Pink Moon

I'm still knitting, even though it only seems like I am doing nothing but Crossfit these days.

To be completely honest though, the wrist pain hasn't gotten much better and it doesn't seem like knitting has been helping. But I'm a trooper and will keep on keepin on. (lots of stretching, but it doesn't really help from what I can tell. Still painful.)

Anyways, Mindy's latest design in the Moon Series for April is the Pink Moon.

From the Farmers Almanac:
• Full Pink Moon – April This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers

I finished it a bit late, a couple of days after the full moon, but it has been transformed with the magic of blocking. I chose my favorite-Malabrigo Sock-to knit with in the colors Ochre and Natural.

Before:

After

Pink Moon is available for purchase on Ravelry

(On sale for 50% off until April 16, 2012)

Road Trip

Heading up to visit my favorite little people for the weekend. A much needed trip after these last few months. Can't believe I haven't seen then since Christmas!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Moons

You know I love to knit right? Hopefully the answer to that is YES!

Did you know that every month there is a full moon that has a name? (in some months there are 2 full moons, where the second is what we refer to as the Blue Moon)

Mindy, my awesome designer friend, thought of an awesome idea and I'm thrilled to be able to help her out in executing her Moon Series! Each month, she is releasing a shawl pattern inspired by the moon of that month. I've been fortunate enough to be able to do the first 3 and am so excited for the rest in the series.

January was the Wolf Moon.
A chunky thick warm shawl that is possible the coziest thing I have ever knit.

February was the Snow Moon.

A lovely lightweight lace shawl worked from the bottom up.

And tonight is the March Full Moon, the Sap Moon
A casual shawl with a bit of girlie flair with a ruffle. No lace and some fun stripes to mix it up.



All of Mindy's patterns are available on Ravelry at her designer page.

My Year in Knitting - 2011

I managed to finish 18 projects in 2011.

There was quite a lag time during the summer while I was across the pond, but overall I'm happy with my accomplishments. Some failures, but lots of success!

7 Shawls
1 Scarf
9 hats
1 pair of socks
------------------------------------------------
Left to Right- Top to Bottom

Wolf Moon Shawl- Mindy Wilkes Designs (Releasing in January 2012)

Drop Stitch Scarf by Christine Vogel
Lattice Hat by Sarah Arnold
Berry Baby Hat by Michele Sabatier
Sweet Tea Slouch by Mindy Wilkes
Ripley by Ysolda Teague
Anastasia Socks by MintyFresh
Olivia's Butterfly by Valerie Whitten
Holden Shawlette by Mindy Wilkes
Springwater Shawl by Mindy Wilkes
Haruni by Emily Ross
Rib-A-Roni by Jane Tanner
Damask by Kitman Figueroa
Rib-A-Roni by Jane Tanner
Star Crossed Slouchy Beret by Natalie Larson
Cala Shawl by Mindy Wilkes
Star Crossed Slouchy Beret by Natalie Larson
Azzu's Shawl by Emma Fassio

And the first FO for 2012 was bound off this afternoon.
The Sweet Tea Scarf to match the above Slouch. Just needs the ends woven and a good blocking!

Happy Knitting Everyone!

Ribbit- The end of a sweater

Yikes, long delay... again

Lots has happened since Thanksgiving.

Including something quite sad.

I'm not sure if you remember way back in 2009 when I fell victim to spur of the moment insanity and bought a ton of lucious Cocoon yarn to make a sweater. And I started knitting. and kept on knitting. Until I stopped. What I was left with was a vest. No sleeves and no hood, shoot- not even swen together.

Well, all of that is now this:

Yes. I ripped it all out on Monday. It was a sad day yet totally satisfying. I'm ready to move on to bigger and better things. The wine color is destined to be used soon for Mindy's newest shawl which I am completely looking forward to testing. It's a bulky crescent shape that is different from any that I have. I've seen the model and I think it will make an excellent hood/wrap for wintertime and the Cocoon yarn will be a delight to work with... again.

I'm a Reader

Well well well. Look at that.

I managed to add 4 books over the last 2 weeks!

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
3. Mockingjay by Suzanna Collins
4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
5. The English American by Alison Larkin
6. Water for Elephants (Nook Book)
7. Sizzling Sixteen Janet Evanovich
8. Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman)- Audio Book
9. Mini-Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

I've got a couple more books going now as well. I picked up Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. I absolutely loved her book Firefly Lane so I'm hoping this is another awesome one. I also purchased my cousin's wife's new book The Life and Times of Delila and have started that as well.

On the knitting front, I ripped out what I had started of the 2nd sock because it just wasn't right. Come to find out I forgot to do the regular rows in between increases so my sock was large enough to go around a Clydesdale Hoof.

