of a week or less, but this will be a real challenge. DH and I really have been fortunate that since we’ve met we’ve really not had to spend any real time away from each other. So, to say that things here are a little bit in an uproar is, well an understatement. Otherwise, life here is almost back to normal after the holidays.
Knitting is progressing at a comfortable pace and we’re getting back into the weekly work routine.
Of the projects I’ve been working on lately, here’s a little progress report:
Horseshoe Cable sock #1 is finished; sock two will be cast on during the first class on 1/12. 
Santa Cruz Hoodie – sleeves are coming right along, I hope to begin the raglan shaping on both sleeves tonight (I worked separately to the start of shaping and am going to work in two-at-a-time method for raglan tops).
MIL Sweater, back and left front are finished; right front is started. Will not tempt fate for breaking camera with picture taking… suffice it to say that less stitches did not improve the color distribution of this yarn. 
The next thing to be cast on will be a nice warm hat for DH to wear in AK… better get started on that… the clock is ticking! 
What is that down there?
Puppies! Puppies everywhere…
('mom' Dabney and pup Monte.... pup Hugo)
occasionally from a strategic vantage point) and because generally the dogs were in constant motion. Winston (the oldest dog) didn't make it into any at all.
Step 3: unhook claws from leg
Step 4: check picture on camera
Step 5: gather up cats and reset camera timer 
Step 6: try to get all three into frame this time
Step 7: pet cats to smooth ruffled fur and repeat step 2
Step 8: repeat steps 5 and 6
Step 9: repeat steps 1-8 trying not to utter profanities so loudly as to cause neighbors to dial 911
Step 10: give up; wait for someone else to get home to take picture, don't expect cats to pose...
Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
Just a quick update before I dash off to work. Our weekend was busy but productive. First there was the drive from snowy Illinois to equally snowy Michigan and back with more snow in the forecast. We had a nice visit with the SDs, grandtwins and grandaughter and still made it safely home before the next round of flakes. Yesterday we braved the bitter cold temperatures and the mall for last minute shopping (and survived).
As planned, during our trip to MI, I cast on for my next big project, a sweater for the mother-in-law of my step-daughter. I think it’s safe to say that this project could earn me major points with the knitting gods if there is such a thing. I sure hope so anyway, because at this point it is an undertaking of both fascination and horror.
You see some time ago, I sort of agreed to knit a sweater as a favor to my stepdaughter. I say sort of, because it was really more like my DH who told his daughter that I could probably do it and the project got presented to me. Now I don’t want you to think of this as whining. I like doing nice things for people that I love and besides that I’m looking at the whole thing as a knitterly challenge. It’s also a chance to try a pattern I wanted to knit for myself anyway.
The problem is the yarn. Now I’m not really a true yarn snob. I believe every yarn out there has a place in the knitting spectrum. Some yarns are better for some types of projects and are easier on the budget when you know the project recipient might not appreciate or care for a garment or gift made out of expensive yarn. Acrylic yarns also have their place for people who have true wool allergies and for children. I do have my preferences, but the fiber content isn’t what is giving me trouble. It's the color of this yarn, which can only be described as "helloo 1985... please take your colors back..."
Yes an ombre yarn in vintage colors which didn't work then and still don't work now. It is both a fascination to see what is happening with the patterning of the yarn when combined with the lace stitches of the pattern; and kind of a horror to behold. The pattern doesn’t complement the yarn in any way and, well, I’m not sure that if I had chosen this yarn myself that I could find a pattern that would. IMHO even the stockinette stitch portions blend the colors in undesirable ways.
Here’s a quick rundown: I’m knitting this sweater, with this yarn (Red Heart Supersaver in Wedgewood) (More pink and blue than picture shows).
and this is what I’m getting so far…
Do ya’ think? Even the camera didn’t want to get involved with this. It took three tries to get a halfway decent picture that didn’t vibrate.
I devoted most of the weekend to working on this and I'm almost finished with the back. We have another round of travel coming up and I plan to work on it some more then. It’s resting comfortably in its own project bag for now.
Meanwhile, other knitting continues to happen. (Fear not dear daughter), sweater sleeves are progressing nicely, if a little less than photo worthy. But will be my focus until the next round of car knitting.
My horseshoe cable socks are on track, and various small projects are still being finished at a relaxed pace.
So it's back to our normal routine for a few days and then Christmas followed by more travel.
Stay safe and warm and keep on knitting!
My camera died so I only took a couple of pictures, but Linda took some, and hopefully they will be up on the shop’s website soon. It seems wrong to actually call being there work. I’m still surprised when I get paid for hanging out at a yarn shop. Especially on a day when something fun happens such as having an honest-to-goodness knitting celebrity there.
Knitting wise - I am actually very pleased with myself.
These are just quick little slippers from a basic pattern I’ve been knitting since my kids were his age (or maybe even younger). The yarn is an unknown acrylic that I had hanging around, but the colors are nice and bright which I’m pretty sure will suit his tastes. 
Up next is the sleeves and then the hood; I can’t remember if she wanted a pocket, so I’ll have to check with her, but that’s the last thing and very quick. 
