Lickety split

That's a funny saying, isn't it?  Lickety split.  It makes me laugh though and it describes how the knitting of my latest sweater went along.  In just over a week I knit the whole sweater.  Add in a few days for blocking and by today the sweater was ready to wear (and photograph, of course).

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Thanks goes to Loops for the photo taking."][/caption]

Pattern: Cadence by Jordana Paige

Yarn: Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd's Wool Worsted

Needles: US 10

More details… here (ravelry link)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="391" caption="A closer look at the yoke detail"][/caption]

This is a very nice, easy to follow pattern.  To top off the greatness... it's FREE on Knitty.com.  I feel like it came out really well.  I think I'm starting to get the hang of this whole sizing thing finally.  I believe this was my best job with getting the thing knit to my size.  I had to adjust the length when knitting because I knew this thing would grow when I washed it.  In the end, I believe the sweater grew over 3 inches in length so I'm glad I knit it shorter than I wanted it.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="331" caption="Yay for skirts with pockets!"][/caption]

What's on the needles now?  A vest.  It shouldn't take long to do so maybe there will be a new blog post before Turkey Day.

Torture and anything but.

Yesterday, I went and got a root canal I'd been putting off for awhile.  To say it was torture is really a terrible exaggeration.  I don't see what all the gloom and doom about root canals is.  I've had two and I have to say they are probably the easiest dental procedures I've had.  The worst part is having to go get a crown put on the tooth and the fact that our insurance will only cover 50% of the cost.  Ouch.   Now THAT is torture!

What is anything but torture?  The latest pattern I knit.  It was a whole lot of wonderful.  I learned a new increase that I LOVE.  I only had to pick up a total of 12 stitches for the whole sweater.  The only weaving in I had to do was at the neck, bottom, and under the arms. What's the best part?  It fits.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="353" caption="Isn't it wonderful?"][/caption]

Pattern: Idlewood by Cecily Glowik MacDonald

Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca

Needles: US 10 and 10.5

More details… here (ravelry link)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="361" caption="Loops insisted on taking a pic of my butt."][/caption]

Continuing the love-fest.  I love this yarn.  Ok.  It's a smidge itchy and got fuzz all over me as I knit, but there's a lot of cool colors going on.  It's like a fall feast for the eyes.  Yellow, gold, brown, red, and even a little black.  I wasn't sure I liked it when I bought it, but now, you guessed it, I LOVE it.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="361" caption="Anyone noticed how I always look drugged in pictures?"][/caption]

On a sad note, I'm seriously thinking of frogging the cardigan I'm knitting.  It pains me to undo all the work I've done, but it is just too big.  Right now, I'm not doing anything with it though.  I'm just not ready to make a move on it one way or the other.

On to happier things to look forward to for my next post. I'm about a third of the way through a new sweater and it may be ready in about a week. Stay tuned. :)

Quick turnaround

Not even a week and I'm blogging again.  I did say I'd be finishing up a sweater soon.  I finished it on Sunday and got it all washed up and photographed on Monday and Tuesday.  Without further ado,

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="341" caption="I'm, unoriginally, calling it $7.50 in Charleston"][/caption]

Pattern: $5 in Paris by Anna Peck

Yarn: Red Heart Soft

Needles: US 8 and 9

More details… here (ravelry link)

The pattern was easy, quick, and free.  The yarn is cheap and machine washable and dryable.  What more could a person ask for?  I could see myself doing this pattern again, probably in a solid color because I am tired of weaving in ends after all those stripes.  If you can't tell in the picture, the neck is so wide it will fall off my shoulders easily which is sort of what I was going for.  I wanted to be able to channel Jennifer Beals in Flashdance.  I've been going around singing Irene Cara's What a Feeling a lot since finishing it.  Maybe I'm too old to have a sweater falling off my shoulder.  I don't know.

So Loopas and Mom, what do you think?  (Anyone else who might read this is free to give opinions as well.)

