Test Knit: Friendship Shawl

Pattern: Friendship by Laura Patterson
Source: Fiber Dreams or Ravelry
Yarn: Knit Picks Gloss Lace in Aegean; 2 skeins
Needles: 3.75 mm / US 5 Knit Picks Harmony Options
Finished Size: 76″ x 32″

Raveled Here

I’ve heard from many people that they don’t knit triangle shawls because they don’t want the point of the shawl landing on or pointing to their gluteus maximus. I agree.  This is why when I wear a triangular shawl, I twist it so that the top center of the shawl rests on my shoulder and the center line runs down my arm until the triangle point rests on my wrist.

I will admit I prefer the rectangle shawl shape as more practical for me to wear, but one of the things I truly love about triangle shawls is the interesting design construction that can’t always be accomplished with a rectangle shawl.  This particular shawl design has several different motifs so that just when you get one motif memorized and are starting thinking you may get bored, it switches to a new motif.  I just love a design that is simple but interesting.  In my book, it’s the perfect combination.

I especially love the addition of the seed beads on the lower half of the shawl.  I must advise that you don’t do as I did and use a crochet hook that is one to two sizes too large. It makes beading a pain in the gluteus maximus.  I’ve never added so many beads to one project before, but I love the effect they give.  I think this shawl will be the perfect compliment to my little (medium) black dress.  Thank you so much Laura for allowing me to test knit this shawl.  It’s a definite favorite.

This is the first time I used the Knit Picks Gloss Lace yarn and overall I liked it.  Notice I said “liked”.  For the value, it’s wonderful, but it’s a bit thicker than true laceweight yarn and so it didn’t give the overall delicate feel I was looking for.  It does look beautiful, but when I saw it side by side with Laura’s shawl that was knit with the Jaeger Zephyr Wool-Silk, I realized that although mine was pretty, I wanted to sneak hers out of her bag and slip it into mine.  I obviously didn’t do that, but it was sure tempting.

I loved every moment of knitting this shawl, but as with all triangle shawls, I despise blocking them.  You’d think I wouldn’t mind since I’ve got blocking wires and t-pins and a great foam pad and such, but still I find pinning it out and getting everything even on both sides a huge pain. Maybe there’s a shortcut or a trick I don’t know about. Am I the only one spending an hour or more pinning out a triangle shawl?  Please give me your tips.  I have 2 other triangle shawls completed and waiting to be blocked.

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Fabulously Felted

I’m so late in getting this post out, but things are crazy here. I’m leaving for vacation Friday morning and since I lost 25 pounds since last year at this time, none of my summer weather clothing fits. I’m not complaining about having to shop for clothing in a smaller size, it’s just that since I have 15 more pounds to go, these will just be in-between clothes, so it kind of feels like a waste of money. Money that could be spent on fiber.

Pattern: Felted Clogs by Bev Galeskas
Source: Fiber Trends
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes; (2) skeins Black Cherry Heather, (4) skeins Gray Heather
Needles: Knit Picks Options 9.0 mm / US 1
Ravelry: My Clogs

After seeing Lynda’s fabulous clogs, I decided it was finally time to felt mine. I’d knit them in November, but didn’t have any clue how to successfully felt them, so they sat with the other UFO’s that I’m trying to ignore. I didn’t want all my hard work to be ruined by doing something stupid in the felting process. I sent Lynda an email to find out if there were any special instructions for felting things that must fit on your foot. Unfortunately it was as I expected and I had to try on the wooly wetness of my clog a time or two (or three in my case) to insure I didn’t over-felt it.

I tossed them both into a zippered pillow cover, filled the machine with hot water and let them agitate for 10 minutes. This was most definitely not enough time, and I returned them to the agitation cycle for another 5 minutes. I then noticed that one was smaller than the other, so I left it out and put the other one in the machine for a few minutes. When I checked it, that one was the perfect size and the other one was too big, so back in it went for 2 minutes. Perfect! I did find out later however, that when felting multiple pieces of a project (such as TWO clogs), each item should be put in a separate bag. This helps them felt more evenly as mine had not in certain places that I will not point out. I formed them to my feet (more or less) and set them out to dry for two days.

I had no idea they were going to be as comfortable as they are and the double sole makes them very cushy. I wouldn’t hesitate to make a lot more of these for family and friends.  I most definitely won’t have trouble figuring out holiday gifts this year.

By the way, don’t go to WEBS to check out their annual anniversary sale, you may end up finding something like this on your doorstep a few days later:

(Click on photo for link to Flickr with all the yarn information)

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Waving Lace at Dusk

I realize that I was absent from blogging for weeks on end, and then in the span of two days I posted my completed Thelonious socks and now the Waving Lace socks, but it’s only because I want to get another “credit” for SAM4.

