It Takes A Village

I am finally done with both of the Baby's First Tattoo sweaters. They both knit up quickly but then sat around my house, in pieces, waiting to be seamed. Enter Jessica to the rescue who graciously agreed to take both sweaters home with her and seam them. When they came home all I had to do was pick up the collar stitches, kit the collar and seam that last 1/4 inch or so at the top. Awesome! As a thank you gift I got Jess some wooden US1 Blue Sky Alpacas DPNs is a beautiful tin (They're new so they're not on the web page yet). They're perfect for all her sock knitting.

The green one went to my landlord; he and his wife recently adopted a baby from Guatemala. The pink one has been sent to the woman who was Chair of College Council when I was Chair-Elect. Coincidentally her daughter's name is Rowan.





Pattern: Baby First Tattoo Sweater from SnB Nation
Yarn: Rowan 4-Ply Soft 100% Merino
Colors: 388 Military & 367 Leafy (green), 389 Expresso & 377 Wink (pink)
Source: Yarn Market
Needles: Inox Pearl Grey, US2 circ (pink), Addi Turbo, US3 circ (green)
Size: Child's 18 mo.
Started: April?, 2006
Finished: July 13, 2006

I have to apologize for the poor quality of the seam pic, I forgot to take pictures of Jessica's beautiful seams before I sent the sweaters out so I had to take a picture on the fly with my phone.

Knit up the yarn is lovely, soft & squishy, and I love the stitch definition. Unfortunately when I was knitting the 4 plies felt cordy running through my fingers and the yarn sometimes hurt. I'm happy that the finished garment doesn't show any signs or retain any of the discomfort felt while knitting.

Technically these two sweaters are my first completed sweaters. The pink one, which I finished first is a little wonky around the collar and there are some bits on the green one I'd like to do better the next time around but all in all I'm happy with them.

All Aboard!

What to know what this is all about? Go here.

Toe Up From The Flo' Up

Remember how I said I was going to post some short row tutorials? Well I could never compile a more complete list than Sara over a Knitwerks so instead of reinventing the wheel I'll just redirect. The only link I would add is the short row (wraps, not YOs) video over at knitting help. Enjoy!

Done!

Pattern: Wendy's Toe-Up Sock Pattern
Yarn: Schoeller and Stahl Fortissima Colori / Color 9069
Source: My Secret Pal - Thank You!
Needles: Inox Pearl Grey, US1 29"
Size: Child's size 1.5-2 (shoe)
Started: June 25, 2006
Finished: July 2, 2006

I was a little nervous about this yarn because it seemed a bit scritchy but one wash revealed a soft, super comfy sock! I used Wendy's pattern but after swatching I actually used the Handy Book of Patterns to figure out how many stitches to cast on and then I used Booty McCutie's feet to measure as I went along.. I bound off with a US4 Addi Turbo because I bind off tightly. They fit perfectly, maybe a little too perfectly. When you have a 5 1/2 year old who is as tall as an 8 year old you should know better than to buy or make items that fit perfectly. If you do, they only fit for about 2 weeks.

E loves her sock and wanted to wear them when I had only finished one; she said that mismatched socks would be fine. I made her wait until they were both knit and laundered.

PS Technically this is my first pair of socks. In the past I knit other socks but had a serious case of SSS and never finished (or even started!) the second sock. The result was a couple of socks living in my stash mismatched in yarn, color, and size; they've since been frogged.

Nice Thong

Someone asked me if I could find a pattern for a thong sock but I can't remember who so I'm posting it here. I also am not quite sure if it was a thong sock or a sock that's like a glove for you feet but hopefully I got it right.
Link

*Update There's another pattern in the new Knitty

Teach Your Children Well

Count no day lost in which you waited your turn, took only your share and sought advantage over no one. -Robert Brault

Sorry, Charlie

So the frog has been my favorite animal for many years, with the octopus coming in a very close second.



The frog just got replaced.

Thank You

That is my first package from my Secret Pal. I actually got received the package Friday but had a crazy busy weekend (which consisted mostly of getting a ridiculous sunburn) and then was out of town for two days for the President's Council retreat (I could wax poetic about the leadership in this college but I'll spare you). Long story short it's taken me almost a week to properly thank my secret pal. So, without further ado...

THANK YOU!

