Knitting Project ADD

Yes, I have self diagnosed myself with Knitting Project ADD. Lately, I knit through projects like I flip through TV channels, not really focusing on one for too long.

Before I share my many WIPS, I must proudly share the two projects that I actually finished!


Pattern: I Heart Toe-Up Socks by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Tiziano Red
Needles: size 1
Started: January 20,2010
Finished: January 30, 2010
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel : slip stitch
Cast off : Sewn bind off




Pattern: Susie's Reading Mitts by Janelle Masters
Yarn: Alpaca Silk by Blue Sky Alpcacas in Colorway 141 (or Pea Pod)
Needles: size 5
Started: February 10, 2010
Finished: February 11, 2010

This was such a quick and fun knit. I plan on making a few more! Not only is Blue Sky Alpaca Silk soft to knit with, it creates a silky and sturdy accessory.

Now on to the projects I have been juggling:



Pattern: Hearts and Flowers by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: A Swell Yarn Shop De Kay Duet Sock Yarn
Colorway: Daffodil
Needle: size 1
Toe: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel (to be used): Slip Stitch
Cast off (to be used): Sewn bind off
Started: February 1, 2010

I am praying that I have enough to complete the second sock. I am already knitting on the leg and it looks a bit iffy.



Pattern: Citron by Hilary Smith Callis
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace in Cosecha
Needles: size 6
Started: January 30, 2010

Citron is like eating potato chips: it is impossible to have just one!

I signed up for Ravelympics 2010 for teams UFOInvaders and Headhuggers. Sigh. I think I bit off a bit more than I can CHEW this month. We will see how much I can actually knit up.

I'm off to attempt to finish my Hearts and Flowers socks tonight.

Happy Valentine's Day to those who celebrate!

Finished Rivulets

And they are done!






A closeup because I had to share the beautiful lace detail:



Pattern: Rivulets by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Stalwart Sock by Slackford Studio LLC
Colorway: Limon
Needles: Size 1
Started: January 1, 2010
Finished: January 20, 2010
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel : Slip Stitch
Cast off : Sewn bind off

This was so much fun to knit up and I was very pleased with the end result. The stripes (foot and leg) and the pooling (at the toes,gusset, and heel) were perfect! I will definitely have to purchase a few more skeins.

The latest WIP:



Pattern: I Heart Toe-Up Socks by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock in Tiziano Red
Needles: size 1
Started: January 20,2010
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel (to be used): slip stitch
Cast off (to be used): Sewn bind off


I adore knitting ANYTHING in Malabrigo. Not only is the end product beautiful but the actual process of knitting with this soft yarn is fabulous!

I have two finished shawlettes waiting to be blocked. I probably could block it without blocking wires but I'm convinced that it would be so much more beautiful with them. And, I am sort of lazy. So, I'm off to check the mail for the third time today...

First FO of the year!

I present my first FO of the year:



Pattern Citron by Hilary Smith Callis
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace in Lettuce
Needles: size 6
Started: December 16,2009
Finished: January 12, 2010

It is currently unblocked. I am waiting on some lace blocking wires to properly block it. This was a quick knit. If I had not been so distracted with socks, I could have had this knit up in a few days!

On the sock front: I'm still plugging away on my Rivulets. I'm hoping to have these finished by next week. (fingers crossed)

Happy New Year!

I have come to the realization that making unsound resolutions is frankly, just plain ridiculous. Why make a resolution that you KNOW will never happen? Why not call them wishes?

Anyway, I've decided this year to make reasonable resolutions. Reasonable resolutions that I KNOW I can accomplish easily. So, here goes..



This is half of my stash. As you can see, I have a bit of a problem. No,I do not plan on buying less yarn (that is just blasphemy). The plan is to get a bit more organized and photograph one to four skeins a day until my entire stash is up on ravelry.

My second resolution...



