Well, 2013 was both productive and leisurely.
I finished 31 Knitting Projects:
Ayli Hat
Simple Lines Shawl
Light and Up Shawl
Moonlight Sonata Shawl*
Flip-Top Mittens #1
Wingspan Shawlette #1
Bellflower Cowl
Ditty Bag #1
Not-so-Raspberry-as-Cherry Wrap*
Pearly Pink Queen Shawl
Feather Lace Wrap-Scarf
Namaste Yoga Bag
My WWWW Headband
Cabled Tea Cup Cozy
Moss Stitch DROPS headband #1
Mistaken Shawl #2
Mistaken Shawl #3
Moss-Stitch DROPS Headband #2
"Red" Robin's-Egg Blue Hat
Multnomah Shawl #2
Tea Pot Cozy
Garter Stitch Fingerless Mittens
Riot Hat
Lacy Baktus #2
Wingspan Shawlette #2
Holden Shawl (expanded from Shawlette)
Maelstrom-Vortex-ish Circular Shawl*
Fingerless Mittens
Prismatic Scarf
Daisy Stitch Headband
Patchwork Jacket*
(*) indicates long term projects.
Knitting projects started but unfinished in 2013:
Nori Shawl
Muir Shawl/Wrap (Beaded)
Flip-top Mittens #2
Foreign Correspondant's Scarf
Funshal Moebius Cowl
Icarus Shawl
Jack Skellington Double Knitting Hat
Saroyen #2
Knitting projects worked on in 2013:
Indian (Indinski) Shawl
Eyelet Gloves
Gothic Lace Mohair Scarf
34 Leaves Shawl
Mermaid Jacket
Orenberg Shawl
111-27 Knitted Jacket (DROPS) (re-started due to me losing my place in the pattern)
Prayer Shawl #2
Clapotis #2 (Having to sew in an indeterminate/endless number of ends is daunting - still)
Cherry Leaf Shawl
Diagonal Basketweave Blanket
2014 is going to be a year of completing unfinished projects and another year of clutter removal. I have too many of the former and too much of the latter (still). I'm not specifying how much of either I'm completing/getting rid of, since I don't want to depress myself with unmatched targets. Though I'd really like to complete all of my unfinished knitting and clear a (collective) a room of clutter, if I'm honest. That'd be great.
I'm not sure what exactly is happening with my garden, but so far, I don't care. I'm very tempted to rent a skip and toss most of it away. I'll see what happens in 2014. If I'm as lethargic about it as I was this year, I think it's going to go. We'll see.
The book reading hit a wall in June. While I hadn't been avoiding it, I just didn't have the drive to finish books that I had in 2012. I don't think it's bad, but I'm not exactly happy about it if I'm honest. I nearly read a book a week, and while many people would be more than happy with that, I'm proud to be a bibliophile. So I'm (again) going to try and read 100 books in 2014. I've a lot (LOT) of books in a pile I want to read.
The rest of the crafting (Beading, Needlework, Cross Stitch) is ticking along nicely. I even managed to do some machine sewing this year, which pleased me. I'm hoping to sew a few tops in 2014 and finish my needlework miniature rug. They're both possible.
Later.
31 December 2013
20 November 2013
Knitting on hold
Well, I finally finished the Maelstrom shawl and it looks lovely. I've got one last thing to do to it, which is weave a pearlescent thread through one of the K2tog ribs from the edge of the body to the centre. It isn't time sensitive, and it'll get done when I find the right thread.
Last week I started a Jack Skellington double knitting hat (white with black design on one side, black with white design on the other) in King Cole DK merino blend. It took forever to learn the tricks knitting it, but I'm in the middle of the first earflap. At the rate I'm knitting, the hat will be ready for next Christmas. I expect it's really because doing increases in double knitting is very time consuming. Once I'm onto the body of the hat I should be a lot faster. I very much hope so.
The reason for the no go in the knitting is because I'm being more active in beadwork and jewellery making. I think I just need a bit of a break from knitting after being so immersed in a large project. I hope that's what it is, anyway. I am planning future knitting projects (including buying yarn for them), so I'm not planning on the knitting "go slow" for long.
Short entry today. Got things to do.
Later
Last week I started a Jack Skellington double knitting hat (white with black design on one side, black with white design on the other) in King Cole DK merino blend. It took forever to learn the tricks knitting it, but I'm in the middle of the first earflap. At the rate I'm knitting, the hat will be ready for next Christmas. I expect it's really because doing increases in double knitting is very time consuming. Once I'm onto the body of the hat I should be a lot faster. I very much hope so.
The reason for the no go in the knitting is because I'm being more active in beadwork and jewellery making. I think I just need a bit of a break from knitting after being so immersed in a large project. I hope that's what it is, anyway. I am planning future knitting projects (including buying yarn for them), so I'm not planning on the knitting "go slow" for long.
