Wolfen Cam Monday

I'm ready for my close-up.

The Agony of Defeat/Silver Worthy Finish?

Well, I came a tad bit short of finishing the shrug. Let’s face it, I’m just not a monogamous knitter. But I did give it a go. I still have to put on the 6 inches of ribbing around the opening. I’m a little hesitant because I’m not the greatest at picking up stitches. This pattern was definitely a challenge for me. My first time with lace AND the magic loop. And it was tricky for me to knit lace in the round. Since I used LB cotton ease, it’s not as poufy as the mohair. I still like the way it looks though. I went up to a size 10 needle for the ribbing and still used an 11 needle for the lace but had to do a couple additional pattern repeats across the back. I also used a different lace pattern because I couldn’t get the hang of doing yarnovers before a purl stitch. Since I was already having issues with numerous other things, I looked through my handy Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches and decided on the feather lace pattern instead. Oh yeah, and in anticipation of running out of yarn before I finish the ribbing, I swapped with someone on Knitty for another skein of cotton ease which was put in the mail on Friday. And that was the main reason that I decided to start the Somewhat Cowl, because I didn’t think I would be able to finish the shrug this weekend anyway. Well, it was fun…I’m glad I participated. And remember girls and boys, it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game.



EDIT: Here's my medal:

First Sleeve Complete!

Yesterday I went to The Point to catch the tail end of their sale. I got several balls of an Adrienne Vittadini cotton blend to make a sweater for a friend that’s expecting a girl in June. I ran into Katy there who is truly my coach for the Knitted Olympics. I wouldn’t have been able to knit the shrug without her help. She cast on for me, cause I cast on too tightly no matter how loose I try to do it, and she helped me out when it was time to go from the round to knitting flat. Where would I be without her? Here is the 1st sleeve of the shrug:

Wolfen Cam Monday

Found the last patch of sunlight

Knitted Gift Exchange

Kara hosted a knitted gift exchange this past weekend. It was her birthday but not only did she host the party (AND her husband catered it with lots of yummy food) but she asked that people bring a gift to exchange in leiu of bringing gifts for her, so we all walked away gifted. How great is that!! Thanks Kara for such a fun evening!

I picked these awesome stitch markers that Katy made. I can't wait to use them.

Nicole picked the Panta that I made.

Kenyatta, my non-knitting friend that was visiting for the weekend, picked a Rowan hat that Nicole made.

Jess and I wore our hourglass sweaters.

Fun was had by all!

Olympic Update

Michelle Kwan pulled out, Bode Miller DQ’d, and the shrug keeps chugging along. Here is a new sleeve, ready to start the lace. This time I’m working with LB Cottonease, and it’s definitely easier to deal with than the Knitpicks mohair…it may be Suri but Dream it ain’t!

Wolfen Cam Monday

Winter wonderland

What happened?

A bunch of us got together to watch the opening ceremonies and cast on for our projects. I had a little trouble being that I haven't used the magic loop technique before and my cast on was incredibly tight. So I finally got started in the ribbing of the sleeve and when I went to do the increases to start the lace portion, I had some trouble so I had to tink back. And guess what?...Could you tell from the picture where the ball of yarn seems to be absent?? The yarn broke!!!! AARRGGHH!! The mohair is not working out for me...it's not stretchy, I can barely see the stitches...It's all too much on top of trying to do this magic loop thingy. I have to go to the stash to see what else I can get guage on. In the Olympic spirit, I will not give up! This shrug will get finished!

FO! FO! FO! FO!

I finished the Turtleneck Shrug just in time to start my Olympics knitting. I used Knitpicks andean silk and I loved how it turned out. But with God as my witness, I will never use 12 inch circs again!

Happy Day!

I left work today and it was still considerably light out so that put me in good spirits. It also helped that I knew that I had an SP package at home waiting for me. What a great package! There were 2 skeins of Knitpicks Shimmer and a cute measuring tape that all came in an awesome woven box in which I can store all kinds of goodies. My SP must have read my resolutions and seen that I want to try to make a lace shawl. The Shimmer is perfect for the Ene shawl from the Scarfstyle book and I absolutely adore the color. Thanks SP!

Elann Elation

I got my package from Elann yesterday. It was my first time ordering from them and I am very pleased. Now I’m ready to get started on warm weather projects….after I’m done with my winter projects of course :)

Here is what I have in mind for the new additions to the stash. Starting from the top and going clockwise:
The Peruvian Collection Quechua in Parfait Pink will become the wrap cardigan by Suss.
The burnt orange and basil Austermann Ciao will become the Rowan Carla and Rowan Sheena respectively.
The yellow Hand Work Cora, that I keep calling the Hard Work Cora, will become a cardigan designed by Cosmic Pluto.
The Endless Summer Collection Luna in coppered sienna will become the Picovoli Tee by Mag Knits.
And the Luna in silver sage will become the Somewhat Cowl by Knit and Tonic…this yarn is very yummy, btw
So see, I do have a plan when I make my yarn purchases. Now if I keep to that plan is a different story.
So where am I on the projects I listed before? Let’s see, the U of C scarf got ripped and I’m making the present for the knitted gift exchange with it. The Suri Dream is patiently waiting for the torch lighting of the Olympics. The black shrug is halfway done. I started Wolfen’s dog sweater but had to figure out how to size it up cause apparently he’s an XL…he doesn’t LOOK like an XL. The laptop bag and fingerless gloves will have to wait until after the Olympics are over. I’m halfway through the 2nd sleeve of my turtleneck shrug which has been a pain in my arse even though it’s not a tough knit…I’m just making it difficult for some reason. I’ve spent more time on this project than I did the hourglass sweater…what’s up with that?

Wolfen Cam Monday

Sweet dreams