I see you!!

So here it is the first half of the first band of fair isle on the EPS sweater. I can't help but see some Scooby Doo-ish ghouly eyes staring at me. i am really hoping that in the grand scheme of things this will get lost with all the other patterns. I did change up the color order a bit since the last post and aside from the eyes, I think it works better. I cannot stop knitting this. Everything else is on hold. Loving the fair isle knitting.

Off to the fair today. Maybe I will come back with some yarn or at least a tummy full of junk food.

Found it!

Thanks to Katydid I have found enough Cotton-ease to make the Cabled sweater! I still have the Thorn and Thistle Lace to work on but that sweater is on tap next.

I also rented the Meg Swanson Fair Isle Sweater video(?!) from the library and watched part of that last night. I got to the arm hole portion and then Heroes was one so I will have to watch the rest later. I am excited to see how the steeks work. Overall, it has been very informative and has some great tips esp. about how to increase evenly in the round. I always have problems figuring that one out. Math is Hard- to quote Barbie.

A potential frog

I am thinking about frogging the Thorn and Thistle Lace Cardigan and instead starting a Fair Isle yoke sweater. I have admired Jessica's and even thought I really like the T&T cardi pattern, I think Cascade is turning out a bit too stiff. Maybe Cotton Fleece woudl work better and it would be easier to wear in the Spring/Summer. For right now it is in limbo until I decide for sure. I have already been thinking about the Fair Isle color scheme. Brown sweater with blues or teals for the yoke. Maybe I will do some swatches first.

I also went to the gym last night and had my old trainer do some measurements. Bascially he told me I am borderline unhealthy and I need to do 6 days of cardio and 4 days a weights a week. Huh? You mean I need to push myself? I knew I was doing the minimun so today I am making a calendar of what I am doing when with my scheduled days off. He did say this which has really stuck in my head - For everyday I don't workout or eat right I am pushing back achieving my goal by that many days. Common sense, In know but I guess I just needed someone to tell me.

Super Knitting Saturday

I really kicked it out yesterday. It was such a relaxing day with window shopping, a Starbucks trip and knitting.

Fair Isle Hat from Janine's Fair Isle class at Madrona
Yarn: Jameison's
Needles: Size 3 Addis
Finish Time: 1 Week

I finished the Fair Isle hat and love it. Do you notice something alittle off though? I didn't until I was well into the decreasing.

Yes, somewhere along the line I knit 2 of the "X" pattern repeats together. If this was a sweater, I would have frogged back but since this was my first project, I gave myself some creative licensing and let it go. Design Element, right?

Waterfall Rib Socks from Sensational Knitted Socks
Socks That Rock - Bleeding Hearts
Size 1 Addis
Finish Time: About 3 weeks

The Waterfall Rib socks are also done. These fit perfectly thanks to Sensational Knitted Socks. They are blocking now. This was my first lace style sock. I like them alot but I am tired of yarnovers. Next up- plain old stockinette socks.

I just can't get enough!

I cannot tell you how much I am loving this Fair Isle hat! I think now I know why. As I was knitting last night, hubby leaned over and said, "It's like cross-stitching but it's knitting." He was right. I used to love cross-stitching and yes, I have some cross-stitch UFO's somewhere in the house. Fair Isle is close to it. Reading the chart, changing colors- but it is even more enjoyable. All other projects have been put aside for the next couple of days...

Short update

I am training a new assitant at work this week so I have been busier than usual. Just some quick updates.

I have turned the heel on the Waterfall Rib socks and started working on the foot last night. Cannot wait to wear them!

The Fair Isle hat has been the favorite project I have going now and I just started my second background color.

The Thorn and Thistle Lace Cardigan is moving along slowly but the interest is still there.

Finally, the Mix and Mingle Throw has not been completely forgotten but is just taking a little breather right now.

Yes, I have broken my rule of only 2 projects on the needles. This is the most I have ever had going at once but when inspiration strikes, you have to go with it.

Stash Enhancement

Honestly, what am I going to do with all these potential socks?

Nodding Violet and Farmhouse
Velvet Moon

The start of my Fair Isle hat. This is so addicting...

Madrona and a Movie

I had such a good time at Madrona! I really should have signed up for more than 1 class. I got there ealry Saturday morning with enough time to sit in the lobby and knit/people watch. What a great group of people. Everywhere I looked there were inspiring knitters wearing inspiring knits.

I was alittle overwhelmed at the beginning of my Fair Ilse class, taught by Janine. I was the only one who had no experience knitting with 2 colors on 2 hands. We talked alot about color selection, swatching and technique. By the end of the class, I walked out with enough yarn to try making a hat. I started last night and have finished a couple of rows in the pattern. I am really excited about learning a new technique.

I ran into Meg, Mara, Sarah and Rebecca from Purly Girls and we a great lunch! Thanks girls.

Yes, I did some damage in The Marketplace but not too much. 1 Skein each of Socks That Rock in Farmhouse and Nodding Violet and 2 skeins of Sock Candy in Velvet Moon. I also picked up a skein of Jameson's for the Fair Isle hat.

Pics to come. I was just too tired this morning to take them.

Hubby and I saw The Departed yesterday. I love Martin Scorsese! Riddle me this though- Why would you bring a 3 yo to that movie? Most common sensical people would not but there was a women who walked in about 45 minuted before the movie ended with a toddler. She sat next to a guy, her husband (?), and watched the end of the movie with the daughter on her lap. This is Scorsese not Disney! Blood, bullets, and the F-Word flying everywhere and not once did she get up and leave. That irritated me beyond belief. Lovely parenting style!