Only 116 Knitting Days Left...

You may think it premature, but I am starting to plan for the upcoming holiday gift-giving season. I've actually been doing some clandestine holiday knitting in the way of random sock knitting, but now the actual list is starting to form:

Boy's Family:

• Socks for one grandmother, two aunts, one stepmother, and one monkey-baby.
• Knit cupcakes for monkey baby from One Skein to help furnish her rather large play kitchen.
• One Swell for teenage cousin.
• Sumthin' for Boy (he occasionally reads the blog, so it's gonna be a surprise).
• Sumthin' with pigs for Jewish comedian cousin & his wife.
• If time/yarn allows, more socks/toys for extended family.

My family:

• Socks for one grandmother, two aunts, one dad's gf, and one teenage cousin.
• Scarves for aunt and cousin out of the Big Wool Tuft I picked up.
• Shawl for grandmother.
• Swells for brother and other teenage cousin.
• Sumthin' for grandfather, dad, older cousin, and aunt's husband, time/yarn permitting.

If you're keeping count this adds up to:

• 10 pairs of socks
• 3 Swells
• 2 scarves
• 1 shawl
• 1 dozen knitted cupcakes
• and a bunch of surprises, time/yarn permitting.

This is including, of course, the things I want to knit for myself:

• Scarf/sock set (I'm thinking feather & fan maybe)
• Angora Knitted Bodice
• Pomatomas Socks using the aloe yarn Jen sent me
• Jolie, my love
• Swell for me
• and, finish my afghan (it's crochet, but I think it counts).

Some may say I'm being, at best, a tad optimistic. Well, I say screw you, everyone needs a good let-down during the holidays. I also have a bit of overlapping in there, so (insert famous last words here). As I was figuring all this out over dinner tonight Adam said that this sounded ominously like a Yarn Harlot fiasco... Nuts to him, I have 116 days. If I can get a sock done every week or so I should be in the clear.

I started on the Knitted Bodice the other night, but I don't have enough progress to bother you with a picture. I'm liking the pattern; it is very straightforward and a pretty easy knit so far. I'll take a picture at the first fitting, promise!

Knittin' with the Big Boys

I had a stressful day involving the Lawn Gnomes, so here's some pictures of the mystery sock I cast on Thursday:

Big Boy didn't help at all; he's only got one hand free...

Massive ReStashing

Even though it is usually easier and sometimes substantially less expensive to buy my yarn accoutrements online, I believe in supporting local businesses and contributing to the success of the little gals. This is why I prefer to go to my LYS for my knitting needs, though I admit that I haven't bought anything there since I got all p-o'ed on my birthday. After abstaining for so long, I made plans to raid the shop during their anniversary sale this weekend with the little bit I saved over the summer.

I thankfully didn't have another bad experience like I had on my birthday; everyone was very nice, though the store was a little hectic. Funny enough, nothing on my list was on sale, but I walked out a happy knitter. The best part is that I have a plan for everything I picked up, so if you ignore the fact that my best-laid plans tend to get discarded by my best-laid whimsy, it was a very productive trip.

I got my Rowan fix out of the way:

Rowan Kid Classic in Peat, 25% off
Probably a 1-Skein Wonder or ?

Rowan Big Wool Tuft in Powder Puff, 50% off (I totally cleaned them out)

Scarf for my aunt or cousin (see Shiver)

Rowan Big Wool Tuft in Shiver, 50% off (got all of this, too)
Scarf for my aunt or cousin (see Powder Puff)

I have been debating picking up some Lorna's Laces to knit up a shawl, but could never justify spending that much on something that would end up being for me. Well, I guess I jumped that particular hurdle:

Lorna's Laces Helen's Lace in Tahoe, 25 % off
Shawl for me

Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Tahoe, full price (eh, can't win 'em all)

Socks for me to match shawl for me

I feel a bit guilty blowing this much money on myself, but how cool will it be to have a matching shawl and sock set? I was thinking of using the shawl pattern that came on the yarn band, but I'd like to use the same lace pattern for both socks and shawl. Any suggestions?

