Knits & Stitches

I am finished...

2008-05-12T17:31:00.003-04:00

.....with graduate school at least. :) I walked on Saturday, and my family got to come watch me and take me to dinner. It was great having them all here. I have such a supportive and giving family. I couldn't have asked for better, and I know that they are a big reason I have been able to accomplish so much! Now, to find a job. I have an interview in the morning, so we'll see how that goes.

Now, on to knitting....

1.) I finished the Montego Bay Scarf from IK Summer 07, and just realized I did not get a picture of it before giving it to my grandma. I made it for her as a thank you for the support she's given me throughout college.

2.) I cast on for the Holly Jacket from IK Spring 08. I've only got about 3" knit on it, but since I'm done with school I should have lots more knitting time!! I really like the yarn I chose, Queensland Cotolino from Webs.

3.) I still need to finish the second sleeve for my Cinnabar Pullover.....100% wool and 80 degree weather don't go well together. I'll finish it before next fall......

Wrapping it up.

2008-04-20T17:48:00.005-04:00

I have two FO's for you today. My Monkey Socks by Cookie A., and the Princess Wrap from Classic Elite Yarns. Both of which are free patterns.

I really like my new socks, but I am a little unhappy about the yarn. As you can see the left sock has way more blue in it, and less pink/red than the right sock. The yarn is Jitterbug, and although it is nice, I probably won't buy it agian because of the poor dye job.

The blocked, finished Princess Wrap. I wan't sure it was going to turn out very well, but I am very happy with it. I think I am going to use it a lot this spring. I have a wooden shawl pin that looks great with it. You can sort of see it in the second pictures.

I still have a sleeve left to knit on the Cinnabar Pullover, but since it's already getting warm here in OK, it may take a while for me to finish it. I will probably cast on for the Holly Jacket this week. I'm really excited about that!

Pictures

2008-04-14T21:57:00.005-04:00

FO: Princess Wrap - soaking

Princess Wrap - blocking

WIP: Monkey Socks

WIP: Cinnabar Pullover

What to do when you...

2008-04-14T16:03:00.005-04:00

don't want to go to class because you are bummed about not getting an interview for a job that you really wanted:

1.) Soak & block your Princess Wrap that you finished this weekend, and take pictures.

2.) Take pictures of your nearly completed Monkey Socks.

3.) Take pictures of yourself wearing your almost completed Cinnabar Pullover.

4.) Post on your blog.

5.) Upload imaged on Flickr.

That's what I'm doing this afternoon before going to a lecture on campus about healing spaces. I will be recieving extra credit for my socio-cultural foundations class. As per the email sent by Dr. H; there is a 15 point max: 7 for attendance and 7 for writing a paper/essay about it....somehow that just doesn't add up.....no matter how you add those two numbers together.

I was trying to post pictures, however, for some reason blogger doesn't want me to right now. I will try again later.

Peace Out Knitters.

Proof that I'm still knitting.

2008-03-24T20:41:00.006-04:00

This is my Cinnabar Pullover. I have almost attached one sleeve, but I still need to do the seaming on the actual sleeve and that side. Then I need to knit the other sleeve. My knitting time has been dramatically interrupted due to school. I took my master's comprehensive exam last Friday. I'm glad it's over, but I'll still be mostly working on school until May 10th.

I also purchased from yarn from Webs. I got 9 skeins of Queensland Cotolino to knit the Holly Jacket from Interweave Knits Spring 2008. I am really excited to cast on for this!

Most of the knitting I've been able to do lately is on my Monkey Socks. I am almost ready to turn the heel on the second sock. No second sock syndrom here. :) Sorry, no picture though.

"Wherever you go and whatever you do, May the luck of the Irish be there with you”

2008-03-17T10:46:00.003-04:00

I hope you're wearing green today! If not, you might get pintched!

Sorry, but I have no pictures today, and I just realized that I haven't posted in a while. School and work is keeping me really busy! I am almost done with graduate school, so being busy is expected.

On the knitting front, I CO for the second monkey sock! No second sock syndrom here! :) AND, drum roll please, I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO close to being finished with my sweater. I didn't want to say it out loud, but I really wanted to wear it today, since it's green, but that didn't happen. :( All I have left are the sleeves.

And, because I'm Irish, a few Irish blessings and prayers.

"The Irish ignore anything they can't drink or punch.”

"May you always walk in sunshine. May you never want for more. May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.”

A Wish for a Friend
Wishing you a rainbowFor sunlight after showers—Miles and miles of Irish smilesFor golden happy hours—Shamrocks at your doorwayFor luck and laughter too,And a host of friends that never endsEach day your whole life through!

An Irish Prayer
May God give you...For every storm, a rainbow,For every tear, a smile,For every care, a promise,And a blessing in each trial.For every problem life sends,A faithful friend to share,For every sigh, a sweet song,And an answer for each prayer.

And, my personal favorite:

"Do not be afraid to trust and Unknown future to a Known God."

Eye Candy Friday

2008-03-07T15:16:00.006-05:00

I was looking for a pair of buttons to go on Mr. Gabu for eyes I thought I'd brighten up the day. I love color, and colorful buttons make me smile. These are randomly collected buttons that my mom gave me. Enjoy, and have a good weekend.

Mr. Gabu is done, but still doesn't have any eyes.

Amigurumi is fun!

2008-03-04T17:37:00.003-05:00

My first crochet project!! How cool?! I found this pattern on http://www.roxycraft.com/.

The name of it is called "The Gabu". It looks like a little alien.

I am using left over yarn from a tank I made last spring. It is Shine Worsted from Knit Picks.

I need to read a little bit before going to the gym, but I'll post some more pictures soon.

P.S. I finished the front panel of my Cinnabar Pullover yesterday. I'm getting so excited to finish it and wear it. I need to knit the plackets and sleeves.

Playing with Pictures: Rubix Cube

2008-02-27T17:30:00.001-05:00

Rubix Cube
Originally uploaded by k3grachel

I found this cool website called dumpr.net. Go to www.dumpr.net to play youself. I made a Rubix Cube and Egg....I'm bored. :0)

WIP

2008-02-26T18:44:00.003-05:00

I'm still working on the Cinnabar Pullover. I am almost to the armhole decreases. That's my little girl sleeping next to me. All this St is a little boring, but it makes pretty good TV knitting. I'm going to try to finished the side increases tonight. I still need to go to the gym though...and make dinner.

Birthday Card

2008-02-22T21:06:00.006-05:00

I finished my second project for Project Spectrum 03. I made a birthday card for my best friend. Her birthday is today. I made it using a scrapbook card, fabric, scrapbooking markers, and a velum quote. I think it turned out really well, and my friend is going to love it! The card is going to accompany a bottle of wine I picked up the other day.

I finished the middle portion of my Through the Keyhole Scarf today. I CO for one of the edge pieces, but I didn't get very far. The Cinnabar Pullover is coming along nicely. I have about 8 inches done on the front panel. Last week really slowed down all of my knitting because I was so sick. I've done some this week, but I was so busy, I didn't have a lot of time.

Firery: Oklahoma Sunset

2008-02-20T09:53:00.002-05:00

Firery: Oklahoma Sunset
Originally uploaded by k3grachel

This is my first 'project' for Project Spectrum 03. It's a picture I took about a week ago of the sunset here in Oklahoma. To me it looks like the land is on fire. I hope you like it.

If you want to learn more about Project Spectrum visit, Lolly Girl. Lolly girl is the founder of PS. There is also a Flickr group where people can upload pictures of their artwork, photography, knitting, etc. It is here Flickr Group. I want to try an do different types of crafts for this, and not just knitting. The first two months, February and March, the colors are fire: orange, red, and pink.

I <3 the Holly Jacket

2008-02-19T22:30:00.004-05:00

To start: a picture of two of my current WIPs, monkey socks and cinnabar pullover. And yes, that is the newly released issue of Interweave Knits, Spring 2008. I am in love with the cover knit, the Holly jacket. I am resisting the temptation to cast on until after I finish the cinnabar pullover....it's going to be hard. (Sorry the picture is dark. I haven't had time during the day to take any pictures.

Life is busy, so that's all for now, but I'll leave you with a picture of my baby, Chloe.

Sorry, no knitting.

2008-02-14T15:37:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day

I've had the flu = no knitting at all.

KnitWars

2008-02-05T15:49:00.001-05:00

I just joined. Check out their Ravelry group. If you go to Lime n Violet: The Daily Chum you can learn more about KnitWars.

Due to an inability to read a pattern...

2008-02-04T11:38:00.000-05:00

I did not get as much knitting on my Cinnabar Pullover this weekend that I had hoped to. On Friday I started decreasing for the armholes, and suddenly couldn't go any farther. The pattern just didn't make sense to me. I put it aside, knit on something else, and came back to it yesterday. Still not being able to figure it out I looked up the designer of Ravelry, and started to send her a messge....lightbulb moment....I'm glad that I did not send that message. While typing out the part that was confusing me it hit me what I was suppose to do. I'm back on track now, and am close to starting the sholder shaping = short rows. I <3 short rows. I'm really don't get why people are so afraid of them, but maybe that's why my stepmom calls me a fearless knitter. :)

I found a new website, 100 Pure Wool, where I can get inexpensive yarn. They have 440 yrd skeins of sock wool for $8.00 in some really pretty colorways. I may be purchasing some soon.