Ready for Fall to get here already!

I've never thought of myself as a lover of the colder months of the year, but it seems lately I've really been craving cooler weather.  The thought of living somewhere with an actual winter season has even crossed my mind.  I believe most of this craving is based on my desire to break out the boots and scarves, not to mention all the cute jackets I've managed to acquire over the past few years.  Today, it was the coolest it's been in the area (upper 70s) and I did manage to wear boots for the first time since going to Paris, but couldn't stay in my latest handknit for any longer than it took to take the pictures.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="339" caption="100 percent wool is WARM!"][/caption]

Pattern: Cloudy Sunday by Hilary Smith Callis

Yarn: Louet Riverstone Chunky

Needles: US 11

More details… here (ravelry link)

I really enjoyed knitting this.  With the bulky yarn it knits up pretty quickly.  The pattern was easy to follow and, as part of Knit Pick's Independent Designer's Program, it was only $1.99.  What a deal, right?

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="355" caption="Gotta love a big ol' cowl."][/caption]

As for how it turned out...  It's a bit roomy.  I underestimated how much it would grow during blocking.  Sooner or later I will get the hang of things and my sweaters will fit better.  I think it still looks pretty good though.  What do you think?

In the next few days I should be finishing up another sweater I've been working on.  I'll try to get it washed and photographed as soon as possible so everyone can see.  By the way, I am also close to finishing a cardigan.  I'm just a knitting machine.

Back by Popular Demand

That's right, I'm back again.  After much insistence from my two most loyal readers, the mother and the husband, I am going to post a new blog entry.

I'm recently back from Alabama.  I had a good time chilling out with the family and doing a smidgen of work.  I even got to eat some fresh-out-of-the-garden okra.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Who knew pre-okra was so pretty?"][/caption]

I also managed to get some knitting done while I was there.  I made some dishcloths for Mom (and Dad) that I didn't manage to get pictures of before they were being used.  I also knit on a cardigan.  I managed to knit the collar, but ran out of yarn before I could get the sleeves started.  I've done a bit of sleeve knitting since I've been back, but I still have a ways to go.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="336" caption="Delancey Cardigan"][/caption]

I'm sort of sad that I've managed to make this cardigan too big, but I still think it'll turn out ok.  I'll just have to rock a bit of the oversized look.  As soon as I finish the sleeves and find buttons, I'll show everyone how it looks.  On a happy side note, I've already purchased yarn to make another one and it should turn out better.

Since I've been back home, I've been knitting up a storm (and watching football).  While watching the Colts beat the stuffing out of the Giants Sunday night, I managed to finish the knitting on a new top and had it all seamed up yesterday.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="353" caption="Yay for knitting I can actually wear in Charleston!"][/caption]

Pattern: Embrace by Norah Gaughan

Yarn: Berroco Seduce

Needles: US 8

More details… here (ravelry link)

I really like it, even if Loopas isn't sure about it.  The yarn feels great and looks neat, but is possessed by the devil.  I was crazy enough to try to ball the first skein and it was tangled up so bad after about two seconds I spent more time than I care to admit untangling it.  The other skeins were knit straight from my swift and everything worked smoothly from there.

I also finished another top, but it is not ready for viewing just yet.  As soon as it is, I will post again.  Here's a sneak peak for now:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Squishy ribbing!"][/caption]

J'aime tricoter.