Then, there was this lying on the bed when I came home:

Well, this and 11 of their closest cousins. I am hot to start the Knitted Bodice, but my hands and I are having issues. I want to knit, my hands want to cramp up and keep me up at night, the ingrates. After I hunt down a suitable patter I'll probably start one of the big tuft scarves; some big needle action may be just what I need after all the sock knitting I've been doing lately.

I'm going to have to do some cleaning up to find space for the new stash. I was thinking that I may take a picture of stash in it's entirety, but I was afraid of horrifying you all. Then I thought, hell, some of you probably can't get your whole stash in frame, I have nothing to be ashamed of...

In the interest of making room, may I introduce my current scarf project?

This is the scarf pattern and KidSeta that the illustrious JenKatt sent me in a SP8 package. I was too retarded to handle the KidSeta on its own, so I've combined it with some stash Rowan dkSoft to give it some more substance.

I think it works.

Bulking up for Winter

Summer O' Stash is not quite over yet, but my exception is coming up. I have stuck to this yarn diet very well, and I am proud to say that I have done some serious knitting this summer. I have finished: two sweaters, six pairs of socks, one hat, and one wrap to date.

But even good yarn diets must end, and, as fall descends on us once again, the time has come to bulk up for the long winter ahead (forget that I live in Southern California, it spoils the metaphor). Enter the Alamitos Bay Yarn Company's anniversary sale. I've made special arrangements to get out of work on time, then run down to the yarn shop tomorrow afternoon so I can get my fiber on.

Here's my shopping list:

• Some Noro Silk Garden for hats & 1-Skein Wonders
• Rowan Cashsoft (or something close) for cabled scarves
• If I find something nice for Jolie, that
• Some knitting notecards
• Sock yarn (of course), prolly Lorna's Laces
• Anything reasonable that strikes my fancy

I've only recently started to think that nice things could be reasonable, so going and buying myself such yummy yarns is theraputic, kind of a Stuart Smalley moment: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, I'm buying the cashmere!"

Yarny, the Yarn Man...

...was a jolly, happy soul:

This wooly little joke shook me from my grouchiness. I knit both heels of the striped socks from the same skein, hence the lopsided balls. (Hmm, I wonder what wierdos will hit the site now?) I take no credit, Boy thought of the yarnman after I made the dirtier joke.

The striped socks look pretty snazzy. They're too small for me, so they should fit my dad's girlfriend perfectly. I've already started swatching the pink cotton for Jen's socks with the rosewoods my excellent secret pal Jen sent, but I haven't picked a pattern yet. I guess I'll let the gauge decide.

Unstressing

I'm too tired and stressed to put up a decent post, so check out Stinker being adorable...

The striped socks for my dad's gf are done. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is done. I'm done. I'll be in the tub.

Bless me, Zimmerman, for I have sinned...

Okay. I know there is only a little over two weeks until Summer O' Stash is over, but I seem to have self-control issues today...

I'd like to blame Glampyre. Or Stitch Diva Studios. Or maybe even Boy, who finally caved in to my incessant whining, arguing, and cajoling and said it was okay. But we all know whose fault this really is.

Craftster

What, did you think I was really going to blame myself for my yarn diet slip? I will have you know I've lost plenty of yarn weight over the last three months! I lost a whole garbage-bag load of crap acrylic, for the love of Mikey! I'll admit that one (huge) bag of acrylic does not quite justify spending nearly $200 for the Tilly Tomas the pattern calls for (though I have been sorely tempted, I have just enough in my savings/yarn account). After considering how much coffee I spill on myself and some hardcore web-browsing, I think I've made a sensible substitution:

Angora Soft by Knit One Crochet Too in Soft Turquoise. $1.50/skein at WEBS.

How freakin' awesome is that? It's still nice enough yarn for me think it worthy of the pattern, but the entire sweater, including shipping and the pattern I downloaded today, will cost me a whole 35 dollars and 65 cents.

