A Prayer

Blessed are you, O Knitter, Spinner of the Yarniverse, may it be Your will that the sweater I have cast on three times will finally come to fruition. May it also be Your will that I have enough yarn for the endeavor. May I be blessed with a beautiful sweater at the end of the journey and that I not be punished for changing a needle size. May my math be true and my stitches even. Praised are You, O Knitter, who brings forth sweaters from the needles.

Sarena Complete!

Sarena (link to my rav project page), she is complete and I love her. And only readers of the blog are privy to the modeled pic. (I'm not putting it on Ravelry.) I apologize for not making her look better.



Offspring was bitchin' about having to get up to take the picture, so I didn't want to annoy her more by, oh, taking time to get the shot right. (Kids suck sometimes.) I had added some stitches to the sleeves because the picture on the Berroco site and a ravnote made it sound like they would come out really short. So mine are a little long, but I still love her...warts and all.

I've Got An Ego the Size of Texas

Poor Yarn Harlot.
She thinks she has the most boring blog.

Silly Stephanie.

I'm the one with the most boring blog.

As if I can one up the Harlot.

If Knitters Ran the World...Or At Least the Knitting World

I've got a few more for the if-the-Government-wants-to-get-involved list.

• I'll just take the grief for this, but just go ahead and use the metric system. Since we are all about democracy in the US, we should face facts: the majority of knitters in the world use the metric system. This means no more yd/meter on the labels and and end to US/English/MM needle sizes. Would this be a pain in the ass adjustment? Sure, but eventually we'd all be used to it. Heck, knitters of the US could be metric ambassadors to the rest of our countrymen.
• Designers should be required by law to list the multiples of all pattern stitches they use. Makes it easier to add/delete stitches. (Some designers do this, some do not.)
• Yarn labels should include blocking suggestions. We've got laundry instructions, why not the best method for blocking? When I research on the net, I get different opinions. I'd like to know what the manufacturer says.
  

Best Word Verification Ever

"catful"

How did Blogger know about my cats?

I feel the need to thank Andrea for that since it was on her blog that it came up.

Winner!

Jenni was the winner of the Catchphrase contest with : Scarves, garter stitch and dishcloths: What this knitter's made of!

Thanks to everyone who made suggestions and who stopped by to vote!

Verdammte Socke!

I cast on for the Traveler Sock yesterday and I have nothing to show for it. I know I'm a super loose knitter, so without even knitting a swatch I went down two needle sizes. Even then, 40 stitches was waaaay to big. Next step: omit 8 stitches. This seemed to do the trick.

The heel was the next time waster. Instead of a traditional wrap and turn short row heel, (of which I have an unreasonable fear) I tried my usual technique. It looked terrible. As much as I hated to, I looked up wrap and turn tutorials. Ok. I'm a convert. Yes, it was a little futzy, but it looked great.

I would have pictures except I decided to frog the sock (really it was to tight) and start over again with a bigger needle...still over 32 stitches, though. Lets see if I can finally make some progress!

PS: I've been "clean" for two days. With no help from Deneen or the Loopy Ewe.

Art History: The Surrealists

Weinermobile Crashes into Home

Am I Strong Enough?

I've got to get a grip on my yarn habit. I've gone through this before; telling myself I've got to spend less on my knitting. It's easy to do when I'm not in "knitting mode" (usually August-February), but I want to prove to myself that I can be a frugal knitter. I want to know that I can be in the knit zone AND not spend money at the same time. I want to be able to put a little more money in savings each month.

Here's my plan:

• Add count-up java script to the blog. It kind of makes it public how many days I've "been clean."
• Use my stash. I've honestly got enough yarn to last at least a year. This will limit my project types, of course. I've mainly got dishcloth cotton and sock yarn.
• Stop buying patterns. I've gotten very good at resisting the urge to buy books, but those downloadable patterns are murder. It adds up.

Now the problem is Ravelry. Ravelry enables a lot of pattern buying...which leads to yarn buying. I'm really afraid of spending time on Ravelry, but I don't want to stay away, either.

I wonder if anyone else feels this way? I need a support group.

