I joined another swap (blush). I know, I shouldn't have done it, but the swap deadline is before the Olympics start, so I'll be fine. It's a shawl swap, and I spent yesterday afternoon with pencil and calculator working up the pattern. I think I have it mostly set at this point, at least enough to get started.
DP said that I could buy yarn for the project (we're trying to tighten our belts currently), but I decided to spin it from some Cupcake Fiber Co batts in stash. I got 2 oz of two ply spun on Sunday, and I hope to maybe spin another ounce today. It would be great to get 5 oz spun up...in time for me to spin up 7 more! I decided that I needed a bit of insurance, and since it comes in 6 oz increments, I had to get another box :) I'm excited to blend the two fibers: I'll be doing 2 2oz skeins of each, 1 1oz skein of each, and 1 2oz skein of blend.
I wanted to go with a 2 ply, even though I usually do shawls in singles, because I want something a bit heartier. If I have any left over, I might even eke out a pair of fingerless gloves, but we'll see about that. I'm also using two different fiber blends - one blue faced Leicester and one Merino, with the Merino being on the part closest to the neckline.
With these swaps, it's always hard when your partner doesn't give you a lot to go on. If their likes are just "knitting" and so are their hobbies, what's a person to do? What I do is pretty methodical, and the closest I'll ever get to my dream of being a private investigator's secretary. I go through all their posts on Ravelry to see what personal information lies within. I check their projects, favorites and queue. I cruise the boards that they're members of. If they have a blog/flickr account/website, I check it out (unless it's F@cebook, since I'm not on it). I G00gle them and see if there are any groups they're part of, or if they're in the news. Usually that nets me enough information to go on. But you can never tell if that's the real person or just their persona, so I always have that fear that they'll hate whatever I make.
In old business, my swap partner for the GoIaF swap liked her patchwork blanket! I'd love to make one of them again - you take wool felt, cut it into squares and just seam them together overlapping (thank you Purlbee!). I added a border and backing to hers so that it would be warmer and able to be used as a ground cover for picnics/fireworks/etc. She made me an amazing wall hanging that is now over our fireplace. DP loves it.
Back to spinning!
Showing posts with label swap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swap. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2012
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Finished!
The cardigan is finished and fits great!
My only issue is that the yarn I used was a bit too variegated, so the cables don't pop as much as they might. However, I'd make this again, in a solid or semi-solid; that's how much I enjoyed it.
Now I'm back on bus socks, trying to get them done in the next few weeks or so.
I'm also finished with the items for my swap partner for the ASOIAF swap. Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll get to the post office today, so it might have to wait until Monday to be mailed out. I really hope she likes the items...I tried to make them reflect Arya, Bran, and the wolves. I'm always worried about swap stuff - will the person like it, will they absolutely hate it, etc. I hope that the things are okay.
I had thought of giving her a book of crochet patterns inspired by Jane Austen, but the book was totally panned, so I didn't think it would actually be worthwhile to give. Sometimes it's not the thought that counts :)
I'm planning my knitting for the Ravelypics, too. I think I want to try to finish that cardigan I started two years ago. It just needs the sleeves done, to be sewn up, and the button bands put on. I love cardigans, but there is something that keeps me from finishing them unless I have some hard deadline imposed from outside. Ah, psychology.
My only issue is that the yarn I used was a bit too variegated, so the cables don't pop as much as they might. However, I'd make this again, in a solid or semi-solid; that's how much I enjoyed it.
Now I'm back on bus socks, trying to get them done in the next few weeks or so.
I'm also finished with the items for my swap partner for the ASOIAF swap. Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll get to the post office today, so it might have to wait until Monday to be mailed out. I really hope she likes the items...I tried to make them reflect Arya, Bran, and the wolves. I'm always worried about swap stuff - will the person like it, will they absolutely hate it, etc. I hope that the things are okay.
I had thought of giving her a book of crochet patterns inspired by Jane Austen, but the book was totally panned, so I didn't think it would actually be worthwhile to give. Sometimes it's not the thought that counts :)
I'm planning my knitting for the Ravelypics, too. I think I want to try to finish that cardigan I started two years ago. It just needs the sleeves done, to be sewn up, and the button bands put on. I love cardigans, but there is something that keeps me from finishing them unless I have some hard deadline imposed from outside. Ah, psychology.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Know ye not Agincourt?
Agincourt by Bernard Cornwell is one of the better books I've read recently. It's everything Gates of Fire wanted to be. GoF (to me) went too heavy on the "these guys were great soldiers, but just guys" shtick. I don't need to know everyone's nickname, with a ridiculous story for each one. That kind of thing smacks of effort, as they say. It tries too hard, and I couldn't get lost in the book because I could feel the author thinking.
Bernard Cornwell is a good writer, and I love his Richard Sharpe series, but I hadn't actually read anything else by him. I saw a recommendation for this book, from the same place that recommended me GoF, and I decided to give it a try. Awesome. Lots of grit, but not fake grit. Slimy churchmen, but good ones too. I'm only to the battle of Harfleur, but I love this book.
Ahem.
In knitting news, I have my swap partner assignment and have begun the project. I really hope she likes it - it's in her queue - and I think I might make a few other smallish things too. Depends on time. I'm not quite sure what to do about extras though...I don't know if I have any yarn she'd like, and it's hot to ship something chocolate. Well, I have time to figure it out.
Bernard Cornwell is a good writer, and I love his Richard Sharpe series, but I hadn't actually read anything else by him. I saw a recommendation for this book, from the same place that recommended me GoF, and I decided to give it a try. Awesome. Lots of grit, but not fake grit. Slimy churchmen, but good ones too. I'm only to the battle of Harfleur, but I love this book.
Ahem.
In knitting news, I have my swap partner assignment and have begun the project. I really hope she likes it - it's in her queue - and I think I might make a few other smallish things too. Depends on time. I'm not quite sure what to do about extras though...I don't know if I have any yarn she'd like, and it's hot to ship something chocolate. Well, I have time to figure it out.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
I hate strife
Friday was such a horrible day - I was literally sobbing at my desk from about 9am to 11:30am. The worst thing is that nothing can be done about what made me so upset. "Oh God, that I were dead."
I got the extra skein of Madelinetosh for my woodsmoke scarf, so I should have enough to finish the edging. For scarves, that's my main issue when I don't check gauge. They'll always fit someone, but you might not have enough yarn to finish!
I finished one of DP's socks (I chucked the argyle for now and went with a straight stockinette sock with an afterthought heel). DP loved the afterthought heel, which makes it easy to keep the striping sequence in all these handpainted sock yarns I have running around. I'm also thinking of overdyeing the Schaefer Anne that I had gotten for his next pair of socks - it's a blend of bright oranges and pinks, but there's more orange than pink. I think I'll overdye orange...or maybe yellow?...to try to brighten the color up. He doesn't mind pink, but he asked for orange socks :)
Finally, I'm working on some wristwarmers/mitts for a swap. I bought the yarn without a plan for it, but I think I have something awesome now. It will be based on King Thingol's realm - he's the lord of beech and oak and elm - and it will be made of Malabrigo sock. I'm very excited!
I got the extra skein of Madelinetosh for my woodsmoke scarf, so I should have enough to finish the edging. For scarves, that's my main issue when I don't check gauge. They'll always fit someone, but you might not have enough yarn to finish!
I finished one of DP's socks (I chucked the argyle for now and went with a straight stockinette sock with an afterthought heel). DP loved the afterthought heel, which makes it easy to keep the striping sequence in all these handpainted sock yarns I have running around. I'm also thinking of overdyeing the Schaefer Anne that I had gotten for his next pair of socks - it's a blend of bright oranges and pinks, but there's more orange than pink. I think I'll overdye orange...or maybe yellow?...to try to brighten the color up. He doesn't mind pink, but he asked for orange socks :)
Finally, I'm working on some wristwarmers/mitts for a swap. I bought the yarn without a plan for it, but I think I have something awesome now. It will be based on King Thingol's realm - he's the lord of beech and oak and elm - and it will be made of Malabrigo sock. I'm very excited!
Friday, September 10, 2010
In Dwimordene, in Lorien...
Now that I'm mailing the shawl off to my partner, I can finally post pictures about it! On the off chance she looks at this post, she should look away unless she wants spoilers.
So, the basis of the pattern was various descriptions of Lothlorien. I chose Dwimordene as the name because it's really a riff on Lorien from a human's point of view, and Dwimordene is what the Rohirrim call Lothlorien.
The leaves are easy - forest=leaves - but I wanted to include flowers as well. We read about Aragorn standing on a hill, holding flowers and remembering his meeting with Arwen, and Sam's daughter is named after a flower that grows only in Lorien. The Rohirrim also have special flowers that grow on the graves of their kings. I finished off with arrowhead lace because of Galadriel's words: "But do not think that only by singing amid the trees, nor even by the slender arrows of elven-bows, is this land of Lothlórien maintained and defended..." The wave edging was easy - we read about the Silverlode, Celebrant, Nimrodel and even Galadriel's fountain - so water had to be included.
