Spinning Makes the World Go Round!

So, this past week has been a little out of whack. DH had two evenings home in a row and then took a third! Since DH is taking a few college classes, he’s always writing a paper. The paper due Thursday evening was ready to submit and when he went to submit the paper, the file was corrupt. The backup was also corrupted. So DH skipped class to write the paper-again. The oddest things have been happening to me too. For example, Tuesday morning, I forgot to put my knitting back in my purse. ACK!!!! I had a serious knitting crisis at work! Luckily I had my vanilla socks knit in Lorna’s Laces Solemate stuck in the bag for the meeting days. All that needed done was to tuck the tails on one sock. My plan was to eat slowly then weave the ends in on the second sock. If that didn’t use my lunch break up, I had scrap yarn in my crochet hook case and a spare set of needles in my desk. Whew, nervous breakdown averted. Even stranger yet, a cleaning urge took me over. I scrubbed the toilets in both bathrooms! Eww, No one wants to clean a toilet but I did. Strange. *head shake*

Lorna's Laces in action at work

My first “Real” design attempt is slow going. The person it’s designed for finally weighed in with some useful input (She likes this one slightly better than the other one) so now I will be moving on from the cuff. It’s at a tight gauge so I hope she can duplicate the gauge or know what she needs to adjust accordingly. One last modification to the chart and then I can start the math for the next step. Lifelines are going to be my friend.

While I haven’t been knitting much, some of my dishcloth has grown in size. The yarn is Tahki Stacy Charles Cotton Classic and is being knit on Grandma’s size 2 metal needles.  I have a sneaking suspicion that I will never feel totally worthy of having these needles but each row makes me feel as if Grandma’s still with us.

6 yards left over!

Next up, spinning has been a hit this week. I’ve spent roughly 30 minutes the one night finishing the singles. Then I plied for what seems like HOURS to make a finished yarn.  This weekend, I think I’m going to skein the plied yarn on to my PVC Niddy Noddy and check the yardage on the 2-ply. I managed to get the bobbins filled so the difference between them was roughly 6 yards of a chain ply. Since the in-laws are visiting this holiday weekend, I might be able to get things done!

Please ignore DH's too large and really old PJ's.

- No promises!

Grandma's Needles

Wow the knitting has happened here! I finished the Luna's Moonlight socks by Ann Kingstone Designs much quicker than I thought I would. For some reason, I tend to run slower on the second sock than the first. Not in this case! Even with all the un-knitting going on, the second sock went faster than the first! Who would have thought it? Of course, I also made a more concentrated effort by picking a TV series to binge watch.

Luna's Moonlight

Firefly is a fabulous series and ended way too short. Thankfully Netflix has the entire series AND the movie that followed. To be a true, fan girl I'd know the background, total story line, and everything about the series. I fail. For the longest time, I enjoyed the movie Serenity long before I ever watched the series. In fact, I refused to watch the series because everyone in college loved Firefly. Afterwards, I needed a new show or movie. I chose Copper and I think I'll be working on a BBC binge. That's a long way of saying I sat and knit gobs to background noise!

 

 

 

Dishcloth made on Grandma's needles

When I cast off my Luna's Moonlight socks, I didn't have my chart printed out for the mystery pair. The distance from me to my purse where the chart is on a jump drive and from my purse to the computer was too far to move. However, the effort I went through for a second project was far greater! I dug through the stash for my cotton yarn. One ball of cotton yarn went to a charity knitter and the second was used to teach a coworker how to knit. Fortunately I had an UFO in progress with mercerized cotton. While I don't think Tahki Stacy Charles Cotton Classic is the best yarn for dishcloths but the one I have made from the same yarn is an AWESOME scrubber. I'm using size 2 needles that were once my grandmother's. Grandma never knit a stitch in her life that I know of but she never threw anything away. I think these needles were gifted to Grandma after a friend of hers passed away.  Here's to hoping I stay worth of the gifts and legacy.

