Arg And A Prayer

Update on the Twist socks! Made it through the portion of the pattern I was having trouble with. But do you want to know a wonderful thing? The designer, Jody Gordan Lucas read my post and contacted me! She wanted to personally see if I was doing ok and how she could help. Now, I am offically impressed. She didn't have to do that, but she did. How awesome!

I also cast on for a new prayer shawl. It is Haruni by Emily Ross. I found it on Ravlery. The crochet bind-off will be my challenge. I bought some great yarn for this project at Your Local Yarn Shop. Classic Eltie Alpaca Sox is the yarn that I chose, in a gorgeous plum/pink color.

Gotta run . . . literally, as the half-marathon is tomorrow.

Pirates and Twists

Back in 2007, I bought some yarn on line. Truth be told, it was my first on-line yarn purchase. I had a design for a valentine-type sock in mind. The colors of this yarn would have worked perfectly. . . if I had finished designing the sock. Alas, the yarn came and the design sat. And sat. It's still sitting at home somewhere, I think. The yarn is a superwash 50/50 merino/tencel by Yarn Pirate. It is a fingering weight yarn that is silky smooth to touch. Sweetheart is the colorway name, with red, white, pink and magenta repeating through out. But because the pattern sat, the yarn did too. Occasionally, I would consider using the yarn for a pattern. But it just didn't seem to work. Either the pattern would be too lacy or the yarn would be too bold. I had given up matching the two.

Along came Twisted by Jodie Gordon Lucas. Not too lacy. Not too fussy. Just enough pattern to keep things interesting, but not muddy the water. I began to think that this just might work. What do you think?

So far, things have been going fine. I have just begun the decreases/increases for across the foot. I am having trouble making sense of this portion of the pattern. So I will take these to the lunch knitting bunch to see if they can help. If not, then I will have to chart it out. Do you occasionally chart patterns out if you have trouble? I find it very helpful to visually see what is happening. Because it sidelines my knitting for a while, I use it as a last resort. The lunch ladies will be able to help me . . . I hope.

Tiny Ruffles

So, I work with this great lady. She has joined us (our "group" is 4 strong now) knitting during our lunch everyday. See, we walk to the library and knit for a half hour before we eat. Not a whole lot of time, but enough to complete a few rows each day. It is satisfying to know that I can complete a project this way . . . even if it does take the whole school year! But back to the conversation at hand. This lady is fun to be around and is enjoying her knitting. Though still learning, she tackles everything head on. Sometimes, taking the pattern too seriously, she make a few mistakes and gets frustrated. But she is sticking with it, having finished a sweater, half a sock and a baby blanket.

Well, this lady has a new grand baby! So I started these for her. Aren't they just the sweetest?! Besides my poor color choice, I think they are cute. Next time I will choose bolder colors. The pastels get lost and muddy. They are Rufflicious by Diane Kostecki. The yarn is called Blue Terra Cotta by Claudia Hand Painted Yarns and an Ivory by Lorna's Lace. Both are fingering weight and were easy to knit with.

Here's What I Got

Obviously by the amount of posting I have been doing, my life is busy. So let's cut to the chase and show you my current WIP's.

First, I am working on a pair of pedicure socks for a very good friend's birthday. Well, her birthday was a few weeks ago and I only have one done. Guess we will move this one to the Christmas present column for her. These socks were first knit up as a pair of Roza Socks by Grumperina, but I really thought the colors got muddy. So after a soothing rip out session, they have become pedicure socks. I did not look for a pattern, but just made it up as I went. Some after thought research showed me that I was not the first to knit a sock like this. There are several lovely pedicure sock patterns out there.

Next, I have begun the Barn Raising Quilt by Shelley Mackie and Larissa Brown. I cast on for this in July and figure I'll be done some time in the next 10 years. My plan is to use all my old sock yarn scraps. Which I have almost blown through. See my predicament? I will need to knit new socks before I can knit the square. But this is an EASY pattern to memorize, so I can use it as my travel knitting. Plus ski season is coming and I will have lots of time to knit while watching the little one run around the lodge.

There are more, and I will try to update in the next few weeks with those projects. Missed you all!