What you see above is a notecard with a frog on the front and a handwritten note on the inside. Two single pot bags of coffee from Paul deLima, a roaster local to my SP, both fair trade. A bag of Honey Acres Honey Gummies. Two skeins of Schoeller and Stahl Fortissima Colori yarn; a self-patterning sock yarn, 75% superwash, 25% nylon. And, last but not least, an assortment of three items from Stonewall Kitchen, grapefruit thyme hand lotion and bar soap and rosemary lime antibacterial hand gel. To top it all off my SP wrapped my gifts is orange tissue paper, my favorite color. Thank you again, SP.

Speaking of sock yarn...I couldn't wait to try the Fortissima. I cast on a pair of socks for Elah on Sunday evening, observe some progress.

Girl Who Has Casual Sex

Maybe because it's Friday and I'm exhausted but I thought this was hilarious.

Websites as Graphs

source site

So I was over at MDK today and saw a link to this site. I thought I'd pop over to see what my little ol' blog looked like when rendered as a graph. Watch out, it's addicting. Before I knew it I was typing in blog addresses I often visit just to be mesmerized by the beautiful unfurling of the graph. This is one of the many reasons I love nerds.

blue: links (a tags)
red: tables (table, tr, td tags)
green: divs
violet: images (img tags)
yellow: forms (form, input, textarea, select, option tags)
orange: block formatting (br, p, blockquote tags)
black: root (html tag)
gray: all other tags


source site

source site

source site

source site

source site

source site

source site

source site

source site

Enough of that. You can see what other people have done here.

Knitter's Word.A.Day

This week's theme: professions that exist mainly as surnames.

mercer (MUR-suhr) noun

A dealer in textiles, especially silk and other fine materials.

[From Old French mercier (trader), from Latin merx (goods). Words such as market, merchant, commerce, and mercantile share the same origin.]

Then there is mercerization. To mercerize is to treat cotton thread or fabric with caustic soda to enhance its strength and luster, and to increase its affinity for dyes. The word is an eponym, coined after the calico printer John Mercer (1791-1866) who patented it in 1850.

And calico -- a kind of cotton cloth printed with a pattern -- is a toponym, coined after the city of Calicut in India. The city is now known as Kozhikode.

*yawn*

The knitting blogosphere has been pretty quite lately. I chalk it up to summer time; we're all spending more time outside and less time in front of the computer, plus those of us with children have kids who are home more and need to be shuttled around from a friend's house to summer camp to driving you crazy.

The bonus of summer? Items you block dry in about 3 seconds because it's 90° in your house and all the fans are on.
Observe:


It's the Baby's First Tattoo sweater from SnB Nation. When I knit the first one I used intarsia for the swallows but I am going to sew the skulls on this one. Now all I have to do it sew it together (and the first one I knit). I'm hoping to have it done by the weekend. By the way I decided to use a bulletin board because with a 5-year-old, a 20-year-old and 2 cats in my house I have very little safe horizontal space. I got the board for free by posting a message to my local freecycle board.

Question

Savais-tu que ça prend trois moutons pour faire un cardigan?

Answer

Je ne savais même pas qu'ils pouvaient tricoter.

Nerdlicious

I made a knitting iMix here: iTMS link. Hope you like it.

Sooo, it's not often that I partake in the online quiz but I couldn't resist the pictures for this one. Don't worry, the indulgence will pass.





What type of Fae are you?

Spin Out & Win!

Those of you familiar with january one have surely heard about the but for those of you who don't spend as much time in front of a computer as I do...

In conjunction with Spin Out 2006, january one is holding a contest. For every $10 you donate to Heifer International you will be entered into the prize drawing once. Not only is this a great cause but there is the possibility of winning wonderful fibery goodness - it's win/win. The registry is here and more information about prizes can be found at january one.

I don't normally post stuff like this (or email it for that matter) but I saw this on Lolly Knitting Around and it doesn't have a down side.

By ordering a free Make the Connection bracelet kit, you will be helping to advance cervical cancer education and outreach. For every pair of bracelet kits ordered, Merck will donate one dollar to Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, up to $100,000, for cervical cancer awareness and screening programs among medically underserved women.

LINK

Coming later this week, a link dump of tutorials (we'll probably start with short rows).

I'm A Winner!