I think it's time to wind down a little and see about making some dinner for DH. (Nothing fancy just a fried egg sandwich).

Knitting Attacks

How much fun has this week been? Still knitting on the Luna's Moonlight but now stupid mistakes are being made left and right. Who would have known that an un-eventful first sock means Knitting Attacks on the second, as said by the Knitmore Girls.  It seems like almost as much un-knitting is happening as knitting. Some days I seem to be incapable of reading a pattern, even if it was one I did correctly a few short days before. This week seems to have afforded less knitting time than last week. If luck holds true for this weekend, I may get to finish the second sock this weekend. Stacking the deck in my favor will need to happen and to do so, I may take the boys to the park so they can wear themselves out while I knit in peace.

Secondly, I did do a little spinning. I've changed the ratio on my roadbug to see how it changes my spinning technique. So far, she's still working wonderfully and all errors are purely mine. Eventually I'll be a excellent spinner but that day is not today or even next week. I do love the way my Merlin Tree spins so smoothly.  I need a good name for my spinning wheel and the last things my children named was my mother's kitten. Jr Kitty got the manly name of Pete! Personally, I'd like something a little more crafty than Pete for my spinning wheel.

Life with the boys has been surprising. They have been well behaved and I don't understand why. Both have moved up classes at daycare so DS1 is officially in preschool. DS2 has moved up a class to the "Older Twos" and I think both are getting worn out. It's making evenings a little easier in one aspect and a little rough in others. For example, DS2 must be right at my elbow at ALL TIMES.  It's cute, sweet, and obnoxious all at the same time. I need to use the ladies room and he's there. I need to take a hot pan off the stove or out of the oven and he's there. I'm afraid sometimes that I'll burn him because I'll trip over him and drop the hot dish. I'm also not allowed to have the time to make more adventurous means because we walk in the front door and they demand to eat. I refuse to always warm up hot dogs and chicken nuggets. Once in a while I make a quick fix meal that they will eat that doesn't involve those two items.

 

While I'm wishing for  a little more free time and a few more Knitter's Pride Nova DPN's. I started my socks on these before moving up a needle size and over to my bamboos. Daddy's home and finally diverted the attention out from under my elbow! I'm gonna sprawl out a little now and ready myself for a Firefly marathon. 

Half done and a Zoo

I finally feel some what productive in knitting! I finished a sock this weekend and already cast on for the second. Of course in order to avoid second sock syndrome, when I make them one at a time, the second is cast on almost before the kitchner stitch is finished. The cuff is even over half way done! Luna's Moonlight by Ann Kingstone is a fabulous pattern and I feel the need to check the pattern almost every other round. While it's intuitive, I don't trust my memory. The best way I've found to measure the sock foot length is to try the socks on as I go so Instagram has a few pictures of my foot surrounded by DPN's.

DS1 is the foot Model

The secret sock has gotten a whole whopping single round of ribbing done. Some delusions may have persisted in my head this weekend. In my mind, the one sock of Luna's Moonlight would have been finished by Saturday morning so by the end of Saturday, the second cuff and leg would have been completed as well. The design that has me terrified would have completed at least the ribbing so I could work on ripping out everything I didn't like about the pattern on the leg. At this rate, it'll be completed next year.

Second Cuff

Saturday was directed by my little dictator. DH requested Saturday off from work so he could spend time with the boys and his wife. DS1, known as The Dictator, spent a good 5 minutes lecturing his father and mother about going to see the animals and being good. We had to be very good if we wanted to see the animals. Picture him waving his finger at us too. As The Dictator walked away, we were told we were good boys. So DH and I had a quick conversation about what we each expected of the family day and decided DS1 had the right idea. So at the zoo, DS2 was all about Daddy and watching the birds at the Birmingham Zoo. We stopped for lunch at the Safari Cafe where they had some $1 hot dogs and DS2 made a conquest. The juice we bought to go with lunch, DS2 walked up to a lady behind the counter (not the one ringing us up) and handed her his juice to open. She was so awesome to have opened his juice for him while his parents were otherwise occupied (chasing DS1 around and paying).