Honestly, the yarn diet has been good for me, but I think in the long run moderation is the key. Oh, and having someone who lives with you willing to appeal to your better self while they are being threatened with pointy sticks...

Swell is Swell

Finished Swell today. I love the pattern and am already planning on making several more for the upcoming holidays, maybe even one for myself. I will definitely be making a different one for my little brother...

While we all agree that Boy has a much bigger head than a homo sapien probably should, this hat would still be too small for my brother. I blame myself; I used the largest dpns I had, which did not get me anywhere near gauge. It's fine though, I'll just find a kid with an appreciation for bad-arse wool/acrylic blend hats.

The WIP list is getting kinda short, don't you think? I guess I'll go cast on something if I can get my nose out of Harry Potter. The fifth book is really stressful so far...

Secret's Out

Look what I found when I came home:



There's a box on my cat's butt! The box compliments of my secret pal, the newly not-so-secret Jen, the knitting NICU nurse! I tried really hard not to go looking for her blog, but a little while ago she sent me an unmistakable clue... I found her blog, but made a point of not reading it until today... Jen, you're right, MSN Spaces sucks!


This has to be my favorite box ever. Jen sent me Vintage Knits (with a note to go order the yarn for Jolie), gorgeous rosewood dpns (I've been really good about not breaking my needles lately), a bag to hold my Disney knitting, lots of nifty sock yarn (those are my colors), some more yarn to dye), and even something for Stinker!

The goodies are faboo, but my favorite part is all the nifty green notes she stuck on everything!


Boy was a bit put-out by this note, but was more than placated by the DisneyWorld monorail badges.


Stinker loves her prezzie! She's a little violent with the things she loves...

Thank you Jen! We can't wait for your visit in October!

Oh, before I forget, Jen is collecting for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If you can donate a little sumthin' sumthin' to the cause please do so.

Depp Knitting

This is how long Pirates of the Carribean is:

Stinker was suprised I could keep my eyes off of Kiera Knightley and Johnny Depp long enough to knit anything. After having a crush on them both for so long, I was suprised to find myself a little sickened by the smooching scene... Who knew?

I'm also a little sick of the constant sock knitting, so I decided to whip up a hat.

This is Swell from Knitty, which my wonderful secret pal found for me when I could not figure out where I saw it. I'm knitting it entirely on dpn's cuz I'm too impatient to wait until I can get the right size circular needle, hence the six point protectors The brown is Wool O'De Andes leftover from the Chocolate Mariah. The blue is of unknown content, but I'm pretty sure it's acrylic. I'm not sure how these two fibers will mix, but the colors will go very well together. This hat is destined to be a holiday gift for my little brother, if it fits his bulbous head.

The owner of said bulbous head will be celebrating his 22nd birthday tomorrow, so if you would send some kind thoughts towards the high desert, I'd appreciate it. It may make up for the fact that I forget to call him almost every year...

Also, I sent my secret pal her last package today, so, if you're reading this: Hi Shannon! Of course, if you're not Shannon don't ruin the suprise!

Trek's Right...

Look what I found underneath the bed this morning while I was scrounging around for shoes:

Looks like Trek is right.

Finishing

When I was just a tyke I loved brussel sprouts.

When I was told that I was not supposed to like brussel sprouts, I tried not liking them, I really did. Thankfully, for my mother's sake as well as my own, I was unsuccessful in this attempt to be like everyone else.

It's the same thing with finishing. I've heard so much whining about how people hate finishing, saying that it's the worst part of the process. I've tried to loathe finishing, but I just can't do it. I like weaving in my ends and sewing up the seams; it is just another part of the fun for me. I'm not very experienced with blocking, but I like doing that, too. I'm thinking of picking up this book in order to improve my finishing techniques.

What do you think? Is there a market for this idiosyncrasy? I don't think anyone would pay me to do it, but I'd be happy to trade weaving in the ends of someone else's sweater for goodies...

Missing Shepherd

MISSING:

I am missing one of my Syracuse Socks. If found please tell it that I miss it and would like it to come home. I promise to stop complaining about how I should have knit this yarn with smaller needles and to give it a good washing.