A Milestone

I will be moving Offspring into her very own apartment tomorrow. It's sad, but happy. She is growing up and becoming more independent. I like that.

More room for my yarn.

I am not happy about the predicted rain for move-in day. What a pain. I am also displeased that the move cuts into my knitting time. (I will get a visit to Serendipity in the bargain, so I guess it's all good.)

I will have to sit down Sunday and catch ya'll up on the knitting projects. To say I have Knit ADD right now is an understatement. I've got yarn and needles lined up for so many projects...just need to cast them on. I think the two Tube Toporinis and Bluebell really gave me a confidence boost this Summer so I feel more adventurous. It's just that I also know I have a short attention span, so I have to chose my projects wisely. Too large a project, and I don't finish it (which is a blow to my confidence.)

I feel a list coming on...

It's Not a Slump

At least, I don't think it is. I'm still knitting. Just not knitting anything exciting. Charity baby hats mostly. And I continue to plug along on Sarena. There are plenty of things I want to start, I just don't have the "umph" to do it.

Ennui. Can you say that word boys and girls? En-nui.

Vote Now!!!

Voting for the Catchphrase Contest has begun. Tell all your friends :-). Last day to vote: July 2oth.

Yarn Fumes and Foul Temptress(es)

Offspring and I made a Serendipity run today. (Ok, actually it was apartment business, but I talked her into letting me go to Serendipity.)

So I am still reeling from the fumes. I actually went prepared this time and had a few projects in mind: Radiate and Spring Ripple. (I thought I would spend less money if I had a plan.) I found yarn for both projects. By the way, I will spend about the same amount of money whether I have a plan or not...but I prefer having a plan.

Despite all the WIPs, my fingers are just itching to start the Spring Ripple and a Ribbed Lace Bolero. Not to mention Soda Can Sox (I think they would be great to bring to the beach trip with the in-laws and extended family.)

GAH!!!!

PS: Ash and Arnold discovered Sarena this week. I now have to fight with them when I want to work on it. Luckily, I've hit that "magic spot" with her so I expect she will be an FO before the end of the Summer.

Knittin' Weather

Sunday evening and all day yesterday was cloudy, dreary and drippy. Perfect! I love sitting in the house and knitting on those kind of days. We've got a 50% chance of rain today, too.

I made a couple of preemie hats for this year's Yarn Bowl Challenge.



Startitis is really strong in this weather as well, so I cast on for Little Sister's Dress last night. I'm also itching to start something else, too. I just don't know what. I know I should be working on my other WIPs, too, but I don't want too. *pout*

I've noticed the following about myself: If I can get to the "magic spot" of a project within a week or two, I will finish it. Otherwise, it will languish for months (ok, years.) Just don't ask what that "magic spot" is. It's different for each project, but basically it's that point where you are so close you might as well finish it.

File This Under "Hell No"

I refuse to knit a scarf lengthwise...even if is it gorgeous. I don't cast on more than 120. And even then I whine about it.

I'm Still Thinkng About That Sweater

Check my reasoning...
What if I made more than two button holes? Boob coverage is a must. I'm thinking along the lines of Buttony.

I Would Be All Over This, But

Dress up for Ravelry
Originally uploaded by ratdogforever

By now we all know I am a garter stitch ho. Throw in seamless and you would think I'd be in heaven. Not so with this sweater.

There is only one thing that is stopping me from casting on right this minute: asymmetry. And knowing my luck, the opening would be in the most unflattering place possible. (Hello world, it's me: Boobie!)

I might actually figure out the math to make it symmetrical, but not any time soon.

I really like this, though. Definitely one worth modifying to meet my needs. It's at least going in the faves for now. Not quite queue-worthy yet.

Must Share

And many thanks to my Canadian buddy, Andrea, for posting it on her blog.

Patterns That Make Me Go Huh?

Periodically as I wander around Ravelry, I find a pattern that makes me scratch my head. I thought I would start sharing these moments.

Before I start, though, let me say that I don't intend for this to be a criticism of any designer. Heaven knows, I can't design squat. I mean for this to be a way for me to give you a glimpse of my knitting preferences. I also expect that my questions will illicit some responses from the the better knitters out there and I'll learn a thing or two.