WIPs

2008-01-31T20:31:00.000-05:00

Tah dah! The replacement needles that Crystal Palace Yarns sent me. Aren't they pretty. J/k. They have already proved to be much better than the other set. I am using them to knit my monkey socks. I have finished the third lace repeat on the first sock. I am really enjoying knitting these socks. I am even thinking about frogging the slip up sock to knit a second pair of monkey socks. I alreay am going to have to rip the toe out, and knit the foot more because they are too short.

This is my cool monkey. I am in love with the colors. It isn't stripping like I thought it would, but I like the way that it is turning out. This picture doesn't show it exactly, but I am getting blocks of greens and blocks of purple/blues. I am on the 4th lace repeat already. (In this picture I only have 1 lace repeat done.)

Here is the back of my Cinnabar Pullover. I am done with the waist shaping, and am ready to start the armhole decreases. This is going very quickly, but all the stockinette is a little boring. After the armhole shaping there is some short row shapping for the sholders, so maybe that will break up the boringness.

And last, but certainly not least, the Through the Keyhole Scarf. This picture reminds me of a sushi roll. Mmmm..sushi, I love sushi. I am really enjoying this knit, but with my other two projects it isn't getting the love and attention it deserves.

Monos Locos!

2008-01-30T12:04:00.000-05:00

....Crazy Monkies. I finally joined the bandwagon, and cast on for a pair of Cookie A.'s Monkey socks. I am using the Jitterbug yarn I bought at SWAK In the City. I knit the cuff and first pattern repeat. It's amazing, and I'm in love. :) The pattern calls for US1 1/2 needles that will yeild a medium size sock, but I have a small foot (and no US1 1/2 needles), so I'm using US1 needles. Speaking of those needles, they are the replacement that I got from Crystal Palace Yarns. They seem to be a lot sturdier than the other ones. They came very promtly, and I'm expecting them to work a lot better than the last ones. Maybe I just got a bad set the first time.

I am really close to the armhole shaping on my Cinnabar Pullover. I am really enjoying knitting it. It isn't too hard, so it makes great TV knitting. I'm trying to keep up on it, so I will actually be able to wear it this season! I don't want to have to either a)wear it and sweat in OK weather, or b) wait until it gets cold next fall. I'll just have to finish it soon!

I was checking out Lime and Violet: The Daily Chum (link to the site is to the right), and found some new sock yarn that I want. They are a fairly new website, Sunshine Yarns/, and have some amazing colorways. The colorway I really want is WEASLEYS WIZARD WHEEZES - TWIST. It is so colorfull and gorgeous! I'm trying to finish up some projects, so I won't be buying any anytime soon, but I'll definitely keep my eye on it.

Sorry for the pictureless post. I'll try to post some later today or tomorrow.

Happy Knitting!

FO's, Yarn, & New projects

2008-01-24T17:17:00.001-05:00

Finished Objects

I finished my fingerless mittens. I really like the way that they turned out. For some reason the second one turned out a little looser than the first one, but not enough to make me re-knit it. :)

These are two dishrags that I finished last week. They are out of Sugar n' Cream. I think I used most of one ball to knit them both.

I also finished the Basketweave Scarf from Interweave Knits. I got it from Knitting Daily, so I'm not sure which issue it was originally published in. It is for my boyfriend. He already took it, so I didn't get to take a picture. I'll have to snap one of him wearing it!

Works In Progress

I bought yarn on Monday from SWAK In the City. I was planning on making the Tangled Yoke Cardigan, but I think this yarn will do better if I make the Cinnabar Pullover from Interweave Knits Fall 2007. I cast on about 3 times, but I think I finally got it right this time.

I also started the Through The Keyhole Scarf from The Knitter's Bible Knitted Accessories. I have about half of the center part of the scarf done. It is going really quickly. I am knitting it with Patons SWS. I really like the way the yarn feels. It is really smooth and silky.

Yarn

Loop -d- Loop Moss.

Patons SWS.

That's all for today. I'll try to get a picture of the Basketweave Scarf up soon.

Impressed!

2008-01-18T16:05:00.000-05:00

A representative from Crystal Palace Yarns left a message on my blog, and after talking to her via email she is going to send me a replacement set. First off, I have no idea how she found my blog, but I am really grateful that they are replacing my whole set of needles.

These socks are the ones I just finished! Aren't they great?! Just plain stockinette with a 1x1 ribbing at the top. I really want to start another pair, but there are two issues with that. 1. I don't have needles. 2. I really need to finish by boyfriends scarf that was suppose to be part of his Christmas gift. I told him I'd finish it after I was done with my socks. I guess I'd better do that. ;) I have a three day weekend, so I should be able to finish it. We get Monday off from school because of Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Yarn I used for the socks: Jojoland Melody. Needles: Crystal Palace Bamboo dpns 6", US1

Happy Weekend, Happy Knitting!

Disappointed...

2008-01-17T12:04:00.000-05:00

with my Crystal Palace Bamboo double pointed needles. I am almost done with my third pair of socks, and I have broken one, and the other four are severly bent. One is on the verge of breaking. I just hope it lasts until I can finish the sock. I only lack the toe! I would like to see if they would replace the broken one, but I can't seem to find a website for them. Maybe I should contact the yarn shop where I bought them. In the mean time I want to purchase another set of dpns, but I'm not sure what brand/material I should buy. Any suggestions?

I am pretty new to sock knitting. I found a really cool chart to figure out how long to knit the foot based on your shoe size. http://www.knittinganyway.com/socks/socksizechart.htm

Fingerless mittens are wonderful!

2008-01-14T17:43:00.000-05:00

It took forever, but I finally got my Ravelry sidebar/progress bar to work. I didn't think I was ever going to get it to work. I got the code from another Ravelry user, because I couldn't get the one Casey did for me. I would rather the pictures take you to my Ravelry account, but flickr's ok. At least I got it to work!

I wanted to make a pair of fingerless mittens out of the Esperanza yarn I bought, but I couldn't find many patterns that use chunky yarn. I decided to design/create my own pattern. I feel pretty proud of it! It is simple, yet functional. This is just the first one. I will knit up the second one. I jotted down the pattern as I was making it up, so once I finish the pair I'll share it. I just need to come up with a cool name for them.

School started this week, so this will start to get busy. I already have my first reading assignment due Wednesday.

Knitting while intoxicated....

2008-01-11T10:37:00.000-05:00

is not the brightest idea. Now, I'm not talking about drinking. I'm talking about knitting (or trying to knit) a sock after taking sinus medication that makes me drowsy. It's not suppose to, but it always does. I had taken it earlier in the day, and just went to sleep for a few hours. Later that evening I didn't want to sleep, so I did my best to sit up-right on the couch, watch tv, and knit. It was going along fine....I was about half way done with the heel flap (of my second sock), and counted the number of stitches that were on the needle. I was suppose to have 28. I had 25. I left it alone for a while, got out of the sinus med fog, and recounted....still 25.

The sock on the needles to the right is the one that needs work on. I am going to try and figure out where I dropped those 3 stitches, frog, and re-knit. The other pictures are of the completed sock. I love how the colors fad into each other. The yarn is Jojoland Melody. It is a superwash wool that I bought from my LYS. It is just a basic stockinette sock.

YARN

Colinette Jitterbug
Colorway: Dusk, 77.

I love it!!!!

Misti Alpaca Chunky

Colorway: Puprle

I love it too!!
It was a Christmas gift.

Schafar Yarn Esperanza

Coloryway: ? Multicolored

This yarn is AWESOME!

It bought it with a gift certificate.

Sophie Purse I gave to my sister for Christmas. I lined it with a purple and yellow paisly print.

My dad, wear the sock I gave him for Christmas. He got the other one a few days later. :) I used Regina Tweed. They are blue with green, red, and orange specks. I guessed on how long to make the foot, and they fit perfectly. I was so excited. I really likes them too!

In-Between-Days

2008-01-09T10:39:00.000-05:00

Christmas and New Year's are gone. School and classes will soon be here again. I have a few more days before the hustle and bustle of classes, reading, teaching, and studying start back again. I am working this week, but I don't really have to start using my brain for much yet :). I done have to go buy books sometime this week; have lunch with friends. I feel blessed though. I had a wonderful holiday break with family and friends. I got to travel a bit, and go snow skiing. It was so much fun, and completely exhausting (not just the skiing part, but the whole traveling around thing). I feel like a need a vacation to regain energy lost from my vacation. How goofy is that? All in all, it was worth it though.

I got all of my Christmas gift knitting done...even if they weren't all given to the recipiants completed. I did finish them all. Everyone like them, and the socks for my dad FIT! That was best of all, and it was my first completed pair of socks! I still haven't made the matching pair to the Slip Up Socks. I started another pair of socks for myself. I finished one last night, and I'm about to cast of for the next one. The first one went by pretty quickly, so this one should too. I am hoping that the yarn is going to be sturdy, and not wear out quickly. I do have to finish the Basketweave Scarf for my boyfriend..... I will be posting pictures of completed gifts and current WIP's soon.

A non-knitting topic: The 'non-knitting blog' to the right is my cousin's. He is currently living in Kenya as a missionary. Please pray for peace and safefy there.

Christmas Knitting

2007-12-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

1.5 Christmas gifts DONE.

I finished the first sock for my dad. I really hope it will fit him. I

am pretty sure it will, but I won't know for sure until he tries it on. I am just about done with the ribbing for the cuff on the second one. I am really happy with how the first one turned out, and I hope the second one will be even better. Am I sure that my dad will get both completed socks on time? No, but I don't think he'll mind too much. I am having Christmas with my dad and stepmom this weekend, so I have a little less time.

The purple purse to the right is a gift for my sister. The pattern is from Magknits.com, Sophie Purse. It turned out SO cute. I like it a lot better than the first one I did for me. It is still drying right now. I have one more Sohpie Purse to knit for my mom. Her's will be a little different because she wants the handles a litttle different, and for it to have a flap.

Well, I'd better get to work. Happy Christmas Knitting.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Christmas WIPs

2007-12-11T14:05:00.001-05:00

Being iced in has had a few advantages: no school for two days dues to incliment weather and power outages, extra knitting time (however, I still haven't done a lot), and sleeping in.

My sister's purse is to the left. It is the Sophie Purse knit in Cascasde 220. I need to re-knit the handles. I tried to make them thicker, but I didn't like it. It will only take 20 minutes at the most.

Here is the scarf for my boyfriend. It is part of his Christmas gift. It is a free pattern from Knitting Daily called the Basketweave Scarf. I really love this patter. It is awesome! I am using Patons Classic Wool Merino, and size US 8 needles.

Yarn lust

2007-12-04T10:46:00.000-05:00

I was just reading Yarn Harlot's blog. She is working on some socks with yarn from Lotus Yarn. Of course, I clicked the link to their Etsy shop, and am now lusting for this yarn! It is soo yummy and gorgeous!

I finished one of my christmas gifts last night. It is for my sister. I don't think that she reads this, but just in case she does I'm not going to post what it is. Well, it not technically completely finished, but almost. I have the few last details to finish on it. I am really please with how it it turning out, and can't wait to see the real finished product. It was such a quick knit too!

Other Christmas news!! I am going the day after Christmas to Juarez, MX where my boyfriend is from. We are going skiing with some of his family. We get to stay in a cabin. I am SO extremely excited! Now, if I could just concentrate on finishing the semester......

Peeking up from the books to say hello.

2007-12-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

Hello. I've been lost amongst books, books, laptops, computer labs, research, statistics, and more. There is only 1 weeks of classes left and then finals week, eek! In between highlighting, lesson plan making, and writing I've managed to get a few knitted rows in here and there on Christmas gifts. Over the weekend I managed to get about 3/4 the way done one of them, so I feel pretty good about that. Plus, I actually did some studying/homework too! However, I didn't managed to get any pictures. Go figure. I'll try to take/post some this week, but I cannot promise anything.

On other non-knitting related topics, check out this blog http://micahyav.blogspot.com/. It's my cousin's blog. He is spending a year in Kenya doing different sorts of mission work. He's been there since August, and normally has lots to talk about.

Knitting will make it go by faster.

2007-11-17T17:31:00.000-05:00

My little girl, Chloe, went to the vet today to get her 6 month check up and vaccinations. About 45 minutes after I picked her up she had a bad reaction. Her face swelled up about twice it's normal size and got bumps on her head. I took her back to the vet, and they are taking care of her now. She's going to be okay, but I feel so bad. I don't remember the last time I was home without her running around, or sleeping next to me. It's been almost 3 hours, and they still haven't called. They are giving her medication through an IV. They are keeping her to watch her, and make sure she's okay. They are suppose to call me when I can come pick her up, but it's taking forever! I just keep knitting my sock, but had to take a break because my fingers are starting to hurt. I love her, and can't wait to bring her back home.

This is the scarf that I've been working on. I just need to decided if I need to make it longer.

SOCK YARN

2007-11-14T17:14:00.000-05:00

Here is the finished Sophie Purse. Like I said before I am a little disappointed with the way that they handles turend out, but over all I really like it. I love the color, and the size is just perfect. I used Plymouth Yarn: Boku. It took about 1 and 3/3 skeins, maybe a little bit more. I haven't shaved it like the pattern calls for, and I'm not really sure I'm going too. I don't have an electric razor, and the extra little fuzz doesn't bother me much. I want to get some pretty material to line it with, and a magnetic snap for the closure. This was a really quick knit, the pattern was free, and the yarn was on sale...so...I would definitely knit this one again, or suggest it for someone else to knit.

I went to my LYS yesterday, and bought these four skeins of sock yarn. The blue one is Regina Tweed, and the other is Jojoland. I had never heard of Jojoland before, but I really like it. It is %100 superwash wool, and it is increadibly soft. The Regina Tweed is for a pair of christmas socks. I'm not sure if the recipient reads this, so I won't say who it's for. If you want to know you can check out my Ravelry projects. I haven't decided who to make the other socks for...they may end up being a christmas gift too. I was planning on making some christmas gift socks, but this week I just had the overwhelming feeling to knit them. I've known that I needed to get on the ball to have them done by Christmas, but just hasn't had the itch. Now I do.

Well, I have another WIP, but I'll leave that one for tomorrow. It's out of the Misti Internations Chunky Alpaca.

Isn't my model cute?

2007-11-07T22:08:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy lately I've barely had a lot of knitting time much less time to blog about it. Moving in the middle of the semester is amazingly difficult. My roommate and I did it minus being given our "new" address three times (all different).

Pictured is the yarn I about from a ravelry member, Misti International Alpca Chunky. It is amazingly soft and I want to touch it all the time. I think I'm going to make two scarves out of it, one for me and one for my boyfriend for christmas. He said that he really liked the color and feel of it. I have started playing around with it. I am doing a 2x2 ribbed scarf. This one may be a little too narrow for a guy scarf, so this one may end up being mine, or I may give it to someone else as a gift.

I really didn't plan on photographing Chloe with the yarn, but she kept stepping on it, so I made her take a picture with it. She didn't mind too much. I think she likes how it feels too. ;)

I did felt my Sophie purse a week and a half ago. I don't really like how the handles turned out; they are too long and limp. Other than that it's great. I want to line it and put something in the bottom to make it more sturdy.

Misti Fairies

2007-10-26T12:01:00.000-04:00

Well it's been a long week, and the weekend isn't going to be much better. My roommate and I are moving to a new apartment this weekend, so that's all we will be doing. The two apartments aren't very far apart, so that's good. My parents are coming into town to help, and I have a few friends that have agreed to help. I'm really excited about being in a new apartment, but don't want to move my stuff. I wish there was some sort of moving fairy. :)

I bought some new yarn. It is Misti International Chunky Alpaca from a ravelry user. Her name is Julie. She was a pleasure to buy from. She has some more yarn for sale/trade, so go over and see if she has anything you like. The color of the Misit is black w/ a little bit of red in it. It is a very pretty yarn. I don't think I would have picked it out in a yarn shop, but I'm really glad I got it.

Farmer's Market

2007-10-20T16:46:00.000-04:00

This morning I went to the Edmond Fall Farmer's Market. I was a lot of fun, and I thought I'd share what I got. The candle is a soy candle that smells OOOOOHHHHH so good. I lit is as soon as I got home. I would have bought more, but since I'm moving in a week I thought I'd wait to get more. It has all natural/biodigradable ingrediants, and is hand made by a lady from Edmond. She also sells soy lotions, but I've got to many lotions as it is right now. :) The next picture is of the produce I got. The apples are JonaGold, and are really good. As you can see, I also got some sweet potatoes and zuccini (sp?). The sweet pototoes are for my boyfriend. He loves them.

The knitting is just an idea. I'm not starting a new project, just trying to figure out what to do with the yarn. I love the yarn, but I just don't know what it's going to be. Right now I'm thinking is going to be a scarf.

Sophie Purse - pre-felting

2007-10-17T14:51:00.000-04:00

I bought the batteries for my camera, and took some pictures. :)

Here's my dog Chloe posing with Sohpie. She likes to lay on my knitting, but doesn't like to get her picture taken. She jumped off the couch right after I took this picture.

Here is a picture of it slung over my sholder. I knit the I-cord on US 11 dps because I didn't have size US 10.5. However, I think I like it being a bit bigger. I'll just have to see the end result after I felt it.

Here's an upclose view of the I-cord handles.

I should have time this weekend to felt. I really hope so, because I really want to use this purse. I'm thinking about making another one as a Christmas present. If I do, I'm thinking about using Cascade 220. I forgot how much I LOVE working with wool!

