Stash Enhancement

Yes, I did it again. I have enhanced my stash. We all do it at one time or another...some more often than others. C'mon, admit it...you do it too!

First up we have my order from Robyn's Nest. There is a pattern for the Jolene sock by Erin Vaughan and it looks wonderful - another pattern I can't wait to make! The yarn up at the top is the November sock club yarn and it is gorgeous Yarn Oddity by ms. pixie riot. It is bright pink with blues and purples in it and is nice and soft. It think it will knit up into a lovely pair of Jolene socks. There are also matching stitch markers, though you can't see them in the picture so well. This was the November Sock Club kit and I'm so happy I ordered it.

I also ordered 2 skeins of Claudia Hand Painted Yarns in the Pink Cloud colourway. I'm not sure what pattern I will make with this yarn at the moment, but I'm looking for just the right one. Pink cloud contains shades of pinks and greys and I think it will look lovely as a pair of socks. I got a set of 4.0mm DPNs as well as a set of single point 5.0 mm (US 8) bamboo needles which are so cute. You can't see in the picture (if you are interested you can check them out at Robyn's Nest's web site (link above), but on the top of them they have a picture of a cat's face with I heart knitting in front of it....soooooo cute!

If you haven't checked out Robyn's Nest you should. She's got some great stuff and she has excellent service! I highly recommend her online store!

Ok, so next up in the stash enhancing took place this weekend. We had a little trip to Seoul to do some Christmas shopping, and of course one of the places we went to was Insa-Dong. So, since we were there, I HAD to go to the little yarn shop I went to the last time I went to Insa-Dong. This time around, I got the Winter 2007 issue of Interweave Knits and 2 balls of Rowan Tapestry. I'm not sure of the colourway - can't seem to find any name on the ball band but it is shades of blues/purples...more bluey than purple though. I did a little test run with this yarn and like it, though it doesn't seem to be as plied tightly. It's so nice and soft and seems like it will be nice to work with. I was going to attempt to design a scarf but I messed up and had to frog it...so no pics. I'm not sure yet if I'll make a scarf with it or a pair of mittens. I've been browsing the pictures over on Ravelry of all the projects made with this type of yarn, and most seem to be scarves. This is really soft and I think it would be a nice warm pair of mittens - which I'm finding out I need here in Korea because it's gotten a lot colder lately (today was nice though and didn't need mittens). My fingerless gloves that I had made just don't seem to work outside in the cold, so I think I'll make a pair of mittens very, very soon so my hands can keep nice and warm whenever I'm outside. I need to find a pattern for a basic pair of mittens on 4 needles because I don't have any of my patterns here with me.

I haven't been working on my Yukon Leaves socks lately (though I did knit about 4 rows on it today so far...hoping to do more a little later). I don't know what it is, but ever since I came to Korea I haven't been able to knit as much as I used to. I think it might be because I don't have my rocking chair to sit in while I knit - which was my way of relaxing and knitting back home in Canada. I'd really like to get these socks done before 2007 is over so I can add this to my list of FOs on my sidebar. The pattern goes fairly quickly, so all I need to do is sit down and knit.

Well, just a little note to keep the blog updated. I really should head off and work on my knitting while I have a little motivation! Hope you are all getting more knitting done than I am!

Jumping On The Bandwagon

I am jumping on the bandwagon! I got my Ravelry invite this morning and I've been checking it out somewhat. I've only got a little bit added (keep in mind that my stash, books, etc. are back home in Canada) since I'm limited on what I have with me for yarn and knitterly things here in Korea. Anyway, I go by Tabby2004 over there, so please feel free to add me as a friend!

On the knitting front, not much to report. I've started into the second Yukon Leaves sock as I may have mentioned before. I just need to sit down and work on it because it won't take long to knit up (it's a fairly easy pattern). I've not started the Dancing Tulips pattern yet because I had to contact Monica about the needle size. It calls for size 0 DPNs, but I don't have those (the smallest I have here is 2.75) and was wondering if the pattern can be adjusted for that. Unfortunately it doesn't look like that is possible, so that pattern will have to go on the back burner for awhile. However, The Victorian Swag socks should be able to be done on the 2.75 needles, so I can start in on those instead. I'll let you know how that goes when I start them.

I just found out on Friday that one of the teachers at school is pregnant and is due next April (or there abouts). I am thinking that I might try to make something for her - a baby sweater perhaps. I've got a bit of time to figure this out though, so I'm not going to rush into it right away.

I actually haven't done too much knitting lately. I'm going through a bit of a rough patch here this past week and haven't been in the mood for much of anything. I'm frustrated and annoyed with a couple of things that are going on, I'm trying to figure out what I'll do when I get back home next September (if it involves going for my B.A. or my M. Div., it will require more schooling and I will have to start applying soon, so I need to start thinking about this), and on top of that I feel like a little depression might be setting in. Doesn't make for a very good combination.

Anyway, just wanted to post a little update (sorry there are no pictures this time) to let you know how things are going, and that I'm not on Ravelry. I have a lot to do today, including coming up with 2 lesson plans for this week so I'd better head off and get things done before I end up wasting my day away and regretting it later tonight. And, I am going to do some knitting today just to relax because I need some relaxation to get my mind off things. Yukon Leaves (or casting on for the Victorian Swags), here I come!

One Down...

Well, I have finally finished the first of my Yukon Leaves socks! I'll have to cast on for the second one and get cracking at it soon...don't want to get second-sock-syndrome!

I am enjoying this pattern. It is an easy knit and doesn't take too long to complete a 12-row section. The only thing I changed from the pattern (other than doing it on 4 needles instead of 5 like it says in the pattern), was to do the normal toe decrease I do on most (or all) of my socks. This one had a totally different way of decreasing and I didn't know if I would like that, so rather than not be satisfied with the outcome, I chose to do the toe decrease I like.


I was afraid I might run out of yarn so I didn't make the leg as long as normal, but with the amount of yarn I had left over I think I would have been safe in doing one more reapeat in the leg and had enough to get through it. Sorry you can't see the pattern so well, but I feel the darker colour is hiding it some. It can be seen pretty good in real life though - just not so well in the pictures.

I am really satisfied with this colourway. I wasn't sure at first if I would like it because it is not something I normally gravitate towards, but while knitting it up I grew to really like it. This is the KPPPM yarn I got in Insa-Dong last month.