..is to knit a decent looking sweater for Cuqui. I am so over my precious rockstar looking like a preppy schoolboy. No, I did not pick out or BUY this hideous sweater. Unfortunately, she has had to use it for the past four days because it has been COLD (like 20 degrees cold) in Houston and her natural fur coat just isn't enough!

And lastly...



..I am going to knit as many socks as I want!

Pattern: Rivulets by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Stalwart Sock by Slackford Studio LLC
Colorway: Limon
Needles: Size 1
Started: January 1, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel (to be used): Slip Stitch
Cast off(to be used) : Sewn bind off
Bag: Small wedge bag by Piddleloop

Yes, I know I already knit socks like mad but I'm trying to keep my momentum going!

Last FO of 2009

Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Seacoast Handpainted Superwash Sock
Colorway: Royal
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 24, 2009
Finished: December 30, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel : Gusset
Cast off : Sewn bind off

I end this year with a pair of socks and will begin 2010 with another. Happy New Year!

Socks!

I finished another pair of socks:



Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Tempted Good Grrl Superwash Merino
Colorway: Thigh Highs
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 17, 2009
Finished: December 24, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel : Gusset
Cast off : Sewn bind off


There are still a few days left in December. So, I decided to cast on yet another pair of socks. I am hoping to have them done by the 31st (fingers crossed).



Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Seacoast Handpainted Superwash Sock
Colorway: Royal
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 24, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel (to be used) : Gusset
Cast off (to be used): Sewn bind off

This yarn had some serious pooling action at 64 stitches. Since I am not the biggest fan of pooling, I cast on 72 stitches for the size large. So far the fit seems okay. I almost always stick with the 64 stitches for a medium sock and the fit is perfect.

I'm now off to stash dive and decide what yarn to use for next month's Socks from the Toe Up KAL.

Bah Humbug

Since I began knitting 6 years ago, I have discovered that
holiday knitting + me = psycho.

Therefore I just don't do it. Why delude myself with grandeur plans of knitting scarves, hats, mittens, etc? When the reality is:

1). I do NOT do well with time contraints (one and only exception, Socks from the Toe up KAL).

2). I prefer to celebrate the holiday season stress-free. Therefore, I choose NOT to exchange gifts at this time of year. I do not decorate my place. I do not spend money I don't have. The more stress I can eliminate, the better for EVERYONE around me.

This would be extent of my holiday knitting (which it really isn't since it should have been completed for my boss in August but those time constraints..):





Pattern: Fascinate from Berocco.com
Yarn: Jade Sapphire Silk/Cashmere 2-ply in Silver Fox
Needles: size 7
Started: May 29, 2009
Finished: December 16,2009
Recipient: wife of one of my bosses

I thoroughly enjoyed knitting with the Jade Sapphire Silk/Cashmere. Yes, it was buttery goodness in my hands. Perhaps, it took me so long because subconciously, I secretly wanted to keep it for myself!

This week, the winter Knitty came out. I have been returning to the project page at least once a day to eye the lovelies. I can literally see myself knitting at least SIX of the projects!

Since, I could not wait until one of my WIPs was completed, I cast on the Citron by Hilary Smith Callis.



Pattern Citron by Hilary Smith Callis
Yarn: Malabrigo Lace in Lettuce
Needles: size 6
Started: December 16,2009

The pattern is a breeze. This shawlette is perfect for Houston weather! Oh, and it is the BEST justification (in my mind anyway) to purchase more Malabrigo!

My second finished item this week is, yes, another pair of toe-up socks with a gusset heel:




Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Yarn
Colorway: Lumberjack
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 1, 2009
Completed: December 17,2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel : Gusset
Cast off : Sewn bind off

I must always have a plain vanilla sock on the needles. It's like my security blanket. I cast on this pretty yesterday:



Pattern: Toe-Up Socks with Gusset Heel by Wendy Johnson
Yarn: Tempted Good Grrl Superwash Merino
Colorway: Thigh Highs
Needles: Size 1
Started: December 17, 2009
Cast on: Judy's Magic Cast On
Heel(to be used) : Gusset
Cast off (to be used): Sewn bind off