(Source)

I re-started and it's now much better. Amazing what reading directions correctly will do for you! I'm half way through the foot and hope to get to the heel tomorrow. Even better news- the socks are coming up pretty much as a matching pair! I only hope that continues through the heel. I love the tri-color primary effect I got on the first one.

I'm a Reader

1. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
3. Mockingjay by Suzanna Collins
4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
5. The English American by Alison Larkin
6. Water for Elephants (Nook Book)
7. Sizzling Sixteen Janet Evanovich
8. Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman)- Audio Book

I loved BH2TW so much and I knew I would. I'm a religious reader of her blog and read the first part via her blog posts and fell in love. As an added bonus, the book was read by her which I think made it even more charming!

Picked up 2 more books at the library as well. The newest Shopaholic Book by Sophie Kinsella- Mini Shopoholic, and another book from Kristin Hannah called Winter Garden. (She is the author of one of the best books I've ever read- Firefly Lane)

In knitting news, I added to my stash today :)
I checked out a newer shop nearby and of course couldn't resist picking up some more sock yarn- which technically doesn't count as stash right?

Anyways, I got a skein of Cascade Heritage in a lovely teal blue color. 

Source


















And another skein of lovely Malibrigo Sock Yarn in a gorgeous Purple color


Source

















Both are destined, I'm sure, to become lovely little shawls to add to my collection.

What say you?

Feeling Spicy

Spicy Haruni that is :)

I got quite a bit of knitting done over the weekend and my Haruni Shawl is finally taking some shape!

Chloe crashed my photo session

Chart A - Lovely fern pattern

Chart B - Getting to my favorite part of the shawl- the edge!

While I am short on yardage, I think with a good blocking it will be plenty big enough for how I love to wear my shawls- neckerchief style tyed around the neck like a bib. Plus, the fern lace needs to be blocked out to showcase the pattern- right now it kind of resembles an egg carton! (See Photo 1 for visual)

Challenge Complete!

I have survived the 28 days of blogging! Yes, that's right my friends- I have clogged your feed readers with my ramblings every single day this month.

It was a busy busy day for this gal. Lack of sleep from the monsoon that woke me up twice certainly didn't make the day any easier.

Work (duh)

Wig busted

Eyebrows tamed (holy desperate! They were literally growing in a straight line across my forehead.)

Bills Paid

Last knit night at Lambikins- I'm super sad right now have no fear, knit night will go on.



And of course, since I am wrapping up the month of February, I might as well have started a new project right?! Of course! This beautiful skein of yarn named Spice Trader, dyed by Mindy, will become a Haruni by Emily Moss. Nothing like a little enabling at knit night to get a new project started right! Mindy will be doing the same only in a lovely regal purple and she is adding beads- she is teaching a class in a few weeks. Since I pretty much have to knit whatever Mindy does because she picks the best patterns, of course I had to choose this one.

Ewe3 Rosalind- Spice Trader

I seriously think I might be obsessed with Shawls/Shawlettes- I've definitely caught the bug. I tie them around my neck and I think they are just the most awesome accessory! (I wore my Damask today, see above) This will be my 7th shawl in the last 7 months. I'm pretty sure that diagnoses me.

Here is a gorgeous Haruni all spread out looking lovely:

<>

By SmokingHotNeedles

By RainMommy - This is more how I would wear it.

I've got it all set up and almost finished with the first repeat of the first chart. Seems like a pretty straightforward pattern thus far- Should make for great travel knitting!

Damask Shawl

Another fabulous shawl to add to my wardrobe!

I finished my Damask Shawl over the weekend and even managed to get some time to block it.

I'll shout it from the rooftops any chance that I get- blocking is magic and works wonders on knitting. Especially for lace. It really is a must to get it to it's full potential. Essentially, blocking is soaking the knitted object in a wool wash or some kind- I prefer Eucalan, Squeezing the excess water out, and then stretching and pinning the object to shape and letting it dry. There are many ways to block, helpful tools such as wires for straight lines and mats for pinning but I just use the spare twin bed and cotton thread- pull it tight for straight lines and then lots of pins to get the shape I want. The shell-like edge of this shawl was what made me fall in love with it.

Pre-blocked and all scrunched up

Blocked to it's full potential

Already rocked it twice- once casual, and once for work

un-blocked lace resembles Ramen Noodles

Blocking lets the lace really shine

Pattern: Damask Shawl by Kitman Figueroa
Yarn: Rosalind by Ewe3
Color: Citrine
My Ravelry Project Page!