On Monday, I got the latest order from The Loopy Ewe. I ordered another one of Monica's patterns - the Victorian Swag Socks, and I think it is going to be really pretty with the yarn I chose. I ordered 2 skeins (or are these called hanks?) of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the Flamingo Stripe (507) colourway. I've never used Lorna's Laces, but I've read a lot of good things about it. This yarn feels so soft and skishy (my word for squishy) and I can't wait to work with it. On a little sidenote, sorry for the way the picture is positioned. I tried the "no layout" selection to see how that would work...dont' think I like it because of all the space it leaves around the sides of the picture...


Here's a closeup of the yarn. As per usual, the colours are off a little in the picture. The lark pink is brighter, and the light pink is pinkier than in the picture (which makes it look closer to white). I don't know if this is a self-striping yarn or not, but I'll find out when I knit it up, unless someone mentions it in the comment section.

Also included in my order was a pattern and some yarn for the Loopy's Red Sock Kit, which makes a little sock you can use as an ornament or decoration or little "bag" to present some money or something small to someone. That was a sweet gesture to include it in the order. I'm going to have to knit that up soon as well!

In other news, I finally got my Fleece Artist yarn spaghetti all untangled. I'm using that for the last pattern of Monica's that I bought (Dancing Tulips) and I think it will look pretty in the colours of the yarn - it will look nice and spring-like I think. When I get that one started I'll take a picture to update the progress.

Well, I have today off as the kids who are going to high school next year are writing some sort of entrance exams today so classes at my school are cancelled (yay!). I got some knitting done already, but now I need to do some chores (darn chores). Me and two of my friends in the building (Sarah and Tamara) are going to venture to a Korean hair dresser today and attempt to get our hair cut and possibly coloured (Sarah might go for highlights). I hope it all turns out well for us. Anyway, must get the chores done before I meet the girls in a couple of hours for our excursion into the world of Korean hairdressing!

Happy Knitting!

Completion

Finally I have finished the wrist warmers I have been working on. I woke up earlier than I wanted to this morning so I decidedI would finish this project. It's been getting chillier in the school and my hands have been cold. After making the second one (which is really the first of this pair), I discovered that I had made it using my adjustments from the first one I had made. This made the second (which is really the first of the pair) one a little bigger than the first - that is, it went up further on my had and the cuff was lower down my arm as well. So, this resulted in the need to make the second (which is really the third) of the wrist warmers so that they would match. And I did. I had hoped to have them done earlier in the week, but I had been tired after work and busy on some occasions so I didn't get them done as quickly as I had hoped. Since I want them for work, and tomorrow is the start of a new work week, I decided to just sit and knit this morning for a few hours.

These went really quickly once I actually sat down and worked on them. They are rather plain - just some ribbing and stocking stitch, but I'm sure they will serve their purpose. I plan on making some more of these (maybe as gifts or for the mitten tree for next year - when I get back from Korea...which reminds me that I need to have my parents or someone take the stuff I did this year down to the church in a couple of weeks for me so it can go on the tree...but that's a whole other story). If my co-teachers express an interest in them, I just might make them some as well. I'd like to try to create my own pattern for them - like a cute cable design or something like that. I don't know how successful I'd be though, but I might at least try. If I don't like the looks of them, then I'll just stick to the gorgeous patterns others have created.

So, now that I have the wrist warmers completed, I can get back to work on my Yukon Leaves socks. I have done any work on them since starting the wrist warmers. I did, however, find the crochet hook I brought with me. It's a little bigger than I thought it was, but I don't think it's too big that I can't use it. So, all I need to do is is bring those stitches up ten or eleven rows and I can continue with the knitting. I have probably half way finished the foot on the first sock, maybe just a little under half way. I think I should have enough yarn for it, but I won't know for sure. I do hope I have enough. I made the leg about an inch or so shorter than I usually do because I didn't want to run out of yarn. I should have done a toe-up sock like people suggest to do when you are afraid you might not have enough yarn; then you can knit until you run out. Anyway, I'm hoping it will all work out. Not sure when I'll get up to Insa-dong to get another skein of the yarn if I do run out.

I'm also still working on untangling the Fleece Artist yarn spaghetti. I've got a lot of it done, but haven't been working on that lately either. I'm anxious to start Monica's Dancing Tulips pattern with that yarn.

I also ordered some Lorna's Laces yarn and another of Monica's patterns not long ago. I'm expecting that to come in this week - hopefully tomorrow. When I get it I will take a picture and post so you can see what I got.

Better head off now and do some laundry so I have something to wear this week. It takes so long for things to dry here (there are no dryers) so I need to make sure it's washed enough in advance so I will have clean clothes to wear by the time I need them. Also have to do this week's lesson plan as well...but I think I will do a little more knitting first (while the laundry is running - which takes about an hour for one load...). Happy knitting!

I Finished Something - Well, Sort Of...

Yes, you read that right. I finished some knitting. Sort of. It's been a little cold at work (I wonder if they have heaters there...) and I decided that it might be a good idea to keep a pair of fingerless gloves there so I can put them on to keep my hands warm and still have the ability to type on the computer or write on the chalk board.

It's just a basic pattern with a 1x1 ribbed cuff. I also knit about eight rows before putting stitches on a holder for the thumb. Then I just did a simple stocking stitch and ended with about four or five rows of 1x1 ribbing.

It was a quick knit which I enjoyed. I only made one so far, but will work on the other one tonight and hopefully get it finished for tomorrow. I still need to do my lesson plan for this week though, so I might not get to the second wrist warmer tonight.

The yarn I used was the tealish coloured Wool Lux 5 ply yarn that I picked up a few weeks ago here in Yesan, South Korea. Unfortunately I needed size 4mm needles, which I only have in circulars and these wrist warmers were much too small to use with them. So, the closest size in DPNs I had was 4.5mm which I found a little too big for this size of yarn. When I finish the second wrist warmer, I will still have plenty of yarn left to make others so I will try to use smaller needles next time...maybe 3.5mm would look fine, as long as I adjusted for gauge. I also had a little difficuly around the thumb (not sure if you can see in the above photo) when I picked up to knit the thumb stitches. Part of the reason was the needles being a little too big, but anyway, I ended up with a little bit of a hole showing.

