I'm hoping to give a health update either Wednesday or Thursday. In the meantime, I thought I'd share some photos of recent knitting here at the Casa de Bling.
First up, the scarf I knit for the other Beth's sister Carrie. This was knit with Berroco Glace and Chinchilla. It was a fun knit, but kind of tedious ... all that garter stitch! Glad it's done ... nevermind that I bought the yarn to do one for myself in a different colorway ::grins::
Up next is the baby blanket I knit for a co-worker. He and his wife are expecting their first baby ... a little girl! Also for your viewing pleasure is a close up of the stitch pattern. This is actually a very soft lavender color - doesn't show very well in the photos.
I leave you with the current SIPs (Socks In Progress). This is the 1st shipment from the 2008 Rockin Sock Club. The name of this pattern is Serendipity. I'm totally loving it and hope to have them finished this weekend!
It's that time of year again ... a glance back and then looking to the future. As you may recall, I didn't really set any "goals" for 2007. My hopes were to keep knitting and keep learning ... and more hand-knit socks.
I definitely kept on knitting. And the FOs for 2007, in no particular order:
And knowing my love for hand-knit socks, I'm sure you'll agree that they get their own category:
Jaywalkers in Austermann Step (MagKnits) Baby Cable Socks in Regia Bamboo (Sensational Knitted Socks) Inside Out Socks in STR Med Weight (Feb 2007 STR Rockin' Sock Club) Herringbone Eyelet Socks in Cascade Fixation (Finally Waking Up) Grasshopper Socks in STR Silkie (Apr 2007 STR Rockin' Sock Club) Lightweight Stockinette Socks in KP Dancing (Knitting Pure & Simple) Solstice Slip in STR Light Weight (June 2007 STR Rockin' Sock Club) Lenore Socks in STR (October 2007 STR Rockin' Sock Club)
I had an unofficial goal of a pair of socks per month, but didn't quite make it. That's okay ... there's always 2008!
There was lots of learning going on too. A couple of things I've previously learned about knitting that still hold true: It won't knit itself - there are no knitting gnomes that will finish projects for me - I actually have to pick up the needles and knit. And it's just yarn.
Here's a look at some of the things I know now that I didn't know last year:
Short row toe up socks Short row heel Backward loop cast on Crochet Sewn bind off Aran Sweater from the Top Down
There may be one or two others that I can't think of right now, but not too shabby, if I do say so myself!
I also continued taking over the world one knitter at a time sharing the joy and relaxation of knitting by teaching others to knit. I helped bring a hooker crocheter to the knitting side; I encouraged DD#2 to continue to learn new techniques (she's working on a pair of baby socks ... I'm SO proud!); and I taught a newbie to knit via prayer shawls.
Once again I wish the same things for you as I did last year: As the ball drops and we count down the seconds to the New Year, I hope you each find peace, happiness, abundance, joyful knitting and more hand-knit socks. Happy New Year!
I'm here ... I'm there ... I'm everywhere. Or at least it feels that way sometimes.
Much has been happening at the Casa de Bling. Again, in no particular order, I'll try to get you up to speed.
~ My lifestyle changes continue. I'm down a total of 20 pounds. When I started this venture, I was wearing a size 14 pants and they were getting too tight. Today, I'm wearing an 8!!!! I'm so proud of myself. I'm not fanatical about what I eat ... I eat what I want and what I like. I'm just careful. I've stopped drinking a latte every morning for breakfast. I've also cut WAY BACK on my McD's Large Sweet Tea consumption (I was drinking 1 or 2 of those each day - Yikes!). Because of scheduling issues, I haven't made it it a Zumba class yet, but I still want to go. I'm hoping to get into that after the 1st of the year.
~ My sis-in-law and I went to Vegas last month. All I can say is .... WOW!!!!! We had such a good time. For one thing, it was the 1st time she and I have gone anywhere just the two of us. We really enjoyed traveling together and spending time with each other. I promise another post soon with details about what we did and what we saw ... well ... as many details as I can share. It was Vegas ... and what happens in Vegas ... well, you know the rest.
~ I've been knitting. I have 3 WIPs on the needles right now: the Lenore Socks and 2 scarves. I know you aren't going to believe this, but ... there are no SSCPs this year! I hear the collective gasp. I know ... how can I not be a slave to the SSCP deadline? I've got to tell you, it's kind of a relief.
I know this is a short post and it's been so long since I've posted, but I've got to get back to getting ready for the holidays. Christmas is, after all, less than a week away. And even without SSCP knitting, there's still lots to do!
