Sunday, December 31

Happy New Year's Eve!

I’ve not been posting much the past week. Sorry about that, work has been crazy and honestly, I’ve just been lazy.

I’ve finished the fish mittens. Overall, they look pretty good. We just won’t talk about how the thumb is higher on one mitten then the other. WE JUST WON’T! Since I knit mine in the round, there is really no going back and fixing them, without doing some crazy things. It doesn’t bother me too much.

I’ve started a pair of sock for me. Opal socks. The colors remind me of spring, some greens, yellows, whites and purples. I was going to do a basket weave pattern, but didn’t care for how it was turning out. Now it’s just a boring old Stockinette pattern. I know, I know, I received the Sensational Socks book and I’m just doing a boring pattern? Didn’t have it with me at the time, I think the next pair will be a bit exciting.

Grilltech’s sweater is coming along. I’ve finished the second sleeve and the ribbing on the body. Now it’s the LONG trek to the underarms. He likes his sweaters bodies to be very long. I’m thinking 24 inches should do the trick. Or at least I hope 24 inches will be enough.

Monday, December 25

Christmas at Chez Tech house had a few bumps, but overall it was wonderful. I slept in until 06:30. Never thought I would say, slept in until 06:30. There was a point in time when 10:30 or 12:00 would be sleeping in, but I digress. Did get some knitting done before 09:00 when the Eldest and her husband came over.

Breakfast was a quick affair; the men had eggs over easy while we ladies had omelets – onion and red pepper. (hmm) Grilltech started handing out presents and couldn’t seem to catch his breathe. We ended up going to the ER because he wasn’t breathing right after 20 minutes.

After three hours at the ER, they couldn’t find anything wrong. In tech terms, it was a “you seemed to have a BSoD*, but we’ve rebooted you and you seem to be working fine now. If the BS** comes back, do call us again…”


The Muggles are starting to get the idea. Here are some of my presents: Module Magic and Sensational Knitted Socks are from Grill’s sister. Knitting Rules and the Soy Yarn are from his mom. The quilt is from my mom – I found the quilt top at a yard sale for EIGHT BUCKS! I sent it up to be quilted and I got it back at Christmas. Good deal. The furry body is Uggy. She’s so spoiled.

Grilltech made dinner. Prime rib with grill corn on the cob, and I roasted potatos, peppers (red and japalones), garlic and onions. You can see it on Grill’s page.


I guess I can come clean about Nameless’ One sweater now. It is after Christmas now. I let Grill’s mom know I was going to make her a sweater. In fact, I had made the sweater back in June, but she wasn’t reading the blog back then. In September, she mentioned she was looking forward to reading about the adventures of her sweater.

I didn’t want to let on the sweater was made and just waiting to be finished. Two ends to be woven in and decision to be made about buttons or zipper. You can read about button hell in some of my previous posts. I got it finished and in the mail. Grill’s mom wasn’t at work this week, but was calling his Sister to have her read the blogs. She was disappointed the sweater wasn’t done by the time of the mailing.

Today when Grill was talking to his mom, she was surprised to say the least her sweater was finished. I believe it was mentioned it even fits. Anyway, here is her sweater.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

* BSoD: Blue Screen of Death
* BS: Blue Screen

Saturday, December 23

Happy Christmas Eve! Hope everyone is doing well. We’re doing well.

The youngest enjoyed her birthday. Of course we “sucked”. We got her a redneck PDA. A notebook with a pencil attached. She rolled her eyes and said, where is the real one. She’s all growed up now. Just has to graduate and then she’ll be gone.

I’ve finished one of the fish mittens. The second one is coming along very well. I’m not overly sure the person who is getting them “loves them”. Once again, I’m back to “I’m not knitting for everyone next year”.

Wednesday, December 20

Short post today. It was do or die at work.

Stuff went into the mail yesterday. We only had to wait 30 minutes in line. It wasn't bad at all. I even got some knitting completed while waiting.

I was going to do a wedge type decrease for the mitten. It was too pointy for the mitten. So I've ripped it back and am trying a star decrease. Hopefully it will look better.

Tuesday, December 19

I've always coveted the bar's off to the side that tracked the progress. Over at Trish's blog, she posted where to find the code. So now I have the progress bars.

I was wrong, stuff is going in the mail today. Nameless One's sweater is still in purgatory.

I'm so very tired. Can hardly keep my eyes open today. I'm sure Grilltech will say I'm being very mean to him.

I've been slacking on my walking. I do try to walk every other day. I've been plotting a little. With so much knitting to do, I've not been worldbuilding. Stray thoughts go through my head and once in a while I write it down.

Monday, December 18

I'm one row of enterlac away from starting the decreases for the mitten. I ended up purchasing the fish pattern to see how she did her thumb. Only to read the interlac was knit flat, then sewed together. Well that didn't help me in the least. So I just did a scrap yarn row and will see how it turns out. If you hear someone screaming, you'll know who is it.



Finished the socks on Saturday. Aren't they cute? Err, manly? Dad won't wear cute. The sock student had completed one sock and waited to complete the other. She spent an hour completing her other sock then left. Any convert on her way.

Stuff goes into the mail today. Nameless One's sweater is still languishing on the desk. One sleeve completed, the other waiting for me to come back to it. We won't even talk about the body.

I'm able to get two enterlac squares completed on breaks. So that means, by the end of the day, I'll have my last row done. I'm trying to decide. Do I want to do the normal decreases or do I want to just do smaller enterlac, to give the illusion of scales throughout the body.

Stupid database is hanging and I can't knit. Must not scream at the computer. As Alice from Dilbert says, must control fist of death.

Thursday, December 14

Went knitting last night with C. She's going out of town for Christmas to visit family in Washington. Lenya has finals today, so she didn't make it to knitting last night. I'm to the toe on one sock. About an inch away on the other sock. I'm thinking the knit the big toe before Saturday and then I'll just have regular toe for class.

The database is down here at work. I'm done as much as I can. Blogs are read, it's either knitting or nap time, can't really decide which. I've completed my training. It's been six hours and the database is still down. I've made a bunch of snowflakes to help decorate the cube.

It's rained for the past couple of days. While we can really use the rain, I wish it would clear up, the Geminiod meteor shower is going on. I think we're going to miss it this year. We also missed the prior meteor shower as well.

Things you really never wanted to know about your parents. The size of my dad's big toe: 1.75 inches long and 1.25 wide. When I talked to them today, it was mentioned they're going to be down for the Youngest’s b-day next week. So she'll need to figure out where she wants to go for dinner. I have eight days to get the socks and mittens done. I can do this.

Wednesday, December 13

I'm in button hell, that's all I can figure. All knitters know out about dye lots. You want to buy the same dye lot to finish a project otherwise, you have a green shirt with lighter shades of green in parts. (Grilltech still wears the shirt and loves it.) So, I'm replacing the buttons on the sweater, I start on a new four pack and these ones are lighter! WTF?! I look and sure enough, they're all the same dye lot. GRRR! So I just put the lighter one at the bottom.

It reminds me of the Senfeld epsiode, where George got a great deal on the white cashmere sweater. All through the show, everyone is talking about this red dot which mares the sweater. The sweater gets passed around, because who wants the sweater. At the end of the show, they're hiding under a desk, hiding from a guy with a gun. George holds out the sweater and the guy says, "Hey, whats with the red dot." That's how I feel about the buttons. The last one doesn't match. What's with that?

Sent Lenya the directions for knitting tonight. (I'm sure that's not her current blog, but that's all I have.) Now it's on her, if she really wants to learn. Not sure what I'll be working on tonight. Most likely the socks. If I can get them done and I can get started on the mittens.

I have to be home by 19:00 tonight. Sci-Fi channel is running a mini-series Lost Room. The whole premise reminds me of the series called Friday the 13th back in the late 80's. The heroes inherted an antique store where everything was cursed. While the stuff in the lost room aren't cursed, they do unsual things. I just like the show. Love the comb that stops time.

Tuesday, December 12

Finished the gusset on the other sock. Now I'm on the home stretch to the toes before Saturday. I'm just hoping I have some size 2 double points. Hey, a reason to go buy some more supplies.... But I’d better check before buying, not that Grilltech really have a clue as to equipment I have.

Went to JoAnn's last night, was looking for a particular type of button. I couldn't find the one I was looking for, so I settled for some beautiful clear peach color ones. I picked up sixteen of them, so I'm not going to run out this time. Tonight I'll sew them on and finish the button band and I'll be done. With THAT project.

I'm waiting for 09:45 to roll around, so I can call in to find out if I'm needed for jury duty today. Funny thing about the court house, can't take knitting needles into the building, because they might be used as a weapon. But they can have ten pound marble name plates, sitting on the table before the defendants. Yeah, those size one needles are so dangerous. Turns out I don't have duty today. Still need to call in for the rest of the week.

Worked a little on the Nameless One's sweater. I’m having a hard time going on the second sleeve. Not exactly sure either, unless I’m just bored with knitting, round and round. Yeah, that could be it.

Monday, December 11

Wasn't to busy of a weekend. Managed to get the sock student through the heel and started the gusset. She wasn't able to see where the bottom started until we had her put in a stitch marker. She was able to get the idea. Next week is the last class. We should be to the toes by then. Then she'll just need to get through one more heel after that and she'll have a pair of socks to wear.

