Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
And Now, I Bring You Crochet
Well, it's official - I have yet ANOTHER hobby. Well, to be fair, it's really an extension of the hobby I already have had (knitting). My friends, I have discovered crochet, and I'm now not ashamed to admit that I think I am in love.
Here's the thing with crochet. I was formerly a knitting snob...you know the type - the kind that can't find any appreciation for crochet, mainly because they've never tried it and don't really want to learn anything new (hell, learning to knit was hard enough), or they keep seeing patterns for clothing made using granny squares, and everyone knows granny squares are supposed to be ugly (but they secretly kind of like them). Anyway, I was one of those snobs that thought only knitting was beautiful, and I had no use for another craft, since I never had enough time to knit everything I wanted to knit.
Well, so now I work at a yarn shop, and it's a good thing to know how to crochet, since I would say there are AT LEAST as many crocheters that come into the store as knitters (maybe more), and you know, they'd probably like to ask me questions. Well, not probably - they do want to ask me lots of questions, and I didn't ever have a way to answer them. The thing is, I didn't really realize there were so many crocheters coming into the store until I, too, learned how to crochet. It seems that some of these crocheters are almost ashamed to admit that they choose to crochet, and they keep this fact hidden, as if they are not usually welcomed into "knitting shops". I am here to say that this must change - immediately!!!! There are SO many creative possibilities that exist in crochet.
Nancy taught a bunch of us that work at the shop to crochet in November, and it was, for whatever reason, not easy for me at first. First of all, I couldn't get used to holding the yarn in my left hand, since when I knit, I hold the yarn in my right hand and throw the yarn, using my left hand only to hold a needle. I just couldn't get comfortable and couldn't get a grip on the yarn, and barely learned the mechanics during our lesson. I kept trying to wrap the yarn in the wrong direction around the hook. I couldn't keep up. I felt like a moron. I went home that night and was determined to figure the damned thing out, and I did. All I really wanted to do was make some adorable amigurumi, and I made that happen.
So, I messed around with crochet for a while, with much expense to my sock knitting, and, well, all other knitting in general. I started two of these blankets. Then, I saw a beautiful scarf in a catalog. I figured I had practiced enough, and could probably make my own. Then, I came across this book. It's pretty hard to resist. The cover is bright and exciting, and the book is arranged with motifs by size - hexagons, circles, triangles, and wild and crazy shapes. It turns out that Motif #30 was a pretty close match to the hexagon in the scarf I wanted to replicate. We had also seen a surge of interest in crochet at the shop and had lots of people take the Beginning Crochet classes, so I decided that maybe we should teach a series on motifs, with my hexagon scarf being the class project. So, I started my scarf in November, and finally completed it at the end of January. It seemed to have taken forever, but it really didn't take too terribly long. Here are some shots for you:
(Ravelry link)
As you can see, I'm pretty proud of this thing. I know it's not the most complex of ideas, and I pretty much copied an idea I found in a catalog, but I still think I did a pretty great job, even if I do say so. I used a size E hook and Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in way too many colors, which turned out to be a great option since all of the colors in the line look great with one another (I believe Mission Falls and Berroco yarns are made to do that, as well).
I am also beyond excited that the author of the book, Edie Eckman, will be visiting the store in March for a "Tips & Tricks" workshop and a book signing. Edie is not only a crocheter, but is also a sock knitter who has written many sock leaflets that I already own! I am hoping to learn a lot.
I'm not sure where my crochet adventure will take me next. I'd like to try some freeform - it seems like a pretty easy avenue in which to explore my creativity. I saw this purse and was definitely inspired. Sometimes, in knitting, I feel like I have to follow a pattern and have a hard time deviating sometimes. Maybe crochet will make that easier for me.
Here's the thing with crochet. I was formerly a knitting snob...you know the type - the kind that can't find any appreciation for crochet, mainly because they've never tried it and don't really want to learn anything new (hell, learning to knit was hard enough), or they keep seeing patterns for clothing made using granny squares, and everyone knows granny squares are supposed to be ugly (but they secretly kind of like them). Anyway, I was one of those snobs that thought only knitting was beautiful, and I had no use for another craft, since I never had enough time to knit everything I wanted to knit.
Well, so now I work at a yarn shop, and it's a good thing to know how to crochet, since I would say there are AT LEAST as many crocheters that come into the store as knitters (maybe more), and you know, they'd probably like to ask me questions. Well, not probably - they do want to ask me lots of questions, and I didn't ever have a way to answer them. The thing is, I didn't really realize there were so many crocheters coming into the store until I, too, learned how to crochet. It seems that some of these crocheters are almost ashamed to admit that they choose to crochet, and they keep this fact hidden, as if they are not usually welcomed into "knitting shops". I am here to say that this must change - immediately!!!! There are SO many creative possibilities that exist in crochet.
Nancy taught a bunch of us that work at the shop to crochet in November, and it was, for whatever reason, not easy for me at first. First of all, I couldn't get used to holding the yarn in my left hand, since when I knit, I hold the yarn in my right hand and throw the yarn, using my left hand only to hold a needle. I just couldn't get comfortable and couldn't get a grip on the yarn, and barely learned the mechanics during our lesson. I kept trying to wrap the yarn in the wrong direction around the hook. I couldn't keep up. I felt like a moron. I went home that night and was determined to figure the damned thing out, and I did. All I really wanted to do was make some adorable amigurumi, and I made that happen.
So, I messed around with crochet for a while, with much expense to my sock knitting, and, well, all other knitting in general. I started two of these blankets. Then, I saw a beautiful scarf in a catalog. I figured I had practiced enough, and could probably make my own. Then, I came across this book. It's pretty hard to resist. The cover is bright and exciting, and the book is arranged with motifs by size - hexagons, circles, triangles, and wild and crazy shapes. It turns out that Motif #30 was a pretty close match to the hexagon in the scarf I wanted to replicate. We had also seen a surge of interest in crochet at the shop and had lots of people take the Beginning Crochet classes, so I decided that maybe we should teach a series on motifs, with my hexagon scarf being the class project. So, I started my scarf in November, and finally completed it at the end of January. It seemed to have taken forever, but it really didn't take too terribly long. Here are some shots for you:
(Ravelry link)
As you can see, I'm pretty proud of this thing. I know it's not the most complex of ideas, and I pretty much copied an idea I found in a catalog, but I still think I did a pretty great job, even if I do say so. I used a size E hook and Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in way too many colors, which turned out to be a great option since all of the colors in the line look great with one another (I believe Mission Falls and Berroco yarns are made to do that, as well).
I am also beyond excited that the author of the book, Edie Eckman, will be visiting the store in March for a "Tips & Tricks" workshop and a book signing. Edie is not only a crocheter, but is also a sock knitter who has written many sock leaflets that I already own! I am hoping to learn a lot.
I'm not sure where my crochet adventure will take me next. I'd like to try some freeform - it seems like a pretty easy avenue in which to explore my creativity. I saw this purse and was definitely inspired. Sometimes, in knitting, I feel like I have to follow a pattern and have a hard time deviating sometimes. Maybe crochet will make that easier for me.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Things I love.
1. The fact that I just finished my first truly successful sweater project:
Thanks to my co-workers/buddies Sandra and Bobbe, I finally learned how to seam correctly. I also learned how to figure out how to make a sweater really fit. These things are HUGE - and kind of, um, important to know if you're going to be making sweaters. Anyways. I used 11 skeins of Koigu Kersti, which is very fabulous. Highly recommended. Raveled here.
2. Kmart. I say it all the time, I know, but I really love it. Here are some things I found there yesterday:
Totally cute, no? Reminds me of some of the projects I would like to attempt in this book.
Martha Stewart approved amigurumi for your Christmas tree!! I have long adored her Sugarplum line, but this gave me a great gift idea - I can do this! Tiny Yarn Animals here I come!
3. Hungry-girl.com's daily e-mails. If you're on Weight Watchers, sign up to get them right now. Very, very helpful. Oh, by the way, I've lost 35 pounds since May. Holy crap!
4. As a follow-up to #3, these:
Only 2 Points!!!
5. Also as a follow-up to #2, I can't help it - I kind of love crochet:
I started one of these using mostly Cascade 220. It's pretty fun.
6. Navajo plying:
I'd say this is in between a sport and DK weight - spun from some Lorna's Lace top in Tickled Pink. Supposedly, the navajo ply is not good for socks, due to the join, but whatever. I think it looks real pretty.
7. Jake's new paint job:
That's his 1968 Impala, with fresh paint. It's very shiny, and fun to ride in.
8. Our new patio:
Jake finished this about a month ago - and he made the planter boxes, too. He can stay. I love him.
9. The final harvest from our garden:
Yes!! Sweet potatoes!! They were pretty delicious.
That's it for now.
Smiles,
Erin
Thanks to my co-workers/buddies Sandra and Bobbe, I finally learned how to seam correctly. I also learned how to figure out how to make a sweater really fit. These things are HUGE - and kind of, um, important to know if you're going to be making sweaters. Anyways. I used 11 skeins of Koigu Kersti, which is very fabulous. Highly recommended. Raveled here.
2. Kmart. I say it all the time, I know, but I really love it. Here are some things I found there yesterday:
Totally cute, no? Reminds me of some of the projects I would like to attempt in this book.
Martha Stewart approved amigurumi for your Christmas tree!! I have long adored her Sugarplum line, but this gave me a great gift idea - I can do this! Tiny Yarn Animals here I come!
3. Hungry-girl.com's daily e-mails. If you're on Weight Watchers, sign up to get them right now. Very, very helpful. Oh, by the way, I've lost 35 pounds since May. Holy crap!
4. As a follow-up to #3, these:
Only 2 Points!!!
5. Also as a follow-up to #2, I can't help it - I kind of love crochet:
I started one of these using mostly Cascade 220. It's pretty fun.
6. Navajo plying:
I'd say this is in between a sport and DK weight - spun from some Lorna's Lace top in Tickled Pink. Supposedly, the navajo ply is not good for socks, due to the join, but whatever. I think it looks real pretty.
7. Jake's new paint job:
That's his 1968 Impala, with fresh paint. It's very shiny, and fun to ride in.
8. Our new patio:
Jake finished this about a month ago - and he made the planter boxes, too. He can stay. I love him.
9. The final harvest from our garden:
Yes!! Sweet potatoes!! They were pretty delicious.
That's it for now.
Smiles,
Erin
Friday, August 08, 2008
So far behind!
Well, everyone, it seems that I've neglected this blog - I mean, I haven't done it on purpose, exactly. It just happened. Maybe it's because it's now my job to update this blog (click to see a ridiculous picture of ME modeling a sweater).
Regardless, there's just TOO much to update, so I'll be choosy. I've been knitting a lot. And spinning a lot. I have start-itis. In a big way. Anyways. Here's a shot of my new knitting room in the house. Wait. Did I tell you that Jake and I moved into a new house in June? I probably didn't. You should probably see a shot of that first:
I am absolutely in love with this place. It's exactly what I wanted - a funky ranch on the east side of town. Of course, Jake and his gigantic Dodge Ram have done a little bit of landscaping since this shot was taken:
So, now I have a proper knitting room:
Good grief. That is a lot of yarn.
Also, since our house has a decently-sized backyard, I now can grow tomatoes:
That's been a lot of fun. My little sister also got married this summer:
It was a really, really fun and beautiful wedding.
I've also taken up crochet:
Yep, that's my first finished crochet project. Details on Ravelry, of course.
I've been on a cowl kick lately, and have many more single socks to share...next time. :)
Smiles,
Erin
Regardless, there's just TOO much to update, so I'll be choosy. I've been knitting a lot. And spinning a lot. I have start-itis. In a big way. Anyways. Here's a shot of my new knitting room in the house. Wait. Did I tell you that Jake and I moved into a new house in June? I probably didn't. You should probably see a shot of that first:
I am absolutely in love with this place. It's exactly what I wanted - a funky ranch on the east side of town. Of course, Jake and his gigantic Dodge Ram have done a little bit of landscaping since this shot was taken:
So, now I have a proper knitting room:
Good grief. That is a lot of yarn.
Also, since our house has a decently-sized backyard, I now can grow tomatoes:
That's been a lot of fun. My little sister also got married this summer:
It was a really, really fun and beautiful wedding.
I've also taken up crochet:
Yep, that's my first finished crochet project. Details on Ravelry, of course.
I've been on a cowl kick lately, and have many more single socks to share...next time. :)
Smiles,
Erin
Monday, May 26, 2008
Spinning and Knitting up a Storm (alternate title: "What Else is New?")
Well, ever since I've learned this spinning thing, I've been spinning up an absolute STORM. Here are some shots of what I've done since I last posted - in order of what I spun first to last:
I'd tell you what all we have here, but I'm not sure that's so important (except for the middle one, which was spun from the fiber I mentioned in my previous post). I think the only real thing you can take from this is that I'm getting significantly better at this each time, even if I do say so myself.
I've also been doing a lot of knitting, although I've felt very unproductive as far as that's concerned lately. I don't think I've even finished a pair of socks yet this year...but that's OK. I'm spinning a bunch and making non-sock shop models, and loving my job, so it's all good.
I also designed my first pattern, which I have named Quinn, after the MTV show, Daria, which is, in my opinion a '90s classic. Here's a picture:
I promise it looks better in person. It's just a simple flappy purse made using NORO Daria. I want to make myself a much larger one, at some point.
Just so you don't think the sky has fallen, here are some shots of my current sock projects:
(Pattern: Socks for Veronik, Yarn: STR Lightweight, 24 Karat)
(Pattern: Lacy Pillars from the Loopy Ewe, Yarn: The Unique Sheep Tinsel Toes, Maya)
(Pattern: my own, for a toe-up/magic loop class I'll be teaching at the Haus in July, Yarn: Sheep 3 from Sheep Shop - LOVE IT)
That's 'bout it for now...I mean, there's more, but I'm off to eat corn and steak for Memorial Day. Of course, I can only have a little bit, since I started Weight Watchers 5 weeks ago (down 14.4 pounds...WOOOHOO!) - more on that later.
Smiles,
Erin
I'd tell you what all we have here, but I'm not sure that's so important (except for the middle one, which was spun from the fiber I mentioned in my previous post). I think the only real thing you can take from this is that I'm getting significantly better at this each time, even if I do say so myself.
I've also been doing a lot of knitting, although I've felt very unproductive as far as that's concerned lately. I don't think I've even finished a pair of socks yet this year...but that's OK. I'm spinning a bunch and making non-sock shop models, and loving my job, so it's all good.
I also designed my first pattern, which I have named Quinn, after the MTV show, Daria, which is, in my opinion a '90s classic. Here's a picture:
I promise it looks better in person. It's just a simple flappy purse made using NORO Daria. I want to make myself a much larger one, at some point.
Just so you don't think the sky has fallen, here are some shots of my current sock projects:
(Pattern: Socks for Veronik, Yarn: STR Lightweight, 24 Karat)
(Pattern: Lacy Pillars from the Loopy Ewe, Yarn: The Unique Sheep Tinsel Toes, Maya)
(Pattern: my own, for a toe-up/magic loop class I'll be teaching at the Haus in July, Yarn: Sheep 3 from Sheep Shop - LOVE IT)
That's 'bout it for now...I mean, there's more, but I'm off to eat corn and steak for Memorial Day. Of course, I can only have a little bit, since I started Weight Watchers 5 weeks ago (down 14.4 pounds...WOOOHOO!) - more on that later.
Smiles,
Erin
Monday, April 07, 2008
Knitting. And spinning. And cats.
I've been very busy lately!! First up, I finished a sock:
You know it's a single. Now, moving on...the pattern I used is Groovy Socks from SockPixie. I highly recommend it! There's one lacy pattern row, and then one plain knit row. It's very easy to remember, and has lots of stretch. I used Colinette Jitterbug in the new Oyster Blush colorway. I love me some Jitterbug. I also love the new sock blocker I got from Knitting Notions:
Hello, gorgeous, no??! I may need one more. ;)
I've also been spinning some more, and have been getting a lot better:
Here's one more shot:
I used hand dyed merino roving from All Spun Up (Leah - click it. I dare you.). This was very easy to spin, and I'm sure I'll be purchasing more lovelies from Kristin. I'm going to attempt knitting socks on size 3s with this (or maybe size 4s), as I think most of it is sport or heavy fingering weight. I'm sure I could figure this out with a WPI tool, but I don't have one of those (yet).
It's a good thing I'm getting better at this whole spinning thing, since I was just gifted some of this:
Isn't it beautiful??!! That's superwash wool from Daily Fibers, hand dyed and gifted to me from blogless Jan and Leah - AND IT'S MY OWN COLORWAY! Yep - the "Erin" colorway. And honestly, it's the colors I would have picked for my own colorway, too. I adore it. After I spin one more batch, I'll be spinning this right up. I want to wait until I'm just a bit better. ;)
Also, the shop has got me making another sweater. I am loving knitting it!!! I might have crossed over back to the dark side of knitting other things besides socks. Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted. HA. I'm knitting a simple t-shirt from a Sirdar book using the new Noro Matsuri:
The yarn is mostly cotton, with a tiny bit of wool in it, and the colors RULE. Once again, highly recommended.
That's about all I've got for now, except for this adorable sight:
That's Jake entertaining Fluffy with my new laptop (!!). This is pretty much a nightly occurrence.
Smiles,
Erin
You know it's a single. Now, moving on...the pattern I used is Groovy Socks from SockPixie. I highly recommend it! There's one lacy pattern row, and then one plain knit row. It's very easy to remember, and has lots of stretch. I used Colinette Jitterbug in the new Oyster Blush colorway. I love me some Jitterbug. I also love the new sock blocker I got from Knitting Notions:
Hello, gorgeous, no??! I may need one more. ;)
I've also been spinning some more, and have been getting a lot better:
Here's one more shot:
I used hand dyed merino roving from All Spun Up (Leah - click it. I dare you.). This was very easy to spin, and I'm sure I'll be purchasing more lovelies from Kristin. I'm going to attempt knitting socks on size 3s with this (or maybe size 4s), as I think most of it is sport or heavy fingering weight. I'm sure I could figure this out with a WPI tool, but I don't have one of those (yet).
It's a good thing I'm getting better at this whole spinning thing, since I was just gifted some of this:
Isn't it beautiful??!! That's superwash wool from Daily Fibers, hand dyed and gifted to me from blogless Jan and Leah - AND IT'S MY OWN COLORWAY! Yep - the "Erin" colorway. And honestly, it's the colors I would have picked for my own colorway, too. I adore it. After I spin one more batch, I'll be spinning this right up. I want to wait until I'm just a bit better. ;)
Also, the shop has got me making another sweater. I am loving knitting it!!! I might have crossed over back to the dark side of knitting other things besides socks. Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted. HA. I'm knitting a simple t-shirt from a Sirdar book using the new Noro Matsuri:
The yarn is mostly cotton, with a tiny bit of wool in it, and the colors RULE. Once again, highly recommended.
That's about all I've got for now, except for this adorable sight:
That's Jake entertaining Fluffy with my new laptop (!!). This is pretty much a nightly occurrence.
Smiles,
Erin
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Adventures in SPINNING!
Yes, that's right. Spinning! And I love it. I officially have another hobby.
It's pretty horrid, but I couldn't resist - it was St. Patrick's Day.
This is Laura from Mission Falls' pattern book for 1824 Cotton called The Illustrator. It was a super easy knit, and I think it only took me two weeks of evening knitting. I think I was able to knit it so fast because I'm so used to knitting about a zillion tiny stitches for just one sock. Anyways, since I knit this and it was a success, you might be seeing more than socks on here for a little while at least. I am still knitting socks, though - albeit very slowly:
I started spinning Monday night, and didn't really stop until Wednesday evening (of course, I work during the day and didn't spin except for in the evenings). I couldn't get enough. I think I was so proud of myself that I could actually produce something decent that I couldn't stop.
Anyway, here are some shots of my first batch (Corriedale pencil roving from Crown Mountain Farms - a very generous gift from Leah):
(spun singles - notice the one on the right is much better...I spun that second!)
(the finished product!)
(a lil' swatch)
It was so much fun that I stayed up late into the night starting another batch. Here's what came out of that:
I wish I could tell you how many yards of this and how many ounces it is, and how many wraps per inch, etc., but I'm just not that good yet. I love this stuff, though - it's Sakina Needles BFL in the Alpaca Dales colorway, and was very easy to spin. I may have ordered some more.
Lastly, I spun some Tussah Silk, which I really don't think I was ready for, but here's what I ended up with:
It's pretty horrid, but I couldn't resist - it was St. Patrick's Day.
In other news, I've taken a slight vacation from sock knitting, because I was working on a model for the shop:
This is Laura from Mission Falls' pattern book for 1824 Cotton called The Illustrator. It was a super easy knit, and I think it only took me two weeks of evening knitting. I think I was able to knit it so fast because I'm so used to knitting about a zillion tiny stitches for just one sock. Anyways, since I knit this and it was a success, you might be seeing more than socks on here for a little while at least. I am still knitting socks, though - albeit very slowly:
...just some plain ol' toe-ups using Araucania Ranco Multy - this yarn rocks!
Smiles,
Erin
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
They're back...
FYI, Journey's now has clear Chucks again. I know they were sold out for a while, but it looks like they're now back in stock!
I'll say that I wore the pair I bought for a solid month, and they now have tears on the inner sides. Most of the canvas Chucks I have owned have split from the rubber at the same spot, but the plastic is just not as flexible as the fabric.
So, should I be a dope and buy another pair while they're still available?
I'll say that I wore the pair I bought for a solid month, and they now have tears on the inner sides. Most of the canvas Chucks I have owned have split from the rubber at the same spot, but the plastic is just not as flexible as the fabric.
So, should I be a dope and buy another pair while they're still available?
Monday, March 03, 2008
San Fran.!
I'm a very lucky lady. For Christmas, Jake got me a trip to San Francisco. So, two weeks ago, I finally cashed in. I hadn't really ever been to California, unless you count being dropped into L.A. for a day to visit USC when I thought I might go there for college (I don't count that). We were gone for five days, and had a fantastic time. You can see all of the pictures from our trip on flickr. I would have blogged about it sooner, but I was down with the flu pretty much all of last week. Talk about hell. Anyways.
I got plenty of yarn time in during out trip. We did a TON of walking, and thankfully for me, the two yarn shops I visited were in parts of the city we planned on exploring! We went to ImagiKnit first. Here is a shot of their magificent wall of sock yarn:
The ceilings are super high, and the yarn goes, well, up to the ceiling! Here's another shot of me having a moment with some Alchemy:
The shop staff was very friendly and mostly all male that day! What a rarity. The guy in the picture at the checkout counter had just been to Stitches West the night before and showed me and another shopper his badass haul. I was pretty jealous of the skeins of silk he had scored that were dyed gray somehow with charcoal. I walked away from the shop with a few skeins of very brightly colored sock yarn and some Claudia Handpainted Yarns Fingering Silk 55 in the John B colorway:
I'm not sure what I'll do with it, but it sure is pretty. Oh heck - you and I both know I'll be making socks.
Next up, we went to Artfibers:
As you can see, Artfibers is very much downtown in San Fran.. Here's a peek inside the store:
And another:
Now, I'd never seen anything like this. I believe that Artfibers spins and dyes all of these yarns themselves, which is pretty spectacular. I got one cone of Quipu (baby alpaca):
And one cone of Valparaiso (baby alpaca and merino):
I'm not sure you'll be able to see the marvelous colors from these pictures, but I'll just say that I cannot wait to cast on with this stuff. I'm thinking lace is in order.
That's all the yarny I have as far as San Francisco goes, but in other news, my first few days at the Haus have been great! I think I am really going to love this gig. Over the weekend, we were lucky enough to have Jackie E from Heartstrings with us to teach a toe-up sock class and a lace class. Her patterns are killer. Check 'em out!
Smiles,
Erin
I got plenty of yarn time in during out trip. We did a TON of walking, and thankfully for me, the two yarn shops I visited were in parts of the city we planned on exploring! We went to ImagiKnit first. Here is a shot of their magificent wall of sock yarn:
The ceilings are super high, and the yarn goes, well, up to the ceiling! Here's another shot of me having a moment with some Alchemy:
The shop staff was very friendly and mostly all male that day! What a rarity. The guy in the picture at the checkout counter had just been to Stitches West the night before and showed me and another shopper his badass haul. I was pretty jealous of the skeins of silk he had scored that were dyed gray somehow with charcoal. I walked away from the shop with a few skeins of very brightly colored sock yarn and some Claudia Handpainted Yarns Fingering Silk 55 in the John B colorway:
I'm not sure what I'll do with it, but it sure is pretty. Oh heck - you and I both know I'll be making socks.
Next up, we went to Artfibers:
As you can see, Artfibers is very much downtown in San Fran.. Here's a peek inside the store:
And another:
Now, I'd never seen anything like this. I believe that Artfibers spins and dyes all of these yarns themselves, which is pretty spectacular. I got one cone of Quipu (baby alpaca):
And one cone of Valparaiso (baby alpaca and merino):
I'm not sure you'll be able to see the marvelous colors from these pictures, but I'll just say that I cannot wait to cast on with this stuff. I'm thinking lace is in order.
That's all the yarny I have as far as San Francisco goes, but in other news, my first few days at the Haus have been great! I think I am really going to love this gig. Over the weekend, we were lucky enough to have Jackie E from Heartstrings with us to teach a toe-up sock class and a lace class. Her patterns are killer. Check 'em out!
Smiles,
Erin
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Too organized?
Is it possible to be too organized these days? I'll let you decide.
Last weekend, I went to Linens 'n Things and got one of these:
And one of these, for variety...:
...and ended up with this:
As I was installing this madness, Jake said, "You know, I wonder how much of your life revolves around socks." I thought that question was probably best left unanswered.
Smiles,
Erin
Last weekend, I went to Linens 'n Things and got one of these:
And one of these, for variety...:
...and ended up with this:
As I was installing this madness, Jake said, "You know, I wonder how much of your life revolves around socks." I thought that question was probably best left unanswered.
Smiles,
Erin
Friday, February 08, 2008
Very exciting news!
I've have some very exciting news to tell you. In just one week (on Saturday, February 16th to be exact), I will start a new job - at Haus of Yarn!!!! If you can't tell, I am extremely excited to have landed, well, my dream job.
My current co-workers think I'm nuts to be leaving the music industry for yarn, but they'll never understand. I'm looking forward to being about a thousand times happier. Last night at the sock knit-a-long, the announcement was made and blogless Jan noted that I had smile on my face the entire night - and she was right. So, I guess it's pretty obvious, but if I were to relate how I feel by using a picture, because afterall, a picture is worth a thousand words, this would be it:
Or, maybe this:
Hee, hee. ;)
Anyways...I hope to see you all there - come and visit often!!
Big smiles,
Erin
My current co-workers think I'm nuts to be leaving the music industry for yarn, but they'll never understand. I'm looking forward to being about a thousand times happier. Last night at the sock knit-a-long, the announcement was made and blogless Jan noted that I had smile on my face the entire night - and she was right. So, I guess it's pretty obvious, but if I were to relate how I feel by using a picture, because afterall, a picture is worth a thousand words, this would be it:
Or, maybe this:
Hee, hee. ;)
Anyways...I hope to see you all there - come and visit often!!
Big smiles,
Erin
Monday, February 04, 2008
New socks! Pretty colors!
Here are the pictures of my Embossed Leaves Socks I promised you:
Yes, they are sitting atop a bush. I finally realized that my pictures turn out better if I take them outside. Anyways, here's a close-up:
I love these socks, and I plan to make many, many more. I only made one small modification...starting the ribbing with a knit through the back loop instead of the purl, so that the knit ridge lines up with the center of the first leaves. The fit of these is great, since they're somewhat ribbed, but the Jitterbug I used is also divine. I'm pretty sure I'll have to have every color it comes in. Oh, dear.
That's really all I can report for right now, except for this (this one's for Leah):
I'm really not anal retentive. I swear.
Smiles,
Erin
Yes, they are sitting atop a bush. I finally realized that my pictures turn out better if I take them outside. Anyways, here's a close-up:
I love these socks, and I plan to make many, many more. I only made one small modification...starting the ribbing with a knit through the back loop instead of the purl, so that the knit ridge lines up with the center of the first leaves. The fit of these is great, since they're somewhat ribbed, but the Jitterbug I used is also divine. I'm pretty sure I'll have to have every color it comes in. Oh, dear.
That's really all I can report for right now, except for this (this one's for Leah):
I'm really not anal retentive. I swear.
Smiles,
Erin
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Many things to show you.
How about a FO to start with?:
Those are some finished Primavera socks. I can't recommend this pattern enough. I pretty much followed it to a "T", except for adding an extra purl stitch to the repeat so that I could have a 72-stitch sock. They fit great, and the Trekking XXL is highly entertaining. I will probably be making more of these.
In other news, I started another pair...and finished another single:
I knit this one using the Stansfield 304 stitch pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks and some Panda Silk I scored from the new yarn shop in town, Knit Happy. I went toe-up with these so I could have a very long cuff and did increases up the back to accommodate my thick calf. I really like this sock, and the yarn is a dream...I really do think it should cost a lot more than it does. I'm hoping to score some of it in a solid color at the Haus of Yarn (that is if they have been holding out on me like I'm guessing and have been saving some for next month's sock knit-a-long). Here's another picture, because I like you:
I started a pair of Embossed Leaves Socks using some semi-sold red Jitterbug, but I have yet to take pictures. They are fantastic, though, and I can't wait to show you.
In other news, I have taken up spinning, as most of you know. I'm still learning, and don't really know how to ply, but I like it. Here's a picture from a spinning gathering I went to earlier in the month:
I don't remember her name, but here is one of the ladies showing off a shawl she made out of her handspun. Amazing! You can see half of my new Ashford Joy in the corner. Good times.
And finally, I'll leave you with this:
What's that? That's my good-looking boyfriend standing next to my sweet ride and the new vanity plate he installed for me...that's right. It says "I <3 2 Party". Hee, hee, that is so ridiculous.
Smiles,
Erin
Those are some finished Primavera socks. I can't recommend this pattern enough. I pretty much followed it to a "T", except for adding an extra purl stitch to the repeat so that I could have a 72-stitch sock. They fit great, and the Trekking XXL is highly entertaining. I will probably be making more of these.
In other news, I started another pair...and finished another single:
I knit this one using the Stansfield 304 stitch pattern from More Sensational Knitted Socks and some Panda Silk I scored from the new yarn shop in town, Knit Happy. I went toe-up with these so I could have a very long cuff and did increases up the back to accommodate my thick calf. I really like this sock, and the yarn is a dream...I really do think it should cost a lot more than it does. I'm hoping to score some of it in a solid color at the Haus of Yarn (that is if they have been holding out on me like I'm guessing and have been saving some for next month's sock knit-a-long). Here's another picture, because I like you:
I started a pair of Embossed Leaves Socks using some semi-sold red Jitterbug, but I have yet to take pictures. They are fantastic, though, and I can't wait to show you.
In other news, I have taken up spinning, as most of you know. I'm still learning, and don't really know how to ply, but I like it. Here's a picture from a spinning gathering I went to earlier in the month:
I don't remember her name, but here is one of the ladies showing off a shawl she made out of her handspun. Amazing! You can see half of my new Ashford Joy in the corner. Good times.
And finally, I'll leave you with this:
What's that? That's my good-looking boyfriend standing next to my sweet ride and the new vanity plate he installed for me...that's right. It says "I <3 2 Party". Hee, hee, that is so ridiculous.
Smiles,
Erin
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thursday, January 10, 2008
It's a new year. What's new?
It's a new year, so I thought I'd start out with a bang:
I just completed these tonight. Yep, everybody, that's a completed pair knit with Noro Kureyon Sock (colorway S182), inside the best shoes in the universe. Seriously, I've worn them everyday since I bought them about a week ago, and I'm considering buying a few backup pairs while they're still available. NERD ALERT! The pattern I used is the Pennant Stitch from More Sensational Knitted Socks. I think the pattern gives the socks a cool texture and takes advantage of the long color repeats, but I think next time I knit socks with this stuff (I have 3 other colorways now, making me a total yarn whore), I'll probably knit them toe-up and in plain stockinette to take advantage of the awesome thick and thin texture. Here's one more shot:
Oh, and a close-up:
In other news, I'm working on the second sock on another pair:
These are some Primavera Socks knit using Trekking XXL (colorway 110). I modified the pattern to allow one extra reverse stockinette stitch after each repeat with in the row so that I could have my standard 72 stitches. I am enjoying this pattern immensely and highly recommend it - it's very easy to memorize, and is essentially five rows of ribbing with one pattern row. The sock also fits very well, since it's a ribbed pattern.
I also finished the Gauntlets from Not Just Socks a while back:
These were knit with JUST ONE ball of Regia! The pattern is very simple and a fun knit. I wear these all the time.
I also had a fantastic Christmas - seriously, I think it may have been my favorite Christmas...ever. I was able to spend time with both my family and Jake's family, and had quality time with everyone. It was really fun. It also probably didn't hurt that I got a trip to San Francisco from Jake (going in February!) and a spinning wheel (Ashford Joy) from my parents, although I think I already told you that. I am a little frustrated with spinning right now, but I'm hoping to get some help from some friends this weekend. Oh, joy. Pun intended.
Lastly, I've decided to start taking care of my nails. By taking care of my nails, I mean getting fake ones, done in the nail salon. I don't really know why. It's awfully girly of me and if I keep this up, I could be qualified as "high maintainance", though I not sure I'd give a shit if that was the case. Check it out:
Totally worth it, no? Don't worry, they don't get in the way of knitting.
Smiles,
Erin
I just completed these tonight. Yep, everybody, that's a completed pair knit with Noro Kureyon Sock (colorway S182), inside the best shoes in the universe. Seriously, I've worn them everyday since I bought them about a week ago, and I'm considering buying a few backup pairs while they're still available. NERD ALERT! The pattern I used is the Pennant Stitch from More Sensational Knitted Socks. I think the pattern gives the socks a cool texture and takes advantage of the long color repeats, but I think next time I knit socks with this stuff (I have 3 other colorways now, making me a total yarn whore), I'll probably knit them toe-up and in plain stockinette to take advantage of the awesome thick and thin texture. Here's one more shot:
Oh, and a close-up:
In other news, I'm working on the second sock on another pair:
These are some Primavera Socks knit using Trekking XXL (colorway 110). I modified the pattern to allow one extra reverse stockinette stitch after each repeat with in the row so that I could have my standard 72 stitches. I am enjoying this pattern immensely and highly recommend it - it's very easy to memorize, and is essentially five rows of ribbing with one pattern row. The sock also fits very well, since it's a ribbed pattern.
I also finished the Gauntlets from Not Just Socks a while back:
These were knit with JUST ONE ball of Regia! The pattern is very simple and a fun knit. I wear these all the time.
I also had a fantastic Christmas - seriously, I think it may have been my favorite Christmas...ever. I was able to spend time with both my family and Jake's family, and had quality time with everyone. It was really fun. It also probably didn't hurt that I got a trip to San Francisco from Jake (going in February!) and a spinning wheel (Ashford Joy) from my parents, although I think I already told you that. I am a little frustrated with spinning right now, but I'm hoping to get some help from some friends this weekend. Oh, joy. Pun intended.
Lastly, I've decided to start taking care of my nails. By taking care of my nails, I mean getting fake ones, done in the nail salon. I don't really know why. It's awfully girly of me and if I keep this up, I could be qualified as "high maintainance", though I not sure I'd give a shit if that was the case. Check it out:
Totally worth it, no? Don't worry, they don't get in the way of knitting.
Smiles,
Erin
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
2007 meme
Taken from the Simply Socks Yarn Co. Blog...
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
I tried spinning!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think I vowed to lose weight last year. It didn't go anywhere. I haven't made any new ones for this year...I think last year's should probably carry over to this one.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My co-worker, Sam, and his wife, Catie, had a baby girl right before Christmas. It was fun to hear stories about him going through the pregnancy process.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, actually. My Aunt Jenny, who I hadn't really seen in about 10 years, died this summer. It's kind of a mystery as to what went down, but my family was very close with her when we were growing up and lost touch as I grew up, unfortunately. Also, my best friend Amy's father died this year, and I enjoyed his company very much.
5. What countries did you visit?
I didn't even go to Canada this year!
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Another cat. I'd really like a third cat. I'm not holding my breath.
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'll remember the day we sold the house. I don't remember the exact date, but it's memorable. I'll also remember leaving my first "real job", and my birthday party at the Gerst Haus. Good times.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I'm not too sure. Probably not killing anyone at work.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Again, I'm not really sure. I wish I had saved more money.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not at all.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
About 80 pounds of sock yarn.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Probably Jake's. He's the best boo in the world.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
New York, from Vh-1's "I Love New York". Talk about lame. I have to admit that I watched the show, though. It's a true trainwreck, and I cannot look away.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Going out to eat. Oh, and yarn.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A spinning wheel!! I blame Leah for this. I needed another hobby like I needed a hole in the head, but it's all good.
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
"Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John (it's been in Jake's head for 3 weeks now) and "Killer Queen" by Queen.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
Happier.
b) thinner or fatter?
I don't know. I would assume fatter.
c) richer or poorer?
I really don't know. I'd assume poorer.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Traveling. I didn't take enough trips last year.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating out.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
On Christmas morning, I opened gifts with my immediate family and Jake, and then at lunchtime we went to Fort Wayne to open gifts with Jake's family. A good time was had by all.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I was already in love!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
That's a four-way tie, between "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "How Do I Look?", "Project Runway", and "The Office".
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone.
24. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read many books. I started to read The Devil Wears Prada, but only made it half way. Lame, I know.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I got the new Collective Soul album, but they're not a discovery at all. I have been kind of soured on the music industry lately.
26. What did you want and get?
Please see question #15.
27. What did you want and not get?
This question will remain unanswered for fear that someone very close to me might kick my ass.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hmmm. I really liked "Superbad".
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Please see question #7. I was 27!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having more money.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
No muss, no fuss. It's sad, but true. I wear easily washable cotton tops with jeans, and most times hand knit socks.
32. What kept you sane?
Knitting, Jake, candy, ice cream, my friends, my family, and my cats.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Kenny Rogers.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The price of gasoline. Is that a political issue?
35. Who did you miss?
My family.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
My co-worker, Sam.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Look before you get up from bending over. I can't tell you how many times I bashed my head into something.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I don't want to. There's really nothing appropriate anyways.
I plan to do another "year in review" post shortly. But, since this is a blog about sock knitting, it will be a review of all the new sock yarns I tried out in 2007. It won't disappoint! ;)
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
I tried spinning!
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I think I vowed to lose weight last year. It didn't go anywhere. I haven't made any new ones for this year...I think last year's should probably carry over to this one.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
My co-worker, Sam, and his wife, Catie, had a baby girl right before Christmas. It was fun to hear stories about him going through the pregnancy process.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes, actually. My Aunt Jenny, who I hadn't really seen in about 10 years, died this summer. It's kind of a mystery as to what went down, but my family was very close with her when we were growing up and lost touch as I grew up, unfortunately. Also, my best friend Amy's father died this year, and I enjoyed his company very much.
5. What countries did you visit?
I didn't even go to Canada this year!
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
Another cat. I'd really like a third cat. I'm not holding my breath.
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'll remember the day we sold the house. I don't remember the exact date, but it's memorable. I'll also remember leaving my first "real job", and my birthday party at the Gerst Haus. Good times.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I'm not too sure. Probably not killing anyone at work.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Again, I'm not really sure. I wish I had saved more money.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not at all.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
About 80 pounds of sock yarn.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Probably Jake's. He's the best boo in the world.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
New York, from Vh-1's "I Love New York". Talk about lame. I have to admit that I watched the show, though. It's a true trainwreck, and I cannot look away.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Going out to eat. Oh, and yarn.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
A spinning wheel!! I blame Leah for this. I needed another hobby like I needed a hole in the head, but it's all good.
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
"Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John (it's been in Jake's head for 3 weeks now) and "Killer Queen" by Queen.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
Happier.
b) thinner or fatter?
I don't know. I would assume fatter.
c) richer or poorer?
I really don't know. I'd assume poorer.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Traveling. I didn't take enough trips last year.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Eating out.
20. How did you spend Christmas?
On Christmas morning, I opened gifts with my immediate family and Jake, and then at lunchtime we went to Fort Wayne to open gifts with Jake's family. A good time was had by all.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I was already in love!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
That's a four-way tie, between "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "How Do I Look?", "Project Runway", and "The Office".
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone.
24. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read many books. I started to read The Devil Wears Prada, but only made it half way. Lame, I know.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I got the new Collective Soul album, but they're not a discovery at all. I have been kind of soured on the music industry lately.
26. What did you want and get?
Please see question #15.
27. What did you want and not get?
This question will remain unanswered for fear that someone very close to me might kick my ass.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
Hmmm. I really liked "Superbad".
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Please see question #7. I was 27!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Having more money.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
No muss, no fuss. It's sad, but true. I wear easily washable cotton tops with jeans, and most times hand knit socks.
32. What kept you sane?
Knitting, Jake, candy, ice cream, my friends, my family, and my cats.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Kenny Rogers.
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
The price of gasoline. Is that a political issue?
35. Who did you miss?
My family.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
My co-worker, Sam.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Look before you get up from bending over. I can't tell you how many times I bashed my head into something.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
I don't want to. There's really nothing appropriate anyways.
I plan to do another "year in review" post shortly. But, since this is a blog about sock knitting, it will be a review of all the new sock yarns I tried out in 2007. It won't disappoint! ;)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
I must have these.
(click images for more information)
One more picture:
I'm pretty sure they made these with sock knitters in mind.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
KCPSA (Knitting Community Public Service Announcement)
The new Knitty is up! Looks like there are a lot of lovely new sock patterns. Merry Christmas indeed!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Do not let this happen to you.
What's that? Oh, just the current total - 24 single socks. I know I'm usually going around saying "Oh, we don't talk about numbers," but I just had to share. I guess some might find this shameful, but I feel no shame. Here's another shot:
I guess if I had some advice to give to a new sock knitter, I'd just tell them not to let this happen to them. I mean, really. The fact that I still "have" to knit 24 more of these seems kinds of daunting. Oh, well.
Moving on.
I finished the sKNITches toe-ups!
I love these socks.
That's about all the news I have for now - I'm coming back to work today after being on vacation last week. My vacation was awesome. I didn't go anywhere, and all I did was hang out with Jacob. We had a very good time, and it was very relaxing. But, trust me...I still did my chores:
(socks laying out to dry)
Hahahhahahah, I make myself laugh. Happy Monday, everybody.
Smiles,
Erin
P.S.: NASHVILLE KNITTING MEETUP MEMBERS - TOMORROW'S MEETUP IS CANCELLED!! :)
Friday, November 09, 2007
Also.
This weekend, I plan to gather all the singles and give you an updated total and picture. I think we've got over 20 now, people.
Oh, boy...
Oh, boy...
1.75 FOs!!
I'm so excited. I just finished more socks:
I actually really like these. They're just some simple top-downs made with some sock yarn I scored from this shop. I'm not sure if the seller is selling through etsy anymore, or not, though. Regardless, here are some more pictures:
Of course, once these were off the needles, I immediately cast on for some more:
These are just some simple toe-ups I'm making with sKNITches Syncopation in "Blue Lagoon". This is VERY nice yarn. Highly recommended.
And, finally, I started just one more pair (again, toe-up):
The yarn here is Prism Saki in "Mojave" that I got from the Haus of Yarn. The dye job on this yarn is very unique...check it out!
That's about all I've got for now. I've made a bunch of stash enhancements lately, but you can check those out on Ravelry. But, just so you know, I may be making a slight deviation from sock knitting to make some toys for some tots I know for Christmas - I got this book last night:
Seriously, this book is amazing. I can now make a warthog if I wanted to.
Smiles,
Erin
I actually really like these. They're just some simple top-downs made with some sock yarn I scored from this shop. I'm not sure if the seller is selling through etsy anymore, or not, though. Regardless, here are some more pictures:
Of course, once these were off the needles, I immediately cast on for some more:
These are just some simple toe-ups I'm making with sKNITches Syncopation in "Blue Lagoon". This is VERY nice yarn. Highly recommended.
And, finally, I started just one more pair (again, toe-up):
The yarn here is Prism Saki in "Mojave" that I got from the Haus of Yarn. The dye job on this yarn is very unique...check it out!
That's about all I've got for now. I've made a bunch of stash enhancements lately, but you can check those out on Ravelry. But, just so you know, I may be making a slight deviation from sock knitting to make some toys for some tots I know for Christmas - I got this book last night:
Seriously, this book is amazing. I can now make a warthog if I wanted to.
Smiles,
Erin
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Oh, how I love you.
These have always been my favorite Halloween candy:
I think I've eaten 37 of them in the past three days. I know that most people think they are totally lame, but I am taking a stand. How can you not LOVE these??? It's peanut butter taffy with an extra shot of peanut butter in the center!!
People are crazy. What's your favorite Halloween candy?
I think I've eaten 37 of them in the past three days. I know that most people think they are totally lame, but I am taking a stand. How can you not LOVE these??? It's peanut butter taffy with an extra shot of peanut butter in the center!!
People are crazy. What's your favorite Halloween candy?
Sunday, October 21, 2007
FO report!
Well, I had a fruitful weekend. I've now realized it takes me about a full week to knit one sock. Anyways, here's the pair I finished this morning!:
I actually really like this picture. And the socks, too. These were knit using my basic top down recipe (72 sts on size 1 addis) and some Schaefer Anne. I think I knit the first sock well over a year ago, but they're finished now, and that's all that matters. I don't love knitting with the Anne so much, but I do love the finished product. The only thing that stinks is that I have a TON of yarn leftover. And I mean a ton. I may end up making a pair of toddler socks with that. Here's another shot:
So, that's one less single sock in the pile, but I've recently added three more:
This was knit with some Regia, again, using my basic sock recipe. And here's a finished Wollmeise (but not) sock:
And lastly, one finished Music Man sock:
Here's a close-up of the stitch pattern and short-row heel:
In stash enhancement news, my skein of Merino Stripes from Mama Blue came in on Thursday:
I love this yarn already, and I haven't even started knitting with it. Really, it is gorgeous! I think I may need to cast on tonight...
Finally, I made my weekend-ly trip to the Haus of Yarn yesterday, and picked up many things, including this:
That's a skein of Araucania Ranco Multy. I love the dye job on this one, and also must say that this was very reasonably priced. Whoooopee!
