Saturday, September 30, 2006

Weekend Renos...the bathroom

So, here it is in all of it's "just purchased" glory...


AHHHHHHHHH!
Yes that is pink tile...and a blue sink, as well as a blue tub! Actually, the blue sink was kind of cool.
WAS being the key word.

The entire thing was gutted...including the tiles and fixtures. It's been four years now. I first had it all white...but there were too many shades of white...then there was the problem with white and children.

So it was some shade of green...then recently, only for a moment, it was 2063-70 cumulus cotton...then cc-244 french toast (yes, this colour is very tricky, there is nothing toasty about it. It lasted a couple days)...and now cc-590 grasslands.



Don't mess with a good thing. I like neutrals around me, then I can accent with colours. So, every once in a while I try to play with colour...but as it turns out, the only one I can live with is green.

Now to find a fabric for a roman blind...and it should be done....well, until I want to play with colour again!

Friday, September 29, 2006

Oh I forgot...

A little eye candy for this friday afternoon...



That's right people, I am a proud owner of some dancing shoes!
(plus a bonus photo of the newly painted base and shoe molding)
Last night was the Foxtrot...which if I may say, we picked up quite quickly!

This ballroom dancing is really a great time. My DH and I loved to dance when we were younger courting.
Now, we actually look like we are doing something! The waltz, the foxtrot...next week is the rumba!

I also picked up a copy of Tony Bennett's Duets to add to my The Essential Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra's Duets. Believe it or not, one is usually playing while I make dinner.

Hey, I'm a little busy...

Yeah, busy losing my mind. I've painted the bathroom three times now. Like within a couple days. Seriously, I am having trouble with colour lately...I will tell you about it this weekend in a weekend renos post...or rather crazy painter post.

Needless to say, there has been little knitting. I did manage to finish the first canada sock...



No trouble with colour here!

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Heels!

Check out those heels....



I did turn the kilt hose heel last night as promised.

I am loving the canada sock...there is a little moss stitch chevron detail down the sides and the crazy fair isle easily hides under your pants...if you don't want to sport it.

(notice the knitpicks needle! Love it. They work wonderfully for magic loop, the cord is so flexible. The points on these needles are near perfect...but they are noticeably heavier...not that it bothers me in such a small size needle.)

I'm painting...like crazy. My hands hurt. The boys room is done, the bathroom will be done today and the trim in the basement is done. Not too much left so soon I will be able to play with this. No more colouring in squares...the star wars hat pattern is not far off!

Monday, September 25, 2006

Through the eyes of a knitter.

When looking at potential knitting patterns, I really have to ask myself...
Would I really wear this in public?

I find myself drawn to colourwork lately and really don't know if it is fashionable.
Are these projects fun to knit....YES...will people point and laugh if you wear them out...Probably!
I don't know really. I have had to ask a couple people if certain projects are those that only a knitter could love.

So, that brings me to my latest obsession. The Canada sock by Nancy Bush.



Will you just look at that cuff. Seriously. Gorgeous.
It is the most unique cuff I have knit, and I love it. I love it for these socks...and I will love it on a cute little hat or mittens.

How did I do that? Hmmmmmm.....

I've already turned the heel...poor Kilt Hose. Don't worry, I will turn your heel tonight.

By the way, I am using my latest love, elann Devon. I must tell you that Grumperina (although maybe she will be telling you) got some and really didn't fancy it. The ball is really soft, but when knit up she felt it was too scratchy for her. The stink...oh the stink when it arrives. I don't get it...but it does go away.
I still think the yarn is soft...even when knit up. It's not cashmerino soft...but I think it is soft. It is great for colourwork...hat/mittens/socks...and it is soft enough for a sweater that is next to the skin...well, for me. But it's no baby cashmerino or regia silk.

Friday, September 22, 2006

One two three...four five six...one two three...

My DH signed us up for ballroom dancing lessons as a birthday gift...and last night was our first lesson! It actually was a lot of fun. We learned the waltz...one two three...

