Finally!
The pattern arrived for Sophie's birthday project. I'm not certain whether or not I can complete it in time for Sophie's birthday on the 29th, but I'm going to give it my all.
For those who need a refresher, Sophie's birthday project is a hooded sweater designed to match the tattoos on Aang, the main character on one of Sophie's favorite television shows, Avatar: The Last Air Bender. The sweater is in a beautiful silvery-gray color with blue arrows on the sleeves and hood, which match air bender tattoos. The chest of the sweater has three spirals, the symbol of the air nation.
The pattern arrived on Tuesday, just as I was leaving for work, of course. I did some designing and swatching and was ready to cast on by the next day. But wouldn't you know it, my old pal fate had to intervene by giving me a nasty chest cold. I've been sleeping a lot, which severly limits the amount of time that I can spend knitting.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Photos, as Promised
Just like I promised yesterday, here are some new photos of my latest knitting projects.
Here are the legwarmers for Petra. They turned out adorable, and I love the colors. They are actually much more vibrant than they appear to be in this photo:
And here are some updated photos of the scrap sock yarn blanket. The first two rows are really coming along nicely. It has a patchwork quilt look that I really love.
And here is a little closer view of the a few of the squares:
Someday, in the far, far future this will turn into a lovely blanket.
And, in case you're wondering, no, the pattern for Sophie's hoodie has not yet arrived.
Here are the legwarmers for Petra. They turned out adorable, and I love the colors. They are actually much more vibrant than they appear to be in this photo:
And here are some updated photos of the scrap sock yarn blanket. The first two rows are really coming along nicely. It has a patchwork quilt look that I really love.
And here is a little closer view of the a few of the squares:
Someday, in the far, far future this will turn into a lovely blanket.
And, in case you're wondering, no, the pattern for Sophie's hoodie has not yet arrived.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
We Interrupt My Regularly Scheduled Knitting
When I returned from Seattle I had all my summer knitting planned out. I was going to continue work and finish my Lily cardigan, I was going to complete the Shawl that Jazz wrap, I was going to finish some more socks, and I was going to make an Avatar inspired hoodie for Sophie's birthday in the end of August.
Now the end of July approaches, and I've completed a pair of socks this summer and the Shawl that Jazz wrap. The Lily cardigan is still in progress, but the other day I managed to step on one of my beautiful wooden Harmony size 6 needles and, because it was made of wood, it broke. Now the Lily cardigan is on hold until the replacement needles arrives, and as much as I love Knitpicks, their shipping isn't always super speedy. But that is not what is really bugging me.
Upon arriving home from Seattle in June, I selected a style and design for the hoodie for Sophie. I ordered the yarn (knitpicks, of course) and began searching for a pattern that I wanted. I found the pattern and ordered it. And I'm still waiting for the pattern to arrive. As time ticks away until Sophie's birthday, I know that I need to through myself into the project full force when it arrives, which makes me hesitant to start any other large projects. That is also bugging me, as I have several great projects on deck.
So I'm killing time working on little "filler" projects. I knit up a bat shell for Sophie's turtle. I knit Petra a pair of baby legwarmers (which turned out adorable), and now I'm focusing some energy in my scrap sock yarn blanket. It is coming along pretty well, although very slowly. The width is about halfway to where I want it, and then I can start building up the length. While I'm working on it, however, I fret about not getting Sophie's cardigan done in time for her birthday.
I'll update with pictures of the blanket and legwarmers once I get them off of my camera and onto flickr.
Now the end of July approaches, and I've completed a pair of socks this summer and the Shawl that Jazz wrap. The Lily cardigan is still in progress, but the other day I managed to step on one of my beautiful wooden Harmony size 6 needles and, because it was made of wood, it broke. Now the Lily cardigan is on hold until the replacement needles arrives, and as much as I love Knitpicks, their shipping isn't always super speedy. But that is not what is really bugging me.
