March madness March 11, 2009

So a couple of things have been going on but first my OTN report.
“da hood” is going well. So far I’ve got the back, both fronts and am currently working on sleeve number one. Overall it’s been a pretty easy knit although I did screw up a wee bit. I was working on dec for the left front and it said to dec by the neck side – I have no idea why but I started on the sleeve side. I think it’s because I thought the pattern would have mentioned that you need to dec by the hood and it does seem a bit odd that you would do it there. Though I guess it gives the hood piece some slack by the neck.
Either way I don’t think it’s that detrimental to the project and I think it’ll work out fine when I sew the sleeve on. Worst case scenario I could always rip it and dec it again (horrors).
So anyway other then that that project is coming along nicely. I do think that if I were do it again (which I think I will) I’d use a bulky weight yarn. The Jo Sharp has been great to knit with but the project will end up being more of a “light” cardigan cause it’s a bit holy. It’s still a beautiful color and I do like the texture.

Of course I started on the sleeves and didn’t read the full sleeve BEFORE I started. sigh and I missed an inc 4x! I’m debating whether I should rip it and start over again but then again it’s 4 stitches…what to do, what to do. She does have a chunky arm so I think I’m going to measure it against her arm before I make the decision. ARGH!

Next on my project list is the infamous alphabet baby blanket. That one is coming along nicely and I should have it all completed by the weekend…well at least the alphabets. I should be able to sew it all up and then take some crocheting lessons to get the border done. All in all another easy knit project and it’s been a nice reprieve to just mindless knit a square every night. I might just do another one for one of the “kids” – am not sure who yet but it’s an awesome toddler blanket.
So FO pics to be coming soon!
On the queue is my boss’s baby blanket. His baby is due end of April so I’ve got plenty of time yet. The pattern calls for size US 36 which have to be ginormous! I can see how pretty the moss stitch with it will be though so I’ll have to place my order and get them delivered soon. That one should be an easy knit plus if it comes out really pretty I might just make it for Sheena’s baby. Although I do like that cable baby blanket from Drops. I’m thinking about using Debbie Bliss Stella for it since there’s a sale at Jimmy Beans Wool. Hmm we’ll see.

Depletion of yarn February 25, 2009

Alas I have run out of yarn. I know it’s crazy but it’s true..well for my blanket that is. More is on the way but at least I’ve done a big chunk of the blanket prior to depleting my resources.

It’s looking very pretty and I’m wondering if the blue border is going to make it too boyish. We’ll have to wait and see.

Maybe I’ll just buy more yarn and make another. It’s such an easy knit; the only parts that I’m actually dreading is the sewing and the crocheting but then again don’t I always. I also decided to buy more Shine for yet another Alphabet blanket – this time for Conor. I went back and forth on boy colors since I’m horrible with picking up colorways but decided to “risk it all” and go for
Mallard and Laurel. Haven’t decided yet on the border though I am thinking of using the Fedora.

Also on my purchased cart I got another skein of Robin’s Nest. I now have three – don’t know for what yet but it’s probably going to be for a boy sweater. It shall live happily in my staff for the moment.

Lastly I have to review the Harmony needles from Knitpicks.

Review:
So after listening to the Sticks n Strings podcast which gave Knit Pick needles such an awesome review I decided to buy a pair. I got two sets of interchangeable circulars (24 inch and 32 inch) and a pair of size 7s. So the wood and color are absolutely beautiful and gorgeous to knit with. The challenge with these circulars is that as you’re working through your project you inevitably twist up the cable or needle so slowly but surely you’re needle starts unscrewing from the cable and as a result catch on your stitches. Not cool.
I had to stop a couple of times to “unhitch” my stitches from the ridge and screw the needle back on. It’s a shame really cause I would have totally bought more as they’re very economical and the needles themselves are very well made.

M is for MORE to come February 18, 2009

Okay so I’m still working through my Alphabets and just finished the “M” square last night. So far so good. It’s been pretty simple and I have a neat little stack of squares just waiting to be sewed together. Yah.
I saw this with little enthusiasm as even though I’m dying to finish it up and get it all done – I’m not looking forward to the sewing and *cringe* crocheting the border.
A new adventure but hopefully it won’t be that painful as I’m already plotting another Alphabet blanket – maybe for Conor though as of right now, I’m not too sure. I love the colors on this one as I’m a bit purple fan but I keep thinking of that Red/Gold color layout that Kelly picked out in KnitPicks and how AWESOME that would be for Hayley’s blanket!
We’ll see – must finish this one first!
So this week has been a quiet one. MAAWG is happening downtown so I get to relax at home and do the whole email thing and then zip off to downtown and sit in as folks talk about botnets, spam and all the rest of the messaging love. JOY. It’s not so bad and I might actually learn a thing or two. The evil part of this is all the GOODIES in the way of treats they have! Mini cakes and utterly sinful desserts to keep you caffeinated and jittery during the session. Another whoop for my ever expanding butt. -sigh-
Perhaps I’ll sneak in some knitting in between sessions. God, I’ve been so obsessed lately!! I know lately is rather relative…