Sauniell had great idea about how to celebrate her blogiversary and get all the lurkers (like me) to post a comment - she had a contest! Anywho, guess who one of the winners is? ME!

uh-uh-uh-uh *happy dance*

I'm very excited (can't you tell from all the exclamation points?)! Not only do I get some beautiful handpainted sock yarn but I also get some Cotton Fleece with which I've been wanting to knit since I got Reba some for her birthday.

What great news the day before a long weekend!

Once you label me you negate me. -Soren Kierkegaard, philosopher (1813-1855)

Psssssst

*whisper*
Guess what...I'm famous.

OK, maybe not famous but for a girl who is camera shy and has no desire to perform I think it may be the closest I get to having my name in lights. I mean honestly, even when I'm a famous math lecturer, how famous do you think I'll be to when it comes to the general public? Answer: not very.

Crafter's Choice

So I broke down and joined a book club. I couldn't pass up the deal and am convinced that this will not be like the last time (10 years ago) when I could never remember to return that stupid card and I ended up with a bunch of New Age (don't ask) books I didn't even want.

Here's how it works: you order 4 book for 4 bucks (or $14 after s&h but who's counting), you then agree to buy 2 more books within a year. That's it. I actually ordered my 4 books plus an addition one as it was 1/2 off. I ended up spending $30 on 5 books, not bad.

So do they have any good books you ask? Observe:


Vogue Knitting Stitchionary: Volume One, knit & purl


Mason*Dixon Knitting
by Kay Gardner & Ann Shayne
(by the way i recently learned that ann's sister is a parent at elah's school with a child in the same class - it's like we're practically related. ok, maybe not but at the time yada yada yada)


Knitting Over the Edge
by Nicky Epstein


Scarf Style
by Pam Allen


Crocheting School: A complete course
(i am convinced i will master the hook)

Filling my one more book commitment won't be hard either, I think I'll end up choosing one of the following:
Loop-d-Loop
Handknit Holidays
Inspired Cable Knits
The Yarn Girls' Guide to Beyond the Basics
Decisions, decisions...

Also I ordered another copy of the Happy Hooker (from amazon) to send to my SP.

Jeopardy Time:

Entering them into Delicious Library.





What is almost as fun as getting so many new books?

Ch-ch-ch-changes

It must be morning because the forecast has changed again.

Huh?

Can someone please explain what's going on with the weather forecast? A day later and everything's completely changed. I blame it on Tom Messner; let's go to his house with torches, pitchforks and an angry mob.

What The Fuck!!??

What happened to my partially cloudy Tuesday? All the seeds in the garden are going to drown. My toes will turn to prunes. I will never see the sun again.
Alright I'm over it; no more depressing freaking out but damn, I could us some sun.

Glutton For Punishment

As someone born in Salt Lake, raised in Moab and recovering from my years as a Mormon I can appreciate this.

SEX

Not that I need SEX (stash enhancement excursion) but I am cursing the fact that I pay my bills (and am therefore low on funds) because I want to drive to Mass this weekend. And as long as I'm wishing, I want to go next weekend too.

Let It Begin

Look what I got yesterday:


Not excited by the envelope? Fine. Here.


I knew the pointy sticks and yarn would get you going! It's a card from my spoiler for Secret Pal 8! I'm so excited, observe:


Hello SP and thank you for the card. It's fun knowing that you're lurking around here.

To my SP from 7: I never got the reveal. I'd love to know who you are so I can check out your blog, stop in, say hi, etc. I hope you're doing well.

And lastly my knit nerdiness has reached new heights (or lows). I've been parking down at the park and ride and taking the bus to work while they work on our parking garage. I enjoy this because it means more knitting time. But, I realized I may have gone too far when today, since I was in the middle of a row, I continued to knit while I exited the bus and walked down the block to work. I got some very concerned looks and even a few of straight up horror. I'm ashamed to admit that I was a little embarrassed.

Come Again Some Other Day...

I cannot wait for Tuesday.

Watch Out!

Source

Kate?

OK, OK, I've had the satisfaction of a couple of quick knits and I have to get back to the baby sweater now. By the way, the baby I'm knitting for is named Rowan - guess what kind of yarn I'm using?
This is Kate from Knitty but Elah has named her Cheyenne Vera Guadalupe.




Pattern: Kate by Jess Hutchison for Knitty
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted
Source: Stash
Needles: Clover Takumi, US8 DPN
Size: I didn't measure her
Time to finish: 2 days

My sewing skills aren't great but that's no big surprise. I placed the ears too far forward and the legs are slightly askew but Elah loves it and that's what counts.
I had fun making Kate and would like to do more of the core (peanut) shape to give as baby gifts and maybe at least one where I use the triangles (ears) as pieces of a beak.

