In True Olympic Fasion......

I'm sprinting to the finish line with my last project for Ravelympics. This last project gave me quite a fit. I ripped back to the starting line over six times. I stopped counting how many times I frogged the project after that. It isn't a difficult project for me, but I think my attention was zapped this week at work.

Until I get new photos of my Olympic projects, please enjoy another WIP of mine - Cotty socks. I love Carrie's pattern, and how it works with both colorful yarns and solid yarns! If you're a sock knitter, consider this pattern for a future project.

I'll see you at the finish line with my Ravelympic projects. GO TEAM USA! I hope that we win the medal count!

Falling....

Falling behind on knitting, cleaning, and life in general. I'm even falling behind on viewing the Olympics. For shame. I've got to get cracking. Today marks the first day of three days at home, no work. This comes after seven consecutive work days in a row, so I don't mind. But I do think I need to put a little spring into my step, and color into my gray days.

How about this sock to take away the winter doldrums?
Pop sock (please notice the lack of plural status). This is the first one. I have yet to knit the second one. After the Olympics, I say!

These crazy self-striping yarns make me smile all day long. And my navy uniform may have to make way for some crazy socks in the next couple of weeks. I think it may be necessary for my very survival during these long winter months!

Fighting.....

I'm fighting with Blogger. It takes forever to upload photos on my dial-up connection. I spend more time in front of the computer just waiting than ever before. BUT - there is light at the end of the tunnel. We now have DSL available in our area! It's coming to us very soon!
So, hopefully the photo will work this time. This is the picture that belonged in yesterday's post.
Enjoy!

What are you "fighting" this week?

Tired on Tuesday

Enjoy the photograpy courtesy of my hubby.......I'm too tired to compose anything about knitting today. But I will say this, apparently we need to send the ice and snow North to Canada, as they are experiencing technical difficulties on most of the venues.....

I'm beginning to realize how little I have to say, with posting every day, instead of every month! So..........how about I just let the pictures do the talking?

A Brooks Farm Yarn Scarf - Colorways from Brooks Farms are never marked with names, but they are gorgeous all the same.
The yarn is 50% Merino wool, 50% silk, worsted weight. This project was actually my first finished object (FO) of 2010. I just need to block it to increase its length.

One of the interesting things about this scarf is that it employs what I believe to be the "knit-one-below" stitch in the pattern. It makes quite a lovely change to the knitted fabric. This pattern is a repeat of two simple rows. But if you are a knitting thrower like I am (the technical term is English style), those two rows can go on indefinitely, until you feel that you want to pull your hair out.......and then the scarf's complete. And suddenly you think you might want to knit another one. Knitting is a disease, I tell you!

Now off to get supper started and actually knit something today! I'll soon run out of things to post if I don't keep knitting!
PS - Great Olympic moment for Canada in men's moguls yesterday!

A Retro Valentine

Happy Valentine's Day! May you take the time today to let those you love know how much they mean to you. Instead of chocolate today, I've given my girls the gift of reading. They each received a book for Valentine's Day. And we also gave them the gift of rest, since we've been battling colds for the past couple of days. We slept longer than usual today for some much needed repast. I am working the next eight days consecutively. Rest is essential.

Since I'm being lazy today, lounging in my PJ's for far too long, I'm just posting some work in progress shots of my Saroyan scarf/shawlette.
The yarn I'm using is 50/50 Merino wool/silk. The color is called Retro Mint (one of my loves this Valentine's Day). This yarn has beautiful stitch definition. The stitches simply pop, looking crisp and clean and even (which is what one means when they refer to stitch definition). The ever-so-slightly shaded yarn is perfect for this project.

For those who don't know what a "shawlette" is........allow me to enlighten you.
Shawlette - a small shawl that can be worn around the neck as a scarf or neck warmer. Not to be confused with the ever popular cowl, which is a tubular item worn around one's neck. Shawlettes can also be worn around the waist, but if you've seen my hips in person, you know that they need no further attention called to them by something else swaying near that area......

I realize that on the increase rows, this Retro Saroyan Scarf appears a bit thong-like (albeit a really pretty thong) in nature. Future pictures will show the straight sections, where no increasing is made, and thong-like thoughts disappear.

And in Olympic history, America cashes in for their first gold medal. Hannah Kearney of the US (a knitter as well, go read her bio), took the gold medal in women's moguls! Go team USA!

An Olympic Event

Last night millions of Americans and folks from all over the world watched as Canada put on an Olympic event that took our breath away. I always love the opening cermonies. Everyone is filled with hope and the spirit of good competition. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the sadness that touched the world last night as everyone remembered the lost life of Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili.

The Olympic games hold a special place in my memories. I can remember watching the Olympics as a child. I must confess that I'm an official Olympic junky. I will spend the next two weeks walking around in a stupor from lack of sleep.

This Olympic year, I thought I would be different. I'd join with the thousands, literally thousands, of knitters across the globe for THE, (wait for it) KNITTING OLYMPICS. I can see that many of you are laughing now. I know there must be a chuckle somewhere. It sounds crazy, I know. But in the spirit of the games, knitters cast on knitting projects in various categories, challenging themselves with different techniques, deadlines, finishing that long lost sweater from years ago..... You name it, and there's a category for it. I'll expound on these categories some more in upcoming posts. I promise to post, really I do. It's also kind of a goal of mine to post daily during the Olympics. Considering that I'll be working 8 days in a row next week, this might be an Olympic event all in its self.

In an attempt to make my Olympic addiction viewing time productive, I joined the thousands of knitting "athletes" last night. We all cast on for our projects during the opening ceremonies. For my first project, I'm using this yarn to complete a beautiful lace scarf/shawlette. It's The Plucky Knitter's Merino/Silk aran weight yarn in the color Retro Mint.

The yarn has even gotten into the spirit of the games, fashioning itself in the shape of a "P" for team Plucky. Yes, there are knitting teams, just as there are teams in the tradional Olympic games.

I'm also knitting a Cowl out of The Plucky Knitter's 4-ply Cashmere in the color, Wild Violets.

My goal is to knit these projects in the 17 day time frame that the Olympics are being broadcast. More laughter? I know it seems crazy. Then again, I never claimed to be anything close to normal!
PS - don't worry that I will bore you with slowly progressing project pictures. We'll chat about other things too!

New Addition And........A Hat

Knitting time will be precious indeed these next few weeks. Work is very busy, the kids have lots of activities, and we have a new addition to our family. Without further ado, please meet Chase Edward!

He arrived at our house tonight, sporting his new coat (he's almost too big for it already), and with only the tiniest of whimpers on the ride home (and no accidents if you know what I mean). He had a lot of loving all the way home though. My youngest daughter is camped out beside his crate tonight with her sleeping bag. It's the cutest sight. She picks him up and carries him everywhere.

And because this is a knitting blog, here's some knitting content.

Wood Hollow Hat - (Pattern by Kirsten Kapur)
Needles - US #7
Yarn - The Plucky Knitter Aran Cashmere, Colorway - Golightly
I love this colorway. It's named Golightly after Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Great movie!
Here's hoping you're having a great weekend!

Holy Cowl!

I know it's not an original title for the blog post, but oh well. You can't expect much from me after working this weekend, and being on-call for the past 4 out of 5 nights. The on-call rotation is my least favorite part of the job.

But since this is a knitting blog........
Here's a cowl that I knit for my youngest daughter. She thinks it's a bit too big for her, so until she "grows into it," I think I'll use it!
Specs:
Pattern: Burnished Leaves Cowl by Chrissy Prange (Ravelry link).
Yarn: The Plucky Knitter in MCN (Merino, Cashmere, Nylon) in Sport Weight.
Needles: US #5, or 3.75mm
Mods - I cut back by one pattern repeat, and it's still a little large. I consider myself a tighter knitter (I blame it on the "angst" factor), and it's still pretty roomy, even with fewer pattern repeats. Keep this in mind if you knit it!


BTW, you wouldn't believe the trouble I have obtaining pictures of my knitting anymore. I have the worst camera in the family. I also don't have any photography assistant, so self portraits are prevalent. I know that I look absolutely terrible in this picture with the dark circles under my eyes (see first paragraph of this post about on-call status). But honestly, I can't complain, because in this day and age, I have a job, my family is warm, fed, and healthy. And I have enough money to occasionally buy my yarn. And The Plucky Knitter yarn is like my new crack.......so gorgeous and tempting! Stop by for one of her updates soon on Etsy!

A New Year

A new year usually prompts many to take stock in their lives in various ways. Often times, reflection occurs, either personal or task-oriented. Resolutions are made, goals are set, and there is overcrowding at the local gym (ask me how I know).
I have been subject to this annual quest for quite a few years now. But this year is different. I’m not setting myself up for failure. The perfectionist in me won’t allow lower or smaller goals, because what is the point? This year I’m giving myself permission. Permission is a different monster entirely. By its mere definition, one can see the difference between permission (formal consent; leave; license) and goal (an object or end that one strives to attain; aim, keep score). Permission, in my mind, is the acceptance of something that you would not normally allow. Goal-setting requires effort and work. Its very nature is active.
This year, permission is key. I’m giving myself the license to knit what I please. I will not be driven to knit an object out of obligation. I want to knit for the mere satisfaction that the process brings me. I want to knit while I watch TV. I want to gift my knitting, and enjoy the smile it brings to the recipient’s face. I want to knit for people who don't expect anything from me. I want to knit with the pretty one-of-a-kind yarn that I’ve been hoarding for so long. What good does allowing the cashmere to languish in my stash do for anyone, I say? I’m embracing the spirit of knitting this year.

And if that sounds like a goal to you, well, don’t say anything to my perfectionist self. It thinks that I’m only permitting it to be on hiatus this year.

And now, because this is supposed to be a knitting blog, please enjoy two of my favorite Christmas gifts, gifted to my SIL’s. An Ishbel

A little close shot of the lace........It's knit in the lovely Plucky MCN fingering in "Blue Water Times"

And a Simple Yet Effective Shawl in Noro sock yarn. I alternated the skeins to make the stripes. This ia a great travel project, and the pattern works well for sock yarns that pool or stripe.
Happy Knitting in the New Year!

A Tree with Hattitude

I've got a bit of a problem this year. I can't seem to stop knitting hats. Hats are everywhere in my home (some are not even pictured here). It seems as though everyone in my family is receiving hats for Christmas this year. And before you know it, those hats, well, they all jumped onto my Christmas tree. Talk about hattitude!
Onto the knitty gritty......pun intended. First of all, thank heavens for Jared Flood's Turn A Square hat pattern! I think it's the best thing going for men's hats, even if you don't make the stripes on the pattern model.
There's Malabrigo in Blue/Lime.

Malabrigo in Ravelry Red (looks very festive hanging on the tree branch if I do say so myself).

Noro certainly can't be left out of this gig. Knots and all....sigh.....

Some of the Noro wanted to see if you could find it on the tree....

Let's not forget the pretty pinks for the little ladies on my list.

I spy some yarn that's waiting to become a hat before Christmas.

And who stuck that sock in there? Poor guy must be having an identity crisis.
Here's hoping that you are enjoying this season of giving and knitting! Keep on knitting, only 14 days to go! :)

Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that you all enjoy the day today, that your plate is covered with delicious foods, your table is packed with your closest family and friends, and your heart is full of love and peace.
I'm thankful for my family, and for precious time spent with them this holiday. Best wishes to you and yours!

Making My List.......

You know it's bad when your mother complains that she misses your blog posts. I think she might be the only one. Ah well, I'm still here. I'm still knitting. If I hadn't been knitting, I might not have survived the last couple of weeks. Rather than bore you with the mundane details of my life, here's some pictures of some of my knitting for your viewing pleasure. I'm mostly engrossed in knitting gifts for Christmas. While this sometimes produces boredom (as I often knit the same pattern two or three times), I find immense pleasure in giving hand knits for Christmas.
Without further ado (some projects are not quite completely finished, as I have to weave in ends, and such).....I present Knitting by Kristin, photos by scary, crazy lady with a Kodak EasyShare camera....sigh.

Winter Windows Scarf for my hubby's grandmother (Tilli Tomas Disco lights).


Another Windowpanes Scarf for my hubby's aunt (Tilli Tomas Disco lights).

See what I mean about repetition? It's often hard to find the right gift for these ladies, and they are always admiring my knitting, so this year I thought, well, why not? Why not indeed? So they shall receive hand knits at Christmas this year. I only hope that they deem these scarves as a worthy present. Maybe if I divulge the cost of the yarn.....(kidding, ahem, maybe only slightly kidding).

My brother asked for a hat when I gave his wife her hat and scarf set. He will be the recipient of this Jared Flood design. It's the Turn a Square pattern.


And lastly, a simple garter stitch scarf for my teenage cousin (her sister will be receiving a matching one, only in a different colorway of yarn). Simple garter stitch with bulky wool, big needles, and then braided fringe. I knitted it during the World Series games, when my attention span was short, and my brow furrowed, as I watched the Phils lose....:(



So, that's some of the knitting I've accomplished. I'm also working on socks for my Dad, an Ishbel for my SIL, and more hats for the little ones! Oh, and I may make dish clothes for coworkers. I may be knitting into the New Year........
What are you knitting for Christmas?

Mum's the Milkweed

I'm frantically running around, trying to finish packing for our trip tomorrow. The clothing is all packed. The toiletries are pretty well finished, except what I'll need to use tomorrow morning. The knitting and reading....well, that's a different story!
I'm taking a bit of a break now from packing. This week I did finish my Shawl that Jazz project. It's packed to go on vacation. I also managed to block this shawl.

