New Yarn!

Woo hoo! Look what was waiting for me when I got home from my class today!

It's my order from Wool Needle Work that I placed on my birthday. I was expecting my order from Knit Picks to arrive first, but the Noro arrived ahead of the game. Also included was four little samples of different yarns they offer and some simple scarf patterns (on one sheet) for differnt types of "yarn"...I only looked over that quickly and it seemed that it was for novely type yarns, but I'm sure the patterns would be fine for regular yarn.

The pictures aren't all that great, but it was dark out when I got home from Kids ROCK, our midweek kids program at church (that I help with). I had to rush to eat supper and head down, so I didn't get the chance to take any pictures before leaving.

The pic on the left was taken without a flash so it looks darker than the colours, and the picture below on the right was taken with the flash and looks a LOT brighter than the actual colours. I guess the first picture looks to be the closest to the true colours. BTW, the colourway is 165.

Now...to figure out what I will make with it. I had thought I had seen on various knitting blogs that people had used it to make socks with, but maybe I am thinking of something else, because this yarn seems thicker than sock yarn.

So...what do I make? I'd love to hear your suggestions as to patterns. I'm thinking, since I only got 2 skeins that if you guys don't recommend socks, then I will probably make a scarf with it, something to keep for myself. I don't wear hats because my hair is fine and gets extremely staticky (or however you spell it) in the winter, otherwise I would knit myself a hat with it. Let me know (in the comments) what you think I should make and what patterns would work well with the Noro. I've never used this yarn and I'm looking forward to trying it!

Alphabet Meme

Janice tagged me with this Alphabet Meme, so here goes:

The Alphabet Meme:

A - Available or Taken: Available
B - Best Friend: Kristina
C -Cake or Pie: Both
D - Drink of Choice: Diet Pepsi
E - Essential item you use everyday: Computer
F - Favorite Color: Purple
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Both, but I really love sour candy
H - Hometown: Georgetown, Ontario (we moved away when I was 10)
I - Indulgence: Yarn
J - January or February: January – because it's the month in which I was born
K - Kids & ages: Just a 4 legged furry one...Tinker Belle who is almost 9
L - Life is incomplete without: Jesus :o)
M - Marriage Date or Most Memorable Date ( and why): Not married, not sure of a memorable date
N - Number of Siblings: 2 brothers
O - Oranges or Apples: Both
P - Phobias or Fears: Going to the dentist; never getting married; dying alone
Q - Fave Quote: "Yeah....not so much." by me ;o)
R - Reason to Smile: my 3 1/2 year old nephew
S - Season: Summer if it's not too hot...
T - Tag 3 or 4 People: Karen, Monica, Rhonda
U - Unknown fact about me: If I tell you, it won't be unknown ;o)
V - Vegetable you don't like: cooked carrots
W - Worst Habit: procrastination
X - X-rays: One on my ankle, one on my wrist (both when I was in grade 2); one on my neck in 2002 after I rolled my car in a snow storm
Y - Your Fave Food: Chocolate
Z - Zodiac Sign: I was born on the cusp of Capricorn and Aquarius (but I don't believe in this stuff)

Yarn Spaghetti

Nothing better than a great big pile o' yarn spaghetti eh? What, do you ask, is yarn spaghetti?

This (above) is yarn spaghetti! Yeah. This is the second of my recent socks that I've been working on (which has been slow due to school work). Looks great doesn't it! And what happened? Well, I'll let the next picture speak for itself...

Yup. Tinker Belle. I can't really blame her though, and I didn't get mad at her. I had left the sock and yarn in the living room because she was sleeping in the bathroom, and I figured she wouldn't bother it. She hasn't really been bothering my yarn (or should I say wool) lately, so thought it would be safe.