I started with a miniature leaf motif in the center. I did a provisional cast on, then knit 12 repeats of the leaf motif up. From there, I transitioned to English Mesh, which works on the same amount of stitches and rows, and even has a row in common. This made making a transitional section a lot easier. I did 11 repeats of the mesh, which I consider to be flowery. From there, I ended with 2 repeats of the smallest arrowhead lace motif I could find. I then picked up my provisional cast on and knit the same repeats/motifs in the opposite direction. After that, I did not bind off, but cast on 13 stitches invisibly and began the wave edging. I didn't really miter the corners, but I did do multiple joins (2, 2, 3, 2, 2) to try to give the corners more ease and create a bit of a swirling effect. I picked up 2 stitches for every 3 rows down the long sides of the stole and joined the edging by knitting one picked up stitch every wrong side row, then starting out with a k2tog for the join. At the end of the last row, I grafted the live stitches to the invisibly cast on ones that I'd done at the beginning.
All in all, I'm happy with it. I could have blocked it out longer instead of wider, but what I did seems to look right. It would also be interesting to knit this in a heavier weight of yarn as a blanket or just a thick shawl. I might even convert it to a triangle shawl...I have some ideas floating around, but I need to take a bit of shawl/stole break :)
Now for the pictures:
And the beauty shot:
I love it when a plan comes together.
So, the basis of the pattern was various descriptions of Lothlorien. I chose Dwimordene as the name because it's really a riff on Lorien from a human's point of view, and Dwimordene is what the Rohirrim call Lothlorien.
The leaves are easy - forest=leaves - but I wanted to include flowers as well. We read about Aragorn standing on a hill, holding flowers and remembering his meeting with Arwen, and Sam's daughter is named after a flower that grows only in Lorien. The Rohirrim also have special flowers that grow on the graves of their kings. I finished off with arrowhead lace because of Galadriel's words: "But do not think that only by singing amid the trees, nor even by the slender arrows of elven-bows, is this land of Lothlórien maintained and defended..." The wave edging was easy - we read about the Silverlode, Celebrant, Nimrodel and even Galadriel's fountain - so water had to be included.
I started with a miniature leaf motif in the center. I did a provisional cast on, then knit 12 repeats of the leaf motif up. From there, I transitioned to English Mesh, which works on the same amount of stitches and rows, and even has a row in common. This made making a transitional section a lot easier. I did 11 repeats of the mesh, which I consider to be flowery. From there, I ended with 2 repeats of the smallest arrowhead lace motif I could find. I then picked up my provisional cast on and knit the same repeats/motifs in the opposite direction. After that, I did not bind off, but cast on 13 stitches invisibly and began the wave edging. I didn't really miter the corners, but I did do multiple joins (2, 2, 3, 2, 2) to try to give the corners more ease and create a bit of a swirling effect. I picked up 2 stitches for every 3 rows down the long sides of the stole and joined the edging by knitting one picked up stitch every wrong side row, then starting out with a k2tog for the join. At the end of the last row, I grafted the live stitches to the invisibly cast on ones that I'd done at the beginning.
All in all, I'm happy with it. I could have blocked it out longer instead of wider, but what I did seems to look right. It would also be interesting to knit this in a heavier weight of yarn as a blanket or just a thick shawl. I might even convert it to a triangle shawl...I have some ideas floating around, but I need to take a bit of shawl/stole break :)
Now for the pictures:
And the beauty shot:
I love it when a plan comes together.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Long time comin'
Happy new year! I can finally take a breath, now that the holidays are here.
I've finished the Lembas & Lace swap shawl, and I'm just waiting to unpin it. It should ship out tomorrow - hallelujah! I so want to be able to work on something for myself again.
It turned out well, though I now wish I had more yarn to make it longer, or had blocked it differently. It looks good though, and I hope my partner likes it. These kind of things can be so scary!
I'm waiting for something that should have arrived before my birthday, but in reality still hasn't even shipped. Quite irritating, but what can you do? At least now I don't have to worry about whether I should give it away.
I'm really enjoying my Kindle wi-fi. I can basically read any classic that I want, since they're all either available from Amazon or from Project Gutenberg. Too cool. Patterns also look great on it, and since I'm not doing any colorwork right now, the lack of color on the screen is a non issue. The e-ink is so easy to read, and I can forget that I'm reading a screen and not a book. I'm reading Wuthering Heights to relax today, and it's just like reading my paperback copy! For $139 and free shipping, it's one of the best b-day presents I've gotten.
I'm currently waiting for my green tomato pie to cool enough for me to have a slice. DP thought it sounded too gross for words, but I figured it was worth a try :) I'll let you know.
I'm reading the Kalevala (on my kindle) and am constantly being struck by the things that remind me of Tolkien's work. The latest was when Wainamoinen is inside a sorcerer's stomach, building a forge and tormenting the guy. It reminds me of when Carcaroth swallowed the silmaril, and it was burning him up inside. The songs of enchantment are also similar, like when Finrod is having the contest with Sauron. Sigh - people weren't kidding when they said the Kalevala was a major influence.
I've finished the Lembas & Lace swap shawl, and I'm just waiting to unpin it. It should ship out tomorrow - hallelujah! I so want to be able to work on something for myself again.
It turned out well, though I now wish I had more yarn to make it longer, or had blocked it differently. It looks good though, and I hope my partner likes it. These kind of things can be so scary!
I'm waiting for something that should have arrived before my birthday, but in reality still hasn't even shipped. Quite irritating, but what can you do? At least now I don't have to worry about whether I should give it away.
I'm really enjoying my Kindle wi-fi. I can basically read any classic that I want, since they're all either available from Amazon or from Project Gutenberg. Too cool. Patterns also look great on it, and since I'm not doing any colorwork right now, the lack of color on the screen is a non issue. The e-ink is so easy to read, and I can forget that I'm reading a screen and not a book. I'm reading Wuthering Heights to relax today, and it's just like reading my paperback copy! For $139 and free shipping, it's one of the best b-day presents I've gotten.
I'm currently waiting for my green tomato pie to cool enough for me to have a slice. DP thought it sounded too gross for words, but I figured it was worth a try :) I'll let you know.
I'm reading the Kalevala (on my kindle) and am constantly being struck by the things that remind me of Tolkien's work. The latest was when Wainamoinen is inside a sorcerer's stomach, building a forge and tormenting the guy. It reminds me of when Carcaroth swallowed the silmaril, and it was burning him up inside. The songs of enchantment are also similar, like when Finrod is having the contest with Sauron. Sigh - people weren't kidding when they said the Kalevala was a major influence.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Really, I did!
Sorry 'bout the radio silence! I did finish the Tour de Fleece, spinning every day - even if only a little bit. That's a big thing for me, so I'm very proud of myself for it.
I've been pretty busy at work these past couple of weeks, and I don't really want to do anything when I get home. This is making my progress on the swap shawl a bit slow, though at least I've figured out the ratio of the knitted edging to rows. This will make it go a lot faster once I've finished the body of the stole.
Barb from Foxfire Fibers sent me another four oz of the cormo blend, so I'll have enough to make the entire thing one color. I think I'd prefer it to be body one color/edging one color, but my swap partner likes neutral things, so I don't want to give her something she'll hate. I really hope she likes this; I've put a lot of work into it, but that means nothing.
In other news, I'm getting a Kindle for my birthday. I know - I said I'd never get one, but when the price went down and I found that the books whose copyright had expired are available for free, I couldn't resist. This birthday will also be my "coming of age" birthday (if I was a hobbit), so I think I should do something quasi-special. Anything to make the day something to look forward to, rather than dread, is welcome.
Right now I'm in the process of making some egg-free ice cream (NY Times link) for my brother's doctorate party. If this works out, my sister and I will be making iced-creams left and right...I'm planning on a maple-bacon-praline one for the fall.
Has anyone had any experience with Lush? I'm trying to decide if I want to buy some of their stuff; reading the reviews is only marginally helpful. I'm really wanting to buy these little sauna tabs, though I bet I could make them myself.
I've been pretty busy at work these past couple of weeks, and I don't really want to do anything when I get home. This is making my progress on the swap shawl a bit slow, though at least I've figured out the ratio of the knitted edging to rows. This will make it go a lot faster once I've finished the body of the stole.
Barb from Foxfire Fibers sent me another four oz of the cormo blend, so I'll have enough to make the entire thing one color. I think I'd prefer it to be body one color/edging one color, but my swap partner likes neutral things, so I don't want to give her something she'll hate. I really hope she likes this; I've put a lot of work into it, but that means nothing.
In other news, I'm getting a Kindle for my birthday. I know - I said I'd never get one, but when the price went down and I found that the books whose copyright had expired are available for free, I couldn't resist. This birthday will also be my "coming of age" birthday (if I was a hobbit), so I think I should do something quasi-special. Anything to make the day something to look forward to, rather than dread, is welcome.
Right now I'm in the process of making some egg-free ice cream (NY Times link) for my brother's doctorate party. If this works out, my sister and I will be making iced-creams left and right...I'm planning on a maple-bacon-praline one for the fall.
Has anyone had any experience with Lush? I'm trying to decide if I want to buy some of their stuff; reading the reviews is only marginally helpful. I'm really wanting to buy these little sauna tabs, though I bet I could make them myself.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tour de Fleece - days 6, 7, 8, 9
Day 6 - Gotland:
Day 7 - Cormo silk alpaca blend from Foxfire fibers:
Day 8 - cormo blend, 2/3 done:
Day 9 - rest of the cormo blend:
I tried to spin the Gotland into a nice laceweight singles, but being combed top and a thicker fiber, I just couldn't get enough for what I want to do. I decided to go with the cormo blend because I know it's a good fiber for lace, plus it's just so beautiful. I have to wash it today and hopefully it will be dry by tomorrow so I can start knitting.
My allergies are going crazy with this warm weather - I'm having tons of sneeze attacks!
Day 7 - Cormo silk alpaca blend from Foxfire fibers:
Day 8 - cormo blend, 2/3 done:
Day 9 - rest of the cormo blend:
I tried to spin the Gotland into a nice laceweight singles, but being combed top and a thicker fiber, I just couldn't get enough for what I want to do. I decided to go with the cormo blend because I know it's a good fiber for lace, plus it's just so beautiful. I have to wash it today and hopefully it will be dry by tomorrow so I can start knitting.
My allergies are going crazy with this warm weather - I'm having tons of sneeze attacks!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tour de Fleece - days 4 & 5
Day 4: The Jacob, plied:
Day 5: The Gotland, singles:
I think that all this charkha spinning is good for me - I'm getting a lot more comfortable with it.
On an utterly frustrating and irritating note, remember all that cashmere I spun up? About 800 yards of 2-ply laceweight? Well, I was knitting merrily along with it, when I realized a horrible thing: it has scurf. I don't know why I didn't see it when I was spinning...I must have just ignored it. But it really can't be given away to anyone in this state, and I'll actually have to throw it out. That's right, all those hours, now to become bird's nesting material.
I now have to figure out what to spin for the swap, spin it, and hope it works with the pattern. My current scheme is to spin the Gotland into a singles that I can knit with and use it in tandem with the Stansborough. I may end up having to buy more fiber so that I have enough to make the stole I'm planning, but I won't be able to buy a full stole's worth of fiber a third time. Argh!
Add to this that DP thinks I've been spinning too much and wants me to spend more time with him instead of crafting, and you've got one crazy spider on your hands. All I want to do is go home and spin, but once I get home I have to build a shelving unit for DP, since I promised him I'd do it tonight. Double argh!
Day 5: The Gotland, singles:
I think that all this charkha spinning is good for me - I'm getting a lot more comfortable with it.
On an utterly frustrating and irritating note, remember all that cashmere I spun up? About 800 yards of 2-ply laceweight? Well, I was knitting merrily along with it, when I realized a horrible thing: it has scurf. I don't know why I didn't see it when I was spinning...I must have just ignored it. But it really can't be given away to anyone in this state, and I'll actually have to throw it out. That's right, all those hours, now to become bird's nesting material.
I now have to figure out what to spin for the swap, spin it, and hope it works with the pattern. My current scheme is to spin the Gotland into a singles that I can knit with and use it in tandem with the Stansborough. I may end up having to buy more fiber so that I have enough to make the stole I'm planning, but I won't be able to buy a full stole's worth of fiber a third time. Argh!
Add to this that DP thinks I've been spinning too much and wants me to spend more time with him instead of crafting, and you've got one crazy spider on your hands. All I want to do is go home and spin, but once I get home I have to build a shelving unit for DP, since I promised him I'd do it tonight. Double argh!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Tour de Fleece - day 3
I'm spinning up some black Jacob fleece:
I like it; it's combed top, so I can spin a fine singles easily with few slubs.
I finished the left front of Uinen, so I've started the right front. It's good bus knitting, so I probably won't do too much more of it today.
I'm casting on for my Lembas & Lace swap stole today. I'm so excited to be knitting with my first two-ply laceweight!
I like it; it's combed top, so I can spin a fine singles easily with few slubs.
I finished the left front of Uinen, so I've started the right front. It's good bus knitting, so I probably won't do too much more of it today.
I'm casting on for my Lembas & Lace swap stole today. I'm so excited to be knitting with my first two-ply laceweight!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
C'est fini!
My Zoe Cardi is done! I'm pretty happy with it, though I had forgotten that silk likes to grow when wet :) I should be able to get a picture of it tomorrow. I even had three buttons that fit with it!
It's warm, but the short sleeves keep it from being too steamy, and it's perfect for being in air conditioning on a hot day. I think it will go well with jeans too.
Now I'm need the Grandma's blessing so I can swatch for the Sprossling.
