stitchingmystressaway.com

Happy New Year!!

I hope you had a great New Year celebration. J and I welcomed two friends to our apartment we haven’t seen in a while. It was a great new years.

In the idea of nostalgia, here is what I completed knitting-wise in 2009

So, in review:

1 Cowl
2 Baby Sweaters
3 Pairs of Gloves
9 Pairs of Socks
2 Shawls
1 Hat
2 Cardigans

There is a part of me that is a little disappointed. Last year, I made 29 items and this year, it was 22. That said, I made more sweaters and cardigans and I’ve learned a ton. See…lookie. This year I also:

Steeked:

Learned how to knit fair isle on two hands

Learned Double knitting for a future finished object for Jermaine

So yes, I wasn’t popping out finished objects as I used to in previous years but I’m still proud of myself and what I did in 2009.

As far as goals for 2010, I want to concentrate on sweaters, pullovers, cardigans. I seem to be in a huge sweater kick. I joined the IntSweMoDo2010 group on Ravelry. Sure, working on a wool sweater in July in DC won’t feel that fantastic but that’s where lace sweaters might come in

I have some sweaters in mind for this KAL but I’m still getting my thoughts together for it. But I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a KAL with very little rules as that is up to the individual knitter, which is nice, seeing as how I have work deadlines, not knitting ones

Happy new year, everyone! Stay warm and happy knitting.

We have all heard so many horror stories about social networking sites. Some person got fired for spending so much time on Facebook. A crazy person was going after people they found on Myspace. Of course I hear these stories and remind myself to employ some common sense on the internet. The world, put quite bluntly, is  not safe.

But it also isn’t full of 100% crazies either.

I say this because my buddy Lindsey mentioned on Twitter today something to this effect and I’ve been thinking the same thing of late. It’s been amazing meeting these wonderful knitting buddies through Ravelry and Twitter. Sometimes asking someone about their recent pair of socks can turn into an interesting buddy to chat with throughout the day. Lindsey and I are knitting the same things and we’re part of similar groups on Ravelry. I’ve been talking with her as well as many others through these sites and I feel I’ve received a great group of fiber loving friends. I’ve also discovered some friends right in my own neighborhood as well like my friend Mai who I will be seeing Bruce Springsteen with in May. Shoooot! I met a friend of mine who works at my university through Ravelry. Steph worked on her Rogue and mentioned something about grant administration and I said “I work in that too!” and then I came to realize she worked in the same field, in a different academic department down the street! It’s amazing how these cultures are formed through the internet…to be part of a group that cares about similar things, to bounce knitterly things off each other and often talk about what’s going on in your “ordinary” life.

As you can imagine, there are groups on this site dedicated to everything from politics and religion to favorite yarns and shows. There are groups there that discuss some of the issues I’ve been experiencing in school too, which has been nice to discuss with people going through similar experiences.

Now, have I found my maid of honor thanks to Ravelry? I don’t know! I can’t say I’m out searching or interviewing for that position…hehehe but I’m still so very glad to be a part of some awesome groups of people who love what I love and share my passions. I’m not about to underestimate the sense of community felt through Ravelry. Many of these people I haven’t met yet but I know that once I do at Maryland Sheep and Wool, it will be like picking up where you left off on Twitter a few nights ago. hooray!

Yes, I know I changed my blog theme. I wanted something a little more simple but I will be asking Jermaine to help me with a header this weekend.

I seem to be making a lot of them!

My swap pal loves fingerless gloves. Her exact words were “They’re the best thing evar.” I love color work and have always had my eyes on the Endpaper mittens so it’s a perfect match

Pattern: Endpaper Mittens by Eunny Jang from See Eunny Knit
Yarn(s): Happy Feet from Plymouth
Wool Bam Boo from Classic Elite
Colorway(s): Deep Red & Cream, respectively
Needle(s): No simple answer here. For glove #1, I didn’t think size 0s were necessary for the cuff and I used 2s. Well I didn’t like how they ended up. I used 0s for the second glove. (There is something to be said for following directions )
First Glove
Size 2’s – Cuff and colorwork to the thumb gusset
Size 3’s – Thumb guesset to end of colorwork
Size 0’s – Cuff area near the fingers
(needless to say, the first glove was very experimental)
Second Glove
Size 0’s – Cuffs on wrist and finger areas
Size 3’s – All the colorwork
Casted On: August 15, 2008
Casted Off: August 29, 2008
Modifications: I did a sew cast off instead of a kitchener one

