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My buddy Sprite wrote in her blog about Carole Knits’ Ten on Tuesday and I’ve been paying attention to this blog meme when either or both of them would do it. Sometimes the topic wouldn’t be worth the energy for me to write: Example: Top Ten TV Shows–Does teh internets need to know that I’m a Bravo whore? Or, Top Ten Magazines–Now I really really enjoy magazines but my favorites wouldn’t really shock anyone and then there’s the fact that I do not subscribe to any so it’s not like I’m devoted to a single one much less ten.

But this week is one that appeals to me.

10 Ways to Lighten Your Mood

Rather appropriate. Things in my life are picking up pace–kids are returning to campus for classes, work’s picking up as a result. And HELLO–WEDDING. So yeah…I’ll take anything to lighten up my mood

So in no order of preference, I present my first Ten on Tuesday – Ten Ways to Lighten your mood

1. YOUTUBE! (or video available on teh internets to replay till your little heart’s content) Come on….you know you have some in your favorites in your internet browser. I can’t embed these but here are some that I can’t stop watching:

It’s So Fluffy, I’m Gonna Die!

“Come Meet the New Puppy!” (Slightly NSFW…some bad language but rest assured it’s just a black kitteh so no, I didn’t link porn here)

2. Their names are Layla and Luna

CRAPTASTIC Photo of me but I can’t tell ya how many times I look forward to this when I’m stressing out at work. I tell ya…Kitteh schnuggling allows me to forget about a lot of petty stuff. And didn’t I read somewhere that kitteh purring helps lower blood pressure? WIN WIN!

And here is darling Luna…tearing into a gift for her (Luna Johnson was on the package, mind you)

It was catnip, can you tell? Luna is just one hysterical kitteh with a ton of personality. God Love Her!

3. I have to agree with Carol when I say this but cleaning up a room/reorganizing it can help lighten my mood as well. If my day needs lightening up, it can be understandably assumed that whatever I’m doing is stressing me out a little. Removing myself helps. Common sense, right? So removing myself and then doing something positive for your home help lightens up both my mood and environment. Double win.

4. Muppets. Need I say more?

5. Knitting, of course. When my dear Granny passed away, I drowned my sorrows and started quite a few projects. It’s helpful.

6. Going to a Bookstore. When Jermaine and I started to date, we’d go to a bookstore and meet up at a table with our respective piles of books and flip through them. (Because Jermaine works at a bookstore and I used to, we, of course, put the books back. We know how infuriating it can be cleaning up after people) I love everything about a bookstore. The smell of books is definitely on my “Top Five Favorite Smell List.”

7. Generally, Dogs. Specifically Spaniels Everyone thinks that my biggest weakness is yarn. And sure, I have the bank statements to prove it. But it’s not Number 1. Spaniels are. Those floopy ears get me Every Single Time. There’s a guy at Takoma metro station who brings his three spaniels with him when he comes to pick up his wife from the Metro. Every time I see him, I run up and ask “Can I pet your dogs?” and I couldn’t blame him if he sees me running and goes “Oh God. Her.” But I don’t care. His dogs are darling and they have helped me forget about a ton of bullshit as I come home after a bad day.

8. Walking in rain. Yes I said it. For the most part, I love doing it. Sure there are times when I just can’t arrive somewhere wet but I also can’t say I’m the first to pull out my umbrella either.

9. Watching Christmas movies, regardless of what month the calendar indicates. It’s just fun

10. Baking something. Sure, I do this more in the winter because who wants their oven at 350 degrees in July. If it’s November, however, awwwwwwwwww just thinking about it is making my stomach rumble!

I see a ton of cuteness on my sofa. Must pet them

Seriously, I LOVE this book. I have made so many socks from this book and there seems to be no end in sight. So far, I have made:

Some, if not most, of these socks are made for other people so I find this as an excellent excuse to make and additional pair for me too . I also have an eye on patterns I haven’t tried yet:

Merino Lace Socks:

Courtesy of Gena on Ravelry

And Anniversary Socks

Courtesy of Ksh, on Ravelry

This is my favorite book because it has a diverse set of socks–ones for men in my life, ones for a challenge, some patterns that can be best classified as “Oldies But Goodies,” oh the list goes on.