Short entry today. Got things to do.
Later
23 October 2013
Everything and Nothing. It's all the same.
Well, I've spent the last month knitting on one of two things - either the Maelstrom shawl or the Nori Shawlette. It's been satisfying, but boring. I'm 95% done with the Maelstrom, and if I keep at the pace, I'll be done in a week (don't think it's going to happen though). The Nori increases in the latter half of the repeat by a total of 5 stitches, and so, by logic, each repeat takes longer to complete. Right now, a row takes 15 minutes, and I'm only on the 2nd ball of 3 in the increase section. I'm lucky in the fact that each row in the repeat changes slightly, so I can't coast through the knitting.
All this concentrated knitting does mean that I've not finished any projects - or started any. I have, however, given a promise to knit two hats. In double knitting. This means that I have to start one after I finish the Maelstrom. The hat is the "Double-Sided Jack Skellington Hat" by Alyshia West. The yarn has been ordered (King Cole Merino Blend DK in both black and white), and all I need to do is go and get head measurements. That (hopefully) will be done next week - provided no one gets ill and asks me to postpone my visit. I'm truly crossing fingers that doesn't happen.
I still (obviously) haven't up-loaded any pictures to Flickr. I'm sort of surprised. It's a good storage site.
I've gained another class, and this means I now only have 2 free days a week. But it also means that on average, I'm doing over 8 hours of exercise a week. Not bad for me. Aw, it's amazing for me. I feel good about it, and I feel better overall.
Well, everything else is ticking along. I'm fine, the house is fine, the garden is the same, and I'm going to go so I can do more knitting to catch up for the last two days.
Until later.
All this concentrated knitting does mean that I've not finished any projects - or started any. I have, however, given a promise to knit two hats. In double knitting. This means that I have to start one after I finish the Maelstrom. The hat is the "Double-Sided Jack Skellington Hat" by Alyshia West. The yarn has been ordered (King Cole Merino Blend DK in both black and white), and all I need to do is go and get head measurements. That (hopefully) will be done next week - provided no one gets ill and asks me to postpone my visit. I'm truly crossing fingers that doesn't happen.
I still (obviously) haven't up-loaded any pictures to Flickr. I'm sort of surprised. It's a good storage site.
I've gained another class, and this means I now only have 2 free days a week. But it also means that on average, I'm doing over 8 hours of exercise a week. Not bad for me. Aw, it's amazing for me. I feel good about it, and I feel better overall.
Well, everything else is ticking along. I'm fine, the house is fine, the garden is the same, and I'm going to go so I can do more knitting to catch up for the last two days.
Until later.
07 September 2013
Time goes by so quickly . . .
I've been busy saving the world with two sticks and some string....*snicker*
I've been nibbling a bit into the unfinished project "list".
Ok.
Finished:
Ruby Reds Wingspan, blocked out. I love it. I'm looking forwards to the winter, just so I can wear it.
Stripey Lacy Baktus. I blocked it out a bit curved, and the sides are a bit spikey. Yay!
Purple Riot Hat for Prismatic Scarf. It blocked itself out perfectly. I was a bit worried, but I like it a lot. I'm only half-way through the scarf, but it'll get done. . .eventually.
Blue-Green Striped Easy Garter Stitch Fingerless Gloves. I like them, but I'm not quite sure about them. I'll only be able to tell if they're a keeper when I actually wear them outside.
Denim Blue Multnomah Shawl. It blocked out to just the size I wanted. Yahoo! I also washed and re-blocked out the original blue-green Multnomah shawl and it's looking 10 time better than it did originally.
Burgundy Robin's Egg Blue Hat. I tea-dyed and hand-coloured a wooden button and while the button doesn't look quite as cute as I wanted it to, I like the overall look of the hat. Another one that blocked out nicely.
Burgundy Moss stitch Drops Headband and Olive Green Moss Stitch Drops headband. The red one's for me, the green for Susan. It goes with -
Olive Green Mistaken Shawl (same yarn - Louisa Harding Fleuris). I hate the yarn. Not for the feel, but for the chinzy weight and foam insert. Grrr. It's a good thing that I got the yarn on deep discount, or I'd have sent it all back with a nasty letter.
Burgundy Mistaken Shawl. I'm so happy I've finally completed the replacement for the original shawl.
Wwww # 1 - It's soft inside (alpaca lining) and looks great.
My freezer is stuffed with finished items. Luckily, most of them will be "done" in 2 weeks.
But, I've now only 43 or 44 projects unfinished (including the started ones underneath). It's good.
Projects started:
A second Ditty bag in pink silk and pink cotton. The knitting's actually finished, though sewing in the ends is proving to be a bit of a nightmare. So it's in limbo for a bit (quite a bit, really).
I had to re-start my 34 leaves shawl, as a bug/beetle (not sure which, don't care, I was mad as hell when I saw it) ate a hole near the beginning that I couldn't repair. I was 2 rows away from starting the border. Grrr.