So, there was little to no knitting last night...then of course I had to rush home to catch ER and Greys Anatomy...exhausted, I only knit a couple rows.

Some have asked how much time I devote to knitting...
Well, you do understand that it is an addiction, right?

Basically I knit at night...like 7 till 11 or midnight (depending on how exciting the project is that I am working on). I watch TV and knit. Sometimes I can get an hour of knitting in during the day...some days that I feel particularly lazy, I might get a few hours in during the day.
I am not one to carry my knitting with me when out and about. With two little ones, I need to have my hands free at all times.
I always have at least two projects on the go and when I knit, I knit to complete something. Be it a section of decreases, increases, an arm, a ball...whatever. I kind of set little goals each night.

So there you have it...I have no life, besides my new Thursday evening dance class...I knit.

Boring progress...the kilt hose are still moving...



FYI this is a unisex pattern. I think there is a fine line between feminine and masculine lace patterns...but this one really would work for both.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Bobble without turning your work.

A little bobble lesson for those who are interested...the example is actually a 3 stitch popcorn:

  • Knit into the front and back of the stitch and then the front once more. 3 stitches. (if you were making a 5 stitch bobble k f&b 2x then front again so you have 5 sts)

  • Transfer these 3 stitches (or 5 sts) back to your left needle as if to purl, keeping your yarn in back.

  • Now knit these 3 stitches (or 5sts)

(if making a 5 st bobble, you would repeat the last two steps, transfering the stitches and then *knit them again)

  • Starting with the second stitch from the point of your right needle, pull the stitches one at a time over the first stitch and off your right needle.

Here are three popcorn stiches complete:

* When doing a 5 stitch bobble, you could do a purl row the second time working the 5 stiches to give you garter stitch bumps over the front of the bobble...I tried this for the very first 5 stitch bobble below, but opted for a smoother look for this project...

Voila! You now have a new time saving technique under your belt!

Monday, September 18, 2006

Revisiting a pattern.

It's not often that I decide to knit something that I have already knit. There are so many great patterns I want to knit, but this one needed to be knit again.

Forbes Forest, in Scarfstyle, was one of the first projects I knit where I felt some sense of accomplishment. It just looks gorgeous. Although, it must be said that my DH has worn it maybe 3 times....he even selected the colour...it turns out he is just not a "scarf kind of guy".

When I knit the original back in feb 2005, I used a cable needle to cable and had to read each section of the chart, and turned a millions times to make my bobbles....

Not now!

Now there is no cable needle needed...we all know how to cable without one, right?
I learned to read my fabric, not a chart.
And the newest skill of making bobbles without turning my work...from the Knitting Nature book.



Is it just me, or have they improved knit picks merino style? It seems nicer to work with than I remember, not so cheap feeling.

So, another major Christmas gift on the go...I am putting a dent in the list.

Friday, September 15, 2006

A finished Crochet project!

Oh, and you thought I wasn't really going to give it a try...



Started and Finished: Sept 14, 2006 Seriously, it was one night of watching tv.
Pattern: One Skein Scarf from the Happy Hooker
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool
Adjustments...none really. I used the same size hook to cast on and crochet the project...yeah that was a mistake. They tell you to cast on with a larger hook for a reason people! That edge is a little tighter...but it looks fine.

I actually like the scarf...it is "pretty"...I like the colour much better than the black one I had started. (the yarn is better than the black one that contained acrylic). It's really long so you can wrap it around a couple times...or not.

I am by no means becoming a crocheter...but I like learning something new, and expanding my skills. Now maybe I won't avoid any knitting projects that need a little crochet!

Thursday, September 14, 2006

The Happy Hooker.

Really...I am not.



I am playing around with the happy hooker book...there are some cute patterns in it...but...but...I just can't put my finger on it.
Crochet really makes me think "grandma"...I don't know...it's knotty...it's just not as exciting as knitting, for me.