What’s your favorite knitting pattern book and why?

Ever have a project that you quit about an hour into starting it?

Well I do.

I have a weakness for lacy tops.  Now that my Botanical Lace Cardi is complete, I felt a little at loss for what lace top I should start.

In March of 2009, I swatched for the Lattice Lace Pullover:

Which will, of course, grow up to be this lovely pullover from Knit So Fine:

Then after that?? Nothing. Nada. All I knew that size 1.5 needles was the size that gave me gauge. I moved on to other projects.

But the last Sunday, I just randomly picked it back up and started the project properly this time, starting with the sleeves.

I’m knitting this with size 2s even if I don’t get gauge with it. I did the math and knitting this with size 2s, making the 36′ size will fit me accurately. (How did I get to this conclusion? This here calculation that has helped me every time. My wise buddy Steph told me about it and I feel every knitter should commit it to memory)

Sure, I got gauge with size 1.5s but it was a little too tight, for my liking and, of course, 3s were too loose for me. Size 2s make for a nice happy medium.

And speaking of Steph, the two of us went to welcome a new yarn shop to town, Looped Yarn Works in Dupont Circle. What a lovely store! It opened just the week the two of us got paid so, the proper thing to do was go and spend some hard earned bread there, right? I always appreciate it when yarn shops have sweaters-worth of a given yarn in a variety of colors and Looped certainly did that. It was very tempting  But I already started a project with some Koigu KPPPM I bought there:

I seem to be starting a lot of socks too. Pretty typical now that the December holidays are approaching

So here you see me making a pair of socks for another coworker, Gina. Like Iliana, she has helped me a lot through some issues through this year, so a handknit for her too!

This is the information I had to go off of:

1. Her favorite color is pink.
2. She used to dislike wearing black but now loves it.
3. She loves loud loud socks

With that in mind, I made these socks

Think these fit the bill? I think so

Pattern: Ampersands (Upside Down) by Bobbi Kraft based on Through the Loops’ Design named Ampersand from the cuff-down
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Chewy Spaghetti Spaghettoni
Colorway(s): Cheeky
Needle(s): US 2 – 2.75 mm
Casted On: August 6, 2010
Casted Off: August 15, 2010
Modifications: None

Can I just say I LOVE this yarn?! Gina wears a size 7 so I was able to knit these socks with a decent length. If I were to knit a pair of socks for me with this yarn, the socks would be a little shorter than what I’m used to. That said, because I enjoyed this yarn so much, I would be ok with that. The yarn was a nice sport weight yarn that reminded me of Socks that Rock Mediumweight.

I know Gina will love these socks but I certainly hope I didn’t take what she said too literally

Up next – I’m about to finish up some socks for Jermaine, because who doesn’t need 100% wool socks right now?

I’m part of the knitting community so it goes without saying I read a ton of blogs. But care to know what my most favorite blog is? It has nothing to do with arts, crafts and/or knitting. It’s a gem called Hyperbole and a Half. It is the fun-niest blog EVAR!

There was one blog entry in particular that I SO relate to. It’s titled “This is Why I’ll Never Be an Adult.” It struck a chord with me because I relate to it so much. I go about my life being responsible and then I start to go down hill and find myself craving recess period and nap times.

I’ve shared this gem with Jermaine, some family members and some coworkers. Some have shared it with their friends and so on and so on “All the things” is starting to become part of my circle’s lingo. For example after the new Twist Collective came out, many were saying “I want to knit all the things.” (That’s just one example I can think of) Some have even turned the infamous “Clean All The Things” graphic as their ravatar on Ravelry. With a simple edit, they were able to change “clean” to “knit.” Pretty awesome.

My buddy Jess took it a step further and made the person look like me. HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!  I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove it. What an unexpected gift!

I totally have a skirt that looks like that and oh hai, that chic above haz green eyes like me.

Fist Bump Jessica. Thank you so much. You rule. GWU should be very proud of the skills you’ve attained while being a student there

Ever have a pattern/project you’re working on that just takes a long time and have no idea why?

Sure. EVERY Knitter has at least one!

I finished a project that was about a little bit over a year in the making. No idea why–the pattern is wonderful and the yarn is luscious. But hey…it happens, right?

