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!

Sockapalooza Update

Ok, so I finally have the pattern and yarn chosen for my Sockapalooza socks. And, I have begun to knit! Well, ok I'm past the "begun" stage now. I started the socks last Thursday, after I ripped out what I started before. They were going to be too big, so I ripped it out and cast on 64 stitches.
This is what I had as of early Saturday afternoon. I have a lot more done on it now, and in fact I am on the foot portion and I am really liking the look of this sock! It's the Fluted Bannister Sock, and it is a very easy pattern - a 4 row repeat that is easily memorized. I'll post another picture of the sock when it's completed. I'm really praying through this that I'll have enough yarn to complete the second sock. I don't know what I'll do if I don't have enough. I have to mail these socks out on August 2nd, so there wouldn't be enough time to get more of the yarn in.

I'm using Louet Gems 100% Merino wool, a fine/sport weight yarn in the colour Shamrock (it's really a little lighter than the picture is showing). It is thicker than I normally use for socks (I usually use a sockweight yarn), and the sock is nice and thick and should be very warm on my Sockapalooza pal's feet.

I also started a cardigan sweater (sized for a 1 year old) to knit on while at work on breaks and is coming along nicely. I started with the back and it is to be knit 11 1/2" long; I'm already up to about 8 1/2" so far, maybe a bit more. I don't have a picture yet, but when I get one I promise to post it. I was a little unsure of the colourscheme - even though in the picture on the pattern it looked nice. The colours are a tad different in reality, though not a whole lot. I must say, though, that I think they look good together. I'm so terrible at putting colours together so I tend to go (whenever possible) with what is in the pictures - or keep it solid. I suppose I should branch out and experiment with the colours...or get my colourwheel out (from my scrapbooking/card making supplies) and utilize it with my knitting as well.

Well, I had better get this posted and get cracking on the sock again so that I can finish them up and - heaven forbid - should I run out of yarn, I'd still have some time to pull something from my stash and knit up a different pair. My pal (the one knitting socks for me) posted a comment and said my pair is already finished, and they're purple! I can't wait to get them (and yes, I'll post a picture of them, too)! The sock is calling, so I really should go. Happy Knitting!

Birthday Meme & Quiz

Robyn, my awesome secret pal, tagged me with the following meme. Go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (month and day) - mine is January 20. Next, post 3 events, 2 births and 1 holiday and tag five other people. So, for tagging, anyone who feels like taking part can do so. Let me know if you do and I'll go read your answers!

Events
- 250 - Emperor Decius begins a widespread persecution of Christians in Rome
- 1841 - Hong Kong Island occupied by the British
- 1986 - Martin Luther King, Jr., day was celebrated as a federal holiday for the first time

Births
- 1896 - George Burns, American actor, comedian (d. 1996)
- 1965 - Sophie, The Countess of Wessex, the wife of Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex

"Holiday" (there really isn't a holiday per se listed)
- Presidential Inauguration Day in the United States (since 1937).

Robyn also had a little quiz on her blog and I decided to take it...I think I may have a problem...

77%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Online Dating

Candy Wrapper Scarf

Well, last weekend I promised to post the pattern I used for my ISE4 pal's scarf. Finally, I remembered to do it! I call it the Candy Wrapper Cable Scarf because when I looked at two sections of the cable and the knitting between, it reminded me of a candy wrapped up in its foil wrapper. I know the pictures aren't all that good, but it does look cute, and it's a very easy pattern to follow.

If you would rather have the Word document of the pattern, just email me (on my profile) and let me know and I'll email it to you.

Candy Wrapper Cable Scarf

By
Shelley Snyder

* Cable pattern taken from Knitting Stitches by Mary Webb, Medium Stitch 13, page 183

Glossary of terms

K = knit
P = purl
K2tog = knit 2 together
Yo = yarn over
Sl = slip
Ssk = slip slip knit

C6f = slip 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at front; knit 4; knit 2 stitches from needle
C8f = slip 2 stitches on cable needle and hold at front; knit 6; knit 2 stitches from needle

Directions

Cast on 40 stitches

Knit 4 rows (garter stitch)

Row 1 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, k8, p2, k8, p2, k8, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 2 – k2, p2, k2, p8, k2, p8, k2, p8, k2, p2, k2

Row 3, 5, 7 – same as row 1

Row 4, 6, 8 – same as row 2

Row 9 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, k2, c6f, p2, k2, c6f, p2, k2, c6f, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 10, 12 – same as row 2

Row 11 – same as row 1

Row 13 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, c8f, p2, c8f, p2, c8f, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 14, 16 – same as row 2

Row 15 – same as row 1

Row 17 – k2, k2tog, yo, p2, c6f, k2, p2, c6f, k2, p2, c6f, k2, p2, yo, ssk, k2

Row 18 , 20, 22, 24 – same as row 2

Row 19, 21, 23 – same as row 1

Repeat rows 1 to 24 until you reach the desired length of your scarf

End with 4 rows of knit (garter stitch)


Close up of cable pattern: