Somewhat productive.

Well, I managed to be somewhat productive over the long weekend, though perhaps not as productive as I would have liked.  I finished both sleeves of the Seeded Cables Cardigan, and have cast on for the body.  I’m planning on knitting it in one piece, instead of the three the pattern wants me to.  I figure I’d rather just do it all at once.  I’ve been searching for another, smaller project to tide me over until Summer of Socks begins (and the old shale smoke ring just isn’t enough), so I pulled out some yarn I’ve had floating around.

Doesn’t it look so innocent?

This is cursed yarn, I swear.  It’s Debbie Bliss pure silk, and I’ve currently attempted 3 projects (Nicole, Silk Corset, Hew) with it.  None of them made me happy.  So, I decided to try the silk shrug by Pam Allen (found in Lace Style).  We’ll see how it goes.  I know I should probably finish up the other tank top I’ve been working on, but meh.  I’m still hoping to be able to get this project, the smoke ring, and the tank top done before June 21.  I have no such hopes for the cardigan.

FO: Flared Smoke Ring

Pattern: Flared Smoke Ring, by Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer (Heartstring Fiber Arts)
Yarn: SweetGeorgia merino lace, color Marina (used about 400 yards)

This was a blazing fast project.  I started it on May 11th, and finished it (including blocking) on May 18th.  I think it’s partly because I love lace and just can’t put it down.   I love the color variations in this yarn too, despite the fact that I was concerned that it would be too varigated and hide the pattern.  I think it turned out very nicely, and I’m currently trying to decide what to do with the other 400 yards of yarn.

(yes, I was cold.  It was windy)

The other smoke ring I started has been on the back burner, because currently my TV knitting is being taken up with the seeded cables cardigan.  I’m sure I will be able to get a lot done on said smoke ring this weekend, though, because I have at least one tabletop game scheduled.  It’s good mindless knitting.

Taking the plunge.

I have started the Seeded Cables Cardigan from Sensual Knits. This is the complicated cabled pattern that I discussed a few months ago, when I also complained about the fiddly nature of cables. What better way to get over my cable irritation than working on an elaborately cabled cardigan? Nothing, says I. This also happens to be the pattern with the most errata in the book. I’ve been putting off starting this, which is fortunate, because the author just posted a PDF with the corrected pattern. Apparently the entire pattern had to be re-written, though the charts are okay, mostly. Feeling secure, I started on a sleeve last night.

I’m also using my first stitch markers ever, sent to me as a thank you for a RAK I sent someone a few weeks ago. I have to say, I’m very impressed with stitch markers. They are way more noticeable than little bits of yarn, and don’t untie themselves (like little bits of yarn). I may be converted. I’m going to plug along with this sweater until I get sick of it, or until the beginning of Summer of Socks (June 21, not June 15, as it turns out), whichever comes first.

Winter knitting

Despite the fact that it isn’t winter, nor will it be anytime soon, I’ve been working on various winter neck-coverings.

This is a Flared Smoke Ring, in SweetGeorgia merino laceweight. I just love this yarn, and will be using the leftovers to make something else, hopefully for me. This smoke ring is definitely going to be for someone else (probably Christmas), but I’m not sure who at this point. I figure it’s good to get ahead.

Since I’ve been working on something for another person, I figured I would make something similar for me. I’m planning on using some of the Sundara sock yarn I got to make another smoke ring of some sort.

I finished some stuff.

I am not going to buy any more yarn for one month. So, until June 15, no yarn purchase will be made by me. I went a little crazy, and bought some more sock yarn, some from Sundara and some through destash. It may have been because I also just signed up for Summer of Socks 2008, and desire to knit as many socks as I can during that period. I would like to knit through all my sock yarn stash, though that gets harder every time I buy more…

I also finished a few items:

Pattern: Broadripple, from Knitty
Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper 100% Merino

These socks are awesome! This is the first time I’ve tried self-striping yarn, and it really is super cool. It also worked out that the stripes matched exactly on both socks (I’m not sure if that’s supposed to happen). The pattern was also really easy to memorize, and looks really good with this yarn. I’m very pleased with these.

