tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64232385442197645812024-03-04T23:19:54.854-05:00Saturday Knit LiveThis blog will be a place for me to post pictures and discussion of my latest knitting and crochet projects. I will plan on updating every Saturday, at least.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-68947702765101909292009-09-12T09:31:00.000-04:002009-09-12T09:43:13.162-04:00actually posting on a Saturday!I finished my Carefree Blog mystery socks last night:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3911642101/" title="09.12.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/3911642101_22566de7ff.jpg" alt="09.12.09 001" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I'm so happy with how they turned out and can't wait to wear them! <a href="http://bellybuttonknits.blogspot.com/">Adrienne</a> designed a wonderful sock and a fun KAL. The yarn is Tropical Peach Panda Cotton.<br /><br />I also received a nice surprise in the mail yesterday. I won a prize from <a href="http://www.barbarabretton.com/">Barbara Bretton</a> on the <a href="http://www.romancingtheyarn.blogspot.com/">Romancing the Yarn blog</a>. Of course Shelby had to inspect it as I photographed it:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3911642333/" title="09.12.09 007 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/3911642333_c19741709f.jpg" alt="09.12.09 007" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3911642385/" title="09.12.09 009 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3911642385_4c232d34b5.jpg" alt="09.12.09 009" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I won a skein of KnitPicks Gloss Lace yarn in the colorway Kiss (hot pink!). It's 70% merino wool/30% silk. I have really been wanting to try a lace project so now is my chance!! She also included a nice tote bag. Thanks Barbara!!<br /><br />Here is my progress so far on clue 2 of the Nancy Bush mystery sock:<br /><br />The lace panel on the front:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3912424514/" title="09.12.09 005 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/3912424514_9caa746106_o.jpg" alt="09.12.09 005" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />and the ribbing on the back:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3911642305/" title="09.12.09 006 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3490/3911642305_3a3d28bed9.jpg" alt="09.12.09 006" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Just below the ribbing, I have started stockinette because the rest of the back of the leg is in stockinette. I have never knit a pattern in this style so it is very interesting! I'm also loving the Panda Silk yarn!! My goal is to finish clue 2 of both socks before clue 3 comes out on Tuesday.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-7119951510599361702009-09-07T18:05:00.000-04:002009-09-07T18:11:51.516-04:00Too busy knitting to blog!Both of my mystery sock KALs are going well!<br /><br />Clue 2 of the SKA yellow sock KAL comes out tomorrow. Here is clue 1:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3880145386/" title="09.01.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3880145386_d442910738.jpg" alt="09.01.09 001" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I have clue 1 knit for both socks. The cool feature of this cuff is a vikkel braid (you can see it at the top along the needle loop) which was very interesting to knit. A little tricky, but not too bad once you got the hang of it. The designer for this mystery sock is Nancy Bush!<br /><br />I finished one sock of the Carefree blog mystery sock KAL as the final clue was sent to us yesterday:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3897529134/" title="09.07.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/3897529134_17a27a9843.jpg" alt="09.07.09 001" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Here's a close-up of the pattern on top of the foot:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3897529262/" title="09.07.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/3897529262_e8bffbef86.jpg" alt="09.07.09 002" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Isn't it pretty??? The designer for this mystery sock was Adrienne Fong. <br /><br />I still need to finish clue 4 and 5 of the second sock, but the Yankees are playing again tonight so I should make progress on it!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-86909406480764383122009-08-30T12:10:00.000-04:002009-08-30T12:13:28.903-04:00Mystery sockHere's a photo of my latest mystery sock through clue 3:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3867567151/" title="08.29.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3867567151_bb6a739d8e.jpg" alt="08.29.09 001" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Such a pretty pattern and fun to knit! Really holds my interest so I don't get bored knitting it.<br /><br />Yarn is Tropical Peach Panda Cotton.<br /><br />My other mystery sock KAL starts on Tuesday (I'll be using the yellow Panda Silk).Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-49126028105626483862009-08-23T19:49:00.000-04:002009-08-23T19:56:06.486-04:00a quick update with more photosI finished another hat for KDO. The pattern is called Gingerbread hat:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3844981979/" title="08.20.