Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Thanks Nat!


I decided to use my birthday gift certificate from my friend Nathalie today, and I actually used it for myself! I don't usually buy the nice expensive knitting books, unless of course they're on huge discount. I've been curious about short-rows, and assorted modular knitting, since I read about it in my Vogue Knitting. The book, written by Iris Schreier, explains six different techniques, and has patterns for over twenty projects from scarves, pillows, hat, to table runner.

I strongly suspect that some lucky folks will be benefiting from that book for Christmas this year!

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Another blanket for Sophie


I just finished another blanket for Sophie, but it's not the ribbed one. For some reason, I can't seem to keep interest in that blanket for more than half an hour. Besides, Sophie seems quite content with the second blanket, so no rush to complete the ribbed one.
Yesterday, I went to Lettuce Knit (see my link section), and found a pattern for a cabled jacket for Sophie. Cables seems to be the stitch-of-the-month. We'll see what April brings....

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Project back on....


Got a bit frustrated with Sophie's ribbed blanket today (almost finished). For some reason, the ribbing hardly shows, and it almost looks like a stocking stitch. I guess it might look different once it's blocked (if I ever figure out how to block properly!).
I went back to my previous project, and got a bit ahead on the socks I had started before Sophie's arrival: cabled socks, of course. Here's where I am on the first one, and this time the cabling is at every 6th row instead of every 4th. These ones are made with Pingouin France+. For some reason, I can't seem to find a color on the band, other than the color number and lot. I'll call that color "Spruce"

Friday, March 24, 2006

Stop all projects! Sophie is here!



On Sunday the 19th, I became the proud owner of little Miss "Sophie". She's a 4 month old Chihuahua. When I took her to the vet, the scale tipped at a huge 1.4 pounds. Because of their small size, and how low to the ground they are, Chihuahuas tend to get cold very quickly. Even short trips, such as taking her to the store, are enough to get her all shivering. I stopped all projects, and knitted her a cute little "moss stitch" blanket in a grey and off-white blend. She quite likes her blankie, and she wags her little tail whenever I cover her with it. I think this pup will have a collection of blankies to keep her warm. I'm working on a second blankie in "rib stitch", striped blue and a grey and off-white mix.
Even though spring has been in the forecast for this year, it is still a bit cold out for this little canine. I will have to spend some time finding a pattern for a suitable sweater or coat to keep this tiny little body cozy and warm..

Friday, March 17, 2006

Cabled socks are done!


Stayed up late last night and finished the cabled socks. After a closer look at the label, I discovered that the color is called "Beetroot". What a delicious name! My cats graciously agreed to pose for this one, so you can see Jules (top) and ChloƩ (bottom) pretending to be asleep (yeah right!). Sorry, the picture looks a bit dark, as they claimed too much light would make them look greyish. Silly cats!

Now the knit-picking starts: although I like the cabling on the socks, I don't like the way it stretches. Obviously, there's more of a stretch at the ankle, than the toes (and I'm not complaining about fat ankles, they're quite proportionate). But still! Maybe my cables are too tight, or too close together. Not quite sure what the problem is, but I'm willing to attempt another pair since I'm keeping this one for myself. Next pair I'll try maybe a longer cable.

Must cast on......

Thursday, March 16, 2006

First things first...

Okay, so here's the deal. I have been unemployed since the end of January, and OMG I love it! I have time to finish those projects that were tossed in the closet out of frustration (too stressed to attempt this one!), or lack of time. I've been working at my own creations (shrug, socks, mittens). I even decided that this year is the year of the "Knitted Christmas". Yup, everybody's getting knitted goodies in their stocking (or a knitted stocking), whether they like it or not. Actually, I don't know anybody who doesn't like receiving handknitted things, except my mother-in-law who always find faults in them (but that's a story to keep for days I have nothing better to share). She might mysteriously end up on the "naughty list"

I am currently knitting a pair of cabled socks (my own creation) with Country Garden D.K. by Berella. It's 100% Merino wool, and burgundy. I really like them, and am considering keeping them for myself (so much for the Christmas spirit huh?). It would match nicely with a pajama I have. Yes, I confess, I need to have a matching pair of socks for each pajama I have. Silly, I know, but at least harmless.