The pattern is the Horseshoe Cable socks by Judith Durant from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders, Yarn is Lang Jawoll. I’m only going to knit the first sock right now. This pattern is the one we will be doing in my next “Advanced” sock class. I'll knit the second one during class so I can have it on the needles for demonstrations. I’m not crazy about the stitch definition with this yarn, but this is the second pair of socks I’ve used this yarn for and I discovered with the first pair that it does bloom a little after washing so I’m not going to let myself get too hung up on that right now.
The next thing I’ll be casting on for is a sweater for my Step-daughter’s Mother-in-Law. I’ll tell you all about that as soon as it’s picture worthy.
Since I’ve really done very little Christmas knitting this year, I’ve been able to keep my knitting projects going at a nice pace and haven’t felt stressed or harried about any of them which is a great feeling. I have a good mixture of quick projects and big projects to alternate when I need to and have some take along knitting when I know I might have a little time to fill. I am having fun with it and not feeling like it’s a chore. I’m pretty sure that’s what knitting should be all the time... happy knitting.
PS
Zelda wants “lol” vote for her at: http://mine.icanhascheezburger.com/view.aspx?ciid=2864929
It’s me Zelda. I get to write on the blog today, because Mommy is busy at work and Daddy is out shopping. If I hurry, they won’t know I was here.
I wanted to tell you a little bit about how I spend my days here at our house.
I lead a very busy and important life. After I wake up in the morning, I have many duties that keep me busy…. 
I’m a member of the neighborhood watch. I keep an eye out for any suspicious activity by, um, birds, squirrels, papers, dogs, you know, anything I should let people know is out there. I have a great vantage point from this nice window.
I supervise Mommy when she knits. Saucey thinks this is her job, but I cover for her when she’s sleeping (a lot).
I help Daddy when he watches TV; he lets me sit wherever I like.
All in all, I’m an important member of this family. Don’t let Saucey tell you otherwise. Now I think I’ll go back to my favorite spot and have a nap. After all, that’s what Mommy and Daddy think I really do all day.
Pattern: Harris Tweed by Ali Green
Yarn: Gypsy Girl Creations Fingering Weight in African Violet
Size 2.5 mm Knit Picks harmony dpn
Started November 28; Finished December 8, 2008
I showed these in the blog once before when I was indecisive about whether or not to keep going on the first sock with the ugly fat lightening bolt flashing that was happening, or to frog it. Ultimately I did frog the sock and start over. The second attempt at the patterning produced a more pleasing swirl and even though they are not identical, the look is one that I am happier with. The pattern might be a little on the wild side, but the color which is a very saturated true purple is so pretty, that it doesn’t matter. I hate that, try as I might, I can’t get purple to photograph well. You might have noticed that photography in general is not my strong suit, so any suggestions big or small, would be appreciated. I tried to capture them in what little light was available as the snow started falling this morning, and here’s the result:
Still not exactly the right shade, but closer than the indoor shots.
But that's beside the point....
I just baked a fresh batch of cookies and poured myself a hot cup of coffee… So now that I’ve wasted a good part of the day on the computer, I’m ready to spend the rest of this snowy day knitting.
I’ve still got about half of DD#1’s sweater to knit and a hat or two for the PADs project. Oh, and I’ve picked out the pattern for my next pair of socks, but you’ll have to wait until I cast on to actually see what I picked out! Stay safe and warm!
(Message Inside)
Now you would think this might have come from one of my knitting pals or someone who knows my love of knitting....
This really cracks me up.
It came from a local merchant.... it was advertising! But the card is so perfectly suited for me....
Oh, and isn't "Toodles" just the cutest?
Is it random or is it something I should really be a little scared by?
Only the shadow knows for sure....
My pattern (I’ll have it written up soon) in Claudia Handpaint, Twilight
Some ornaments for the Christmas tree at work: Mini Hat (my pattern)
Mini Mittens byAlice Rice from Knitting Digest (July 1999)
A Reverse Bloom Flower Washcloth (from Weekend Knitting) 
I started on my December SAM socks. I picked the Harris Tweed pattern because I had seen it being knit by someone else and really liked the look of the pattern stitch for socks. It turned out to be a really good choice because it is an easy to memorize and quick to knit pattern. The yarn however is questionable. I knit the first sock and the flashing of the colors started to make me queasy. I got to the start of the heel and stopped. I put it away while I knit the ornaments and thought about what to do. I cast on the second sock. I used a different starting point and liked the effect much better. The heel on that sock is coming along nicely. If you're not familiar with what can happen when you use self striping or self patterning yarns and how starting at a different point can effect the outcome, I’ve included this short pictorial review of what happened.
I cast on sock two with the colors set up like this: 
I’m still deciding whether or not to frog sock #1. I put a question up on the SAM discussion board on ravelry and three knitters weighed in that they would probably frog… hmmm. I have knitting group tonight and might ask for an opinion there also, or I might wait and see how fast I knit the foot on sock #2 and decide what is the most practical thing to do. After all, it will mostly be hidden inside my pant leg anyway.