I think in the next pair I make, I'll also knit it a little further up my fingers to at least the knuckles. These ones are ok, but I think I would enjoy them a little better if they were just a shaving longer. I might also make the cuff three inches or even three and a half instead of the two and a half I did on this one. I should make notes of what to change and maybe just use this one as a sample and then make a pair based on the changes that I want to make on the pattern. I was going to attempt some kind of cable pattern on this, but I decided that I wanted to have a pair made for tomorrow at work so I ripped out what I had (which wasn't much and didn't look all that great anyway), and just did regular stocking stitch.

In other news, last week I bought a little oven for my apartment. Most Koreans don't use ovens, and many of them wouldn't know how to even if they did have one (well, I'm sure if they went over the instruction manual they would). Anyway, when I leave Korea I will probably sell it to another foreign English teacher or if one of my coworkers (who are all Korean) want it I'd sell to them. It's about the size of a large microwave in my opinion. If you look carefully, you can see the reflection of my kitchen counter/sink in the front of the oven.

This afternoon I decided that I wanted to make some cinnamon bread. I had gotten the ingredients yesterday and thought I'd make something today. I really wanted to make brownies, but haven't found any cocoa powder here yet. I'd probably have to go to one of the bigger cities to find that though. Anyway, I did what I could with what I had and put the batter in to cook. The recipe called for 45-50 minutes at 350F...my oven is only in celcius that I am aware of (everything is also in Korean). I set the timer (figured out how to do it) for 45 minutes and ended up having to take the cinnamon bread out at 40 minutes...and the top looks cooked a little too much. I haven't cut into it yet as it's still cooling, so I don't know if it's cooked all the way through. I presume it is because I poked a toothpick into it in several places and it came out fine.

It's higher on one side than the other and I'm not sure if it's because there was more batter there (though I tried to smooth it out as best as I could by shaking the pan on the counter), or if it was because that side was closest to the center of the oven...I only noticed when it was nearly done that the pan wasn't in the center but closer to the door. Anyway, even if it is cooked a little too much on the top, and even if it is higher on one side, if it tastes good then I'll eat it and use this recipe again and maybe share it with the other foreign teachers in my building or take some into work and share with my coworkers. Really, this recipe was the "trial and error" where you make something for the first time (or test a new appliance) so you can know how it works.

Well, I'd better get working on my lesson plan for this week so I can get back to the wrist warmers. Happy Knitting!

We Have Knitting - Honest

Ok, in my last post I promised to have a picture of my Yukon Leaves sock. Well, here it is. It is coming along nicely (that is when I get to work on it), only I noticed that about an inch back there were two stitches that somehow escaped and were just sitting there. I'm going to have to see if I have a small crocket hook with me (I think I brought one, but it might be bigger) and somehow try to work them up to where I am right now. The stitches are right at the seam between the bottom and top so it shouldn't look too badly. If my crochet hook isn't small enough, I don't know what I'll do...I guess try to see if I can find any small hooks at the yarn store. Other than that, does anyone have any suggestions? I don't want to rip back because I would mess up the pattern on the top of the foot and not know where I was at in it.

Anyway, I thought that while I figured out what to do with the above sock situation, I would start in on Monica's Dancing Tulips pattern that I bought from the Loopy Ewe. Well, I decided to go with the Fleece Artist Sorbeto yarn since Monica and her sister both said the pattern would get lost in the darker yarn - and we all know that when you have a pretty pattern you want to be able to see it! Well, I started winding the yarn up into a ball (I don't have a ball winder or swift - not here in Korea, and not home in Canada either) and ran into a problem. Yarn spaghetti. I had this problem with the last skein of Fleece Artist I bought as well. It will just take a little time and persistance to sort out, but I can do it! I did notice a couple of things in this skein of FA...there was a break in the yarn that was tied up (and will end up being on the foot somewhere because of winding location), and in a couple of places the yarn wasn't plied all that evenly. But, for the most part, the yarn is fine. I'm actually liking this yarn more and more. I was unsure if I'd like the yellows that was in it (thinking they might be too bright), but they actually look nice and go with the other colours. The photo isn't accurate colourwise...it was taken by the window/door so it looks lighter than it actually is. So, once I get the yarn all untangled I will being the Dancing Tulips pattern. I can't wait - it's such a pretty pattern! Check out the Loopy Ewe and see if she has any more of the pattern for sale. The last time I looked she didn't, but Monica had said more of her patterns were on the way so she could have them by now.

And, to close off with today (which by the way is the last holiday I will have until Christmas - it's Teacher's Day in Yesan so we don't have to go to school) here is the Yukon Leaves sock taking a gander at the view out the only window in my apartment (which is on the other side of the door that leads to the laundry area). Not that great is it...a parking lot and bit of the road. The building in back of the sock that you can't see too well has other apartments on the 2nd to 4th floor. The first floor is a restaurant and a bar so it can get a little noisy at times, though it isn't too bad.

Yarny Goodness!

Ok, so I had to visit the yarn store here in Yesan last Saturday with my friend Lorie because she wanted me to teach her to knit. Well, she's knit in the past so basically I was just giving her a refresher course. While we were at the yarn store, I of course bought more yarn. What you see to the right (if that's where the picture stays once I publish the post) are three balls or skeins or whatever of Wool Lux 5 Ply, which is made in Italy. The colours, naturally, are not accurate. The top one is a sort of darker teal shade - I think (it's colour number is 907), and the bottom two are a royal purple shade (colour number 945).


I plan on making a scarf (tentatively) out of the purple, and I believe the tealish shade will be a pair of fingerless gloves or some such item. It's starting to get a little coldish here - not terribly yet, but my co-teacher told me that the school gets cold in the winter because it's an old building. Great. Something to look forward to (insert eye roll here). I figure if it's going to be cold in the school (and I've already had a couple of days where my hands were cold...), it might be nice to have some fingerless gloves to wear so I can still type at the computer or write on the board, etc.


