...Finished...

...Yippee! I finally finished the Hibiscus for hope socks (I've been distracted a lot lately).

Ta Da!

I love the way that the yarn has striped:

So, to recap...the pattern is Hibiscus for Hope by Mezzodiva and the yarn is Biscotte & Cie from the Robyn's Nest Sock Club.

I'm not sure what socks I will cast on next, but I'm also still working on this:

It's going to be a small throw. The yarn is Manos Del Uruguay and I'm working a Lace and Cable pattern from A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara Walker. It is being displayed on my bison skin rug:

It is very soft and warm. I love curling up in front of the fire and reading.

I also have to start thinking about Christmas gifts...Sigh...so much to do, so little time...

Oh well, I'm off to grab another coffee and get this day off to a good start...

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

The cake says it all...

It's my DB's (darling boyfriend's) 28th birthday today! In honour of the occasion I baked him a Boston Cream Pie. Yummy!
There has been some progress on the knitting front:

These are the Hibiscus for Hope socks in progress. Well on the way to completion.
They are on my newest furniture acquisition:

A mahogany side table. This table will eventually house a new lamp, and this will become my new knitting spot.
Well, I've got to go clean the apartment and get ready for dinner.

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING

Another Lazy Holiday!

It's Labour Day!...and that means it is the last day of the Summer of Socks for this year. I wasn't as productive as I hoped (I kept getting distracted with putting together new furniture), but I did manage to finish 3 pairs of socks:

Summer Socks by Wendy Johnson.

Tweedy Stripes (pattern: Two-at-once, toe-up, magic loop from Knitpicks.com)

and finally:

Vintage Rose socks. The pattern and yarn are from the January Sock club kit from Robyn's Nest. I altered the pattern though. I did the socks toe up and didn't like how the leg pattern turned out when done upside down. I love how these socks turned out.

Speaking of the Robyn's Nest Sock Club, I received my August Kit:

This yarn is from Tanis Fibre Arts and the colourway is called E=MC2. The accompanying pattern was designed by Robyn herself!

My next sock project is going to be Hibiscus for Hope. For those of you who remember my Campanula socks. Hibiscus is also from Ramona and you can get your copy if you go here and follow the links to sponsor Ramona in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. A great pattern for a worthy cause! The wool I will use is another Robyn's Nest sock club yarn (June I think):

I find the colours remind me of a Blue Hibiscus. I can't wait to get started!

Well, I'm having company for dinner so I better get started!

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

Lazy Holiday!

Happy whatchamacallit to anyone with a holiday today! Here in Ottawa we are enjoying Colonel By Day.

My laundry is drying in my bathroom. I have a stew in the slow cooker, and bread kneading itself in the kitchen (have I mentioned I love my bread machine?). Now I get to sit and knit to my hearts content.

I finished the tweedy stripes:...

...and cast on another pair right away:

These are the pattern and yarn from the January Sock Club Kit from Robyn's Nest (pssst...it's Robyn's 1 year anniversary today and she's having a sale! Head over now!)

The yarn is from Perfect Day Yarns (Free Verse Sock yarn) and the Pattern is Vintage Rose Socks by Mona Schmidt. I'm adapting the pattern from dpn-top-down to magic loop-toe up, so we will see how it goes.

I bit the bullet and frogged the Garter Stitch Jacket. I have now figured out how to knit the pattern so it actually does garter stitch and I am much happier.

Remember my garden? Well it's grown:

Tomatoes and Squash then:

and now:

Cucumber then:

and now:

The plants are a little scrawny. I think it is because the pots I have them in aren't deep enough. However I do have some veggies. I have about 4 cucumbers, 8 grape tomatoes, 6 early girl tomatoes, and 4 beefy boy tomatoes. The squash just began flowering with male flowers so the females should bloom sometime this week so we will see if I get any acorn squash. Next year I'll plan a little better. It's definitely a learning process.

Now I'm going to take advantage of some quiet knitting time and work on my socks!

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

Plugging along...

Still knitting, but have become very distracted by my Wii Fit. I love that thing...

I did manage to finish the Summer Socks:

and I'm working on another pair:

These are Two-at-a-time, toe-up, magic loop socks. The pattern is available as a free download from Knitpicks. The wool is Lana Grossa Meilenweit Colortweed, and I love how it's striping.

I did manage to finish Witterings in time for Canada Day:

That's me in the middle with Parliament Hill in the background.

I've also cast on The Garter Stitch Jacket by Fleece Artist.

I have had that kit since last November, but was hesitant to wind the mohair without a swift (there is nothing worse than tangled mohair). However, since my wonderful boyfriend bought me a swift for my 30th birthday (yikes I can't believe I'm that old!), I managed to wind the balls with nary a tangle! I'm not quite sure about the pattern though. If I follow it word for word, it's not really garter stitch, but rather stockinette. I'm not sure if that's due to a typo, or if I'm supposed to knit stockinette and wear it inside out. I'm more inclined to do the latter because that's how it was written and I can't find any corrections for it.