Pattern: Botanical Lace Cardigan by Margaret Atkinson from the Twist Collective, Spring 2009
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Brooks Solo Silk
Colorway(s): Burgundy
Needle(s): US 4 – 3.5 mm, US 5 – 3.75 mm & US 6 – 4.0 mm
Casted On: July 6, 2009
Casted Off: July 26, 2010
Modifications: This pattern didn’t have a great deal of shaping so I improvised a little with changing needle sizes. The lower third of the sleeves, I used 6s, second third I used 5s and you guessed it, last third I used 4s. This made for a nice flare at the end of the sleeve. I also lengthened the sleeves and the cardigan, something I often do because I’m tall

I think if I were to knit it again, I’d probably use 6s in the chest area. It’s a little tight there but it’s not something I’m stressing over. Shoot, it might stretch out a little more with time. Who knows?

I certainly love the yarn. Brooks Solo Silk is a little rich for my blood but it was a “Why Not?” purchase at Rhinebeck a few years ago. I was a little concerned about what I’d do with 1200 yards of it–the yarn is sport/DK weight so it’s not enough for a full fledged sweater. And it might be a just a little too thick for a shawl. So when this pattern came out, I thought it was a great combination. Turned out I was very right.

This is the start to a great many lace cardigans and sweaters. I love ‘em. Can’t get enough of ‘em!

And YAY for getting a year-long project done!!

I won’t speak for all knitters but I’ll certainly speak for this one–We view babies as our own Barbie dolls, only way way cooler.

I have kept in touch, thanks to Facebook, with Good Counsel’s Class of 2000’s Best Dressed Female, Cassie Martell, now Cassie Diehl. She gave birth to this enormously cute cute kid. I’ve always ohhhhhhhhed and awwwwwwwwwed every time she or her hubby posts pics of lil Madison on Facebook. This kid is So. So. Photogenic.

So….I start to get the itch to make something for a lil bebeh. A lot of my friends have kids approaching the toddler age. No. I wanted an instant gratification project. So I think to myself “Why not make something for lil Madison??” and I did.

Behold Maximum Bebeh Cuteness:

Pattern: Elenka by Inna Alesandrova from Knitty, Summer, 2009
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Cotton Ease, Lion Brand & Cascade 220
Colorway(s): Light Blue and Purple, respectively
Needle(s): US 6 – 4.0 mm
Casted On: July 6, 2010
Casted Off: July 10, 2010
Modifications: This is very very minor but I just did single crochet stitches as opposed to double crocheted stitches for the border. Not really a big deal

This project was exactly what I thought it would be–instant gratification. Kids grow so so fast so I’m not entirely sure how much use lil Madison will get from this dress, but I know that lil Abby has turned her dress I made for her when she was about a year old into a tank top so there’s always that idea too.

This project was also a little bittersweet. I took the picture above right outside my apartment and went back inside and heard my cell going off–It was my mom calling me to tell me my dear granny had her fourth stroke. You look up the words “kind soul” in the dictionary and you will see my granny. Mom went down to Atlanta to be with her for her last few weeks, I sent this to Cassie. Yesterday she passed on and is now with my grandpa. They’re both in heaven now–he’s reading a Tom Clancy novel…Granny’s bitching about the squirrels in her tomato plants (she was kind to everyone but squirrels ) and they’re both watching the Atlanta Braves game. Needless to say I’ve been pretty sad. Seeing this new picture of Madison certainly did bring a smile to my face when I thought nothing could, so Thank You Cassie.

Well up next I’ll be showing of pictures of a cardigan that has been in the works for over a year!

I finished my first Christmas present for Rose–Slip Jigs from this March’s Rockin’ Sock Club. When I first got the skein, I wasn’t a big fan:

Then I thought of Rose and these are so her colors. So I started a Christmas present very early.

Pattern: Slip Jigs by Irishgirlieknits from the 2010 Rockin’ Sock Club
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Socks that Rock, Mediumweight
Colorway(s): My Wild Irish Girlie
Needle(s): US 1 – 2.25 mm
Casted On: April 10, 2010
Casted Off: July 11, 2010
Modifications: I didn’t do any. I followed the pattern exactly as written, even did the heel flap.