I've finally started (and am 3/4ths of the way through in about 10 days) the Holden Shawl (Holden shawlette, but I wanted it bigger the first time I saw it) - in Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn (colourway S8 - F). It's really gaudy for me, but it's SO cheerful. I love it in a queasy way. *snicker*.
Right now I'm primarily knitting again on the Maelstrom shawl (finally!), and I think in the time I left it alone it's become a black hole shawl. I'm halfway through the last repeat, and I never seem to be any closer to starting the border, no matter how many hours I knit. . . .I'm also knitting more on the hexagonal shawl (I'm actually on the border on this). It's another black hole shawl, but it's soft and pettable *snerk*.
Ok, I've got to sign off. The last night of the Proms are on.
Later.
I've been nibbling a bit into the unfinished project "list".
Ok.
Finished:
Ruby Reds Wingspan, blocked out. I love it. I'm looking forwards to the winter, just so I can wear it.
Stripey Lacy Baktus. I blocked it out a bit curved, and the sides are a bit spikey. Yay!
Purple Riot Hat for Prismatic Scarf. It blocked itself out perfectly. I was a bit worried, but I like it a lot. I'm only half-way through the scarf, but it'll get done. . .eventually.
Blue-Green Striped Easy Garter Stitch Fingerless Gloves. I like them, but I'm not quite sure about them. I'll only be able to tell if they're a keeper when I actually wear them outside.
Denim Blue Multnomah Shawl. It blocked out to just the size I wanted. Yahoo! I also washed and re-blocked out the original blue-green Multnomah shawl and it's looking 10 time better than it did originally.
Burgundy Robin's Egg Blue Hat. I tea-dyed and hand-coloured a wooden button and while the button doesn't look quite as cute as I wanted it to, I like the overall look of the hat. Another one that blocked out nicely.
Burgundy Moss stitch Drops Headband and Olive Green Moss Stitch Drops headband. The red one's for me, the green for Susan. It goes with -
Olive Green Mistaken Shawl (same yarn - Louisa Harding Fleuris). I hate the yarn. Not for the feel, but for the chinzy weight and foam insert. Grrr. It's a good thing that I got the yarn on deep discount, or I'd have sent it all back with a nasty letter.
Burgundy Mistaken Shawl. I'm so happy I've finally completed the replacement for the original shawl.
Wwww # 1 - It's soft inside (alpaca lining) and looks great.
My freezer is stuffed with finished items. Luckily, most of them will be "done" in 2 weeks.
But, I've now only 43 or 44 projects unfinished (including the started ones underneath). It's good.
Projects started:
A second Ditty bag in pink silk and pink cotton. The knitting's actually finished, though sewing in the ends is proving to be a bit of a nightmare. So it's in limbo for a bit (quite a bit, really).
I had to re-start my 34 leaves shawl, as a bug/beetle (not sure which, don't care, I was mad as hell when I saw it) ate a hole near the beginning that I couldn't repair. I was 2 rows away from starting the border. Grrr.
I've finally started (and am 3/4ths of the way through in about 10 days) the Holden Shawl (Holden shawlette, but I wanted it bigger the first time I saw it) - in Noro Silk Garden Sock yarn (colourway S8 - F). It's really gaudy for me, but it's SO cheerful. I love it in a queasy way. *snicker*.
Right now I'm primarily knitting again on the Maelstrom shawl (finally!), and I think in the time I left it alone it's become a black hole shawl. I'm halfway through the last repeat, and I never seem to be any closer to starting the border, no matter how many hours I knit. . . .I'm also knitting more on the hexagonal shawl (I'm actually on the border on this). It's another black hole shawl, but it's soft and pettable *snerk*.
Ok, I've got to sign off. The last night of the Proms are on.
Later.
29 July 2013
What!?!?! How many!?!
My, my, my. I was trying to rejig the way my Ravelry project list looks (decided to put it back to what it was) and I discovered I had 50 projects in various states of unfinished (ranging from just started all the way to it's been knitted, sewn and only needs to be blocked).
That's very embarrassing indeed.
I am churning out and finishing quite a few projects, but right now, there are more new projects being finished than old ones.
So, as of last night, I finished a teapot cozy, washed a shawl that's been sitting on the side-lines for over a month (got another one to wash, but it's an old one that's going into storage until winter) and a hat. So my list is now down to 47 (still too many, though).
I think, that as much a I'd like to start a new project, I really need to buckle down and renew my new year's resolution of cutting down on unfinished projects. I know that I'll never be one for having under 10 projects on the go, but nearly 50 of them really is a bit much.
Ah well.
I'll leave it at that. I've really got to go knit. *g*
That's very embarrassing indeed.
I am churning out and finishing quite a few projects, but right now, there are more new projects being finished than old ones.