Roza's Take Two

This year on RM's side we drew names for the Holidays. I received some lovely yarn from my brother in law. His wife is a dedicated knitter and knew just how to gently guide him in his purchase. It is Artyarns Ultramerino4 in colorway #136. I never would have guessed that this color combination would be enjoyable, but oh my it is!

I delayed thought long and hard about what to knit with this gorgeous stuff. Obviously socks were the choice of the day, but which pattern? Nothing seemed to fit. Once I find a pattern I like, I have re-knit it in the past. So why not again? The Roza's are my current favorite and get lots of wear.

I started these back in March. Using my trusty Addi Turbo US#1 circular needle I am slowly chipping away at them. They tend to get a few rows completed each day during my lunch. We have a group of ladies who sit in the Library and knit during the first half hour of our lunch and then we go eat. Logistically, a completion date is far and away.

I am not knitting at home so much because of the big project I have been working on. It's very exciting and we are looking forward to a reveal sometime in August. RM has been big help. He has made some major contributions and will be given much credit in the end. So keep watching. . . the end is near.

Actual Knitting is Being Done

I have cast on for RM's Christmas socks. These are done in Nature Spun 100% wool and the color is blueberry. Now, I am not afraid to blog about them, because honestly, RM doesn't read my blog. At. All. And I am ok with that.

The pattern is made up as I go along. Beginning with a figure 8 cast-on, then 2 x 2 ribbing and a short row heel, I may end with a complete sock. How simple. Did I mention that this yarn is a worsted weight, so they are going F.A.S.T.

Now on to something I should have blogged about a long time ago. These were RM's socks from last Valentine's Day. They are knit with two different toe up styles. The one on the right is with Wendy's generic recipe. The one on the left was with knit picks two at once pattern. Definitely like Wendy's recipe best of the two. Because of my experiment with the cast on's, each toe is different and the toe stripes don't match. I worked hard to get these socks to stripe the same. Even the heels match (using a short row heel). There is a better photo here. Note that these were for Valentines day, but I never even started them until after the darned holiday and finished them well into March. But RM likes them and often takes them when we go up to Boyne Mountain. An added bonus is I did not finish them until after the 52 Pair Plunge started - so they count!

And . . . only 442 bloglines left to read!

PS ~ if you left the comment about my simple wrapover, I would love to e-mail you a photo and exchange tips, so please leave your e-mail address.

New Socks - Roza's

I have cast on for Grumperina's Roza's Sock from IK Spring '07. Initially I had concerns that the width might not be right for me. I have an 8.5 size shoe, with the ball of my foot being 9 inches around. This pattern says that they are 6 inches around unstretched. In my simple mind, I am feeling that as written the socks would knit up too small for me. So instead of casting on the 60 stitches as directed I added another 6 stitches (or one repeat) to help conquer the width issue. Let's see how this works out. . .

There Is Yarn In Arizona!

Yea, even wool!

Here is what I scored while there. Very pleased with myself, if I do say so.

Some beautiful Rio de Plata 100% kettle dyed merino wool. A very nice yarn that does not seem to split or felt as I knit with it, making me a happy knitter. This little beauty came from a small shop in Phoenix called, aptly, Phoenix Knit & Needlepoint Co. Sadly, they do not have a website. About 60% of the shop was devoted to needlepoint and the yarn selection was limited. But I spied this cutie and had to have it. My yarn cake is already well on it's way to becoming a pair of Roza's socks from IK Spring '07. So far this pattern is a joy to knit. I am attempting a small modification to the size. My feet are an 8.5 and 9 inches around the ball of my foot, so a size 7-8 might not fit me. I'll let you know how this turns out. I'm turning the heel now.

Oh, it gets better my pretties . . .

What you say?! Take a look, it can't be denied.

Just a little Habu 100% cashmere that is hand-dyed!

Yea, uh huh, I'm a lucky gal (if you could see me I do have my thumbs in my ears with fingers waving back and forth in true na-na-na-na-boo-boo style). Oh, did I mention these came with a free pattern for a scarf? Why yes, yes they did. So three little cashmere scarves it is. One for Heidi (as a thank you for putting up RM & Boo-boo during Tri-athalon weekend), one for SIL and one for me (very unselfishly, of course).