I've got dueling gussets on the needles. I figure I'll complete one sock and have one left for class next Saturday. I finished a hat for J, so both of them was delivered this morn. Wasn't sure what do knit on, so I started on the Nameless One's sweater. Mailing is going to be sometime this week; I think I'm going to miss the deadline. See what happens, when I slack off?

You Are Comet

A total daredevil, you're the reindeer with an edge! Why You're Naughty: You almost gave Santa a heart attack when you took him sky diving Why You're Nice: You always make sure the sleigh is going warp speed

Which of Santa's Reindeer Are You?

Friday, December 8

Finished sewing the cat blanket together. It looks really kewl as you can see. I'm only eight months and some odd days late.



The cats are indifferent when you force them to look at something. Fran is ready to bolt.



Peaches, however, was happy to lay in the basket with the new blanky. Peaches and Sabrina fight over who gets to sleep in the basket.

We need to get the cards signed and mailed, even if I'm not going to make cookies this year. Last year really sucked with Granny dying. This year seems to be going down the same way. Don't feel motivated to do much of anything.

Finished the heel on the first sock last night, turned it and left the gusset to do. Will get to the heel on the second one today and I'll leave most of the heel for class tomorrow. I'm up to the heel now. Nothing to work on, just have to look busy.

I keep seeing all the beautiful lace and think, "I can do that." I know I can knit lace. The most daring part of knitting is the wearing. Would I really wear a lace shawl? No, is the honest answer. I think at best D would wear it, so I could knit for her. One would really be enough. Instead of knitting lace, I could knit the sexy top I bought the pattern from White Lies Designs. A lacy top. So that might get the whole lace knitting thing out of my system. Pattern calls for a wool/silk blend.

I have a linen/silk blend that is very soft and shiny. While it might make a very lovely naughty top, I think I want to make a cute knit top. I would be able to wear it anywhere and it will be nice. In my mind!

Thursday, December 7

I think I'm back to pretty much being normal. Can use more sleep, but then I always desire more sleep.

I'm sewing the afghan together for the cats. I had it on my lap last night; Uggy came and curled up on it. She wasn't happy to be shooed away because it was warm. I have many more loose ends to weave in before I can call it done.

I've also decided after knitting two socks about five inches on one circular, I do not like that process. I've put each sock on its own, now speed of knitting has increased. After the transfer, I met C for coffee, after (almost) two hours of knitting, two more inches were added to the sock. Sure if I had two on one, they'd both be at six inches instead of being lopsided, but I can live with it.

I need to get more buttons. I have the original ten on the sweater, but there are gaps that I don't like. C and I figured adding more buttons will fix the problem. C thinks the buttons adds to the sweater's overall good looks.

I've read through all the morning's blogs. So now I have to figure out something to help pass the time.

Goals:

Writing:
1. Map the world (12-10-06)
2. Map countries (12-10-06)
3. Name cities (12-17-06)
4. Map two major cities (12-17-06)
5. Map two major cities (12-24-06)


Personal:
1. Start walking again (12-07-06)
2. Practice kata's (12-09-06)
3. Go to practice (01-03-07)

Saturday, December 2

I’m in hell.

Last night I was gathering up socks for my class. (Figured I showed people socks are socks.) I put my hand into one of the purple Dragon Scale sock, because I wanted to admire the pattern. And a finger poked out of the heel! I WORE THEM ONCE!! Now there is a hole!

After calming down, I was able to fix the hole. I’m glad I’ve got a darning egg. That thing is a life saver. From what I can tell, the yarn broke. After it broke, three stitches came undone in the wash. By using a duplicate stitch I was able to fix the hole. Right now, there is a bit of bump where the fix happened, but show work itself out with some wear and laundry.

I need to practice my duplicate stitching. It really sucks to try and fix something with small stitches I can’t do well. Guess I could swatch and practice with larger gauge.

Anyway, I think I’m ready for today’s class. I cleaned out my knitting bucket. It was full of my knitting Olympic Afghan. I don’t like how it’s turning out, it’s half done and I don’t like how it’s turning out. Nine months later and it’s still sitting. I’m thinking I’ll just donate the half done stuff to the pet shelter and start over.

Back to the bucket, it’s now full of socks, patterns, my knitting notebook, my current sock, and stuff to start another project, if need be.

The class was pretty good. Only person showed up, which relieved some of the stress I was having. We went over the pattern, and then casted on for Magic Loop method. She knows how to knit sweaters and mittens, so a sock will be nothing at all.

Friday, December 1

I could just cry. I moved from my old computer, into a new spot. I used a thumb drive to copy all my important documents. I got them all. Or so I thought. I just realized, I forgot my Update.txt file. It sits on my desk top and I use to write my blog entries, story ideas, and of course my knitting patterns. Why am I really so upset? I'm teaching a sock class tomorrow and my pattern is gone. I know I can re-write it, with no problem. (Well, maybe a few problems.) But I had some notes; I might miss in the new write up.

I called my dad last night and told him we got snow. He laughed and said me, his house has 18 inches, or so he had been told. (They’re being snowbirds this year.) About 15 minutes later, D called and said, they're coming back to Idaho because the trailer was having so many problems. I'd just talked to my dad, and he couldn't have told me? Oh bother. D wanted to know if her teddy bear sweater was done yet. Nope. Haven't really thought about what I want to make. Then she asked if Dad's socks were done. I told her yeah. She begins to go tell me "I know who the favorite is at your house." I finished with, "...they’re about as done as the bear sweater."

Thursday, November 30

I picked up the child from school last night, and then we stopped off at Fuzz. I picked up some cute Opal to make fishy mittens. Started with the mitered squares*. Figured I would do one, pick up stitches along the side, then cast on for the next square. After five rows on the next square, I decided I didn't like how it was looking. I ripped back, and just started a new square. I think five singles should be enough. I'll then pick up my 33 stitches along the sides and make the next four.

I didn't work on Nameless One's sweater last night. Does that make me a bad person?

Today I'm wearing my fingerless gloves. They are great, but if I made them today they would be different. These gloves are made from angora with silk. They have ZERO memory. So once worn, they stay stretched out. I added a strand of elastic to make them stay up on my arms; these babies are a good eight inches long. They're very warm and soft. So, if I was to make them today. I would knit with elastic in the ribbing. I think I might do a bit of wrist shaping. Maybe do ribbing all the way down, until the thumb.

* For some reason, my squares are more kite shaped. I would say rectangle even, but that's not quite right either

Wednesday, November 29

Finished the sleeve yesterday. Started on the second one. I'm making pretty good time on Nameless' sweater. Yesterday, I managed to get 11 rows completed on the socks. (That's an inch plus one, in gauge speak.)

I will say, I did try the 32 inch AddiTurbos. They are too short. The 40 inch ones are a bit to long. Too bad, they don't come in 36 inches sets. I would like those.

I was going to watch Heroes last night we taped it, but didn't. Now I can't even remember what I was watching, I think it was Dirty Jobs. It was the only show I've ever seen him ask to stop doing what he was doing. Funny as hell. I don't think he cares for snakes. I know I wouldn't.

Out on my usual blog reading, I found on The Life and Times of Florence Knitingale's blog The Twelve Days of Knitting. I think she is on to something there.

I finished the ribbing on the socks. Started the trek towards the heels. I'm trying to decide which kind of heel I want to use. Since he wants to wear them with sandles, can just do a short row heel.

Tuesday, November 28

I didn't work on the Nameless One's sweater, instead I finished my purple Dragon Scale socks! Finished them about 19:15*, about a whole 15 minutes before bed. I put them on and danced around the room. Took them over to Grilltech and had to tap him on the shoulder to notice my new socks! He did his typical eye roll and petted my socks. He'd just grunted in my direction when I showed them to him earlier.

I've decided I can knit two socks at once using the magic loop method, while casting on this morning. It became a comedy of knitting. I casted on the first sock completely using the standard ML**. I casted on the second sock and proceeded to somehow get the needle twisted. I bring out the second needle and slid the stitches off the first needle so they can put onto the main needle. I don't know how I got it twisted, so I tried to get the stitches slid back onto the main needle.

Didn't work. I ripped back, casted onto the second needle, knit onto the main needle and called it good. Now I've got the socks started. Finish one side, then turn and do the other. Don't quite knit as fast with two socks. Well, okay I knit the same speed, just not seeing as much progress. And it does take a while to get the yarn straightened out when picking up the needles during break.

I was reading on Carol's blog, about two new books coming out. Punk knitting. Those should make the youngest happy. But then she never wears what I make her or rarely does. Will need to thumb through the books because there might be something I want to make in them.

* See what happens when I work with military time all day? I start using it in other places.
** Magic Loop Method. I'm just lazy.

Monday, November 27

I'm <--> this close to finishing the first sleeve on the Nameless One's sweater. Less than an inch to go. Then I'll be able to get started on the second sleeve. I'm just going by measurements since I can't have Nameless try it on. Something about distance knitting.

We did go see Joe on Friday, so my sock was worked on. Finished the gusset. Now its straight on to the toe. The great thing about the second sock, it knits up so much faster.

I went to The Yarn Shoppe on Saturday. I only spent $12.00. It was really $42.00, but I had some free money, so it doesn't count. Picked up the yarn for Dad's socks. When we talked on Thanksgiving he told me wanted some socks to wear with his shoes. (I was going to say thongs, but it just conjures up some distasteful thoughts.) And he wants them in "manly" colors. I guess the Charlie Brown socks I did aren't manly enough.