The yarn for the Lembas & Lace swap has now been spun, plied, washed and dried. I finally get to start working on the lace itself. I'm super excited for my scheme: a center of leaves with little openwork that moves to more openwork leaves, and (hopefully) a leaf border.
Exciting!
It's warm, but the short sleeves keep it from being too steamy, and it's perfect for being in air conditioning on a hot day. I think it will go well with jeans too.
Now I'm need the Grandma's blessing so I can swatch for the Sprossling.
The yarn for the Lembas & Lace swap has now been spun, plied, washed and dried. I finally get to start working on the lace itself. I'm super excited for my scheme: a center of leaves with little openwork that moves to more openwork leaves, and (hopefully) a leaf border.
Exciting!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Learnin'
I was able to float on my back yesterday! So, now I can float face up and face down, plus I can swim across the pool without touching the bottom. I can do freestyle and breaststroke (though not very well), and my newest thing is trying to swim down to the bottom of the pool and stay there. I find it interesting that I used to sink to the bottom when I was trying to float, and now I keep floating when I'm trying to go to the bottom. Sigh!
I called my dad for father's day and he told me the story of the tattoo he just got. I would like to get one, but I'm afraid I'll be allergic to the ink, since I have a nickle allergy. Who knows; maybe I'll be able to get one someday.
I only have 3 more spindles to spin up for the L&L swap on Ravelry. Then I'll need to ply them and wash them...hopefully nothing crazy happens when they get washed. I can't wait to get into the knitting part of this project. I'm so excited for it - I hope that it looks as good as I'm hoping!
DP's going to get me the audio book of Children of Hurin as a present; it's read by Christopher Lee, and I'm hoping that his reading of it makes it better than it was to read. I did not care for the way the story was put together. I had wanted the book so I could read the story without flipping through the Unfinished Tales and the Silmarillion, but I don't like how the language was dumbed down. The poetry was lost in the combined version, making it less sweeping and heartbreaking...or at least so I thought. We shall see how the audiobook sounds.
I called my dad for father's day and he told me the story of the tattoo he just got. I would like to get one, but I'm afraid I'll be allergic to the ink, since I have a nickle allergy. Who knows; maybe I'll be able to get one someday.
I only have 3 more spindles to spin up for the L&L swap on Ravelry. Then I'll need to ply them and wash them...hopefully nothing crazy happens when they get washed. I can't wait to get into the knitting part of this project. I'm so excited for it - I hope that it looks as good as I'm hoping!
DP's going to get me the audio book of Children of Hurin as a present; it's read by Christopher Lee, and I'm hoping that his reading of it makes it better than it was to read. I did not care for the way the story was put together. I had wanted the book so I could read the story without flipping through the Unfinished Tales and the Silmarillion, but I don't like how the language was dumbed down. The poetry was lost in the combined version, making it less sweeping and heartbreaking...or at least so I thought. We shall see how the audiobook sounds.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Year of the sweater?
So, I'm working on two sock monkeys for DP's sister's kids and spinning yarn for my Lembas and Lace partner, and Friday I decided to cast on for a short sleeved cardigan for myself. It's the Zoe Cardi and I've already finished the yoke. Now it's just 15 inches of body :) I'm using Cascade Pima Silk in a dark grey color. I bought it a couple of years ago for some project that I can't even remember, and I've tried to make various things with it, but nothing ever really stuck. I love its hand; it's soft and supple.
I realized that this will be the 5th sweater I've made this year - 2 Liesls, my Olympics v-neck, Dunkle's cardi, and now this. For a person who doesn't make sweaters, I'm making a lot!
On that note, I've finished Dunkle's cardi but still need to sew buttons on. I have some buttons that DP chose, but I'm not sure they're right - they may be too bright. DP also told me that he'd try to find an infusion for my button box, which would be wonderful. I'm getting low on fun buttons.
I'm spinning up the fiber for the L&L swap; I have 6 spindles spun up, and I need about 18 more. I'm using my charkha - it's the first time I've used it for a large scale project. It's definitely a different way to spin, especially since I'm used to spinning with the fiber supply in my right hand and the charkha pretty much requires you to spin with the fiber in your left hand. You need a very soft touch.
I also got some Stansborough and some Gotland from International Fleeces. I can't recommend them enough! Beautiful fibers, beautiful packaging and super fast shipping. The Stansborough is the fiber the cloaks were spun from in the LotR movies, and while I have gripes with the movies, I did like the cloaks :) Stansboroughs were bred down from Gotlands, I think, and so I also got some Gotland. I bought a little Jacob because I've never spun it, and when the fibers all got here, I realized they all go together! I have an idea for a shawl using all of them...but it will have to wait until I get this other fiber spun and plied!