I actually picked up this book a couple days ago and started using some left over acrylic/wool blend to start a scarf...janet mentioned this scarf pattern and that is the one I had started! (check out here cable hat she recently knit...the pattern is here)

I wanted to use a really nice wool...but I just couldn't "waste" it on crochet...that's so aweful!

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Highland Schottish Kilt Hose...again.

I know I said that "I have nothing to knit"...well, that's not really true. I have lots to knit, just nothing I really wanted to start. Lest we forget the Christmas knitting list.

So, on to some socks. Brown...as requested...you know who you are.
THEY ARE FOR CHRISTMAS....don't expect them before that!



I did attempt these before, but knowing I didn't have enough yardage, I abandoned the project.
These are a version of the highland schottish kilt hose...obviously with out the turn-down cuff and they won't be knee high...from Nancy Bush's Folk Socks.

I am using Devon from elann.com (yes, I already got some more!). I really like this yarn...look at the stitch definition...beautiful!

I keep doubting myself...I hope they will fit. After washing they will grow a bit...but we may need a prechristmas try on.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Don't quit your day job.

I did a little hooking this weekend.

My MIL is an avid blanket crocheter. I maybe have 7 afghans and numerous baby blankets. She really does a lovely job...they are acrylic, but they do wash nicely. Caron's One Pound is her yarn of choice. Here is her latest...usually she does solid or a thick stripe. She decided to make one out of extras...



I love it! (sorry it is blurry...she wouldn't sit still for me to take a photo!)
She calls it her Mexican blanket...my FIL thinks he is getting it for his truck....not if I can help it;)
So...I had a little crochet lesson...single and double crochet...



Not too bad! Do you think I could do the Turkish Treasure scarf from Scarfstyle? I really like it...I think that would be a little too ambishious for a beginner crocheter....no?

Here are a couple other patterns that I have seen in Martha mags...baby blanket and ball...crocheted baby booties....some basics and how to.

Other than that...it was a birthday party weekend! All went well...here is the birthday boy...not really sitting still...with the caped crusader cake all done up.



FYI some asked where I got the pan, I rented it from a local cake store...it is the old batman pan..the new one is kind of scary looking to me.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Cable and Seed Stitch Jacket

Another FO...



Started: July 25, 2006
Finished: Sept 4, 2006
Yarn: On Line Linie Tessa
Pattern: Debbie Bliss Baby Knits. The Cable and Seed Stitch Jacket.
Adjustments: Many. But is was really simple. The jacket it basically a back, 2 fronts and sleeves, no waist or armhole shaping. So I made it to fit about 3-6 months...I think! I also had a little tighter gauge...so there was some math involved.

I picked up these cute little flower buttons...



I love knitting for girls!

I threw it in the washer yesterday and laid it flat to dry on top of the dryer...no change...



(the colour change is my camera, I took this pic downstairs with the flash)

This was suppose to be a christmas knit for my new niece that is arriving anytime now....but I think it will be a look-you're-just-born-gift because I have my eye on another sweater for christmas!

Oh, A little eye candy friday...


Today is my eldests 4th birthday! The caped crusador cake is underway...just waiting for it to cool so I can ice it!

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Sundara Test Knit Sweater.

Don't you just love it!



Well, that's all you get until the big unveiling...

Started: August 16, 2006
Finished: Sept 6, 2006
Yarn: Sundara Yarn sport merino burgundy over raspberry 5 skeins.
Pattern: TBA by Melissa Wehrle

It was a fairly simple knit. A little pattern to keep you interested, but easy enough that you could mindlessly knit while intensely watching tv....more to come once the pattern is released.

Can I just say that Sundara's yarn is fabulous. It was a dream to knit with...the colour is gorgeous...and once washed, it was so so soft. Beautiful!

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

I have nothing to knit.

Seriously, it could happen.
Sure, there is some finishing to do...but look what happened...