These puppies flew OFF the needles and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed knitting them. Happy Feet was a very soft yarn. Pardon my cynicism but when I bought the skien for all of $6.50, I couldn’t help but wonder if something was wrong with the yarn or if I was buying crap. I haven’t found a thing wrong so I’m very pleasantly surprised. The softness of Happy Feet plus the bamboo content in the Classic Elite, made a very nice and smooth pair of gloves.

I asked some of the women in my SnB on Wednesday to try them on as I am very nervous that they won’t fit my pal but, luckily, the pair fit about three or four of the women’s hands so I’m more confident. I hope my buddy likes them.

I seem to be in a colorwork craze of late. Perhaps I’m ready for a steek? a sweater? hmmmmmmm

I finished a pair of fingerless gloves for the Knitters for Barack Obama knitting drive for homeless vets.

Pattern: Dashing by Cheryl Niamath from Spring 2007’s Knitty
Yarn(s): Paton’s Wool Merino
Colorway(s): Green
Needle(s): Size 7 KnitPicks Options, Magic Looped
Casted On: July 30, 2008
Casted Off: August 11, 2008
The first glove was finished a day and a half after I casted on then I started the second glove on August 9, 2008.
Modifications: The pattern called for eighteen rows in the ribbed pattern, then a cable round, nine rib rounds, cable round, nine rib rounds then a final cable. After the final cable, the pattern calls for 24 rib rounds and I only did nine. 

At first I hesitated doing a pair of fingerless gloves. I might be in the minority here but I wonder about the point of them if there your fingers aren’t covered but I just realized it’s a simple matter of preference. The only thing Jermaine has specifically asked that I knit for him are a pair of fingerless gloves. He really liked having them on shipment days at the bookstore he works at. Then there was a question about their length. Should they be that long? But after some investigating on Ravelry, I saw that many men like these gloves. Plus, we’re knitting for homeless vets in cold states such as Michigan and Minnesota so I’m sure they would appreciate the extra warmth! 

If I ever need a pair of fingerless gloves, I’m sure I would come back to this pattern. It was a quick knit and they fit fantastically well! I would be very honored for a vet to wear these. If they give them some degree of comfort, I would be happy. Hearing news reports like this just enrages me…that I live in a country that forces its people into a war and once they return they’re ignored. When I get mad, I just knit more. Pretty positive I think

Why thank you all for the kind words about Dusty. I still get quite sad from time to time and I don’t think that will go away. When this does happen, I go to Layla and Luna and hug them. There is some good news for dad, though….a family friend of ours, Rose, has a kitteh that she has been searching for a home for. Dad has already met this kitty a few months ago when he visited Rose and her family in Georgia and they got along fantastically well. So when Rose and her baby and hubby come up to Maryland in a few weeks, she’ll be bringing up this kitteh for dad. Hearing this certainly made Dad feel better.

I have two finished objects to share. I finished them last week but I wasn’t really up to much chatting.

FO #1

I made this for the Knitters for Barack Obama (K)(C)AL for Homeless Veterans run by the fabulous Amanda. We are working on hats, dishcloths, wheelchair blankets, and fingerless gloves for homeless vets in MI, VA, MN, IL and FL. More info can be found here.  It sickens me that there is such a prevalance of homelessness amongst our vets. What a way to treat a group of mostly men who have served for our country. I’m honored to knit for them. Join our group and help out such a worthy cause.

FO #2
My second pair of socks for the Summer of Socks!

As I’ve stated, I’ve already made a pair of these so I was familar with the pattern. For someone like me who’s not a big fan of knitting ribbing, I’m surprised that I found the urge to make another pair of these socks. That’s said, I know I’ll be getting a lot of use out of these when it gets cold.

