I don't knit for people/pets I'll never meet. It's a self-preservation thing, really. If I won't meet these people, how can I tell they're knit worthy to me? They might be to the person asking but if that connection isn't there, than I can not make something for them. Same with pets too, believe it or not. If I won't meet their dog (most of the time it's dogs), then that says something about our relationship. If we'll never be in a position where I'd meet your dog, then, one can gather we're not friends. We might be totally cool but we're not friends. And if we're not friends, I'm not making something for this puppeh I'll never meet. (or cat but I can't say I've gotten many requests for cat stuff. And I certainly know how that'll end…making a cat a sweater….

THEY'RE HUMAN BARBIES TO KNITTERS!!!!

I can't think of another way to say it, really. I love making cabely-cardigans but I also appreciate that there isn't the pretty significant time commitment as there is with an adult. I must know the parents well enough…so as to avoid random requests “hey Laura, can you knit my neighbor's kid's granddaughter this?” and luckily, I've been able to gift two cardigans and a pullover to the short people in my life.

First off, I'll start with lil Eva's Sweater:

So needless to say I was FREAKING OUT when Sandy came through. I was nervous that the above would happen to us and then my brain started to get really creative–our stuff! our cats! where in God's name will all of us stay if that happened?!?!

Wook at heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Evidently she liked wearing this at a ski lodge.

Secondly, we have Emily's Cardigan

Finally Lil Mikey's Grandpa Cardigan

All this cabely goodness in one little sweater!

That's it for baby stuff for a while at least. It feels odd making baby sweaters as temps start to increase.

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Oh mi goodness. Last entry was from late December?!

As I type this, I think I’ve come to the realization that I enjoy doing said hobby more than writing about them. I hope to get back into the swing of adding new projects and describing the new books I read. I did get a lot of enjoyment out of that before. I guess I just have to reintroduce myself?

I won’t make some promise though- No “I’ll-blog-twice-a-week!” promises because that’s the first way to shoot myself in the foot.

To catch up, I’ve noted what I haven’t shown off:

• 12 knitted objects
• 3 necklaces
• Various works in progress
• The six books I’ve read since my last blog entry
• The other countless ones I read in 2012 and didn’t get around to reviewing

Whoops

I haven’t quite figured out how or if I’ll showcase everything. From October till about…April…I’d say? Between those months, it is so very busy at the office, so when I get home, I just want to crash. It happens. I really do want to work on making this loverly blog more of a habit.

So. TWELVE knitted objects finished since the last blog! Pardon me while I toot my own horn but GO LAURA!

I’ve decided to do a blog by type of object. Today will be socks. The tons of socks I’ve made. I finished a pair the night before last and last night so this entry won’t capture them all as I still have to get finished pictures.

Let’s go waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 2012 and show off some socks. Shall we?

Pair #1

Laura’s Herringbone Rib Socks

Pattern: Herringbone Rib Socks by Kristi Schueler from Knitting Socks With Handpainted Yarn
My Ravelry Page
Yarns(s): Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock Multi
Colorway(s): Lakeview
Needles(s): US 1 – 2.25 mm
Casted On: July 14, 2012
Casted Off: August 12, 2012
Modifications: I made these puppies toe up just to see how much yarn I could use. Lorna’s Laces packs a lot of yardage in their skeins so these socks ended up being quite tall. yay!

These socks are super warm and I think I’m in love with Lorna’s Laces.
This pair of socks taught me something about stitch patterns. See…I have tried this sock quite a few times and it just didn’t work out. The pattern takes a while to form while knitting it. I kept on working on it, this time, however, and wha-la! It appeared.

So…lesson learned: Just because it’s a two row pattern, does not mean it will immediately show after two rows. BE PATIENT, Laura!!

Well this lesson was learned. I’m on my second pair of them for a friend of mine. yay!

Pair #2

Maggie’s Embossed Leaves Socks

What is with this pattern? I just looooooooooooooooooooooooove it. I can’t get enough!!