Achy and Shawly

So this week has been a bit of a mess. I feel achy (not that running twice this week had anything to do with that) and I've had the most ridiculous of headaches pretty much daily. It's getting annoying.I did manage to run on Saturday and again on Monday. Hoping to continue the trend today. I may not be running very far or long but I think I am still okay for a half in the late spring. It's goign to be hard work but I'm still looking forward to it. I should have run last night but instead I planted myself on the couch and ate Skyline (homemade) and watched the Biggest Loser... something is wrong with that picture.

Anyway.

Knit night was somewhat of a disaster on Monday. Since I finished Mindy's Cala on Sunday (totally can't wait to block it this weekend and get it around my neck!) I decided to cast on yet another shawl. The lovely Citron in a fabulous teal Malabrigo Lace yarn- It's a very feminine half circle shawl reminiscent of a lime wedge with slight ruching and a ruffly edging. I noticed the yarn was trying to felt itself in the skein. I managed to get it wound with few issues and went to cast on. (And we won't even talk about the issues I had with my needles...) 3 tries later and I was able to move past the garter tab. As if that wasn't insulting enough, I screwed up royally around row 4 or so and ripped it out. It was just not my night for knitting. As of last night I have moved past the cast on and set up rows, completed the first section, and am now understanding the concept. It will be a lovely shawl once I can get it completed. I have been wanting to make it for a while now.

Lovely Citron made by Nyxxie

Another Lovely Citron made by avelinux
This is the color that mine will be


Though I am itching to wind up the new Rosalind yarn I bought from Mindy last week. In an absolutely gorgeous gold colorway, I just need to pick the right pattern. I'm leaning towards Damask.

Damask by kitman

I think I have a thing for small shawls now. Mindy is to blame for that, but I still like her :)

Cala Shawl

Well- I wrapped up my test knit of the Cala Shawl last night.

I knew going in that I was short on yardage but I figured I could make it work. I was also testing to see how adaptable the pattern was. (Or so I'm telling myself rather than feeling dumb for not using a yarn with enough yardage) and I think it was a success.

Anyway- I followed the pattern as written, but had to leave out the last section of the third chart. I still think it looks lovely- and it is quite big anyway. And I'm sure with my talent to block things to within an inch of their life (I'll have to show some restraint on this one so I can still wear it) the lace will open up and be quite lovely.

I'll be taking it to the shop tonight so that I can get approval from the designer before I move forward with blocking. I hope she is happy with it. I know I am!

Start to finish was less than 2 weeks and I would have been finished sooner had I not skipped a couple knitting days. The pattern is well written and the lace is lovely. A bit challenging I would say for a beginner, but an enthusiastic beginner to intermediate would likely be where I would put this. The lace is challenging enough for an advanced knitter so as not to get bored, but not so challenging to discourage an intermediate knitter to never want to do lace again. A great mix I would say!

Yarn: Schaefer Heather in an off colorway- unnamed (The true color is a dark purple, maroon, blue variation- hopefully I'll get some better color photos)
Needles: Knitpicks Harmony US5
Pattern: Cala Shawl by Mindy Wilkes- to be released in mid-February
My Ravelry Project Page!

today

Was a snowy day.

I still had to work but luckily was still very productive. Laptop and live meeting helped greatly.

Aside from work I also:

Supervised while Mr. Buckeye hung up the shelf, picture, and mirror in my office.

Skinned a young chicken for dinner and almost barfed about 6 times. Also peeled those veggies and had the crock going in time to have dinner deliciously waiting for us at the end of the day.

Washed and dried a load of laundry and folded 2 others.

I also made quite a bit of progress on the Cala test knit. I am completely through chart a. We will kindly ignore the fact I spent way too much time performing surgery due to my own stupidity and lack of paying attention. It still is coming along quite well.

Back to the office tomorrow so cross your fingers for okay traffic!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

First Knit of 2011

Why yes, it is another slouchy beret... I swear I can make these in my sleep.

Unfortunately, this slouchy hat will be send off to someone else other than myself. I'm kinda bummed.

I really have become a selfish knitter!

Can it be true??

Why yes, I did wear that sweater to work yesterday.

That sweater that should have been knit in a weekend but actually took 13 months because it was lost for 8 is finally complete.

Including not 1 but 2! sleeves!

We will ignore the fact that there are still approximately 8 tails that need to be woven in the body. I don't care. It has been worn and is therefore been marked as an FO! (Finished object)

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

Challenge

I may never get this thing done. It was done but I was convinced it was not long enough. So I tore the cast on edge out and added more ribbing. Didn't like that so I took the poms off and tore the top out to make it taller. Trying to fix the cast on that I pulled out I have now run out of yarn. I give up and am tearing the whole damn thing out. Poor Emma's head is probably freezing right now. It will get done eventually.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

How I spent my Monday Night...