Ok, so last week I placed an order with the Loopy Ewe. Well, I got it today! All the way from the States to South Korea in 1 week!! She sent it first class international, so that's probably why. I wasn't expecting it this soon, so I was surprised to see it. I love surprises like that!
Here's my order...again, the colours aren't accurate. The skein on the top is from The Knittery (which is in Australia, but obviously I ordered it from the Loopy Ewe) in the colour Sea Breeze. It is Merino 4 ply fingering, 100% merino wool. The shades are blues and purples, with a bit of green. The other skein is Fleece Artist in the Sorbetto colourway and isn't far from being accurate in colour. They are a little darker in reality.


The pattern you see is called Dancing Tulips and looks so pretty! It's one of Monica's patterns, and I can't wait to knit it!! I'm not sure which skein will be used for the pattern right now, but I think I might use the Sorbetto for it so that the pattern doesn't get lost. The Sea Breeze colours are darker and might not show the pattern off as well, though I don't really know for sure.

One of my co-teachers drove me home today (one of them usually does), and I was showing her my sock yarn. She thought it was very pretty and we got on the topic of knitting. I asked if she knits and she said no. I told her if she'd like to learn that I could teach her. She said she'd like to make a scarf for her boyfriend for Christmas so by the sounds of our converstation, one day next week when she drives me home from school, we are going to stop at the yarn store and she's going to get some yarn and I'll teach her.

Well, I best be off now and work on my Yukon Leaves sock. I'm just finishing up the heel flap on the first sock, and getting ready to turn the heel. It's looking really nice in the Koigu, and I'm glad I chose that colourway. I'll show you a picture of that sock next time. Silly me forgot to take a picture of it when I did the ones for the yarn...

Sock It To Me, Baby!

Well, it finally happened. I got off my butt...well, sort of...and starting some sock knitting. This is the first I've done (sock knitting that is) since I arrived in Korea.

First off, let me apologize for the sideways picture. This computer I am using is all in Korean (except my MSN messenger and any English web sites I go to) and I have no clue what to click on. Also, the program they have on here for saving their pictures doesn't seem to bring them up for viewing so I have no idea how to even do that so I can rotate it.

Anyway, this is the beginnings of my new sock (colour is actually darker than the picture). Yay! It's an inch and a half of 2x2 ribbing. I'm using my new Koigu yarn I bought in Insa-Dong and my new needles (2.7 mm...weird, I know). I'm using the Yukon Leaves pattern by Lela Conrad. I've never used Koigu yarn before, or 2.7 mm needles for that matter. I hope I'll have enough yarn for each sock. The pattern says it's for an 8 inch cuff, but I think I'll make it a little shorter. From heel to top of cuff I usually make my socks about 7 inches. Also, I don't know if this pattern uses a lot of yarn in the design or not. Well, if I do run out of yarn, I'll have to go to Insa-Dong again (good excuse for a shopping excursion) to get another skein. She had lots there so I don't think I'd have a problem finding the same dye lot.

I was debating on doing this pattern or the famous Monkey socks that are everywhere in blogsphere. I printed out both patterns and decided to try the Yukon Leaves with the Koigu and use my Fleece Artist I brought with me on the Monkey socks. Such a difficult choice to make in deciding what pattern to make. I wish I had all my sock patterns from back home with me...not that that would make the choice any easier though. At any rate, it feels good getting back into sock knitting - and having more than one project on the go! I just hope it doesn't take me forever to get these socks done. I'm making them for myself this time, and not in a child's size to put on the mitten tree. But, I can't wait to see the pattern emerge in this Koigu. I am really liking the colours so far which suprises me somewhat since I'm not normally drawn to these colours or the darker colours. I thought I'd get something a little out of my normal colour range, and I'm glad I did.

Well, off to do a little web surfing and possibly some more knitting before bed tonight! Happy knitting to you, my friends!

I Found Yarn!

Thanks to Jen who left directions in the comments on my last post, I was able to find a yarn store in Korea! Actually, she left instructions to find two stores, but I only got to one.


I had the last couple of days off work because the kids had midterms and there was no reason for me to be there. They don't have midterms or tests for my classes, so they school gave me the days off. My friend Tiffany and I decided to take a little trip up to Insa-Dong to one of the yarn shops. We had no difficulty finding our way there, and I even picked up a few little gifts for people back home for Christmas. We'll also be going back that way again at some point (not sure when yet), so I'll be going to the yarn shop again as well.



As I said, Tiffany and I went to Insa-Dong yesterday. We left around 10:15 or so and caught the 11:20 train. On the way, after about a half hour, we broke out the knitting. Tiffany wanted me to teach her how to knit, so we figured this was the perfect opportunity so we both brought yarn and needles. You see, Tiffany already knew a little because at some point in the past she attempted to teach herself. Here she is knitting away on her scarf (she is doing the same pattern I'm working on). Her yarn is a blend of wool and acrylic and is thick; she's also using 10 mm needles, so her project will go fast. At the point the picture was taken, I think she had probably done about 10 or so rows. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of how much she had accomplised by the time we were nearly back to the train station in Yesan. She got a lot done, and she's doing fantastic. I should also say that the train ride to Seoul takes about two hours there and two to get back, so we had nearly four hours of knitting.


Here's a picture of my growing scarf. I have now finished one ball of yarn and just started the second ball. In the picture I put a pack of the DPNs I bought for scale. I guess it's not that good for indicating since I had to take the picture a little far away in order to capture the whole thing. I don't even have a ruler to measure it either, so I can't tell you how long it is. I've decided that two balls should probably be enough for the entire scarf, but once I finish the second one (or get relatively close to finished the second ball), I'll decide then if it needs a little more or not. If not, the third ball is destined to become a hat of some sort.


So, I found some sock yarn at the yarn shop we visited. It was a little on the expensive side (probably because it was imported) and normally I wouldn't have probably bought it from there. I also bought some DPNs which were a little more than I would have liked, but I was feeling the call to knit socks and well, bought them. Anyway, the yarn is Koigu KPPPM but I'm not sure of what the colour is because I don't see it written anywhere. The number written down on the tag is P117328 but I haven't any idea if that is the colour number or not. The picture is pretty accurate, though in real life the yarn is a little darker than in the picture.