Finally, I've begun Shedir.

This is being knit in Cabin Fever Tweed DK in Purple. It is for my boyfriend's sister who has recently been diagnosed with leukemia. The strain she has is very receptive to treatment and has an 85% survival rate, but the news was a blow to the family. Especially since she lives all the way in Philly.

Well, back to knitting and hopefully I'll have more fo's in my next post.

...and we're off!

The Summer of Socks 2008 officially began last night at midnight (or is it this morning at midnight?) anyway I stayed up and cast on at about 12:01am. My first pair of socks is shaping up quite nicely:

The pattern is one that Wendy of Wendy Knits designed especially for the SOS. This pair I'm trying two-at-a-time on two circular needles. My next pair I'll try two-at-a-time using Magic Loop and we'll see which way I prefer.

Mary Mary quite contrary how does your garden grow?

I am once again trying to garden on my balcony. This year I got a greenhouse in which I am housing my strawberry plant (so the squirrels and birds don't eat them) and some herbs:

Eversweet Strawberries.

Chives, French Lavender, and Cilantro.

Some Tomatoes:

Grape Tomatoes on the left, Early Girl Tomatoes on the right, and Acorn Squash on the far right.

Two different kinds of mint:

Spearmint and Apple Mint.

and finally some Cucumbers and Sedum:

Cukes on the right, Sedum on the left, oh and my birdfeeder (which doubles as a squirrel feeder, but the birds don't mind).

I hope....

Anyhoo, I'm off to knit some socks...

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

Okay...

...so we've determined that I am a very inconsistent blogger. I find blogging takes away from my knitting time ( I really need to learn how to type with my feet). But since the Summer of Socks 2008 is coming up (yippee!) I have to start faithfully blogging again (so you all can see the socks I finish).

Speaking of finished socks:

Here's my first Blueberry Cheesecake sock:

This is TOFUtsies yarn in the 736 colourway. It reminds me of blueberry cheesecake (hence the name). The pattern is Wendy's Toe-up socks with a difference. The difference is that the gusset stitches are on the bottom of the foot. Really cool. I like them. I'm just turning the heel of the 2nd one. I'm trying to finish it before the 21st when the SOS'08 starts.

Also on the needles is Witterings. I'm hoping to get this done by Canada Day, so when I'm on the hill, my face wont burn (that's the plan anyways). I'm doing it in plain 'ol Handicrafter Cotton from Bernat. Pics will be posted along with pics of the AWESOME sock club kit from Robyn's nest which arrived today. The colours....yummy!

Well it's starting to storm here and I have to finish reading Careless in Red by Elizabeth George so I'll log off.

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

Wow Time Flies!

It's been a month since my last post...
Let's see, what have I been up to?

I finished the Gatsby Girl Pullover:

I think it turned out really well. I found some cool buttons for the shoulder at a fabric shop near where I work:

I think they have a nice vintage feel to them.

I got some more sock yarn:

This is some Dream in Color Smooshy in an exclusive colourway for people who didn't get into The Loopy Ewe Sock Club.

This is great because once again I'm joining the Summer of Socks. Between June 21st and September 1st, I'll be knitting Socks, Socks, and more socks. In preparation, I am going to purchase Knitting Circles Around Socks which shows you how to knit socks two-at-a-time on circular needles. Hopefully this year I'll be able to knit more than four pairs!

Anyhoo I'm off to do some laundry and knit.

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

Cough...Cough...

I've been out of commission for a while with bronchitis (not fun). I finally finished my antibiotics today and aside from a lingering cough, I am feeling much better. I haven't been completely idle though, I started working on this:

This is the back of the Gatsby Girl Pullover from Interweave Knits Fall '06. The yarn is KnitPicks Merino Style in the Hollyberry colourway, and it is knitting up really nicely.

Today I also received a package of goodies from Germany:

These treats are from my partner in the Miss Marple Read-a-long and scarf exchange. She sent me two scarves, a number of bookmarks, handmade soap, handmade stitch markers, some chocolate scented lotion and a skein of Trekking XXL (yippee!). I can't wait to make use of all this stuff.

Some yarn pr0n from The Loopy Ewe:

This is more Dream in Color Classy in the November Muse colourway. I was going to use it for Mariah, but when it arrived I realised that the colour is too perfect for my boyfriend, so I am going to use it for the Manly Maze from No Sheep For You. It's a different weight, so there will be math involved (gasp!) but I think it will look really nice. Of course this means I'll just have to buy some more Classy for Mariah (sigh...what hardship...)

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

Spring is coming, right?

I feel like it has been winter forever. Or maybe it seems that way because I've been fighting yet another cold this week (maybe it's just the same cold that keeps coming back?). Anyhow the bottom line is, I've been sick and whiny all week and the only thing I have to show for it (aside from a very red nose and scratchy throat) is a finished Mr. Greenjeans.

TA DA!:

(The other bloggers are right, it is really hard to properly photograph oneself.)

