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A Box Full O’ Pretty

March 30, 2010 By 1 Comment

Yesterday, I was excited to receive a box full of new yarns from Knit Picks!

When Stroll Tonals became available last week, I had to order some! Now, I know y’all have heard me say that I am NOT a sock knitter. But, how could I not love this yarn? For me, it’s all about the colors. In fact, I loved the colors so much that I had a bit of trouble narrowing down my color selections. So, I got eight hanks. That sounds like a lot, but I have plans for them.

Stroll Tonals in blues and purples

Stroll Tonals in blues and purples

Left to right are Royalty, Blue Violet, Blue Yonder, and Deep Waters.

Stroll Tonals, in bright, springy colors

Stroll Tonals, in bright, springy colors

Left to right are Summer Blooms, Queen Anne, Golden Glow, and Springtime.

So, what’s a not-sock-knitter supposed to do with such lovely sock yarns? Well. for starters I’m thinking of a couple of really adorable baby sets, with sweaters, hats,and yes, matching socks. I still have to do some sketching and planning, but I’m seeing a couple of things in my head right now that I think would make really cute baby sets.

Then, you know what else I’m thinking? Socks. Yep… socks. Soft and squishy socks with lovely contrasting heels and toes. Maybe even socks for me. How about that?

If I didn’t have a sweater to finish first, I’d start now. I love this yarn. It’s so… pretty.

Thanks, Knit Picks. You got me. Again.

Filed Under: blog, Knitting, Yarn Tagged With: , ,

Sweater Update Again

March 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Happy Monday, everyone!

Yeah, right. It’s rainy and nasty here today and I’m a real Grumperella. I suppose I should be happy that I’m telecommuting today so that I don’t have to be out in the rain, but I’m just not feeling it. What I really want… is to go back to bed. But since that’s not happening, I thought I’d start this day with a new blog post.

I’ve been making steady progress on my sweater! See? Have a look:

February Lady Sweater in progress

I’m really enjoying working on the lace section. It seems as if it’s going pretty fast! Other knitters have warned me that I would find the purl rows to be tedious. I guess they’re probably right, as it’s been about a day and a half since I picked it up, and of course, I’m in the middle of a purl row. These photos are actually from about Thursday of last week, but since I didn’t get a huge amount of knitting done over the weekend, they’re still pretty current.

Here’s a closeup of the lace pattern, which is really taking shape nicely:

Closeup of the lace pattern

Closeup of the lace pattern

The lace pattern is complex enough to hold my interest while knitting it, but it’s simple enough to do from memory, so I don’t have to look at the pattern anymore. I also love how the lace allows the project to grow so quickly. Is this the appeal of lace? The older I get I’m pretty sure that complex lace would make my brain hurt to do it, but these simple lace patterns can make knitting fun.

Well, I guess I’d better get myself geared up for work this morning. Long day ahead, made even more dreary by the gray skies outside. I’m planning on making a pot of chili for supper this evening, though, so perhaps that will warm my gloomy heart.

I hope there’s sunshine where you are. But if there is, don’t tell me about it. I just don’t want to know.

Filed Under: blog, Knitting, Project Progress Tagged With: , ,

Happy Group Day

March 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment

It’s been a kind of a weird week for me, so I haven’t gotten around to posting about last week’s group meeting until now. We met on the 20th, which, coincidentally, was the first day of Spring. It was a sunny, warm day to mark the occasion, too. Maybe that’s why attendance was slightly smaller than usual… folks were out and about and embracing the springtime. And we deserve it, too, after the winter we’ve been through here in DC. But, I digress.

I only snapped a few photos, because for once, I was pretty involved with my own knitting. But there are a few to share.

Sylvia proudly shows her first sock

Sylvia proudly shows her first sock

This month our group started a knit along for first-time sock knitters. And here is Sylvia, proudly showing off her very first sock! I so wanted to join the other sock knitters, but I don’t want to lose my current momentum with my sweater. Way to go, Sylvia! We’re so proud of you for trying something new, and for having such fabulous results! You’re a sock knitter now! I hear that sock addiction is quite unavoidable.