And here are some works in progress. Yes, they’re socks. hehehe The first is Twinkleberry by Bethe LaPensee and the second is the Uptown Boot Socks by Jennifer Appleby. They’re made out of Mama Llama Bamboo socks and Tess Supersock, respectively.

I’m making the first pair for my Secret Pal 12 buddy and the second pair is for moi. It’s a pattern I’ve been eying for a long time.

And here is an update on my spinning. This is some BFL from Chameleon Colorworks.

So far spinning with BFL has been a dreeeeeeeeeeam. It’s so smooth and soft. I really can’t wait to get more BFL and play with it.

And finally, in this post o’ updates, I came home to a GREAT package from my secret pal in Brooklyn.

I got some soak samples, a yarn cake holder, some sunflower seeds (I love sunflowers and daisies. and you should see my front stoop. The landlord has given me permission to plant a garden and God, does it scream it!! and some skiens of Artyarns Supermerino sock yarn that have Laura written all over them. After the week I had, it was fabulous receiving this. Thank you so very much.

Ever go through a period where shit hits the fan and after it’s settled, you’re left simply thinking about it? Well I’m going through something similar. Wouldn’t say that the shit has hit the fan perse but I guess I’m going through a period of self reflection. I spent Memorial Day Weekend thinking about the relationships I have with people and how I can improve them and how I can change, all of which are completely healthy things to contemplate from time to time.

I think all this contemplation has been seen in my knitting. I was watching a movie and changed projects three or four times, which, even for me is a lot. I just am extremely scatterbrained of late! I guess I should post project pictures, you think?

Here is my Rogue so far. It had been in hibernation for so long then a few weeks ago, I seem to have started attacking it. Just in time for a hot, steamy DC summer, eh? But I got a rather huge portion of this sweater done by completing the chest portion of it. I’m now in the process of dividing for the front and back.

I have finished one of my Marilinda’s made with Dream In Color, Smooshy and man does it feel nice and smooshy!

This is the very very limited progress I’ve made for May’s SKA Sock Down Challenge of doing a fair isle sock. I’m doing these specifically toe up so I can keep trying them on as I go. It’s been a little difficult Magic Looping these socks. Usually that’s my preferred way of doing socks but I have found the tension, like the last time I did these socks, were incredibly uneven. I have, however asked the SKA group and looked in an archive on the Stranded group and I’m getting good advice on how to achieve a more even tension.

To add to my scatter-brainedness, tell me why I am this close ll to finishing a work in progress. All it needs is twenty minutes, but I just don’t do it?? Odd! Here is Abby’s dress so far. Don’t mean to toot my own horn but I thought of this pattern mah self

Here is attempt number….5? at Chris’ Buckeye socks. If all else fails, Jaywalker always works I also was introduced to Judy’s Magic Cast on for these socks, and let me tell ya, I’m a convert. I heart this cast on so so very much! Thank you Darsana for introducing it to me

These are the more prominent WIPs I have. There are others of course, but these are the ones I seem to be focusing a lot of time on.

And. Of coooooooooooooourse, I want to cast on more projects. I feel it’s a little bit beyond the normal knitter though. These projects are what is making me burst with excitement (all are Ravelry links)

• Myrtle Leaf Shawl With Willow Border (For my Aunt Mimi)
• 
• Large Rectangle in Leaf and Trellis Pattern (For my mom)
• 
• Apres Surf Hoodie (For moi)
• 
• Wheat Ear Cable Yoke (for moi, I have some lovely Brooks Farm yarn to make this with!)



• Christmas Stockings for Jermaine, Layla, Luna and me
• Countless Countless socks. I am part of Summer of Socks 2008 and since I seem to have acquired a lot of sock yarn, I’m using this KAL as a way to use it up

I considered myself good and only casted on for one of the projects above.

So knitting has been on the brain a lot lately, and as I do it, I often think of personal issues going on with me. I’ve always been a little behind the crowd in doing a lot of things and more prominently, realizing things about myself.