So, as of last night, I finished a teapot cozy, washed a shawl that's been sitting on the side-lines for over a month (got another one to wash, but it's an old one that's going into storage until winter) and a hat. So my list is now down to 47 (still too many, though).
I think, that as much a I'd like to start a new project, I really need to buckle down and renew my new year's resolution of cutting down on unfinished projects. I know that I'll never be one for having under 10 projects on the go, but nearly 50 of them really is a bit much.
Ah well.
I'll leave it at that. I've really got to go knit. *g*
29 June 2013
Whee!
I've been on line and discovered that Flickr have removed their ridiculous limits on photos and given everyone 1TB of space. It's GREAT!
I can start using it again. Yahoo!
Oh, about the knitting. Yep, I am. Projects finished:
Pink Pearly Queen
Feather Lace Scarf (it's huge and it's bit strange with 3 pink "stripes" in it, but it's MINE)
Namaste Bag (Yoga Mat Bag) in Grey Aran-weight Cotton.
My wwwww#1 (fair isle headband) in 5 shades of 2-ply Jumperweight by Jamieson & Smith)
Cabled Tea Cozy (a paper tea cup holder) in grey marl 4-ply (leftover 2-ply Jumperweight)
A Ditty Bag (it's a small bag for holding 2 small MP3 speakers and their cables).
Projects Started:
Nori Shawl (knitty) - in Dark Green 2-ply Jumperweight.
34 Leaves Shawl (Lankakamero) Originally started Nov 2012, I'm working on it.
Funchal Moebius (Kate Davies) A colour-work cowl in 2 colours of fingering-weight yarn (King Cole & Texere Yarns Wool City).
2 Mistaken Shawls (one is finished on the knitting (Green one)) and now waiting for the ends to be woven in) One in Louisa Harding Fleuris (Box) and the other in Bulky Wool by Texere Yarns (Claret))
Wingspan #2 in EasyKnitter Deeply Wicked in Ruby Reds. (I'm hoping to go to Purl City Yarns this Sunday as they're having a trunk show of EasyKnitter Yarns).
Lacy Baktus #2 in Lana Grosse Meilenweit (4-ply mainly cotton sock yarn) colourway 3006.
A Robin's Egg Blue Hat (Rachel Iufer) in the leftover Fleuris from the Mistaken shawl
I think that's about it for this entry. I've not yet started abking and I haven't yet picked up the Maelstrom shawl. Don't know at this point when that'll happen.
Later.
I can start using it again. Yahoo!
Oh, about the knitting. Yep, I am. Projects finished:
Pink Pearly Queen
Feather Lace Scarf (it's huge and it's bit strange with 3 pink "stripes" in it, but it's MINE)
Namaste Bag (Yoga Mat Bag) in Grey Aran-weight Cotton.
My wwwww#1 (fair isle headband) in 5 shades of 2-ply Jumperweight by Jamieson & Smith)
Cabled Tea Cozy (a paper tea cup holder) in grey marl 4-ply (leftover 2-ply Jumperweight)
A Ditty Bag (it's a small bag for holding 2 small MP3 speakers and their cables).
Projects Started:
Nori Shawl (knitty) - in Dark Green 2-ply Jumperweight.
34 Leaves Shawl (Lankakamero) Originally started Nov 2012, I'm working on it.
Funchal Moebius (Kate Davies) A colour-work cowl in 2 colours of fingering-weight yarn (King Cole & Texere Yarns Wool City).
2 Mistaken Shawls (one is finished on the knitting (Green one)) and now waiting for the ends to be woven in) One in Louisa Harding Fleuris (Box) and the other in Bulky Wool by Texere Yarns (Claret))
Wingspan #2 in EasyKnitter Deeply Wicked in Ruby Reds. (I'm hoping to go to Purl City Yarns this Sunday as they're having a trunk show of EasyKnitter Yarns).
Lacy Baktus #2 in Lana Grosse Meilenweit (4-ply mainly cotton sock yarn) colourway 3006.
A Robin's Egg Blue Hat (Rachel Iufer) in the leftover Fleuris from the Mistaken shawl
I think that's about it for this entry. I've not yet started abking and I haven't yet picked up the Maelstrom shawl. Don't know at this point when that'll happen.
Later.
21 April 2013
It's Dancing Time!
I am a VERY happy person.
I found my camera!!!! *cheers, dances* I knew I missed it, but I hadn't realised I missed it as much as I had. . . I'm SO happy I found it. I keep thinking about it waiting for me to use, and I start smiling.
So why am I sitting here typing this rather than going outside and taking photographs? Well, it's raining. My camera doesn't like rain. It's a pain in the bum, but that's the way it goes.
So. I'll be taking photos in a couple days once my knitting is done - and I can also finally take some good photos of the knitting that just can't be captured nicely on the mobile. Yahoo!!!
