Not-so Natural Goldilocks and the 3 headbands

So the socks I was oh so ready to start on Tuesday night have taken a back seat. Yesterday I found a pattern for a headband to make with my leftover sock yarn. Last night after our anniversary dinner out, I cast on with my leftover Trekking. First try with 2 strands- too bulky. Second try, single strand- ok but the stripes were not working with the pattern. Third try? Why not make my own headband pattern that would work with the self-patterning yarn? This morning, I looked through my small selection of lace and openwork patterns for inspiration (there's that word again) and found one I liked and cast on. I haven't gotten far and I am sure I will have more frogging and restarts coming my way but hopefully I will have a "just right' moment and a my first pattern to share with all of you!

Sticking to my guns

I took at trip to Joann's last night and walked through their yarn section. DMC Senseo is only $2.50 and it would take about 8 balls to make Orangina. Even though I fondled the yarn about 5 times, I am somewhat happy to say I brought no yarn home with me. I headed directly to my stash at home and started to look for the next sock project. No pink for me this time which leaves me with about 3 choices. I chose Mesa from KnitPicks and a slip stitch rib pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. I even did a gauge swatch. So the socks are ready to be started.

This morning I started a second section of Backyard Leaves and got it caught up to the point of the first section. It feels much better to know that when I am done with the pattern repeats, I am done with the project.

Today is also my 3rd wedding anniversary. Never to be normal with anniversary celebrations (last year was homemade fajitas and champagne), we are going to work out at a nice gym downtown and are following that up with sushi. Love you honey!!

Too Much Inspiration

Why is it that I can go weeks without inspiration when I want it but when I don't really need any, it is coming out my ears? I have really decided that becasue I have way too much yarn already and I have been spending money on other things that I would try to use the yarn I have. Since then I have seen at least 4 different sweaters I want to make. I have seen them before and they didn't do anything for me but now I have looked online for the yarn and gone as far as putting it in a shopping cart. Orangina, Somewhat Cowl, Tempting II- Would these really do anything for my busty self? I don't think so but the temptation/inspiration is still there. Please let this just pass by for now. I have 50 (or more) other skeins of yarn waiting to be knit into something great.

Pink Overload

I have finished my 2 socks on 1 circ and I love the method. This is how I will be knitting socks from now on. It seems so much quicker and I don't have to worry about so much measuring and making the sure the socks match. Here are the details:

Self-Patterning Socks (My own pattern)

Yarn: Trekking XXL

Needles: size 2 addis circ

Finishing these made be realize 2 things - 1) I should be knitting both sections of Backyard Leaves at the same time. I think I will start the second half tonight to catch up with the first and go from there. 2) I have knit alot of pink socks. Out of 6 pairs I have knit, 5 are are pink based. Exhibit A:

My next pair will not have one stitch of pink in it. I am going to pick the yarn and look in Sensational Knitted Socks of a pattern today.

I hate leftovers!

Ask my husband and he will tell you I hate leftovers. I will not eat anything over 1 day old. I guess the same is true when it comes to yarn. What do I do with leftovers?

I have started the Amazing Technicolor Blanket with worsted weight scraps but now that I am knitting socks, I have a whole new realm of scraps piling up. If I knit 3 strands of sock yarn together will I get the a worsted weight? Every leftover I have is a striped or varigated yarn so there isn't much I can do by combining them. Any suggestions?

Sunday Road Trip

It is hubby's first Sunday off in a while and he wanted to go on a road trip to Roslyn. It's the town about an hour from Seattle where Northern Exposure was filmed. I hadn't been there for about 10 yrs. THere is a new resort nearby but the heart of the town is pretty much the same. There was a Farmer's Market going on so we walked the booths and bought some cherries, bread and local honey. We stopped for lunch at the Roslyn Cafe and stopped in at a few of the shops.