FO...but still no pictures

2007-10-16T09:55:00.000-04:00

I finished the Sophie Bag on Sunday, and I just need to felt it. Now, I have to find the time. School's picking up again, so finding free time is hard. I've had a nice break from heavy school work/classes (I only had 1 class last week).

My goal is to work on WIPs, and not to start anything new. We'll see how that goes. :) A more pressing goal is to take some pictures and post them; however, that would require me to remember to buy batteries for my camera.

Edit: The Brioche Stitch is kicking my butt. I saw it a while back, and then Wendy from Knit and Tonic gave a tutorial on it today. I tried her way, and then the 'conventional' way. I can't get either to work right. Wendy's I totally don't get, but maybe with a little more practice with the other way I might get it. I'm using the yarn I bought in August in Minnesota, Reynolds Caviar. It's a thick and thin yarn, so maybe I should try a smooth yarn instead. I want to make a scarf with it, and thougth the brioche stitch would spice it up a little. Well, I'm going to get back to my homework (reading) and oolong tea from Taiwan.

New things.

2007-10-10T18:42:00.000-04:00

Well, I haven't finished anything yet, but I did cast on for another project. I was in Tulsa with my mom, and we stopped by a yarn/stichery shop. They had several handbag knitted up, and I just couldn't resist getting some yarn to make one. The pattern is from Mag Knits, Sophie. I had seen it first on Ravelry, and thought it was super cute. The yarn shop had it knit up with 2 skeins of Plymouth Yarn, Boku in the colorway 2 lot 8. They used one other skein of a ribbon yarn to make a bow for the front, but I didn't like it. I cast on for it today, and I'm just about done with the bottom. I think it's going to be a really quick knit. I'll post some pictures as soon as I get some new batteries for my camera.

This weekend I also made a dish cloth for my mom, but I forgot to take a picture. It was made out of Sugar n' Cream. My mom wants me to teach her how to knit dish cloths, but we didn't have time. She knows the basics of knitting, so I just need to show her.

Other news, my roommate and I are moving to a new apartment in 2 1/2 weeks!!! Eek! I really need to start packing. We've had a few issues with our current apartment, so even though this move will be difficult (right in the middle of the semester) it's a blessing. We found a really cute apartment very closeto the one we're at now, so it won't be too bad. Also, I'm going to apply for a full time job at my university as a Study Abroad Advisor. It's really scary, but I think it's the right thing. There are so many things changing in my life right now, and it's really exciting. Even if this job doesn't work out, I feel like things are falling into place.

New projects, new apartments, and (hopefully) new jobs.

I'm back with a new attitude.

2007-10-02T11:29:00.000-04:00

Well, sort of. School is taking up most of my time right now, so I'm not knitting a lot. I'm working on research projects, presentations, reading, and working. I did get to knit some yesterday. I'm still working on Nicole and the Princess Wrap.

I'm working on my blog template...so it may be changing over the next few days. I just want something new, hence the 'new attitude'. Well, back to working on it. Hopefully I'll have some FOs to show soon, and not just a new template/layout! Please tell me if you love or hate it.

Side note: Not sure what I think of the new season of Grey's. However, I do love Dancing With The Stars!

Pictures as promised!

2007-09-18T14:21:00.000-04:00

I don't have one of my classes today, so I have a little extra time. I decided to take a few quick pictures of my birthday shrug and Nicole.

So, without further ado......

This is the birthday shurg (that's what I'm calling it now).

Nicole from the back. (Sorry, I thought I had rotated this picture.)

Nicole from the front. (It closes I promise!)

You can see more pictures of both on my flickr page. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rachel-renee/

Decisions, decisions

2007-09-18T11:01:00.000-04:00

I am debating which sweater I should knit...first. The Placed Cable Aran or the Tangled Yoke Cardigan. I was thinking that I wanted to knit the Tangled Yoke Cardigan first, but yarn for the Placed Cable Aran seems a little more affordable. I could use Patons Classic Merino and it would only cost roughly $25, and I could buy it locally which means no shipping charges. I've found a few substitue yarns, and Hattie has suggested some too, but I really like the Placed Cable Aran too!

I really need to finish my WIP's!!!!! I think the fall is starting to get to me, because I'm loosing interest in my summer knits. I have made a lot of progress on Nicole. I need to post pictures of it. I will. I just have to remember. I have to cast on for my second sock! I don't want it to be lonely!

I did some no-brainer knitting this weekend. It's the pattern and yarn I got from my grandmother for my birthday. I actually finished all of the knitting this weekend. Now all I have left to do is sew up the 'sleeves'. It's very bright and fun. I'll (take) and post some pictures soon too! I needed something relaxing and didn't require thinking. I had a crapy week last week, and needed to zone out watching tv for a bit. I did get some homework done in between. :)

Pictures coming soon!

Man, that's one clever title

2007-09-13T12:07:00.000-04:00

I was reading my 'daily reads' here in blogland, and in doing so I found out the the author of my of my favorite books passed away. Madeleine L'Engle, the author of A Winkle In Time, along with many other books. I don't know how many times I read that book, but it was wonderful.

As for the sock I posted about yesterday, it's a little too small. It's wearable, but the heel sits just a little too far down on my heel. I think I could rip back on the toe, and make it longer. I think that would fix the problem. I'm just not sure. Anyone have any advice? Other than that small issue, I love it. It turned out beautifully! I want to start on the next one, but have the urge to start something new...but I really need to resist temptation, and at least finish something else that's on the needles. I have three balls of Classic Elite Dazzle that was a birthday gift from my grandmother. She gave me a hand-written pattern for a shrug. It's just knit in garter stich 54 sts across (can't remember how many inches), and then as long as you want it. Once it's all done, you sew it up length wise leaving an opening in the middle.

I REALLY want to knit the Tangled Yoke Cardigan. I would like the buy the suggested yarn, Rowan Felted Tweed, but I'm not sure if I want to spend that much money. I'm looking for a good alternative.

One sock down.

2007-09-12T19:47:00.000-04:00

I had to take an unexpected trip to Juarez, MX with my boyfriends (that's where he's from), but it gave me some good knitting time in the car. I finished my very first sock! Now I just have to make another one, so that I have an actual pair of socks.

I'm still knitting...

2007-09-03T18:05:00.000-04:00

school has just gotten in the way a little bit. I also had a wedding to be in and attend this past weekend. One of my best friends got married and I had to read for during it. It was a beautiful wedding, and it was a lot of fun. Knitting that I did get done this week was...one more pattern repeat on my Princess Wrap and a few inches of stock. st on a childs sweater I took of knitting for one of my aunts. She started it for her granddaugter, but lost interest. She told me that if I finish it for her she'll make me a quilt! I think that's a pretty good trade!!

Well off to study for class.....:(

Wow!

2007-08-28T12:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks for all of the wonderful comments! I knew I like it, but I'm so happy to hear that everyone else thinks so too! You all are so sweet and nice! I'm a shy person, and oddly enough I thought I wouldn't be online. I sort of am, but I really want to meet some new knitterly friends, so thanks for taking time to stop by my little space.

I started school last week (my last year of graduate school!), so there may not be as much knitting done as I wish for a while, but I'll try to keep knitting and posting! The 3 items to the left in the "on the needles" section are items I will try to finish before starting anything new, but I can't promise anything. I want to cast on for most of the items in the newest issue of Interweave Knits, and the Irish Hiking Scarf from Hello Yarn. I also bought the Spring Things Shawl from I'm Knitting As Fast As I Can last week when she had all of her patterns 50% off. I have yarn for the Irish Hiking Scarf that I bought in Minnesota on my vacation, but no yarn for the Spring Things Shawl. I also have many items in my 'queue' on Ravelry. I am still amazed at how cool Ravelry is, and if you haven't gotten your invite yet just hold on because it's totally worth it!! If you are on Ravely already, or remember this post when you do..here's a link to my page there.

Well I'd better finish up here at work, eat lunch, and then head to the library before class!!! So much to do in so little time....and that doesn't even include knitting time!

My Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt.....is FINISHED

2007-08-26T15:52:00.000-04:00

I finally got all of the finishing work done on my Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt, and it turned out AMAZING! I love it soooo much! The finishing part took me a lot longer than I thought it would. There was single crochet around all of the edges, and a crochet scallop around the 'tuxedo/lace insert' part, but all in all it was totally worth it! I found the buttons on sale at JoAnn's on Wednesday. I paid 0.50 for 2 packages of 4. They are La Mode brand, and look just perfect on the shirt.

Details.....

Patern: Interweave Knits Summer 2007, Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt
Yarn: Filate Bamboo Yarn in colorway 11 pink, 5 1/4 skeins
Needles: Clover Bamboo in size US3
Notions: La Mode Pearl Buttons, 3/8" (9mm)
For: ME!

I'll be posting more pictures on Ravely, so if you're on there look me up: k3gRachel.

Last week I bought the Fall issue of IK, and I'm already trying to figure out which one I want to buy yarn for and cast on! I knew there were some cute things, but WOW! I also bought a Patons book with a bunch of cabled patterns in it. I've never tried cables before, but between that and the new issue of IK I'm bound to figure them out and try my hand at it. I really need to finish some of my other WIP's before I try to start learning cables........

p2tog tbl - wtf??