I multi-tasked.

Sitting at the car dealer for almost 3 hours.

Reading The Girl Who Played with Fire.

Knitting.

Waiting...

At least they took pity on me and didn't charge me for the scanning of my check engine light. (HOLLA! $90 savings!)

Pst- Hey Steph! That hat up there? Yeah, that is for you! Hoping to have it done this week and on it's way!

5k and a FO!

I packed my gym bag and had planned to run 5k during lunch. I ALMOST succeeded. I packed everything except my sportband and the treadmill decided to crap out on me 2.5 miles in. Literally. It just stopped working. Luckily it came back on and I was able to finish my 5k though I have no idea the time and can't log it on Nike+. Bummer. I did have to walk about .25 miles. The hip/thigh is still out of whack and I'm hoping that taking it easy this week along with some ice and stretching will set me up for success on Sunday.

Knit night resulted in an FO! (That's finished object for you non-knitter folk) The socks I cast on back in April are now on my feet keeping my toes toasty! Too bad it's still around 70* out right now so wool socks are a bit much. But they are finished and woven in and I'm a happy girl.

Randomness

Fall is officially here and I couldn’t be happier! The weather has finally chilled to a crisp 60*, the clouds have come out to stay, and the leaves are falling faster than they can change color. (though I wish they would stay on the trees for at least a little bit so I can marvel at the beauty)

A lot has happened on the running front. I have completed my training and am now in taper mode. I successfully completed my 12 mile run on Saturday. I must say, I did not enjoy it. I’m just hoping and praying that I get a little bit of that joy I felt during my 10 miler. It was absolutely amazing and knowing that I am not feeling the same way during each run is just heartbreaking. I’m officially 12 days away from running my first half marathon . I feel like a manic-depressant… One minute I’m over the roof elated and so excited to know that I am so close, then the next minute I’m in a sweaty panic thinking OMG What the hell am I thinking?! It’s been a journey- that’s for sure. But hopefully in 2 weeks, I’ll be able to give a full race report as a half-marathoner! It will definitely be an experience to never forget.

On the knit front, of course I have started some new projects. The socks I began back in April have returned and I’m now on the foot. Hopefully not too much longer and I can be wearing them officially without needles poking me. There is also a gorgeous set of mittens that I started using the new wool I bought from A Wool Gathering. They are proving to be a challenge with the teeny tiny charts and twisted rib the entire way. But they will be awesome once they are finished.

On the sewing front, I finally completed my first ever quilt. It was washed without issue (ie it didn’t fall apart!) and gifted to it’s rightful new owner. (rather it’s new owners future mommy) I lost my camera the day of the shower so I’m waiting on the pics I took with her DSLR (Totally jealous!) Along with the quilt I whipped up 2 adorable baby bibs using the leftover fabric and some towels. I hope little William gets lots of use out of them! I also managed to dissect and recreate an interchangeable needle case. I found an amazing case that I absolutely loved but didn’t want to spend the $$ on and figured I could try to make a worthy imposter. It turned out fantastic if I do say so myself. Obviously it’s imperfect and I could make a few adjustments, but my KnitPicks Harmonies are loving their new home!

More tomorrow. I’ve got to get back on a blogging schedule. I prefer organized- topic focused posts and lately it’s been a hot mess.

At least I get to go to Ma’s tonight for some spaghetti!

A Wool Gathering

I attended my first fiber festival yesterday.

A Wool Gathering in Yellow Springs, OH

It was awesome and interesting and completely overwhelming. (and this was a fairly small one!)

I saw sheep getting nekkid.

Sheep with cute curly hair

LLamas chillin'

and angoras sweating.
(no pics of the angoras... I was overwhelmed by the cuteness and forgot I had a camera)
FYI- Angoras are fluffy long haired rabbits. Extremely warm and soft and adorable!

Oh and there was lots and lots of yarn and fiber and roving and buttons and soaps and lotions and fun!

Here's my loot: the big bag is 2700 yards of wool in various shades of green. (12 balls) Who knows what I'll do with it, but I had to have it! The smaller orange bag is also 100% wool and they will become fabulous Grove mittens. And lastly, that red deliciousness is in fact called Red Delicious and it's by FiberOptics. That is destined to become a shawl. Not sure which one but it will be fabulous wrapped around my neck.

I also did something brand new. I learned to spin! Well, I attempted to learn to spin. The lovely Judy from Columbus taught me how roving becomes yarn with the aid of a drop spindle. I'm totally intrigued with the process and was seconds away from buying my own drop spindle along with some roving to play with but held back. I can't get into another hobby quite yet. I want to be able to give it the time it deserves. Maybe some day.

Great way to end the weekend, I'm ready for Monday!