Rhoda brought some yarn made from sugar cane

Rhoda brought some yarn made from sugar cane

Rhoda brought along some yarn made from sugar cane. I’m not sure if it was this yarn or not, but whatever it was, it has to be some of the softest yarn I’ve ever had between my fingers. Perhaps someday I will add some to the stash, but I’ve been doing quite a lot of stash enhancement lately. (To be the subject of a future post, so keep your eyes out for future yarn candy photos!)

Jen and Heather winding yarn

Jen and Heather winding yarn

Deb knits a scarf--or is it a wrap?

Deb knits a scarf--or is it a wrap?

Alice with some luscious yarn

Alice with some luscious yarn

It was a great day, and, because I am a week late with this post, our next meeting is coming up THIS Saturday already. I can hardly wait!!

Filed Under: blog, Events, Knitting

Book Review: Knitting Brioche

March 21, 2010 By 1 Comment

I’ve been a fan of Nancy Marchant’s Brioche Stitch Site for a long time. Early in my knitting life I discovered this stitch, and sadly, I have yet to master it. Nancy’s site gives information on this lovely stitch, its variations, and for me, how to fix it when you drop a stitch. This is the part that always gets me–how to re-seat the stitches on the needle if they find their way off the needle unexpectedly. I never could read the stitch well enough to know how to reposition the pesky yarn-overs. I visit the site periodically, hoping to get up my courage to try again.

Well, yesterday I was in the bookstore with my knitting group and guess what I found? Nancy has written a book on Brioche stitch, aptly entitled, Knitting Brioche: The Essential Guide to the Brioche Stitch. It’s like having the website in a book, only there’s more. More variations, more increases and decreases, and patterns. Lots of patterns. I can hardly decide what to knit first.

I don’t think I fully realized how many ways brioche stitch can be used. It can be an interesting way to use color, or to display interesting and creative geometric shapes.

The book contains detailed instructions for brioche stitch basics, a fabulous brioche stitch library that shows the numerous way this stitch can be implemented in its variations, and a pattern section, offering unique designs that range from the simple to the simply stunning. My favorites are the Zandloper Scarf, the Rembrandt Neckpiece, and the Hedera Jacket. (All of the links to the patterns are Ravelry links; you need to be a member of Ravelry to see them. By the way, if you’re a knitter or crocheter, and you’re NOT a member of Ravelry? Go. Sign up today! You’re missing out if you’re not there. Really.)

I paid full list price for this book but I am happy to have it. It is chock full of stitch patterns, techniques, tips, and designs. If you’re interested in exploring the world of brioche, definitely add this book to your library. And prepare to be amazed.

Filed Under: blog, Books, Knitting

‘Nother Sweater Report

March 19, 2010 By 3 Comments

Are you sick of it yet? What’s that you say? You are?

Too bad! Look at my progress:

My February Lady Sweater in progress

I have separated the sleeves from the body and started the lace pattern. Lookie!

Closeup of lace pattern

Closeup of lace pattern

In the end I did not do the eyelet increase row, and I did not cast on extra stitches at the armpit. I think I am something between two sizes, and the sweater was starting to feel too big already, even without the increases, so I’ll knit for a bit longer then try it on to see if I like the fit. Also, I plan to knit the sleeves in the round, so I will pick up stitches along the underarm when I am ready to do the sleeves. Then I’ll knit a couple rounds in garter stitch and decrease back down a little so the sleeves aren’t so poofy. That’s my plan, anyway. I hope that what I see in my head works out! I’ll keep you posted on the fit.

Tomorrow is the first day of Spring. Yay! I don’t think I have ever been happier to kick Winter in the behind on the way out the door. And I’ll be celebrating by going to my knit group. What a great day it will be!

That’s all for now… I’ll write more later this weekend. Ciao!

Filed Under: blog, Gallery, Project Progress Tagged With:
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