I loved this pattern, and the wool was Dream In Color Classy in the Black Parade colourway. This is a yummy Australian Superwash Merino in Aran weight and it knits like a dream. (no pun intended)

In other news. I've been watching the squirrels on my balcony for a while now, and I was able to finally catch some of their antics on film.

Presenting:
Squirrel Acrobatics (okay so I was also playing on Windows Moviemaker this weekend)

Brave little fellow.

And finally proof that Spring is here:

(Either that or that is one really confused bird)

I'd like to think that the Robin is right and Spring is just around the corner. It's better than believing Environment Canada's prediction of another six weeks of winter. I don't think I can last that long.

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

Let It Snow...Let It Snow...Let It Snow...

Greetings from the Great White North! I had a very productive weekend.

The weather outside was frightful on Saturday. In case you hadn't heard we received about 51cm of snow. We are very close to beating the record winter of '70/'71, in which the total snowfall for that winter was 444.6 cm. After this weekend we have had about 413 cm of snow.

This is what it looked like:

and this is the public deck by my apartment on Sunday:

It was a perfect weekend to knit and watch a movie:

As you can see there is progress on Mr. Greenjeans. This is a pretty fast knit and I hope to have it finished soon.

Well, that's the news from here. Now I have to get ready for work.

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

S-S-S-Swatches!

I have developed an obsession with my DIC Classy.

Here are the swatches for my Mr. Greenjeans:


Note the amazing blend of colour. I LOVE this yarn. It is really soft to knit with, and when washed it's even softer. My only issue with the yarn is an excess of dye, so you should wash the skeins before you start knitting with it (or you end up with funky coloured fingers and needles). I'm not sure if it is unique to this batch, but a number of other people in the KAL have mentioned the same problem. Other than that, it is wonderful. I definitely think that I will buy more of this to make another project. Perhaps the Central Park Hoodie or Mariah or both. (I also seem to be developing an obsession with cabled cardigans)

It's storming here today, so I'm curled up on the couch knitting...until I have to go to work later. This is one of those days where I am really glad I bus to work...I would hate to drive in this weather. Tomorrow is my day off and Friday is my Knitnite, so perhaps by this weekend I'll be able to show quite a bit of progress on my Mr. Greenjeans.

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

Winter wildlife...

I'm still here. I did wear the vest for a Valentine's breakfast (both my boyfriend and I were working that night), and I love it. It's warm and fuzzy and wonderful.

I finished the scarf for my secret pal in the Miss Marple exchange. I will post pics after I've mailed it (so I don't spoil the surprise). Currently I've picked up my Fall Turtleneck, and this time I will finish it. At least I'll try my best...I've joined another KAL. Sheri (at The Loopy Ewe) has started a Dream in Color Classy KAL. Basically you pick a sweater pattern you want to make (I'm doing this) and you knit it in DIC Classy. If you finish it by June 1st and post your picture on The Loopy Ewe picture board, you have a chance to win a Loopy Prize Pack. I've had the Mr. Greenjeans in my Ravelry queue for a while now so I'm happy to finally make it. The Classy I chose is Black Parade which has a base of black with hints of brown and blue. As soon as the yarn arrives I will start swatching.

I also figured out what I want to do with my Briggs & Little. I am going to make this. I should have enough wool, but I can't cast on for that until I finish my turtleneck. (Priorities...).

Speaking of the turtleneck, I was working on it the other day when I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. I looked up and saw this:

I'm not sure what he's thinking, but I think it may be along the lines of: "Hmm...how do I get in there?"

Either that or: "Feed me".

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

Another finished object!

Just in time too since I want to wear this for Valentine's Day.
With no further ado, I present:
The Valentine Vest

Somewhat inspired by Veste Everest by Veronik Avery, this is my first venture into "knitting a sweater in the round". I am in love. No seams...have I ever mentioned how much I hate seams? I used a basic 8 stitch cable, and for the middle I used the Valentine Cable from A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara Walker. This vest is so soft and fuzzy. I used Red Heart Symphony yarn, and I must say that this is some of the softest acrylic I've ever seen. I can't wait to wear this.


In other news, I am working on a top secret project. It is a scarf for my secret pal in the Miss Marple Read Along and Scarf Exchange. All I will say about it is I hope my secret pal likes it, and I hope I can finish it by the end of March.


Right now I'm swatching for a cabled cowl that I'm designing. Since I chopped my hair (I still love the haircut, although I've started brushing the bangs to the side), I've found that my head gets kind of cold (go figure). However toques flatten my hair, hence the cowl. It will keep my neck warm, plus I can pull it up like a hood and keep my ears warm.

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!

I made the cut...

...and chopped off my ponytail for Pantene's Beautiful Lengths. I've been playing around with the idea of cutting my hair short, and I thought that this year would be the time (I'm turning 30 in July, and figured chopping my hair would be less permanent than a tattoo).

Before:


After:


I LOVE it! Getting over a foot cut off your hair is very liberating, and it's for a great cause!

Now I have the urge to knit turtlenecks and scarves!

TTFN and KEEP KNITTING!