Anyway, I picked up some dark blue yarn for his socks. I also grabbed a pair of Additurbo's size 1, 40 inches so I can do both pair at once. I've never did two pair at once, so this might be a learning curve for me. I also picked up one more skein of Regina Silk, black for a pair of socks for me.

Friday, November 24

I survived Thanksgiving, barely. I think it was the last piece of pie I ate that almost did me in. I didn’t need to have the pie; I just ate it because it was there. And it almost killed me. Okay I wished I was dead, after eating it.

We had the E’s over for dinner. Grilltech smoked the turkeys. Yes, turkeys. One for us and one for the E’s to take home. We didn’t eat until about six and it was awesome. Grilltech can work magic with a grill. They brought a bunch of stuff and we had a bunch of stuff. We grazed all day and watched movies. It was a nice family event.

The kitchen is mostly a mess. While cooking yesterday, I would do the dishes as I went. The thought of facing large mounds of nasty dishes today would be too much. But some how the kitchen is still a mess. I loaded the dishwasher and will force the youngest to do the rest, after she gets up. Yeah, I’m the mean mommy.

I’ve started the nameless one’s sweater. As always when it comes to sweaters, sleeves first. Hope to get it completed in time for mailing out for Christmas. Not sure when the mailing date will be this year, but I hope it’s really far away. Knitters are such optimists.

I’m about eight rounds from finishing the gusset on my sock. Then it’s straight on to the toes, but I won’t start on those again until Monday. Unless we decide to go visit Joe - who is in the hospital – because sock are the ultimate in travel knitting. He was in a nasty car wreck. He died twice on the way to the hospital. He may never quite be the same again.

Monday, November 20

Wow, working overtime really cuts into the posting to the blog. I completed the sweater. Usually I would say, Grilltech's sweater, but it doesn't fit him. It's too short if he raises his arms. So I've got a new sweater and it can be a bit stifling hot at times. We figured last week Grilltech is allergic to Alpaca. He was holding the hank while I wound the ball of yarn. After we finished, he couldn't breathe very well. Hmm not good.

Days later, I'm winding using the office chair. I have just about 20 loops left, Grilltech offers to hold them. I agree. After we're done, he tells me the roof of his mouth is itching, just like when I eat avocado's. Guess no alpaca for him.

I finished my first dragon scale sock. It looks beautiful. I've turned the heel on the second sock. Without the cabling down the sides, it knits up much faster.

I didn't do any knitting after Friday night. Nope, not a stitch. No socks and no hat. I've also decided: no more knitting for others for free. My time is important and I have other things I'd rather be doing. I know I've thought that statement, but haven't put it into stone, but now it is. Now I have to follow the directive.

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Wednesday, November 8

Went and voted last night. There was a bit of a wait, so I pulled out my sock. I did manage to get two rows knitted. All the ladies ohhed and ahhed over the sock. One even offered to join the family because she wanted knit socks. "I've got small feet." They even liked Grilltech's sweater.

Last night I weaved in the ends to the new sweater. I like being able to hold it up and say, "I'm done." and really mean it.

Tuesday, November 7

I'm going to pull out the roving and make myself a pair of thrumbed mittens for when we go star gazing again. My next project for when Grilltech's sweater is finished. I've got a pound of roving in my stash I picked up cheaply from e-bay. I purchased it when I was making thrumbed mittens for D's sister. I couldn't find much locally, now there is a new LYS which sells roving and other spinning supplies. I'm been knocking around the thought of learning to spin. Grilltech won't be happy at the thought of me learning to spin. He's already stated no to me picking up cross stitching. Not that I have enough time to devote to another project.

I've measured the Dragon Scale socks this morning. I'm about an inch away from starting the heel. I've got some choices to make. Do I want to continue the pattern down the foot or do I want to make it plain. I'm also going to need to rearrange the stitches, so the braid is on the sides. Then the pattern down the front will be smaller because of the braid. I'll figure something out as I go.

Problem one: One of the scales has an extra round of the because it was the starter.

Fix: just do the slip 1, knit 1 and call it good.

Monday, November 6

I did send home a post for Friday, but never got around to posting it. So, it's a double hitter today. I spent the whole weekend knitting up the sock for the shop to display. Hope to get the other one completed before the weekend. I'll need to get another ball of yarn for the class. I'll buy this one so I can have it guilt free. Haven't done much for Grilltech's sweater. It's just sitting on the desk looking forlorn. It didn't help I was playing Neverwinter after I finished the sock.

I made bread, well rolls, on Sunday. I haven't made some in quite a while. These rolls was heavy. I think they would have made excellent paper weights. We all ate them with no problem. Grilltech is convinced I'm going to make bread, not rolls, next weekend. Guess I can give him that.

Friday, November 3

I haven't felt like doing much of anything. I pretty much played Neverwinter Nights the two days I had off. Grilltech did grill the steaks. They turned out pretty good. I made him a blueberry cheesecake. It turned out pretty good. I thought the bottom would be all soggy from water seepage, but it wasn't. It's all soggy from the blueberries. But he likes it, I guess that is all that really matters.

I've been stalling on his sweater. So last night, I stayed away from Neverwinter and finished off the last little bit of the skein. Only about two or more inches before I ran out and was ready to join the sleeves onto the body. Now it's all decreases from here. Lets see only 287 stitches to decrease. 287, I think I need to lay down.

My purple dragon socks are coming along. I'm about three or four inches away from starting the heel. I'm not overly thrilled about the texture of this yarn. Not after working with wool/silk blend. I'm hoping it will lose the stiffness I'm feeling while knitting.

Spoke with M again today. I'll walk out with her to the car and pick up the yarn she has for me. I'll need to get these demo's knit up so they can be displayed at the shop. Want people to sign up for the sock class.

Monday, October 30

It was a busy weekend. On Saturday we trimmed the hedge. Today, my arms are still sore. When we first moved the hedge was a good five feet thick. It was nasty. About three years ago, we cut the thing back to the trunks. It was nasty. I think there was a running bet in the neighborhood as to if the thing would even live. It did. Now it's getting to the point, we'll need to start trimming the sides. I think that's next weekends project. sigh

I did get quite a bit done on Grilltech's sweater. I haven't held it up to him for several days. So last night, when I did he was a bit amazed at the length. Still need to go several more inches, anyway from six to eight, before I can add the sleeves.

I was digging for my cable needles on Saturday. Turns out the one I lost was the smallest gauge one. Yes, I can cable without a needle, but it's harder to do with three stitches and size 1 needles. I'd much rather have needle to help out. So I drug out a regular double point and will use it instead.

Sunday night went for a walk with Grilltech, around the block. On the way I did see a meteor. Very odd due to all the light pollution here in the thriving metropolis.

Friday, October 27

I started my Dragon Scale socks yesterday. In fact I've got the ribbing completed. Worked out my new pattern for the feminine pair of socks.
I'm sure the lavender isn't girly enough. Anyway, the new pattern is right here:
Row 2: p, k1, YO, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, YO, k1, p2, k9, p2, k1, YO, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, YO, k1,

Strange, I knit my (second) row and I was off by two stitches. Had to adjust the ending two stitches out, which is really odd, I did the math in Excel. It added up to 40, but when I knit it, it was 42. I don't get it, oh well.

I started the cuffed sock pattern last night. I don't think one row of knit is going to be enough for the fold over. I'm debating if I should frog them back and add two rows. Yeah, I think I will, I want them to have a nice little crease where they can be folded over.

Anyway, our anniversary is next week. I'm thinking I'll try the Disco's Hot and Tangy New York Strip Steaks. They sound terrific and I know Grilltech would be willing to grill them for us.

I figured out what I'm making my dad for Christmas. A pair of gloves for Bob Tree. Bob Tree was a childhood icon. A legend. Bob Tree used to have six fingers on one hand. Because he couldn't find glove to him, one finger froze off. I guess no one loved him enough to knit him a pair of gloves. I think he needs a pair.

Friday, October 27

I started my Dragon Scale socks yesterday. In fact I've got the ribbing completed. Worked out my new pattern for the feminine pair of socks.
I'm sure the lavender isn't girly enough. Anyway, the new pattern is right here:
Row 2: p, k1, YO, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, YO, k1, p2, k9, p2, k1, YO, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, YO, k1,

Strange, I knit my (second) row and I was off by two stitches. Had to adjust the ending two stitches out, which is really odd, I did the math in Excel. It added up to 40, but when I knit it, it was 42. I don't get it, oh well.

I started the cuffed sock pattern last night. I don't think one row of knit is going to be enough for the fold over. I'm debating if I should frog them back and add two rows. Yeah, I think I will, I want them to have a nice little crease where they can be folded over.

Anyway, our anniversary is next week. I'm thinking I'll try the Disco's Hot and Tangy New York Strip Steaks. They sound terrific and I know Grilltech would be willing to grill them for us.

I figured out what I'm making my dad for Christmas. A pair of gloves for Bob Tree. Bob Tree was a childhood icon. A legend. Bob Tree used to have six fingers on one hand. Because he couldn't find glove to him, one finger froze off. I guess no one loved him enough to knit him a pair of gloves. I think he needs a pair.