Pattern: Waving Lace by Evelyn A. Clark
Source: Favorite Socks
Yarn: Knit Picks Risata in Dusk
Needles: Knit Picks 24″ circular size 1.5 US (2.5 mm)

This is the first pattern I’ve knit from Favorite Socks, and I am more than pleased with the pattern. There’s two options for the cuff, either a basic rib, or the designers scalloped edge. I obviously chose the later and I’m very pleased with the result. The waving lace pattern is comprised of 8 stitches over 20 rows, but it’s very easy to memorize.

I ordered the Risata yarn the first week it was introduced by Knit Picks. I’m such a sucker for “new” yarn. The jury’s still out on whether I like it or not though. It’s not super squishy, or super soft, but I’m sure the nylon content will help these wear a lot better than my squishy soft socks too. I absolutely adore the color and this was a pleasant surprise because in my opinion, I’ve never been a huge fan of the Knit Picks colorways. After seeing their fall yarn lines though, I think they may have figured it out.

I lucked out and caught the Loopy Ewe sneak-up on Wednesday, so I was able to acquire a few new items for my stash, but you’ll have to wait until they arrive for the details. I also decided to hop on over to Amazon.com and pick up Cat’s latest book, New Pathways for Sock Knitters. I blame this purchase solely on the influence of Judy‘s blog posts taunting me with the fabulous-ness of the book.

I’m halfway through the Twisted Flower socks and I must admit that if you cannot devote full concentration to this pattern, do not purchase it. I’ll go into more details why when I post the finished socks, but I will say this … I love them!

My mystery stole is completely finished and a blog post will come soon regarding that. Thanks to everyone who submitted suggestions for what cardi to knit with my new Skye Tweed yarn. For now, I’ve purchased the ChicKnits Ariann pattern and will be swatching soon to see if it will work. I think my biggest problem is I didn’t purchase enough skeins to knit most of the patterns I wanted, but I have been eyeing Ariann for awhile now, so maybe it was meant to be.

Have any of you signed up for the Secret of the Stole KAL? I loved the Mystery Stole KAL, but am unsure of signing up for a secret stole KAL when I’ve not seen any previous stole designs from the designer. What do you think?

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Yarn Collecting & Weekend Recap

I think it’s time to close the PayPal account and hand my credit card to DH. Since I have had some health problems lately and don’t have a lot of energy to be out and about, I’ve spent a lot of time inside sleeping, watching movies, a bit of knitting and online shopping. Yesterday, I received an order from The Loopy Ewe, today I received an order from KnitPicks and then today I placed an order with Peaches & Cream (which is the fault of today’s post from Amy).

First up, yesterdays delights from The Loopy Ewe! Two skeins of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sport in camouflage, a skein of Louet Gems in white, and The Loopy Ewe tote. The tote is definitely larger than I’d expected and will easily carry my current sock project (or two). Since this was my second Lorna’s Laces order, there really wasn’t much oohing and aahing although the camouflage color will be perfect for DH. I must confess that the favorite part of the order was the Louet Gems sport weight yarn. It’s obviously not due to the color, but the yarn feels amazing! I’ll probably be casting on with this yarn next. It’s too tempting not too!

What’s not pictured is a skein of Lane Borgosesia Cashwool in Red, because it’s being returned. Not because the yarn isn’t absolutely fabulous, but because I do not like the color. It looked like a true red on my monitor, but when I received it, I thought “ICK, that looks like neon red”. The Loopy Ewe has a wonderful return policy, so I’m mailing it back to her tomorrow.

Today, from KnitPicks, I received their lace weight Shadow yarn in Sunset Heather. I also ordered lace blocking wires, but for some reason they didn’t arrive with the yarn. Oh well, it’s much easier to fondle yarn than blocking wires. I was hoping the yarn would be good, but I was honestly surprised at how nice this yarn is for such a low cost. I purchased 3 skeins of it which totals to be 1,320 yards for only $7.47. I’m not sure what lucky shawl pattern I’ll choose, but whatever it is, it won’t matter since the yarn is so lovely.

Obviously I’ll show you what I ordered from Peaches & Cream when it arrives and obviously I’m planning to knit a dishcloth or two (or three or four).

The grandkids had their last itty bitty t-ball game on Sunday. It was played at the Lake Elsinore Diamond where the Lake Elsinore Storm plays. The Storm is not only the farm team of the San Diego Padres MLB team, but I also discovered that their logo is the best selling logo worldwide for the New Era Cap Company.

After the kids game, there was a break to give the grandkids their medals and grab a bite to eat before the Storm played their game on the field. Since the grandkids sold the most tickets on their team, they each got to accompany one of the players out on the field before the national anthem. Since it was miserably hot that day and #2 didn’t get his nap, he was a bit too grumpy to do this, but #1 was out in left field with his hot off and over his heart. So cute. Too bad my camera couldn’t capture it since he was so far away. Must be time to ask DH for a new camera.

