New Stuff, maybe last stuff

First off, I'm not that computery...I don't understand what this site is going to be doing as of May 1, but I figured I'd squeeze in a post before the changeover....if I can't figure it out, then this very possibly could be my last post. Hey, at least it's with 2 FOs.

Short Sleeve blouson top by Cathy Carron in knit1 mag-love this pattern, and so easy. My fave top down construction, but on size 4 circs. Tedius. If you make this, be sure to down size. I knit it up from LB microspun from an older project I frogged. I figure I gave the yarn a new lease on life.

The next fo is circle socks made from LB Sock Ease on size 1 circs. When you look at them, they appear to be super thick, but they do fit, and I love wool socks for the winter. This is a great pattern for dark yarn when you want to be able to see a design. I would say stay tuned for more, but I can't predict what will happen..so, happy knitting to all!

Crochet Frenzy

Just wanted to update the old blogaroo with 2 FO's for your viewing pleasure. They were both patterns from Patons Spring Style.....and I'd have to say they both turned out exactly as I hoped. I used an E hook which probably came out smaller than what they recommend, but I didn't use Patons Grace=instead I subbed Red Heart Lustersheen.

Now I can't wait for spring!

Poor Neglected Blog

Blogging seems so tedious anymore, and I ask myself why continue? I started this to document my fos, but with the advent of ravelry, it seems pointless. Sometime down the road, I'll probably abandon it altogether like so many others have.

Anyway, I do want to say that I've been super busy. Between remodeling a new home and being crafty, I've been able to finish quite a few wips.
Unphot0graphed, but hope to soon...no camera batteries...:
Forecast
Owls
Anthro inspired pudding pie cardi
beaded crochet top from Patons Spring Style
one Spring Fling sock
Global warming-just a few finishing details
Lush Lace Pullover
sewn 2 new tunic tops-Hillary Duff pattern

Wips I wish were done:
Baby doll top from Patons Spring Fling
Quilt top=machine quilted
Rebecca v-neck top
Rebecca wool dress
Romance
Crochet vest from "Make It Yourself"
Vertical detail top from Patons Fall in Love
Crochet "barn coat"

So, you know how it goes....I started yet another new project! Drops 99-4....will my meandering never cease? Highly unlikely. Hope to post photos soon!

Waz happenin'

I decided to go ahead and blog since my posts overall have been so scanty. I love to read what everyone else is up to, but just dobn't have the time or motivation to do it much anymore.
I was knitting "Romance" and my attention got swayed....I've been frantically knitting "Forecast" which has been in my personal queue forever. I gotta say, it's a great pattern, and I can't wait to finish it. I still have 2 sleeves and the button bands to do.
On another note, when I was on vacation 2 weeks ago, I visited a thrift store I had never been to, and I scored 15 skeins of vintage yarn. All were 100% wool in a variety of colors and I can't wait to use some of it.
I also found some fabric at another thrift store...with reasonable pricing, and came home and whipped up a little top in just a few hours. Gee, I have soooo many projects, and no time to work on them. I've got a quilt I am machine quilting, too but it takes forever! Hopefully I will have pics to post next time.

My "Self" Design

Remember my last post regarding the cocoon vest? Well, I was able to finish the sweater and here it is! I found a pattern in the latest VK that I fell in love with, but didn't have the $ to buy the pattern, so I decided to "copy" it. I have named her "Envy".

It's made in Lion Brand "Kool Wool" in the color grass-wish they hadn't discontinued this. I thought I was going to have to buy some from another Raveler, but luckily, all's well that ends well. I found 2 more balls in my stash in order to make it a longer length. Unfortunately, when I originally bought the yarn I was unable to get all the same dye lot, and yes, it's noticable. I considered overdying it, but haven't really had the time. It took about 8-9 balls, and I used size 10 circs. It is done top down.
Sorry for the sideways pic, but I uploaded it this way. I wanted you to be able to see the side cabling. I am unhappy that the increases are so sloppy looking, but i couldn't decide if I should p1fb or k1fb. In the end I did p1fb. Also, I should have started the waist shaping sooner. Live and learn. I definitely like the fit and would like to try it agin....maybe in another yarn. Who knows? I'm already working on "Remember", and have 2 others in the line up. Too many projects.....not enough time.

What I'm up to

Again, a month has whooshed by, and I haven't blogged. Nor have I photographed my FO. Is it me, or are the days getting shorter???

I've been having knitter's add...seriously. First, I pulled out an old project-Monkey socks, and almost completed the first sock. Then I decided to start the Spring Forward socks from Knitty. That wasn't good enough, so I FINALLY knit and finished the Leaf t in a mere 4 days! Then I saw a pattern from Stitch Diva that I totally fell in love with, and decided to knock it off. I ripped up an old FO, and started knitting like a maniac....sadly, I ran out of yarn, and haven't been able to find anymore. This really dampered my mojo. I resorted to using a different color yarn for the ribbing and sleeves, and it just isn't turning out to be the creation that I so desired. I can always recreate it, but my interest is waning especially after seeing some other patterns for fall that have caught my eye. Oh my gosh! My head is spinning from all this!! I need to chill out and decide to do one thing at a time. I'm on overload!

Psst...here's the project I ripped in order to do my knock off. It was the cocoon vest that I don't think I ever posted. I knew I'd never wear it again, and hey...it was like finding free yarn.

Happy 4th of July!

