Two FOs for your enjoyment

Yes, of course, I'm still knitting...I even managed to clear up one of my old wips.

First off the needles is the Shalom Cardigan:

I used up 8 balls from my stash of LB Kool Wool in fushia. I love this one. You definitely get what you knit, and who could hate a top down project? I literally had nothing left to sew on this ginormous button that I found at Wally World. It's a perfect match, too. Oh, forgot to say...started on 10-22-08 and finished on 10-29-08 and used size 10 circs. It's a quickie, that's for sure. My mom loved it, so I am in the process of knitting hers in grey Kool Wool. I had 9 balls leftover from knitting the Spicy Fitted Tee. I'll post a pic when I've finished that one.

Next up is my CPH. I can't explain why I stalled out on this one. All I had left to knit was one sleeve cap, the hood, and the ribbing around. I started it over a year ago...I think it was 10-21-07. I can't remember how many skeins I used of LB Wool Ease. Not my fave yarn, but I'm still stashbusting. I think I used the required needles. My only complaint with the pattern is that I felt the sleeves were tad slim--especially if you want to layer. I ended up making a size 36" because I already read where the fronts were too small. Also, if anyone is reading this, I'd like to hear your feelings on Wool Ease. I made a vest from this a few years ago, and after wearing it for one day, it pilled horribly. It's got to be the acrylic content. Oh yeah...the color is wheat. I did a 3 needle bind off for the hood, and did the ribbing all around on one circ. Trying to avoid more seaming. I will say, with the turn of cool weather in FL, this kept me warm. Hopefully, in my next post I will have 2 more fos to add.

My last bit of news is that the dh and I went to Ribfest to FINALLY see Styx. I have been wanting to see them for 3 years. The weather was soooo cooperative...matter of fact, the last day of warm weather we had...and the band was GREAT! DH explained why they didn't play my fave song-"Light Up" and his- "Babe". Damn Dennis DeYoung. Well, he missed a mighty rockin' version of "Renegade".

I'm Back...A FO

Ravelry is too addictive. That's where I spend a lot of time, and playing around with my new Ipod. But, it doesn't mean I'm not crafting in one way or the other.

Here's one of my fave fos.

This is "Lacy Days of Summer" from Crochet Today. (I tagged the name wrong on my flickr account-) Started on 8-21-08 and finished on 9-27-08. I think those are the right dates. Anyway, I used an f hook and 6 skeins of Luster sheen in light mulberry. If you like crochet, and wanna do a dress, I highly recommend this one. This fits beautifully, and no gauge issues. I think this has got to be one of my very favorite completed projects.

I also finished a doggie t-shirt-not shown-and a friend of ours airbrushed a design on the back. It really is cute. If I get interest, I'll post a pic. I did start another crochet dress...Tuscany Tank Lace dress, but had a huge gauge issue. I ripped it out, and started over, so not much to see yet. I am still knitting a tunic from garnstudio because everyone seems to think that this winter will be a cold one. I want to pair it with leggings, but now there's a dress code issue at work. Buttheads. I've worn leggings for the last 2 years, and it never was a problem til this summer.

I also finished a bulky mini cardi from Fitted Knits and plan to use it as a knock around sweater for work. The sizing on that sucker is weird. I used LB Wool Ease Thick and Quick as recommended and the darn thing is small! I didn't want it enormous, but somewhere in between would have been nice. I used up the stash on this one from another failed project , so at least it was economical. I can't wait for Glam Knits to come out. I already called Barnes & Noble and the sale date will be 10-29.

FO Friday

Yes, I have finally finished something! It's the Gathered Cardi from Knit1. I was so excited to finish it, that I didn't bother to block it.

Not the best photo in the world, but I felt it showed the stitch detail better.