So I started the weekend with one project on the needles and one on the spindle, and ended with double that. Not bad for a weekend's work ;)
I realized that this will be the 5th sweater I've made this year - 2 Liesls, my Olympics v-neck, Dunkle's cardi, and now this. For a person who doesn't make sweaters, I'm making a lot!
On that note, I've finished Dunkle's cardi but still need to sew buttons on. I have some buttons that DP chose, but I'm not sure they're right - they may be too bright. DP also told me that he'd try to find an infusion for my button box, which would be wonderful. I'm getting low on fun buttons.
I'm spinning up the fiber for the L&L swap; I have 6 spindles spun up, and I need about 18 more. I'm using my charkha - it's the first time I've used it for a large scale project. It's definitely a different way to spin, especially since I'm used to spinning with the fiber supply in my right hand and the charkha pretty much requires you to spin with the fiber in your left hand. You need a very soft touch.
I also got some Stansborough and some Gotland from International Fleeces. I can't recommend them enough! Beautiful fibers, beautiful packaging and super fast shipping. The Stansborough is the fiber the cloaks were spun from in the LotR movies, and while I have gripes with the movies, I did like the cloaks :) Stansboroughs were bred down from Gotlands, I think, and so I also got some Gotland. I bought a little Jacob because I've never spun it, and when the fibers all got here, I realized they all go together! I have an idea for a shawl using all of them...but it will have to wait until I get this other fiber spun and plied!
So I started the weekend with one project on the needles and one on the spindle, and ended with double that. Not bad for a weekend's work ;)
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Life's too short
To knit purl rows. I decided that I'll be steeking Dunkle's cardi, because my purling back rows on the stockinette were utterly slow. I'm 13 centimeters back into the plain knitting, so soon I'll be at the button bands.
I got my partner assignment for the Lembas and Lace swap on Ravelry. I'm pretty excited about it; I have a pattern kind of worked up, though I'll need to spin up the yarn first. It's more fun to spin the yarn than to buy it, the same way it's more fun to make up the pattern instead of following one. Huzzah!
We got a pool for the yard this year - it's actually deep enough to swim in, so DP is teaching me. I actually made my way across yesterday without touching the bottom!
I got my partner assignment for the Lembas and Lace swap on Ravelry. I'm pretty excited about it; I have a pattern kind of worked up, though I'll need to spin up the yarn first. It's more fun to spin the yarn than to buy it, the same way it's more fun to make up the pattern instead of following one. Huzzah!
We got a pool for the yard this year - it's actually deep enough to swim in, so DP is teaching me. I actually made my way across yesterday without touching the bottom!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sock slump
I'm trying to finish a pair of socks for DP, and they just seem to be taking forever. I only have the legs left to do, but 74 stitches around on size 0 feels like running on a treadmill in front of a window - I never actually get anywhere!
I have a few other things lined up for when I finally finish these - I bought a mitten pattern which I'll hopefully make for my dad in time for Christmas, and I bought two skeins of sock yarn that I haven't tried yet: Malabrigo and Sundara. I found someone destashing the Sundara and jumped on it :) I'm not sure what patterns I'm going to do, but my plan is to make something up to go with the colors (green and red). I'm also planning on joining another LotR swap, so I may be spinning up some laceweight and inventing another shawl in the next few months. Basically, I'll be exploding after finishing these stockinette albatrosses.
That's the news!
I have a few other things lined up for when I finally finish these - I bought a mitten pattern which I'll hopefully make for my dad in time for Christmas, and I bought two skeins of sock yarn that I haven't tried yet: Malabrigo and Sundara. I found someone destashing the Sundara and jumped on it :) I'm not sure what patterns I'm going to do, but my plan is to make something up to go with the colors (green and red). I'm also planning on joining another LotR swap, so I may be spinning up some laceweight and inventing another shawl in the next few months. Basically, I'll be exploding after finishing these stockinette albatrosses.
That's the news!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Couldn't resist
I went to Crown Mountain Farms' website to look at the colors and found that the superwash was on sale for $5.50 off! I bought another hunk of Light My Fire and one of Knockin' on Heaven's Door. You guessed it: I'm making another Liesl for myself out of Light My Fire, and I ran out of it last night. I'm not sure if I'll use the Knockin' on Heaven's Door for a b-day present for my niece or for something else, but it was so beautiful I just went for it.
I finally finished the green mitts. Yargh. I ended up going without buttons, though I may add buttons as a decoration later.