Boys playing at the Zoo's Playground

I did get a round done on my scary sock while they played nicely. This work week should go smoother than last week so a little more can be done on both pairs I hope!

A little love and a lot scared

I love my toddlers but some times I wish bedtime goes a little smoother. It's not just limited to bedtime. DS1 is in a stage where HE is in control of his body functions and no matter the prompting Mommy gives, he "already pottied". Only after stories are read, blankies are tucked in, kisses are given, and any last minute cuddles do I hear that he "forgot" that he needs to go potty. In the mornings, the remembering happens AS I have my hand on the doorknob to head to the car. I repeat often that I love my children and this too shall pass. Rough bedtimes and mornings are being made up by the smoother evening routines. DS2 has been asking to "sit by you" of everyone before climbing up on the laps. After DS2 gets settled in at my hip, I pick up the knitting and he drives his cars all over our combined lap.

Last Post's status

One of the knitted items in play has been the Honey Cowl by Madelinetosh. However, most of this week has not seen the cowl in knitting rotation because she's done! I had enough yarn to go a lot wider but chose to stick with the pattern's width/height. It'll most likely be worn wrapped twice around the neck so extra width adds extra bulk. Remaining of the second hank is 46 grams of Cascade Yarns Venezia Royal Purple. With luck, I have enough for a hat, but I'll need to find a top down hat pattern.

Shortly After Last Post

In the last post, I showed various leftover sock yarn from previous projects and was looking for the perfect patterns. Monogamy and I have parted ways as a result. Oops! When we moved to the Birmingham, Alabama area, one of the first stores to locate was the local yarn shop, In The Making. They have gobs of binders filled with patterns. In a magical binder I found some Ann Kingstone Designs patterns. I adore her patterns but have never found the courage to buy or knit any. Luna's Moonlight may have jumped in my car to come home with me that day.  This pattern has caused me to learn a new cast on, create a new edge, and that's just what I know about so far. Love this pattern so much right now.

So much love for this pattern

While I love the Luna's Moonlight, I also have another pattern rattling around in my head screaming for exit. Finally listening to my inner Knitter, I've cast on for another sock. I've attempted to sketch out a pattern but all I have is the number of stitches to cast on and a rough chart. The heel hasn't been designed yet or even calculated. I can only hope that my winging it won't result in tears. So far, a whole whopping 3 rounds have been knit. Could be a little terrified....

Scary

Well, socks don't knit themselves much to my dismay some days. I'm serious though, check out Ann Kingstone Designs, her stuff is crazy awesome!

Long Weekends

For such a long feeling weekend, time has flown.  I've watched several video casts, listened to a few podcasts, played hard with the boys, AND even got in a little knitting. I'm still working on the Honey Cowl and I'm seeing progress. The second hank had been wound and joined. Even a few inches have been added beyond the joining round. However, it feels as if the knitting will never end. Some day I'll be smart enough to remember to put in a stitch marker at the start of a knitting session so I can see my progress. It's grown enough to cover my face as I try it on. I will warn everyone that hasn't figured it out by now, getting old is rough! Since the yarn I'm using is Cascade Yarns Venezia in the Royal Purple colorway, it's difficult to see it at night. At least I'm gaining practice at knitting without looking often.

I think I'm heading to starting a new project very quickly! I hope when I cast on for the next project it won't lead to sartitus. It has in the past but I think when I start, socks are up. Perhaps I should gift socks this year to everyone for Christmas. The boys' will be easy because they are so small but DH is best described as Big Foot. He wears a size 13 Men's shoe and his only saving grace is that his feet are relatively narrow. I think my next pair(s) will be made out of leftovers and the only question is what colors and what combo?