Upon arriving home from Seattle in June, I selected a style and design for the hoodie for Sophie. I ordered the yarn (knitpicks, of course) and began searching for a pattern that I wanted. I found the pattern and ordered it. And I'm still waiting for the pattern to arrive. As time ticks away until Sophie's birthday, I know that I need to through myself into the project full force when it arrives, which makes me hesitant to start any other large projects. That is also bugging me, as I have several great projects on deck.
So I'm killing time working on little "filler" projects. I knit up a bat shell for Sophie's turtle. I knit Petra a pair of baby legwarmers (which turned out adorable), and now I'm focusing some energy in my scrap sock yarn blanket. It is coming along pretty well, although very slowly. The width is about halfway to where I want it, and then I can start building up the length. While I'm working on it, however, I fret about not getting Sophie's cardigan done in time for her birthday.
I'll update with pictures of the blanket and legwarmers once I get them off of my camera and onto flickr.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Shawl that Jazz and Photo Updates
My first wrap is completed, and I'm a big fan of it.
I used the pattern Shawl that Jazz, and a silk and pima cotton blend yarn. The photos don't do justice to the colors in the yarn, it is a combination of shades of greens, and browns with some splashes of red thrown it.
The wrap was going to be my backup, in case I didn't get the Lily Cardigan finished in time for my godson's baptism, but it looks really good with the dress. It might become the front runner even if the cardigan is finished (unless the cardigan turns out really, really good).
Here it is with my dress.
It looks pretty great, right? And, as I have arrived on the point of the cardigan where I find the sweater incredibly boring, I may never finish. It is a good thing to have the back up done.
It also occurs to me that I failed to post photos of my rpm socks, which turned out great. I think that is the yarn's doing not the knitting. The colors are just beautiful, but again the photo doesn't really capture it. The yarn is a combination of brown, pink, and purple.
And, finally, I have yet to post the photos of my case for my iPod touch, which is truly the greatest gadget ever.
And, yes, it is the same yarn as the socks.
I need to start on Sophie's birthday knitting, but I'm patiently waiting for the pattern for the hoodie to arrive. It is taking a lot longer than seems reasonable. I don't want to start another project until I can start on Sophie's sweater. The wait will force me to work more on the cardigan, or a shell for Sophie's turtle, or legwarmers for Petra...
I used the pattern Shawl that Jazz, and a silk and pima cotton blend yarn. The photos don't do justice to the colors in the yarn, it is a combination of shades of greens, and browns with some splashes of red thrown it.
The wrap was going to be my backup, in case I didn't get the Lily Cardigan finished in time for my godson's baptism, but it looks really good with the dress. It might become the front runner even if the cardigan is finished (unless the cardigan turns out really, really good).
Here it is with my dress.
It looks pretty great, right? And, as I have arrived on the point of the cardigan where I find the sweater incredibly boring, I may never finish. It is a good thing to have the back up done.
It also occurs to me that I failed to post photos of my rpm socks, which turned out great. I think that is the yarn's doing not the knitting. The colors are just beautiful, but again the photo doesn't really capture it. The yarn is a combination of brown, pink, and purple.
And, finally, I have yet to post the photos of my case for my iPod touch, which is truly the greatest gadget ever.
And, yes, it is the same yarn as the socks.
I need to start on Sophie's birthday knitting, but I'm patiently waiting for the pattern for the hoodie to arrive. It is taking a lot longer than seems reasonable. I don't want to start another project until I can start on Sophie's sweater. The wait will force me to work more on the cardigan, or a shell for Sophie's turtle, or legwarmers for Petra...
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Third Time's the Charm
I've been working on a new pair of socks since finishing the black lace socks. I was excited about the yarn, (Three Irish Girls Adorn Sock) and wanted to find a pattern that would work for it. So I casted on, and got to the heel turn, and gave up. The I selected another pattern, casted on, worked a couple of inches, and gave up. Then I selected yet another pattern, RPM from Knitty, and viola, new socks! I finished the pair in less than two days. It is amazing how quickly socks go when I am enjoying the pattern and the yarn (not to mention when I don't have silly things like classes and homework to take up my time).