And, drum roll please . . . .

My big preezie for the trip. The Habu Textiles kit #48. A wonderful jacket that will look great with a skirt or jeans. This kit has two lovely cones of steel wrapped in wool and one large cone of silk. Yummmmy! Though the photo shows grey, it's really a green with heavy grey undertones. My photography skills are still developing or the camera is slightly color blind - you choose. Truth? For the price this jacket better be all that and a bag of chips. You know the really flavorful, salty, high fat, straight to your hips kind of chips.

I am a very, very lucky girl indeed.

Marigold's Finished

These popped up in my sock garden a few weeks ago. Aren't they fun?!

This pattern is easily one of my favorites. Clearly written, you can fly through these in a few days. The repeat is easily memorized, so I didn't have to carry the pattern with me (a big plus in my teenager/pre-schooler filled world). It was not necessary, nor did I want to make any modifications to this pattern. Sizing was dead on for me and once we get some fall/sock weather these will be on my feet!

I see another pair or two of Marigold's in my future. Next time, I think I will use a slightly more solid color way instead of one with so many different colors. My thought being the ever changing colors are obscuring a lovely pattern, which I would prefer to see more of.

So here are the details for anyone who cares about what I do.

Pattern: Marigold Socks by Pamela Wynne of Flint Knits fame
Yarn: Hill Country's Sweetfeet in Shasta Daisy.
Needles: Addi Lace US2 Circular
Started: June 10, 2007
Finished: July 11, 2007

So there we are . . . pair 10 of the 52 Pair Plunge!

On-Your-Toes Socks Finished

Pattern: On-Your-Toes Socks by Ann Budd from IK Summer '07 issue
Yarn: Tofutsies - Partie colorway
Needles: US 2 Addi Turbo's Circular
Started: June 22, 2007
Finished: July 17, 2007
Notes: Note about photo, socks are really the same length. The light was funny that morning and that pose was the best that could be done. I had some serious trouble with the Middle-eastern wrap method of casting on. But found a super tutorial with detailed photos at the hello yarn blog. This made the whole thing much simpler to understand. Truth be told, I really like this method of casting on. No crochet hook or waste yarn to work with/carry around/muck up my knitting bag. Side note, the waste yarn always gets tangled around another WIP, no matter what I do. So to completely leave it out of the travel knitting bag is a welcome relief. Back to business, I also like the shape of the toe this cast on creates. It seems to me to be less pointy and more round in shape. I mentioned here that the toes seem very roomy. They are and it's ok with me. Once I got farther into the sock, things seem to hit my normal sizing and changing needles was not necessary. Summary, this is definitely a cast on method I will continue to use.

The yarn was more fun to work with that I expected. Since I gifted them the minute they came off my needles, I don't know how it is washing up. But while knitting it seems firm to work with, but created a nice soft fabric. In the simple ribbed pattern the colors looked great, with the yellow and grey making a nice pop of color in all the purples and pinks.

So all in all, I am happy with these and can count them in the 52 Pair Plunge.

What to Say?

Caution ~ extremely long catch up post ahead. Missed you all and I am glad to be back!

Wow, can I get a fabulous guest blogger or what?! My big head is taking up most of my living room right now. Thank you JJ for the kind words, they left me speechless (which as anyone who has ever talked to me knows, can be virtually impossible).

A word about JJ. Don't let her fool you, she is kind hearted, emotional (in a good way), eloquent (check out her new blog, mum's the word if you don't believe me) and the best sister anyone could hope for. Though we haven't always seen eye to eye (understatement is strongly implied here), I will always loved her. BTW - She was not as naughty as she would have you believe . . . dealing with past grief in an uncomfortably tense situation is hard on anyone. I give her substantial credit for staying as cool as she did.


Like fish, family house guests begin to stink after a few days. I'm not certain that's how the saying goes, but it works for me. I'll be the first to say Arizona at 104 degrees, mom having surgery, mom's 70+ smotheringsignificant other, and a three hour time difference and hospital food all add up to Very. Stinky. Fish. Yet Mom is recovering nicely and life is returning to normal. Plus I got to see LG - a lot. I just love him and he never got stinky. His #@&! doesn't stink.