Thursday, October 26

Oh yeah, it's a morning. The database was clipping right along, then about 6:30 AM, it started choking. Now I'm just waiting and waiting. I'm really trying hard not to think about all the valuable knitting time that is being wasted.




Last night I went and knitted with C2 (not the same C I had dinner with). The Dragon Scale socks are a mere toe away from being completed. I even remembered to bring the purple for my Dragon Scales today. I forgot to bring the stuff to finish Grilltech's sock. (sigh) I scavanged a paper clip and when I finished, it was transferred to it until we got home. I've finish a full five days early! I'm so happy. Now I've got a sweater to get knitting on. I don't think it will be completed by the end of the month.

I've got a rough draft of the Cuffed Slipper socks. Spoke with M this morning. Told her what yarn I would be using, unless she wanted me to buy some, she said she would bring me some. Good deal. I'll knit up a pair this weekend so they can be displayed at the shop.

Wednesday, October 25

I finished the gusset on the Dragon Scale socks yesterday. I've got maybe less then three inches to knit before I'm starting on the toes. It really shouldn't take me a month to knit socks. I'm sure if I knitted other places then breaks and lunch I would be faster. Finished one skein of yarn on the sweater as well last night. Didn't feel up to starting the second one yet. Went to bed instead.

Since I'm teaching a sock knitting class I figure I'd better get started on the pattern I'm going to teach. It's been knocking around my head for a while. Just need to get off my lazy bottom and get it written.

Tuesday, October 24

I'm a bad karate student, I know I am. I missed class last night. Didn't feel like going. I'm setting a bad example for Grilltech. He's saying he wants to come to Wednesday's class. Hope he does come. Monday is crowded. It's through Community Education, so lots of people sign up. Which is a good thing, because they want more bodies in the class. On the down side, it's crowded, people are everywhere.

I should have the gusset done today. Then it's knitting the foot for 7.5 inches. I knew the 7.5 was used somewhere. Grilltech's sweater is almost done with one skein of yarn. I keep holding it up and asking, is it long enough. He just laughs at me. He likes his sweater bodies long.

For some reason this morning I kept dreaming the alarm was going off. An hour before it was really suppose to. I even got up to take my shower and looked at the time. Ack! When the alarm really did go off this morning, I was jolted awake. My eyes aren't quite sandpaper this morning, but they're tired.

We went out and picked up pizza last night. It will be the last time we'll be able to get Shakey's here in Idaho. The restaurant is closing after 43 years. We didn't eat there often, but when we did, the pizza was good.

Monday, October 23

I was happily knitting along, it was day 22 of the Sock Hop and I had reached the heel flap. I had knitted 7.5 inches, knit the heel, was getting ready to turn for the heel. I looked how many I should have left after the turn, when it happened. I could not believe my eyes. Three simple words. Knit 7 inches.

All knitting on the sock stopped. I could not bring myself to to rip it out at home. Just way to depressing. So this morning, I did what needed to be done. It was ripped back, heel flap and many rounds of the leg. I put the sock back on the needles and knitted one round to console myself. I frogged back to 6.75. Figured better to over frog then under.

Went to break, knit a couple of rounds on the sock. Measured again, now I'm ready to start the heel. Might even get the heel finished today. Then I won't have lost to much ground. I did manage to get the heel turned and started on the gusset.


Saturday morning, I woke up at 5:30 and could not sleep. So I casted on the body of Grilltech's sweater. Worked about two rows then went back to bed. By Sunday night, I had several inches to go. Been playing Civ and just knitting, round and round and round and round. I've conquered the Japanese. The Egytians are next, I should be able to get about two or three more inches from this game. I'm not overly sure I'll be able to get this sweater finished by the end of the month. Oh well.

Saturday night, we went and watched some of the Orionid meteor shower. It was pretty cold out there. I'm going to knit myself some thrummed mittens and Grilltech wants another hat for the one he "lost". He says, someone stole it. But I can't image why someone would steal a knit hat. Anyway, for the 30 minutes (or so) we was there, did see three or four meteors. They wasn't amazing, but it was nice to get out and look at the night sky.

Dinner at C's house wasn't to bad. The trip there was a bit of a nightmare. Traffic on the way out there was stop and go. I think only one of us had any ID; and it wasn't the driver. It must have taken us about hour to get there and an hour back. The trip back had maybe a third less cars, but still pretty busy for 7 PM.

The sock is coming along swimmingly. (Swimmingly, is that a word?) I've got less then two inches to go before starting the heel. Speaking of swimmingly, I'm thinking I want a pair of Fish Mittens. Those are just too cute for words. I know if I had a pair, my mother would want some. Five bucks isn't to bad of a price.

Wednesday, October 18

I'm getting worn out. Was in bed by 7:30 last night and I could use several more hours of sleep. Tonight we're going over to C's house for dinner. The youngest was whining, about having to go to another's house. Please. If I can do it, then so can she. I'm going to be late for karate tonight, if I even make it at all. On the plus side, I'm going to have plenty of quality sock time.

I managed to get about two or three rows on the sleeve completed last night. I'm about six inches away from starting the body. I am not knitting as much at home for some reason. Just not feeling up to it. Not really sure if there is an reason why.

7 Knitterly things about me:

Learning: I tried to learn to knit when I was 13 from a book. Didn't do so well. I remember how I ended up with so many more stitches at the end of the row then when I started. About six or seven years ago I decided I wanted to learn to knit. I picked up a book, needles, and yarn. I did learn, but I was doing it wrong. I was twisting my stitches. So I took a class to ensure I was doing it right. Since then I've been off and knitting.

Method: I'm a continental knitter. I've come over from Crocheting, I was a kid when I learned. When I decided I wanted to knit I figured it would be faster to just pick up the yarn. Go figure. I've learned to knit English (so I can do some Intarsia knitting), not quite as fast, but when working with two colors, AWESOME! English works well when I'm knitting backwards also.

Needles: I use mostly circulars and double points. I'll admit it, when I first started out learning to knit I tried ML. I hated - not a strong enough word for what I felt - the process. It was a purple hat, knit in the round. I tried a few rounds and went back to double points in frustration. Years passed and I kept with my trusty DPs. Nothing compares to the feel of wood. I've also joined a mailing list about sock knitting. There are people who just rave about ML and 2C2 (2 socks on 2 circulars) method. I've progressed enough in my knitting not be afraid to try new things. Currently I'm working on a baby sweater, and finding, it's not much different then using DP. Will I give up my DPs? Most likely not.

Gauge: As Dr. Johnny Fever said: "Gauge?! We don't need no stinkin' gauge!" Or wait was that badges? Anyway, I don't swatch, nor do I know what my gauge is half the time. I do know I get about 13 to 14 SPI on size 1 (US) needles. Can I do gauge? Heck yea: using size 6 needles and getting 6 SPI, I'll need to go 42 rows to get 7 inches. (Wow, I scare myself at times.) Should I do swatches and do the math? I can hear the screams of "YES!" now. I did gauge for Grilltech's sweater, so gauge is good.

Stash: My stash isn't as large as I've read other knitters have gotten. I don't buy any thing unless I have a project in mind. Which doesn't mean I don't enjoy petting yarns. Ohhing and ahhing the silks, cashmeres, and wools, I love the textures, but most of the time can't afford the prices. My stash is contained into three places. Under the TV, next to the TV, and in a cedar chest. In the desk in the weight room.

Projects: I'm a three project person. Small are the portables, I can work on anywhere. socks, mittens, washcloths. Medium are the complex projects. Sweaters, complex scarves and items along those lines. A sock can be both small and complex. Large are the blankets and afghans. Stuff that can't be hauled around.

Places: I knit every chance I get. I knit at home: watching TV, playing computer games, at the movies, in church, and sometimes in the car. I knit at work: in training, while waiting for the hourglass in the database to go away, while on a conference call, and waiting for my husband to get off work. Okay, so I don't knit at work as much, but I would knit more if it wouldn't get me fired.

Tuesday, October 17

Turns out I got a bit side tracked yesterday and didn't post. I guess that means two posts today! I managed to get 1.5 inches completed on the sock yesterday. Only four more inches to go before the heel. Won't get as much knitting done today, will pick up more on Thursday. Might even make it to the heel by Friday. (Was going to say Monday, but figure should have it completed sooner.)

I just had an inspiration of what to do for the racing stripes on my socks. I'll add some cables. Yeah, it will look neat. Okay, it looks neat in my mind. I'll have to see how it knits up. Need to hurry up finish the black dragon before I can start on mine. Now I'm trying to figure out in my head how to set the stitches to be able to get the cabling on one side. I know, I'm getting a head of myself.

Went to karate last night. Came home and fell into bed. Not really sore today and my knee which was sore yesterday, isn't bothering me at all today. Grilltech even came to class with me. He said he wasn't too sore today, a good thing. He mentioned a desire to come on Wednesdays after the series is over. I made sure to introduce him to everyone I knew. There was a lot of new people in class. One of the black's said, oh the reluctant one. (Picture an eye roll here, from Grilltech) "I'm not reluctant, just busy." I had to laugh at him.

Monday, October 16

Went to the new LYS called: "Fuzz", spent more money then I expected.
(I should point out I'm a hardcore e-bayer.) I picked up two skeins of Opal. They are really lovely. Can't wait to finish the Dragon Scale to make myself some socks. I've got three yarns queued up for my socks. Now I have to decide which ones I want to knit first. The solid purples, the Opal
Petticoat 1296, or the Opal Petticoat 1298.

