Lesson for Today

Lesson for today.  Do not cast on a project after you have only had five hours sleep the night before.

I got an amazing skein of DK yarn in the Reavers colorway from Fresh from the Cauldron  The terrific Lizzy4873 on Ravelry stalked for me.  I have been lusting after this colorway since the minute I saw it.  But because it is a gradient and apparently a &@)#* to dye, Jenn doesn't dye it often or that much.  The last update only had five skeins and dear Lizzy was great enough to swap with someone who got two in her cart when she only wanted one.  Otherwise I wouldn't have gotten it at all! 

I didn't take a photo, but this one is pretty much identical to the one I got.    The original pic is darker.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/squibstitcher/6887443077/in/photostream/  But I do like the newer one too. 

I spent a good deal of time pouring over patterns.  The strong contenders were Zilver, Escapist & the Colonnade Shawl.

But the Peek-a-Boo Shawl won out.  Part of that is about the sorta distressed, warped feeling of the pattern.  It matches well with the colorway name.

If there was more yardage, Zilver probably would have won out.  But with only 230 yards I really felt like something with more openness would be a good choice.  The Peek-a-Boo Shawl has an 8 row repeat that I can just continue til I run out of yarn.

So I was excited to get it cast on last night.  See above.  Five hours sleep the night before...

So I am merrily knitting along.  I come to row 6.  It says I will have 25 sts after I knit the row.  But I check and double check.  No, really.  I need 25 sts to knit the row & with four stitches increase, the row will actually be 29 sts in the end.  I am so clever.  I know best.  I get to the row 10 which has more pattern work.  I am over by 4 sts.  Really.  I know best.  So I fudge it and figure I will sort it out in the next row.

So this morning I am walking to the train from Eldest Munchkin's school camp.  I pull out the pattern and start looking at it.  Going through I reread row 6.  And I promptly want to whap myself upside the head.

I know I am kinda number dyslexic sometimes.  But somehow I transposed *K1, DW twice, TW twice, DW twice, K1* to *K1, DW, TW, DW, K1* x 2.  *blink* How?!  See sleep.  *shakes head*

The good news is that I was very early in the pattern so I only had to rip back a few rows.  But man... I don't feel very clever!  *laugh*

Ah well.  I am glad I sat down and read over the pattern before I got further along.  That is a plus.

I got more sleep last night.  And this shows the beauty of sleep.  It helps the body & brain function better.  Mind you, because I started knitting this I stayed up later than I should have of course!  *laugh*

I need to write more. Have to post pics of my Afternoon Tea shawl & at least a little Tour de Fleece wrap up.  But my work machine is acting up.  So whenever they can take it, I need to shut down super quick.

Festive Fall Vest for DS

Here is a Ravelry link to the project.

As per usual, I can't get pictures to do the yarn justice.  Though Little Guy's adorable face should make up for that.  *smirk*  Yes, I am a biased mommy...  Why do you ask?  *laugh*



There are a bunch more pics on Flickr.  I just posted the one I liked best of LG.  *laugh*

Pattern:#407 Chris Woven Yoke Vest by Schaefer Design
From the 2012 Knitting Calendar

Made for:DS Will

Size:12-18 Months

Needles:US 6 - 4.0 mm
US 7 - 4.5 mm

Yarn:
Fresh From the Cauldron MCN Worsted in Ares Colorway
About 1 skeins = 185.0 yards (169.2m)
Purchased at:
Fresh From The Cauldron
Purchase date:
May 2, 2011

I love the Ares colorway by Fresh from the Cauldron and wanted to make something for the Little Guy with it.  The colors scream fall though I don't know if it will be big enough for him to wear come fall. 

I have been watching to the Round the Twist videocast.  Carin, the host, has deemed 2012 the year of the sweater and has invited others to KAL with her.  I decided I wanted to push myself.  So one of my 2012 goals is to knit four sweaters.  One for DH, DS, DD and DD's 18" doll.  This is the first sweater done.  And certainly not too soon!  I fear it probably won't fit him next year.  But it fits him perfectly.  And luckily the temperatures have dropped so he might get a few wearings out of it.  *crosses fingers*

I tried to use this for another vest that just kept going horribly wrong.  So I frogged it. 

I kept praying that there is enough yarn to finish the vest.  Problem was that is says 1 skein of Chris which is 220 yards.  FFtC is 185 yards.  *gulp*  Luckily some amazing folks offered to share their Ares, so I could have finished it.  Hooray for knitters.

It came out wonderfully.  It looks adorable.  And just in time too.  The vest will probably only fit for the rest of the spring.  *sigh*  But I might have to take up an offer to buy some Ares and make another one in a bigger size as I have a bit left from the 12-18 size.

I love the Chris yarn too.  So I might have to get a couple skeins and make a larger one at a later date!