So on to some things I learned while in Arizona:

1. NEVER ride with 70+ people in a vehicle if you need to be somewhere fast. Standard driving speeds . . . 5 miles BELOW the speed limit. Yep, slow, rotting torture in a vehicle with minimal air conditioning.
2. You know it's truly not hot until you have sat on a porch drinking coffee at 6:30 am with temps already in the 80's . . . knowing it will get up to 104+ in only a few short hours.
3. Grass is a truly beautiful thing.
4. Tucson has a drug store on every corner - it's true.
5. When you want to go somewhere with my mom, start getting her ready two hours before so you will only be 20 minutes late.
6. You can get lots of knitting done while waiting in hospitals.
7. Some neuro-surgeons are really good looking.
8. Every house in Tucson is some shade of . . . brown. Call it brown, tan, beige, taupe, camel, whatever it's still all the same. No offense to any Arizona residents, I just couldn't believe all the brown.
9. If you are going to haul a baby from hotel to hospital some seven thousand times, a car seat bungee corded to a luggage cart makes an instant stroller. CJ, you saved our lives on that one.
10. Upon arriving home, my definition of clean and RM's definition of clean are two entirely different things.
11. All sorts of things can go amok at home when I was gone. Toilet repairs, water softener replacements, boards on deck broken/repaired, no-show sitter, truck dies - purchase new one (yea, you heard me right), and install surround sound in the living room. RM was a busy, busy man while I was away.
13. In Arizona there is no time during the course of 24 hours a can person run outside - it's just too damn hot.
12. Purls is a fabulous yarn shop! I did make some fabulous purchases.

Did I mention it was hot there?

In knitting news, I completed the Marigold socks, JJ's Jaywalkers and Mom's On-Your-Toes Socks. Sorting out all the photos I took is taking some time, so they should be posted in a few days.

It's good to be back in temperatures I can stand . . . by the way, it was hot there!

What have I done for her lately?

Not enough, I can tell you that.

Hello, there! JJ here. For those of you who read Trixie's blog, you can frequently find me commenting on her posts. I am Trixie's younger sister (though she would be quick to tell you that most people cannot actually distinguish which of us is the eldest) and I have the distinct pleasure of being her "guest blogger". I really don't know what I did to earn this right, but here I am and I have lots to say.

My primary charge is to let you all know that Trixie is alive and well and will be back blogging with all of you very shortly. As you probably read in her last post, she took a trip to Arizona for a family member's surgery. I will let her divulge what she wishes regarding said surgery; but for now, suffice to say that it went well and the recipient is recooperating peacefully at home. I went to Arizona as well with my 11 month old in tow. Having an 11 month old while trying to care for a loved one in the Intensive Care Unit where babies are not allowed proved to be quite a challenge, but Trixie stepped up. Without her help, I would have done just as well to stay home. Thanks, Trixie.

My secondary duty is to show you the socks that Trixie made for me. (Please forgive the picture placement...I was lucky to figure out how to get the picture there at all!) I dropped as many hints on this blog as possible that I wanted those socks! I saw the Mountain Laurel yarn, seen in "Solid Gold Sweet Feet", and knew that I just had to have them. So what happened? Trixie stepped up. I don't know the pattern or needles she used and I don't know how long they took her, but I do know I. Love. Them! I vowed to wear them in Arizona despite the heat and I did just that! I had those socks on every day and boy, are they comfy!

Those are the things that Trixie asked me to share. And having done that, I can now share an observation of my own.

There are times in life that call you to be all that you are capable of being. This past week was one of those times for Trixie and me. It was a week where the things you do show who you really are and what your character is made of. I can tell you that my behavior left something to be desired, but ...you guessed it...Trixie stepped up.

