Friday Update!

Good Afternoon!   

My morning started on the run (figuratively, as I don't run) and I've just landed for a few minutes to gather my thoughts and update my week's knitting, etc.  My oldest son is home sick from school.  One month in and he's got a horrible cold-like virus, which included a fever over the weekend.  I also took Clover to the vet.  He's had every strange ailment you could imagine, and some you couldn't (umbilical hernia, undescended testicle, and diaphragmatic hernia all requiring major surgeries, just to name a few).  He has seizures, usually about one a year, but has developed some tummy issues and a strange thing with his tongue, where he sticks it out like he's a frog - continuously for up to 10 minutes.  So, his doctor is running some tests requiring blood and urine (more fun, getting a sample from a little dachshund), so we're waiting...

What's Finished:

I finished my Stripey Socks, which I started in July, while on vacation in the Outer Banks, but virtually ignored until the middle of September.  I love the end result of the yarn, but the loose plies make splitting a problem.

What's Going On:

I am working on my afghan square for the Knit Girllls' Afghan Square Swap.

I also want to participate in a zillion KALs this month (not really that many, but as I was adding them up, it's starting to look that way).  So, I have three I'm starting today...

They are Gradual Hope with the 2 Knit Lit Chicks Podcast, Harvest Dew socks with the Wolfe Farms podcast, and Spiffy Iffy Scylla socks with the Sock the Vote event with the Single Handed Knits podcast.  When they are finished, I'd like to add a few other KAL projects.

What's New:

I received my yarn for the Sock the Vote KAL from Yarn vs. Zombies and I love it.  It was a surprise until it arrived, as were the other goodies in the package and an awesome bag handmade by Mel!

My fiber from the Tempted Yarn Club arrived and the colors are beautiful.  I can't wait to spin it!

Other News:

There really isn't anything else to report.  I'm enjoying the cooler weather and looking forward to getting these KAL projects started.

Have a great week!

Angela

Happy Monday!  It's feeling like fall here today.  We had a very warm weekend and I even got sunburned on Saturday at my son's baseball game.  I love the cool, crisp mornings and evenings and am looking forward to the cooler weather being here to stay.

What's Finished:

Ta-Da!  I finished my Stripey Socks for several podcast KALs.  I did the afterthought heel and The Knit Girllls' tutorial is wonderful to watch before you try it. I like the heel because of the way it stripes the heel, but also for the way it fits my foot.

In addition, I spun the first 4 ounces of my Into the Whirled August 2012 fiber and started on my second 4 ounces.

What's Going On:

I'm still working on the Ravenclaw Scarf for my 11-year-old niece who is a rabid Harry Potter fan.  I don't have a picture, since that project stays in the car - forcing me to work on it.  It's stockinette in the round, 25 rows of gray, then 25 rows of blue.

I made some progress on my Monkey Socks.  I started these in July, while on vacation, then they hibernated for almost 2 months while I worked on other things.  I really hope to finish these before October 1st, when I seem to have overcommitted to KALs!  I've finished one leg to the heel, and need to get the second one to the same place, put the waste yarn in position, then work on the feet.

My Stonecutter's Cardigan made an appearance this weekend.  It really is difficult, at least in the beginning, since there are many flips through the pattern for each row.  I think charts would make this pattern much easier.

What's Next:

So many podcasts are having KALs in October, that I think I may be overextended!  However, I'm going to try and participate in as many as I can...

The 2 Knit Lit Chicks are doing a KAL of any shawl in gradient yarn.  I'm going to knit the My Hope, by Laura Linneman, using my handspun Loop Batt.

The Knitabulls Podcast is hosting a Monster SAL/KAL in October and I'm planning to combine that with RetroLemon's KAL using one of her monster patterns.  My plan is to use some yarn I spun earlier in the summer.

The Wolfe Farms podcast is hosting a Cakewalk Yarns Harvest KAL and I just received the yarn for that.  I'm still not sure what pattern I'll use, but am leaning towards the Harvest Dew Socks.

What's New:

I am really trying to reduce the additions to my stash, but seem to be failing terribly!  This week, I received my order from Blue Moon Fiber Arts for a sweater I'd like to cast on, once my Stonecutter's Cardigan is finished.

Blue Moon Socks that Rock Heavyweight in Tanzanite

I mentioned my order from Cakewalk Yarns for the Wolfe Farms KAL.

Footsie in the Sincerest Color

And, I also received my Loopy Ewe Camp Loopy yarn for completing all three Camp Loopy projects this summer.  

Dream in Color Smooshy Cashmere in the Sleeping Under the Stars Color

Finally, my September Into the Whirled fiber arrived and it's so beautiful.  I really need to finish the last 4 ounces from August quickly.