Pattern: Embossed Leaves by Mona Schmidt from my most favorite sock pattern book Favorite Socks
My Ravelry Page
Yarns(s): JoJo Land – Ballad
Colorway(s): 205-Pink
Needles(s): US 1½ – 2.5 mm
Casted On: September 10, 2012
Casted Off: October 7, 2012
Modifications: I extended the pattern from 64 stitches to 72…the yarn was rather thin. No big deal. Also? short row heel. Again, no biggie

I often wonder if I do so many repeats of one particular pattern, am I closing myself to other cool and groovy patterns? Perhaps a little. It’s just so gorgeous though!

Finally, Pair #3

Jess’ Socks

Pattern: rpm by Aija Goto from Knitty, Summer, 2006
My Ravelry Page
Yarns(s): Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock Multi…Again!
Colorway(s): Ashburn
Needles(s): US 1 – 2.25 mm
Casted On: September 10, 2012
Casted Off: October 31, 2012
Modifications: None.

I don’t know why but this yarn seems to have Jess’ name on it. She really likes blue. She had mentioned that her apartment gets pretty warm so it’s not like she needed a pair of worsted socks. Just seemed like an all around good fit for her.

This is my second pair of RPMs. It’s a simple enough pattern to be used for such a colorful skein of yarn. The wrapping the purl stitches make around the sock make it fun in addition to the color variations.

I made these socks for two women that are like little sisters to me. At one point they used to both work in the same office with me. Now Jess has moved elsewhere on campus but we all keep in touch. Merry Christmas ladies! I hope you love them! I certainly love being your friend!

The next few blogs will feature FOs in groups of three. One for hats. One for bebeh sweaters annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd another group of three socks. Now that work has calmed down, I really want to make a point to update more!

Happy Autumn everyone! Thought I’d start this, my most favorite of seasons, with a Finished Object for chillier weather

I have a friend I met actually in high school. We went to rival schools. Her name is Megan and we would see each other from time to time when the area Catholic high school bands would get together for the Honors Band program. Then SURPRISE we went to the same college!Anyway thanks to Facebook we’ve been able to keep in touch. This past summer I was able to meet her adorable children and I fell in love with her lil one Claire. I mean how can you not?

So when the new Twist Collective came out I wanted to make her something. The Horatio and Oren mittens were perfect!

Pattern: Horatio and Oren by Barbara Gregory from The Fall 2012 Twist Collective
My Ravelry Page
Yarns(s): The Loopy Ewe Solid Series
Colorway(s): Indigo & Ice
Needles(s): US 2½ – 3.0 mm
Casted On: August 16, 2012
Casted Off: September 3, 2012
Modifications: None. But might I make a suggestion? This pattern is knit with 44 stitches. That’s pretty small so please please keep gauge in mind as you knit this. I k is these mittens will fit Claire just fine but if I were to do this pattern all over again I think I might have selected a more sport-weight yarn or maybe even a DK weight. With the stranded knitting, it can make for a tight pair making the mittens even tighter so keep that in mind when you got to select yarns

Super cute pair of mittens. I can’t wait to see lil Claire in them!

I’ve opened Santa’s workshop quite early this year starting four pairs of socks for loved ones of late so expect more socks in future knitting posts!

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…and they went to the same recipient!

Meet the newest member of our family. Michael William O’Neill, son to my cousin and his sweetie wife, Jeannie.

wook at thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!

Random question: Say your cousin has a kid. What genetic relationship do you have with it? I’m a little sick of saying “my cousin’s and his wife’s kid.” Cousin twice removed sounds impersonal.

So yes. I am COMPLETELY comfortable with being a crazy aunt to lil Mikey. Let’s just make it simple shall we?

Mike is serving in Afghanistan and he was able to come home to see his son born on December 7, 2011 in the wee hours of the morning.

And since knitters view babies as their own personal Barbie, I made two items for him.

Jeannie asked for a stocking cap for the little guy. Surrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrre. Why not? IT’S FOR CHRISTMAS TIME!!
So I made this:

Pattern: The Duketer – Stocking Cap by Jenny Wiebe
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Loops & Threads Charisma
Colorway(s): Red and Green
Needle(s): US 10 – 6.0 mm
Casted On: November 27, 2011
Casted Off: November 29, 2011
Modifications: None

And this is him wearing it, two days old:

Which one is bigger? Mikey’s head or the yarn ball I put at the end of it?