Started: 5-27-08 Finished 7-26-08 I used 4.5 balls of Cotton Ease in Almond on size 9 circs. The next time-if there's a next time-I will use a smaller needle. It fits great, but I definitely prefer a tighter gauge. I just love the vintage button I found for it. There's a story there, but I won't bore you with it. It's a coin, and just the right size. It took me forever, because i am easily bored with stockinette, and those ever time consuming rows of seed stitch, but it was all worth it.

Next up? Not Tomato....it's another drops design. Stay tuned.

Like having a tomogachi (sp?)

Yeah, time to feed the blog. Time has been zooming by, but I haven't felt like posting. Since you all-1 person-have been patient, I am showing you my latest wips.

This is the back of "form fitting and figure flattering" done in crochet. Look at the top...something has gone awry! My crocheting skills are not what they should be, and I can't figure out how I ended up with so few stitches. Duh! I am going to try and make it work, though...if not r-r-rip.

And another favorite...the gathered cardi from knit1. It's definitely going much better than the crochet project, but I have stalled on sleeve island with that god forsaken seed stitch. I really have to be in the mood to deal with that. I'll give all the details after it's finished.

And what's my blog without a current doggie pic? That's my baby girl. She'll be one in August. I can't believe how big she's gotten. She's a holy terror around my little man, though. you should see the fur fly! happy knitting til next time.

Too Hot

Man, I just don't have the energy to take and upload photos...not that anything is finished. I'm still trying to crank along on the gathered cardi, and it really is coming out quite well. The lower part is what is taking forever! All that stockinette, then the seed stitch border. It may kill me. And let's not forget, I still have both sleeves to do.
My knock off Juliet did not come out as well....how in the world do you convert a lace pattern that is meant to be done from the bottom up to top down?? Any ideas? The fit is perfect. I still need to decide on how I'm going to make the closures...either i cord or crochet. It's sitting in the pile of "come on already. Finish me!"
I decided to check out garnstudio, and what do you know? They already have their fall line up posted...a few spoke to me but nothing wowed me.
Last thought...I am considering "Tomato" for my next project....more LB cotton ease to the rescue!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Man, already more than a month since I've posted, but I do have FOs. Two if you can believe that.

First up, the Keyhole Neck Pulloever from Fitted Knits. This was an easy knit if you overlook the fact that the diagram is missing for the neck edging. Luckily, I belong to Ravelry, and I contacted the only other person who has knit this, and she was able to explain it to me. I tried sending Stephanie an email, but I'm sure she's too busy with all she has on her plate. Anyway, here's the details: Start: 3-23-08 Finish: 4-16-08

Knit with size 7 nylon circs with cotton/acrylic yarn from a recycled Worthington sweater. The fit on this is fantastic. Very bodyhugging. Of course I finished it when it's way too hot to wear it, but at least I'll have a new one for this fall. Oh, and my project cost for yarn? $.99.

Next up, the Anthropologie knock off capelet from Craftster. Talk about a super quick knit. I didn't even take notes. I doubled some cheapo Caron Simply soft on size 10 circs and knocked this baby out in 5 days. The fit? Perfect. After reading comments on Craftster, I decided to go with the flow and do the seed stitch borders to prevent the curling, but mine still does a bit.

What's next on the needles....the gathered cardi from summer 2008 of Knit1. I tell you, I'm on a knitting roll.

I've also rediscovered my sewing. Stupid me forgot to take a pic of my latest top, but if I remember, I'll post next time. My next inspiration really started from reading Aprongirl's post about Anthropologie and the thrift stores. Yes, I've done a few knock offs, but somehow her latest post really made an impression. First off, yesterday I ran to Joann's for the 5 for $5.00 Simplicity pattern sale. Then as luck would have it, I ran into Hancock Fabrics and didn't know they were having a McCall's sale for 88 cents! I found one item at the thrift store that will become my next sewing project. This is one of those hideous beach cover ups...I don't know if you can tell, but those are giraffes and antelopes, I think, on the border. I've already ripped it apart, and today she will be cut out and sewn. I thought about posting a pic of the pattern, but I think I'll leave it a surprise!