Other News:

There is not much to report in other news.  I'm making slow progress in my yarn room.  I am forcing myself to clean out and throw out the mass of stuff in that room before I can paint and convert that room to be my yarn room.  I'd rather be knitting!

Have a great week,

Angela

I think we're all getting into the swing of things as we start the 3rd week of school.  The worst issue seems to be Shiloh, our 4 year old beagle.  He misses the kids and cries when I drop them at school.

Shiloh in his yard

What's Finished:

Absolutely nothing!  Usually after I've finished a couple of things, there's a bit of a dry spell.  I think I'll have a pair of socks next week, though.

What's Going On:

My Stripey Socks for KALs with the Knitabulls and Traveling Sock Knitter Podcasts are coming along nicely.  I adore the Vesper Sock Yarn.  The pattern's been a bit of a challenge, since I am doing an afterthought heel, rather than the heel in the pattern.  I have one finished, except for the heel, and the other is on its way!

with my bag from Birdleg Bags' Etsy Stop

I started, after MUCH research and thought, the Stonecutter's Cardigan.  I was hesitant, since only 2 projects had been knit when I started and I am using a bulky yarn from my stash.  I also detest math.  But, after help and advice from some plurk friends, I decided to take the plunge.  It's complicated for me, but I think it will be beautiful and I'll use it quite a bit.

with my bag from Ewesful Things' Etsy Shop

I'm also still working on the Ravenclaw Scarf and I have 4 stripes completed.  It's definitely mindless, more like mind numbing!  And I spent some time spinning this week.  I've almost finished the first 4 ounces.

Into the Whirled August 2012

What's Next:

Since I've cast on the cardigan, I really don't have any plans for the immediate future.  I do plan to participate in a few KALs for October.

What's New:

When my husband decided to surprise me with a spinning wheel, he snooped through my email and discovered Lisa Beamer, also known as Fibernymph.  He knew how much I love her yarn and contacted her for spinning advice.  She was so helpful, recommending the Ladybug, which was exactly what I wanted, and he included a gift certificate for her shop with the gift.  I knew Lisa had a lot on her plate getting ready to vend at SSK and I wanted to take my time to pick out my favorites, so I sent her my list later in the summer.  So....

There are My Favorite Flannel Jammies and Soft Kitty in Bounce, Byzantine Gradient in Sunshine, and Froot Loops and Deep Distraction in BFL/Tussah Silk fiber!

I also won a small Hiya Hiya bag from a KAL with the TV Knitting Podcast.  I really enjoy Sharon's podcast, since she combines two of my favorite things!

And, finally, I had ordered a Fleegle Beader, after Paula from the Knitting Pipeline Podcast, recommended it for placing beads on knitting projects.  I have never found a good beading method, since my crochet hooks never fit through the bead or are too small for the yarn and other methods just seem too tedious.  The beader was backordered for several weeks, but arrived this week.  I'll have at least one beaded project next month, so I'll know more then.

Other News:

Thinks have been relatively quiet around here.  My St. Louis Cardinals are hanging in the Wild Card Race and the schedule for next year has been published.  There will most likely be a trip for the Jenkins family to St. Louis next June!

Have a great week,

Angela

It seems the Friday Update has moved to Monday!  I just can't get it all together on Friday, but Monday seems to work better, so here we go...

What's Finished:

Early last week, I finished the Tumble Twins socks for my oldest niece for Christmas.  These were part of the Dramatic Knits KAL. 

 

We took a quick overnight trip to Washington, DC to watch the St. Louis Cardinals play the Washington Nationals.  We won one and lost one and had a great time with friends.  I worked on my Katniss socks and finished them.

I just love this yarn.  It's dyed by Rachel Frank and the yarn is so soft.  

What's Going On:

I started my Stripey Socks for the Knitabulls Podcast KAL.  I chose the Jaywalker pattern and pulled my Vesper Sock Yarn from my stash.  I really like the pattern and the yarn is so beautiful.  Those colors!

I also started the Ravenclaw Scarf for my youngest niece for Christmas.  It really is a tedious knit, but was great for the baseball games.  

There was a tiny bit of spinning this week.  I tend to spin a lot and knit less, or vice versa.  I really need to find a comfortable spinning chair.  I'm still working on my Into the Whirled August Club fiber.  It's so soft and easy to spin!

What's Next:

As soon as I've finished the Stripey Socks and possibly the scarf, I really want to cast on a cardigan.  In fact, the last two days of lovely fall weather have made me want to start that NOW.  I'm just having a hard time figuring out which cardigan I want to knit.