I also really need to take pics of my socks.  They were another 2012 goal I have met.  They look wonderful, but I haven't photographed them or worn them yet.  I really should since the lovely FftC folks are having a 2012 KAL that ends in April.  I keep debating if I could actually finish another object for that one.  I don't know...but it is tempting to try!  I have long been debating making a Clapotis with some FftC yarn.  Thoughts?  Crazy to think I can complete that in a month with everything else on the table...  But I think it is a quick knit by most accounts.

On the 2012 goals, I also have done some spinning!  Woohoo!  I have the Bullseye Bump I got on my wheel.  I have only done about a half ounce to an ounce tops.  But it is lovely.  Again, I should take some pics.  I had high hopes of getting some spinning in last night.  But Little Guy is sick and was fussy most of the evening.  So there wasn't a chance to pull out the wheel.  *pout*

Also, because Little Guy was sick, I didn't get to do a bunch of car knitting.  That was my hope.  I wish he wasn't a drippy mess.  He was miserable on Saturday night/Sunday morning.  But luckily, he is doing better today.  I am hopeful that tomorrow will mean he is back to 100% okay.  *crosses fingers*  I am sure the sweater helped him feel better.  How can you not when you look so dapper?  *grin*

Overdue Pics of Finished Objects

I am long overdue on some finished object pics. So I figured I would put this together before the baby arrives. She is already past her due date which was Sunday. But it is pretty typical for a first time pregnancy.

I still don’t feel like she is coming any time soon. My OB says she will induce next Wednesday which will put it at nearly 42 weeks (which is when they get worried the baby might have problems if it doesn’t come out).

I am sure you will sense a theme in my knitting as of late. Surprise surprise!


Kimono Jacket in Fresh From the Cauldron Silver Sock Volturi Colorway

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

Cast On:
August 29 2009

Completed:
September 10 2009

Pattern:
Garter Stitch Baby Kimono by Joji Locatelli
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garter-stitch-baby-kimono

Made for:
Kiddle due in Sept. 09

Size:
6-9 months

Needles:
US 2 / 2.75 mm Knitpicks Options
In Vamp Club colorway The Volturi
~1 skeins = 420.0 yards (384.0m)
Purchased at Fresh From The Cauldron
http://squibstitcher.etsy.com


I decided to do this in stockinette to show off the beautiful yarn.

I started with 6 rows of garter to get it not to roll. Then I kept the 6 stitches at the edge in garter as well. Again, easy way to keep it from rolling yet make it simple to knit.

I did it a bit backwards for the pattern instructions. I bound the shoulder seams and then knit the sleeves in the round. Less seaming work involved is always a plus.

Also, I didn’t want to worry about finding buttons (still have two sweaters not completed as I need to find buttons for them). So I skipped the button holes and made i-cord closures & Chinese knot closure.

http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2008/10/24/handmade-closures-chinese-knot.aspx

All in all, a simple, quick knit that was great for tv knitting.

I am glad it only took one skein. It means I have a second skein of this beautiful yarn for something for me!


First Coat for Kiddle

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

Cast On:
July 25 2009

Completed:
September 2 2009

Pattern:
First Coat by Debbie Bliss
from Essential Baby by Debbie Bliss
http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Baby-Handknits-First-Steps/dp/1570763682

Made for:
Kiddle

Size:
6-9 months

Needles:
US 2 / 2.75 mm & US 3 / 3.25 mm Knitpicks Options

Yarn:
Knit Picks Stroll Sport
~4.5 skeins = 616.5 yards (563.7m) in Hollyberry
&
~0.25 skeins = 34.3 yards (31.3m) in Black
Purchased at Knit Picks
http://www.knitpicks.com


Definitely glad I got extra yarn. The pattern says 4 skeins for the size. But it took at least 4 1/2. The Stroll sport says it has the same yardage per skein as the Cashmerino the pattern calls for.

Very simple knit. Just some decreases and increases. Mostly it is pretty mindless knitting so good for tv viewing and such.

I am very glad Knit Picks came out with a washable sport weight yarn. I think it is prefect for this project.

Made in size 6-9 so my baby can wear it during the winter. Might be a bit big, but might not be. Hard to tell. So I figure it is better to be too big than too small.

Decided to add the contrast color to the edge of the sleeves. I wish I had thought to do it at the bottom edge as well. I think that would have looked good.

The size 3 needles for the pattern definitely gives the piece a thicker, denser coat quality. I think it would have had better drape if I had used 4s instead. But it should be thick for winter wear this way.

The only downside of the pattern was seaming all the pieces together. My least favorite task. Just glad it was a baby item as there was a lot less of it.