Second:

Pattern: Hiiumaa Socks, from Knitting on the Road by Nancy Bush
Yarn: Koigu (purple and light pink), remants of Sweet Georgia sock yarn

Here we see the danger of dyelots. I knew that dyelots are different, especially with koigu. When I made the first sock (the lighter of the two with the hot pink), I thought I would have enough purple for both socks. Sadly, no, I didn’t, but then I figured that I could just go to Loop and buy more, since that’s where I got it from in the first place. Also no. They sold out of that color and haven’t gotten it back since. Additionally, I threw out the ball band, so I had no idea what dyelot it was. These are birthday socks for my sister that needed to be finished, so I succumbed to desperation and bought more koigu. Same color number, different dyelot. I still think these socks look okay, but I really wish I had enough to finish both.   The fact that it’s a Nancy Bush pattern eased my pain somewhat.  I’ll be giving my sister another pair sometime soon, certainly one of the pairs I make during Summer of Socks, which begins June 21st (I think).  Until then, I have a few other things to work on.

I is for Indignation

It’s funny how perilous knitting can be. There have been times where I came home to see yarn strewn across the entire living room floor, or walked in the door to see this (above). Naturally, I feel this is inappropriate, and I express my indignation through yelling “DROP IT!”

It never works. 

FO: Gentleman’s Fancy Socks

Pattern: Gentleman’s Fancy Socks, by Nancy Bush (in Knitting Vintage Socks)
Yarn: Sundara Sock, Green over Black, size 0 US needle
Mods: None

I made these socks for a friend’s birthday (which was Saturday). I’ve had them done for months (officially finished March 4th), but haven’t blogged about them because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. This yarn was a dream to work with, and I love the color! After I finished this project, I vowed to use more Sundara sock yarn. Fortunately, I signed up for her Seasons club again, so I’ll be sure to get at least a few skeins without having to work for it.

I signed up for Summer of Socks 2008 yesterday. My goal is to knit through my entire stash of sock yarn/finish socks for Christmas by the end of August.  I only have ~6 pairs worth of yarn or so.  I also signed up for the “most socks” contest, and have vague aspirations to win. I can knit socks fast when I want to, but I don’t think I’m fast enough to be a contender. Last year’s winner knit 42 pairs!  That’s a lot of socks.

FO: Stripy Socks

Pattern: Pricilla’s Dream Socks, from Favorite Socks
Yarn: .5 skein Louet Gems Pearl (Linen Gray), .5 skein Wollmeise (Wilder Mohn); size 1.5 US needle

These socks were wickedly fast.  I started them on April 24th and finished blocking them on May 1st, which is 7 days (I think?).  I just couldn’t stop knitting them, which worked out well; they’re “due” today.  I made them for a friend who hasn’t received a pair of socks from me yet, even though she had requested some.  I just forgot that I hadn’t given her any yet!  These really remind me of her personality: bright, colorful, and friendly.  I did do some experimenting with jogless joins for the stripes, with limited success.  I think there will be many more stripy socks in my future.  Plus they are good for stashbusting.

H is for Honda

I hope I’m not going to be sued by Honda or anything, since I’m technically posting a picture of their product.  I’ll cross my fingers.  I love you, Honda!

My first experience was with a 1979 Honda that my parents had for the first 10 years or so of my life.  It was reliable,  sturdy, and lasted for 200,000ish miles.  We’ve always had at least on Honda in the family, and when it was time for me to get my own car, I wanted one too.  Used Hondas are expensive, of course, so I got an old American car.  It died within 6 months.  After that,  I got my (1991) Honda and never looked back.  That lasted until 2 years ago, when I decided that it had too much rust for me.  It still ran fine, of course.  I don’t have anything against American cars in general, but I just love me my Honda.  The above picture is my current Honda (covered in grass).