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3534/3844981979_302008dd31.jpg" alt="08.20.09 001" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><br />I started the Mystery sock from the Carefree KAL blog. Here is my progress after completing clue 1:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3844982221/" title="08.22.09 003 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2652/3844982221_11123373a4.jpg" alt="08.22.09 003" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />That's Panda Cotton in Tropical Peach! I also learned a new cast on which I will probably using for all socks in the future. It's the <a href="http://www.knittingonthenet.com/learn/tgcaston.htm">German Twisted Cast on</a> and makes for a really neat edge.<br /><br />I just printed clue 2 and will start working on that tonight!<br /><br />While waiting for clue 2, I worked on my fair isle vest this weekend. I have now knit the 46 pattern rounds and will be starting again at round 1 until the piece measures 12 inches:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3849933550/" title="08.23.09 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/3849933550_13a0a37713.jpg" alt="08.23.09" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />And here is the Panda Silk in Buttercup Tones that I'll be using for the SKA mystery sock which starts September 1st:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3844982059/" title="08.20.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3426/3844982059_9d343898d6.jpg" alt="08.20.09 002" width="500" height="375" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-55706103618192252122009-08-19T18:00:00.000-04:002009-08-19T18:20:32.568-04:00Blog catch-upOh, I have neglected my blog for too long!! So sorry!<br /><br />I did finish the July SKA mystery socks:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3830944949/" title="08.17.09 017 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3830944949_3fd63d3d8e.jpg" alt="08.17.09 017" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Haven't had a chance to wear them yet, but I think they will fit me. They were fun and I look forward to doing more colorwork socks. <br /><br />I have made progress on the fair isle vest since the last photo I posted. I introduced the red yarn and am loving how these four colors look together:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3775857083/" title="07.31.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3557/3775857083_9bcf3c16f6.jpg" alt="07.31.09 002" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Choosing good color combinations is not usually one of my strong points, but I really like these colors! I guess I'm safe with red, white and blue, but I even like how the two shades of blue go together in this project. I haven't worked on this since I finished the mystery socks, but I'll get back to it at some point. <br /><br />I did start the Yankees socks:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3830945255/" title="08.17.09 023 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/3830945255_8a9a42f7d1_o.jpg" alt="08.17.09 023" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />I know, you can't tell anything yet, but those are going to be interlocking NY logos around the top of the sock. These are going to be a challenging knit for me! <br /><br />1. The needles are tiny - US 0 and something like 96 stitches around right now - ugh!<br /><br />2. The yarn is a cotton/wool blend (and some nylon or something) - it's Knit Picks Risata - so I'm not loving the feel of it, but I needed these colors and I think the yarn should work well for the colorwork. <br /><br />3. Sometimes to you have to carry the navy yarn for long distances and sometimes you have to carry the white yarn and I don't know how to "catch" the yarn except when I'm carrying it in my left hand. So, I have to keep switching which hand I'm holding each color yarn in (6 times!) as I work across the row. This is very tedious and is slowing me down. I need to research and see if there's a way to catch the yarn when you're carrying it in your right hand. I was taught in my fair isle class to always carry the yarn you have to catch in your left hand and that's the only way I know how to do it! (I'm talking about weaving it in across long lengths that are more than 5 or so stitches).<br /><br />Anyway, for all those reasons, I believe the Yankees socks will be a long-term project!<br /><br />Since these socks were proving to be too challenging at the moment, I decided to cast on another hat for KDO:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3830945165/" title="08.17.09 022 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3431/3830945165_3e1a93fe43.jpg" alt="08.17.09 022" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Ah, Knit Picks Comfy in Pomegranate, now that is some soft yarn!! So nice to work with. I believe this pattern is called "Gingerbread Hat". I found it on Ravelry. It has cables and is a pretty simple pattern to follow. I'm hoping to work on the hat some more tonight!<br /><br />The Carefree KAL mystery sock starts on Friday - I can't wait! I will be knitting these in either the peach or blue Panda Cotton that I purchased from The Loopy Ewe. I just can't decide which color to use, but I will decide on Friday!<br /><br />The next SKA mystery sock KAL starts on September 1st and I plan on participating in that as well! The technique is "knitting with yellow yarn" so I bought some pretty Panda Silk in the colorway "Buttercup Tones". This will be my first time knitting with Panda Silk so I am looking forward to that!<br /><br />I also bought some Blue Green Wick yarn so I can knit another quick pair of socks when I have the time. I really like the other Wick socks that I knit. <br /><br />And to end this lengthy post, here's a recent photo of Shelby:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3838265384/" title="08.17.09 003 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3429/3838265384_c603090ed7.jpg" alt="08.17.09 003" width="500" height="375" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-75552918293739740652009-07-26T19:29:00.000-04:002009-07-26T19:34:08.472-04:00Mystery sock update!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3759991308/" title="07.26.09 003 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3759991308_4a1acefae7.jpg" alt="07.26.09 003" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I ended up knitting the leg of the mystery sock yesterday and today. The colorwork section is complete and now I just need to knit the corrugated ribbing at the top of the leg. This will be the dark brown(almost black) Maizy and the cream-colored Panda Soy.<br /><br />I think I am going to be on a colorwork kick for awhile! It's so much fun to knit, but challenging as well.<br /><br />I found a free Yankees pin-striped sock pattern that I want to knit next!!!<br /><br />There will also be two mystery sock KALs in September (SKA group and Carefree KAL blog group) so I will be a busy knitter over the next few months!!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-33674854836036907642009-07-25T09:43:00.000-04:002009-07-25T09:50:50.347-04:00Finished hat... Started vest... Mystery socks on hold...The Flora hat is done!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3754168871/" title="07.25.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3754168871_88e8cf7b8b.jpg" alt="07.25.09 002" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I had to order some more yarn to finish the top of the hat, but it is now complete! I will most likely donate this to Caps for Kids at Knitters' Day Out this year. I'll probably knit a couple more hats too by the time KDO rolls around.<br /><br />I have the final clue for the mystery socks, but I started a new project while waiting for clue 4 and I have not touched the mystery socks since!<br /><br />I finally started the fair isle vest, that I have wanted to knit FOREVER from Fall 2007 issue of Knit Simple magazine.<br /><br />Here is my progress so far:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3754168827/" title="07.25.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/3754168827_f3bff437b1.jpg" alt="07.25.09 001" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />This is knit from the bottom up, in the round. I'm using Kraemer Yarns Tatamy Tweed which accounts for the little flecks of color in the yarn. There will also be some red yarn introduced in the pattern further up. I was struggling to like this at first, but now that I've started the fair isle part I am liking it more and more! I sure hope it fits me when it's done!!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-43854546871993045412009-07-18T11:05:00.000-04:002009-07-18T11:09:04.759-04:00a quick Saturday update!Here's my progress after clue 3 of the July SKA mystery sock:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3732396504/" title="07.18.09 006 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2564/3732396504_c23d2c882e_m.jpg" alt="07.18.09 006" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />I have also finished the fair isle section of the Flora hat and now just need to knit the top of the hat:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3731628701/" title="07.14.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2617/3731628701_a73d939205.jpg" alt="07.14.09 001" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />And... I finished the Seascape scarf last night!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3732396430/" title="07.18.09 005 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/3732396430_370d73e0a1.jpg" alt="07.18.09 005" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Whereas, Shelby spent some time sitting at the top of the stairs last night:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3732396316/" title="07.18.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2517/3732396316_2cb62ceacb.jpg" alt="07.18.09 002" width="500" height="375" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-28182392377685056802009-07-11T10:48:00.000-04:002009-07-11T11:01:37.702-04:00FO's and WIP'sI finished my WWKIP Day socks!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3709331041/" title="07.11.09 005 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3427/3709331041_166a89eaf2.jpg" alt="07.11.09 005" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I love that I can pretty much knit a pair of socks using Panda Cotton without even referring to a pattern. Although, I was using the Slipped Stitch Rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. It's an easy pattern to memorize!<br /><br />Clue 2 came out for the mystery sock, but I had started a new project while waiting for that and I'm more interesting in working on it than that mystery sock. I cast on my first hat for KDO - attendees donate knit hats for Caps for Kids. Last year, I had so much fun once I started knitting hats, that I knit about 6 hats! There's a photo of all the hats in <a href="http://saturdayknitlive.blogspot.com/2008/09/im-loopy-groupie.html">this blog post</a> from last year.<br /><br />The pattern I started with is called Flora:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3708536788/" title="07.10.09 008 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2636/3708536788_2be81e32de.jpg" alt="07.10.09 008" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Here's my progress as of yesterday:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3707725183/" title="07.10.09 012 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3707725183_841d26c9f1.jpg" alt="07.10.09 012" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I'm using Knit Picks Shine Worsted yarn in Sailor (blue) and Grass (green). I love watching the pattern emerge, although there are some lengthy carries between colors so I have to keep switching which hand I'm holding each yarn in! I only know how to catch the carried yarn when it's in my left hand. I'm not sure if there's a way to do it when it's in your right hand. I tried a couple times and it didn't seem to work. But, I am using what I learned in the fair isle class I took at KDO (Knitters' Day Out) last year, so that is good!<br /><br />I still need to finish the Seascape scarf; I'm waiting for a lengthy car ride where I am the passenger... I wish I would have had it with me when we were stuck in gridlock after watching fireworks last week!<br /><br />And, I did start clue 2 of the mystery sock last night, but only knit a few rounds so there's not much to show yet. I hope to work on that today and then post a progress photo.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-48726609637130896892009-07-03T16:25:00.000-04:002009-07-03T16:41:13.367-04:00July Mystery SockIt's now July, and that means a new mystery sock pattern in the SKA group on Ravelry!<br /><br />Clue 1 was posted on July 1st and it is a toe-up colorwork sock. The designer suggested using the Turkish cast on which I have not used before so I thought I would try it since the goal of the SKA group is to challenge yourself each month. Well, Wednesday night was very frustrating because I was having major trouble casting on! I tried the Turkish cast on and it came out very loose, so after knitting a couple rounds I ripped it out. I tried it again and did not end up with the right number of stitches on my needles. Then, I dug out my instructions for the figure 8 cast on that I used for the last two pairs of toe-up socks and for some reason I could not get the hang of that even though I found it simple the last time I used it!<br /><br />So, I took a break and then tried the Turkish cast on again. This time it worked, although I ended up with only 19 stitches instead of the 20 stitches I needed, but instead of ripping it out, I just increased a stitch on the first knit round and it seemed to work out just fine!<br /><br />My main yarn is Panda Soy in natural ecru. I got this with the gift certificate I won at last year's Knitters' Day Out. The first motif in the mystery socks is cherries, so I needed red and green yarn for the colorwork. I decided to use the poppy red Panda Soy that I had leftover from the May mystery socks, but I was having a difficult time deciding what to use for the green. I did not have any green Panda Soy on hand. I originally wanted to knit these socks in a red, white and blue theme but that didn't work out with the first clue being cherries. I debated about knitting the leaves in blue, but the "blue" Panda Soy I have is really more of a periwinkle purplish-blue so I didn't really think it would work. I looked into ordering green Panda Soy online, but the website I checked was out of stock of the green!<br /><br />Last night, I started knitting the colorwork section and got to the point where I needed the green yarn. I dug out all Crystal Palace Yarns sock yarn that I have and after considering several possibilites, including some multi-color Panda Superwash, I decided to go with the only green sock yarn in my stash, the single skein of cactus Maizy. I'm a little nervous about this because I tend to knit Maizy on smaller needles than Panda Soy or Panda Cotton, but I decided to just give it a try. So far, it seems to have worked ok.<br /><br />Here is my mystery sock after completing clue 1:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3685455246/" title="07.03.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2495/3685455246_4123ea90aa.jpg" alt="07.03.09 002" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />It would probably look a little better with a darker green, but I think I will probably just stick with the Maizy. This pattern will also involve a fourth color which is supposed to be a dark brown, so the bittersweet Maizy I have should fit the bill. <br /><br />If nothing else, this mystery sock pattern will be a fun learning experience! <br /><br />And, it has finally giving me something to blog about!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-53738875179901810022009-06-28T15:40:00.001-04:002009-06-28T15:42:28.263-04:00Progress...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3669336714/" title="06.28.09 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3669336714_ab23421920_m.jpg" alt="06.28.09" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />Here's a progress photo of my latest projects. I'm hoping to finish these both by next weekend so that I can focus on the July mystery sock KAL. Clue 1 should be posted on Wednesday!!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-63414086028444801362009-06-21T14:11:00.000-04:002009-06-21T14:17:31.377-04:00First WWKIP Day sock is done!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3647853978/" title="06.21.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3647853978_4056cf200b.jpg" alt="06.21.09 001" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />One sock down, one to go!<br /><br />Also, <a href="http://zarzuelaknitsandcrochets.com/blog/?p=532">Summer of Socks 2009</a> begins today - the theme this year is Low Stress!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3647071335/" title="sos_button by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2479/3647071335_ded3286f1f_o.jpg" alt="sos_button" width="100" height="60" /></a><br /><br />I am going along with this theme and not making any grand plans for SOS09, but I'm sure I will knit at least a few pairs of socks this summer to play along!<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/sock-knitters-anonymous">SKA Group</a> on Ravelry is having a fair isle mystery sock challenge in July, and I hope to use my Panda Soy to knit a pair of fair isle socks!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-77413267210534212422009-06-15T16:58:00.000-04:002009-06-15T17:13:47.307-04:00WWKIP Day, car knitting and puppy MadisonOn Saturday, June 13th, I participated in the SKA group's photo scavenger hunt for WWKIP Day (on Ravelry). There was a list of different point values for photographing your sock-in-progress with various items (an animal, a non-knitter, someone on a bicycle, from 100+ feet up, etc.). I earned 26 points and had a lot of fun. Others earned more points than me, but I have some entries for "funniest pic" and "most unique pic" and there is also a random prize drawing for everyone who entered. Most importantly was that it made for a fun day, so the prizes are really secondary. Here's one of the photos I took from 100+ feet up:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3629939372/" title="06.13.09 029 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3382/3629939372_83b8c96216_m.jpg" alt="06.13.09 029" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />The sock is Panda Cotton in the colorway "Roses" which is gorgeous and I am knitting the slipped stitch rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks.<br /><br />We were in Erie, PA for the weekend and this is one of the first times I was able to knit in the car on the trip. I can't read in a car; it gives me a headache and I haven't had much luck with trying to knit, but I started an easy scarf pattern that I was able to remember without looking at the pattern. It's the <a href="http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/scarves/pandaCotton-dropst-scarf.html">Panda Cotton Drop Stitch Scarf</a>, a free pattern on Crystal Palace Yarn's website. I love how it's turning out! I'm using Panda Cotton in the Seascape colorway and I just LOVE the colors:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3629233161/" title="06.13.09 003 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3629233161_cd45ab1275.jpg" alt="06.13.09 003" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><br />The scarf is much longer now because I knit it on the way home today too!<br /><br />I also got to meet my in-law's new puppy, Madison, and she is absolutely adorable! She is a miniature American Eskimo and well-loved:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3630047508/" title="06.13.09 011 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3304/3630047508_6c66417522.jpg" alt="06.13.09 011" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3630047568/" title="06.13.09 078 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3630047568_3ed9cdecbf.jpg" alt="06.13.09 078" width="500" height="375" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-14872114629531656362009-06-11T18:01:00.000-04:002009-06-11T18:07:19.335-04:00Tofutsies and WWKIP DayTofutsies socks are finally done!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3611640275/" title="06.09.09 003 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/3611640275_b3446c5660.jpg" alt="06.09.09 003" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Close-up:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3612454722/" title="06.09.09 004 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3628/3612454722_6371dc6dc5.jpg" alt="06.09.09 004" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I started these in September 2008 and finished them in June 2009! I'm looking forward to wearing them, because I think they will fit well. <br /><br />My Cookie A Sock Innovation book finally arrived! I took it to Office Max to have it spiral bound so it will lay flat. Check out the picture on the first page:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3611640219/" title="06.09.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3611640219_c5b29cb270_m.jpg" alt="06.09.09 001" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />Looks like a sleeping Eskie to me!! How cute!<br /><br />Shelby says, "Hey, I am cute too!"