Anyway, so we're walking out of the new LYS and I'm still petting the new acquires. Grilltech leans over and says, does all sock yarn cost that much? I just had to laugh at him. He may have more socks then I do, but mine cost more. Evens out in the long run. Oh wait, I'll be head in about four pairs.

Spent most of Sunday figuring how to darn socks. I repaired two of Grilltech's and one pair of mine. Worked on the sleeve to the sweater. It's getting close to being completed, then its the long haul for the body of the sweater. (The body of the sweater goes round and round.) Guess the same thing can be said for the sleeves.

It's getting close to knitting time, my favorite part of the day. Should get a couple of rounds completed on the pattern. Really not enough to get pictures of for the blog. Grilltech asked if I was working on a sleeve here at work. (Picture eye roll.) Nope, working on your sock. Then I laughed and said, do you know how much a sweater would cost made from this stuff? Not to mention how long I'd be knitting on it? Size one needles to make a sweater?! I think not.

All though, I have been thinking about getting some wool/silk blend to make a sweater. More along the size of six or four maybe. Grilltech's mom sent me set of size fours. I'll have to think about this...

I need to hurry up and win the lottery.

Friday, October 13

It's Friday! Dr Who, grilled steaks, and sleeping until 8:30 AM on Saturday! Does life get any better? I'm sure sleeping until noon would be, but who does that in this day and age?

Started the second sock today. It took 15 minutes to cast on and knit 1.5 rows. Then it was time to start work. Blah. I did try on the sock last night. Luxurious, is all I can say. I used one skein for the sock. So I'll be able to pick up another skein for me. Maybe I'll make the feminine dragon scales. He won't wear them, because the YO's are to girly.

One of my fiber friends stopped by to tell me their store is now open! I'll need to stop by and buy something. She said, they open officially tomorrow. It should be a lot of fun, poking around a new store. I wonder if they're carrying the sock yarn I'm currently working with.

Now the question is, do I drink more soda, or switch to water. Water is better for me and won't have me ready to scream at the computer for taking so long. It had better be water, it's not pretty to be hopped up on the caffeine and waiting.

I'd better read and find out how long I need to make this ribbing before I get to far along. (Cuff is 1.5 inches long) I'll need to get the first row while I'm at it. (Row 2: p, k2, p2, k1, M1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, M1, k1, p, k2, p, k1, M1, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, M1, k1, p2, k2, p) After the second row, things will just start flying by.

Thursday, October 12

I wonder if Grilltech would let me buy a set of double points from these guys. He might, heck anything is possible.

Today I learned, an open liter of soda lasts about three days before the fizz is gone. So today I'm drinking flat soda. Not quite the exciting drink.

I finished the first sleeve of the sweater last night. I kept having Grilltech try it on to check the fit. He wasn't quite rolling his eyes at me, but close. The second sleeve was started last night. I'll be able to knit it up much faster. The second one always seems to knit up faster. Sleeves, socks, whatever...

I've figured out a problem when it comes to magic loop. How in the heck does one measure? I know with double points, I just lay it flat on the side and measure away. I suppose I could lay it flat and measure from the bottom of the heel.

Guess measuring wasn't that big of a problem. I finished the first sock! I've put the next ball of yarn in the bag to start on Friday.

Wednesday, October 11

Okay, so I can't knit during hourglasses. I can read blogs, which I've started doing. I've read all the ones I normally read. Guess it's time to start finding new ones. The database hourglass goes, round and round. It doesn't help I'm all hopped up on the caffeine.

I'm thinking it pretty close to being the time to turn on the heater in the mornings. We'll need to get the filters changed. I don't think they've been changed for over a year. I blame Grilltech. It's his job to change filters and make appointments for the oil changes. Okay, so it’s my job to make appointments for the oil changes, and I need to do so this week.

I did practice some kicks last night. I had several kitties watching me to ensure I was doing them correctly or they wanted to be annoying or they wanted to be kicked.

I'm not getting as much done on the sock since I only knit during breaks, lunch, and waiting in the car. I estimate about three or four more inches before the toe can be started.

Read a really good article on swatching over on Knitty. I'm starting to agree, swatching is good. How else would have figured out the information for Grilltech's sweater. He needs to try on the sleeve again. I'm knitting this project using the Magic Loop method. I'm starting to like ML, which a good thing and a bad thing. Good because I'm not dropping needles all the time. Bad because I have a bunch of double points I'm not giving up.

Tuesday, October 10

I've got the sandpaper eyes going again. We put the eletric blanket on the bed last night, so I was comfy warm. I was in bed by 8:30 last night. There should be no reason for sandpaper today.

I'm up past the elbow on the first sleeve of Grilltech's sweater. He's going to make out like a bandit at the end of the month. If I get them done on time. The socks are a difient possibility. The sweater, not so much.

I think I need more caffine. Oh, there's a good idea, waiting for the hourglass to go away and I'm hopped up on the caffine. Not a pretty picture. Okay, glass of ice water. still have sandpaper, but I'm not bouncing. I have about 30 to 45 minutes until break time.

I'm about 4 decreases away from being done with the gussett. Why is this a problem? I've noticed I'm completely messed up the pattern when it comes to knits and purls at the edges. I've got it straightened out, so I'm just going to knit on. I'll need to pay more attention on the next pair.

Oh look, yet another hourglass. I am not bitter! The first three days are going to be the worst. I hate just sitting. I fold my hands and wait. Or I tap my rings on the desk. I'm sure my neighbors love that noise. (Fraggin' hourglasses...)

I did get the gussett done. Now just heading down to the toes.

Monday, October 9

I'm in mourning. My manager called and told me, "It looks bad when you sit and knit. It gives the wrong appearance." Yeah, I guess the guys who sit next to me and play sudoku are okay. Well they might have been if I hadn't bitched about it to him. I verified if it was okay to knit during my breaks and lunch. It is as long as it's "clearly off duty" time. So I lock the computers and knit. Now during these long hour glass times I'm clearly at a loss of what to do. It's hard not to scream at the system. "Hurry up!" I'm going to be crazy by the time I move on.

I did turn the heel and start the gussett of the socks. I was really upset today, didn't get as much knitting done as I would have liked.

Sunday, October 8

Drinking and math do not go together. Well, the math was mostly correct. (Picture an eye roll here.) After I finished a baby sweater last night, I asked if Grilltech would wear a sweater made in the raglan style. Grilltech has a favorite sweater he wears all the time. So I went and measured the sweater, figured out my gauge, and cast on. Something isn’t quite right, its way too big! (At this point, I should state the sweater is huge.)

First off, 45*2 does not equal 70. Don’t ask me why I thought it did, must have been the adult beverages I had consumed. Recounted the gauge again, this time using four inches, instead of the two I had been using. Do the math again and my gauge is dead on. Measure his wrist, cast on again, and frown because it still looks way too big. Does everyone else but me remember diameter is not the same thing as circumference?

I measure again, this time, I use the knitting, and stitch markers. Count the stitches, add two for a bit of ease, and I’m off and knitting. I’m all ready up to four inches on the sleeve.




On Friday, I started on the heels for the Dragon Scale socks. They’re coming right along.



I'm not all real keen on the "racing stripes" down the sides, but at this point I'm not going to frog them. On my pair, I'll do some quick figuring and put something else in.

Friday, October 6

Its going to be one of the those days, I can feel it already. My eyes have the sandpaper feel of not enough sleep. I've had to tink back 1.5 rows, because I forgot what the pattern on half the sock. Didn't notice until the next round. The battery on my Palm Pilot has ran down. On the plus side, the caffine is starting to kick in, the yarn feels very delicous, and reports are taking a long time to run.

Hope to get pictures posted soon. I've made some real progress on the sock.

Knit 7 inches
S1, K1 heel, for 20 rows
Leave 10 per side after first turn

Friday Eve, October 5

I made it to the LYS and picked up my Addi's. I even knit two rounds before having Grilltech take pictures for me. I really like how the yarn just slides off these needles. I also picked up some nice lavender sock yarn for me. I'll need to go to the other LYS to get more sock yarn, possibly another skein of Regia silk, for me.

Karate was good last night. I do need to start practicing my kicks at home. (There I said it, so therefore, I must do it.) The last 20 minutes was spent talking theory. What? I'm going to have to know how to attack? Why? The whole thought of sparring just leaves me cold.

Crazy day at work. We're already a person short and my partner calls in sick. Which means I have to pick up the slack. Thankfully, someone else helped out, so I was able to get most of it done fairly quickly. I was also able to get some knitting done. Sorry not pictures today.

Long reports are awesome! (Yes, Jeff Foxworthy, I am using that word correctly....) I am managing to get several rows completed. Slow databases are a real blessing to knitters.

Wednesday, October 4

Yesterday I did the math. Sent it home to be posted, while I was posting, I checked it again. I don't know what I was thinking, but 33 stitches per needle?! It's 20 per needle, so I'll need figure it out again.



I finished the scarf yesterday at 3:15 PM, I casted on for the sock by 3:20. This morning I have (currently) 1.125 inches done. Finished the cuff (1.5 inches) and one knit round. Now I'm having to work on the pattern again.