On the way back we hit Snoqualmie Falls. This is why I love living in Seattle. Gorgeous! There were so many people there. I guess I don't play tourist enough in my own area to know just how busy it can get. The best part though was in the gift shop hearing a middle aged lady yell to her elderly mother, "Look mom, Here's your beaver right over here! It's so big!" I nearly lost it. She was talking about a 5' tall stuffed animal but without knowing that my dirty mind went crazy.

Of course I brought some knitting with me for the car ride. I started Twitterpated in some Cotton-ease I had in my stash. one more skein down in the every going stockpile I have.

Dye-o-rama!

I opened my front door about 2 today and a little orange note fell onto the floor. I had a package to pick up at the post office! I rushed off right away since they close at 3 and got my package. Malyasia!! Holy crap. I rushed home to open it and found the most gorgeous color! Not only yarn but fruit teas, a compact mirror and a card all from Mona. Thank you so much. This was a great surprise. LOVE IT!!

catch up

So my posts haven't included very many pics lately. Thought I would catch up on that this morning.

First up the socks. I really like these. It is my first time with a self patterning yarn. I wasn't so sure about it when I started but they have grown on me- so much that I have bought more Trekking in another color.

Backyard Leaves v2.0- Much easier with Cotton Fleece and thank god for my old cross-stitching magnet board. Perfect for keeping track of the grid. I was looking at lace and patterned sweaters before starting this. Maybe I was really looking for something besides straight sockinette. This fits the bill!

Here are the stitch markers Leigh send me in her thank you package. Sadly, the chocolate is all gone. YUM!! Thank you again for these. They are so cute.

I had also planned to do some sewing today for the KSKS bag. It is 80 degrees here so the sun is calling but I may have an hour or 2 to get started. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Summer begins today

Well, not officially but school ends today which means the summer madness starts. Vacations, step-son at home more, new assistant starting in 2 weeks- exciting and hectic. Vegas is coming up though. It is work-related so I do need to keep that in mind but hubby is meeting me down there for a couple of fun days!

If you are thinking about knitting 2 socks on 1 circ, check out The Boy Who Knits. He has a full tutorial on his site and it has been such a big help! I have passed the heel turn and gusset and it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. His pictures and direstions are easy to follow. Thank you so much! I will post pics soons, I promise.

Let's try it again

I am giving Backyard Leaves a second try- this time with Cotton Fleece instead of Lamb's Pride. I only have about 12 rows done so far so it is alittle early to tell how it is working out.

My next sweater I think will be Somewhat Cowl from Knit and Tonic. I was actually already to buy the pattern and yarn but yesterday headed to the LYS and spent $75 on yarn for my KSKS pal (and one for me) and Sensational Knitted Socks for myself. That threw my other yarn purchases out the window- at least for now. I am going to concentrate on smaller stash busting projects this summer.

Yesterday was my first visit with a personal trainer. It didn't seem like too much until I got into the car and my arms felt like jello. It took a good 2 hours to recover. I hated the feeling at the moment but I am glad I had that kicked-ass feeling, it means I am doing something productive.

Down to one project

It is official. The shawl I was working on has been frogged. That leaves me with only one project going right now. I was looking for a new sweater to work on last night but I am not sure. I would have to buy the yarn and I would really like to work the stash down to a reasonable amount. That means knitting socks until the day I die. No really, I would like to get some of the stash used. Maybe try #2 at Backyard Leaves. I have some Cotton Fleece to use.

I did buy some fabric for the KSKS bag. My pal was very color specific but I think I found a good match and got some for myself to make a practice bag.

Leigh, my downstream pal from Dye-o-rama, sent me a great thank you gift! I didn't get a pic but there was a bag of Werther's Originals, a very yummy dark chocolate bar and some fish stitch markers that are going on my next project! Thanks Leigh!

Two Birds with One Stone

Yes! I am finally knitting 2 socks at once. It has not been without it's humps though. I thought I was starting out at the same point in the yarn on both socks but as I started knitting I realized that wasn't the case so I frogged one and started over at the right spot. So far the rest has been easy breezy but the heel turn and gussets are looming.

