Knitter in Progress

Treat Yourself :)

I have convinced myself that the purchase of yarn, patterns, needles, and tote bags are required items for every knitter to have--I mean you can't knit without those things(okay maybe you can without a cool tote bag, but there's storage to think about lol!) But there are plenty of things out there you could "treat" yourself to. I have a three such things today: 1. ladybug stitch holders--they are soooo cute; I couldn't resist them when I found them on a trip to A Knitted Peace along with some great Interlacements yarn. 2. then there is Knitter's Balm by Healing Yew which I actually found out about while in Colorado and shortly after via the Denver Knits group. This stuff is great--my right thumb and forefinger get really dry and this just wipes it away--plus it's the perfect size--it fits neatly anywhere. 3. finally, there are the "sweater in progress" stitch markers. They were from Seahorse Designs . I LOVE these markers--they are almost too ...

In the late summer of 2003 I had been struggling along with crochet. I had made two baby blankets that looked great and I had made numerous other things that did not. I taught myself the craft so I'm sure there are some major things I don't quite grasp--hence the need to basically make things that are square. I wanted a change--I wanted to knit, but there was no way I could teach myself. That's when I went to The Needlepoint Joint in Ogden, Utah to inquire about taking a beginning knitting class. Little did I know that taking that class in October 2003 would change my life(not in the Oprah or Dr. Phil "change my life" way, but change it for the better none the less). After that class I bought enough yarn to make a baby blanket and when that was finished, I decided to try my hand at a sweater from the Stitch and Bitch book. I went back to the shop to order my Lamb's Pride bulky for the sweater and as I was checking out I happened to mention that I would p...

Last night it took me longer than usual to get the children to bed--it seemed like everything was running about an hour behind--but finally at about 10:30pm(too late for little ones to be up, I know) they went to bed. I decided that this would be a good time to get some work done on the second baby blanket in the baby blanket-a-thon. I got out my knitting bag and all the necessary equipment, put one of the "Bonus Materials" DVDs from my extended version of The Two Towers, and got to work. I'd been knitting along happily for about a half an hour when I looked at my ball of yarn---it's from here that things go down hill. You see a couple of weeks ago I borrowed a ball winder and swift from one of my dear knitting buddies and I had a great time with it, so much so that I got a ball winder for myself(I'm hoping the swift will be a Christmas or Birthday gift--hint, hint). Well, if it can be wound in a ball, then of course I have wound it--as a matter of fact, if you si...

On the Needles

Merino the Lamb would like to present: "What's on the needles". There are 4 projects there(from left to right): a hooded t-shirt, a scarf for DD, a sock for my sister, and baby blanket #2 (from my personal baby blanket-a-thon/1.6 down-1.4 to go!). I think that I would classify myself as an ADD knitter because I have to have more than one thing going at a time: something challenging(the two color scarf), something for myself(the t-shirt), something mindless/comforting(the sock), and, lately, something with a deadline(the blanket). I would like to direct your attention to the hat on Merino the Lamb's head--it is a gift for my nephew(due in about 2 weeks). I started the hat last night at 9pm, finished knitting it at 1am, and seamed it this morning--it is the fastest I've ever done anything. If I had known that baby hats were so easy, I would have done that for everyone instead of the baby blanket marathon I've gotten into!! Have a great day and happy kni...

As promised here is the picture of some of my recent book aquisitions. It doesn't really look like a lot, but I didn't post the pictures of the yarn, single patterns, and magazines I've gotten recently. It's kind of like the ostrich syndrome--if you don't see it; it's not there :) A couple of reads: At Knit's End and Knitting: A Novel , I'm hoping they are good--it's a good start to my spring/summer reading list(which will later include the next Harry Potter and the second book by the young man who wrote Eragon ). The mitten book looks great; I can't wait to try one! I bought the afghan book in hopes of having some quick projects for gifts, but even though they use big needles they also use a lot of yarn--so we'll see how much use that gets. This weekend I've devoted to sock knitting then on Monday it's back to the baby blankets. Have a great weekend! Aloha:)

retail therapy

I have spent the last week looking at blogs--knitting blogs specifically. I would say that I have not even put a dent the the knitting blog ring, but--WOW--what an ecclectic group all you bloggers are. Just in the 100 or so I have read; I've learned a lot about who's out there and who I seem to have things in common with. If I can ever figure out how to list links in my sidebar, I'll list some of my favorites. As for my knitting, the baby-blanket-a-thon is going well(1.5 done/1.5 to go). Unfortunately, I thought I was further along on the second blanket than I actually am. I have to add 2 more pattern repeats than I thought. I have a pair of socks on needles and my 6th six sox sock on deck--who'd have thought it would be so hard to come up with what to put on the cuff of that sock :) My short sleeve hoodie is also coming along--I like working with cotton; I just dread the double duty of weaving in the ends! Once my last package arrives, I'll post pictures of ...

Today was a BEAUTIFUL day!!! The weather was the warmest it has been all year, two of my knitting buddies came over with kiddos for a playdate, I got to borrow and play with a ball winder and swift(I'm easily amused), and I started a new project. Dale is still on the calendar but it's been cast aside for time being as I have started a short sleeved, hooded pullover for spring. Pictures to follow. Happy knitting!

sweater-to-be

As promised April will be the month I attempt to start Albertville(Dale of Norway Olympic Sweater Pattern). Here's a shot of the sweater to be :) It's hard to believe that all of that will turn into a sweater! I'm still in the middle of the baby blanket marathon(1.4 down/1.6 to go). I also have the start the sixth sock in the Six Sox Knitalong. BUT I'm still going to start the sweater this month. It's a beautiful day here, but our family won't be enjoying it as everyone is sick :( Hopefully, the nice weather will continue. Have a happy knitting weekend. Aloha :)