For such a small project, it gave me no end of trouble. The end result feels great though - extremely springy, and using US0 for the thumb was inspired :) Unfortunately, there were 10 yarn ends to weave in at the end on each mitt, since I kept doing surgery to make things work out. Ah well, I got some good practice in finishing. The little leaf shape worked out well:
Since I can't really work on my Liesl until I get more yarn, I think I may start another pair of socks for DP. We're trying to figure out how to maximize the end of the bright orange yarn, but DP is not into stripes. We may use the grapevines Shaefer Anne, since it's the same base as the orange yarn and should hold up well. The orange socks (circa 2008) are his favorite, and they don't have any holes or runs yet. The addition of mohair and nylon was a stroke of genius by the company.
I finally finished the green mitts. Yargh. I ended up going without buttons, though I may add buttons as a decoration later.
For such a small project, it gave me no end of trouble. The end result feels great though - extremely springy, and using US0 for the thumb was inspired :) Unfortunately, there were 10 yarn ends to weave in at the end on each mitt, since I kept doing surgery to make things work out. Ah well, I got some good practice in finishing. The little leaf shape worked out well:
Since I can't really work on my Liesl until I get more yarn, I think I may start another pair of socks for DP. We're trying to figure out how to maximize the end of the bright orange yarn, but DP is not into stripes. We may use the grapevines Shaefer Anne, since it's the same base as the orange yarn and should hold up well. The orange socks (circa 2008) are his favorite, and they don't have any holes or runs yet. The addition of mohair and nylon was a stroke of genius by the company.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Projectos
I finished the Liesl, and I love it! I may have to make one for myself. Here she is:
I ended up running out of the CMF superwash, so the cuffs and hem are cormo/alpaca from Foxfire. I figure the body is pipe-weed and the cuffs and hem are pipe-smoke! I love how the yarn looks knit up - all the colors and textures are delicious:
I also started on a pair of fingerless gloves, which are almost finished (just need to sew on the buttons). Sadly, this is the only pic I have of them right now:
I promise I'll get pics of them tomorrow :)
I really enjoy them, but I found the small amount of cabling did a real number on my arm. I don't know why this is!
I ended up running out of the CMF superwash, so the cuffs and hem are cormo/alpaca from Foxfire. I figure the body is pipe-weed and the cuffs and hem are pipe-smoke! I love how the yarn looks knit up - all the colors and textures are delicious:
I also started on a pair of fingerless gloves, which are almost finished (just need to sew on the buttons). Sadly, this is the only pic I have of them right now:
I promise I'll get pics of them tomorrow :)
I really enjoy them, but I found the small amount of cabling did a real number on my arm. I don't know why this is!
Monday, February 1, 2010
My swap package arrived!
Check it out:
and a closeup of the mitts:
The generosity of a complete stranger is amazing. The work that went into these mitts, and the attention to detail it shows, makes me feel like the human race isn't all bad :) I hope that doesn't sound too mercenary!
My partner even made me 3 knitted bookmarks that I'm going to use for the LotR readalong in March. The sock needle holders will get some use with my second guld wristlet.
Speaking of guld wristlets, here's a process shot of the first one (now finished):
I think the dark needle holder will look perfect with the wristlet.
Hooray!
and a closeup of the mitts:
The generosity of a complete stranger is amazing. The work that went into these mitts, and the attention to detail it shows, makes me feel like the human race isn't all bad :) I hope that doesn't sound too mercenary!
My partner even made me 3 knitted bookmarks that I'm going to use for the LotR readalong in March. The sock needle holders will get some use with my second guld wristlet.
Speaking of guld wristlets, here's a process shot of the first one (now finished):
I think the dark needle holder will look perfect with the wristlet.
Hooray!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Generosity
Someone was extremely generous to me today - I'm always floored when that happens.
In other news, I printed the shipping label out for my swap package and scheduled the pickup. Hooray! I was beginning to treat my shawl like a silmaril, so I'm glad to get it out of my house. I really hope my partner likes it!
I also discovered that the chai mix I get from Trader Joe's can be made with water, not just milk. I don't know why I didn't realize that before, but I'm happy I discovered it today.
Tomorrow I'm going to see The Turn of the Screw in opera form - crazy! I'll let you know how it is. I'm never too optimistic with modern opera: The Picture of Dorian Gray, anyone?
In other news, I printed the shipping label out for my swap package and scheduled the pickup. Hooray! I was beginning to treat my shawl like a silmaril, so I'm glad to get it out of my house. I really hope my partner likes it!
I also discovered that the chai mix I get from Trader Joe's can be made with water, not just milk. I don't know why I didn't realize that before, but I'm happy I discovered it today.
Tomorrow I'm going to see The Turn of the Screw in opera form - crazy! I'll let you know how it is. I'm never too optimistic with modern opera: The Picture of Dorian Gray, anyone?
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