I do like to knit, especially scarves.  I've really been on a scarf knitting kick the last couple of weeks.  Maybe I'm just getting ready for Paris.  I hear scarves are big over there.  It seems I'll be well stocked for the trip.  Two more scarves have been completed.  Loops was nice enough to take pictures of them.  Sadly, I cannot be serious when he takes my picture.  I always pull goofy faces.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="340" caption="I'm not sure what this look says."][/caption]

Pattern: Destroyed Cowl by Martha Merzig

Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted

Needles: US 8

More details… here (ravelry link)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="I almost have a normal expression."][/caption]

This yarn is soft, squishy, and a great color.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="372" caption="I luff this scarf!!!"][/caption]

Speaking of yummy yarns, the yarn used for the following scarf is super soft.  It is a mix of angora and merino wool.  I just wish I would've gotten it in a different color.  I'm just not into Bone right now.  I might have to give this one away.  I don't know.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="330" caption="I just don't think bone is my color."][/caption]

Pattern: Just Enough Ruffles by Laura Chau

Yarn: Aslan Trends Invernal

Needles: US 10

More details… here (ravelry link)

As we "speak", I'm knitting another of these ruffled scarf out of the yummy Malabrigo in a lovely bright blue.

For now, au revoir.

Kitty love

I haven't had a lot of time on my hands the past week because of the move to our new house, but I've managed to complete two knits.  A cowl that needs to be blocked before you can even tell anything about it.  See:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Unblocked Destroyed Cowl"][/caption]

Also, I finally finished my socks, but only got a picture with my phone.  They're great though and will hopefully get a lot of wear in cooler weather.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="New socks and one of my favorite pairs of shoes!"][/caption]

We're getting settled into the house.  Still lots of unpacking to do and I doubt I'll get it all done before the trip, but that's ok.  As for the cats, they've adjusted well.  If you need photographic proof.  I have plenty.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Luna and Dottie settled in."][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Bob, sunning his belly."][/caption]

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Dottie still lounged out in the window."][/caption]

Moxie, always the little lady, refused to be photographed in such a casual fashion.  She opted for a more classic portrait.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Super pretty eyes, a bit annoyed though."][/caption]

Sadly, the new house has not cured bad kitty behavior.  They've all been getting into a bit of trouble.  Dottie was the only one shameless enough to get her picture taken though.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Why yes, those are glass blocks in my kitchen."][/caption]

I'm lazy. I'll admit it.

I may be lazy, but I have another completed knit item.  Therefore I am happy.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="The (Not So) Cap-sleeved Eyelet Top"][/caption]

May I present my new, possibly first vest.  Sure it was suppose to be a cap-sleeved sweater, but by the time I got to the sleeves, I was ready to be finished with this.  Not to mention it makes a pretty cute vest.  Instead of adding the sleeves, I just picked up stitches around the armholes and finished them off with a few rows of 1x1 ribbing.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="350" caption="Front view"][/caption]

Pattern: Cap-Sleeved Eyelet Top by Hannah Fettig

Yarn: Plymouth Suri Merino

Needles: US 6 and US 7

More details… here (ravelry link)

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="325" caption="Back view"][/caption]

Overall, I'm very happy with the top.  It fits fairly well.  I have a bit of room to grow up top (like that's gonna happen), but I pretty much knew when I was increasing for the bust area, it might be too big.  It looks fine though and I don't think it is obviously too big.  What do you think?

And today I will leave you with the latest installment of Kitties Behaving Badly:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="443" caption="But the laundry perfectly matches my eyes!"][/caption]

In honor of one of my favorite holidays

A blog post filled with (mostly) green.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="377" caption="Gathered Scarf, in bloom"][/caption]

I completed my Gathered Scarf.  It is VERY green and also VERY long.  I stopped knitting before I got to 80", but the thing ended up blocking out to 92".  It's great though and I love it.  So does Lambie:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Lambie stylin' in the Gathered Scarf"][/caption]

Pattern: Gathered Scarf by Maryse Roudier

Yarn: Dream in Color Smooshy, Happy Forest

Needles: US 6 and US 9

More details… here (ravelry link)

I've also been working on a couple of different tops.  One is moving along really quickly.  I had hoped to finish it by St. Patrick's Day, but I sort of stalled out when I got to armhole shaping.  I may get back on it today.  For now, my last progress shot will have to hold everyone over until I get the thing done.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="369" caption="Bad lighting + one handed shooting = bad photo"][/caption]

I'm also working on a sweater that is not green, but I thought you might want to see the small amount I have done.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="The very purple and tweedy Pickadilly"][/caption]

That's about it for now.  I will aim for more words in my next post.  Now I will leave you with this:

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Kitties behaving badly"][/caption]

This could actually be a regular blog feature.  Dottie and Bob are always getting into things and places they shouldn't.  Luna and Moxie are usually good or at least more sneaky about their bad behavior.