Rework completed:

All odd rows: knit the knits, purl the purls.

Row 2: p, k2, p2, k1, M1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, M1, k1, p, k2, p, k1, M1, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, M1, k1, p2, k2, p

Row 4: p, k2, p2, k1, M1, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, M1, K1, p, k2, p, K1, M1, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, M1, k1, p2, k2, p

Row 6: p, k2, p2, k1, M1, k2, ssk, k2tog, k5, M1, K1, p, k2, p, K1, M1, K4, ssk, k2tog, k2, M1, k1, p2, k2, p

Row 8: p, k2, p2, k1, M1, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, M1, K1, p, k2, p, K1, M1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, M1, k1, p2, k2, p

Row 10: p, k2, p2, k1, M1, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, K1, P1, K1, p, k2, p, k1, M1, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, M1, k1, p2, k2, p

Row 12: p, k2, p2, k1, M1, k5, ssk, k2tog, k2, M1, K1, p, k2, p, K1, M1, k2, ssk, k2tog, k5, M1, k1, p2, k2, p


Hmmm something isn't quite right with the pattern as it's written, but I know what I should be doing. So it's just coming along. (Found the problem on row 6 and fixed it.) I really, really like the Regia Silk. It's very soft to the touch, he's going to love them!

I'll be stopping at the LYS to pick up a pair of Addi's. While I do like the DP's, with Dragon Scale I want to be able to see the whole side before moving on.

Tuesday, October 3

I'm knitting as fast as I can to get the mitered scarf finished so I can start on the socks. So while I'm finishing up the scarf I'll also figure out the modifications. I'll think I'll be finished by Wednesday.


So the Dragon scale scarf that I am modifing is basically:

Row 1 and all other odd rows: knit 5, purl 26, knit 5
Row 2: k 6, YO, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, YO, k2, YO, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, YO, k6
Row 4: k6 YO, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, yo, k2, yo, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, yo, k6 Row 6: k6, YO, k2, ssk, k2tog, k5, yo, k2, yo, k5, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k6
Row 8: k6, YO, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, yo, k2, yo, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, yo, k6
Row 10: k6, YO, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, yo, k2, yo, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, yo, k6 Row 12: k6, YO, k5, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k2, yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k5, yo, k6


The meat of the pattern is 13 stitches: k1, YO, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, YO, k1 (first pattern) and k1, YO, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, YO, k1 (second pattern). Instead of YO's I'll be doing M1's: k1, M1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, M1, k1 (first pattern) and k1, M1, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, M1, k1 (second pattern).

Next I need to figure out how much filler do I need? Socks for Grilltech I usally CO 80 stitches. 13 goes into 80, 6.15 times. So, it's a four repeating pattern for a total of 52 stitches. Which leaves me 28 stitches I need to figure out what to do with. (33 stitches per needle)

Final product:


Row 1 and all other odd rows: knit
Row 2: P1, k3, M1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, M1, K1, P1, K1, M1, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, M1, k3, P1
Row 4: P1, k3 M1, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, M1, K1, P1, K1, M1 ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, M1, k3, P1
Row 6: P1, k3, M1, k2, ssk, k2tog, k5, M1, K1, P1, K1, M1, ssk, k2tog, k2, M1, k3, P1
Row 8: P1, k3, M1, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, M1, K1, P1, K1, M1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, M1, k3, P1
Row 10: P1, k3, M1, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, K1, P1, K1, P1, M1, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, M1, k3, P1
Row 12: P1, k3, M1, k5, ssk, k2tog, k2, M1, K1, P1, K1, M1, k2, ssk, k2tog, k5, M1, k3, P1

Can't wait to cast on.

Monday, October 2

I'm doing a mitered scarf for the last male on my Christmas list. I've completed (almost) four squares. It's knitting up pretty fast. I tried doing a Stockenette stitch, but didn't care for how it was turning out. So it's just going to be knit. Quite lovely, if I do say so myself.


I also received a reminder e-mail about the Sock Hop going on over at Romancing the Yarn. I had forgotten about signing up for the knit along. Guess that means, I'll need to get home and drag out the needles. And fudge the pattern. I've included a picture of the my modified Dragon Scale Socks. I'm just ripping along on them. (Figure I'll start them soon as I finish the scarf.)


I think I'll do socks for my parents, since they're going to Arizona for the winter. But who knows, they just may end up with a gift certificate.

Friday, September 29

I'm such a lazy sod. I didn't go to knitting. Instead I played Civ 4
(Warlords) all night. Didn't even knit. Went to bed by 8:30, only watched part of Grey's, which is a good thing.

We went to the store last night. I did pick up some yarn for a friend's christmas present, but I forgot to get more for the baby sweater. I'm so with it at times. Won't make it to class tonight. We're celebrating Grilltech's birthday. Plan on having some fun. He's talking about smoking a pork shoulder, starting on Saturday night. I say, starting, it's going to take at least 15 to 18 hours to cook. Hmmm pulled pork...

Thursday, September 28

Made it to Karate last night. Once again I'm just feeling beat. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks, I won't feel as wiped out. I really do enjoy learning the kata's. I guess I like the idea of knowing karate, but working for it, is another story. I'm starting to be able to pick out names of moves when the elders are doing their kata's.

I didn't bring my sweater today. I just wear it into work then I have to drag it home. I figured, I'm good. Right now I'm just cold. Or whiny, take your pick. I went and stole Grilltech's jacket, then he started complaining he was cold. How funny.

Pretty close to finishing the second sleeve, only have two more inches to go. (Two more inches, and he would have been a keeper... Ha!) Then it's time to cast on 100 for the body. Finished the sleeve. Now it's time. Now I'm worried I don't have enough of this left over yellow to finish the body. It's a never ending loop isn't it?

I'm in a quandry. Tonight is knitting/coffee night. I go be social with friends and knit. Tonight is Grey's Atanomoy, which I just adore. Of course, I do own a VCR, so I should go do coffee.

Tuesday, September 26

Happy Birthday, Grilltech! Hope you're enjoying your day off!

On with the posting:

Tuesday is just barely on the good side of bad. I woke up at 3 AM, slept fitfully until the alarm went off. Had the white wonder (Fran) trying to sleep on my pillow, my side, then finally at Grilltech's feet. I could not get going. Left late for work, made it barely on time. Database crashed while running a report. Yadda, yadda, yadda.... Second crash of the day.

I'm all sorts of sore from class last night. I made it all the way through class. I fell into bed and Grilltech was sweet enough to give me a back rub, before I passed out. It's time to start seriously
working out, even on the days of class.

Anyway, I've ripped out the sleeve I started yesterday. I was using size three needles and it was just *way* too small. I've started again, this time using size six. I kinda do like the Magic Loop. The only thing I don't really care for is the fact the cable gets twisted. I tried using my Crystal Palace needles, which spin, but the cable is all loopy and I don't like that either.

Finished the first sleeve today. Busy casting on for the second one and writting the adventure for the gang. For some reason I'm not doing good at figuring out how to get the sleeve started. I'm starting to get tired - I can rationalize anything - so that might be the reason why I'm having such issues.

Monday, September 25

The MP3 player is dead, long live the Palm pilot. It seems the HD crashed on the MP3, it just sits and clicks. I might have mentioned something on Friday's post. Sunday I pulled out the player to see if anything could be done to fix it. Nope, it's dead. I can't seem to find the receipt which has the warranty information on it. So being nimble of thought I just transferred 700 megs of music onto the Palm. Right now, I'm enjoying my morning.

I practiced the magic loop method. I did manage to get though the ribbing and into several rounds of leg before I stopped. I think I'll need to pick up some Additurbos if I am going to continue in with that practice. It didn't seem any worse then fiddling with double points.

Grilltech's mom is such a great mother-in-law. (Note to self: send thank you e-mail.) She thrift store shops and finds all sorts of wonderful treasures. She sent a baggy full of used circulars in pretty good condition. There are all sorts of sizes. I was using the 3's to practice the ML method. These would be good, but the cord is stiff and I don't think there is anything I can do to make it supple. I'll still use them for sweaters and flat knitting.

I'm going to knit a baby sweater, trying to decide if I want to do it flat or in the round. Thinking about using Knitty article. Even if I don't knit in the round, it is a good rule of thumb. 110 is my 100%, 100 is my 90%, 22 is my 20%, 44 is my 40%, 50 is my 45% and 9 is my 8%. Sleeve should be 9" total. Ribbing for 15 stitches, increase to 40%, make two.

We got Fran the kitten another feather toy because she completely destroyed the last one we got her. I was unwrapping it and she knew what the toy was and was trying to get it. I gave it to Grilltech to tie to the fishing pole end. She was jumping on his lap to make the kill. When we went to bed, it was peacefully attached and on the back of the chair. Sometime during the night she had gotten it de-attached and drug it off to kill the poor thing.

September, Friday 22

With a freshly charged MP3 player in hand, along with copious amounts of caffine, I'm ready to face the day. Stayed up until 8:30 last night watching Grey's Anatomy. We had the VCR set, yes we live in the stone age. We have a VCR, not a DVR and go to bed before the sun sets. Anyway, by 9:00, I was dead to the world. Which was the time for ER, I don't think I could have kept my eyes open at all.