I'm continuing on the Lily Cardigan, and have just finished the waist decreases. I'll keep plowing away on that, but Sophie wants some new shells for her turtle, Danielle wants some legwarmers for baby Petra, I promised some socks for Sophie, and I have Sophie's birthday knitting to do. I'd also like to cast on for Shawl that Jazz, a really cute wrap pattern that I already have the yarn for and am set to go.
I'm also trying to decide whether or not to make a shower gift for my friend, Kari's, baby shower. But, since the shower is the beginning of August, I'm leaning towards buying a shower gift and possibly making something for when the kidlet is born at the end of October.
I'm continuing on the Lily Cardigan, and have just finished the waist decreases. I'll keep plowing away on that, but Sophie wants some new shells for her turtle, Danielle wants some legwarmers for baby Petra, I promised some socks for Sophie, and I have Sophie's birthday knitting to do. I'd also like to cast on for Shawl that Jazz, a really cute wrap pattern that I already have the yarn for and am set to go.
I'm also trying to decide whether or not to make a shower gift for my friend, Kari's, baby shower. But, since the shower is the beginning of August, I'm leaning towards buying a shower gift and possibly making something for when the kidlet is born at the end of October.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Ah, Summertime
Many people are big fans of summer, however, I am not. I absolutely detest hot weather, and it is only June and the highs are already in the upper 80's. Add on top of that the insane humidity that comes with and I would take the cold of Wisconsin winters, with 30 below windchills over this any day.
To combat the rash of crankiness I experience during the summer, husband and I decided to go out tonight and get a little portable air conditioner. It has been running for a little over an hour and already it is feeling better in here.
The heat is also hampering my progress on my knitting. The last thing I want to do is to think about sweaters, socks, and wool when it is this warm. I'm hoping that the air conditioner helps to further my progress on my projects.
I've finished the sleeves of the Lily cardigan and am now working on the waist decreases. I'm beginning to worry that I will run out of yarn, but I still have five balls left. I thought that I ordered at least one extra ball when I ordered the yarn, but I'm still concerned. Also, I have an official timeline. The date for Silas's baptism has been set for September 19. I'd like to have the cardigan finished to wear over my dress on that day. (besides having the extra time, not having the baptism until September also makes it more likely that the weather will allow me to wear the sweater.
I'm still working on the mad color weave socks. I have a couple more pattern repeats before the heel flap of the first sock to go. Without school and traveling, my progress on socks, which I deem my 'travel projects,' has slowed. It will become my breakroom knitting for days I work a shift that gives me a real break.
I'd like to make progress on these projects however, I am positively itching to cast on "Shawl that Jazz" in a cotton and silk blend from Misti Alpaca. The yarn I have is a hand-dyed colorway aptly (for me) named Wisconsin. Actually the name is pretty fitting, the yarn is a combination of hues of brown and green, all which are present in the Wisconsin country side, with a little bit a red mixed in, which reminds me of cranberries. The yarn should produce a shawl that would also look great with the brown dress I have for Silas's baptism, so maybe that is reason enough to cast on.
To combat the rash of crankiness I experience during the summer, husband and I decided to go out tonight and get a little portable air conditioner. It has been running for a little over an hour and already it is feeling better in here.
The heat is also hampering my progress on my knitting. The last thing I want to do is to think about sweaters, socks, and wool when it is this warm. I'm hoping that the air conditioner helps to further my progress on my projects.
I've finished the sleeves of the Lily cardigan and am now working on the waist decreases. I'm beginning to worry that I will run out of yarn, but I still have five balls left. I thought that I ordered at least one extra ball when I ordered the yarn, but I'm still concerned. Also, I have an official timeline. The date for Silas's baptism has been set for September 19. I'd like to have the cardigan finished to wear over my dress on that day. (besides having the extra time, not having the baptism until September also makes it more likely that the weather will allow me to wear the sweater.