2007-08-20T15:56:00.000-04:00

IT'S ALMOST DONE!

Back - check

Front - check

First lace insert - check

Second lace insert - cast on

The yarn I'm using to knit my Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt, Filati Bamboo yarn, hasn't been easy going on the lace panel inserts. It has been fabulous for all the rest; in rev St, but since it has almost no give, doing the yo's, and p2tog tbl. Nothing against Filati Bamboo yarn, I just doubt I'll use it in the future for anything that requires a lot of lace type sts.

To the right is a close up of the front.

I did figure out what p2tog tbl was after referring to my handy-dandy "The Knitter's Handbook". At first I thought it was going to be really hard, but it turned out being fairly easy.

So close, yet so far...

2007-08-16T10:49:00.000-04:00

to being finished with my Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt!!! I'm getting so excited about finishing it. The back is currently being blocked. I was smart and did it before going to bed, and ignored it this morning, so hopefully by the time I get home from work it will be dry. With the heat we've been having down here in the southern midwest I could put it outside and I'm sure it'd dry in 10 minutes!!! Two days ago it was 104..yuck! I don't like cold weather, but gosh..104 degrees is a bit much! But I digress... I am just about done with front piece minus the lace insert. I am half way done with the armhole shaping.

I am holding my new yarns hostage, so I will have some easy/mindless knitting once school starts, but I want to play with it sooo bad! It is sitting on my coffee table looking so pretty and cozy! I am still trying to wrap my head around school starting next week! I do feel like I've had a nice, somewhat long summer. I did work the majority of the summer, but I got a few breaks here and there. My trip to Minnesota was very relaxing, and going to Rio Bravo, Mexico on the mission trip was an unforgettable experience.

Well, back to work....

Vacation Knitting & Yarn p0rn

2007-08-12T19:35:00.000-04:00

I finished the back of my Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt, and I've started on the front. I'm really excited to get it finished so that I can wear it! I finished the back while on vacation, and would have done more, but I forgot to take more yarn....duh. I worked on other WIP's, but nothing got finished. I did realize that I actually have to work on Nicole for her to get done. :) I did pick up some yarn while on vacation too from Yarnworks of Minnesota. I got two skeins of Patons Classic Wool Merino, and two skeins of Reynolds Caviar. I don't remember their colorways. The wool is brown, and the caviar is mostly purple w/ shades of pink/blue and gold thread throughout. Both gorgeous, and great prices!

Vacation

2007-08-01T12:36:00.000-04:00

I'm finally taking one. I'm leaving this afternoon to meet my parents, and then we are driving to Grand Rapids, MN. I'm super excited to have a break from work. I am also excited to have LOADS of knitting time!!!!! In the car and at the lake. We have a family reunion at one of my aunt's cabins.

See you in a week! Hopefully I'll have a few FO's when I get back!

Sewing for knitting needles

2007-07-27T10:09:00.001-04:00

A new holder for my circular knitting needles. A close-up of the outside.
A close-up of the inside.The inside.

The outside.

I made this last night using extra material I had laying around. Fully open it measures about 15 1/2 inches wide and 11 inches high, and closed it measures 6 inches wide. It is made out of 100% cotton material from my local fabric store, and the ribbon is sheer with white polka dots. I just made up the pattern to loosely hold my circular knittin needles. I am really impressed w/ myself. I wonder if anyone would buy something like this?

Yarn p0rn

2007-07-26T12:13:00.001-04:00

Classic Elite Dazzle, this was a birthday gift from my stepgrandma for a shawl/stole/shrug thing. She also gave me the pattern.

Rowan Kidsilk Haze. I bought this from a Ravelry member.

Filati Bamboo. I bought it at Ewe & Me in Grove, OK.

Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt using Filati yarn.

However, it is giving me nothing but headaches. I frogged (the first time) after 10+ inches and thought that my gauge was off......needless to say after restarting and about 2 inches in.....I had been correct on my gauge, I just miss read the gauge. Now, I'm at the same point, pre first frogging, and my number of sts is wrong. Flat out wrong. I should have 104 sts, but only counted 89 sts. HOW CAN I BE SOOOOO OFF????? I put it away, after checking my gauge and measuring the bottom (which is spot on w/ the pattern) and will return when I don't feel like burning it.

On a lighter side, this has given me time work on Nicole. I've been working on my slip up sock, slowly, but there is progress being made. There hasn't been any progress on the Princess Wrap though.

On a non-knitting not, I'm trying to decide if I want to take of work for a week to go with my dad and stepmom to visit my family in Grand Rapids, MN. I have about 1 week to decide.
Pros
LOTS of knitting time in the car and while I'm there.

Two yarn stores. 1 I've been to and 1 I found on the internet.

Seeing most of my dad's side of the family that I don't get to see often.

Seeing my cousin who is pregnant for the first time

Not having to work.

Lake time (on the boat, not in the water - OK girl in MN lake = no way!).

Cons

Not working = no money (not good for a college student

Missing my friends/boyfriend

9 days with my family with no excape (they can be a little nutty at times)

Last weekend was my birthday and one of my friends bachelorette parties. Friday I went out with friends, but between my apartment and downtown OKC I lost my ID. Had to drive back, look around, and eventually decide that I was not going to find it and grabbed my passport. I was able to get a new one on Monday and it didn't cost too much, but on Friday and Saturday I got odd looks from club/bar bouncer's because of my passport. I didn't have any trouble, but it was funny. Note to self: check back pocket/purse BEFORE getting out of the car.

Well, as always, I'll keep ya'll posted on the WIP's. Have a good Thursday!

Bamboo all over the place

2007-07-13T17:00:00.000-04:00

I am in love with my Clover Bamboo Premium Circular Knitting Needles, and the Filati Bamboo yarn. Both of which I am using together to knit the Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt from IK Summer 07. The yarn is sooooo smooth and silky soft I just want to touch it all the time! The needles are size US3, and they are such a pleasure to work with. I have petite hands, and they seem to be just the perfect fit for my hands. I'm about 9 1/4" into the back piece of the shirt, and it is sailing along. Probably because it's rev St, but it's also just such a pleasent knit that it's all I've been working on this week. I have 2 more decreases to go, and then finish up a few more inches, and then it'll be time start the front.

I wanted to knit the Josephine Top, but it didn't come in a small enough size; however I found someone on Ravelry that modified it to a smaller size, so hopefully I can too!

I've tried to go back to Nicole, but I haven't gotten the patience to figure out my mess up.

I promise picture soon!

**Edit: Ok, it's not so pleasent...I just had to rip it ALLLLLL out. I know. I know that i checked my gauge, and it was spot on, but I just check it and it was WAY off...my 34 sts was 5 inches not 4! I already ripped. It was painful. But had to be done.

My WIP's grew and are still growing!

2007-07-09T12:01:00.000-04:00

Oops! I started a new project and have yarn for another that I will probably only be able to resist the urge not to start only so much longer.

I have continuted progress on Princess..7 repeats down..who knows how many more?! I really am beginning to like her more and more, and have been told that she'll block out wide than she is now. She's being born out of Knit Picks Glimmer which is 100% merino wool. My socks are still slow growing, but I'm getting more scared as the rows grow that they will not fit my foot even though my gauge is still spot on. Nicole hasn't been worked on in a few weeks now (man that's hard to admit). I was working on her a while back and set her down because of a missed (dropped or lost [MIA]) stich, and just haven't had the patients to try and work it out....too many other things that are coming along well I guess.

This takes us to this past weekend. I had a long one because my mostly full time job at the university gave me last Thursday and Friday off because of having to turn off the water/ac. I did have to teach on Thursday afternoon, and then had the rest of the weekend off! My step-grandmother is an avid knitter and who, like my other grandma, loves that I'm knitting so much, bought me yarn for my bithday. I got it this weekend even though my bday isn't for another week and a half because I don't see her much. My step-mom and I drove to see her Friday. We had lunch, shopped a wee bit, and then hit the LYS. My grandma can be spotted there often, and knows the owner well. Aparently the owner, Fran, just knew how to knit when she was young and has been knitting even since ( I have no clue how long that is). She was amazing, fun, and oh-so knowledgable about knitting, yarn, patterns, etc. The yarn my grandma gave me is Classic Elite Yarns Dazzle in the colorway Kaleidoscope, and a pattern for a shrug/shawl pattern. It was desinged by a local, so it can't be found other than at Ewe and Me. Also, while we were there I picked out yarn for the Interweave Knits Summer 2007 Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt. The yarn is Filati Bamboo in the colorway Pink. I'm about 3 1/2 inches into it, and I'm LOVING it! The yarn is amazing. I'll try to get some pictures up soon.

Let FREEDOM Ring

2007-07-03T17:59:00.000-04:00

Today I went back to the eye dr., but did not see the lady from last week who said I was too young to be knitting. No one else said anything either, but I did knitting happily in public.