I spoke too soon. My MP3 player is dying. I turned it off to listen to messages, was trying to turn it back on and all I'm getting is the splash screen with clicky noises. AUGHHH!! Can't turn it off. Can't reset it. Just have to wait for the battery to die.

I'm now working on the Shaker Ribbing, here called the Brioche Stitch. I don't get why it's called something different. The Big Book of Knitting, calls it Shaker, so I, call it Shaker. Pretty simple. Now I want to figure out how to do it in two colors. Yes, it's at home in the Big Book, but I don't have it here with me.

This day is getting better and better. My new blue socks, worn maybe four times have a hole in them. Not at the heel or at the toes, but up in the leg. I showed my husband, who said, it looks like a dropped stitch. ( I'm so proud of him...) It might be, now I'll have to fix his bio-hazard socks to practice to fix my sock. Or should that be the other way around?

September, Thursday 21

I should have charged my MP3 player last night while I was charging my phone. But if I did that, then I would have left both the player and phone at home, instead of just the phone. I did manage to get about 6 minutes of music before it just shut itself off.

I finished the washcloth last night. Its tucked in the drawer ready for use. So now I have three balls of yarn: black, yellow, and off white (partials), size 6 straights, and measurements for a teddy bear who needs a sweater.

Well, on the plus side, I've taught myself how to double knit. Must say, it's easier then I had been making it out to be. On the down side, I'm not getting the desired effect I want. It should be simple: yellow knits with off white purls in the ribbing. Not hard at all, right? Then why am I having such a hard time with it? After a little research, turns out it is harder then I thought.

I'll just do the ribbing in yellow, then move to the snowflakes in off white. It should look adorable. Okay, so the off white is completely muted by the bright yellow. I've taken it part and started with the off white as the main color, with yellow snowflakes. I missed a stitch and ripped it all out. I think I'm going to going take it home and knit it in the round. I'll need to figure out a better design anyway.

Wednesday, September 20

I really hate it when I go to people's blogs and they haven't updated them. I understand life gets in the way and they don't have time to post. Since I’ve started my new job, my posting has been intermittent and I hate that. So I have to take the time to post.

I've finished a couple of the Graterlac washcloths. I gave the first one to my trainer. Did most of the knitting in her class. Figured, she earned it. I've made three more since then, I can do it from memory now. Which will help greatly when I do an interlac sweater for Grilltech. If I can figure out the colors, he likes dark greens. I'm thinking a cardigan would be nice. Also, not sure if I want to use acrylic or wool. We're both pretty lazy, so wool would bad.

The Dragon Scale scarf is coming along quite nicely. I'm about 50% done. The end of the month is coming up, I need to figure out the modified part for Grilltech’s socks. He thinks the YO's are too girly. (Read: he grunted something in my direction...) I can do a M1 instead, just need to sit down and try it. Instead I spend my time reading, not knitting, I'll get back into the swing of things. Anyway, I need to get it figured out in time for the Sock Hop at Romancing the Yarn blog.

Tuesday, September 12

I finished the sock a few days ago. I was really worried I wouldn't have enough yarn to finish the second sock. I started the second one and ran out about half way through the gusset. There is no way I'm going to go purchase more of t his yarn. So I started knitting from the first sock, figure I'll knit until both are at the same length and just use a different color. In this case a solid green.

Grilltech was annoyed because I said, "... and he just grunted in my direction." For the record, he really didn't just grunt at me. He did say something, but I couldn't remember what he said.

I'm in training, so I'm getting a quite a bit of knitting done. Half the time I don't understand what is being talked about. I end up asking one of my co-workers. Who does explain it to me using small words. Of course, it doesn’t help the trainer standing up bitching “they should only send people who are trained to the class.” Really makes me feel good.

I haven’t been going to karate, but I have been working out. Small trade off. I don’t think I can take another person telling me, I’m screwing up. No matter how nicely it’s put.

Friday, September 8th

I'm a good knitter. Fearless at times even. Cables? No problem. Lost my needle? Just figure out another way to do it. Adapt and over come, not just the motto of the Marines. Enterlac? Please, I've made a cute little baby hat. I know how to do to it. I'm a good little drone, I can follow directions. But for the life of me, I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong when it comes to the Garterlac Dishcloth. I finish the second square like the directions tell me to do so. Then there is no where to pick up stitches.

Okay, so pictures do help. I picked up stitches along the end of the triangle. It worked, go figure. Don't know why my mind wouldn’t see what was going to what happen. I've got it figured out and am knitting along quite merrily. I'm about two rows away from being done.

Monday that wasn't, September 5

It's just been one of those days. 'enuff said.

Finished the first sock. Pulled out the skein, and I don't have enough to finish. ACK!! I'll have to do a quick search to see if I can find another skein. (I bought it for half price, turns out to have a crappy dye job and now I'm going to have to pay full price for the freakin' thing.) Figured one skein makes one sock. I'm making anklets, I should be able to get two out it. I just might be over reacting, but I don't have a scale to weight it to see if I have enough to even bother starting on the second one.

We watched The Lost Worlds of... Dracula, last night. They had interviewed several of the locals. A woman was hand winding a ball of yarn from a swift. I thought it was so neat. I even pointed it out to Grilltech, who looked up long enough to grunt something in my general direction. Guess he wasn't as impressed as I was.

I’m about 40% done with one of the men’s scarves. Ended up doing a simple basket weave, because it didn’t annoy me while trying to figure out which stitch to use.

Tuesday, August 29

I finished my socks. My new job is really cutting into my knitting time. I think I'm okay with less knitting time, as long as I'm off the phones.

My head hurts something awful. It’s been going on for the past week; I thought it was the smoke from all the fires. The air was so bad, couldn't even see the foot hills because visibility was very poor.

I don't like the yarn I'm using to make these new anklets. The dye job was done very poorly and there are large splats of color. There is blue in the yellows. The pinks have long strips of white. I would be very upset if I had paid full price for the skein. Half price sales are wonderful, but there are times.

Sock:
20 rows for the heel
Eight stitches left after the first turn on each side
Continue the heel pattern to the end of the turn

Monday, August 28

It's Monday and school will be starting in three hours. I'm sure we'll hear something about it when we get home. I didn't charge my walkman - yes, I know it's really not a walkman, but that's what they were called in the 80's - so no music for me all day today. Just hope the music lasts until the start of my shift and the hour afterwards would be nice as well.

Finally decided on a scarf pattern for the guy’s. It's a rip off of a wash cloth pattern, but it works just fine.

CO: 30, Knit 4 rows
Row 1: K2, P2, *YB slip 1, P2*, K2
Row 2: K4, *P1, K2*, K2

I've started the heel of my sock. I don't understand how so many people complain about second sock syndrome. The second sock practically jumps off the needles. Maybe the complaint is goes to fast.

Work heel?! That's all I said? Yes, but normally I put down how many rows I do of worked heel. If I don’t keep track of what I’m doing, I forget. Now I have to go count on the first sock. I'll bet I didn't even put down how many stitches I need to keep before I turn the heel either. Nope. I'm going to be walking around with two different heels. Good thing most people don't look at socks. Hmm looks like 20 (or is that 21) rows.

Saturday, August 26

It has been a busy week for me. On Wednesday, I belted up. I'm not sure I'm ready to have color yet. They must know what they're doing, because I sure don't. Grilltech has promised to clean out the weight room, so we can start weight training again. I want to stop feeling so drained after work outs.

I still don't have a major project going on in knitting. Not sure why, just don't. I'm thinking I should start a quick scarf and get it knocked out. Maybe I'll feel better about knitting once the project is done.

My new job is going well. I don't quite have the time to blog as much anymore. I'm sure when I'm done training; I'll be able to get back to writing more.

Tuesday, August 22

Last night I ripped out the scarf and casted on with 40 stitches. Now the scarf is wide enough, but some how I couldn't get the number of stitches on the purl side to come out correctly. So I just put the knitting down and watched TV last night. I'll try again tonight.

I didn't even make it to karate. Yes, I know I should have gone. I just didn't. I’ll make it to class on Wednesday and Friday. Plus, the walking on days I don't have class does help.

I finished my sock today. Knit to 7.5, and then leave two at the end of the needle for the toe. Should be ready to cast on here in a few minutes.

Monday, August 21

From a few days ago:
Not much to talk about today. I didn't knit last night, I finished my smut book. Towards the end, it just was well, gross. I ended up skipping whole pages. I did work out. Wasn't to my projected goal time, but it was a start. I'll get better as time goes on.

From today:
I finished Lesiel last night. I'm not sure it's long enough, it does fit around my neck with some left over, and so it can be. I've started another scarf. I don't think one is wide enough. It's 30 stitches and I'm just not happy with. The pattern is very easy:

Row 1: Knit 1, * slip 1, knit 1, PSSO, before sliding off, needle, knit one between the two stitches *, knit 1
Row 2: *Purl 2 together, before sliding off needle, purl one between the two stitches

I've only completed about six rows, so will most likely rip it back and start over with 40 stitches, instead of the 30. I've finished the gusset on my sock. I’m now working on the long foot part. The way the reports are crawling along this morning, I might get it done today. Quite the scary thought.

Today is the first day I'm working without a safety net. I'm feeling quite a bit frustrated because the system is running so slowly. I'm not going to get today's AM report done on time, really, I don't think anyone is going to get it out on time, but it bothers me. I just want to scream at the screen, "hurry up!" but it's not going to help. I just keep working on the sock and check to see if the screen has turned blue, instead of grey. Maybe today wasn't the day to drink some caffeine.