I’ve made mistakes of late. I’m a work in progress and I am simply doing my best. When I say this, I’m not being whiney or defensive, I’m being as matter-of-fact as I can possibly be. I mess up. I put my foot in my mouth probably more times than a dog. I can’t do anything about what happened years ago. If people back then wanted nothing to do with me because of what I did, didn’t do or did too much of, ok. Fine. Can’t do a thing about it. I miss you, don’t get me wrong but no one ever said you were perfect either. Slowly but surely I’m beginning to realize this…that I’m a human that makes mistakes and that I really gotta give myself a break sometimes. Knitting over the weekend helped me do this. Thank you

Hello!

My first official blog in my WordPress blog. I find this to be a lot more user friendly than my Typepad account. The website development is still in the works…slowly but surely. Our computer at home is awfully slow but I hope to still post more.

The folks on Ravelry are so unbelievably helpful and supportive. I posted this thread in the Sock Knitters Anonymous Group: (I edited it just a little bit)

I know this topic can bring out strong debates but I just want your input is all.I’m trying to get my hand knit socks to look similar to store bought ones (only i use far far better yarn and patterns. ) and I like short row heels. They look quite similar to store bought socks and they feel better in my opinionWhat’s your preferable short row heel pattern? What kind of pattern should I use for toes to make my socks NOT look like a diamond is in the toe area? I like a curve for the toes but I definitely don’t want dwarf’s shoes.

Any suggestions?

Some folks suggested the Sherman Heel. So like any 21st century gal, I googled it. I found two really great sources. Hipknitism had a great page on how to calculate for it. Then I had difficulty figuring out the knit encroachment and the purl encorachment. I found a blogger, Cabezalana, who wrote a tutorial on how to do both. The Flickr photos for the knit encroachment and the purl encroachment, I found to be so very very helpful…especially when I blew the photos up so I can get every single detail.

I went home and tried it. Won’t lie…had some difficulty but with the help from my buddy Dawn who pointed out a mistake I was making, I finally finished my first Sherman heel and I couldn’t be happier!

The heel isn’t really that pointy…this will be a size 12 (male) sock and I put it on a much smaller blocker.

And here’s a picture of the whole sock.

I think I found my new favorite heel!

Just a quick note to folks on Ravelry:

Amy, AKA VisMajor on Ravelry, is doing a nice Thanksgiving Day present for Casey and Jess, the wonderful creators of Ravelry. Go to this thread and learn how you can show some love to our wonderful creators. Like she states, there are 25,000 users on Ravelry….if everyone donates $1, then they’ll have one fat present from us (which I hope they use on themselves!)

I’m going to send Amy a paypal contribution as soon as i know what email address to send it to. NOTE-paypal keeps 2.9%

ok. I feel a cold coming on. Everyone in my office is warm whereas I have sweaterS on. so I sit here on my last hour at work thinking about what I’m going to work on when I get home as I sit lazily in front of the tube with Zicam. I’ve been insanely curious about magic loop knitting for a looooooooooong time and I went on to youtube and found this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtBSmxGomPk

I think I might have started another obsession!!!

I might start a child size Odessa using magic loop. (That hat was not fun on DPNs when I was getting done with it!) It’s for one of the most awesomist kids ever that made a would-be boring work reception super fun. It was because of her that I could recite Over The Hedge scenes when I should have been smooooozing. To me, I was

I completed Abby’s hoodie this morning. The alarm went off and finishing this hoodie was the first thought I had. (I was shy a few flowers on the hoodie as I went to sleep last night but I could not keep my eyes open if my life depended on it.)

Pattern: Knitty.com’s Daisy
Yarn(s): Rowan Handknit Cotton, purple, 3 skeins
Scraps of Lion Brand’s Cotton Ease for the flowers
Needle(s): Size 5 Addi’s and a size 0 crochet hook

Modifications: Not much but the instructions said to backstitch the flowers on and I crocheted them on. I feel it looks purtier.

Luckily, proud parents Rose and Corey will be up with Abby in December so I can give this hoodie to Abby personally. I’m thrilled that I’ll be able to get a picture of Abby wearing this and me holding her….

And yes, I’m on Ravelry and I loooooooooooooooooove it! Total enabler!!