There's been so much happening lately that I simply haven't had time to blog ... I'm sure you noticed. Sorry.
I'll try to catch you up right quick - in no particular order:
~ I'm still working on my lifestyle changes (see the ticker above?) Friend and I had a discussion and since we don't diet or exercise ("We don't jog, Christina."), yet we wanted to lose weight and just generally get in shape, we decided to make some lifestyle changes. Since I had previous success with Weight Watchers, I'm doing that again. I've also started walking for 10-15 minutes, twice a day. I'm anxious to move more, so I'm going to start taking a Zumba class. I'm down 14 pounds and one pants size!
~ The countdown I mentioned in my last post is still happening. Now I'm only 13 days away from .... seeing Eddie Izzard .... live .... in VEGAS BABY!!!!! I've been trying to go to Las Vegas for years. The closest I ever got was 8 years ago, but unfortunately, that trip ended in a fatal car accident outside of L.A. .... I never made it to Vegas.
When I found out Eddie would be performing there, I called my sis-in-law {Hi Carrie ::waving wildly::} and told her, we started crunching numbers to see if we could go. Unfortunately, I just couldn't pull it off. A couple of days later, Carrie informed me that this trip would be a gift from her and my brother! Is that not the awesomest thing ever!?!?!?! To say that they made me cry (at work, no less) is an understatement. We're also going to see O. I can't wait!!!!!
~ I've met someone! Yes, I've met a new man. We've been dating for a couple of months now. He's wonderful .... handsome .... smart .... great sense of humor .... kind and thoughtful .... and so much more. I'm so fortunate and thankful to have him in my life.
~ There's even been some knitting here at the House of Bling. I'm currently working on the newest shipment from the Socks that Rock Rockin Sock Club. And, I'm very sorry to say, there's only 1 more shipment this year ::pouting:: As is my habit, I'll get some pictures posted in the next few days.
So, as I continue counting down the days, I leave you with this:
I just want to share a couple of long overdue photos.
Here are the beautiful Solstice Slip socks from the STR Rockin' Sock Club.
And this is the lace on Soleil. I'm almost at the divide for the neckline. I was hoping to have this finished this weekend, but yesterday was DD#1's 16th birthday, so we were a little busy. Ciao for now!
I know things have been kind of quiet here at the House of Bling. I've been working a fair amount of overtime (for which I don't get paid ... gotta love being exempt!), busy with the kids and just all around tired and worn out! By the time I get home most evenings, I just want to sleep. I don't even have the energy to pick up the knitting needles.
I had started WeightWatchers online a month ago and did pretty well the first couple of weeks (down 5 pounds!). I was even doing the stationary bike or treadmill a couple of times a week. But then I went on a trip to Michigan for a wedding and the whole eating right thing kinda fell to the wayside. That said, I didn't gain any of the 5 pounds back (yeah me!!!). But now I'm trying to get back on track.
I joined the local knitting guild and signed up for their upcoming Arans from the Top-Down workshop with Beth Brown Reinsel - I'm totally excited and hoping that this will help get the knitting mojo flowing again. This definitely fits right in with my desire to continue learning to techniques and stuff.
Last night I finished my Solstice Slip socks (the June installment of the Rockin' Sock Club). Today I finished a scarf that I had set aside MONTHS ago to work on socks. But it's done now and I'm proud of that. Can't wait for the weather to turn cold again so I can wear it ... Cashmerino Chunky ... yummmm!
I think I'm going to pick Soleil back up and get through it while I'm waiting on the August Rockin' Sock Club shipment. I'd REALLY like to get Soleil finished while it's still warm out so I can wear it, but we'll see.
I'll try to get some FO-tos up in the next couple of days. Until then ...
I've been such a bad blogger ... or more specifically, a bad knit blogger.
I've not done a very good job as a resurrector of UFOs - I've frogged one and turned a few into FOs, but I haven't done a good job tracking them.
I've not been feeling the knitterly love lately either. I think my mojo is off a bit. I have 3 WIPs that are so close to being finished, but what did I do last week? Cast on for new socks!
Not just any socks, mind you ... the latest installment of the Socks That Rock Rockin Sock Club. The colorway is beautiful, vibrant and just ... stunning. The pattern looks like it's going to be a fun knit. And I simply couldn't resist - I turned one hank into a yarn cake and then one yarn cake became two so I can knit the socks in tandem.