That wasn't the case though. She managed to get into it and create a jumble of yarn spaghetti before I could get to her. The first picture is taken on the dining room table after I picked up the mess from the livingroom floor. While I was taking the picture, she jumped up on the table and thought my work needed some rearranging (second picture). I snapped both pics, picked her up and told her that it wasn't her fault because I left the yarn laying around to tempt her. Got it all together again, and thankfully the stitches weren't pulled off the needles at all, so that was a blessing.

I'm closer to being done the second sock since the picture was taken yesterday. I've got three more repeats of the 10 row pattern and then start the decreases for the toe, and of course graft the toe. It would be great if I could get them finished this weekend, as I'm working on another children's pair that I am debating on giving to my nephew. I've got most of one done for that. As well, found out my nephew (or his parents) lost one of the mittens I had made him for Christmas, so I thought I'd make him another pair and this time add a crocheted cord to attach so he can keep them "attached" in his coat. I'm almost done the first mitten (up to the decreasing), and shouldn't take long to finish it and the second one. I want to get them mailed off Monday or Tuesday, so I'll be working on those this weekend as well.

Off to do some reading for class, and possibly work on an essay as well...oh what fun! Happy Knitting!

Random January Post

Last October I won the prize picked by Kimberley for a scissor fob, over at Knittin' Mittens. She drew the name in November but because she was involved in a move of her household, plus followed by Christmas, she was unable to get it in the mail until this month. That's quite fine by me, as I understand her situation.

Sorry the picture isn't all that good, but isn't it cute! The beads are blue, and there is a mitten charm with a snowflake. She decided that that was an appropriate charm (I totally agree), because she is doing these up for the KAL (she's been kind enough to do one up each month it runs, from last September until it ends in March). Isn't she super sweet?! Go visit her blog and say hello.

Also, since today is my birthday (I'm 38) I decided to order myself a few things. I went to Wal-mart and a few other places looking for size 2.25 mm and 2.50 mm needles (I think those equal out to US 0 and US 1), but the smallest they had was 2.75, which I already own. So, the only way that I can obtain these sizes, was to order them online. I went to Knit Picks and ordered them as well as a book on different pattern stitches. I'll post pics when I get them, which should be some time next week.

I also wanted to try Noro Kueryon (sp) yarn that I've been hearing great things about, so I went to another place online (one that another blog knitter had recommended), and ordered 2 balls/skeins. That is supposed to take longer to ship as it is all the way out in British Columbia, and I'm on the east coast...besides I think I checked off surface mail and that takes longer (and is cheaper) to ship. I'll post a pic of it as well when I get it so you can see the colours.

I'll leave you for now with a recent picture of Tinker Bell relaxing on a box - which she seems to love doing for some odd reason.

Another F.O.

I got the children's mittens finished about an hour ago. I had hoped to have them done yesterday (no real reason why, just wanted to finish them I guess), but that didn't work out. No worries though! These will count as my January entry for Knittin' Mittens.
I used Lion Brand Wool in the Flower Garden (number 202 I think) colourway; size 4.5 mm dpns, and they are sized for 2-4 years. I tried to get creative with the picture, so I went outside and found a little pile of snow to rest them against. We don't have a lot of snow right now, but for later this afternoon, this evening, and overnight we are supposed to get a storm. I think it's supposed to stop sometime tomorrow afternoon. What perfect knitting weather - though for me, any weather is perfect knitting weather. Anyway, the colour is more accurate than from the photo of the Kirstin Bag, since this was taken outside in all natural light.

I still have some yarn left over - probably enough for another small pair of mittens. I'm not sure if I'll make another pair, or if I'll make a felt bowl from it. I think a hat would look nice, but don't know if I have enough for that...hold on, see the lightbulb overtop of my head? I just had a thought (scary isn't it?)! I have another skein of this yarn because I had bought 2 extra when I was working on the bag instead of just one...wasn't thinking I guess. Anyway, I suppose that now I could make a hat to go with the mittens...