It Gives Me Needs

I have mixed feelings about KnitPicks... I am chugging away at my Summer O' Stash-athon, not hungering for anything in particular. Well, I get these twinges, but nothing major.

Then I see Jolie:

I love Jolie (the sweater, I don't know the model's name). I'd like to knit it in Cranberry or Sangria and liven up my wardrobe, bring out the pink in my cheeks this winter. The problem?

I'm not a huge fan of Vintage Knits. Boy and I went down to Barnes and Noble and, wonder of wonders, I found an unoccupied comfy chair. Who could pass up an opportunity like that? So I took my seat and looked through the book, unimpressed. I don't know what it is, I didn't even like Jolie when I saw it in the book. So, who's lying to me? Is KnitPicks making it look too good, or is Rowan making it look bad? I'll probably end up buying the book eventually, but I might pick up Big Girl Knits first. Hey, us fat chicks have got to stick together!

Finished It Is

Finished Baby Yoda Sweater is. George Romero's Day of the Dead Boy rented from the library, so sewed up while watching we did.



Secret Pal sweater modelling requested, but 0-6 month old's available not. Woobie available was...

Smidgeon Japanese known f'ed up diction helps, but knitter tiring very... Next One-Skein Wonder I knitting!

I Need Help

I'm looking for a hat pattern. It is brown with a white wave pattern going around it. The designer was saying something about how it was for a programmer (?) friend that was really anal about symmetry...

Sound familiar? Please let me know!

Secret Apologies

Dear Secret Pal,

I have been feeling guilty for the better part of the week and the time has come to fess up...

Remember the Princess Shawl pattern you sent with the the gorgeous brown yarn? I love the pattern and love the yarn, but I don't love them together. It's like your two best friends hooked up and haven't stopped throwing things at each other since. Actually, I just felt that the yarn was too dark for the pattern to really shine through.

I do, however, love the yarn as this:

The Baby Yoda Sweater from Dogs Steal Yarn

Okay, before anyone gets the wrong idea, I am not pregnant. Let me repeat that for the rumor mill at work: I AM NOT PREGGERS!!! I don't even have an intended recipient for said sweater. I was enchanted with the pattern from the moment I saw it and this yarn instantly struck me as a perfect match. The best part? Even after knitting the sleeves and doing my finishing, I should have plenty over to do a One-Skein Wonder.

Please don't be mad!

What I Did On My Summer Vacation

I am well aware that August has just begun, but since this weekend is probably the closest thing I'll get to an actual summer vacation, here's my homework:

In light of Boy's sudden promotion from unemployed slob to employed slob, he decided to blow some of his freelancing money to show me a good time.

We went on a short sea voyage (actually, just across the harbor). The bootie did not get sick at all, but was much more comfortable once we were back on land. We even visited the yarn shoppe from whence the bootie's yarn came, but I somehow came out without buying anything. Was it my Summer of Stash vow or my bad experience on my birthday? Who can say?



We ended up at the Seal Beach Inn, the best little B&B in I've ever run into. Last year my boss at the time suggested we try this place out when he heard they were turning off our water for the weekend. We stayed in this tiny tiny tiny room that isn't listed on the website. We had a bed, a shower, and a splendid time. This time, however, we stayed in a deluxe King Suite and had a splendid time. I highly recommend staying here, the folks are friendly, the rooms are well-appointed, and a lovely afternoon tea and hearty breakfast are included.



When we got home, we discovered that the Crusoe's had a litter of booties. I am pleased to report that bootie-mania is over and I'm back to trudging through adult-sized socks.

UPS paid me a visit on Monday evening, bringing me the zipper and thread for the chocolate Mariah, and this:

A ball-winder! The nifty light-up swift is actually my bedside lamp. I read about someone else using a lamp as a makeshift swift and figured it would do for now.


And it did do for these two balls. Say "hello" to Jen's sock yarn, all wound up and ready to roll!


I tried to do these skeins to show Boy when he got home, but we quickly found out that these skeins are larger than my lampshade...