Jamie delves into things completely foreign to her

Last year, around September or October, I found out my lovely cousin Audra and her husband, John, were expecting their first child.  This will be my aunt's first grandchild and my grandparents first great grandchild, so this is big news in our family.  My grandparents were probably giving up hope as their oldest grandchildren, my sister and me (34 and 32 respectively), haven't been showing any signs of expanding our families.  In fact, I've been stating for years that I will not have children.   It's for the best really.  I know nothing about babies.  I mean nothing.  I've never even held one.  I know so little I had to actually research the pros and cons of different styles of baby blankets before I could start knitting one.  I had no practical knowledge on the subject.  I had tons of questions.  What's the best yarn to use: wool, cotton, acrylic.  Lacy blanket or solid blanket?  What's the best size?  The only firm answer I found was that it should be machine washable.  It seems everything else was debatable.  In the end, I decided to go with lace blanket made in a cotton blend that is machine washable.  My research shows that babies like  sticking fingers through holes and mom's like that a lace blanket can easily be breathed through because of all the holes.  I went for cotton because the South has more warm months than cold months so it seemed more practical.  Loopas helped pick the color.  He said the color would show less stains.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Lil Lambie and the Baby Blanket"][/caption]

Pattern: Pine Forest Blanket by Ingrid Aartun

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease

Needles: US 8

More details… here (ravelry link)

It was a very easy lace pattern so I could take it anywhere and knit on it.  It traveled with me to sit and knits, my mom's house, and was my regular tv knitting.  It still took me forever to finish it.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="397" caption="Baby Blanket closeup"][/caption]

I seriously thought I'd never complete it.  Luckily, I managed to get it done before Ruby Clare is born.  I hope it is liked and well-used.

I managed to find the time to knit one more baby item for Ruby.  I thought they were fun.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Little Booties"][/caption]

Pattern: "Suede" Booties by Candi Jensen

Yarn: Berroco Suede and Plush

Needles: US 4

More details… here (ravelry link)

Troubles on the blog front

It seems someone went through the trouble of gaining access to my blog recently and adding some bad code to try to cause problems for my multitude of readers.  Silly people.  Not only is my viewership teensy, but I know y'all are all smart and have good anti-virus software to catch anything that might get thrown your way.  Still, I'm sorry I let it happen.  I will now keep a closer eye on things so if anyone else manages to gain access, I'll be able to kick them out quickly before they have time to cause trouble.

Enough of that.  On to knitting.  Yes.  There has been knitting, just no blogging about it.  I have finished a few things and started a few more.  There has also been super secret knitting that I will hopefully be talking more about in my next post.

First up, my second Ishbel.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="335" caption="Ishbel 2"][/caption]

Pattern: Ishbel by Ysolda Teague

Yarn: Bristol Yarn Gallery Lyndon Hill

Needles: US 7

More details… here (ravelry link)

I sort of stalled out  on this after starting it last July.  I didn't knit on it all for almost 6 months.  Once I picked it back up it was finished in no time.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Ishbel 2, up close"][/caption]

I'm also working on a couple of scarves.  One is almost finished.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Gathered Scarf, on the diagonal"][/caption]

The other is just started, but is lots of fun to knit.  I may make another in a lighter weight yarn soon.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="Saroyan Scarf, the beginning"][/caption]

Hopefully, I'll be able to tell you about the secret projects (some of you already know all about them) I just complete next week.  Stay tuned.

Oh, I almost forgot.  It snowed in Charleston.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="332" caption="February Snow in Charleston"][/caption]