I haven't worked on the sock yet, but that is next. No rush for this project either, as they are just for myself. There are so many gorgeous sock patterns out there, so many beautiful sock yarns...Everyday I see more and more patterns I want to try, and more and more yarn I wish I could afford to buy...but, I'm trying to knit from my stash for a little while before acqiring more yarn. I'm not in any "knit from your stash" group, but I just set this as a little goal/resolution for myself. Don't know how long it will last though...

Well, I'd better head off and do some homework so I'll feel like I did something other than knit. Then, after some homework and practicing my flute for tonight's lesson (unless it starts storming before that and they cancel it), I can reward myself with some more knitting!

Just A Little Proof

Just to show that I have been doing some knitting, and not just joining KALs and groups...

First up we have the infamous sock that I have been knitting. I finally finished the toe decreases and kitchenered it early this afternoon (or late morning). I think it turned out pretty well, and started in on the cuff of the second sock, of which I only have 9 rows so far. I am enjoying this simple pattern, and will post more specs and details when I finish the second sock.

Next up is a pair of children's mittens. This is the first one with just the thumb left to do. If the yarn looks vaguely familiar, it is the leftover that I had from doing the Kirstin Bag. These are looking cute so far, at least in my opinion.

Anyway, I'm hoping to get the socks done within the week, and should have no problems unless I have a ton of school work that needs to be taken care of first. I don't anticipate the mittens taking very long because as you can see, I just have the thumb left on the first one, and then the second one. Since they are size 2-4, they should knit up fairly quickly, and I should be able to get work done on those tomorrow after church...shoot, it wouldn't surprise me if I get them done tomorrow afternoon!

So, there you have it - my proof that I actually have been knitting! I've also been working on a scarf (got the stitch pattern out of one of my knitting books) with the last ball of kool aid dyed yarn that I did up last spring. When it gets finished, or nearly finished, I will post a picture and the pattern. This is definately going to be one that needs to be blocked afterwards though...

Happy knitting!

Socktopia

I've joined Socktopia! Why? Probably because I'm a sockaholic...and I thought it would be fun. This is a year long KAL, and they have over 100 people joined up now. There are different themes to choose from each month (three for January), and I've seen at least one pair so far of completed socks for that. I forget what blog they were on (sorry about that), but she did an awesome job!

Not much in the knitting news category today. Been plugging away at the socks I'm making with the Opal yarn. I must say that I am enjoying the pattern, and the colours look great together. I can't wait til these are done! I am onto the foot portion of the first sock, and hopefully it won't be long until it's finished and I can start onto the second one.

I've also started a child's pair of mittens for the Knittin' Mittens KAL. I'm using the leftover yarn from my Kirstin Bag. I'm only up to the point of the thumb, but so far I think it is looking good!

Will try to post some pics soon on the sock, and probably the mittens (which shouldn't take long to complete).

Happy Knitting!

Kirstin's Bag

Janice over at Willow Way Knitting sent me the pattern for the bag she created to make a bag for her daughter - the Kirstin Bag (I'm sure if you ask, she will be willing to share the pattern). I got it done last week, but wanted to wait until it was dried before taking a picture of it.

I used Lion Brand wool in the "Flower Garden" colourway (very pretty and spring-like, in my opinion). The colours are pretty accurate in the picture, though they may be an 'eensy' bit lighter than in real life. I double stranded, and used nearly 4 skeins of yarn (2.75 ozs/78 g skeins). I think...or at least I hope...that I have enough of the yarn left over to make a small child's pair of mittens. Most of the last two skeins were used to make the handle (an I-cord), which I think could have been felted a little bit more...either that or I could have made it a little shorter.

I loved this pattern! It was so easy to do, and didn't take very long either. This was also my first attempt at making an I-cord. I was a little scared of them before because they looked like they might be complicated to make. But I challenged myself to learn some new knitting techniques this year and decided now was the perfect time to learn.