FOs and WIPs

Pasha from Knitty, made for my sister, Sunshine. Her birthday's coming up, she loves penguins and I needed a quick knit project to distract me from everything on the needles.




Pattern: Pasha by Alexandra Virgiel for Knitty
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted
Source: Stash
Needles: Clover Takumi, US6
Size: Pasha stands at 8"
Time to finish: 3 days

And finally here are some pics of the finished Pinwheel baby blanket. I didn't actually finish it in time for the shower - I ended up presenting it as a gift unblocked and without having sewn in the ends. I took it home after the shower and finished it up.



Pattern:Pinwheel Baby Blanket
Yarn: Valley Yarns Longmeadow in Melon, approx. 500 yards.
Source: WEBS
Needles: Denise, US6 circular with as many extra lengths as I could add.
Size: Finished diameter is 38"
Time to finish: 7 days

I'm still also working on Clapotis and my second Baby's First Tattoo sweater (I should have a pic of the first sweater soon).

Covet

You know how I have those three sweaters in progress and not a one complete sweater to my name yet? I don't care I must have this pattern. Maybe it could be a reward for finishing my spring classes? OK, OK, I'll wait a little while but mark my words, it will be mine.

We cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.
-Edward R. Murrow, journalist (1908-1965)

Who Am I?

Time for Secret Pal 8!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Cashmere! Ha ha, I never buy cashmere and don’t expect my SP to lavish it upon me. I prefer natural fibers but never say no to anything. Content is important but so is feel. I’m over eyelash.


2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a needle case and the top drawer of a yarn trunk and a vase.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I’ve been knitting about two years; I’d rate myself as intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, it’s here.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I’m not s huge Yanke Candle fan but I do love the sage and citrus scent. I also like nag champa, white musk from the Body Shop, I like lavender, I like Skin Trip coconut lotion because it reminds me of my mom when I was a kid.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes, I like milk chocolate, almost anything with nuts, good coffee (straight joe, not flavored).

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Well, after work, parenting, and homework the only DIY thing I can manage is dragging my ass to bed. I don’t spin and I am a beginning crochetier.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like everything, well everything that doesn't suck. But seriously Fear Factor to Common, Amiel to Emmy Lou Harris, Nikka Costa to Super Cat, Miles Davis to Stereolab, Chromeo to Coal Chamber - I like it all. Yes my computer can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Orange is my favorite color but I don't think my own coloring lends to my being able to really wear it. What's the new black this season? Maybe that will be my new favorite! *snark* There aren't really colors I don't like except maybe dusty rose and anything da-glo.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I'm single with a daughter who is five and a 19-year old cousin who also lives with us. We have 2 cats only one of which goes outside. I have a lot of family and good friends in the area.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I actually wear all of them, the ponchos I wear (I only have 2) are more like plain wraps sewn up on one side.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I don’t really have anything that I love above all else or anything that I abhor.


13. What are you knitting right now?
I have 2 sweaters for myself being neglected on the needles, a sweater with Bruce Lee for my friend’s son, my second Baby’s First Tattoo sweater and a summer weight Clapotis on the needles.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
That’s a little personal don’t you think? I mean we just met.
It really depends on the project, they all have their pros and cons.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yay! I do now.

17. How did you learn to knit?
My gramdmother’s friend taught me when I was a kid and I promptly put down my needles to go play in the dirt, I picked it up again when I was pregnant and knit 1 and 1/2 squares of a 9 square blanket and abandon it again. About a year and a half ago I picked up a book and got together with some knitters and have been obsessive ever since.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
About a year old.

19. What is your favorite holiday?
Winter Solstice because we all get together to hang out, open gifts, and eat my mom's yummy grits for breakfast.

20. Is there anything that you collect?
I try not to do a ton of collecting because I have enough stuff but anything that catches my eye has the potential, I like dark woods, boxes, random trinkets from India, and I could go on and on, it's more about the item than the completion of or addition to a collection. The closest I come are items related to goddesses and female saints.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I’ve rated my books by preference on my Amazon wish list. I have no magazine subscriptions.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Not that I can think of.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, I wear a woman’s size US 9.5 shoe.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
11/30