Look SP8, It's socks on 2 circs

Finally! My needles made it all the way from Japan. Now, my KnitPicks sock yarn has something fun to do.

This is SO much faster and easier than using 4 dpns. Why did I wait SO long to try it? Thanks SP8 for the book. I'm on my way to my first pair of completed socks. Well, I'm at the cuff of sock one ;)

So much knitting, so little time, so many more things I want to try

I am hard at it on the Big Bad Baby Blanket. I picked up a stitch, realized it three rows later and my LYS owner suggested I drop it, well it works but the three rows are sagging! EEEEK. I hate ripping things like this for fear I will not be able to recover all the stitches.

I've finally finished the front of the Rowan Summer Tweed sweater now I'm on the back.

Socks are on hold until I receive my 2 circs from eBay. I also ordered two more circs from the new KnitPicks line. I think I'll ask for their new set for my birthday.

I've put all crochet on the back burner for now. Must finish the summer sweater before summer is gone, and must finish the blanket soon.

I am dying to try some NEW yarns (Socks that Rock, Regia, Mission Falls cotton, anything Rowan and whatever else produces beautiful knitted things) and work on a second sweater tank. WHEN DO I HAVE TIME? Not sure. Vacation next week should lend itself to some knitting, at the very least during the 5.5 hour drive to and from the beach.

Hey secret pal! How are you??

Happy Knitting!

Addi's are on the way ... I think

Those socks on circs just got easier! I have the book (thanks to SP), I have a ton of sock yarn and I just found a sweet deal online, $6.50 ea., for Addi Turbos. The price for two, plus shipping, was the same I would have paid at my LYS for one pair.

Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY LYS, and the owner. But a girl needs a deal once in a while and $13 for two circs is a deal if you ask me.

I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival.

In other knitting news, I am finished (FINALLY) with the front of my Rowan Cotton Tweed sweater. Now for the back. It involves a tricky V that I WILL need assistance on. LYS lady (Laura) has already volunteered to come to the rescue on that. Pretty pic of front to come ....

SP8 ... You are so COOL!

It's here, it's here!! I got my very first treat from my SP8. It's fabulous. THANK U!
I got two balls of sock yarn, "Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles" AND, yes there's more ... Knit.1 magazine, very cool. Thanks SP8, you're the best.

Goodbye finicky dpns, hello circs and happier feet!
Off to read all about this new technique and dream about all the socks I can make, once I figure it out!

doggie doo

Ain't he cute??

Ribbit

Remember the socks I posted about long ago? Well being my first pair, I turned chicken on the gussett and laid them aside for a while.

Picked them back up and did well with the gussett, but destroyed the pattern b/c I had forgotten where I stopped in the pattern repeat. Tried to fix it but failed. So I RIPPED the whole sock. BLAH. I'm thinking of trying socks on two circs. Could it be easier? A lady at my knitting group says she would be happy to show me.

Also got my SP8 spoilee yesterday and my spoiler ... so excited. I just can't decide which cool things to send to my spoilee?!

How do you like the chicken graphic? It's hilarious! Wish I could figure out how to get it (and buttons) into my side bar. My husband said this chicken in the movie reminded him of me b/c I take my knitting EVERYWHERE!

Secret Pal 8

The following is more than most want to know, but could be crucial for my new Secret Pal! So excited.

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love wool, for obvious reasons. Also love anything Rowan. In the cheaper yarn selection, I like Lion WoolEase, LionCotton and MicroSpun HATE Lion Brand Homespun. IT splits and fuzzes. Don’t like novelty yarn either.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have several things. Two knitting needle cases, one crochet hook case, the sleeves they came in and a small box for the rest of my crochet hook collection.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for about three years. I would say I am an intermediate knitter and beginner on crochet.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
no

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)

Orange and herb-type fragrances.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Not really. I do love Orbit gum!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

Knitting and crochet are all I have time for on the crafty side. I do not spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

Contemporary Christian, Jazz, Big Band. No MP3’s.

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color
family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?

I like reds, pinks, blues, greens and browns. DISLIKE YELLOWS and most oranges.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I am married (recently celebrated one year anniversary). One dog, Brittany Spaniel. Zero children.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

Definitely wear scarves and hats, as I live in an area that is REALLY cold in winter months. No ponchos. I have a million scarves.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

I enjoy most things. No real favorite as of now. Everything has it’s merits. I have not ventured into lace, don’t think I will.

13. What are you knitting right now?

A baby blanket for a friend, socks, and a summer tank. I am also working on some crocheted squares to sew into a throw.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Sure.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

Addi Turbo, all the way. Circs normally, b/c they are multi-purpose.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

No, I covet both.

17. How did you learn to knit?

Mostly self-taught the basics with help along the way from my mom and several ladies at my church knitting group.
Stitch N’ Bitch has also helped me refine some techniques.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?

Oh, two years.

19. What is your favorite holiday?

Well, Christmas of course. But more for the significance and the cheerful memories made than the gifts.

20. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn, knitting books and such.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I would love to try Socks That Rock sock yarn and Euroflax linen (this idea came from Mason Dixon Knitting). Actually, I would love to try any nice yarn!

I just bought two books I was dying for, One Skein and Mason-Dixon, but I would like to get “Socks Soar on two Crics” just to try the technique. This would also mean investing in two pair of Addi Turbo circs in #3 (It’s my fav sock needle size).

I don't currently subscribe to any magazine that's knitting related, but Interweave Knits/Crochet look great.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Socks on 2 circs.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. My memory fails on my measurements.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)

July 7! Soon!

A quickie

I finished the bath mat from One Skein in a record 3 days. Mostly working on it in the evenings before bed. Whew. Mom loves it. However, it turned out a bit more square than rectangular. My fault of course b/c I didn't buy quite enough yarn to go the extra two inches. But, all the same, she loves it. I think I need one for our bathroom!

Slow progress on the Big Bad Baby Blanket. And all other projects are halted until it's finished.

I really must take the time to work with my digital camera and, are you sitting down, our dial-up internet service in order to post more pictures of my stuff. Let's face it .... we read blogs more for the photos of the cool projects than the content. In fact, I'm impressed if you are reading this b/c that means you made it this far without a single visual! I can't believe it!