So I will start with this:
Easy Baby Blanket with Lace Option (rav link)

I have no problems with the blanket portion of the pattern. But why oh why is the lace option knitting separately and then SEWN ON?! Definitely not my cup of tea.

I'm pretty sure one of the gals at knit nite was doing a baby blanket with a lace edge. It looked to me that she was knitting it on a la EZs i-cord border. Why not do the lace the same way?

Someone enlighten me, is a knitted-on border harder?

Happy 4th!

Have a great holiday everyone. Hubadub and I made the mistake of going to the grocery store this morning. It was crazy!

Stay safe and enjoy the day!

I Need Suggestions- A Catchphrase Contest

Ok. The blog needs a catch phrase. Something that sums up my knitting "style" in as few words as possible.

So here's what I know about my style:

• Garter stitch is da bomb.
• I can't be bothered with provisional cast ons or grafting.
• Seamless is the only construction technique that matters.
• Dishcloths are the new black.
• Sometimes real knitters do stick with scarves.
  

Now how do I combine all that into a catchy one-liner to put under my blog title?

Here's my plan. Suggest something. I'll make a poll. Readers vote. Winner gets $25 gift certificate to Knit Picks or The Loopy Ewe (winner's choice.)

Da Rulz:

1. Leave your suggestion in the comment box by midnight July 12th (CST.)
2. Voting will begin July 13th and continue through July 20th.
3. Winner announced July 21st.
   

If The Government Wants to Get Involved

And it seems to me that they do get involved in some silly things so why not knitting?

They should mandate the following:

• a minimum of 100 yds in all yarn skeins. I don't know why but skeins of 82 and 97 yards just annoy the crap out of me.
• schematics should be included in all patterns.
  
• all designers should be required to list sweater construction as part of the description. When I'm surfing for patterns I want to know is it's seamless or pieced together. Some designers include this. Some do not.

I'd like to know what ya'll think. What requirements would you like to see in the knit/yarn world?

Slow Knit Day

I didn't really accomplish much today. I interrupted my Sarena to make a preemie hat for this year's Yarn Bowl Challenge.



This one is made from some leftover Sugar n' Cream that I had. I think it's a little heavy for a preemie. I'm going to try a different pattern and lighter yarn...either tonight or tomorrow. (I've got my alarm set for early since Wimbledon coverage starts at 7 AM.)

Since I wasn't super happy with the results of the hat, I kind of ignored my knitting for most of the day. And it doesn't help that suddenly all the cats want to bond with me and sit all over me. Kind of cramps my knitting style. Not to mention cat hair gets all over the yarn.

I received the yarn for Ophelia in the mail today. It will probably take me a few months to get started on it...and by that time Ophelia will no longer appeal to me and I'll have to re-purpose the yarn.

That's what happened with Waffles. I bought the pattern and some Rowan 4 ply cotton. This week I thought about casing on, but second guessed the choice of cotton. (The head opening doesn't look very big and cotton is not very stretchy. Now I'm thinking Little Sister's Dress might be better. I haven't officially cast on, so who knows what the yarn may end up being.

So I guess that's it for today. I'll be back tomorrow with more boring content. :-)

After A Long Hiatus I Present....

Whiny Wednesday!!!

• I've got startitis, but tons o' WIPs too. So now I feel like I've dug a hole I can't get out of. (But don't think for a minute it has stopped me from planning projects or starting them!)
  
• A few days ago I decided I wanted to give the Angel Island Shell a try. Yesterday morning I spent an hour online looking for the perfect yarn. I found it (color number 3570.) According to the website they had enough balls for the project, but I received an e-mail today informing me that they didn't. I asked them to cancel the order. *sniff* Luckily Royal Yarns had it. Now let's hope they had 9 skeins of it and my hopes won't be dashed again.
• This of course causes me to whine about having to order online. I hate that I don't have an LYS where I could get the shop keeper to order yarn for me, or at least help me pick an appropriate yarn for projects. I really worry when I order yarn from someplace other than WEBS or KnitPicks. I just wonder if I'm going to get ripped off.
• Today was errand day. I hate errands. I plan to spend the rest of the week in my jammies and knitting.