Here's a close up of the yarn. I took the picture beside the open window thinking I might get the colours a little more accurate. It looks a lot brighter in the picture than in reality though. There were a lot of beautiful colourways at this shop and I had a hard time trying to decide what to go with. My first reaction was to grab some purple shades, but then I thought I would try to expand my horizons and go with a colourway I probably wouldn't normally choose. I do like it though (otherwise I wouldn't have bought it), and can't wait to see how it looks all knitted up. I haven't decided on a pattern yet, but I've been thinking about trying the Monkey Socks pattern since I've heard lots of great things about it, and seen awesome sock pictures of the pattern. I just hope I have enough yarn and don't run out (each skein...or is it hank...has 50g/175yds/160m), and the needles I got are 2.7 mm - weird size - though I do have some of my DPNs from home; just need to check the size of those needles. Anyway, I'll look into the pattern and make my decision and let you know in a later post.

But, for now I'd better head off and work on my lesson plan for next week. I think I'm going to do the topic of Thanksgiving since this is the Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. Thanksgiving is on Monday though. So, I would like to wish all Canadians out there a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Where Is All The Knitting?

Yeah, so normally I'd have socks on the go along with other projects (hats, scarves, mittens, etc.) and have pictures to show. But really, Korea doesn't seem to have much in the way of crafty goodness - at least that I've seen. I know good yarn shops exists somewhere (like in Seoul), but where they are I have no idea. I am seriously going to have to go on a mission to Seoul and never mind finding Christmas gifts to send home. I am going to have to go to find yarn shops! And boy, do I hope they have good yarn, including sock yarn!

Ok, so I've worked a little on my scarf. It's grown, but not by leaps and bounds. Here's what I've got so far. I put my hand in the picture to give you a rough idea of the size of the scarf. I think it's taking so long because of the size of needles I'm using - 4.5 mm. It's creating a nice size stitch, but it doesn't help in making it go fast. Maybe I should work at it more that I do...lol.


I've also included a closeup of the stiches so you can see how they look. The pattern (link is on the previous post) is super easy and only has the knit stitch and a slip stitch. It looks like a knit/purl ribbing, but there are no purl stitches used. This is definitely a good scarf for a beginner to try.


I was amazed the other day to find some knitting needles in size 5.0 mm and 6.0 mm. I went with a couple of the girls to a stationary/craft store to get some supplies for class. Like I said previously, the craft selection here isn't very good. They have a lot of google eyes, pom poms, and some ribbon...some other things too, but really nothing that I am into or am interested in. Anyway, they did have some yarn but it was more the type you use in latch hook/rug hook kits...a craft sort of yarn rather than good for knitting something from. Anyway, I happened to look down, and low and behold saw some circular knitting needles! The 5.0 mm only cost 500 won (which works out to about 50 cents), and the 6.0 mm cost 1000 won (or $1). I don't know if they are good quality or not, but at least they should serve their purpose - at least I hope they do.


Depending on how long the scarf will be, I might use one of the balls of yarn to make a hat with. I think that two balls of yarn should be sufficient for a good length scarf so this is my plan so far...to make a scarf and a hat - unless two really isn't enough for the scarf. I'll worry about that when I get to it.

I also think that I'll pull out some of the sock yarn I brought with me (some Panda wool and a ball of Fleece Artist) and start a sock (I also brought some DPNs...just hope I brought the right size for socks) because I'm having SKW - Sock Knitter's Withdrawl. I'll definitely post pics when I start the socks. I'm still waiting for the cable for my camera so I can download the pics I have on there to the computer and erase them from the camera so I can take more pictures. I should be getting it any day now. The pictures I've taken in the last couple of posts have been with my cell phone, hence the poorer quality and somewhat blurriness.


Well, best be off and do some knitting and hopefully find a movie on that I can knit to. Happy knitting!

A Yarn Holder!

Happy Chuseok everyone! This is the Korean's version of Thanksgiving, and they have 3 days off from work (plus the weekend). I go back to work on Thursday, and then have the weekend off; normally I'd be working 3 classes on Saturday, but there are no classes this Saturday or next.

Well, five of us went to Chonan yesterday and took in a movie. It was in English with Korean subtitles, and was actually an Irish film called "Once". I didn't find there was much plot to the movie, though the music was really good. I'd like to see if there is a soundtrack for it.

While in Chonan, we looked around for a craft shop but were unsuccessful. I'm sure there must be some kind of crafts stores around here, but we don't know where to look or how to ask. I might be resigned to ordering yarn and stuff online and paying shipping (some places don't have terribly high shipping costs, so that's promising). Anyway, I thought you all might be interested in what I found (in Chonan) to keep my yarn supply in...just need to figure out how to get it here and where to store it...
This is located handy to the art gallery. We went to the gallery too, and quite honestly...I didn't get it. Maybe I'm not cultured enough, but I wasn't impressed by the few exhibits they had. Nothing made sense to me, and quite honestly (in my opinion) was a waste of 3,000 Won (which works out to about $3 Canadian/American).

I've done more work on my scarf and it has grown some. I have a feeling it will take a little while to do because of the smaller size needles. I will keep plugging away at it though as I think it will look nice when it's done. I've noticed a mistake in it, but from one side it isn't really noticeable. I'm not ripping back to fix it though...too far back for me. If I was doing it in larger size needles and on thicker yarn I probably would.

Well, just wanted to show you my yarn storage bag and let you know I'm still knitting. I'm slowly making my way around blogland again, and catching up on everyones latest knitting adventures!

New Project

Well, slowly I've been working on some knitting. I don't have much done, but I've at least started my first ever knitting project in South Korea! I am working on a scarf - the Corrugator Scarf by Paula. It's an easy knit, and only uses the knit stitch and a slip stitch.



Don't mind the photo as it's not the best. You see, I still don't have the cable to hook my camera up to the computer to download pictures so I used my new cell phone that has a built in camera. I'm sure it cost me a fortune to email from the phone to the computer, but honestly I haven't a clue. I wanted to just download them to the computer but the phone is very new (I've had it three days) and didn't really know what I was doing. I do know there are several features that are on it that are free, but don't know if that is one of them. Well, when I get my first bill I will know I'm sure.

Anyway, this is the yarn I mentioned in the previous post - the stuff I bought here in Yesan, South Korea. It's 100% extra fine merino and I can't find the yardage/ounces on the label anywhere. The colour is a little lighter than shown in the picture.

I see that the Canadian dollar is pretty much on par with the US dollar so I might order some yarn and have it sent here...like from Etsy since some that I've checked out actually had pretty good international shipping rates. Maybe the Loopy Ewe will be my choice...but have to check their rates (I don't think they were too bad though).