Yeah, that's a major project blocking.
Done.
Now what?

The Seed Stitch and Cable Jacket...done.
I put buttons on yesterday and will throw it in the wash today...it is supposed to be washable! (more on it in tomorrows post)

The Mamluke Sock...well...the inner knitter is no longer whispering to me...it is SHOUTING.

STOP!

I changed the colour to a lighter shade of plum and it does look better. Some how I forgot to increase a stitch way back in the beginning...causing me to rip back and reknit the leg. Now I am at the foot and I think it is too loose. My gauge is slightly off...go figure. It fits me, but I don't think it will fit the recipient. After wash and some wear, it will expand a little.
No good.
Keep it for myself...no. I do like the Mamluke socks...but I want the Norwegian stockings.
So, ripping and restarting is an option. I did order some knitpicks needles, which I have read in blogland that they are a little smaller than addis...so maybe they will work for me. I am waiting for that order.

So, now what?

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Join me for a Knitting Blog Crawl.

For a while now I have been thinking of how I would like to share with you some of the blogs that I read and why.

Recently Grumperina sent a little love my way...don't worry I'll be getting to you Kathy...and now I will be sending all of my readers on a little Knitting Blog Crawl.

I have always found "great knit blogs" through the blogs that I already read. Clicking on that blogroll in the side bar is sometimes very dangerous. You get deeper and deeper into knit blogs with no way out...

So, today I must tell you of one of my favourite male knitters. Seriously, this boy can knit!

Brooklyntweed

Go ahead, take a moment to subscribe to his site...or add him to your sidebar.
Not only is Jared a very talented knitter, he is a fabulous photographer. The pictures on his site are absolutely stunning. Beautiful clear photos, focusing on the knitting.
His site construction is wonderful...soft, eye pleasing colours without unnecessary distraction.

Jared's posts are well thought out and worth the read. A thought, a lesson or suggestion here and there. You are sure to find inspiration at brooklyntweed.

There is one problem that I have, though.
I love Jared's knits so much that I immediately send a link to my brother of his finished projects.
The email comes back from my brother with a colour choice.
Needless to say, I am a little behind on knits for Tom!

Stop with the fabulous knits Jared!
No don't really. Keep up the fabulous work...I am always watching;)

Monday, September 04, 2006

Buttons needed.

Every once in a while I get the itch to finish something that has been sitting on the needles...



Well, I am really close. Buttons and blocking are all that is needed on the seed stitch jacket...another FO coming this week!

The sock...well, I've knit it a couple times...LISTEN TO YOUR INNER KNITTER.

Weekend renos update...for those who are counting...8 out of 10 windows are in.

Happy Labour Day! Start washing the clothes...packing the back pack...Ahhhhhh...one starting school tomorrow...it's bitter sweet!

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Weekend Renos...the windows.

Well, we are running out of things to do...not really...



Finally...new windows.
Now the curtains won't be blowing...when the windows are shut!
One in...nine to go...

Friday, September 01, 2006

The Star Wars hat.

Finally...



Started: August 17, 2006
Finished: August 30, 2006
Yarn: Devon by Elann. Navy, white and grey. One ball of each.
Pattern: Well, kind of my own...but I borrowed the R2D2 graph and the wording around the bottom.

I do really love this hat. It will be the base for my other Christmas hats. I am tweaking the pattern for you...and will hopefully have it in a couple days...with suggestions for an adult sizing.

I really like this Devon yarn for fair isle. I've already ordered more colours for hats and socks.

Tell me, when you order yarn from Elann.com does it smell when you open the bag? Like garbage...specifically. This happens to me all the time...I wonder if it is the bags they use? It eventually goes away...but oh man!

The yarn expanded a bit when washed..and there was some colour in the sink but nothing that bled into the white. It smells when wet...like most wool does...I hate the wet barn smell. Hopefully a couple more washes will get rid of it. I must do that so my nephews hair doesn't smell like a barn!