Secondly, I knit Mikey a sweater to show off his Irish heritage:

Pattern: Trellis by Britta Stolfus Rueschhoff from the Knitty Spring, 2005
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Cascade 220 Superwash
Colorway(s): Green Heather
Needle(s): US 6 – 4.0 mm
Casted On: December 8, 2011
Casted Off: December 18, 2011
Modifications: None

I made a mixture between the 6-12month size. And let’s just say he has some time to grow into it

So this wraps up 2011′s finished objects. Ended on an adorable note.

I have been brewing many future blog entries of my 2011 Wrap Up and Plans for 2012–knitwise, stashwise and readingwise.  What are your goals for 2012? Maybe there’s something I didn’t think of.

I have finished my Christmas stocking:

And now only two more to go!

Pattern:A NEW Mom’s Christmas Stocking by Dorene Delaney Giordano from her Ravelry Store (Note – This is a toe-up pattern)
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Patons Pure Merino.
Colorway(s): Purple and Gray.
Needle(s): US 3– 3.25 mm
Casted On: November 5, 2011
Casted Off: December 4, 2011
Modifications:  Like with the previous stocking, I wanted to make it bigger. I based the instep on 60 stitches (3 pattern repeats) and the sole on 40, making the total stitch count 100 and not what the pattern stated-100.

This made the fabric VERY dense so towards the end of knitting it, it was a rather rough knit! But I still like the final result:

I just love stars so I knew this pattern had to be the one for my stocking.

I am not entirely sure I’ll get Layla and Luna’s stocking done in time for CHRISTMAS DAY but I hope to get them done within a months time. I’ve started on Ms. Luna’s:

She is a kitty that loves being in the center of attention. She has a super hero complex as well. So I found it only appropriate to use bright colors for her.

Layla on the other hand is a very gentle soul. Calm and soothing colors were required to match her personality however the combination still had to provide enough contrast for the stranded pattern to be visible. And yes, I’m sure plenty might say I was definitely over-thinking what colors I would use for her. I wanted to get it right though. I finally found it:

Seeeeeeeeeeeee….soothing colors but will still provide some wonderful contrast.

Have a great weekend everyone. Knitters, getting all those handknits done for the holidays? What all are you making for loved ones?

We adopted Layla and Luna in 2005. Back then, I was quilting more than knitting. I started picking up knitting more seriously at the weeeee end of 2006. By the time 2007 came around, the knitting bug hit hard and it became my primary craft. Then, in 2008, I said, out loud, “You know honey, it would be great if I knitted each of us a stocking for Christmas.” Cute idea right?

And naturally I didn’t actually start one till 2009:

Note: This pic was taken 8/23/09

I’m not proud. It took Jermaine and me buying our house to realize I really really wanted all of us to have a stocking this Christmas.
Jermaine’s, I knew, would be the most difficult. His name is just too long–8 letters. Why does that make a difference? I wanted our stockings all to have our names shown on one half of the stocking. Jermain’s name required about 70 stitches, so that doubled would make for a 140 stitch stocking. Depending on what yarn I’d use, sizing and shaping would vary.

So there’s that fine line between one hand where I make him a stocking out of fingering weight yarn, size 1 needles and it taking forever OR, on the other hand, I make him one that ends up so big it can fit Luna.

I then found designs by 2 Sticks and a String on Ravelry and I knew these were the patterns I wanted for our family stockings! I grew up with stockings a little bigger than her planned schematic but overall, I really like the designs!

And with this, I present Jermaine’s finished Christmas Stocking:

Pattern: A NEW Dad’s Christmas Stocking by Dorene Delaney Giordano from her Ravelry Store (Note – This is a toe-up pattern)
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): KnitPicks Wool of the Andes Sport
Colorway(s): Aurora Heather (green) & Dove Heather (white/gray)
Needle(s): US 1 – 2.25 mm & US 2½ – 3.0 mm
Casted On: October 7, 2011
Casted Off: November 5, 2011
Modifications:

1. This pattern was based on repeats of 20. So to add some width because of my preference and because of the length of Jermaine’s name, I expanded the stocking to 120 stitches, as opposed to the 80 it called for. So for the instep, heel and “leg” portion, I used size 2.5 needles. After the border on the top, but before Jermaine’s name, I changed to size US 1-2.25 needles and increased twenty stitches evenly by making one stitch after every six stitches. I was concerned that the stocking sizing would look off but with the needle size decrease, everything coincided nicely.
2. 120 stitches made for an awkward heel flap, so I ripped it and did a short row heel (I mean it’s not like Jermaine is actually going to wear this. It’s for stuffing present(s) in! ).
3. I also did an i-chord bind off. This was a first time doing this bind-off for me. Sure, it’s not the quickest one in the world, but it gives the stocking a very nice edging. It’s curling over a little bit, as you can see so perhaps I should go up a needle size the next time I use it? I don’t know.  But this certainly won’t be the last time I use it.

I know this project came with a lot of false starts. (Did you notice the first pic? How there’s no gold in the final stocking? That was Jermaine’s request and I was more than happy about that. Never been a fan of golds/yellows/oranges.) But I am quite pleased with the end result.

Annnnnnnnnnnnd I’m half way done with my stocking

OK OK I’ll finally post my last two finished objects of 2010–a cowl and a pair of socks for Rose.

(Pardon my defensiveness..God knows I’ve been meaning to post this just finally got to it now.)

FO #1 – A Cowl for me

Pattern: Candle Flame Cowl by Julia Allen
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Cascade 220
Colorway(s): A Purple? I know that’s really not helpful seeing as how Cascade has about 30 or so purples but….
Needle(s): US 8 – 5.0 mm
Casted On: December 18, 2010
Casted Off: December 18, 2010
Modifications: none

I originally made this for a Jermaine’s Secret Santa he had going on at his job. It was either that or he was going to give his Secret Santa some “smelly lotion.” I know –to each their own but I know that I’m pretty sensitive to smells. “Smelly lotions” have a tendency to give me some of the worst headaches ever. So I was like “oh no hon…you’re not doing that to this poor girl.” Turns out, she doesn’t work at his store any more so yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay I haz a cowl now!

It’s a pretty easy pattern. I learned it after maybe one repeat?? Very stretchy fabric results too. So if you’re scrambling for a quick present for someone like I was, this is a good bet. It’s a pretty pattern too.

And, finally, Rose’s socks.

This girl looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooves socks I make for her. She gets them dry cleaned bless her heart, which is more than I can say about hand knit socks I’ve made.

Pattern: Dionysus Socks by Abby Frelich
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight
Colorway(s): Happy Go Lucky, The Socks That Rock Rockin’ Sock Club Installment for January, 2010
Needle(s): US 1 – 2.25 mm
Casted On: September 25, 2010
Casted Off: December 22, 2010
Modifications: Originally, this pattern called for a 72-stitch cast on. Upon looking at the pattern, I noticed that some of it was going to be ribbing on each side of the sock, so I got rid of 8 stitches of that ribbing to make a 64-stitch sock. I also did a short row heel. The cables used were 3×3 so I thought it would be too thick to have that much fabric on the heel.

This was one fun pattern to make. I thoroughly enjoyed making these, even if 3×3 cables on size ones sometimes proved difficult.

And plus, these socks are a little sentimental for me. I knit them on our wedding day.

I look like I’m about to cut a bitch, no?

Well….there’s a funny story behind this.

(Fist off, this was taken the morning of the wedding. I had to wear a button down shirt, of course, because I couldn’t pull a shirt over my hair without messing it up. Kai fine. The only button down shirt I owned used to belong to Jermaine so yeah….I was dressed like a dude for a majority of the wedding morning and early afternoon)

The caterer was running late. I was freaking out. Turns out she was freaking out too waiting for a delivery (we laugh about it now but during that time, panic.)

Jermaine’s best man, who has known me since I was 12 was trying his best to calm me down as I was panicing about the caterer not there yet. He goes “Laura, you’re getting married in the boonies. There are plenty of squirrels, worst comes to worse. All I’d need, then, is a grill.”

Bless his heart and all but NO!

I call that my “If-you-say-’squirrel’-one-more-time” look.