I'm still working on the mad color weave socks. I have a couple more pattern repeats before the heel flap of the first sock to go. Without school and traveling, my progress on socks, which I deem my 'travel projects,' has slowed. It will become my breakroom knitting for days I work a shift that gives me a real break.
I'd like to make progress on these projects however, I am positively itching to cast on "Shawl that Jazz" in a cotton and silk blend from Misti Alpaca. The yarn I have is a hand-dyed colorway aptly (for me) named Wisconsin. Actually the name is pretty fitting, the yarn is a combination of hues of brown and green, all which are present in the Wisconsin country side, with a little bit a red mixed in, which reminds me of cranberries. The yarn should produce a shawl that would also look great with the brown dress I have for Silas's baptism, so maybe that is reason enough to cast on.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Avatar Knitting.
After a brief trip to Seattle and a four day intensive summer class, I am just know beginning to feel like summer has actually started. And how am I celebrating the first day of true summer? Drinking coffee and watching Avatar, a cartoon. My oldest niece, Sophie is a big fan of Avatar, and I'm searching for inspiration for a knitting project for her birthday at the end of August.
Currently, I'm leaning toward a grey hooded cardigan with arrows down the sleeves and on the hood, and the symbol of the air nation on the chest. (The arrows will match Ang's markings on his head and arms.) Now, I've just got to figure out how to engineer the whole thing. I'm not even sure where to start, but calling my sister to get Sophie's size sounds like a good start. I also might try to make a flying six legged bison stuffie for Sophie as well, but I'm not sure about that.
I also searched ravelry and found a blanket design with the four element symbols. The main problem is that it is crocheted, but I think I can use the photos to create a knit chart for it. For that process, I'm thinking of modifying some double knit patterns similar to Petra's baby blanket. But I'm leaning toward the hoodie right now.
Progress on my Lily cardigan is slow going. I'm almost done with the sleeve decreases, which hopefully means that I'm almost done with the sleeves. My original goal was to have the project finished in time to wear to Silas's baptism. The date hasn't been set for the baptism has not been set, but I'm still not entirely confident that the cardigan will be done on time. (Especially if I get distracted by a project for Sophia.
Thankfully, I have managed to finally finish my clover lace socks. Knitting black socks is so boring! I'm not sure if I would have ever finished them if I hadn't had the plan ride to and from Seattle to work on them. I'm now casted on a pair of mad color weave socks (rav. link), using Three Irish Girls Adorn sock yarn in Maureen. Those are going much more quickly than the black socks.
Currently, I'm leaning toward a grey hooded cardigan with arrows down the sleeves and on the hood, and the symbol of the air nation on the chest. (The arrows will match Ang's markings on his head and arms.) Now, I've just got to figure out how to engineer the whole thing. I'm not even sure where to start, but calling my sister to get Sophie's size sounds like a good start. I also might try to make a flying six legged bison stuffie for Sophie as well, but I'm not sure about that.
I also searched ravelry and found a blanket design with the four element symbols. The main problem is that it is crocheted, but I think I can use the photos to create a knit chart for it. For that process, I'm thinking of modifying some double knit patterns similar to Petra's baby blanket. But I'm leaning toward the hoodie right now.
Progress on my Lily cardigan is slow going. I'm almost done with the sleeve decreases, which hopefully means that I'm almost done with the sleeves. My original goal was to have the project finished in time to wear to Silas's baptism. The date hasn't been set for the baptism has not been set, but I'm still not entirely confident that the cardigan will be done on time. (Especially if I get distracted by a project for Sophia.
Thankfully, I have managed to finally finish my clover lace socks. Knitting black socks is so boring! I'm not sure if I would have ever finished them if I hadn't had the plan ride to and from Seattle to work on them. I'm now casted on a pair of mad color weave socks (rav. link), using Three Irish Girls Adorn sock yarn in Maureen. Those are going much more quickly than the black socks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)