<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3612454574/" title="06.09.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3640/3612454574_5c97bb84e1.jpg" alt="06.09.09 002" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Yes, yes you are...<br /><br />Saturday is <a href="http://www.wwkipday.com/">WWKIP Day</a> so get out there and knit! I plan on participating in the Photo Scavenger Hunt that the SKA Group on Ravelry is hosting (Sock Knitters Anonymous). Should be a lot of fun. I will be casting on a new pair of socks in Panda Cotton!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-84277250327636755182009-06-07T10:22:00.000-04:002009-06-07T10:30:13.023-04:00May Mystery Socks are done!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3603769008/" title="06.07.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3603769008_5a406df9bd.jpg" alt="06.07.09 002" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />This was the May mystery sock KAL in the SKA group on Ravelry. The name of the pattern is "kiila" which means gusset. As you can see, the pattern design is primarily in the gusset (the area where the sock widens between your toes and heel - for any non-sock-knitters out there).<br /><br />I wish my cables would have turned out better. I think I should have used the increases the pattern called for (make one) rather than knitting through the front and back loop. I really need to practice this increase and find a way to do this without having holes. But, I think these will be comfy socks. They are my first pair of Panda Soy socks for myself! And my first pair of red hand-knit socks so I will be excited to wear them.<br /><br />Now, I just need to finish my Tofutsies socks:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3571662302/" title="05.25.09 005 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3571662302_f756535101.jpg" alt="05.25.09 005" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I want to finish these this week, so I can cast on a fun, new pair of socks during WWKIP day on Saturday, June 13th!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-76989630207210900032009-06-06T16:30:00.000-04:002009-06-06T16:35:08.600-04:00More bags!I decided to make some more project bags using the <a href="http://yarnmonster.blogspot.com/2007/01/drawstring-bag-tutorial.html">drawstring bag tutorial</a> from yarnmonster's blog. I cut fabric to make 6 bags:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3601696600/" title="06.06.09 006 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3601696600_639e818887.jpg" alt="06.06.09 006" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I have completed sewing four of the bags - just need to add the drawstrings:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3601696662/" title="06.06.09 007 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2467/3601696662_8fc7b79b0d_o.jpg" alt="06.06.09 007" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />Shelby says - "Knitting, sewing... you're always up to something!"<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3600883185/" title="06.06.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3600883185_0b14b25b1f_o.jpg" alt="06.06.09 001" width="640" height="480" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-20404220477594766692009-05-30T17:35:00.002-04:002009-05-30T17:46:07.407-04:00The Loopy EweI placed an order from <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a> this week and it arrived on Friday:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3577259234/" title="05.29.09 016 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3577259234_95f016ea9a_m.jpg" alt="05.29.09 016" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />I got two new solid colors of Panda Cotton: Tropical Peach and Deep Water (blue). Both are very pretty and now I have some solid colors on hand in case a new mystery sock project pops up!<br /><br />I also ordered another bar of my favorite soap: <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/fun-accessories/the-blue-ridge-soap-shed/brs-jasmine-knitters-hand-soap/">Jasmine Knitter's Hand Soap</a> from the Blue Ridge Soap Shed. I have tried both the Jasmine and Green Tea scents and they were both nice. The bars last a really long time - I think the first bar lasted me almost 9 months usually using it several times a day. This bar seems to be going a little faster, but that's probably because I use it more frequently! <br /><br />I also ordered the exclusive <a href="http://www.theloopyewe.com/browse/fun-accessories/karatstix/loopy-rules/">Loopy Rules set</a> from Karatstix! I've admired Karatstix's products for awhile and when I saw she designed a set for the Loopy Ewe I knew I had to get it! It's a little 2-inch ruler and a sock shaped needle sizer. Cute!<br /><br />My favorite online yarn shop made my day once again! Thanks Loopy Ewe! :-)Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-52223924230437082009-05-27T18:26:00.000-04:002009-05-27T18:29:01.159-04:00mystery sock; Tofutsies sockOne mystery sock is complete:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3571662202/" title="05.25.09 004 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3571662202_0e71d8e823_m.jpg" alt="05.25.09 004" width="240" height="180" /></a><br />I still need to knit the leg of the other one.