And I just so happen to be knitting Rose’s socks too One of Jermaine’s aunts, after seeing me get panic-y was like “um…laura….you should knit a little to calm down.” and that was the project I pulled out. I think the fact that someone had to remind me that knitting has healing qualities proves just how panic-y I was.

Anyway, these socks pull at my heart strings Not only are they for a wonderful friend of mine who loves her handknit socks more than anyone I know but I also knit them on a very important day in my life.

Here’s a pic of Rose and Debbi in their shawls I made them and gave to them on our wedding day too.

I saw Deb's necklaces and it was like she KNEW she was getting a blue shawl that matched it perfectly. haha

Ok I think I’ll wrap this up. Coming up next – All the finished objects of 2010. I might be late in doing it but I still want to get reflective. Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd my first FO of 2011, Jess’ shawl.

Greetings Knitting Blog Land

I want to describe my last projects of 2010 before I do my annual mosaic of finished projects for the year. Things at work have been so so so busy that I’ve hardly had the energy to make a decent dinner much less sit in front of a computer when I’ve done that all day.

Here is a pair of socks I started for Jermaine in the summer time. I purposefully put them on the back burner so he’d forget about them and I could give them to him for Christmas.  (It’s a little hard trying to knit something behind the back of someone with whom you live

Pattern: Gentleman’s Fancy Sock by Nancy Bush
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s): Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Heavyweight
Colorway(s): My Blue Haven
Needle(s): US 2½ – 3.0 mm
Casted On: July 13, 2010
Casted Off: December 6, 2010
Modifications: I knit these socks toe up, used a short row heel and had some fun with the sole:

I don’t know about you, but I looooooooooove squishy socks. So I figured “Why not add some light texture to the sole of the sock?” So this is what I did. Not too genius really. I know I’m not the only one who has done this but I do wonder why I haven’t made more soles like this:

Heel -
Row 1 – slip 1, knit 1
Row 2 & 4 – knit
Row 3 – knit 1, slip 1

When I gave these socks to Jermaine, he walked down our hall with them on and he kept saying “Ohhhhhhhhhh these socks feel so gooooooood” which, of course, was music to my ears

I hope to remember the little change to the sole as I knit more socks for 2011. For the time being, I giggle. My husband has a slipped sou–I mean sole.

Yes I know I’ve been a little MIA.

Work has been insane!! I slept literally all day today to make up for the lost sleep this week. I find myself in a wonderful position at work. I’m doing things I enjoy and that I’m good at with a great team of people. I consider myself very fortunate. That said, all of us have had about 90 balls in the air so I spent a better part of my week locked in my office with earplugs in so that I can concentrate on my tasks.

Jermaine and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving up at my mom’s and Ray’s house. They were in the middle of moving so it was a little more laid back than usual. I rather like that

I had a Thanksgiving gripe that I am very proud to say that I resolved. For the past few years, apple pie has been on the menu. I’d make it and just been a little underwhelmed by it. It just seemed like every recipe involved shaving and slicing of about six apples, putting two cups o’ sugar in there and shooving it in the oven. Makes for a pretty “eh” pie, doesn’t it? Well I found a wonderful recipe this year and I want to proclaim it from the rooftops – Glazed Apple Cream Pie. It tasted AMAZING!!! When we were done with it it, Jermaine came up to me and acted like a little four year old and stared at his feet when he asked “Hey Laura…….can you make this again? pweaaaaaaase” to which I said OF COURSE!!

OK Life recap is over. I have about four finished objects. Hoooray The first one, might I present:

Pattern: In the Peaceful Forest by Sandy Moore from Think Outside the Sox
My Ravelry Project Page
Yarn(s):Mountain Colors Bearfoot
Colorway(s): Spruce
Needle(s): US 1 – 2.25 mm
Casted On: October 16, 2010
Casted Off: November 28, 2010
Modifications: none

This pattern was fun and I never found myself bored. I absolutely love leaf pattern motifs!

This pair of socks will be for mom for Christmas. I know she’ll love them. Not only will she appreciate that they’re very warm but, they’re green of course

I’ll be showing off some more finished objects for the holidays. I seem to be popping them out quickly. Let’s hope I can keep this momentum up!