I have a British knitting magazine that I got last fall, and was flipping through it again not too long ago. They had a little column in there that told and showed how to make an I-cord, so I followed those directions. What had I been thinking? This was sooooooooo not difficult to do! Easy peasy! The only thing I didn't like about it, was that I had to make it so long, and that was just time consuming, lol!

I've already used my bag; I took it to church with me yesterday, and I got a couple of comments on it (they were positive ones), though I hadn't really showed it to many people.

In other knitting news, I am working on another sock. I got the pattern from the Sockamaniac Sockalong that I joined not long ago (the button is on my sidebar, under groups, and you just need to click it to take you to the group page). I just turned the heel on it a little while ago and am about to start picking up the stitches for the gusset.

I'm using the Opal yarn that I won from Karen's contest last month, and I'm liking it so far. I'm just worried that I'll either not have enough yarn or that when I cast on for the second sock it won't start anywhere near where the colour that the first sock starts at. I don't mind if it's off a little, but if it is off a whole lot then I don't know what to do. I only have the one skein of it (it's a 100 g skein though). Oh well, I'll just plug along and see what happens. No sense in worrying about it right?

Anyway, I can't wait til these socks are done. I really like the pattern, though I think it might look a little better if it was in a solid colour (the pattern is a lacy one, and while it looks good in this yarn, I think it might show off the lace a bit better in solid). It's still noticeable though, and looks good. I'll show pics when they are completed. School starts back up on Wednesday, and I want to get as much knitting done before then as I can.

Happy knitting!

The Page 123 Meme...

I was tagged by Pooch over at Yarn Knit Read Lit to do this meme...

1. Grab the book closest to you.
2. Open to page 123, look down to the 5th sentence.
3. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog.
4. Include the title and the author's name.
5. Tag 3 People.

Ok...here is my answer:

"Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, "Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly. " But they fell on their faces and said, "O God, God of the spirits of all flesh, when one man sins, will You be angry with the entire congregation?" Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the congregation, saying, "Get back from around the dwellings of Korah, Dathan and Abiram."

This was taken from the book that was right beside me...my Bible. It comes from page 123 (in mine) and is Numbers 16:20-24. The author is, of course, God (but the human He used to write this book is considered to be Moses).

Ok...so now I have to tag 3 people...how about you, you and....yes, you...the one hiding behind the others hoping not to be picked!

Praying Feet

Ok, not really...it's just the pose I did to display my latest socks for my January entry in the Sock-A-Month 2 KAL. I finally finished this pair, and used 2.75mm dpns and a basic stocking stitch pattern. The yarn is Knit Picks Memories in the Easter colourway (which I think is no longer available). The colours in the picture are pretty accurate too.

The pattern sort of went all wonky on my when I picked up the stitches after turning the heel and continued on into the gusset. It got more back to normal once the decreases were finished and I was working on the foot part. It's alright though - adds a little character...yeah, character...I'll go with that!

Thanks to all who have joined my One Sock Two Sock webring (link to join is on the sidebar listed under 'Rings'). Along with my crappy button (the one with the red socks and blue writing on black background), there are three new ones, and they, too, are on the sidebar. Feel free to use those on your blogs/sites, but remember to save them to your own computer first! Thanks to Susan for the one of the striped socks in high heels!

New Web Ring

Ok...I am such a joiner. I have joined webrings, KALs, knitting crazes, you name it...well, ok I might not have joined in everything you name, but you know what I mean. I love to have a group of people with like-minded interests to talk with and be a part of a community with.

So, I have started a new sock webring! Yeah, I know there are a lot of them out there, but some are not accepting new members, specific locales, or for specific sock related things only (such as the Vintage Socks). I wanted a ring that anyone who is interested in knitting (or crocheting) socks to be able to join. It's just a list of blogs of for sock knitters really.

It is open to anyone (male or female) in any location (so long as you call planet earth your home), first time sock knitters, seasoned veteran sock knitters, young sock knitters, old sock knitters - anyone! You do need a blog (or website) though, because you have to display the webring. I have called it: One Sock Two Sock and the link is over on my sidebar under "Rings".