That's about all I've got for now, except to say that if you haven't seen this movie, please do yourself a favor and try to at least catch it on IFC. You won't be disappointed. I mean, unless, unlike me, you don't really find ridiculous "hip-hoperas" that hilarious.
Smiles,
Erin
I actually really like this picture. And the socks, too. These were knit using my basic top down recipe (72 sts on size 1 addis) and some Schaefer Anne. I think I knit the first sock well over a year ago, but they're finished now, and that's all that matters. I don't love knitting with the Anne so much, but I do love the finished product. The only thing that stinks is that I have a TON of yarn leftover. And I mean a ton. I may end up making a pair of toddler socks with that. Here's another shot:
So, that's one less single sock in the pile, but I've recently added three more:
This was knit with some Regia, again, using my basic sock recipe. And here's a finished Wollmeise (but not) sock:
And lastly, one finished Music Man sock:
Here's a close-up of the stitch pattern and short-row heel:
In stash enhancement news, my skein of Merino Stripes from Mama Blue came in on Thursday:
I love this yarn already, and I haven't even started knitting with it. Really, it is gorgeous! I think I may need to cast on tonight...
Finally, I made my weekend-ly trip to the Haus of Yarn yesterday, and picked up many things, including this:
That's a skein of Araucania Ranco Multy. I love the dye job on this one, and also must say that this was very reasonably priced. Whoooopee!
That's about all I've got for now, except to say that if you haven't seen this movie, please do yourself a favor and try to at least catch it on IFC. You won't be disappointed. I mean, unless, unlike me, you don't really find ridiculous "hip-hoperas" that hilarious.
Smiles,
Erin
Monday, October 15, 2007
So bad!
...but so good! I couldn't resist. I just got some of this. I can't wait for it to arrive.
In other news, I have 3 new single socks to show you. I hope to take pictures of them tonight. I also went to Cleveland, OH to visit my parents a few weekends ago, and now have 2 yarn shop reviews for you:
Birds of a Feather - This shop, located in The Shoppes of Olde Avon Village, is one I have made a point to visit, pretty much every time I've gone to visit my parents during the past couple of years. The shop is housed in a very big, old barn, which is very, very cool, in my opinion. The bottom floor of the barn is the quilting floor, and the upstairs is all yarn. I like this shop, but the past few times I've been there, I must say that I can't help but wonder if the focus has shifted much more in favor of quilting. I think the last time I had gone to the shop was sometime in the spring, and it really seemed like the yarn inventory had not changed much. I guess time will tell, but I won't be surprised if this shop starts selling only quilting supplies at some point in the near future.
French Creek Fiber Arts - This shop, located right across the parking lot from Birds of a Feather packed A LOT of punch for such a small space. My mother, my sister, and I all walked out with a purchase, which was more than we could say after our trip to Birds of a Feather that day. I scored a solid blue skein of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock and also a skein of Twinkle Toes from Chameleon Colorworks. This shop had a fine selection of yarns, including Fleece Artist yarns, which I hadn't ever seen for sale at a yarn store. This little shop really is a dream for the fiber enthusiast, as the shop also carries supplies for weaving and spinning. A must visit for sure!
In other news, I have 3 new single socks to show you. I hope to take pictures of them tonight. I also went to Cleveland, OH to visit my parents a few weekends ago, and now have 2 yarn shop reviews for you:
Birds of a Feather - This shop, located in The Shoppes of Olde Avon Village, is one I have made a point to visit, pretty much every time I've gone to visit my parents during the past couple of years. The shop is housed in a very big, old barn, which is very, very cool, in my opinion. The bottom floor of the barn is the quilting floor, and the upstairs is all yarn. I like this shop, but the past few times I've been there, I must say that I can't help but wonder if the focus has shifted much more in favor of quilting. I think the last time I had gone to the shop was sometime in the spring, and it really seemed like the yarn inventory had not changed much. I guess time will tell, but I won't be surprised if this shop starts selling only quilting supplies at some point in the near future.
French Creek Fiber Arts - This shop, located right across the parking lot from Birds of a Feather packed A LOT of punch for such a small space. My mother, my sister, and I all walked out with a purchase, which was more than we could say after our trip to Birds of a Feather that day. I scored a solid blue skein of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock and also a skein of Twinkle Toes from Chameleon Colorworks. This shop had a fine selection of yarns, including Fleece Artist yarns, which I hadn't ever seen for sale at a yarn store. This little shop really is a dream for the fiber enthusiast, as the shop also carries supplies for weaving and spinning. A must visit for sure!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
One more thing.
Check out the preview for the Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts 2007 issue (available October 16th). Looks like there will be several awesome patterns!!
Holy cool pattern!!
I keep forgetting that MagKnits is now coming out monthly. I checked the site a few minutes ago and came across one seriously cool sock pattern. Check it out! I'm pretty certain these will be on my needles shortly.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Finished Objects!!
I'm long overdue for a post...sorry everybody! I don't really know what's been wrong with me lately. There have been many nights when I've just come home from work and then proceeded to fall asleep at around 7:00 p.m.. Not good. Needless to say the knitting has suffered, along with many other things (like the litter box), but I have managed to finish two pairs of socks! Check 'em out:
These are the Bubble Wrap socks from Sockbug, knit using Mountain Colors Bearfoot in "Bitteroot Rainbow" that I purchased from the Haus of Yarn. Here's the full monty:
Next up, I finished a pair of Leah's Sweater Socks:
And one more shot:
These were knit with some Koigu KPPPM, once again, purchased at the Haus of Yarn. I had to use three skeins, but I think these are magnificent and worth every penny. I also highly recommend the pattern. I modified the heel (standard Sensational Knitted Socks heel vs. the Eye of the Partridge the pattern called for), but other than that kept it the same. They fit very nicely, and are very comfy! Yay, socks!
So, in celebration of finishing TWO projects, I went ahead and cast on for another:
This is the start of the Wollmeise Socks - except I'm not using Wollmeise (I haven't scored any of that yet). The yarn I'm using has been calling to me since I bought it. It is heavenly, and I can't recommend it enough!! I'm going toe-up instead of cuff down, hoping that I can use up every heavenly bit of this stuff.
In other news, I uploaded the rest of my socks projects to Ravelry. I have a bunch of older sweater projects and sweater-type yarns to upload, but all of my sock stuff is now represented.
We also have a bit of stash enhancement. Just a bit - that's all. I got these lovelies from Simply Socks Yarn Company. I couldn't resist:
That's sKNITches Syncopation in "Lagoon"...
...and Dream in Color Smooshy Sock Yarn in "Wisterious". Oh, delish.
And, lastly, Jake had a birthday a couple weeks ago, and I "surprised" him with a small gathering. My friend Brooke made the cake (check out the pics on her page - you won't be disappointed). She also made mine in January. Seriously, though, check this thing out:
The cake and the party were big hits!
Smiles,
Erin
These are the Bubble Wrap socks from Sockbug, knit using Mountain Colors Bearfoot in "Bitteroot Rainbow" that I purchased from the Haus of Yarn. Here's the full monty:
Next up, I finished a pair of Leah's Sweater Socks:
And one more shot:
These were knit with some Koigu KPPPM, once again, purchased at the Haus of Yarn. I had to use three skeins, but I think these are magnificent and worth every penny. I also highly recommend the pattern. I modified the heel (standard Sensational Knitted Socks heel vs. the Eye of the Partridge the pattern called for), but other than that kept it the same. They fit very nicely, and are very comfy! Yay, socks!
So, in celebration of finishing TWO projects, I went ahead and cast on for another:
This is the start of the Wollmeise Socks - except I'm not using Wollmeise (I haven't scored any of that yet). The yarn I'm using has been calling to me since I bought it. It is heavenly, and I can't recommend it enough!! I'm going toe-up instead of cuff down, hoping that I can use up every heavenly bit of this stuff.
In other news, I uploaded the rest of my socks projects to Ravelry. I have a bunch of older sweater projects and sweater-type yarns to upload, but all of my sock stuff is now represented.