The boys have been extremely helpful in the "Help Mommy Knit" time. In fact, DS2 came up to me after dinner and said "Sit by you Momma? Sit by you?" How can a Momma turn that down? We are tucked up in the recliner this Sunday night and I'm typing rather awkwardly around him. The cuddles are worth the typos and odd reach. Both boys insisted on going outside to play. Unfortunately, DS1 thinks outside and shopping mean that we are heading to the zoo to see the animals. DS1 was rather disappointed to realize it was the tennis court. I think he got over his disappointment quickly because DS2 was challenged to a race. They went so fast Mommy only saw the blur.  :)

I think bath time is calling every one's name here so we should go take care of that.

Honey Cowl and Weiner

So, I must confess. I lied earlier. DS2 isn't doing so hot after all. We had a fire drill again with another fever of 102°F and a second trip to visit the Dr. We'll be changing his medication to be a little more aggressive. DS1 doesn't understand that he needed to let the Dr. and Mommy talk about what was going on with Crazy man (DS2). Kudos to the Doc for complementing Big One on his toy bus though. Its nice to have a doctor that will check in with both kids regardless of which one has an issue. Here's to hoping DS2 gets better with the second medication.

Somehow I've still been knitting a little bit, very little bit. Strangely I'm still a monogamous knitter and I can't see a lot of progress from day to day. Of course, knitting isn't for instant gratification and the yardage I have for my Honey Cowl is roughly half a small sweater quantity (~600 yards). The world I like to live in claims that my cowl should be over halfway done by now because a cowl is a small object. Then there is reality where I have kids, a husband, and a job. Reality also dictates that I sleep and eat too.

I keep cruising for new patterns to knit in my mental breaks at work and locating some. While I ponder problems at work I tend to listen to podcasts. While I was engrossed in a project, the Twinset Designs mentioned "You Might Be a Weiner" and called my name. At that point I jumped 3 feet in the air and looked to see who had called my name.  I won't tell you how long it took me to realize that a recording is what called my name. (Far too long). My prize was a pattern by Brenda Castile and I chose Lola's Top. Now it's time for a little yarn shopping! If only I had this pattern in mind and the funds for a sweater quantity when I went shopping last. My Cascade Yarns Venezia might have become this top.Yes I realize it would have been only 2 more hanks. I wonder if it's too late.....

I must be good and finish my cowl. I will not rip out my Honey Cowl in favor of another visit to the yarn store for a sweater quantity no matter how much I want to. I already have broken my cold sheep with Rachel once. In order to win and not owe her $20 towards whatever, wherever, I need her to fall down hard and splurge.  Rachel if you are reading this, please go visit your LYS and OFTEN.

 I guess I should hurry and get back to watching podcasts/vidcasts while working on this latest project. Its the only way I have to control the hole I'm attempting to dig myself out of. The vidcast of choice for the night: Geek Girls Knit.

Pssst! Rachel, you want to buy yarn, lots of yarn. Lace weight, sock yarn, sweater quantities, and all of the green yarn. Cashmere, alpaca, wool, silk blends.... you  know you want more yarn. 

I hope this subtle enabling works in my favor.

FO!!! I have socks!!!!

It's official, I hate crowds, I hate traffic, and I really really hate slow moving traffic. It took me roughly an hour to cover 2 miles Friday night. Normally, I would be unfazed because like all Knitters I take a project everywhere with me. However, traffic was moving just enough I couldn't pull my sock in progress out but it still took roughly an hour to go 2 miles. Where was I going and why was I extremely grumpy you may ask. Where else but the Dr's office!?! Daycare called 4:55 and said DS2 had a 102 fever, was shaking, and his lips were turning blue. Guess who left work quickly and drove like a slightly possessed person! Long story short, our new Dr's office is also an urgent care center so we saw a Dr around 7 PM, got X-rays and an anti-biotic. DS2 has a touch of pneumonia. He's healing nicely and minus the fever and chills, there wasn't any big sign that he was feeling so poorly.