ON TO BIGGER NEWS!
I will be teaching my own ELS class as of TODAY! I will be teaching Travel English to intermediate students. I was a little nervous at first, but it went by not so slowly, and they seemed to like me. One of the students after walking in exclaimed "What a beautiful teacher we have". That made me feel good, and gave us all a laugh. She is from Tailand...very sweet and not shy girl.

Knitting is still going on, but not pictures. The Princess Wrap looks the same only longer. The socks are going well, but still slowly. Nicole hasn't gotten much attention as of late, but mabye this week/weekend since I'm off until Mondy - minus my class on Thursday afternoon-.

Well off to happy hour for a friends birthday gathering!

HAPPY EARLY 4TH!

BTW: Happy birthday to everyone who's got a birthday this week...I know 4.

I'm not too young to knit!

2007-06-28T14:31:00.000-04:00

Here are a few picture updates of Nicole and the Princess Wrap. I've done more work on the Princess Wrap since this picture was taken, but not any on Nicole. I've also been working on my Slip Up Socks. I have turned the heel and I'm now working on the gusset. It's going well, but slow.

Oklahoma has passed its previous record of days in a row with rain = today makes it 15 or 16. I can honestly say that I am sick of rain not to mention the 15+ bad hair days. My hair does not like the humitdity....because it is still in the uppper 70's to lower 80's. I want it to be summer weather...HOT!

I went to the eye dr. today and since I know I will always be in one waiting room or another I took my sock with me to work on while I was waiting for the dr. I was sitting there happily knitting away (it's a good thing I'm near sighted since I had already had to take my contacts out) and one of the ladies who runs the front desk walks by and say's "you are much to young to be knitting". I didn't take offense or say anything. I just smiled as she walked on by. I love knitting. I know a lot of people still think that knitting is for grandma's and such, but she looked to be in the age group that could have grandchild, and I would think she would like to see a young woman knitting. Well, I have to go back in a week so the dr. can check these new contacts on me, and I'll be happily sitting in the waiting room again with my knitting.

Ravelry

2007-06-22T11:13:00.000-04:00

I just got my invite this morning! I've added a few projects, but I'm still working on it. If you're on there too look me up and add me to your 'friends'. My name is k3gRachel. I was going to be k3togRachel, but it just looked too long. I also got myself a Flickr account, so I'll be changing my photos on here over to that too...sometime.

Have a great day! See you around the net!

I started this last night.....

2007-06-20T21:06:00.000-04:00

This is my re-start "first" sock. It is knit out of J-Knits Superwash-Me Light sock yarn which is 100% superwash merino wool. I bought it at my LYS, but they have an online store too. The colorway is Cincinnati. I'm knitting it on size US1's....aka....toothpicks. It's sort of slow going, but I like it a lot. The pattern is a free one from Posh Yarn. I like it a lot. It is a good, easy pattern to follow, but it's not boring.

I have other WIP pics, but not here at work.

My mission trip to Rio Bravo, Mexico was amazing. I had so much fun, and our group was able to provide two new homes to two families. One of the families was around my age (early 20's) and had two young children. The other family were in their late 40's and also had two children, but one was 20 and the other was 4. Both families were so grateful and happy to have a better place to live. I just hope that they can see God's work and now our mission teams.

I didn't get as much knitting as I wanted to get done on my trip. I was just way to exhausted every night to knit much.

More pics soon. I promise!

God bless!

Ribbit, Ribbit

2007-06-07T10:27:00.000-04:00

Was that a frog that just hopped across my screen? Oh wait, no. It was all that frogging I did on my sock. I got about 3/4 of the way done (past the heel flap), and decided to try it on.....it didn't fit...by any means possible. It was my first sock, and I didn't really buy sock yarn.... I do want to try my hand at socks again..soon, because I really enjoyed it! I just need to buy some actual sock yarn for SOCKS. ;0)

Question: Does anyone have any sock yarn that they just absolutely love?

I have been knitting away on Nicole. She is coming along beautifully, but somewhat slow. I don't mind though. I am really enjoying the pure simple act of knitting...the yarn and needles working ever so gracefully between my fingers. It's love. I'm also making slow progress on the Princess Wrap. I have 4 repeats + 2 rows. Hopefully I can get some pic's up soon.

I won't be posting for a bit because I'm leaving Friday to go to my parents house and then bright and early (I'm not sure how bright I'll be) Sunday morning we are leaving, along with a group from my dad's church, to go to Rio Bravo, Mexico. We are going on a mission to build 2 houses. They will be 12' x 12' concrete block homes for at lease 2 families. Along with building 2 houses, my father and I will be our group's translators. I hold a bachelor's degree in Spanish, and my dad has been self-teaching as well as attending classes at a local community college for a few years. We have both been to Mexico several times, but I've had a bit more practice. E is from Mexico, and not all of his family speaks English, so when we visit I'm trying my hardest to keep up, and try not to look too confused. About 2 summers ago I spent 1 month in Mexico studying. It was the best thing I could have ever done, and would LOVE to do it again. Needless to say, I should get lots of knitting done on the plane along with practicing Spanish with my dad.

If I don't post before I leave; have a great weekend, week, and weekend. If where you live is still somewhat tolerable weather-wise, enjoy it because I'll be HOT, but loving it!

Chau

In Memory of Our Fallen Soldiers

2007-06-04T10:15:00.000-04:00

Question: Has anyone had problems taking knitting needles in carry-on's in the United States?

This weekend was so beautiful that it was spent all outside, and no knitting was knitted. Friday evening I went to my big's (from big sister from the sorority) bridal shower. The theme was 'celebrity couples', so we were all assigned to dress up as half of a celebrity couple and then find 'our other half' when we got to the party. It was so much fun! On Sunday I had an alumni sorority outing to a local vineyard. We were given a tour of the vineyard from the owner and then he did a wine tasting for us. It was such a gorgeous day filled with sun, friends, and wine. What more could one ask for? Then on Sunday E (my boyfriend) and I went to early church (well early for us, 9:30), went to the lake to go roller blading, which didn't go too well. He had brought his roller blades back from his mom's house, and then bought me a new pair. I guess my feet are just too narrow, because I couldn't get them to work properly. He tried them on (they are adjustable) and verified that I was doing it correct, but that the roller blades were bad. So instead we pick up my dog and took her to the doggie park for a bit and then went to the pool.

As for the title to this post. My best friend lost a cousin very close to her. He was killed in Iraq on Memorial Day along with 9 other soldiers. Please keep all of their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Memorial Day WIP's

2007-05-27T17:38:00.000-04:00

Happy Memorial Day!

I am making progress on three projects; 1 new one and 2 old.

Here are a few pictures of my WIP's.

Purl Barred Shevron Socks. From I can't Believe I'm Knitting Socks.

Princess Wrap w/ 3.3 pattern repeats done. In the background is the latest issues of KnitSimple.

Nicole.

FO: Darted Tanks from Knit Picks.

I'm really happy with how my first tank (or any other thing that closely related) turned out and fits. It's a little wider than I wished, but it still fits nicely.

Knitting lace

2007-05-21T11:56:00.000-04:00

I've started a new lace project. Nicole from Chic Knits. It is really challenging, but I like that. I'm a little frustrated at it right now, but I'll get back to working on it soon. I didn't do much work on the Princess Wrap because of Nicole, but I'll work on her later today.

I bought a good knitting related book yesterday at target. It can be purchased here on Amazon. It is titled "Knitting Under the Influence". It is a very easy read, but entertaining. I read more than half of it yesterday.

Pictures of FO's and WIP soon!

Lace knitting = love

2007-05-16T09:55:00.000-04:00

and hate! I had a good weekend. It was spent in McKinney/Sherman TX. It was Mother's Day, so I was with my mom and grandma. It was also my cousin's graduation from Austin College. He now has the summer to save/raise money to move to Kenya for one year to do mission work. I am so proud of him! Also during the weekend I finished my darted tank (pictures soon). My grandma was so impressed and proud of me since she's the one who taught me how to knit. It made me feel good to be able to make her so proud (not that she isn't proud of me and all of her grandchildren). I also started my Princess Wrap which is coming along nicely. Since starting it I have learned the following:

Lace knitting is.......
1) fun
2) challenging
3) slippery
4) curse worthy (at times)
5) not easy to do in the car
6) a good way to pass time while you are sitting at an outside graduation in TX at 9 AM while knowing that you are getting a sun burn.
7) something that takes a great deal of concentration and time
8) very beautiful to watch come together

Finally...

2007-05-07T17:05:00.000-04:00

I found a lace stole/wrap pattern that I really like. I have been looking forever (at least it seems that long). I wanted a stole that wasn't too hard, free, and a stole not a shawl. I also wanted it to be feminine, but didn't look like I borrowed it from my great-grandma. It always happens to me..I get in my head what I want, and NOTHING else will do. But, I finally found it at Classic Elite Yarns, and the name, Princess Wrap just fits perfectly with what I felt like being so pickey about it. The reason I had so many standards was because (1) I've never knitted lace before (2) I'm a broke college students and (3) I like the look of a stole over a shawl (but I'm not opposed to knitting shawl). I already have the laceweight yarn at home (from Knit Picks), and I'm stoked to get started on it.