During all the waiting around between each game, I got in some great knitting time on my socks. I believe this is my first Knit in Public photo. DH looked a bit puzzled when I asked him to take this photo, but then he obviously decided not to question a woman sitting in 80+ degree temperatures with pointy needles.

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Oops I did it again!

I placed another order with Sheri at The Loopy Ewe. That darn free shipping and handling for orders over $50 gets me everytime. That also happens to me with KnitPicks and their $45 free shipping limit. Oh, and did I fail to mention I also placed an order with them on the same day? Somebody please help me. So are you wondering what I ordered? Guess you’ll have to wait until everything arrives so I have photos of it. (he he he)

Did I hear you just ask what’s on my needles? (Or, were you cursing me for not telling you what I ordered?) Well, not pictured is the Handsome Triangle Scarf and the Matinee Coat because there’s not much of a change in either. I just cast off a square for Julie and it’s currently blocking although I don’t have a photo of it. I did start a sock though! I know, you’re not surprised. I mean, how could *I* not have a sock on my needles? This is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock yarn in the Green Mountain Madness colorway and I’m knitting it into the Snake River Socks pattern. I love the yarn, I love the pattern, and I think I may give these to my mom for Mothers Day. After all, she does live next to the Snake River.

I also received my order from Sundara Yarn. I ordered this sock yarn back in March and had honestly forgotten about it so it was a very nice surprise to see Mr. Mailman bring me a package. I ordered this yarn for 3 reasons.
1.) She lives in the city I was born and left my heart in: Seattle, Washington.
2.) The yarn is named after one of my most favorite trees: Cherry Blossom.
3.) Her yarn always sells out and I was curious to see if the yarn is as good as I’ve heard.
Although I haven’t knit with it yet, I can say that I’m very thrilled with my purchase even though with the shipping and handling costs, I doubt I’ll order very often from her in the future. We’ll see if I still say that though after I knit with it.

I also received the sweetest surprise from Entrelac. I was commenting to her that I needed a contrasting stitch marker so I could identify the center of my shawl and before I knew it, I had this beautiful blue Swarovski crystal marker in my mailbox. She even sent me this one from her personal collection … for free! I am in love with these dangle free stitch markers and I’m definitely impressed by Ana and her amazing turnaround time and customer service.

Inspired by Teyani’s post, here’s “my knitting spot”. This is where I usually sit to do all of my knitting. DH and I have been married for almost 4 years, and the first 2 1/2 years were spent sitting on the sofa next to him. However, when I learned to knit, I then discovered that this chair was more comfortable than the sofa, so I moved and poor DH has had the sofa all to himself. He probably prefers it though since when we used to sit together and he’d start to doze off, I’d tap him to wake up. Now he’s across the room and when he dozes off to sleep during a movie we’re supposed to be watching together, I just ignore him and keep knitting. He gets his beauty rest, and I work on my knitting. We’re both happy.

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Insert Clever Title Here

I’m a bit upset with KnitPicks. Of course I tell you last time that I’m happy with their customer service, but then they go and screw up all that goodness. I decided to purchase some circular needles for my little sister so she can knit up some socks. Currently she only has size 2 needles which won’t work for the sock yarn she has in her stash. At 11:00 pm PST I placed the order with KnitPicks. At 11:02 pm PST I realized that I ordered the 16″ cables instead of the 24″ cables. DUH! Of course, they are closed. The next morning at 9am PST (only 10 hours later) I called KnitPicks to have the order corrected.

KP: Sorry, but we can’t change your order.
Me: Why? I just placed it last night. It’s for the same size needles, but just a different cable length and it’s the same exact price.
KP: Because the order is already in the warehouse.
Me: Can’t you send the warehouse a change order?
KP: We don’t do that, but you do have two options. You can wait until you receive the needles & then mail them back to us for the exchange, or you can place another order now for the new needles & then when you receive the incorrect needles you can mail them back to us.
Me: Can I just cancel the original order?
KP: No, because it’s already being processed in our warehouse.

Now people, correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t it normally take KnitPicks FOREVER to process an order? For heaven sakes, I just checked online and I placed the original order on February 15th & the status still shows pending. They couldn’t have cancelled the order? I think it’s just poor warehouse management in my opinion. I’ve worked in the warehouse and distribution industry in the past and at each of the companies I worked for there was an order cancellation and order change policy within the first 24 hours of the order being placed. Am I being unreasonable?

In other actual knitting news, the Forbes Forest scarf and We Call Them Pirates hat are both finally blocking, and my Pomatomus socks are now getting heels! I’m unsure how much further I’ll get on the Pomatomus since I leave for Stitches West on Thursday & I’ve got a lot to do before I leave. Thankfully there will be FO’s to post with details as soon as the scarf & hat dry … assuming they will dry since we’re having rainy weather (which I love since it reminds me of Seattle).