Pattern: Milkweed Shawl
Yarn: The Plucky Knitter, SMF (Silk, Merino, Fingering Wt)
Needles: Size US#4
Time frame - around 2-3 weeks intermittently.

It was a very nice first lace project. I will probably knit it again, when I have time. Right now, it's back to packing.

PS - I'll try to post pictures and things on vacation. It's an all girls vacation. My mom and I are headed to Tennessee tomorrow to visit with my Aunt, and then the three of us are traveling to Asheville, NC in the middle of next week to attend SAFF and poke around the Asheville area.
I'm torn between being exhausted (just worked 6 days in a row, and today was spent at doctor's appointments, flu shots for kiddos, and grocery shopping), and I'm feeling just a tad guilty about leaving my children. I love them so. I know their Dad will take good care of them, but I will miss them all (Daddy too).
But I'm so longing for some time away from it all.

So, if you see me at SAFF, Mum's the word. Especially if I'm carrying a boat-sized load of yarn to the car......:)

Fall Has Arrived

I don't have anything noteworthy to say in this post. I'm knitting a lot lately. I haven't been posting, because, well, the knitting is taking up the time. I need to be better about photographing my projects to document them, at the very least.
This is a scarf I started for my SIL's birthday. Her birthday was in June, ahem.
To my credit, I also knit her a matching hat. I didn't photograph that. So now that football season is among us, and fall weather has finally set in (YEAH), she can enjoy the warmth of some super squishy wool.

Jess's Scarf
Pattern: Scrunchable scarf (free on Ravelry).
Needles: US #8
Yarn: Malabrigo worsted in the Hummingbird Colorway.
Time: Too long. This was my car project for a long time. The thing about car projects.....they only work as such if the knitter is not the driver. Usually I'm the driver in my car.....will have to work on this aspect of car projects in the future.

Another post to come this week (I hope). I finished a Shawl that Jazz this weekend, and I need to block my Milkweed shawl. I've also finished a Turn-A-Square hat, and a Simple Yet Effective Shawl.
And the big news......I'm leaving for vacation (just me, mom, and my aunt) in less than one week. And we are going to SAFF!
Stay tuned for more finished objects and vacation plans!

Lap of Luxury

Just the right gift.....it alludes me a lot of times. This year I purchased some Tilli Tomas Disco lights in hopes of knitting something that money just can't buy. Here's the first of my knitted gifts. A simple, but easy pattern that shows off the yarn fantastically.

Winter Windowpanes Scarf by Margaret Radcliffe
Pattern found in "101 Designer One Skein Wonders"
Size US #5 Needles (Signature needles with stilletto tips = one fabulous product).
1 skein of Disco lights by Tilli Tomas in the "Atmosphere" colorway.
A gift for my MIL, who really loved it! Squee....I like to see people enjoy their knitted gifts.

This yarn is 100% spun silk, that contains two strands, one being the silk, the other a small thread that contains many sequins. If I hadn't knit this particular yarn (or any pattern in this yarn with a K2tog, for that matter) with my signature needles, I would have gone crazy. It takes a little while to get used to the feel of the sequins on your needles. And the yarn and sequins can easily split. Thank heavens for the Signature needles. Their nice sharp points helped me execute the K2tog stitch beautifully. Signatures are definitely worth the price. They are truly in a league of their own. And if knitting with Signature needles is living in the lap of luxury, Tilli Tomas yarn just adds to the glory. Disco lights is a beautiful yarn, so soft and wonderful. Of course, this would be my first experience knitting with 100% silk. But I've vowed to knit with it more often, as budget allows (ahem).

So, if you're looking for a relatively quick knit with big results, I highly recommend this yarn and pattern. And oh yeah....at least try the Signature needles. You won't be sorry. I'm off to wind up another skein of Tilli Tomas and to continue the process of knitting Christmas gifts. Have you started Christmas knitting yet?

Anniversary Ampersands

On September 11th, we celebrated our wedding anniversary. When we got married in 1998, I thought I would pick a day he couldn't forget (9/11), and then it became a day we all remember.

And even though there is sadness to the day, we do celebrate. We had a nice dinner (no children with us). He gave me a dozen yellow roses, my very favorite. I gave him:

Ampersands (Ravelry pattern)
A quick and dirty pattern that produces nice results with hand-painted yarns.
Size US #2 needles, magic loop method
Yarn: STR medium weight in the color, Treehugger
I personally love the heel flaps!


The best present was watching him put them on last night before bed...I love to see recipients wear their knitted gifts. It's been 11 years since we were married, and I can say that I'm still one lucky woman! And he's a man with some sexy socks!