Oh and if you haven't heard....Lion Brand has introduced a new sock yarn....Sock Ease!!!

Are people still reading this blog?

Evidently, my only reader is Red! Hi, Red! Miss you! Anyway, I do have a FO for your perusal.

This is the short sleeve cardigan with ribbing from Fitted Knits. I started it on 4-2-08 and completed it on 4-15-08. Talk about your quick knits. I fumbled around because I made so many goof ups on this, but the pattern is very straight forward and easy. I used size 10 nylon circs for the body, and size 8 nylon circs for the sleeves. The great part was using up some of the stash yarn I had purchased from the thrift store long ago-it's Brunswick Germantown in Dartmouth Green, and it only took 2.5 skeins. Talk about your budget projects. I definitely give this one a thumbs up for fit, because it really does. Sorry my photo doesn't quite show you those buttons...they're sunflowers. People, it is sooo difficult to find 1" size buttons and none were available in green. Then, if I found a button I liked, they wouldn't have 7 of them. I spent forever at Joann's looking, and settled on these. I didn't even bother to block it, and I wore it to work today since we had such unseasonably cold weather. What's next?

I gotta finish the keyhole neck pullover before it gets too darn hot. It's in a cotton acrylic, but once it really warms up, I'll die in long sleeves. I do have my next project picked out, though. It's gonna have to be another Garnstudio one! Happy knitting to all!

Yet Another FO for 2008

People, I'm on a knitting high! Not one, but now 2 projects off the needles for this year. If this keeps up, I'll be ecstatic by the end of the year.

Project-Knit1 Cabled Mini Jumper

Started-1-21-08 Finished-3-14-08

Lion Brand Wool Ease in Cocoa-3.5 skeins The pattern required 5 skeins, and i bought them, but as you see, I didn't need it all. My only modification was to knit this in the round, size 8 nylon circs-I hate to seam, and I'll admit, my seaming sucks. This was an easy pattern with no errors. It literally was a no brainer. I gotta say, it was a pleasure to knit this. I love the look of cables, and with wool ease, you really get the definition. I know I've said I hate wool ease, but I didn't want to spend a load of $ on this. I'm not sure I'm too cazy about those 1 1/2 inch button monsters, but I'll reserve final judgement after I've worn it.

What's next? Crochet...I figure I'll do a switch up, and hope my crocheting will be successful. I will say I had to go down one hook size from the pattern because my gauge was WAY off...mine measured 22" across instead of 17". Yeah, I would have been furious if I made this too big. Be on the look out for a wip pic!

Another successful Garnstudio pattern finished!!

I'm very excited to report that I actually have another FO for 2008...remember, last year was a total wipeout. Ok, I finished one item. Anyway, here she is in all her glory, and I can't wait to wear it.

Here are the details...Started: 2-9-08 Finished: 3-5-08

I used size 4 addi turbos, and it took 7 3/4 balls of a vintage yarn I purchased at the thrift store a few years ago. (Berger du Nord ecosse #5). You can click the image to get a better look at the center motif. Those drops patterns are great to use. There were no errors, and it was a straight forward pattern. Ya gotta love that.

I've decided to try my hand at some more yarn recycling, and here's a pic of the sweater that's almost completely ripped out. It was a Worthington xl pullover made from cotton/acrylic yarn. I paid $3.63 for it, and now I'm trying to decide what pattern to use.

In other news, I'm almost done with the knit 1 cable tunic and I'm also working on another Anthropologie knock off. Oh, and it's true. I'm on Ravelry now. Yea!!! I can't believe I waited so long. Love it!!

Vacation Begins today...

and I'm back with more of my insanity. In my last post, I mentioned an OLD wip.

