Friday, November 15, 2013

Shhhhh. . . . its a suprise

So, it is that time of year again, when the secret bags of yarn get tucked into the corner, hidden from view. When I have to knit under the darkness of night while everyone sleeps. Yes the gift giving season approached and this year my goal is that in the boxes are finished projects, not those with needles still attached as if my gift to them is to have them knit their own gift.

I have designed a sweater for my husband, I had him spend hours going through the men's cardigans on Ravelry telling me what he liked and did not like. Running through the Cascade website choosing colours. He knows I am knitting for him, but his surprise will be when he opens it (hopefully one he smiles at).

I also have a little something special for my son, one that has more to do with November 23rd than December 25th - and yes the fellow nerds will know what I am talking about.

And for the first time ever, my father emailed me just minutes after I released my Pop Rock Vest and told me he found his Christmas Gift!!! In exactly those colours, and here are my measurements - I like it when a man makes gift giving easy.

So, we will get through the busy Christmas season . . . I will keep you updated on my progress and then the real fun begins!!!

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

New Name . . . Same Game

The name has changed, but the games the same.  Still knitting up a storm.  Although I do want to share with you my latest as my boys would say "Epic Fail".  Ever work so diligently that your concentration can't be broken, not even noticing an error, working past it without seeing it, then seaming in the sleeve, again, without seeing it, then 10 times you go past it while working on the button band, again, without seeing it any of the 10 times.  Then off to be washed - without seeing it, then lay it out flat on the drying board look down and go WT*. 

Yup - happened just last week with a lovely Raglan Sweater in Cascade 220 in a lovely wine colour.  Now as I looked down at the Epic Fail I did have an "Aha" moment.  Magic loop on the sleeve, one loop pulled itself into the sleeve, I promptly pulled it back out, apparently not making sure I was at the right spot.  Obviously not as the increases were down the centre of the sleeve not under the arm.

So okay - nothing to panic about, simply pull out the sleeve, pull down to armhole, re-centre and knit away. oh, yeah, have to pull out the button band first - there goes a few hours, unweave my ends (man, why do I put them in so well), unseam sleeve, pull down, centre and reknit.  But of course it is soaking wet right now so I have to stare at it for days while it drys kicking myself for not noticing an . . .

EPIC FAIL

Friday, January 25, 2013

Post Holiday Knitting Sweet Spot - Yes ME time!

What is on your needles right now?  Hopefully you are not still rushing through a gift to be delivered late. 

As with most knitters I know, after months of agonizing over what to knit for gifts, wondering whether or not they will like it, then the last minute knitathon that leaves you wondering if your fingers will ever uncurl; arrives that sweet spot in the year when you can go through your stash and actually wonder what project you want to make for yourself.

Perhaps the yarn beckoning you is that lovely alpaca lace weight you picked up at the show 2 years ago, or that amazing hand painted sock yarn you bought on that summer road trip with the girls!  What ever it is, yes, go ahead, pluck it out of your stash and cast on.  Enjoy knitting every yard at a leisurely pace, feel the texture as it slips through your fingers, look at amazement of the depth of the shades in that hand painted yarn as your socks begin to spring off the needles.

And enjoy every moment, because you deserve it!

Sweet & Simple Lace Socks