Ok, well I'd better sign off and do some more knitting. I'm waiting for the cable to be hooked up on my TV today and he hasn't come yet. I was told (by the man who's in charge of setting things up for my apartment and making sure I get settled here) that it would be 3:00 or 4:00 and it is now 4:20. I wonder if it will happen today though, because it's a holiday weekend here...actually it's 5 days including the weekend. Korea has their version of Thanksgiving, called Chuseok (I don't think that's spelled right) and it is a 3 day holiday plus the weekend, so I think that services like hooking up the cable would not be open today. We'll see, though. I'd like to be able to sit and knit in front of the TV (we have about 3 English channels from my understanding - 2 of them are news stations, CNN and BBC).

Happy Knitting!

Finally!

I finally have internet hooked up in my apartment! Now I should be able to make more frequent posts.

I finally found a yarn shop not far from where I'm living. That's the good news. The bad news is that there isn't really much of a selection to choose from. I got 3 balls of Torino (100% extra fine Merinos) yarn in pink. I think it's from Italy. It seems to be a good thickness to make a baby sweater or something. I could make a scarf or hat with it, but the size requirements on the ball band are for 3.5 - 4 mm needles. The great thing, is that the store has a policy that if you buy 3 balls you get the needles free. Unfortunately she only has circulars, which is good, but I was wanting some straight needles.

I think I might make a scarf with it. Just need to find the right pattern. The size 4.0 mm needles make for a small stitch, and 4.5 isn't much better. I suppose I'll just have to knit something and see how it looks.

Unfortunately, I still don't have the cable for my camera to download pics (it's on it's way), so I can't take pics of the yarn just yet. I will though when I'm able. I tried to come up with a pattern for a scarf on my own when I didn't have access to the internet to find a pattern - unfortunately it didn't look that great. It was lace and was looking too holey, so I decided to rip it out and try a drop stitch scarf, but the needles were too small (it didn't have the effect I was wanting). So, I ripped that out too. But now I have the net so I can find a pattern, borrow the printer (or go to the teacher who has it) and print some out.

There are also 2 foreign teachers (what they call us over here) in my building who want me to teach them to knit. How cool is that? One of them taught herself a little a few years back but she wants me to help her learn better. We're working on a day/evening when we can all get together and sit down to knit. I'm looking forward to that - knitters in my building!!

Well, better head off for now. Happy knitting!

NIL

The knitting is nil at the moment. I haven't really had a lot of time or energy since moving to where I'll be living for the next year (a place called Yesan). I'm still waiting for my chair to be delivered, so then hopefully I'll have a comfy place to sit and knit.

We're supposed to be going to Seoul on the weekend, and I've asked the girls if we can find a knitting/yarn store and they said no problem. From my understanding, the yarn is expensive because it's imported from the States (I think). However, I'll still be looking and buying. Someone told me the cheapest thing to do is order it online, even with shipping charges it might not be as much. Well, I'll still have a look, and will probably buy some (and some needles).

I've also joined Robyn's stitch marker exchange (signups are closed now), so I'll be looking for some things to make the stitch markers with. I didn't want to chance bringing my stuff on the plane and have them end up throwing it out because it was considered dangerous goods (don't know if it was or not, but just didn't want to chance it). I did bring some glass beads with me though.

Well, just wanted to make a brief update on here so you would all know I'm still around. I hope to get to some knitting soon...I hear it calling me, but just haven't had the chance to sit down and pick it up yet.

Happy knitting!

In Korea

Well, I've been in Korea for about five days now. Let me tell you it is HOT!!!!! I haven't done any knitting because it's been so hot, and also because I haven't had much time...thought I suppose I could have fit a little in here and there.

The sad thing is that I was only able to squeeze a couple of balls of sock yarn and a couple of alpaca (I think that's what it was) for a scarf, and some DPNs and a circular needle. I didn't have a lot of room (waaahhh!) for knitting stuff, and I couldn't even squeeze in my spinning stuff. I'm disappointed with this. I suppose that if I hadn't brought my lap top I could have fit some knitting stuff in a second carry-on (we were allowed to have 2 carry on pieces, and the lap top counted as one). Oh well, I can always go to Seoul and buy more yarn and needles, unless where ever I end up living has some knitting supplies handy.

We don't know where we are going yet, only what province we will be in. We will find out the city and schools on Thursday, and then on Friday someone from the school (the director I think) will come here to the university campus where we are having orientation, and pick us up and deliver us to the schools. Also, from my understanding, it will take a little while to get internet hooked up, so if I'm not on for awhile, you'll know the reason!

I can tell you, this heat makes it hard to knit. We've been told that our apartments will have air conditioning, so that will help make knitting easier :o). I can't wait to get back to knitting as I'm missing it a great deal - I'm going into withdrawls I think!

Anyway, hope you are all getting a lot of knitting done! Once I get my computer hooked up (I've been using one on the dorm room floor we've been assigned to for orientation), I'll be able to post more! Take care and happy knitting!

I'm Almost There!

Hi Everyone! I'm almost in Korea! I will be leaving here in about 10 hours. The next time I write here I will probably be in Korea...unless I get a chance (and connection) on the plane. So, until then, I will refer you to my other blog (Confirm The Work Of Our Hands) for a bit of an update.

Some Spinning

I admit it. I have been a terrible blogger of late! Shame, shame on me. I hang my head low - low enough as I pick up some spinning to work on!

I mentioned previously that I had some of my first spinning washed and set. Some of that is still in need of a good soak and set, and I hope to get it done before heading to Korea. Here's a pic of that mess.

The ball in front (hand wound because I have neither a swift nor a ball winder, but I'm not complaining, hehehe) is what has been soaked and set. The two bunches in the back still need that process done to them. I have no idea how much yarn I ended up with, but I can tell you the stuff isn't that great. However, I must keep in mind that this is my first overall attempt at spinning on a drop spindle...well spinning on anything really. It is very unevenly spun with some parts being big, some being small, some spun a little too tight, and some not enough. Overall, I guess it's ok for a first attempt. The roving I used was polworth (I think that's what it's called), and it was nice to work with. I got it at London-Wul back in April when I took the class on drop spindle spinning. To the left you can see a bit more of a closeup on the varying sizes I managed to produce.