I really need to finish two WIPs as they're baby gifts and the baby was born last month. They are both almost nearly finished - shouldn't take but an evening to knock them both out. I'm determined to have them done this weekend - no excuses. Then I can focus solely on the new socks guilt free!
I've been kinda slack on the knitting pictures, but that's certainly not an indication of how much knitting's been happening here at the House of Bling.
First, I present my finished Rockin Sock Club April shipment: Knee-high to a Grasshopper (but I did the shorter version instead of knee-highs) in their new Silkie in the Walking on the Wild Tide colorway.
Oops - I haven't snapped a photo of the finished socks. I'll take a picture and post it later.
Second, these are the finished Herringbone Eyelet socks that I finished last week:
I simply love the way that pattern looks. This was my first project with Cascade Fixation and I enjoyed it. These were fun to knit.
Yesterday while shop sitting at the From The Heart shop, I finished these Lightweight Stockinette socks using Dancing from Knit Picks: This is the 2nd pair I've knit using this pattern and this yarn together. I did a pair a couple of years ago for my sis-in-law for Christmas.
I've decided to take a teeny hiatus from sock knitting and make a few afghan squares for the Hokie Healing project. One is done and the 2nd on the needles. I'm hoping to do a couple more this week so I can get them mailed to Blacksburg.
I'm not sure if I'll start another pair of socks before the June Rockin Sock Club shipment arrives, but knowing me, I will. But for now, back to the Hokie Squares.
In my last post, I mentioned the fondling of new yarn on Saturday ... Friend and I went to the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival. This was Friend's first time - but I think it's safe to say it won't be her last!
And this is I think some rayon - I think - I dunno - I'm really not positive - I really don't care. All I know is it is gorgeous and shiny and only 6 dollars a skein (over 250 yards each). I saw this and the word "Clapotis" just popped into my head. I dunno why. I figure I'll make a shorter clap for my mom and one for myself, since I already have a really long one. But I can't decide which one I want to give up. Maybe they'll both be for me. Again, I dunno.
And finally the Pink Ribbon Scarf, also from Morehouse, in the elusive pink/pink colorway (not shown on their website).
Apparently I'm on a sock kick. But that's okay 'cause I'm still lovin' me some hand-knit socks!
The only thing we didn't get that we set out for was a deep fried Twinkie. Apparently that vendor didn't make it to the festival afterall. But we had one of the obscenely ginormous absolutely delish eclairs!
Did you go to MdS&W? What didja get? Come on, flash your MdS&W stash!
Can I just say ... I have the BESTEST Secret Pal 10 EVER!!!!!! I'm such a bad blogger, because I didn't post these pictures when I got my 1st package last week, but here they are.
Wouldja just look at all those patterns?!?! My SP sent 6 sock patterns she had found on the internet (Monkey, Rolling Thunder, Kew, Diamante {all from Knitty}, Creeping Vines Socks, and Diamond Lace Socks), a pattern for a felted bag (Little Slip of a Thing), and the pattern for a beautiful scarf to use for the luscious skein of yarn. There's also an Addi needle gauge and the cutest felt key chain.
I don't know if you can read it, so I'll tell you what it is ... a skein of Scarlet Fleece Silk & Ivory from Holly Spring Homespun. This stuff is heavenly - I'll admit there's been some pretty heavy petting of the yarn since I received it!
And I received another little goodie package from my SP this week. The embroidery flosses are in the prettiest spring colors. I really need to work on some cross stitch again and this is the perfect motivation to do so.
And finally, I leave you with a progress shot of my current STR Sock Club socks
I didn't manage to post over the weekened due to this:
DD#1 had a very special dance to attend ... prom! The day started bright and early ... she had a hair appointment at 8am and the day didn't end until 4am since the kids went to the after-prom party. They had a great time!
Here are a few Rockin Sock Club photos - completely loving this yarn and pattern:
Oh my - I've been so busy with socks ... particularly new socks ... more specifically Socks That Rock ... that I haven't paid any attention to UFOs lately. I've got to get back to the UFOs. Soon, my pretties!
So why have I been so distracted by socks, you ask ... I'll tell you!
In today's mail I received the April shipment for the STR Rockin Sock Club. I love this yarn. I heart this stuff so much that I think I want to marry it ... can you marry yarn?!?