To Blog or Not to Blog......

Why do I blog? Let me count the ways. I blog, therefore, I am. Nah...doesn’t seem appropriate for this blog, since I rarely write or post anything. Speaking of blogging....is that a verb (I’ll blog about that next week), a noun (Come view my blog), or an adjective (I heard about that from my blogger friends)? Has anyone every researched it in the dictionary? I know I haven’t.

As you can see I’ve got more than knitting ADD at this time. My job is in limbo, as our little community hospital announced its decision to sell us (home health division) to another company about three months ago. We still don’t know who will be buying us or anything specific. Work is unusually busy (we are short-staffed of course), and I’m worn out. I’ve been on-call 4 out of the past 6 nights, and I’m in dire need of sleep. I can’t seem to focus on one thing too long these days. But, onward with this post…..

On the knitting front, I realized how many projects I needed to finally finish. The number was simply staggering. I do declare that starting a project is much more interesting than finishing one. Especially one that I’m slightly as interested in as much as I like to watch the weeds grow in my flower beds....


So, first up in my line of finished things:
Rainbow socks from Woolgirl’s Wizard of Oz club.
Yarn: Zen String Lotus Toes in “Over The Rainbow” colorway
Needles: Size US 1.5 (2.5 mm), done using Magic Loop Method
Pattern: “Over the Rainbow” by Lisa Dykstra
(mods - I did a toe-up version, instead of cuff-down, switching the pattern’s garter stitch heel and toe to a stockinette stitch heel and toe).
Stay tuned for more escapades regarding the finished knitting. I might post my to-knit list as well. It might make you laugh, if you know me well enough! :)

Over Half of the Rainbow

Over the Rainbow socks.....a pattern and yarn from the Woolgirl Wizard of Oz sock club. Her kits and sock clubs are amazing!
Pattern: "Over the Rainbow" by Lisa Dykstra
Yarn: Zen String Lotus Toes Sport (yummy). It's really not a sport weight yarn though. I'm knitting a nice fabric on US #1.5 (2.5 mm) needles. That's fingering weight, IMHO. But I love Zen String yarn - it's squishy, knits a firm fabric, and comes in awesome colorways.

I made some slight modifications to the pattern. This pattern is written from the cuff down. I switched it to a toe-up version. I also did not knit the garter stitch heel or toe, but kept the stockinette stitch heel and toe for a little more fluency. The foot of this sock is meant to be plain stockinette stitch, and I like how the yarn stripes and never pools.

Normally, I'm not wild about this many colors in one skein of yarn. But this pattern actually works with multicolored yarn. These are probably the most colorful socks that I've ever knit. And I've come to the conclusion that sometimes color is good. It gives you a lift, cheers you.

And to prevent SSS, a picture to prove that I've already cast on for the second sock. Hopefully I can finish it over the long weekend, when I am so NOT working!
Have a great holiday!

This and That.......

I know. I know. It's been another two weeks since the last post. The lack of action on this blog is pitiful, but please know that I've been knitting. I just haven't posted lately.
So, for all you knitting fans....the latest pair of completed socks. I finished them a couple of weeks ago, but have been negligent in photographing anything of late.

Duckie socks (free pattern on Ravelry)
Size US #2 needles
Yarn: Sportweight Yarntini in the Gimlet colorway (LOVE YARNTINI)!

This pattern is perfect for sport weight yarn. The simple 4 row pattern repeat keeps it interesting, but doesn't drive you crazy. It's a great traveling project, and the results are spectacular. I'm definitely knitting this pattern again.
I have a few patterns I want to conquer before I do this pattern repeat though!

I'm currently working on the "Over the Rainbow" sock kit from Woolgirl's Oz sock club. It's a very easy knit in the gorgeous Zen String yarn. I'm doing the socks toe-up, and the first sock is almost finished. I'll post about it soon. Really, I promise!

Lastly, this weekend we went to visit my brother, who lives near Pittsburgh. These are some pictures of the city from Friday night, probably close to midnight. Todd and I drove out after work on Friday night. We were all exhausted, but we still managed to "bring the crazy" to my brother's house - something like 15 people in one house, having a big ole' slumber party. It was nuts, but it was fun.

And as you can see, we (the siblings three) are a little left of center as usual. On the left is my youngest brother, Jeremy. Me in the middle (the oldest), and my brother Greg on the right. We are still attempting to correct that dang genetic thing that makes all of our noses veer to the right. Seriously, the ENT doctor once asked me if I had fractured my nose.....nope. Just genetics. REALLY!

Have a great week!