I have no idea what I'll make with this, but it will probably end up as a scarf. Like I said, I have no idea how much yarn I ended up with, and I'd hate to start something like a hat or pair of mittens and end up running out of yarn. Also, with the different thicknesses in the ball/skein/whatever you want to call it, I don't know if it would be wise to knit a hat or mittens with it. I might just end up making a simple garter stitch scarf...unless anyone else has any other ideas.

This is my latest spinning. It's only single ply as of yet. See how much more uniform it is, and how much thinner it is? I must say I am liking this one much more than the first attempt. I've since learned to use not as much of the roving and to pull (or whatever you call it) it apart more than I had in the first attempt. It is also polworth and I've just really started to spin it. I'm just wondering if it is possible to knit with a single ply, and if so what; or is it better to ply it with another single? Please spinners, let me know!I am also hoping to get sock yarn out of my spinning (at some point), but being such a newbie at this, I don't think I'm quite ready to make sock yarn just yet...I don't know if it takes a lot of practice before one is ready to spin sock yarn, or if newbies can attempt it. Any spinners out there have any idea?

Other than the spinning, I haven't really done any knitting. We had a few days of unbearable (at least for me) heat and I just didn't feel like doing much of anything except for sitting in front of the fan and trying not to melt. My neck was also bothering me (stiff and sore) for this past week and it still is a little...though I can actually move my head without my neck hurting. Right now it basically feels just a little stiff and no real pain - which is good.

I want to knit. I stand in front of my stash gazing at my yarn, looking at my patterns, thinking of what I should make (or at least finish i.e. socks and a baby sweater I started), but I can't muster up the energy or desire to actually sit down and knit more than a few stitches. I think part of the "problem" is the whole getting ready for Korea thing. That has sort of taken precedence over anything right now, which is understandable. But, at any rate, I will be knitting again, and hopefully soon - as in before I leave for Korea!

My Sockapalooza, Christine over at Needle In My Vein, has received her socks and they fit! Woo hoo! I hope she'll enjoy wearing them when the weather gets a little cooler/colder. Why not make a visit to her blog; tell her I sent ya (not that that will get you anywhere or win you anything). My pal (the one knitting for me) has left a comment saying that she's got mine on their way. She'd been on vacation and had forgot to mail them before she left, which is ok. To be honest, I was a little late sending Christine's socks as well. Anyway, I'm hoping to get my package before I leave for Korea. That would be way cool!

Off to try and knit or spin or start making my list of what to pack, or do absolutely nothing...just depends on what I feel like doing (or not doing as the case may be). Happy knitting!

Edited to add: I am not sure why the paragraphs are all joined together (or at least most of them). I separated them, but for some reason blogger is sticking most everything together. It makes it look like I don't know how to write in paragraph form - really, I do know. It's just blogger's fault.

Sockapalooza Pal's Socks, ISE 4 Scarf, Spinning

Ok, I promised a picture of the socks I knit up for my Sockapalooza pal, and here they are:

They are made with Paton's Kroy yarn (I forget the colourway off hand, and can't find the ballband). I used 2.75 mm DPNs, and the pattern is the Yarn Over Cable from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch.

The foot looks big (it's 10 inches from heel to toe), but I think it's because the cuff and leg are skinnier due to the ribbing nature of the pattern. At least that is what I surmise. I do hope they fit my pal (I'm sure they do...gotta think positive), and I hope she'll like them and the colourway and yarn I chose for her. I also gifted her with the two skeins of yarn I had ordered way at the beginning of Sockapalooza that I was originally going to make her socks from - only to realize that the pattern I chose AFTER ordering the yarn called for part of a third skein of the yarn...

I really enjoyed knitting this pattern. It is very easy to do, and I had the pattern (which was only 4 rows, and 2 of those were the same) memorized very, very quickly. If you haven't knit this pattern and you have Sensational Knitted Socks, I do recommend that you make this pattern!

Currently I am working (albeit slowly) at work on a child's pair of socks using the Little Shell Rib pattern from the same book. It's another easy peasy pattern that is easily memorized. I have no pics of it yet as I only have the leg done...well about another inch until I start the heel flap. Not sure if I'll get these socks finished before leaving for Korea, but I'll do my best so I can add it to the pile of items for the mitten tree at church...which reminds me, I'll have to have my mom or dad drop the stuff off at the church when the tree is up so the items can be put on/under it.

On another note, remember the scarf I knit for my ISE 4 pal? Well, I sent it out to her on June 7 (the day we were supposed to), and after the post office contacted her two or three times, I received my package back yesterday. She never went and claimed it at the post office. I've contacted the leader of ISE to let her know what happened and offered to use my package as an angel gift for this one, if someone has not received a scarf, or it could be used as an angel gift in the next round of ISE. I must say I was disappointed...something may have happened to her or she may have moved (I hope nothing bad has happened), as to why she never claimed it. Oh well. The next round will go better...and I'll also be sending it from South Korea!

I've also been working a little at spinning. I'll try to take pics of the first "skein/ball" of yarn I spun...it's really not a pretty sight...really. I've got a couple more sections to soak and dry before I can ball it up (I don't have a niddy noddy or whatever you call those things to make skeins with). I started into the other batch of roving I got back when I took the drop spindle course, and I must say that is a LOT better and finer spinning. I'll take a pic of that too so you can see the difference. I didn't want to spin the pinkish roving I won in the contest awhile back (scroll down to see the pic of the roving) because I didn't want it to look terrible. I figured I could use this batch or roving I purchased back in April as my next practice spinning before moving on to the beautiful pink one. I do plan on trying to squeeze that and my spindle into one of my suitcases. The spindle will be no problem to fit into my carryon (or any other suitcase for that matter), but the roving will take some squishing...should make a nice cushioning should I decide to pack anything "fragile" to take with me (though at this point I don't plan on taking anything fragile).

Well, off to do some knitting or writing for awhile. Happy knitting!

Been A Long Time

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to let you all know I'm still around. I've been somewhat busy trying to get some things in order for the big trip to South Korea; have had some stress dealing with all that, but things are working out. I'll be posting about that on my other blog, Confirm The Work of Our Hands shortly, so feel free to check it out for an update on the trip.