Now, I am the sort of person who likes to help others. I'll open a door for a frustrated delivery man who can't get the door open. I pick trash up off the streets. I hold elevator doors. I will listen to the venting of my beloved sister. I enjoy giving gifts. But this past week, I was too involved in my own emotions and let them take control of me. But not Trixie. She did all of those things and many more despite going through hard emotions herself. She made volatile situations more calm. She showed who she really is and she can be proud. I know I am proud of her. She made me feel beter, she made me see things in a new perspective. She made me ...look bad! Just kidding. She demonstrated grace and an inner fortitude that I can only admire at this point. So, what have I done for her lately? I posted a blog when she didn't have access to a computer, and I hope that' s enough to tell her how very much I love her.

Helpful

Why not just call it the figure 8 cast on? That I can search on Google. But a search for a tutorial on Middle East-wrap method of casting on was a big bust. The other night I seemed a little too groggy to follow the IK directions and need more help. Hello Yarn has, in my opinion, had more detailed directions here.

Very helpful indeed.

Donna, thank your for commenting the other day on my post about crabs. I wanted to answer your question about sizing, but was unable to link back to a blog for you. Not sure if it was late night woozies or blogger. So here is what I am doing about the size. After referring to the chart and doing a gauge swatch (reality, I measured the false start from last night before my dip in the frog pond), I am going to knit an Adult M at 8 sts per inch. Truth be told, like you I am a little worried about 72 stitches and the socks being too large. It makes me slightly dizzy just thinking about that many stitches . . . in 2x2 ribbing. My hope is that the ribbing will pull the sock snug to my foot making it all good. Never have I knit a sock at 72 stitches around. Yet I am choosing to forge ahead, trust the pattern (Ann Budd did write this one) and try my luck.

You know. . . now that I have posted that last sentence - I'm doomed.

The thing I enjoy about knitting is that it is fluid, always changing during the process. My knitting tends to be really fluid - as in too-many-trips-to-the-frog-pond-fluid. So Donna, for the short version, trust the pattern and try it at 8 inches. If it doesn't work, take a dip in the frog pond and start over. The water's fine, I've already been in.

PS ~ Mine are knitting up roomy (to say the least) in the toe and instep. But after I studied the photo for a few minutes, the socks pictured seem roomy and loose in the same area. If this continues up the leg, I will have to change to smaller needles because I have skinny ankles.

Cast On - Smashed On

Ok. So I'm giving the IK Summer 07 Middle-East-wrap method of casting on a try. For my first attempt, not too bad. I say first attempt because I am not totally happy with my work. Bumps, a hole and the M1 left and right are reversed - I think?! Anywho, I am starting over.

First, I am going to bed . . . it's 12:52 am (hence the crappy flash photo). Finally . . . I feel sleepy. It's said that lack of sleep can cause one to make careless errors. So what's my excuse when I am well rested?!

PS - so far, I love the yarn!

Sweet dreams.

Jr. Whitby

Pattern: Whitby from Knitting on The Road by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Louet Gems Sport Weight 100% Merino Wool in Pewter
Needles: US 2 Addi Turbo's Circular
Started: June 6, 2007
Finished: June 21, 2007
Notes: I knit them toe-up because it was left over yarn from the adult Whitby's I did earlier. To get the size right, I had to slightly modify the cable and cuff.

Note ~ These are modeled by recipient, who had to be bribed with computer time to hold still for photos. When asked if he liked them I got a mumbled "yea, uh-huh." Well . . . "mumble, mumble, mumble!?"

Crabs and Shrimp

But no melted butter. On Sundays, RM and I will have a crab boil with gobs of melted butter. My little slice of heaven (unless you count the tequila with a beer chaser, but that's another thing all together). We eat and eat until it's uncomfortable. Naturally, I always have a stomach ache the next day. Could it be the shots of melted butter I tend to take with each bite of crab? Possibly.

So when I saw this yarn, I had to buy it. This Tofusies yarn was purchased during a trip to Threadbender in Grand Rapids (sorry, I couldn't find a website, so no link). My thought is to make a simple pair of k2, p2 rib socks with it. I have been reading Ann Budd's toe up article in IK's summer issue. Very different cast on method (for me) and a new way to do short rows have piqued my interest. But I already have four socks on my needles, so this will have to wait until I get a pair or two complete.

I Fought The Addi's

And the Addi's won.