Friday Night's knitting progress

While we hung out at the Dr's office, I did get a little bit of knitting done while DS2 was occupied opening and closing the door. The sock cuff has moved right along and I think has even moved faster than the first cuff. I went from no cuff to finished sock this weekend. Now I have a pair of socks in Lorna's Laces Solemate Rockwell colorway. As a reminder, its Rockwell is named after Norman Rockwell, not a hardness test. Sunday afternoon I realized only a few rounds remained but I was reading at the same time. Somehow disaster didn't strike so I managed to bind off in the correct location. The problem with short color repeats are that it becomes very visible as to when a person's gauge changes. I will not be restarting to make the color patterns match exactly. The socks are a vanilla toe up pattern where I cast on 12 stitches and increased to 64. The heel was a no-wrap short row heel and the leg and cuff are k2 p2 ribbing.

Finished!

Next up is the Honey Cowl by Madelinetosh. I'm making my second one out of Cascade Yarn's Venezia Sport yarn in the Royal Purple. Judging by several of my last projects, the purple kick hasn't left yet. Somehow the yarn keeps splitting on me so the yarn requires a little more attention. In all honesty, the pattern isn't cruise control knitting for me either. The slipping and purling just doesn't seem to fall into an easy rhythm for my knitting style. Perhaps when I have a few more inches under my belt I'll catch the rhythm and this cowl will fly.

Honey Cowl

Now I should be off and enjoying my last few minutes of peace by watching Dramatic Knits Podcast, enjoying a beer, and knitting something DRAMATIC!

Ahhhhhh

PS. This post is written Sunday Night to post first thing Monday morning.

TGIF but wasn't today Monday?

Where did this week go? It was Monday yesterday, wasn't it? For such a jam packed week, it doesn't feel like the end. Although that could be why it still feels like Monday.  DS2 turned 2 this week and we had a little family party. DH brought home cupcakes for the family and the daycare class. Judging by the frosting I saw on several shirts at daycare, they all enjoyed the cupcakes. I had run out and picked up a World War 3 worthy gift. Toy'R'Us have a Big Rig car carry case with 12 cars and an assortment of construction type things. DS1 and DS2 each want what the other has and refuse to trade. It's a "EVERYTHING IS MINE" type of week. While the kids love the cars and the truck, every item is so cheaply made some are already starting to break. Could be that my boys are rougher than the average too. On the other hand, if everything breaks, they won't be able to fight over it right?

Even with hauling the boys off of one another all week, I've gotten a little bit of knitting done. The foot of my second vanilla sock is completed and late last night I turned the heel. Woot, it's starting to look like a sock! Lunch at work today meant I was able to start the ribbing for the leg and before I know it, I'll have a pair. Now the question is: Do I keep the socks for me or do I save them for the holidays? So far, only my niece has any knitwear heading her way. That's only because I used girly colors like purple and pink for her stuff. She has a purple and gray striped sweater, a pink and purple hat, and pink and purple mittens headed her way this winter. I have plans for sweaters and/or socks for everyone in the next few years but that's only if I can stop being a selfish knitter. So the good news is that I still have time to decide if the socks are for me or for one of my sisters or Mom since we all wear the same size shoe. 

I also took a little time to do a little spinning this week as well. For some reason I was not coordinated at all. My feet moved faster than my hands or my hands didn't move at all so my yarn/fiber kept breaking. I just didn't have a good day when I attempted to spin. So instead, I cast on for something new and am using my new yarn! The Cascade Yarns Venezia Sport is destined to be a Honey Cowl for the office. I dislike the air conditioner settings at the office. For some reason the guys (only female in this office building) prefer the air to be FREEZING so I'm periodically driven out to the shop to stand next to the furnaces that operate at 1625°F. Only after I'm really sweaty does heading back in sound like a good idea. Hopefully my Honey Cowl will help stop the crazy cycle.

Of course, my cowl won't knit it's self and I have no magic to make the knitting go along without me.