This really is one of my fave holidays...but this year it's even more special...I'm on vacation and my plans are for sewing, sewing, and more sewing. For about a month all I could think about were maxi dresses, and after letting a vintage pattern go on ebay, the search was even more urgent and impossible. One morning before work, I googled and somehow stumbled upon a video tutorial to make a maxi without a pattern.....I did it in one day and believe you me, it fits! I just want to send a super thanks out thre to Mimi for her excellent vid and sharing it with the world. Here's where you can find this fantastic sewist....http://myraida.blogspot.com/.
You're probably wondering where the photo is.....yeah. Bad news. Tonight my washing machine decided to eat it.....one of the straps, so now I have to figure out how to repair it. :(
In other sewing news, I finished 2 more dresses and a 3rd today. I Love Being On Vacation!!!!

A Rant and a Rave

Maybe I better start with the rave since the rant might drive you crazy. While perusing Ravelry, I happened upon someone's project from the new Paton's Spring Style book. When I find something I like it becomes a mission. I went to the Paton's website and found the stores in my area which had the book. My experience hasn't been too good with websites saying certain stores have their products only to find after driving all over town that they don't. So, I phoned, and Michael's had it. I raced over to get it, and I LOVE this pattern book. There are 4 patterns that I fell in love with, and I've already started the first one. Of course, I didn't have the required amount of yarn, so that led me to an online shopping spree. But, all's well that ends well with that mission.

Now, for the rant. Oh my gawd! Do you ever have the most impossible experience locating supplies for that special project? Well, I do, and I just wanted to bang my head against the wall. A year ago, I purchased some beads from a local store. Well, along comes the Spring Style book, and one of the projects is beaded. (I've never knit or crochet with beads before) I dig out the beads I bought, and I don't have enough. Fine, I think, I'll just check their website and find out their store hours. Hmmm...they've moved. No problem. I'll go on my next day off. So, I go to the location listed on their website, and they moved again. I find the new place, but now the name has changed, too. When I went inside , I was extremely disappointed. Their inventory was only about 1/8th of what they used to have. I had to wait 30 minutes to ask if they had these beads.(they don't). While waiting, I watched as a paying customer waited at the register for what seemed like forever, was never acknowledged, and she walked out. Then I go to another bead store in town. They have similar ones, but not enough. The clerk says she'll check their website and see if she can order more. (much better customer service at this store). No, they don't have it anymore. My last resort was to go to Joann's. Amazingly, they had a similar bead and I was able to meet the bead requirement. Now the excitement to start the new project is at an all time high. I thread the yarn on a needle-no easy feat, mind you-and prepare all the beads. The beads from Joann's have a smaller hole!!!! I can't get them threaded at all!!!! I could kill someone...but it wouldn't do me any good. I am back to square one and I can't even return the beads because I unthreaded them all, and mixed them in with the original beads. This is the part where the head banging could have taken place. Now I have the perfect yarn, and not the perfect beads. I could cry.

Ok enough....I will leave you with a pic of one of my latest projects....Lapa from the Caron website. If you want to learn to crochet, I think this a great starting point. Very well written and easy to execute. I probably could have used a smaller hook since this yarn tends to grow, but all in all I'm pretty happy with it. Well, I'm off to crochet some more!

My current ramblings

Sorry, folks...no pictures this post. Work has been a bit frantic with loss of help, new management, and new employees. The stress level is high. What's one to do with all this stress? Create.
Still no Rebecca dress. It's wool, and I'm not motivated. Then, I caught the fever to knit Owls. I am doing the second sleeve, and stalled. Then, out of the blue, the sewing bug manifested itself. Joann's has been having pattern sales, and I've bought a few. I finished a blouse and a dress, and both have been worn to work already. I am in the process of another dress, but have had many fits and starts, and jamming of the fabric and thread. Grrr...all that cussing you hear is me. It is a fairly simple design, but with the tiredness from work, I've been unable to do more than one or two steps on it---oh, and making dumb mistakes. I found a vintage pattern on ebay, and that will be my next sewing project, but unfortunately, the fabric stash doesn't have what I need.
To complicate matters further, I suddenly got the reading bug, too, and have finished 4 books in a matter of three weeks. With my schedule, that's pretty quick. I have one left, and another one in transit. Shall I make matters worse? I want to machine quilt, and bought a book to learn how. I bought a quilting foot for my machine-oh my gawd, 2 years ago....and have yet to try it out. I'm too busy, and why oh why aren't there at least 40 hours in a day for everything I want to do?

I Haven't Forgotten

this little ole blog. I have to be honest and say that 2009 hasn't been treating this household too well. My job seemed to be in danger for awhile, but now things have leveled off, and all they have done is reduce my hours. Still hurts the pocketbook, if ya know what I mean. The stress level has been high, and I haven't felt like knitting any of my projects. I decided to take a few vacation days before that got loused up, too. What's a person to do?

I've been sewing and knitting doll clothes as a form of therapy, and have tried unsuccessfully to win some dolls on ebay. Now that I have a new laptop, I haven't quite figured out all the kinks with uploading photos from my camera. Here's one for ya...but I can't guarantee the quality. My fave is the Hello Kitty sweater. I'm probably going to join the doll clothes group on Ravelry and post more photos there. Would love to see and hear about other bloggers who make and knit doll clothes. There aren't a lot of people who blog about Vogue Ginny dolls.

For now, this is it. I hope to come out of my funk soon. That Rebecca dress needs to be done!

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.