I have a terribly ugly looking button on there, temporarily, because I don't know how to make these fancy shmancy awesome buttons. So, if you know how to make them, please feel free to make them and we can display them so others can choose a better looking button than what I have...even me; I'll no doubt choose a better one.

So, please, please, please join my webring and let others know! I'd like to have a ton of hand knitted/crochet sock lovers join. I am not above begging (as you can tell). It's not a KAL; you don't have to knit a specific amount of socks in order to join; you just have to love knitting/crocheting socks for yourself and/or others.

All you need to do is click on "join" to bring you to the page where you sign up. Let's see how big of a webring we can make this! I have high hopes, and I don't like being disappointed, LOL!! So, again, please, please, please join my webring!

**Shameless begging and promotion of my webring is now over (she says as she hears a huge collective sigh of relief from the knitting/crocheting blog community)....

First F.O. of 2007

Ok, to be honest, I didn't knit this completely in 2007. I started it in December but put it aside while I hastily finished my Christmas knitting. I got it out yesterday and finished it - didn't take long either.

Kind of looks like a hat eh? Nope, it's not a hat. Anyone want to offer a guess? Yes, you in the green - the one in the back waving her arms and sounding like Horseshack from Welcome Back Kotter...

Yup...it's a felted bowl (from the One Skein book). Ok, so you can't really see it so well (it's a side view), but that is because I didn't want to show you the bowl I have on the inside to help shape it. The colours in the second picture are more accurate than in the first. Unfortunately I chose a side with more browns in it, but there is also (as you can see) purple and blue and some green.

I used Lion Brand Wool...forget the colourway because I can't find the wrapper. It's a nice one though. I used size 10mm circular needles for this. I checked it out a little while ago, and I think I should have double stranded the bowl, but I only used one strand. I think if I had double stranded the bowl would be a little more sturdier than it is. However, I think it's not to shabby for a first try (at bowl making, and a second try at felting). I found the Lion Brand Wool felted up very quickly - quicker than the Patons did for the bag I made my friend for Christmas.

I'm still working on the second sock, and I've also started a bag for myself. It's out of Lion Brand Wool as well. I'll post pics when it's done.

Also, in case anyone was wondering, the link in the post below for my Ainsley Sock is the pattern for my November Socks (picture here). Some had asked for the pattern, and I finally got around to posting it. The pattern is right below the previous post, but the link will take you right there if you don't want to scroll down.

Off to do more knitting!

Happy New Year & Last Item of 2006

Happy New Year everyone! It's now 2007, a brand new year full of brand new surpises and brand new knitting. I wish the very best for you all and your families in the coming year. (Note that I have a link at the bottom of this post to my Ainsley Sock pattern, my November socks)Ok, I have finished the Branching Out scarf that I had been working on this past week. I finished it last night (just didn't feel like logging bag in to post about), so this is my official last 2006 knitted item!

I am quite sure that I am probably the only knitter in the world - ok, maybe not the world, just the blogging community - who had not knitted this awesome scarf until now. Anyway, it was definately an easy pattern, and the directions were not hard to follow at all. Yes, I did make a few mistakes, but I don't think they affect the pattern enough to really stand out.

I used Bernat Satin yarn in the "snow" colourway (colour 04005), and size 4.5mm bamboo needles. I only used one skein (3.5 oz/100 g, 166 yds), as that was all I had of this. I have 2 more skeins of the Bernat Satin, but they are in different colours. Anyway, the scarf isn't overly long but it is long enough to wrap around your neck under your coat. I liked using this yarn because it was soft to the touch, and knit up fairly quickly.

To the right is a closeup of the work, and if you spot a mistake...please keep it to yourself, LOL!
Since I got this new blog, I haven't been able to figure out how to put the words beside the pictures. For some reason it posts the picture and the words are below it. In the compose section of blogger it looks fine, as well as in the "preview" section, but when it is actually posted...it doesn't seem to work. Maybe if I contact the creator of the template he might be able to tell me what to do...