But if I could change one thing, it would be the toe. There are a lot of stitches between the decreases making the toes a little…bunchy. But then again, the slip pattern does go up the side of the socks so I am not entirely sure how I could edit the  pattern.

It was a fun knit though. I know Rose will love these socks to pieces. One Christmas present down, plenty more left to do. I’m trying to get a head start on Christmas knitting, if you can believe it, because I will be spending a better part of  September and October  running around like a chicken with her head cut off because of our wedding

are finished!

Pattern: Skew by Lana Holden from Knitty, Winter 2009
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Socks that Rock, Lightweight
Colorway(s): Eggplanted
Needle(s): US 1½ – 2.5 mm
Casted On: April 18, 2010
Casted Off: July 4, 2010
Modifications: Like with my previous Skews, I changed to a higher needle size after the Inner Ankle knitting. I also lengthen the leg portion so that I can have the longest socks I could.

I just love this pattern. It’s not so often that I finish my first pair of socks and immediately start thinking of the second pair of socks in that pattern. I think I’ll need a little break from this pattern for a while, at least, but I still want to make MORE SKEWS …hehe

It’s interesting with this pair of socks–The left sock was knit with smaller needles. I was nervous about a 72 stitch count sock on 1.5 or size 2 needles. I have to practically beat it into submission to get it on because it’s so tight. Then this project was put on hold for a little bit. I picked it back up again a few days ago and knit the second socks a little looser and that goes on with NO problem whatsoever.

I did make a very fortunate mistake on the second sock, which resulted in a slightly wider heel. In the “Heel Shaping” portion, it states:

(Note: there will be 15 sts between second ankle marker and heel marker throughout heel shaping.)

By accident, I had 17 stitches between the two markers and followed the directions from there. Opps. But YAY for a little bit of a wider heel. I planned that all along. Really. I did.

Really, ladies and gents, try this pattern out. It’s a fun leap of faith knitting project as my buddy Heather stated in her blog just this morning. (Heather’s new to the blog world. Go over and welcome her )

This weekend has been a great one. Busy too. I’m going to plop right now in front of a chic flic and knit ridiculously warm items in this 90 some degree heat.

I recently participated in the Loopy Ewe Swap.  My buddy, Meesh, already received her package so I can now share what I made her.

There was summer theme to this swap so there is some irony to that in June. So I struggled with what to make her. I opted for some socks because she really likes those and she told me that she likes intricate ones. Um….this calls for a Cookie pattern – Calloway

Pattern: Calloway Socks by Cookie A from her website
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Dream in Color, Smooshy
Colorway(s): In Vino Veritas
Needle(s): US 1 – 2.25 mm
Casted On: June 6, 2010
Casted Off: June 22, 2010
Modifications: None. This pattern was written very well. It’s a nine page pattern however, each size only takes two pages. This pattern also allows for a lot of flexibility so no mods were needed to lengthen the sock.

This was a fun pattern as always. I don’t expect anything less with a Cookie pattern It’s difficult to follow a summer’s theme with wool, but hey, it’s lacey!

On Friday, I received two packages. A skein of STR Heavyweight, My Blue Heaven Colorway. I originally bought it for Jermaine for a pair of socks for him. I opened it up and said “It’s not like I signed anything saying I’d make him a pair of socks with this for him” :”>  We both love blue…so sue us.

Jermaine, not knowing this, saw this skein of loooooooooooved it. Then I felt bad for wanting it for a socks for me. But then it’s sooooooooo pretty.

Luckily, my package from Beth for the swap came and look what came in it!

Are these two skeins identical? No. But they’re quite similar. I can use this lovely skein for me and the STR for Jermaine as originally intended

Beth certainly spoiled me! I loved everything!

These gloves fit just right. Tight enough to be warm but there is still enough room in them. And, of course, they’re kitteh gloves!! =D>

This was the entire package and I just love it! Thank you very much, Beth!

I have the next few days off. Going to a BBQ tonight, dinner at mom’s tomorrow, hanging out with a friend on Monday, but all still relaxing. I need it I hope to get some other projects completed or at least knit a nice dent in them. wish me luck!