This is an afghan I started in 1994 for a friend of mine who moved into an apartment complex very close to where I lived. I had such grand ideas of finishing this in no time flat to surprise her with this housewarming gift. Ha!! never happened. This ghan has 20 repeats of a 20 row pattern, and the pattern is wrong, too. Uh...I've only done 6 repeats. I used to tell myself that if I could do 2 rows a day I could finish it in (insert number of days--since I'm too lazy these days to do the math). Ok, so now it's 2008. Wonder how much longer it will be a wip? I hate to tell you, but this isn't my oldest wip. Wonder who could have the record for the oldest wip? That would be neat to know.

I've since stopped the knit1 tunic, and started something else...remember my bit about inspiration. I'm a lot further along than this, but I wanted to show how much yarn I've got since I may run out. BTW, this is yarn I found at a thrift store in 2004. The addis are new, however. When you knit continental, do your shoulders hurt? I also have like carpal tunnel in my right palm. When I knit english, I get horrible tendonitis in my right elbow. A lot of my pain is exacerbated by metal needles, but I didn't have any #4's in nylon.

And again, a doggie pic...my baby girl is getting spayed on Monday, thus the vacation. I want to be able to be at her disposal since she's such a "wittle" thing. I'm hoping to accomplish more knitting and some sewing. I did a little pre-vacation sewing..namely, repair work. The baby dog is a chewer, and completely torn up her doggie bed. I replaced the bottom with thrift store fabric, and it came out quite good if I do say so myself. She also destroyed a pillow case for a body pillow, so I made a new one out of an old sheet-this I've done before. I have more repair work lying around, and some alteration stuff. Yuck. I hate being short.

Holy time warp, Batman!

Yes, it's unbelievable that I completely missed January, but since I am FO posting, I feel it somehow balances out everything.

Now, better late than never-I actually wrapped up 2007 with a project completed on 12-31. It's been done before, but not by me until now! Spicy fitted tee from Fitted Knits. When I started this, I obviously lost my mind, and couldn't understand the directions. It came out huge. After 3 froggings from the underarm, I was able to make it work for me. I would venture to guess that this was started around summer of 2007, and finished on the last day of the year. It sat in my knitting bag being punished for being such a difficult wench. I knit it on size 10 nylon circs with what i think was 8-9 balls of now discontinued Lion Brand 'Kool Wool". It fits like a glove and I love it...except for one small thing...the garter stitch hem rolls! I hate that!

And since I was so pleased with myself at finishing that, I started the puff sleeve cardi from the same book!! Ah...the explanation was so clear to me now...I still can't figure out why I had the total meltdown to start with. Anyway, here she is...the sweater-not the puppy!!!

Start date-12-31-07

Completed-1-20-08

Knit with Reynolds "Tucson", 7 balls.....size 6 cnylon circs-thank you , Cindy!- I was really cranking on this and just knitted away night after night...completely clueless...IT"S TOO FRICKIN" HUGE!!!!!!!! I lost my mind when I tried it on...why, oh, why, hadn't I measured the gauge????!!!!!! It will be visiting the frog pond when I have the heart and strength to rip it out. And, if that wasn't enough, I found a cutie on the garnstudio site, I immediately cast on for it, only to discover that no yarn and no size needle in my stash would work...again, too big! My mojo is so off....

What does a knitter do? Not stand defeated...I cast on for another project in the queue..the Knit1 tunic from fall 2007. The downside is that like a fool I decided to go ahead and use LB 'Wool-ease". That stuff pills like a mother, but I'm running with it...(uh..it wasn't even stash yarn, but since it was cheap...I cheated) Here's a WIP photo for ya..My only mod is to do it on circs since I hate seaming, and quite frankly, my seaming looks like dog doo. Anyhoo, it's zipping along, and my mojo, although squashed, has rebounded. Once this is completed, it'll be a heyday to see what I do next. I will say, that I know this about myself, I absolutely have to be inspired to take a project to completion. Next time I will show you one of the oldest wips that suddenly inspired me again!