<br /><br />I have also been working on the second Tofutsies sock, so maybe I will finally complete that pair:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3571662302/" title="05.25.09 005 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3571662302_f756535101_m.jpg" alt="05.25.09 005" width="240" height="180" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-68016859654828909162009-05-16T15:01:00.000-04:002009-05-16T15:03:38.591-04:00FO'sFinished Objects!<br /><br />Noro scarf is done:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3536024831/" title="05.16.09 003 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3536024831_2caeec5dd9.jpg" alt="05.16.09 003" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Circle Cloth is done:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3536840094/" title="05.16.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3536840094_ba1e532003.jpg" alt="05.16.09 001" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Clue 3 of the mystery socks is also done on both socks, but it was just turning the heel, so I didn't take updated photos yet. Have to wait until Friday for the final clue (leg and cuff) so I need to cast on a new project! Decisions... decisions...<br /><br />Or I could... work on the Tofutsies socks...Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-43118309946402365102009-05-13T17:49:00.000-04:002009-05-13T17:52:37.411-04:00Ahah!I finally found the <a href="http://lornaslaces.blogspot.com/2009/01/cats-ahah.html">blog post</a> about Cat Bordhi's "learning yarn" that I was describing yesterday!<br /><br />I think this is such a great idea; now I just need to find out when it will be available and who is selling it. Until then, I'll just have to find some yarn in my stash to use as learning yarn...Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-26741699985882579802009-05-12T20:54:00.000-04:002009-05-12T21:06:35.262-04:00knitting progressI am still making progress on the Noro scarf. I love the gradual color changes. Here's a photo of the end of the scarf as it's rolled up while I'm knitting it:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3526111837/" title="05.12.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3117/3526111837_fff8eea805.jpg" alt="05.12.09 001" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />And here it is zig-zagged out:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3526111905/" title="05.12.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3561/3526111905_596ca30e92.jpg" alt="05.12.09 002" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I have finished clue 2 on both socks for the May mystery sock pattern. It is a fun knit. I wish the cables showed up better, but maybe once the socks are complete, they will stand out more:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3526921422/" title="05.12.09 007 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3526921422_a0a9a4d1f6.jpg" alt="05.12.09 007" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3526921364/" title="05.12.09 006 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3526921364_f26f7f2f2d.jpg" alt="05.12.09 006" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />Since I have to wait until Friday for clue #3, I am continuing to work on both the Noro scarf and Circle dishcloth:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3526111987/" title="05.12.09 004 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3631/3526111987_c2c9e71b34.jpg" alt="05.12.09 004" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />I'm about 3/5 done with the dishcloth. I have two more pattern repeats to go. This pattern is really cool. I'm only having trouble with carrying the yarns up the side where I'm changing them. You can't see that in my picture - ha ha.<br /><br />I've been thinking that I need to get some practice yarn to start learning the techniques that I am not familiar with. I need to learn to knit Make One increases without holes, because I usually just decide to knit through the front and back loop, but this is not always ideal. I also need to learn how to better carry yarn up the sides of my work, because I'm having issues with how this looks in both the Noro scarf and the Circle Cloth. I'm sure I read somewhere that Cat Bordhi developed a yarn that was supposed to be the ideal practice yarn, but I tried searching online for this today and couldn't find anything about it! If anyone knows if this is available or when it will be available, please leave me a comment! I think it's a fantastic idea! From what I recall, it changed colors so you could see your different stitches and also stood up well to repeated frogging and was a yarn base that had excellent stitch definition. I want some!<br /><br />I will leave you with a new Shelby photo:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3526112141/" title="05.12.09 008 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3526112141_4b7ac92734_o.jpg" alt="05.12.09 008" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />He can't understand why I am this interested in yarn. :-)Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-73319864083231655782009-05-05T18:12:00.000-04:002009-05-05T18:28:44.877-04:00Wee Tiny Sock Received and other knitting updates<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3487305872/" title="04.29.09 009 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3487305872_4f93a7c4f1_m.jpg" alt="04.29.09 009" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />I received an adorable blue (my favorite color!) wee sock from my wee swap partner, <a href="http://twinsunplus1.wordpress.com/">Lisa</a>. Thanks Lisa!! I did receive it last week, I'm just late in blogging about it. :-)<br /><br />The Sampler Socks are complete:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3487305626/" title="04.29.09 004 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3487305626_d3337683bc_m.jpg" alt="04.29.09 004" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3487305670/" title="04.29.09 005 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3487305670_52a8e362e4_m.jpg" alt="04.29.09 005" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />I sure hope they fit my friend!!