S is for...........................

(No, its not superman or superwoman)

U got Gauge!

Ok, so I did not knit the *full 40 rows (30 stitches and 40 rows in 4 inches -- worked in stockinette stitch, flat) but I got it on size 2 needles. Sidewinders: A PerpenSOCKular Pattern here we come! Tomorrow- the kickoff with sit n knit NYC!
I am knitting the Sidewinders with lovely yarn I got in London. hand dyed by nickerjac (Nic) she is a whiz with colors.
I found her by spotting a gorgeous scarf Ingrid made with her yarn, for the ISE3, and met her in London last October at the Knitting Show there.

*Gauge is a bit tricky. I find that often when I get perfect gauge in a swatch, but my knitting relaxes when I am knitting the item (when I am in The Zone) and the gauge is a bit useless. I like making my swatches after I finish, to keep a visual diary.

Sockapalooza socks

The socks for my sockapalooza pal are on their way. it took a while to get it on the needles but I am so happy I found this gorgeous yarn at my LYS. Never seen it before last weekend- Zitron's LifeStyle. Its a happy yarn. I got some more, for myself as well... I am using US2, doing a K4,P2 rib, so the design will show, but it will still rib, since I am knitting for my pal, and I want to be sure the socks will fit and not droop. Ribbing will do the trick. Not sure about the heel or foot yet. I'll see when I get there.

Its here!!

My package from Chrissy from Vancouver, British Columbia, is finally here! it took a while due to post office carrier's error, but all is well, its here! This is part of the Knitters Tea Swap 3, my second time around and I got a wonderful treat. Or treats! Great variety of teas, a savory treat (!!!) bath stuff, the tiny sock key holder (so cute!) and some delicious yarn! Chrissy, Thanks for you generosity!!! Now, what tea to have first? hhmmm........

Green Market Bag

Green Market Bag is done, and a lovely exercise it was. I am pleased with how it came out, even though it is a bit long. Here it is, unblocked, but I don't think I need to block it, it is fine as it is.
Yarn: Louet Euroflax Originals (linen). 1 skein each green (the 270 yds). This can be done in one color; in which case you need only one skein. Needles: Addi lace US6. At the section of separation I used another Addi US6, (but not the lace) for one of the sides- it was much much harder!!!!
I used Astrid's stitch pattern from her beautiful Mohair Scarf. Wonderful, good for a bag structure, easy to memorize and- stretched more than I thought. Oops. OK, So next time I will make it shorter and without the neck. I made a bottom and sides for it using this technique. I attached the handles using a 3 needle bindoff. You can see the 3 needle bindoff and more photos of the process here. I will make more of these. Everybody needs a few. We must go green! I liked knitting with the linen. I read some knitters felt it cut into their hands, but I did not feel it. Its nice to use when its hot out.
Handles: M&J Trimmings on 6th ave. I got the big ones, so I can hang it on my shoulders. Next bag I may use a short one. I have been asked to write this as a pattern. I have (for a change) written notes as I went along, and I will, (soonish) write it up.

Frogged but not forgotten!

The French market bag was frogged. I did not like the way it was knitting up and you all helped me do it. It was not bad. The linen unraveled nicely and now that I tried it, I had an idea what I was going to do. I made a bottom and knit in the round. This version will take much longer and use more yarn, but I like it much better. I am making it up as I go along, and forgot to take pix of the start. but I will knit it again. Maybe in one color. The pattern is based on a mohair scarf that Astrid made. As I mentioned before, I am told this yarn will block crisply. we'll see. And of course, I am knitting it with my Addi lace, us6, magic loop. It may have been faster and "holier" on size us8, but I do love my Addi-lace!

ISE4

I received my scarf from my pal at the ISE4 ! Thanks Erin (AKA magnolia). It is the Liesel scarf, made with Mission Falls 1824 Wool, a very soft merino. The colors are "putty" and "damson." I love the colors. This will go great with my coat.
I also got some cute goodies. I love the statue of liberty eraser all the way from Edmonton!
I enjoyed this exchange as well as the last. I love seeing all the different scarves, it gives me (too much) inspiration!

Babette Blanket progress

2/2 10 rows
5/7 8 rows
7/16 6 rows
11/49 4 rows
12/50 2 rows
But who's counting... this is so addictive; I can't start anything else right now.

ECF- Reflections

To frog or not to frog?

Side one of the Green Market Bag knit up very fast. Guess what- its lace, and it looks odd and misshapen. I am told it will soften and steam well with washing/blocking. It knit up so fast I did not have time to notice it also came out much bigger than the dimensions in the pattern. Does it matter? Its a market bag.
But there is more-
I should have knit it in the round, as Nicole pointed out to me at WWKIP day in NYC. Also, I am thinking- I want to add a bottom, like this one.
Next time or should I frog this, start fresh, with a bottom and sides, with a smaller size needle?

World Wide KIP DAY 2007

Today is World Wide Knit In Public Day!

Go knit in public wherever you are, and be happy!
If you are in NYC, we'll be meeting in Central Parks Sheep's Meadow. Detail here.

Going Green!

I need a little side project with large needles (why a few projects are better for your hands wrists and arms). I heard they will soon ban plastic bags in large grocery stores, so I'll be ready with a market bag! from Knitter Mag summer 2006, in Louet Euroflex originals .

Overwhelmed!

First I want to thank you all for your wonderful encouraging words about my Brooke’s Column of Leaves. I am so flattered that you guys think its good, and some even think I am a "lace knitter," considering I am new to lace (first one last year) and its only my 4th lace project ever! Thanks, and this gives me encouragement to try on a few more!
Overwhelmed is how I feel, and although I do have lots to say, I have no energy to say it. Trying to keep up with it all (The kid, problems at work, paperwork mountain, some lovely books calling my name, knitting- so many new patterns I want to knit, The blanket, spinning, the blog, flickr, Ravelry, to name but a few) is too much this week. Some weeks it is ALL a joy (serious!), this week- not so much. I am posting a few pix for project spectrum 2. The June July colors are red, black, metallic. Red and black are in my fav 4 colors (red, black, gray and brown).
I will be knitting in those colors- soon!
Plus- I had to take a break from fiber work; I crocheted too much over the weekend and my wrist was killing me. I did a bit tonight, but had to stop. I feel so behind- but for what?
So here are some pix. Click on the photos for more info if you will.

Brooke’s Column of Leaves

Its done! Brooke’s Column of Leaves , sea wool (70% merino wool, 30% Seacell), addi lace us6. pleasant to knit. I knit 2 columns . The color on top (folded) is the correct one. It is very very soft, and the seacell gives it a bit of a silky sheen. after blocking it is 54''x10''

Just in time for my second item for project spectrum 2. this was the first.

Also fulfills my resolution to finish 3 lace items in 2007! More photos soon. I am blogging from work. Internet connection trouble AGAIN!