Anyway, onto the knitting:
I've finished a few projects in the last few weeks -
Ayli Hat - It needs to be re-blocked, as I did that in a hurry and while it's ok, it could fit just a little better.
Bulky Flip-top Mittens - they are great. I have started another pair in a soft green-grey, and I have requests for another 2 pairs. I'll get those done for October (I hope).
Simple Lines Shawl - I beaded the border and it's just so pretty. I can't wait for the weather to wear it.
Light and Up Shawl - I waffled a bit and after blocking, I added the tassels. I like it very much, though I'm unhappy that the weather finally decided to warm up. It means I can't wear this (it blocked out bigger than expected and while light, it is too warm for spring/summer). Drat.
Wingspan - I found it fun and quick to knit. I didn't block it, as I really didn't want to. I also found that in sunlight, it's MUCH more vibrant than I was looking at under an energy-saver bulb. What a surprise!
Not-so-raspberry-as-cherry-Dream stole - and I've got to say, even unblocked, it's Gorgeous!
Bellflower lace scarf (now a cowl) - It didn't turn out as I planned, but it's nice and it will work.
The last two items need to be blocked, but I just don't want to pin out anything at this moment. I'll get 'em done "soon".
New Projects -
I FINALLY started the Muir Stole/Shawl in Natural Dye Studio's Angel 1-ply in Aqua. I'm adding delica beads to the leaves and while I've only done 8 rows, I LOVE IT!
At the end of March I started a pair of "Easy Garter Stitch Fingerless Gloves" in Regia Ombre Stripe (blues and greens). I've had to re-start them - I added a thumb and re-jigged the wrist short rows. They're a side-project and I'm taking my time.
I watched the Fiddler on the Roof a couple weeks ago, and saw a stole I liked. Trawling though Ravelry, I couldn't find a stole pattern that even remotely matched it (which was surprising), though I did find the "Foreign Correspondent's Scarf" that had the same lace pattern as the stole. I started the scarf in Zettl Treviso (navy blue), and it's interesting.
I'm sort of drafting/making notes of a pattern for the stole. I'll definitely have to do a test run of it, but I know I'm on the right lines.
About three weeks ago I started "Pearly Queen". I'm knitting it in Zettl Melisa (pink). It's about the same as the requested yarn. I'm not sure about it though - but that's more the colour than anything else. It's an easy and quick knit, but a little fiddly as I've had to change the way I throw my purling. It's not a problem, just a little different.
Old Projects -
I'm over halfway done with my feather lace scarf (started 2007). I looked at it recently, and it's actually more the width of a stole. I'm hopefully going to use it as a scarf, though I'm not convinced. I think it'll stretch significantly in blocking. All will reveal itself eventually.
I decided at the end of March to give the Maelstrom shawl a rest for a bit. I was dreading the thought of even picking it up, so it was packed away. But. . .I expect the way I've been thinking about it lately means I'll be getting back to it either in May or June.
I've been working on other projects, but, as I'm not sure how much time I'll take to finish them, I can't really give details on them.
If I finish another project this month (ha!), I'll start another shawl. I though about making a sweater, but honestly, I want another shawl. Oh who am I kidding. Once I finish another project, I'll be starting another shawl. There.
Food news next:
I'm really getting into making Japanese Pickles (tsukemono) and I've dicovered I need a couple ingredients (perilla leaves and yuzu) I can't easily get for the pickles I want to end up with. I'm going to be buying the seed for the perilla leaves (both red and green). I have no idea what I'll do about the yuzu, but so far, lemon peel is working. I am happy with what's happening so far - though they could be just a bit better with the perilla leaves. To be honest, I would love to make rice bran pickles, but I'm not convinced I've got what it takes to keep them happy while fermenting. Therefore, I'm just concentrating on quick pickles, and all is good.
My next foray into baking will be making vegan pies. I've got what seems to be a good cookbook (yes, it's "Vegan pie in the Sky"), but unfortunatly I need the counter space. That's a big problem right now. Once that's fixed, watch this space. I'm in the mood to make a chai apple pie first.
And finally, just in case you hadn't figured it out, my emotional health is MUCH better. I don't know what happened, but about a week - 2 weeks ago, it was if a cloud had lifted. I'm definitely not complaining. It's a little weird in my head, but I'll go with the flow. It's preferable to the way it was before.
Ok, I'm off. I have reading to catch up on. I finally got my copy of "Dangerous Liaisons" returned to me, and I'm on letter 16.
See you later.
I found my camera!!!! *cheers, dances* I knew I missed it, but I hadn't realised I missed it as much as I had. . . I'm SO happy I found it. I keep thinking about it waiting for me to use, and I start smiling.
So why am I sitting here typing this rather than going outside and taking photographs? Well, it's raining. My camera doesn't like rain. It's a pain in the bum, but that's the way it goes.
So. I'll be taking photos in a couple days once my knitting is done - and I can also finally take some good photos of the knitting that just can't be captured nicely on the mobile. Yahoo!!!