I was so excited to wind it (after the kids went to bed and I ate my dinner and I watched Grey's Anatomy) that I completely forgot to take a photo of it before winding. Oh well ... let's see if I can "borrow" a photo from someone (thanks Ute!). Here ya go:
Is that not the most scrumptious yarn you've ever seen?! And it feels just as yummy ... it's 81% merino and 19% tussah silk!!!!
This is a BRAND NEW YARN for Blue Moon Fiber Arts - only Rockin Sock Club members have it right now! It's called Silkie and sorry, but it's not available to the public yet. Talk about exclusivity and a membership perk.
Tomorrow I'll try to share photos of the beautiful yarn cakes I wound - and maybe even a quick progress shot.
Okay - now I'm off to try this backward loop cast on - I've never done this one before. Wish me luck!
Thanks to everyone for crossing everything you could cross and for your good thoughts about DD#1's condition. It worked ... Ex-DH was able to get us an appointment with the neurologist on Friday. We don't have any answers yet, but they are at least trying to figure out what's going on. We have a plan and hopefully something will show up that explains these episodes. Thankfully, she hasn't had another.
I owe you a few photos so here ya go:
These are the socks I finished last week (?). They are made of Regia Bamboo ... LOVE IT!!! The pattern is the Baby Cable Rib from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlotte Schurch. I can't wait to do more patterns from that book and I'm hoping to get her next book, More Sensational Knitted Socks.
Of course I had to get a new pair of socks on the needles right away ... I present Cascade Fixation in the Herringbone Eyelet pattern. These are fun to knit and I've gotten many compliments on them. These picture were taken Friday night ... I did a fair amount of knitting Saturday and have turned the heel on one sock and am on the heel flap of the other.
I didn't get much knitting done yesterday because I took a crochet workshop and practised that when I got home. Here's my first attempt:
Not too shabby, if I do say! The charity group I knit with, From the Heart, offered a workshop yesterday and I decided what the heck, I'd give it a try. There were about 30 ladies there - some had never held a crochet hook before, some with more experience. I knew how to chain stitch, but that was about it. I enjoyed it and am glad I learned to crochet. One of the ladies asked if I would convert from knitting ... NEVER! But it'll be nice to know how to crochet and even add crocheted edges to some of my items.
Crochet does go faster than knitting, so maybe I'll use that for some of my charity work ... crocheted hats and such. We'll see. Regardless, it's great to learn new things.
I did it ... I finished the socks! I'm so excited - my first, okay, only FO for March - and I knit them, start to finish in 24 days! And I wasn't even an obsessed knitting fool while doing these socks. I took my time and totally enjoyed the yarn and pattern.
I finished sock#2 Thursday evening while watching October Road. I immediately wove the ends in and put them on my feet. Positively yummy - yup - just as I had suspected. I'll share some FO pix over the weekend.
~:~:~:~:~
I'm participating in SecretPal 10 and we're having a contest ... so of course I have to play along! Our hostess asked us to share our fave knitting accessory.
Mine would be the coolest metal needle thingie I bought from Woolworks Ltd. back before Christmas. Here's a photo of it in action: I first read about these over at the Harlot's place (surely you don't need a link?!?). When I called the shop, I asked if they had the metal sock needle holder thingies ... did she know what I was talking about? The lovely woman on the phone, Paula, said "Yup, close enough, we got 'em!"
These have truly been a god-send for my socks ... no more dropped stitches while the sock is hanging out in my knitting bag, no more needles poking me through the bag, no more lost needles. Everything is right where it should be. And it really impresses people when I pull it out of my knitting bag ... who could ask for more in a cool / fave knitting accessory?!?!
... Sunday, April 1st is the next International Pajama Day (IPJD)! I'm aquiver with anticipation!!!
Saturday is the Monument Avenue 10k, which Friend and I will be walking in again. Yes, we're walking it ... I have a strict don't-run-unless-being-chased policy. We've been so busy getting in shape for it ... NOT! We haven't walked the first step in preparation. Lord, we're gonna be hurtin'! So - IPJD will be very welcome on Sunday.
The kids are also getting in on the action ... DD#2 and DD#3 are going to participate in the First Market Mile Kids Run. They're really excited about it.
Should be a fun day for all!
BTW - I finished sock#1 of the STR Inside Out socks in Monsoon - the pair should be completed in the next day or so ... Woo Hoo!!!!!
... these socks - did I mention how much I love 'em? Here's sock#1:
Sock#2 is only 1 pattern repeat (20 rows) shorter. A couple of more evenings of knitting and these babies will be finito!
And look at those stitches and that color and ...
... and they feel scrumptious on.