I finished my Dyed Myself socks on Sat. while watching Brokeback Mountain. I have not taken any pics yet. The movie was good but I think it was a little overrated.

Father's Day meant Cupcake Royale for breakfast and a very long lunch at Redhook with a couple of winery stops along the way. After all that we came home and watched the new Pink Panther. Ouch! Poor Steve Martin. I heard he does movies for 2 reasons- either money to support his art collection (Cheaper by the Dozen) or because he actully wants to make a good movie (Novacaine). I hope this bought him a few paintings.

Knit Sock Kit Swap Questions

I am so excited about this swap!

What are your favorite colors? Pink, brown, turquoise, purple

Are you a new sock knitter? How long have you been knitting socks? I am relatively new. I have made 4 pairs in the past 3 months.

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? I like solids with cables or a pattern and multi-colored yarn with simplier socks.

What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn? I have only used wool but an open to others.

Where do you usually knit socks? At home

How do you usually carry/store small projects? In a my diaper bag turned knitting bag.

What are your favorite sock knitting patterns? So far my favorite is Jaywalkers.

What are your favorite sock knitting techniques? Magic Loop

What new techniques would you like to try? Toe Down

Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting? Circs all the way!

What are some of your favorite yarns? I have used Knitpicks and Lorna's Laces and liked both of them.

What yarn do you totally covet? I have some Koigu but am afraid to use it

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object? Not that I can think of

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? Addi turbos

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? Cascade 220- versitile and dependable

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? Jelly Bellies, gummy anything

What’s your favorite animal? Fish

Do you have pets? What are their species/names/ages? none except my husband, Jason, 35

If you were a color what color would you be?Hot pink

Describe your favorite shirt (yours or someone else’s).. Old Navy Perfect fit tee in brown

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature? Oceans

Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read.- I can never think of an answer for this one

Do you have a wishlist? Not right now

Yarn Buyer's Remorse?

For the past few mornings I have looked in my closet and longed for a lightweight cotton sweater to wear in the mornings to keep the chill off. I could run to Target and buy one for cheap but the knitter that I am shakes that off and says "hey, I can make that!" The frugal knitter that I am doesn't want to spead too much on yarn so I go to Joann's and start looking at Sugar n Cream and Lion's Cotton for inspiration and walk out with 4 balls and no idea what to do with it. Then I start thinking, Do I really want a sweater made from washcloth yarn? How well will it wash? Why did I spend $20 on that when I could buy some Shine from Knitpicks or a whole sweater from Old Navy for the same price? I really see myself returning the yarn to Joann's tomorrow and then making a KnitPicks puchase. As my husband told me a few days ago, "It has been a while since you ordered from your place in Portland. Shouldn't it be happening soon?"

Winners!

Congratulations to the winners of my blogiversary contest!

Christine is the winner of package #1 and Rachel will be seeing package #2 on her doorstep soon.

Thanks to everyone who entered. I got some great ideas and more than a few hints that I need to buy Sensational Knitted Socks. I hope to keep improving the blog as the next year rolls along.

Thanks Again- Lynn

Stripey!

So here is the finished sock with my first ever dyed myself self-striping yarn. I think next time I might make the sections of color a bit longer. I didn't realzied how narrow it would knit up. I like it though and it fits well. I am just about done with the second socks's cuff. Maybe they will be done this weekend...

No Purly Girls for me this week. I was at home sticking address labels on 1000 postcards for work. Good times but I think Purly Girls will take priority on Monday.

I hope they match

One sock down. I will get a pic up soon but I also started the second of the dyed myself socks. I really should have knit 2 at once so they match but I think I am on the right track.

I have the urge to dye more. Signing up for the Knit Sock Kit Swap may be the perfect excuse for that.

Thanks for all the great suggestions for sock patterns! I already feel inspired for the next pair. Keep them coming, the contest ends tomorrow night.

It's contest time!

It is Wrap and Turn's first anniversary on Tuesday and to celebrate I am having a contest.