Anyway, onto the knitting:
I've finished a few projects in the last few weeks -
Ayli Hat - It needs to be re-blocked, as I did that in a hurry and while it's ok, it could fit just a little better.
Bulky Flip-top Mittens - they are great. I have started another pair in a soft green-grey, and I have requests for another 2 pairs. I'll get those done for October (I hope).
Simple Lines Shawl - I beaded the border and it's just so pretty. I can't wait for the weather to wear it.
Light and Up Shawl - I waffled a bit and after blocking, I added the tassels. I like it very much, though I'm unhappy that the weather finally decided to warm up. It means I can't wear this (it blocked out bigger than expected and while light, it is too warm for spring/summer). Drat.
Wingspan - I found it fun and quick to knit. I didn't block it, as I really didn't want to. I also found that in sunlight, it's MUCH more vibrant than I was looking at under an energy-saver bulb. What a surprise!
Not-so-raspberry-as-cherry-Dream stole - and I've got to say, even unblocked, it's Gorgeous!
Bellflower lace scarf (now a cowl) - It didn't turn out as I planned, but it's nice and it will work.
The last two items need to be blocked, but I just don't want to pin out anything at this moment. I'll get 'em done "soon".
New Projects -
I FINALLY started the Muir Stole/Shawl in Natural Dye Studio's Angel 1-ply in Aqua. I'm adding delica beads to the leaves and while I've only done 8 rows, I LOVE IT!
At the end of March I started a pair of "Easy Garter Stitch Fingerless Gloves" in Regia Ombre Stripe (blues and greens). I've had to re-start them - I added a thumb and re-jigged the wrist short rows. They're a side-project and I'm taking my time.
I watched the Fiddler on the Roof a couple weeks ago, and saw a stole I liked. Trawling though Ravelry, I couldn't find a stole pattern that even remotely matched it (which was surprising), though I did find the "Foreign Correspondent's Scarf" that had the same lace pattern as the stole. I started the scarf in Zettl Treviso (navy blue), and it's interesting.
I'm sort of drafting/making notes of a pattern for the stole. I'll definitely have to do a test run of it, but I know I'm on the right lines.
About three weeks ago I started "Pearly Queen". I'm knitting it in Zettl Melisa (pink). It's about the same as the requested yarn. I'm not sure about it though - but that's more the colour than anything else. It's an easy and quick knit, but a little fiddly as I've had to change the way I throw my purling. It's not a problem, just a little different.
Old Projects -
I'm over halfway done with my feather lace scarf (started 2007). I looked at it recently, and it's actually more the width of a stole. I'm hopefully going to use it as a scarf, though I'm not convinced. I think it'll stretch significantly in blocking. All will reveal itself eventually.
I decided at the end of March to give the Maelstrom shawl a rest for a bit. I was dreading the thought of even picking it up, so it was packed away. But. . .I expect the way I've been thinking about it lately means I'll be getting back to it either in May or June.
I've been working on other projects, but, as I'm not sure how much time I'll take to finish them, I can't really give details on them.
If I finish another project this month (ha!), I'll start another shawl. I though about making a sweater, but honestly, I want another shawl. Oh who am I kidding. Once I finish another project, I'll be starting another shawl. There.
Food news next:
I'm really getting into making Japanese Pickles (tsukemono) and I've dicovered I need a couple ingredients (perilla leaves and yuzu) I can't easily get for the pickles I want to end up with. I'm going to be buying the seed for the perilla leaves (both red and green). I have no idea what I'll do about the yuzu, but so far, lemon peel is working. I am happy with what's happening so far - though they could be just a bit better with the perilla leaves. To be honest, I would love to make rice bran pickles, but I'm not convinced I've got what it takes to keep them happy while fermenting. Therefore, I'm just concentrating on quick pickles, and all is good.
My next foray into baking will be making vegan pies. I've got what seems to be a good cookbook (yes, it's "Vegan pie in the Sky"), but unfortunatly I need the counter space. That's a big problem right now. Once that's fixed, watch this space. I'm in the mood to make a chai apple pie first.
And finally, just in case you hadn't figured it out, my emotional health is MUCH better. I don't know what happened, but about a week - 2 weeks ago, it was if a cloud had lifted. I'm definitely not complaining. It's a little weird in my head, but I'll go with the flow. It's preferable to the way it was before.
Ok, I'm off. I have reading to catch up on. I finally got my copy of "Dangerous Liaisons" returned to me, and I'm on letter 16.
See you later.
04 March 2013
Life isn't unkind
Well, the knitting on the vortex/maelstrom shawl is coming along. I decided it's been ignored enough. I'll knit on it until I get fed up and want to throw it across the room. To make me feel better, I've started 3 small projects - 2 scarves (prismatic scarf and a bellflower lace scarf that started out as a headband) and a shawl (light and up shawl).