What's New:

I did a little (and I mean very little, since I'm the only knitter and the three dudes who were with me were a tad impatient) shopping at Fibre Space in Alexandria, Virginia, on the way to the ball games.  I got a skein of Miss Babs Yummy Sock and Baby Yarn in Envy Me.

I ordered a skein of merino/tencel yarn from Gnome Acres.  She was having a special for the skeiny dippers (yarn dyed from the dye remaining in the pot) and she added another skein to my order!

Rosemary

Like Butter

My Cloudlover Fiber Club shipment came and it's lovely!  It is a superwash merino called Cher Ami and the colors are beautiful.  I've never spun with superwash, so I'm really looking forward to it.

And, last, but most definitely not least, I won a project bag from Amy, of Ewesful Things.  I was so surprised to receive this large, beautiful, well-made project bag.  I know some knitters are fearful of zippered bags, but I never use anything else.  I'm always careful when I zip my bag, but nothing ever falls out and that's a huge deal for me.  I carry a large purse and typically have a few projects in there among other purse-like things.  So, here's my beautiful new bag -

Other News:

School has started.  I dread the first of school as much as the kids do.  I really enjoy the time we spend together, they spend with friends and the luxury of a flexible schedule during the summer.  I've met all but one of their teachers through freshman orientation and back to school night and am very pleased.  They've both had a great deal of work for 4 days of school, but that is to be expected considering the courses they are taking.  They're smart, could be a bit more hardworking, boys and I'm very proud of them.

On the way to school with Shiloh, who didn't stay!

Good Afternoon!  I'm a bit late today and I have no excuse, so I'll just get on with it!  Yesterday, I attended my youngest son's high school orientation and discovered my oldest son's graduation date for next June.  Wow, what a day!

I was very impressed with younger son's teachers and poor oldest son ~ he's already turned in one paper and is working on another assignment and school doesn't even start until Tuesday.  We had a wonderful experience touring the Engineering School at Virginia Commonwealth University last Friday.  I think that gave him a clearer view of his goals for the next school year.

What's Finished - 

Really, nothing is finished this week.  I did finish one of the Tumble Twins socks for my oldest niece for Christmas.  So, I guess I should have headed this "What's Half Finished"!

What's Going On -

• I'm almost halfway finished with the second Tumble Twins sock.  The picot cuff makes it quite tight, but my niece has skinny feet, so I think it will work.  I can get them on my feet and mine are wider.

• I'm finished with the leg and foot of one of my Katniss Socks.  I am doing an afterthought heel, so the waste yarn is in that first sock.  I'm just starting the leg of the second sock.  I'm knitting these socks at the same time, using 2 different circular needles.  This is a KAL with the Knit Me Happy Podcast.  

• There has been spinning.  I have put that awful rambouillet on hold and moved on to the Into the Whirled fiber club shipment.  It spins so easily and the colors are just beautiful.

What's Up Next - 

• I'm going to Washington, DC this weekend to watch the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals baseball games.  I always knit at the games, but prefer something fairly mindless, so I'll cast on a Ravenclaw scarf for my younger niece for Christmas.

What's New - 

Next week school begins.  A freshman and a senior!  I have no idea why the font on this update changes halfway and then changes back.  I tried fixing it, but decided, since it wouldn't fix, I'd knit instead!

Friday Update ~ August 24, 2012

Good Morning!  We've got a little bit more than a week left before school starts.  I'll be the proud mother of a senior and a freshman in high school.  Where has the time gone?  I really enjoy spending time with my kids, and realize that time is becoming more and more precious.  I actually sit in the room with them while they play video games and I knit or spin.  Here are the fiber activities for the past week:


What's Finished ~

• My Sparkly Pink Slipper Shawl is finished and blocked.  The pattern was designed by Wendy, of the Knit 1, Heart Too video podcast, and she did a great job!  I'll probably knit another one.  My grandmother will be thrilled at Christmas and that's one gift I can cross off my list.

What's going on ~  (I took the pictures this morning, since boy #1 has his first college visit today and I'm not sure when I'll get back.  It's cloudy, so I put the socks out on the roof from the bathroom window and leaned out to get the shot!)

• I'm still working on my Munchkin Katniss Socks.    This is a KAL with the Knit Me Happy Podcast group through September.  I'm enjoying the pattern and love the yarn.  I'm using my Jessalu bag, sold as a charity fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer research.

• I started the Tumble Twins socks for my niece for Christmas.  This is a KAL with  the Dramatic Knits podcast through Sept. 22, so I needed to get these going.  My niece wanted short socks, so these shouldn't take too long.  The cuff is a picot edge, so I used a larger needle for the tacking of the edging.  The yarn is so dark it was hard to get a good picture.  This one's in my Piddleloop bag.  Certain bags sold in this shop with animal patterns include a donation to a rescue charity.