I have been buying sock yarn like it is going out of style but don't have many sock or sock yarn patterns. So here is the deal. Email me the names and sources of your favorite patterns using sock yarn between now and Wednesday night. I will randomly draw 2 winners from the people who send me their faves. Email your favorites to: lynnknits AT gmail DOT com.

Here are the prizes:

Prize #1: a skein of Cascade 220 in a great lavendar color, a box of dark chocolate peppermint candy sticks, 2 scented candles and some handmade point protectors.

Prize #2: a skein of Cascade 220 in dk. red heather, a box of dark chocolate raspberry sticks, 2 scented candles and some handmade point protectors.

Good Luck Everyone! I will announce the winners on Thursday!

About time

It seems like it has been weeks since I posted a knitting related pic. So here is an update on the projects.
First the finished item. Love it. Was supposed to be a Tahoe project but I concentrated more on drinking than knitting. I will have to save it for cooler weather. I haven't knit with Kureyeon in a while and forgot how much I love it!

My So-Called Scarf
Yarn: Noro Kureyeon
Needles: Size 11











I haven't work on the shawl at all. It should be a quick knit but the motivations just hasn't been there.

The dyed myself socks are coming along. I am using the basics on the Jaywalkers pattern and just making a stockinette sock but the math has slowed me down a bit. I hope the second one moves a little faster.

I have also signed up for the Knit Sock Kit Swap and am pretty excited about that. Of course, the Eff the Math group was the one for me.

A Contest is Coming...

My 1 year blogiversary is next Tuesday, the 13th. Inspired by Amy and her contest, I will be holding one of my own. I am getting the prizes together this weekend and will announce it right here on Monday! Stay Tuned!

I need a kick in the butt

This week I have had a severe case of procrastination as far as knitting projects go. I have worked about 2 rows on my socks and have not even touched my Shawl for about 2 weeks. I don't know if it is lack of inspiration, the weather or what. Last night in peticular was very uninspired. It was one of those nights where I wanted to do something but could not think of anything to do. I had energy brimming in me. I didn't want to knit but wanted to go dancing or do something physical. I ended up watching a movie and feeling bad about it. Tonight is Little League but tomorrow I am going to the gym (for the first time in a while) to get some of this energy released.

Gorgeous

This is where I spent my weekend! Sunny and beautiful in Lake Tahoe. We went fishing on Sat. morning and I could not believe how clear the water was. It was alot of fun but more importantly, the customers loved it! Hopefully, we can do it again.

I did get a chance to knit on the plane ride down. My So Called Scarf is about half way done. I really like the way Kureyon is working with this.
I am getting back into the swing of things today after 10 hours of sleep last night. Work, little league and maybe a little bit of knitting.

See you next week!

I am off for a weekend of work ( and play) in Tahoe! I will be back on Sunday.

My weekend started off great with an email from Amy at Good to be Girl. I have won one of her Blog Anniversary gifts. Socks that Rock and some other great looking treats! Now if only that luck is carried with me to the casinos... See you soon!

Packing like a girl

I have heard of throwing like a girl and crying like a girl but packing like a girl? Last night, I started packing for Tahoe. The flight is tomorrow at 6AM and tonight is filled with either a baseball game or a JR. High Orientation dinner thing. Why is it that I can go someplace with my husband for 3 days and pack it all in a backpack and now it seems like I am packing 6 outfits for what is really 1 full day in Tahoe. So far I have: pj's, swimsuit (I don't think I will brave it with co-workers around but I am bringing it anyway), an outfit for fishing, one for the welcome reception, one for dinner, one for just hanging out and one for the plane trip back. I could not figure out what I needed so many changes of clothes. Then my husband told me it was because I was finally packing like a girl. Ohhhh, so that is it. Maybe I will through in some hot rollers, mud mask, 3 different nail polishes and perfume just for good measure.

My So Called Scarf really tempted me last night but I resisted and worked more on the socks. I am kind of making up the pattern as I go. Even though it is really basic, the number of stiches is what will throw me off especially when it comes to sock #2. Is there a Sock Formula out there where you can just plug and play?