#$%^@# Sweater

The struggle to finish the Wicked sweater continues. I was midway through the second sleeve when I decided that I didn't like the sleeves and needed to make the sweater short sleeved. So, I've now ripped out both sleeves, and gotten one of the new short sleeves done. However, I am beginning to think that I may never be done with this sweater.

On the other side, I started my first pair of socks yesterday. I'm using the basic sock pattern from Lion Brand to make them, using a magic stripes yarn, but I decided that simple ribbing was too boring and decided to do a crossover knit instead. I've almost finished the cuff of the first sock, so we'll see how this goes.

I've also fallen in love with my ball winder (just some cheap-o one that I found on ebay). However, the center pull balls are still in danger. Minerva does not seem to mind that these don't roll nicely, and still grabs the balls and runs with them.

Knitting as a Diet Plan

Since being diagnosed with PCOD last summer, I've been trying to shed some extra pounds, which is supposed to help ease some of the discomfort from the cysts. Anyways, the main problem I've been running into, is I often eat when I'm bored and eat without really realizing what I'm doing.

However, my interest in knitting was rekindled this fall, largely thanks to finally gettting onto Ravelry. I've noticed that since this renewed interest in knitting, I've found that I've been dropping pounds a little easier.

It seems to work out because knitting can keep both my mind and hands busy. Unlike some of my other hobbies, knitting makes it impossible to eat while working. Also, if I'm bored and think that I'm getting hungry, I sit down and knit a couple of rows and see how I feel after that. My renewed enthusiasm for knitting has helped me to cut down on my snacking. Pretty nifty.

Wicked Update

I'm still working on the wicked sweater, and I like it and all, but I'm just so sick of working on it. I'd like to start another project, seeing as I just finished my scarf, but I'm afraid if I work on too many things it will never get done.

When I woke up this morning, I was faced with another roadblock to the sweater. One of my cats (I suspect either Minerva or Bode) took the yarn ball I was using and left a trail of yarn out of the living room and around the table and chairs in the dining room multiple times. So, before I could start working, I had to reclaim all my yarn, which then Minerva and Lily both tried to "help" me rewind the yarn.

Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks

I finished my "holding hands, feeding ducks" scarf last night and I am thrilled with it. And I finished it just in time, I've got class today, and it is about 20 below, with the windchill. It might be the boost I need to finally get around to finishing that stupid sweater. Don't get me wrong, I like the sweater, I just am really, really sick of knitting the sleeves.

I'd like to start another project, my niece has requested a "Nemo fish" and another sweater, and I'd like to send one of those in her Easter package. Though I do wonder how much of the request actually comes from Sophie, and how much comes from my sister, who also has her own wishlist, including a circle afghan (maybe for Christmas).

Knit Picks Harmony

I've been wanting to get the Harmony interchangable needles from knitpicks for quite awhile now. I started knitting using straights, which I almost never use anymore. From that I moved on to the boyd needlemaster set. Don't get me wrong, I thought that those needles were alright, but the cables drove me crazy and I never could seem to get the tips tightly onto the cables, they were always coming unscrewed.

So, a couple of weeks ago, I finally took the plunge and bought the Harmony set. I was a little worried about the purchase, I'd seen good and bad reviews about the needles. The needles did not disappoint me. To start out with, they are beautiful, even more so than the pictures. Knitting with the needles was wonderful, the cables are so flexible and it does not take much to get the tips tight onto the cable. The tips are smooth, and the join seems flawless (some reviewers complained of a bump, but I can't find a bump, even when I look) the yarn slides smoothly over the whole thing.

To sum it all up, I love these needles. I've already got two projects on them, a scarf (the pattern is called "Holding Hands, Feeding Ducks," such a great name!) and the Wicked sweater from Zephyr Style. I'm working both projects in worsted weight wool, (Malabrigo for the scarf and Paton's Classic Merino for the sweater) and both are knitting up beautifully on my new needles. I couldn't be happier!

First Post

So, I've decided, since it seems the rest of the world has one, it is time that I've started a blog. Perhaps it will give me somewhere to place all of those random thoughts that swirl around in my head (which I would guess looks something like a cross between a very messy library and a very messy shoe closet with a cobweb of two in the corner). Mainly my random thoughts center on knitting, reading, television, politics, or my ever so charming pets, (one of which is currently attempting to sit on my laptop as I type) but I'm sure there will be others thrown in there, too.