No progress from last night to now on the darted tank (also from Knit Picks). I probably won't have time this evening because I have an Alpha Chi Omega alumni meeting.

Update on my step-uncle who had cancer: He actually passed away the same day I posted about him. I just didn't feel like posting after that. His death was painless; he went in his sleep. My heart is heavy just to think about how much I HATE cancer. I don't normally use the word hate, but in the case of cancer I will use it. He is in a better place now. It is us here on earth who will have to deal with the pain of loss.

Summer is here!..well at least for ME

2007-05-07T00:19:00.000-04:00

Last week was finals week, and now I am completely finished with my first year of graduate school! I can't believe how fast it went by. This weekend was pretty busy. I went to my best friends graduation from undergrad, and next weekend I'll be going to my cousin's undergradute graduation from Austin College.

I don't have an WIP pictures, but I am finished with the front half of my darted tank, and have about 1/4 of the back done. Not much knitting got done this weekend because I was too busy, and worn out. I think the stress of the whole semester got to me, and I just need a break from doing really anything.

I found out that I will be teaching my own class at the ELS center. I'm a little nervous, but excited at the same time. Tomorrow I have to go in to help with the new students that are coming. Each session is 4 weeks long, so every 4 weeks we get new students. Then on Tuesday I will start teaching my class. It is beginning conversation, so it shouldn't be TOO hard. They have lots of resources, so I'm not completely on my own. We will just have to see how it goes.

Chau.

More Yarn and a cool hat pattern

2007-04-25T11:01:00.000-04:00

The online delivery status of about 10 skeins of yarn I bought on Ebay says delievered, but my oh so slow mail room on campus doesn't have it yet (They do. They are just lazy and haven't sorted the mail yet) I'm so excited to get it and play with it! I can't remember what brand the royal blue yarn is, but the red yarn is...blanked on that brand too! Oh well, I should have it in my hands soon enough!

I did already start on my darted tank. Shine Worsted from Knit Picks is so amazingly soft! I can't wait to get it done and be able to wear it. I just know I will feel oh so glamourous when I put it on! The color is truly amazing, but a little scarey for me. I don't wear orange; plain and simple, I don't wear orange. I thought it was going to have a few more brown tones than it doesn, but it is actaully very similar in color to a shirt I do already own. Plus, I was working on it last night at my boyfriends house and he said it will really look good on me, so I felt reassured that I will be able to pull it off. (He has more fashion sense then most girls, so I trust him!) Then I was think of how fabulous it will look paired with my white/wheat colored jeans from Express! Now I really can't wait to wear it!

I found a fabulous hat patter at Stitch Diva. Go check it out!

On a more solem note, a family member is struggling with cancer right now, and the family is taking it hard. Now when I say family it is my step-mother's family, but they are my family and when one person in your family hurts we all feel the pain. I don't know if anyone actually reads this, but if by some change you happen to come across this please say a prayer for Mark.

Packages, Yarn, Patterns OH MY!

2007-04-24T00:14:00.000-04:00

I finished my scarf yesterday. It is so beautiful. I'm just sad that it's spring and I'll have to wait at least 2 more seasons to wear it. Oh well, I'll just look and fawn over it.

I just realized after uploading the picture that it sort of looks like a breast cancer ribbon. I know a lady who has just finished her chemo and her hair is starting starting to grow back. She is the mother of my sorority big. She is an amazing woman who has come through this ugly disease, and I couldn't be more proud of her.

Here is the most wonderful thing of my day today. The weather was a bit gloomy today, but a nice temperature; howerver, this brighted my day! It is an order that I placed from Knit Picks: 7 skeins of Shine Worsted in Terra Cotta, 1 hank of hand-dyed merino wool Glossamer in Caribbean, and a book of five tank tops.

This is a close up of the yarn and the darted tank that I'm using the yarn for. I already started on it, but while taking these pictures my camera died, so I'll post progress pictures of the tank soon.

"We can live without oil, but we can't live without water."

2007-04-16T12:25:00.000-04:00

-Jane Goodall, April 16,2007 speaking at Oklahoma City University

I am still in awe of her. I sat in the wellness center at OCU last night and was in awe. She is amazing, pure, full of life, soft and oh so powerful woman. She spoke at our Distinguisted Speakers Series last night, and what a lady she is. She spoke about the most influencial people in her life; her mother, Louis Leaky, Mr. Greybeard, and one other. Her mother also tied into the message of hope and peace she is trying to give our world today. Chimpanzees, like humans, care for their children and will protect them throught their lives. Also, there are good Chimp mothers and there are bad Chimp mothers. She spoke of the unthinkable act that was committed at Virginia Tech this week, and that even though it was horrible, sad, and heartbreaking we need to have hope for the future. She spoke of her grandkids and how much of an inspiration they are for her. She was at a recent UN event where several Native American tribes were represented, and one of them that was an Eskimo said that everyday they see what the rest of the world doesn't...how we are losing our water supplies. The ice is melting. I've always been concerned with the environment, but she made it even more real to me. Please, have hope and know that we need more 'good' mothers out in the world raising strong, independent, and well-balanced children.

The rest of this post I started Monday morning, but just never finished it.

I'm waiting not so patiently for my new yarns to arrive from Knit Picks. Since I'm a relatively new knitter (and a college student with limited cash flow) I don't have a very large yarn stash yet. In the meantime I've been looking for lace shawl patterns for the laceweight yarn I bought. Here is a gorgous shawl called Kiri that I'm considering. This is another that I like: Print O' The Wave Stole. While looking for these I came across this beginner lace scarf that I think I'll try using the pink yarn I've been wanting to knit up.

It really seems to the all the craze lately, to knit socks. I'm a little scared of them, but I really want to try them. My LYS has classes on knitting socks, so maybe I'll attend one of them this summer after school lets out. I did find a great tutorial on socks at my new favorite website http://www.knittersreview.com/article_how_to.asp?article=/review/profile/011018_a.asp. I also found an easy beginner lace pattern for a scarf. I've already started using the pink yarn I've not known what to do with. It is called "Feather and Fan" or "Old Shale".

Kniting woes

2007-04-13T11:15:00.000-04:00

I have found a super cute darted tank from Knit Picks that I really want to knit, but I can't for the life of me decide which color of yarn to purchase with it. I am going to knit it in their Shine Worsted which is 60% Pima Cottom and 40% Modal. Super soft and great for the summer, but I just can't pick a color!!!!

Family Ties

2007-04-12T13:52:00.000-04:00

I have this yarn. This beautiful pink yarn that I have no idea what to knit with it. It is the first yarn that I ever had. It was given to me by my grandma who was the one who taught me to knit. We don't knit like most people in the United States because the woman that taught her to knit was from Hungary. The style is called Continental Or European Method as opposed to the English style of knitting. We hold the yarn in our left hand instead of our right. My grandmother is a woman that I look up to. She is strong, beautiful, and amazing in every way. I want to be just like her when I grow up. It makes me happy that I make her happy by knitting. I've grown up seeing her knitting (usually sweaters). 2 Christmas' ago I decided that I wanted to learn, so I asked her to teach me. I was thrilled, and bought me this yarn and gave me a pair of #6 straight needles. Even thought she is amazing that wasn't the best choice of yarn or size needles to teach with, but I love her anyways. After a few frustrating tries, not getting vary far with those, and then visiting my step-grandma's house I finally had something easier to work with. My step-mom who also knits gave me a size 8 circular needles and some left over yarn she had. We drove to Grove (her mom's house) and by the time we drove the 2 hours I needed more yarn to knit with. Her mom, Betty, gave me about 5 skeins of extra yarn she had in her stash (wish is a lot of yarn). I guess my grandma got me started, and with a little help along the way I'm starting to become a pretty good knitter. I love it. It is relaxing and challenging in a variety of ways. I started out making every color of scarf under the sun, but I got bored. Since this Christmas I've ventured our and really impressed myself and my mothers. I feel that knitting is part of a tradition that didn't really mean to be a tradition, but when i think of knitting it gives me warm comfortable vibes reminding me of home, family, and where I come from. Family is very important to me and thus so is knitting.

This is my newest FO. It is the One Skein Wonder from Glampyre Knits. It turned out really pretty, but it's a little tight. I can still wear it though. I might try it again.

This is material and a pattern for a sundress that I want to make. Reasons I haven't done it yet.

1. It's been cold!
2. I'd rather be knitting (especially lately)
3. I'd rather be knitting

I'm sure I'll get to it sooner or later. Maybe when it starts to warm up again.

Non knitting related topic

I when and sat in on my first ELS class today. I will probably do one more before I start substitue teaching there. It was informative. I got lots of odd looks from the students in and around the building. I'm sure they don't see many Americans coming into their building unless they are teachers. Most of there teachers are older than me (I'm still in college) so I don't they assume I'm a teacher. I did get hit on while waiting for the Center Director to take me to the class I was going to be observing.

2007-04-11T11:37:00.000-04:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

My first MAJOR knitting project is almost done & it's so cute!