And now completely off subject, my little sister made me cry yesterday morning with this beautiful post she wrote about me. I feel like the luckiest big sister in the world!

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Sugar Free Cabernet?

My first pair of socks are complete for the Sock A Month KAL3 . Isn’t it ironic that the pattern I used was designed by one of the KAL hostesses, Chrissy, AND my KAL group leader, Karen, is who the pattern was designed for? Typically I’m not a huge fan of purchasing sock patterns since there seems to be an abundance of free ones all over the internet, but the proceeds for the purchase of the pattern went towards Karen’s Walk for Diabetes, so it was well worth it!

Sugar-Free Cabernet Socks

Pattern: Karen’s Sugar-Free Diabetes Socks

Pattern Source: Gardiner Yarn WorksYarn: Berroco Pure Merino; Cabernet colorway

Needles: (2) KnitPicks Circular size 1 US

Notes: The first time I knit this pattern, I followed the pattern as written, but this time I converted the pattern to knit these toe-up. I had no clue what I was doing in the heel section and got very lucky that it all worked out. Thankfully, Judy emailed me her toe-up heel math, so my next pair should go much better. I love the pattern stitch detail in how the finished product looks, but also that it’s easy to memorize! I’ve knit with this yarn twice before when I made the Backyard Leaves Scarf & the Fetchings and although I did love the yarn during those two projects, I didn’t really enjoy knitting with a worsted weight yarn on size one needles for these socks. I do like the finished project, but in the future I’ll probably stick to lighter weight yarn when knitting socks.

While knitting these socks, my KnitPicks Circular cable came out of the needle at the joint. Not Cool!! DH was sitting there when it happened and asked if he should get the super glue. I guess he figured the duct tape wouldn’t work. I contacted KnitPicks today and they are sending me a replacement needle in the mail tomorrow.

Yes, this photo sucks, but it was very late last night & I wanted you to see the obviously wasted knitting time in making socks that are too big. This is the beginnings of the Pomatomus pattern that I’m attempting to knit toe-up. I’m using regular sock-weight yarn & size one needles as I always do, but there are 68 stitches total instead of my usual 64 and obviously it made a huge difference! I already ripped back & now am casting on with my size zeros. Oh what fun?

One last very important item! Christine is doing Project Snuggle again this year, and I’m very excited to be participating. I’ve never knit anything like this before, so it should be fun.

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Beautifully Boring

My 2nd pair of socks for 2007 are definitely a boring non-color, but I love them anyway. And why would I love these boring black socks? Well … not only was I able to convert the pattern to toe-up all by myself, but the 8-row pattern repeat was ultra-simple to memorize AND these socks fit like a glove!

Pattern: Cable Twist Socks

Pattern Source: Hello Yarn

Yarn: KnitPicks Gloss; Colorway: Black (2) skeins

Needles: KnitPicks Circular (2) Size 1 US

Modifications: I knit this from the toe-up using Judy’s magic cast on and increasing until I reached 56 total stitches. I changed the pattern stitch on the foot to include a P2 at the beginning of each row so that there were 30 stitches included in the pattern stitch (on the foot section only) instead of 28. I was concerned that 56 stitches wouldn’t fit over my fat legs, so I worked the heel flap & ankle setup round until I had 33 stitches on that section so that when I joined it with the original 30 stitches on the foot, I ended up with a total of 63 stitches. Confused? So am I! That’s why I took meticulous notes with scribbling here, there & everywhere.

Notes: I really do like the KnitPicks Gloss yarn because it’s nice to work with & is very affordable. The only thing I didn’t like though was my color choice because unless you have excellent lighting, working in dark colors on such small needles can be tricky! I really enjoyed the pattern stitch & that it was simple to memorize & gave a simple elegance to the finished socks. I will DEFINITELY knit this pattern again!

Completed: January 2007

Did anyone notice that Blue Moon Fiber Arts has redone their website and added new yarn types? I was at Judy’s blog admiring her newly started socks in the Rooster Rock colorway from Socks That Rock. Of course it made me click on the Socks That Rock link that she gave & I spied the January One colorway. Of course I clicked on that link too & noticed more yarn choices in that colorway. I knew they had they 100% Superwash Merino in lightweight, mediumweight, and heavyweight, but there were also 3 other choices:

• Silkmo: (64% Kid Mohair / 20% Mulberry Silk / 16% Nylon) laceweight 794 yards
• Geisha: (70 Kid Mohair/ 20% Mulberry Silk/ 10% Nylon) sportweight 990 yards
• Seduction: (50% Merino / 50% Tencel) 400 yards

You know what this means? When I’m at Stitches West 2007, I’m going to have a horrible time not spending all our food budget money at their booth! CURSES!!!

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