I finally got my Sockapalooza socks finished! The only problem is that I can't get the pictures off the camera and onto the computer...don't know what's wrong there but as soon as I can get the pictures downloaded I'll post them. I think the socks turned out nicely, and hope my pal will enjoy them!

It's been rather hot here the last little while, though the last couple of days hasn't been as hot, and I haven't felt like doing much of anything - not even knitting.

Just to let the winners of my contest know, I'll be getting your prizes out to you by this weekend.

I hope to have a better post the next time around. Just wanted to post and let everyone know that I'm still around and haven't abandoned blogging. So, until the next post (which hopefully won't be as long as it's taken me to get this one on here), happy knitting!

Winners!

Ok...here are the list of the winners from my stitch marker contest! The answer to the first question, what is the provincial flower for New Brunswick?, is the purple violet. The winner of the colourful set of stitch markers goes to:

Lisa

The answer to the second question, the name of the actor I have a crush on, is Matthew McConaughey (I can never spell that guy's last name). Yum! OK, back to the post...the winner of the shiny purply set of stitch markers goes to:

Michele

And, the bonus stitch markers (for someone listing that person as the source for finding my blog), goes to:

Heddy

Congrats to all the winners (ladies, please email me your addresses and I'll get them sent out to you). Thanks to everyone for playing!

I'll be back later with more to post!

Progress Report

Well, I thought it high time I make another post on here! So, I thought that I would show you how my Sockapalooza socks are coming along.

As you can see, I've changed yarn and patterns. This one is coming along much better than the previous one...I will actually have enough yarn! The last one didn't look like there was going to be enough yarn so I decided to cut my losses while I still had time to get my pal's socks finished. I have just another repeat (maybe two) left and then I start the toe decreases. This is still the first sock, but it is coming along quickly.

Here's a picture of the pattern...does anyone recognize it? It's a little blurry in the picture - I must learn how to take close-ups with this camera so that they don't turn out blurry. I had the macro setting on, but it doesn't allow for a good close-up, and if I zoom in any and try to take it it still doesn't work too well. Sigh...

Keep posting your entries to my contest. You've got until tomorrow, Friday July 13 to get the entries in and I will do the drawing for it sometime on Saturday (so, if you don't see a post telling who won and it is Saturday, you still might be able to get an entry in). Do not post your entries on this post - only entries on the actual post will be entered into the draw.

Also, Kimberly over at Woven ~n~ Spun is having a little contest game. She's hosting a Knitting Bingo! She has 25 words listed and you choose 15 of those words and email them to her (you have until 6:00pm central time on Sunday to get your words emailed). Then, starting Monday, she will post a couple of words each day until someone emails her to tell her they have Bingo! Once she confirms that all your words have been called, you win the prize. She hasn't said what the prize will be yet, but I'm sure it's something good! Also, I don't think you'd need a blog to participate (there is nothing saying you need one) - I'm sure if you have access to email and read her blog each day to find out the words, you could play. So, why not head over to Kimberly's and take part in the Bingo.

Well, off I go to surf a few blogs and work on my Socapalooza socks. I'm hoping to get this first sock done tonight! Happy knitting!

Craziness And A Little Contest

Hang in until the end of the post...something good awaits you!

Well, I am really afraid that I am going to run out of yarn for the Fluted Banister socks. I'm not done the first one yet...still have a few inches to go before I even start to decrease for the toe, and I'm looking at the ball of yarn and to me it doesn't look like there will be enough for the second sock.

I cast on for a different pair with different yarn (Paton's Kroy). I only started this last night after I felt like I was going crazy and might start hyperventilating or something (not really, but I was getting a little freaked out). I'm about to start the leg of this pattern, which is one from Sensational Knitted Socks.

I really don't know what to do. I waited for some time after ordering yarn for my pal's socks for said yarn to arrive...only to find out after choosing the pattern that I'd need 3 skeins of this particular yarn (Panda Wool). So, I choose some yarn (the Louet Gems) and a different pattern because said pal requested cuff down socks (which is how I typically make socks anyway) so starting a pair toe-up was out of the question. And now I'm worried about not having enough yarn for this. That's why the new pair. I've used this yarn for a pair of socks for myself before and have always had some left over (my foot length is 9", my pal's is 10") so I know there should be enough left over for an extra inch of the pattern. However, I don't know if the new pattern will use up a lot of the yarn and thus cause me not to have enough for the foot. As well, I don't know if I should just do the pattern on the leg and keep the foot plain stocking stitch, or continue the pattern on the top of the foot as well.

What also worries me is that I won't get these socks done in time to send out to my pal on August 2nd. I'm sure if I explained everything that has gone wrong and ask if she mind if they are a little late, that she wouldn't be too upset (so long as she gets them). However, it hasn't come to that yet. I've put the baby sweater I was working on at work to the back burner, and the socks are in top priority. I'll work on them during breaks at work as well as at home. I am determined to get them done on time...that is providing everything works out for me! Who would have thought that joining a fun swap would be so stressful - all I can say is I'd better not be getting any grey hair from this; I have enough of that already!

So, on to a little contest. I've made a couple sets of stitch markers and thought I'd give those as prizes. First up is a colourful set of 5 stitch markers. All you have to do is leave me a comment and tell me what the provincial flower of New Brunswick is.

Next up is a shiny set of 5 stitch markers. All you need to do is leave a comment telling me the name of the actor I have a crush on. I'll give you a little clue...he's really hot! 'Nuff said.

I will draw for each set of stitch markers from the list of names - or if someone tells me where I can access one of those random number generators online, I'll use that. You can enter one or both of the draws, the choice is yours; however, you can only enter once for each. If you don't know the answers to the questions, just take a guess and you'll be entered into the draw.

And, here's an even sweeter deal! Tell your friends, post about it on your blogs and let them know that they should also include the name of the person/blog who sent them here. If they tell me, and that person wins, you as the referrer will win a surprise set of stitch markers (yet to be made, hence the surprise part of it), one for each draw. So for example, if Jane leaves a comment and says that Billy Sue from Billy Sue Knits sent her, then Jane wins a set of stitch markers and Billy Sue would win the bonus stitch markers.

Now, you know what to do....oh, and contest closes Friday July 13, 2007!