Anyway, I am currently working on the 2nd sock of one I started a few months ago. I got the first sock completed and then started working on Christmas gifts and the items for my cousin's baby shower, so I didn't get the second one completed. Once I get this sock done, then I am going to knit up a pair using my yarn that I won in Karen's contest.
Off I go to knit for awhile. Happy New Year, and happy knitting!

*****Edited to add this LINK to my pattern for the Ainsley Sock*****

The Ainsley Sock

Ok, here is my pattern for my November sock, which I have named The Ainsely. I have no idea, really, how to write up a pattern, but this is how I wrote it when I was working on it. If you notice any mistakes, please let me know. Also, the top of the foot doesn't look as nice as the leg, but it's alright. I think I'll make another pair of these and try to adjust that part a bit. If I make any adjustments, I will let you know.

If you use this pattern, please give me the proper credit (link back to the pattern, etc.). You can make socks to give away, but please don't sell them...I would also appreciate if you could let me know when you post a picture of them, as I would love too see them - especially in other colours! I hope you enjoy the pattern, and remember, it's not perfect and it's my first ever attempt at creating a pattern.

The Ainsley Sock

Knitting Terms Used:

K = knit
P = purl
K2tog = knit 2 together
P2tog = purl 2 together
YO = yarn over
SSK = slip slip knit
SL = slip


Cast on 36 stitches and divide evenly on three needles (12 on each)

Cuff:

K1, P1 all around for 5 rows


Leg Pattern:

Row 1 – knit all the way around
Row 2 – K1, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K2, SSK, YO, SSK, YO, K1 (repeat all the way around)
Row 3 – knit all the way around
Row 4 – K1, YO, K2tog, K1, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K1, SSK, YO, K1

Repeat the above pattern for 28 rows

Row 29 – knit all the way around

Heel Flap:

Slide 3 stitches from the end of needle 1 onto needle 2; slide 3 stitches from the beginning of needle 3 onto needle 2 (needle 1: 9 stitches; needle 2: 18 stitches; needle 3: 9 stitches). Knit stitches from needle 1 onto needle 3.

Row 1 – K1, P16, K1
Row 2 – SL 1, K1 across

Repeat the above for 11 rows, ending with a K1, P16, K1 row

Heel:

1. K11, K2tog, K1, turn
2. P6, P2tog, P1, turn
3. K7, K2tog, K1, turn
4. P8, P2tog, P1, turn
5. K9, K2tog, K1, turn
6. P10, P2tog, P1, turn
7. Knit across

Gusset:

- Pick up and knit 8 stitches from side
- Knit across needle 2 with the following pattern:
K1, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K2, SSK, YO, K3, YO, K2tog, SSK, YO, K2
- Pick up and knit 8 stitches from side and knit 6 stitches from needle 1 (14, 18,14)

Row 1:
Needle 1 - Knit to the last 3, K2tog, K1
Needle 2 – K across using foot pattern below
Needle 3 – K1, SL 1, K1, PSSO, knit to end

Foot Pattern: (Round 1 of a four round section)
K1, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K2, YO, K2tog, SSK, YO, K 2, SSK, YO, SSK, YO, K1

(Round 3 of a four round section):
K1, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K2tog, K2, SSK, YO, SSK, YO, K1, SSK, YO, SSK, YO, K1

Row 2:
Knit all around

Repeat the above 4 rows a total of 5 times, making sure needle 2 follows the pattern (9, 18, 9)

Foot:

Knit 20 rounds using the above foot pattern on needle 2

Toe Decrease:

Round 1

Needle 1: Knit to last 3, K2tog, K1
Needle 2: K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, knit to last 3; K2tog, K1
Needle 3: K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, knit to end

Round 2

Knit all the way around

- Repeat these two rows 5 times (4, 8, 4)

Graft toe closed