We also have a bit of stash enhancement. Just a bit - that's all. I got these lovelies from Simply Socks Yarn Company. I couldn't resist:
That's sKNITches Syncopation in "Lagoon"...
...and Dream in Color Smooshy Sock Yarn in "Wisterious". Oh, delish.
And, lastly, Jake had a birthday a couple weeks ago, and I "surprised" him with a small gathering. My friend Brooke made the cake (check out the pics on her page - you won't be disappointed). She also made mine in January. Seriously, though, check this thing out:
The cake and the party were big hits!
Smiles,
Erin
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Holy Moly. Or something.
Well, after I came home from Meetup, I finished putting the rest of my stash up on Ravelry. In reality, it didn't take that long. Looking at the entire list would make me hurl, if I didn't love it so much.
In other news, I got new shoes:
I like them very much. They're great for showing off the handknit socks. Don't you think?
Smiles,
Erin
In other news, I got new shoes:
I like them very much. They're great for showing off the handknit socks. Don't you think?
Smiles,
Erin
Friday, September 07, 2007
Well, well, well.
The house is up for sale. Check out our listing. I'm a little bittersweet about it, to tell you the truth. I truly have enjoyed living in the house. If you want to see what the "before" looks like, check out Jake's blog. He's done such an awesome job.
Also, a buddy of mine passed along this article. Interesting - although I hate being filed into a trend. "It's sweeping the nation!" Oh, bite me.
Also, a buddy of mine passed along this article. Interesting - although I hate being filed into a trend. "It's sweeping the nation!" Oh, bite me.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Chucks, for knitters?
I was out shopping this weekend and came across a pair of these.
Right after I got out of college, I realized I had like 18 different pairs of Chucks in almost every color of the rainbow. Needless to say, I've since gotten rid of most all of them. Perhaps it's time to add just one more pair to the repertoire?
Right after I got out of college, I realized I had like 18 different pairs of Chucks in almost every color of the rainbow. Needless to say, I've since gotten rid of most all of them. Perhaps it's time to add just one more pair to the repertoire?
Stats.
I' m now on Ravelry, everybody. My username is putasockonit. Add me! I was uploading my projects today at lunch, and have come up with the following stats:
1. I have taken pictures of 10 finished pairs of socks (20 singles) - I'm have many more unphotographed pairs completed, though.
2. I have taken pictures of 28 socks in progress. And there's a bunch more I need to take pictures of.
3. Of those 28, 17 are plain, top-down stockinette socks. Mreh.
4. 1 is plain stockinette, toe-up.
5. 1 is toe-up with a stitch pattern.
6. 7 are top-down with a stitch pattern.
7. Only 4 will have short row heels.
8. I'm only knitting 1 with an usual construction (Sideways Socks from Opal).
I don't particularly like these "stats". I definitely need to start knitting more challenging socks.
1. I have taken pictures of 10 finished pairs of socks (20 singles) - I'm have many more unphotographed pairs completed, though.
2. I have taken pictures of 28 socks in progress. And there's a bunch more I need to take pictures of.
3. Of those 28, 17 are plain, top-down stockinette socks. Mreh.
4. 1 is plain stockinette, toe-up.
5. 1 is toe-up with a stitch pattern.
6. 7 are top-down with a stitch pattern.
7. Only 4 will have short row heels.
8. I'm only knitting 1 with an usual construction (Sideways Socks from Opal).
I don't particularly like these "stats". I definitely need to start knitting more challenging socks.
Monday, September 03, 2007
What a weekend.
I had a pretty sweet weekend. Admittedly, I didn't do a whole hell of a lot, but it turns out that that was exactly what I needed. I finished a PAIR of socks! Check 'em out (please excuse the whitest legs on earth):
For details about the pattern and the yarn, see the post below. I adore these socks. I realize these are only a simple lace pattern, but I am so proud of myself (and my attention span) for knitting something more challenging than plain stockinette. Normally, I start a lacy sock, and then bail after the first day. After I finished these, I was good and started on the second one of these:
I'm to the heel of the second one. Hopefully, I'll have another pair done by the end of this week. You'd be amazed at how fast you can knit a pair when you have one already done. Heh, heh. Finishitis? Oh, heck YES! The yarn is Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Bitteroot Rainbow (I think). The pattern is Bubble Wrap Socks from Sock Bug.
In other news, I broke the purse I had been carrying - well, technically, I probably could have fixed it, but you know, who needs an excuse to buy a new purse? I went ahead and got a new one:
Why is this worth mentioning on my knitting blog? Because it's two-sided:
See? That's a sock-in-progress on one side:
This is exciting (for me), 'cause now I only need to carry one bag, and can stop looking like a geniune bag lady. We also had the fortune (and NOT misfortune, JAKE) of finding a cat and her litter of kittens nesting next to our tiki hut:
There are two orange tabbies, and two gray tabbies. My favorite is this guy in the front with the soft white belly. I'm not sure if it's soft or not 'cause I haven't really touched them (yet) for fear that they may have some disease that I'd hate to pass on to any of the two cats I already own. We're not really sure how long they've been there. For all we know, they could have been born next to the tiki hut, and we're just now discovering them. Anyway, I have been begging Jake all weekend to let us keep one - specifically this guy in the front (we shall call him Boots, short for "Mr. [or Mrs.] Fancyboots). This is unfortunate timing, considering the fact that we're about to sell the house, but love doesn't ever consider schedules. Hahha. Seriously, though, they've been so much fun to watch. Here's one more:
Since we'll likely be showing the house next week, we're going to have to figure out what to do with at least three of them - we were hoping that Love at First Sight took strays, but they don't. So, we're hoping the Humane Society has room for them.
That's about all I've got for now - perhaps I'll see you on Tuesday or at the Sock Knit-a-Long on Thursday?
Smiles,
Erin
For details about the pattern and the yarn, see the post below. I adore these socks. I realize these are only a simple lace pattern, but I am so proud of myself (and my attention span) for knitting something more challenging than plain stockinette. Normally, I start a lacy sock, and then bail after the first day. After I finished these, I was good and started on the second one of these:
I'm to the heel of the second one. Hopefully, I'll have another pair done by the end of this week. You'd be amazed at how fast you can knit a pair when you have one already done. Heh, heh. Finishitis? Oh, heck YES! The yarn is Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Bitteroot Rainbow (I think). The pattern is Bubble Wrap Socks from Sock Bug.
In other news, I broke the purse I had been carrying - well, technically, I probably could have fixed it, but you know, who needs an excuse to buy a new purse? I went ahead and got a new one:
Why is this worth mentioning on my knitting blog? Because it's two-sided:
See? That's a sock-in-progress on one side:
This is exciting (for me), 'cause now I only need to carry one bag, and can stop looking like a geniune bag lady. We also had the fortune (and NOT misfortune, JAKE) of finding a cat and her litter of kittens nesting next to our tiki hut:
There are two orange tabbies, and two gray tabbies. My favorite is this guy in the front with the soft white belly. I'm not sure if it's soft or not 'cause I haven't really touched them (yet) for fear that they may have some disease that I'd hate to pass on to any of the two cats I already own. We're not really sure how long they've been there. For all we know, they could have been born next to the tiki hut, and we're just now discovering them. Anyway, I have been begging Jake all weekend to let us keep one - specifically this guy in the front (we shall call him Boots, short for "Mr. [or Mrs.] Fancyboots). This is unfortunate timing, considering the fact that we're about to sell the house, but love doesn't ever consider schedules. Hahha. Seriously, though, they've been so much fun to watch. Here's one more:
Since we'll likely be showing the house next week, we're going to have to figure out what to do with at least three of them - we were hoping that Love at First Sight took strays, but they don't. So, we're hoping the Humane Society has room for them.
That's about all I've got for now - perhaps I'll see you on Tuesday or at the Sock Knit-a-Long on Thursday?
Smiles,
Erin
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