Friday, October 30, 2009

Knitting Sanctuary



My knitting sanctuary has finally become a reality! There's my fuzzy purple chair and lamp where I will happily sit and knit. This picture was taken immediately after stuff was moved in, so there's nothing on the desk yet. Now there's a small fountain and speakers for my MP3 player so that I can listed to books or podcasts and knit. I tested it out today, quit nice!

I did not finish my bat shawl for Halloween ... so that will be for next year, LOL! I am still working on a pair of socks for a co-worker ... I *really* hate knitting for people when they know its coming.

I did finish a sock from the yarn that I dyed and started the toe for its mate today, while sitting in my knitting sanctuary listening to a book :o)

I also found out that considering I have run out of room to store my stash ... I do NOT need to add to it anytime soon. There's actually 4 skeins in my truck that I have yet to take inside because I don't know what to do with it!

Friday, October 2, 2009

FO: Quidditch Sweater



Pattern: Quidditch Sweater from Charmed Knits
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Worsted
Needles: Size US 8
Cast On: Oct. 2007
Finished: 6/14/09

This sweater was a very boring knit at first. The ribbing was too boring for me and it was something I started after only knitting for a year. Last year I picked it back up and started whipping through the pieces getting a section done in between other projects. I finally seemed it together in June, when it was too hot to wear it. So I was finally able to wear it this month!

Its getting chilly outside!

Its October here in New England and although they were there, I didn't see the signs coming. The leaves have been slowing changing color. Halloween is my favorite holiday and my birthday is in October ... I'll be the big 30 this year!

I think I got out of my sock knitting rut. I finished a pair this month. They are a little loose, but wearable. I can't figure how I get some to fit excellently with 64 stitches, then another too loose. One fits great with 60 stitches and another ... too tight. Can't quite figure it.

Going to cast on another pair today with the yarn I dyed myself at last month's Knitters Guild meeting. The owner from The Yarn & Fiber Co came and instructed us on how to dye sock yarn.



It was very cool. I went with the dipping method. We had plastic cups to mix dye colors in (we were only given red, yellow, blue, hot pink ... and I thought one other color, but I can't think of it right now). It was so awesome. So much fun. I am very pleased with my results having never dyed yarn before.

I am going to cast on the yellow/pink/orange skein today. Ia m thinking of going with Leyburn, its a stranded pattern that works well with hand dyed yarns.