I don't have any FOs for March yet because I put the 2 WIPs I was working on (Regia socks, mistake rib scarf) aside when this came in and I haven't put this down since. I really hope to finish these this week so I'll have one FO for the month.
Oh - and check this out (click to make it bigger):
I'm still in 1st place as we head into the Semi Finals on Saturday - Woo Hoo!!!!
I can't believe it's been over a week since my last post. There has been much happening ...
The knitting of the socks: These are the STR Rockin Sock Club "Inside Out" socks in the Monsoon colorway ... still lovin 'em. This pattern has had numerous 1sts for me ... 1st sock of the '07 Rockin Sock Club (okay sorry, that one was SO obvious), 1st toe-up, 1st using different sized needles for different parts, 1st short row toe. And did I mention how much I heart the way these socks are striping?!? Yummy!
The viewing of the art: This is the artwork of DD#2 (purpley circular abstract) and DD#3 (bluish diamondy-triangular abstract). Their art teacher at school selected these pieces to exhibit at a local mall. Artwork from students all over the county was on display - each school was represented. We went to the opening and took lots of pictures. Daddy and Grandma came to see the exhibit too. The girls were so excited!
The meeting of the little girls: This is Caroline and Betsy - the BEAUTIFUL daughters of friend and fellow knitter Maggi. Betsy just came into Maggi and Caroline's life in December, when they traveled to China to adopt her. She's such a happy baby - they make a beautiful family! Hi Girls!!!!
And the watching of the hoops: This is my bracket. I'm holding my own against the guys at work. I finished the 1st round in 1st place, and halfway into the 2nd round I'm in 2nd place. Not bad for the girl that doesn't know jack about basketball! And before you ask, no, I didn't pick my teams based on the color of their uniforms. I don't even know what color any of them wear. BTW - I won the bracket last year!
And here's the progress after a few days ... I haven't done as much as I had hoped because I haven't been feeling the best, but I'm feeling much better now, so hopefully more knitting will happen!
I'm casting on for Sock#2 today with Friend - she didn't get her yarn until yesterday and I waited to be able to walk her through the cast on.
And because I know enquiring minds want to know: I'm knitting the medium size using US1 for the toe, heel and leg and US0 for the foot. Although, I'm considering doing the leg on US2. I haven't decided yet. I'll let you know.
To answer a few questions ...
From Mary: Are the purl bumps on the outside of the toe? Yes they are - the toe is knit in garter stitch! Totally cool!!!
From Courtney: Are you having trouble with the toe looking bulbous as the ribbing pulls the sock in tighter? I don't think so - it's slightly larger than the foot, but that's because a) the foot is knit on smaller needles; and b) the foot is ribbed which naturally draws the fabric in. I was also thinking that because I'm using #0 and #1 vs. #1 and #2 that you're using, that may have something to do with it too ... the difference in size from #0 (2mm) to #1 (2.25mm) is not as big as #1 (2.25mm) to #2 (2.75mm) needles. It's only a quarter mm difference on the smaller needles and a half mm on the bigger ones. Maybe - I don't know. I'm just thinking out loud here.
And to Joanne in Blustery Western New York: By all means, write me if you have any questions. I don't claim to have all the answers ::grins:: But I'm sure we can figure them out together!
Hi Rho!!! Hi Wannietta!!! Didn't want to leave you ladies out! Thanks for stopping by and the girls loved the compliments. And Rho, love the new blog name.
In other sock news ... DD#2 finished her first sock! I'll post a photo when she's completed the pair. I actually kitchenered the toe for her, but she'll do the kitchenering on Sock#2 herself. I had her cast on for Sock#2 immediately ... no SecondSockSyndrome here!
... I've been wanting to post these all weekend. Presenting Socks That Rock in the new Monsoon colorway (mediumweight): The yarn is beautiful shades of greens, grays and browns. The name Monsoon is very apropos.
This is the 1st yarn cake I wound - all 6 ozs of it:
And here are the two 3oz yarn cakes that will turn into a yummy pair of socks:
And here are my yarn-winding helpers (they're fresh out of the bathtub). They love when I get the swift and ball winder out. And heaven forbid they realize I wound yarn without them!
And I just couldn't help myself ... I cast on ... here is the beginning of my 1st ever toe-up sock: (The color is more grayish and less purple-ish ... this is a difficult colorway to photograph.) I've totally loved the beginning of this sock so far. Knock on wood ... I got it right the first time! Woo Hoo!!!!!