My GOD I hate this keyboard. Some of the keys are stiff and don't register unless you're imagining you're playing along with Beethoven's 5th. Arrggh! It's not even 6 months old, this laptop. What a PAIN!!!.
. . . Anyway. The knitting is progressing ok. I'd like to say nicely, but I'm not in the >50% mood to knit. I'm having another month of "not wanting to knit". It's killing me. I "want" to knit, but the thought of knitting another 800 stitch (and increasing) row on a circular shawl that seems to have no end (though I DO know there's only one more repeat after the next 10 rows) in sight is getting a tiny bit annoying. But, the good thing I have to look forwards to is the pretty border. Right now, I'm definitely making the border a carrot to keep me going.
You see, I know what part of the problem is. . . I'm grieving, and I'm refusing to properly grieve.
I have NO idea why. I really don't. Anyway. It's MY problem, and I know how to deal with it, but I need to know I'll not be interrupted and totally alone. So It'll be awhile, and until then...I'm hoping I'll be ok.
But on a better note for the knitting, I've finished the knitting and sewing on the Simple Lines shawl. I even beaded the border. It's lovely, but it'll be better once I lightly block it. Unfortunately, I don't know when that'll be.
So. The house cleaning slowed a little bit during the last couple weeks of February (I was a bit ill and didn't have the energy, if I'm honest), but I've gotten most of the recycling (so far) out of the house, and that felt good. I'm planning on culling a "few" more books and a few more clothes this coming week.
Ok, I'm done with this. Later.
My GOD I hate this keyboard. Some of the keys are stiff and don't register unless you're imagining you're playing along with Beethoven's 5th. Arrggh! It's not even 6 months old, this laptop. What a PAIN!!!.
. . . Anyway. The knitting is progressing ok. I'd like to say nicely, but I'm not in the >50% mood to knit. I'm having another month of "not wanting to knit". It's killing me. I "want" to knit, but the thought of knitting another 800 stitch (and increasing) row on a circular shawl that seems to have no end (though I DO know there's only one more repeat after the next 10 rows) in sight is getting a tiny bit annoying. But, the good thing I have to look forwards to is the pretty border. Right now, I'm definitely making the border a carrot to keep me going.
You see, I know what part of the problem is. . . I'm grieving, and I'm refusing to properly grieve.
I have NO idea why. I really don't. Anyway. It's MY problem, and I know how to deal with it, but I need to know I'll not be interrupted and totally alone. So It'll be awhile, and until then...I'm hoping I'll be ok.
But on a better note for the knitting, I've finished the knitting and sewing on the Simple Lines shawl. I even beaded the border. It's lovely, but it'll be better once I lightly block it. Unfortunately, I don't know when that'll be.
So. The house cleaning slowed a little bit during the last couple weeks of February (I was a bit ill and didn't have the energy, if I'm honest), but I've gotten most of the recycling (so far) out of the house, and that felt good. I'm planning on culling a "few" more books and a few more clothes this coming week.
Ok, I'm done with this. Later.
08 February 2013
Tilting at titles . . .
Knitting recently started:
Simple Lines Shawl by Maanel. Yarn: Panda (DK bamboo blend) in Dark Grey by Zettl.
Wingspan by Tri'Coterie Knitting Designs. Yarn: Deeply Wicked (fingering merino) in Pond Scum by Easy Knits.
I'm taking these with me when I go voluntering at the Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts Show. I started yesterday and really didn't get to work at all on either one. It was fine, though. It was amazingly busy and the time flew by. I'd like to do it again next year. We'll see though, as I've just indicated that I'd be interested in helping with hows that the Knitting and Crochet Guild have on in Manchester. I think that the future might be busy....
Books:
Well, I'm back for another year with the Goodreads reading challenge. I'm going to try again with reading 2 books a week (104 books this year). It's working so far, and I'm 2 books ahead.
Garden: No go.
House cleaning resolution: It's ticking along. If I continue working like I have been so far, I'll do it easily by July. I'm not holding my breath though. I have to stay cynical, so I work at it. I'll be happier in the end if I do....
Craftwork: Hibernating. The cross stitch and beadwork is keening in the background, but I've other things to do. If I'm good at the house de-cluttering, I'll reward myself in June. . .
Food: I've gained inches and feel lethargic. I'm not dieting, but I'm trying to not stuff food down my throat, I'm going to my fitness classes and walking as much as I can. My body is trying to get me to "stock up the fat reserves for winter" but I'm not falling for it....I NEED to lose inches. I refuse to check out the scales until I can fit into a size 12 pair of jeans. Come on summer!
Well, that's it. I'll be back as soon as I'm able....
Simple Lines Shawl by Maanel. Yarn: Panda (DK bamboo blend) in Dark Grey by Zettl.