• I haven't spun anymore of the Rambouillet.  I really haven't enjoyed it and want to spin something I really love right now.

What's up next ~  I'm still planning to work on the scarf and hat for my younger niece and there are several new KAL's on the horizon.

What's new ~  

• I have discovered (somewhat late) the Single Handed Knits Podcast.  Melissa is the host and she podcasts from locations in Hawaii, where she lives.  She has some fun ideas and has organized a Sock the Vote event.  I am in the Undecided Party, since I have no preference for either toe up or cuff down socks.  The first challenge has been to knit 1, not a pair, non-adult sized sock.  She announced yesterday that we will receive further instructions regarding a message to include with each sock and her address for mailing.  She will provide them to a women's shelter in her area as a message of hope for these woman.  What a wonderful idea!  So far, I have three:

• I received some lovely packages in the past week!  One was my Into the Whirled fiber club shipment.  I signed up for 8 ounces of each shipment, because I can't seem to get a decent yardage on my spinning yet.

• The other package was an order from Wolfe Farms.  I'm really in the mood for fall, so I ordered some Apple Crisp Lotion and some other lotion and soap.  I placed my order on Friday evening and it was here on Monday!

• And, finally, I had ordered a skein of yarn from Eat, Sleep, Knit and there was a scratch off card inside.  I won a Mitten Kit, so I checked that red was my preferred color, stuck the card in an envelope and mailed it.  I figured a month would pass  before I heard anything and fully expected a small skein of red yarn to knit mittens.  WOW!  I received a  copy of the Flocked Mittens Pattern and 2 skeins of Madelinetosh Tosh DK yarn, one in scarlett and one in antler.  I will definitely be ordering from them again!

Other news ~  We had a vet visit the other day and my little wirehaired miniature dachshund got a clean bill of health.  Based on some breathing abnormalities, Clover was discovered to have a hernia in his diaphragm last August and had pretty dangerous (and expensive!) surgery to move his liver from his chest back to his abdomen.  So, having the doctor say his heart was behaving normally was a tremendous relief.  That poor dog has packed many freak health issues into his 10 years!

Friday Update

Good morning!  I've considered doing a podcast off and on for almost a year - since I started watching/listening to them.  However, there are so many that are so good, I think mine would get lost in the mass.  That said, I want to track my projects and share them with anyone who gets a kick out of visiting.  So, I'm going to do my Friday updates in the format of a podcast...

What's finished ~

• Last Friday, I finished my 3rd Camp Loopy Project.  It was my Fall Apple Shawl and I think it looks like red and gold apples.  It really makes me long for cool fall days, since this summer has been so HOT!

What's going on ~

• I've been working on my Sparkly Pink Slipper Shawl quite a bit this week.  It's a lovely shawl designed by Wendy, of the Knit 1, Heart Too video podcast, and it will be a Christmas gift for my Grandmother.  She's 93 and was very excited when I gave her a shawl last year!

• Also on the needles are my Munchkin Katniss Socks.  I'm using the Mighty Munchkin yarn dyed by Rachel, of the Knit Me Happy podcast.  Her sweet cat, Munchkin, suffered from an illness related to his blood counts (don't quote me on the diagnosis!) and sadly passed away earlier this week.  This is a KAL with Rachel's group through September.

• Since we last chatted, I've discovered spinning.  I'd wanted to learn, but I just can't get the hang of spindle spinning and wheels are quite expensive.  In early May, my husband surprised me with a Ladybug for Mother's Day and our anniversary.  So, I've been spinning quite a bit.  Right now, I'm working on some rambouillet wool in coordination with the Knit Girllls' expand your horizons SAL.  I must say, the fiber seems a bit felted (which other spinners have said is poor prep!).

• I also have several long term or more recent projects that I haven't touched this week!

What's up next ~

• Ravenclaw Scarf for my niece for Christmas

• Ravenclaw Sleep Hat for the same niece for her birthday in October

• Tumble Twins for my other niece for Christmas.  This will be a KAL with  the Dramatic Knits podcast through Sept. 22.

What's new ~ I have recently decided that I have more than enough fiber and yarn, so, with the exception of a few clubs and a pending order using a gift certificate, I'm trying to work from my stash.  So, nothing new this week!

Other news ~ I have an extra bedroom that is beyond disaster.  It's just where all my crafting supplies are, where we stuff things that really have no place.  It's a catchall.  I really need to get it organized and pretty.  My plan is to paint it a pretty yellow, spend a fortune at IKEA on cabinets for my precious yarn, get a futon for sitting and overnight guests, and actually have a place for everything.  

Wish me luck!