<br /><br />I cast on a <a href="http://hakucho.blogspot.com/2008/09/circle-cloth-pattern.html">Circle Dishcloth</a> which is a really interesting pattern:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3486491107/" title="04.29.09 010 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3352/3486491107_158f44540a_m.jpg" alt="04.29.09 010" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />I also knit this <a href="http://www.knittingknonsense.com/beestitchcloth.html">Bee Stitch</a> dishcloth, which is such a fun, easy pattern:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3486490941/" title="04.29.09 007 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3486490941_42aaea195d.jpg" alt="04.29.09 007" width="375" height="500" /></a><br /><br />Oh, and this is the wee sock I knit for my swap partner, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.alabamafiberdreams.com">Jessica</a>, using Maizy yarn:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3486490747/" title="04.29.09 003 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3486490747_8bd1326883_m.jpg" alt="04.29.09 003" width="180" height="240" /></a><br /><br />I'm also really enjoying the mystery sock KAL of the "kiila" pattern by Yarnissima. I finished clue 1 for the first sock and am about halfway through the 2nd sock. The next clue will be posted on Friday. So far, the pattern has a little twisted cable pattern up either side of the foot - cute!:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3505861148/" title="05.05.09 001 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3505861148_18585d4331_m.jpg" alt="05.05.09 001" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3505049975/" title="05.05.09 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3505049975_d47cfb9c56_m.jpg" alt="05.05.09 002" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />I am trying to cable without a cable needle with this pattern, but last night I dropped a stitch and it was almost a disaster. I still think my cable might look a little funny at that spot, but I managed to get the stitches back on the needles with the right number of stitches and move on. Those little two stitch twists are tricky sometimes!! Reminds me of the <a href="http://saturdayknitlive.blogspot.com/2008/07/determination.html">Brigit socks</a>...Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-35832147389046446662009-05-01T22:19:00.000-04:002009-05-01T22:24:15.184-04:00Mystery Sock cast on!I cast on for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kiila">May mystery sock pattern</a> by Yarnissima. For more info on Sockdown in the SKA group on Ravelry, click <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/sock-knitters-anonymous/pages/Sockdown-Ravelry-2008---2009">here</a>.<br /><br />Here's my cast on toe:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/3493101444/" title="05.01.09 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3493101444_da7aedc5de_m.jpg" alt="05.01.09" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />I'm using Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Soy in Poppy Red. I think I won this yarn from participating in the Olympic Sox KAL last summer.Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-27308283040357593222009-04-30T21:04:00.000-04:002009-04-30T21:07:02.895-04:00Lots of photos to post, but too lazy to post them now.I have a cold. :-( As soon as I'm feeling better, I'll post a blog update to share all my latest projects!<br /><br />The sampler socks are done! I participated in the wee tiny sock swap and sent and received wee socks which I have photos to share. I knit a dishcloth and cast on another. The Noro scarf is still progressing. <br /><br />And tomorrow, a new mystery sock project begins on Ravelry. I hope I get over this cold quickly!!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6423238544219764581.post-78841226900510792732009-04-18T18:38:00.000-04:002009-04-18T18:42:34.024-04:00Wee Tiny Sock Swap!I just signed up for the Wee Tiny Sock Swap over on <a href="http://yarnmiracle.com/">Yarn Miracle</a>'s blog!!<br /><br />I participated in this swap last year and it was a lot of fun. It will be busy weekend for me, since I will have company visiting, but surely I can fit in time to knit a wee tiny sock!!<br /><br />Here's the sock I knit for my swap partner last year:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/15531939@N03/2374260753/" title="3.29.08 002 by EtownKnitter, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2102/2374260753_c7178e0b10.jpg" alt="3.29.08 002" width="500" height="375" /></a>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09712241156409551960noreply@blogger.com1