Yea, Pamela guessed it. I broke down and purchased a size US1 Addi lace circular needle. With all of the press I have read regarding said needles I had to try them for myself. Here is my take:

1. Yes, the joins are super. Gotta give it to the Skacel folks, the joins are smooth as silk. No catching or snagging here.

2. The magenta cord is easier to see. It is bright and makes me smile. An added bonus is this cord seems to be very flexible, more so than the originals. Another two checks in the positive column. Since I primarily (who am I kidding? I have never knit any large lace projects) always use circular needles for magic-loop method to knit socks; I am very glad that the cord is so supple.

3. The needle portions are brass with a coating of resin. Ummm, I think I prefer the original nickel to the coated brass. Something about the brass seems to catch or grate on a minute level when the needles rub against one another. Upon further reading of other blog posts, apparently this is called drag. Well, I do not love it . . . but can live with it.

4. They are S.H.A.R.P. I have the hole in my finger to prove it. Apparently, I am a "pusher," meaning I push the needles back through when finishing a stitch instead of using more of a wrist action. While knitting and watching a tennis lesson today, I poked a hole right through the skin of my index finger. Ouch. I am taking a break from knitting for a few days and letting it heal. How the hell am I supposed to sit through LM's three tennis lessons and a golf lesson without my knitting?

Overall, I am pleased with the needles. Being $14.00 a pop, I had better be, right?

Bright, Sunshiny Day

I cast Marigold on last night during my shift at our local Hospice residence (I volunteer to answer phones on Sunday nights - it's very quiet). The yarn color way is Shasta Daisy that I first mentioned here. So fun to knit with! Now we can really say I stopped to smell the flowers! Don't you love how the colors seem to "pop"? As with the Mountain Laurel color way, when there is a change from the green, a very fun color appears only for a stitch or two. This intrigues me to no end; I look forward to these fleeting stitches on each round.

The Marigold pattern is clearly written. Pamela left no stone unturned and gives alternate directions for smaller and larger sizes. Kudos to her! So many sock patterns only give you one size, expecting you to know what/how to make adjustments for an alternate size. If you are like me, something like that can be impossible to fathom (my mind is really very simple). The lace chart she includes is clean and easy to memorize, but still gives you enough change to keep you enthralled with this knit (don't fret, she also writes out the directions for those who don't like charts!). All in all, I can't wait for my Marigolds to finish "growing."

I also have a new purchase showing in the photo. Any guesses on what it is?

Zippo Knitting

I have been distracted by the beautiful iris that are in full bloom.
My neighbor (always my neighbor) has oodles of these around her home. The colors are simply stunning. I put some serious effort out there to capture just the right color. Nothing seemed to work so I ended up using a flash to get the purple "just right." I'm close, but the photo really doesn't do the flowers justice. These blooms had to be a large as my hand, if not bigger. No kidding.

I have some sock yarn mentioned here, that is very close to these colors, though slightly muted. I was coveting it for a pair of socks for myself. Well, JJ left me such a beautiful comment about my weird things, that I couldn't help but think this yarn should be made into something for her. It is my sincere hope that everyone has the opportunity to have someone as special as JJ in their life. She is truly a lifting spirit and gift from the heavens (note ~ she is the eloquent, sentimental, thoughtful one of the two sisters, I on the other hand am the potty mouthed, goofy, forgetful one). Plus she did mention, oh so subtly, that she would cherish a pair of socks out of said yarn.

Decision made. JJ, the yarn is yours. Love ya.

Camera/Computer - One

Ding bat using computer - zero.

There are no crushes or jealous rebellions between the computer, the camera and the mp3. The huge problem is with the connection between chair and key board. Trixie, push the darn memory stick completely into the port and all will proceed as planned. Enough said.

So here is a useless picture of my knitting (that I couldn't post) at the conference track meet last week. Enjoy!

These socks are still in the design-work-out-the-kinks mode. So I can't give you a full photo yet. Let's just say my notes were less than clear.

I have started a pair of Jaywalkers, but not really loving how they are coming along. It's not the designer's fault, I am knitting them too large. A yeti could wear them and still have toe-wiggle room. Can we all say gauge square?! Lesson learned.