Finished all but the buttons Aug. 23rd. Forget when exactly I got the buttons. I think I finished it around the beginning of Sept. I will just blame it on the pregnancy hormones. *grin*


Black Mary Janes

Generated by Flickr Album Maker

Cast On:
August 26 2009

Completed:
August 30 2009

Pattern:
Mary Jane Booties by Lucie Sinkler
http://home.howstuffworks.com/free-baby-bootie-knitting-patterns2.htm

Made for:
Kiddle due in Sept. 09

Size:
0-6 months

Needles:
US 3 / 3.25 mm Knitpick Options

Yarn:
Knit Picks Stroll Sport in Black
~0.5 skeins = 68.5 yards (62.6m)
Purchased at Knit Picks

Second pair of Mary Janes I made. Like the pattern as it is quick, easy and looks adorable. I am tempted to make these in every possible color.

I had nothing on my needles for the baby who is arriving in just 3+ weeks. *gulp* Given they are black Mary Janes, they should be cute & match everything. The wool will help keep her feet warm.

I put snaps instead of buttons on the straps. Much easier than fussing with tiny buttons on baby feet. I will do this with any I make in the future.


This may be my last post for a while. I suspect when the baby arrives, there won't be much time for updates! And the pics will probably be of the baby.

My general journal is where I keep the baby stuff - http://akkasha.livejournal.com.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

The June shipment just arrived from the Vamp Yarn Club by Fresh from the Cauldron. I am a happy camper. It is lovely stuff.

Yes, I need to take pics. But it literally just arrived moments ago. (And my camera on the phone just doesn't do anything justice, so it will have to wait until I get home.)

I also really like the pattern. It is a Volturi sock pattern by Teri Christensen. I got the Volturi colorway so it is a great match. Though the funny part is that my plan was to knit something for the kiddle in the Volturi colorway. I ordered two skeins of the same colorway. So I figured I would just wait for the second one and do something at that time. But now, I am not sure I want to wait! And that might not come for up to another four months.

The deal is that I got to pick from a bunch of different colorways. There were five colorways I needed. But there are six months so six shipments. So I decided that I would get the two Volturi in the superwash yarn so I could make socks and one in the silk/non-superwash wool base so I would make a scarf or something that wasn't laying against my skin.

However, Jenn (the dyer) was able to get the silver superwash base. So I am getting both Volturi on that base. In theory, it will be two skeins of the same color. However, she handdyes all these. So it is entirely likely that the colorways won't really match.

So maybe I get socks and the little gal gets a sweater or something out of the other skein. It would be kinda cute to have her dressed in something where I could have matching socks. *laugh* I know, silly.

Though with the way things are going, I suspect the little girl will get hers before I knit mine. *chuckle* The knitting I have been doing has all been baby stuff.

The good news was that I was able to knit yesterday & Saturday. The bad news is that I put some weight on my right hand this morning and had pain shoot up my forearm. *sigh* So I am going to see the doctor. I fell last Monday and landed on my hands and knees. I really thought I was nearly all better. But this morning definitely indicated it is time to get it checked out. *sigh*

Yarn Club & WIPs

I got into the Vamp Yarn Club that Fresh from the Cauldron is running. I am looking forward to it.

The interesting thing is that they already show the various colorways. I get to pick the ones I want. So I won't end up with colorways that just aren't my thing. So I am pretty happy. *smile* I am doing the bimonthly one, so I will get 3 shipments.

I know two of the colorways I want are Volturi & Fangstasia. I know, shocking. *laugh* Not at all my colors. *smirk*

I am waiting to see what the dyer comes up with for the three remaining Anne Rice vamp colorways. I suspect she is going to go with eye & hair color like she did with Claudia. But I am not sure. I also think the Michael Corvin colorway is something that Paul would like. So that might be my third selection.

I really wish I could do the RainyDaysWoolyDogs's GothSocks Sock Club. I might even do both but the RDWD one is pay upfront. And I can't really afford that right now. If it were a month by month, I would do it. I really need to order some of their yarn sometime though. I keep meaning to and by the time I get to it, the colorway I want is gone. They have a Romantic Goth colorway that I love. *smile* I would love to see them do that in roving! I think that would be beautiful.

On the knitting front, my Brigit socks are 99% done. Seriously. I have bound off half of each sock! *laugh* I almost finished them last night, but I knew it would take a while longer. And the last thing you want to do is rush a sewn bind off. I really want socks that will actually fit when I am done. *grin* So I was good and put them down. They should be off my needles tonight for certain.

I wound the Spirit Trail Fiberworks Helen yarn in Harbor Fog this morning. I suspect it will be a good yarn. I am worried it might be a bit splitty, but it is hard to tell yet. It is going to be socks for my hubby Paul. The designer for the March KAL for Sock Knitters Anonymous is Cat Bordhi. I have been wanting to try another of her sock patterns from New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I did the Coriolis socks from that and they were interesting. I figure the beauty of the book is that I can always figure out the exact right size for the socks which is nice.

I also cast on a Chevron Lace Scarf from this pattern. I am using the Tempted Hand Painted 80% superwash merino/20% Cashmere Fiber I spun for it. I think it will look nice with the color changes. It is a simple 2 row repeat. So that makes it pretty quick. I should have this done for spring, should it decide to come anytime soon!