Knitter in Progress

I am halfway through my third round of P90X. This is more of a hybrid version where I have been mixing up the cardio days with different programs--mostly Turbo Jam and Cathe . I have also been mixing up the ab workouts. I do not really like Ab Ripper--in fact, I call it hip flexor ripper because that's the only place I feel that workout. I have been subbing in Turbo Jam Abs, Insanity Abs, and Cathe's Ab Circuit and Core Max to get a more varied abdominal routine. In addition to those modifications I have been been adding an extra cardio workout after every workout every other week--did you follow that? Basically, I add an additional cardio daily on alternate weeks. I am looking into getting Turbo Fire from Beachbody . I really enjoy Turbo Jam--love the music. Turbo Fire is a big step up from Turbo Jam from what I've read. It incorporates HIIT training (high intensity interval training) as does Insanity but I think I like Chalene's music style more(she's the instruct...

I finally finished my Penguins socks. I started them when they won the Cup(2009) and finished one very quickly and then the dreaded second sock syndrome hit and I worked on the second one sporadically. I thought I could finish them while watching games last season but what I have learned is that I cannot knit a lot during a Pens game--I get too into the game. But they are done now, ready for pre-season which starts at the end of September! I also started another pair of socks for my Grandmother. I'm trying to do them using the magic loop method. I'm not sure my gauge is the same this way but I am getting the hang of it. In other news, I started a third round of P90X when my kiddos started school in August and I have finished the first month, starting the second this week. I just love P90X even though it is sometimes a pain to make the time to workout everyday--the results are more than worth it. Speaking of which, I need to go workout now.

Skew 6Aug2010 Originally uploaded by KnitterinProgress I finished these a few days ago. I shortened the foot a little on the second sock and I like the fit much better. I think that this pattern is more about form than function; they will be nice socks this winter when I want something warm on my feet while I am padding around the house or ---God forbid---shoveling.

I have started, and restarted, and restarted, and restarted this pair of socks too many times to count. I have finally finished the first one. I branched out and learned magic loop for this one and I learned a new toe up Cast-On. I followed the pattern exactly and they are just a little bit too long in the foot BUT I am not ripping it out. This yarn is sticky and knots easily. The pattern was fun as it is a departure from traditional sock structure. On to number 2! Stats: Needle: 1.5 40" circular Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Sock Pattern: Skew from Knitty

I made these for my friend's birthday. I loved the pattern and the yarn. Pattern: Show-Off Stranded Socks(Ravelry) Needles: 1.5 dpns Yarn: Socks that Rock Lightweight, Hard Rock This pattern uses up a bunch of yarn but I love the construction. I think that the basic construction of this sock would be perfect for a beginning sock knitter. The heel is made with increases and decreases instead of picking up stitches--which, from what I've noticed, seems to be the arch nemesis of new sock knitters.

The kiddos finished school and we are on to summer vacation stuff. In addition to our usual summer stuff, I decided to have Diva and Rage make a list of 5 goals for the summer. Diva came up with her list without too many problems. Rage, on the other hand, has 5 "goals" that all revolve around watching TV and playing video games--consequently his list is still a work in progress--my definition of "goal" is more along the lines of trying something beyond your normal. In the interest of being fair, I also made a list of 5 things I would like to get done this summer. Now I just have to get my husband on board--maybe that should be my sixth goal ;)

I am working on a gift for someone--can't say who but I can say it will involve more of these: It's the Ballband pattern from Mason Dixon Knitting. It is such a fun pattern to work on.