Wingspan by Tri'Coterie Knitting Designs. Yarn: Deeply Wicked (fingering merino) in Pond Scum by Easy Knits.
I'm taking these with me when I go voluntering at the Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts Show. I started yesterday and really didn't get to work at all on either one. It was fine, though. It was amazingly busy and the time flew by. I'd like to do it again next year. We'll see though, as I've just indicated that I'd be interested in helping with hows that the Knitting and Crochet Guild have on in Manchester. I think that the future might be busy....
Books:
Well, I'm back for another year with the Goodreads reading challenge. I'm going to try again with reading 2 books a week (104 books this year). It's working so far, and I'm 2 books ahead.
Garden: No go.
House cleaning resolution: It's ticking along. If I continue working like I have been so far, I'll do it easily by July. I'm not holding my breath though. I have to stay cynical, so I work at it. I'll be happier in the end if I do....
Craftwork: Hibernating. The cross stitch and beadwork is keening in the background, but I've other things to do. If I'm good at the house de-cluttering, I'll reward myself in June. . .
Food: I've gained inches and feel lethargic. I'm not dieting, but I'm trying to not stuff food down my throat, I'm going to my fitness classes and walking as much as I can. My body is trying to get me to "stock up the fat reserves for winter" but I'm not falling for it....I NEED to lose inches. I refuse to check out the scales until I can fit into a size 12 pair of jeans. Come on summer!
Well, that's it. I'll be back as soon as I'm able....
02 January 2013
2012 knitting.
Well, 2012 seems to have been sort of a dead year for knitting. I spent most of it working on large projects started over 18 months ago. I finished 2 of the 15 I worked on (marked with *), but, one of them (and yet still unfinished) had already had the knitting completed on it.
I (of course) started a "few" new projects, but a couple were started last year. I hope that my list of knitting projects in progess will diminish still further in 2013. . . Well, I can hope, anyway. Though I expect (as normal) that I'll start a few new projects to complete within the year. Here's crossing my fingers.
As to resolutions for 2013, I'm only making one: Clean up a minimum of 15% of my house (I'd like to say a minimum of 25%, but I'm not quite that industrious). Though it's VERY true that I'm fed up of the clutter and the excess stuff. It's got to go.
So. Onto the knitting projects for 2012:
Knitting started but not finished:
Indian Shawl - Galina Khmeleva
Brea Bag - Norah Gaughan
Fake-a-Gamo Bag - Kate Sonnick
Freyalyn's Modular Vest - Freyalyn Close-Hainsworth
34 Leaves Shawl - Lankokamero
Bulky Flip-Top Mittens - Jeanne Stephenson
Ayli Hat - Jacqui Harding
Knitting Finished:
All Over Cables Hat - Lindsay Koehler
Mistaken Shawl - Kourtney Robinson
Blue Leaf Shawl (98-21) - DROPS Design
Bandana Cowl - Purl Soho
Coquille Shawl - Mary Lou Egan
Garter Stitch Scarves 1 & 2 (general pattern)
Mariposa Shawlette (had to be knitted twice) - Dutch Knitting Design
Cable-licious Ear Warmer (turned into a Scarf) - Kate Black
*Yoga Wrap Cardigan - Teva Durham
*Growing Leaves Shawl (# 1) - Lankokamero
Here's to 2013. May it be cheerful.
Night.
I (of course) started a "few" new projects, but a couple were started last year. I hope that my list of knitting projects in progess will diminish still further in 2013. . . Well, I can hope, anyway. Though I expect (as normal) that I'll start a few new projects to complete within the year. Here's crossing my fingers.
As to resolutions for 2013, I'm only making one: Clean up a minimum of 15% of my house (I'd like to say a minimum of 25%, but I'm not quite that industrious). Though it's VERY true that I'm fed up of the clutter and the excess stuff. It's got to go.
So. Onto the knitting projects for 2012:
Knitting started but not finished:
Indian Shawl - Galina Khmeleva
Brea Bag - Norah Gaughan
Fake-a-Gamo Bag - Kate Sonnick
Freyalyn's Modular Vest - Freyalyn Close-Hainsworth
34 Leaves Shawl - Lankokamero
Bulky Flip-Top Mittens - Jeanne Stephenson
Ayli Hat - Jacqui Harding
Knitting Finished:
All Over Cables Hat - Lindsay Koehler
Mistaken Shawl - Kourtney Robinson
Blue Leaf Shawl (98-21) - DROPS Design
Bandana Cowl - Purl Soho
Coquille Shawl - Mary Lou Egan
Garter Stitch Scarves 1 & 2 (general pattern)
Mariposa Shawlette (had to be knitted twice) - Dutch Knitting Design
Cable-licious Ear Warmer (turned into a Scarf) - Kate Black
*Yoga Wrap Cardigan - Teva Durham
*Growing Leaves Shawl (# 1) - Lankokamero
Here's to 2013. May it be cheerful.
Night.
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