Wednesday, August 16

Tuesday was a busy day for me and the youngest. We started off with getting her registered for school. She's a senior and didn't want to go by herself. So I skipped work and went with her. She's all signed up and got a sweatshirt out of the deal as well. We went to bank then went and picked up new cell phones. The youngest is all sorts of happy because she now has a real cell phone instead of the pay as you go type. She was forever running out of minutes. On the plus side, she now has 1000 text messages she can send out.

The highlight of the day was the Red Hot Chili Pepper's concert. All I can say is W-O-W! Today my ears are still ringing, I'm dead tired, but it was great. It was amazing to listen to the crowd. The chords of a song would start and people would just go crazy. Anthony (or the future son-in-law according to my youngest) would start singing and the crowd would just about drown him out.

I also brought my sock knitting with me. Since I carry the knitting around in a Crown Royal bag, I was asked to open the bag. The nice officer seriously looked in the bag with his flashlight, and then looked at me with a what-the-frag expression. I told him, it's my knitting. He was fighting to keep a straight face. If there hadn't been people behind me, I might have shown him. I'm such an uber-knitter. I did manage to get in about an hour and a half worth of knitting done.

I also spent about the first half of the concert trying to figure out Anthony's gloves. The youngest had to tell me what the design on the other glove was. She says it’s a broken heart. It's something I think I can make.

Monday, August 14

Starting today, I can no longer be officially called Knittech. Instead, I should be known as KnitWFM. Will I change my name? Of course not, I like how it looks. I started my new job today. Spent a lot of day, waiting - which really means, knitting while waiting - for reports. They're starting me out pretty slowly, don't want to overwhelm the newbie. For which, I'm extremely greatful. I guess the guy I'm replacing is leaving on Friday. Friday! Will I have time to learn everything?

I've finished the tube top. I showed it C, who laughed and said, "Can't remember ever being that small." Yeah, me neither. I've started working on my sock. I'm using the Lana Grossa Meilenweit Fun, but the color way is wrong. Mine is blues and greys, not the rainbow colors.

I think I'm going to teach sock knitting for some friends, when they open their shop. It should be a lot of fun. I'll need to write my patterns down, so I'm prepaired for the process. I need to do some some thinking about the number of classes and how much it will cost. Don't want to overly pricey, but I want to be fair.

Sock stats:

CO 80
(Ktbl 2, P2) for two inches.
Knit for four inches.
Work heel.

Tuesday, August 8

It was just way to hot knit last night. I didn't even go to karate either. Yes, I know, I should have gone, but it was hard enough just sitting there and breathing. Tonight the air conditioning comes on so the house will be cool enough to sleep. I'll also practice. October is coming up fast, which means belt testing. I never really thought about advancing, it’s just something I want to do.

Still haven't heard anything about the WFM job. I've put in for another job also, I'm not sure what it is about, but it requires access. PHB is talking about applying for the job also. Yeah, competing with the PHB; doesn’t seem like a smart idea. But darn it, I want off the phones.

I have two and half more inches to go before I start the decreases for the tube top. By the end of the day I have one and a half left. It’s hard to say at this point in the morning.

It's the end of the day and I have one and half inches left. Pretty good estimate. I'll be happy to get this project finished. It's August and I'm starting to have Christmas nightmares. Sure I have plenty of time, but I like to be ahead of the game.

Monday, August 7

I finished Grilltech's socks. I finished the second sock with the main color, so there was a green stripe at the toe. I went and cut back the first sock and finished it with the main color so they match. Well as much as fraternal twins can match. They look pretty good. He's wearing them today, to show how much he enjoys the hard work I put into his socks.

I'm back to working on the tube top. I've added the second ball of fixation. I was knitting along and realized I was coming to the end of the string. Oops, I had grabbed a loose end and was using it to knit with. Thankfully I only had about six stitches to tink back. I wove in the ends so that little mistake won't happen again. I only need to knit about three more inches on the top before it's done. I'm thinking about adding some cabled straps, so they can be tied behind the neck. I must be an old prude.

I'm so tired, my vision is blurring. It must be time to knit some more. I'm just happy I'm doing a mindless pattern.

Saturday, August 5

Day 1 (Friday)
I didn't go to coffee on Thursday night, instead I stayed home and worked on pet square. I think I managed to get four or five rows done. Played Diablo for two hours also. By the end of the game, I just turned it off because I couldn't reach my dead body. Oh well. I'll just have to get it when I play again.

Day 2 (Saturday)
It was night of phone calls and it wasn't even friends calling, well the Eledest called about 8:20. By about nine when I went to bed, I put the phone on do not distrub. Gotta love those people from India who are calling to sell something then when asked about the product, they have to go ask. I just hung up on the guy. No reason to hang out and chat.

I'm working overtime and it's not boring in the least. Sure it's call after, after call, after call, but I am managing to get some knitting done. I finished the gussett on Grilltech's sock. Now it's the plain sock until the toes, about four inches away. I might even get up to the toe!

I did manage to get to start on the toe for Grilltech of the sock. I switched to the dark green I used on the other sock to help ensure I wouldn't run out of main color. I managed to get eight rows done before I ran out of the contrasting color. Sigh. So I just switched back to the main color and finished the sock.

Friday Eve, August 3

After the visit to the dentist yesterday, I went home and worked on the scarf. Many rows later, it was time to run to the store and get a few things for dinner. I think I got a few more rows done, then it was time to go boot some head. Where would the world be now if it wasn't for The Frantics? I did manage to stay for the whole night, wasn't able to do everything, but made the effort.

It's suppose to be coffee night, don't know if I'll make it or not. I didn't get to bed until 9:45 last night. I dozed off and on until Grilltech came to bed about 10:20, then I was out for the most part. I kept waking up during the night. I know the youngest didn't get to bed until three am. She'll need to start getting to bed earlier after registration.

I stepped on the kitten last night. I tried hard not to stomp on her, so I fell forward and caught myself on the door jam. I have bruise on the palm of my hand. I have a fun time typing at times.

I still haven’t heard anything about the job I interviewed for. GRRR!! They need to hurry up and say, I start on Monday. Speaking of which, I’m working on Saturday, which should be a lot of fun. No, really. F-U-N!

Wednesday, August 2

I think I've figured out how to do the Log Cabin pattern without the pattern. Will put the book on the list for Christmas, because I've seen some of the other items other knitters have built. Looks pretty good!

We went for a walk last night, left before five and were home by six. We also stopped for dinner, so part of that hour doesn't count. I still have sore muscles. I've been using Tiger Balm and Bengay on them, which helps quite a bit.

I did manage to knit 30 rows last night on the scarf. Hope to have it done by the end of the month. I’ve started on Grilltech’s heel; hope to have them done by next week. Then I can get started on my socks.

Tuesday, August 1

I went to karate last night. I didn't stay the entire two hours, left about 30 minutes early. I did well for not doing anything for the past four months. I'll need to start walking to build endurance and drag Grilltech with me. Grilltech has agreed to start learning with me in a few weeks. So he'll need the endurance as well. My shoulders hurt more then any thing else on my body, I think it was the naka-uke. Overall, I feel much better then I have in weeks. Maybe there is something to this whole exercise thing.

I didn't knit last night. We ended up taking the eldest some gas then picking up dinner at the store. Sure it was fried chicken and salad, but it was good. Not sure what we're going to do for dinner tonight; didn't think far enough ahead to pull anything out.

I have about five inches done on Grilltech's second sock. I have two more inches to go, then I can get started on the heel.

On my daily reading of knitting blogs, I posted! You can see it on Peristent Illusion's site. From her site I found Criminy Jickets blog. He has some beautiful dish clothes I will have to try! He was nice enough to have the address on his site as well. It's just amazing how far I can go just by reading.

I'm thinking for the guys, when I make their scarves this year, of using Not Quite Straight Scarf. It looks quite interesting and I'm sure it would knit up pretty quickly. Of course I'm way too cheap (cheep, cheep) to use the Andean Silk, Carbon worst weight is what will be used.

Monday, July 31

I had quite a bit of fun over the weekend. Saturday night we went star gazing. Friday night was the peak of the meteor shower, but it was a good showing when we were out watching. Don't remember the total count, but as we were packing up to go, a large one fell. The tail was very bright and long, about three or four seconds.

On Sunday we went and saw My Super Ex-girlfriend. Funny! It reminded me of a friend of ours and his ex-wife, one seriously dysfunctional relationship.

I finished the purple tank on Saturday. I didn't get pictures of the finished product. I gave it to the eldest to give to one of her in-laws. I'll get around to starting another one in a while. I’m still kicking around an idea for the youngest.

I've started the scarf. I had to rip it back once. I used stitch markers, now I'm off and running. Liesel is a simple ten row repeat, hope to have it finished in a month or less. I’ll need to finish the tube top I’ve been working on as well. It’s to the point I need to add another ball of yarn, and I’m being lazy. Figure I’ll get it finished and maybe give it to the eldest for Christmas. I may make a bottom from the book Sexy Little Knits. I got the book, might as well use it.

I received the new Interweave. There are some beautiful projects I hope to get around to knitting. I think I need to have a progress bar for projects to keep me honest.