2007-04-09T16:11:00.000-04:00

Easter weekend was great...good food, fun with my family, and time at church. I saw a great illistrated message called He's Alive at Victory Cristian Church in Tulsa, OK.

I didn't get my shrug finished like I wanted, but felting my purse took a long time and a lot of attention. I finished knitting the last piece of my purse on Friday evening and felted it Saturday morning. It took 45 minutes, checking it every 5 minutes, and then transfering each piece to cold water to stop the felting process. It was finally dry today. Between work and my afternoon class I assembled most of the purse, and it turned out sooo cute! I love it so much. The handle still needs to be attached (right now it's being held on my straight pins).

Here name is Flora, and she can be found here.

Here she is before felting.

And here she is after felting.

Here is a close up of the flowers w/ bead detail.

This is another view just because she's so pretty.

I will probably line the inside of the purse because I'm afraid with how clumsy I am that something will get spilled or a pen with leak. I want something light in color and sort of springy.

I also knit 1 1/2 dish rags in Sugar & Cream. I already gave one to my mom and forgot to take a picture of it.

Easter Snow

2007-04-06T09:43:00.000-04:00

WOW the week went by fast, and Oklahoma is experiencing snow in April! Crazyness I say, crazyness! I had to get up at 4:30 this morning to take my bf to the airport, I went back to sleep, and now I'm at work. I've done way too much for it to not even be 9:00 AM yet! Now on to knitting...

I bought a beatiful skein of cotton yarn that was kettle dyed in Uruguay. The brand of the yarn is Manos de Uruguay (Hands of Uruguay). I also bought #5 Bryspun circular needles, and a shrug pin thingy (not sure what it's called). As you can see I started imediately on the shurg I bought the yarn for, but sadly I had to rip that out (plus a little bit more) because I was some how off by a few stitches in the middle section, but all is well and I've already gotten about that much more knitted again. Here's a close up of the yarn and shrug stick. All of my new goodies were bought at the Gourmet Yarn Co, which by the way is a fabulous yarn store. I bought the pattern for the shrug at Glampyre Knits. The name of the shrug is the "One Skein Wonder". I should be able to finish it this weekend, and have pictures up next week. I will also be felting my purse this weekend, so pictures of that will be up to. Yea for FO's!

~ Happy Easter ~

~ Feliz Pascua ~

FO

2007-04-02T23:37:00.000-04:00

I finished my black shawl, and it turned out even better than I thought it would. I'm so excited! I think I need to wash and blocked it, but it's finished none the less.

Here it is in action.

Knit, knit, knit is all I wanna do!

2007-04-02T10:35:00.000-04:00

Weekend knitting:
Flower fabric for purse - added several more inches...almost done!
Black shawl - about 2/3's of the way finished. At the point of CO 3 sts beginning of every row till end...also almost done!

Future projects I want to start SOON:
Boogie Time Watch - Designed by Knit and Tonic (wonderful blog)
Shrug - at Glampyre Knits. I have a pink silky yarn to use for it.
Tank - can also be found at Glampyre Knits.

While talking with my step-mom (who knits) said that her mom (who knits more than both of us and for much longer than both of us) said that felting white (which is the color of my purse) wool is the hardest and that the store that I bought the yarn at should have told me. idk. I'm visiting my dad and step-mom this coming weekend for Easter, and together hopefully we can felt my purse successfully.

In my previously mentioned future projects I listed a shrug. I am nervous and excited to knit it. I've knitted a shurg before (see post before this one), and it didn't work out too well. I want to make one that I will actually wear, so hopefully this one will work.

I would so much rather knit than do my readings for class, but since there are only 4 or 5 weeks left in the semester I guess I'd better buckle down, and do the work. One of my professors is leaving for Korea tomorrow morning, so I won't have to go to one of my classes this week, but I need to use that time to work on my research project for another class. Hopefully I will be a hard worker on school stuff, so I'll make all A's instead of 2 A's and 1 B like last semester.

The sun is back!

2007-03-31T13:41:00.000-04:00

After two days of torrential rains it is sunny once again! I'm not sure how warm it is because I've been cleaning my apartment and reading for class, but it sure looks nice outside. I tried to post about 3 times last night, but due to the bad weather my internet keeping messing up. Thursday was a very busy day, and didn't get to knit at all.

Yesterday I finally started the last piece of my purse. It is knit on smaller needles that the rest of the pieces and with only 1 strand of yarn instead of 2, so this piece might take a bit longer. This picture is of my first go round...I knit it with 2 strands, and then I read the pattern again, and figured out that it was with one strand. The picture to the right -> is the second and correct attempt at the last piece. This piece will be used as fabric for flowers. The flowers will be cut, free form.

The below purple thing was my first attempt at making a shrug. I knit it over Christmas, and am just now getting around to washing it in hopes that it might shrink just a bit and when worn will look a bit less than a cross between sholder pads and a linebacker.

These earings were a present from my mom. She has a similar pair that I've attempted to perminently borrow, but never got away with it. She found these at Dillards and bought them for me.

*EDIT* The earings are actually silver & gold. The middle piece is actually the only gold part, but in the picture it looks like the whole earing is gold. idk?

Forgotten project

2007-03-28T21:01:00.000-04:00

I had a great evening last night. Ernesto took me on a date to see the Hornets and the Mavericks play at the Ford Center in OKC. We ate in Bricktown before, but we were almost late because Ernesto thought the game started at 8 when it really started at 7. I knew, but thought that he did too. We did make it on time though. It turned out to be a really fun date. I love just hanging out with him. The day before last he told me he was taking me on a surprise date. That night I was checking out our schools ad website and someone had posted 2 tickets for sale. I knew he has been wanting to see the Mavs, so I asked he if that's what we were doing on our date, and he lied and said NO! I thought maybe he was lying, but I wasn't for sure. I don't care though, because even though he wanted to see the game, he was sweet to make it a surprise date! The half time entertaiment was awesome! It was a group of 4 guys from Indian that have a roller skating - dance routine. We were both really impressed. They danced to hip-hop/pop music, and even did the worm. They were crazy.

This morning I could not wake up. For about the first 2 hours of work I felt so sleepy. Coffee didn't even seem to work. After sleepily go about my duties at work I came home for lunch. My roommate made lunch and while I was waiting to go to class I found a long lost project still on the needles. I started making a simple black wrap to have when I was at work about 2 months ago, because I get cold very easily. I picked it up, and hope to finish it soon. Here's what I have so far.

My work out today was pretty good. I worked out back, biceps, and triceps. I guess my sleepiness didn't really go away because I felt like I had no power to lift the weights. I have a work-out playlist on my mp3 player that helps me to get pumped up, but ACDC just wasn't doing it. Maybe it had something to do with the music the gym was playing getting in my ears with ACDC. Pop music doesn't really mix well with ACDC.

Well I'm going to spend the rest of the evening doing homework, taking a bath, and hopefully getting to bed early. I'll leave you with this... Don't ever stop learning. Why would you want to? Do crossword puzzles to expand your vacabulary, watch the History or Discovery channel to learn about the evolution of the "Crapper" or if you can make a glider out of cement. Learning is not just for nerds. Continuing to gain knowledge everyday can help fight memory loss when you are older. I for one would like to honestly 'learn something new everyday'.

New Job!

2007-03-27T13:31:00.000-04:00

I just got my first real job, and I couldn't be happier. I am a grad student just finishing my first year, and I am studying Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I will start out as a substitue teacher, and hopefully if that goes well I will be able to teach elective classes.

Knitting

I haven't been able to work on my purse because I my sister has my pattern. No fun. Plus I'm not on Spring Break anymore, and have to study/read for class.

Here's a re-post of a picture of the purse I'm working on. For some reason it's not showing up on my other post. Hopefully it will now.

Hornets/Mavs Basketball

My boyfriend bought us tickets to see tonights game in OKC! I am super excited! Today is our 3 1/2 year anniversary.

Rainy day

2007-03-26T12:22:00.000-04:00

I'm at work and completely bored. Monday at OCU is pretty slow, and with the rain it even more quiet than normal.

Knitting
This link - UK Hand Knitting - is pretty cool. I found it from the Stitch n Bitch (whose link can be found to the right) web links. There was an article on a BBC website about an 11 year old girl who joined a knitting club and has come to love it. I am young, and therefore get funny stares sometimes when I am knitting. I enjoy it very much. It is not just something that old grannies do! I granny did teach me, but I think she's pretty cool. Several women in my family knit, and I'm trying to get my mom to start knitting more.

Movies
This weekend my boyfriend and I watched some good movies. Friday we watched Babel. It was good, but I was a little let down. I just thought there would be more... Saturday we watched The Prestige which was really good.

Can't decide

2007-03-26T11:09:00.000-04:00

I haven't been able to decide which blogger to use. I had one here, and then switched for Word Press, but now I'm back because I didn't like the other one very well.

I'll be posting things here about knitting projects mostly, but I could post sewing items, or general life stuff.

Here are a some pictures of projects I have finished/am still working on.

(1)These are two dishrags that I finished last week. (2) A purse that will be felted.

*EDIT* Pictures deleted due to them being wonky.