July 29, 2007
TDF KAL Update: C'est fini!
Zarah is still trying to explain some yarn-doping allegations, but for now, the crowd is on its feet for her strong finish!
Project Details:
Pattern: Julia, by Martin Storey, Rowan Classic Summer, Book 11
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy, 7 1/4 skeins
Needle Size: Size 2 Susan Bates metal needles
Pattern Modifications: I changed from long sleeves to short sleeves because I was afraid I would run out of yarn - and I definitely would have, since I only bought 8! I like it in short sleeves anyway - it's a light, summery sweater. I had to go down a needle size to get gauge. I also moved the increases and decreases in about 3 stitches from the outside edge to make it easier to sew up.
Time to knit: April 2007 - July 2007 Thank goodness for the Tour de France KAL to kick me into gear on finishing this project!
Final impressions: It fits great, and so far the hemp/cotton blend if very comfortable, even in the heat. And get this... when I asked my husband if he liked my sweater this morning, he said: "Yeah, is it new?" That's right... for a split second he thought I bought it! (That's before he realized that's the same thing he's been seeing me work on while we watch TV for the past couple of months. Oops.) Anyway, I thought that was pretty cool, and I really like the finished result. Woo hoo!
Posted by zarah at 2:12 PM | Comments (18)
July 24, 2007
TDF KAL Update #3
Or... Knit 2 Together!
Well, not really, maybe Seam 2 Together? Either way, I feel like I made really great progress on the Hempathy sweater over the weekend. I guess that's the one good thing about having to share my copy of Harry Potter - lots of knitting time while I wait!
I finished knitting the front Sunday night, and did the long side seam last night. I tried to do the shoulder seam, too, but I think I'm going to have to look up some seaming techniques so I can get it right. I really wanted to do short rows and three-needle bind of for this sweater, but I couldn't figure out how to do them on the back. I was trying to keep knitting in pattern as long as I could, and the back shoulder and neck seams are a little strange.
Posted by zarah at 5:34 AM | Comments (4)
July 18, 2007
TDF KAL Update #2
As you can see, the front of the Hempathy sweater is coming right along! I'm not quite as far as I'm hoped to be, but I'm still quite impressed with how much progress I've made. The blue string running through the back is wher the armhole decreases start. Unfortunately, that doesn't make the knitting go much faster, since it only takes away the stockinette side panels, and none of the lace pattern.
I've been getting distracted with other knitting projects, as well as trying to keep up my triathlon training, but I guess biking in the Tour takes discipline!
Oh - on a totally unrelated note - where's a good and not too expensive place to go for vacation in late October? (traveling from Missouri) (Preferably somewhere not too cold!)
Posted by zarah at 6:25 AM | Comments (6)
July 10, 2007
Tour De France KAL: Update #1
La Tour is underway! Cicliste Zarah (Team Rowan) got a strong start in the first stage, completing the ribbing and the first pattern repeat, as predicted.
However, she is now experiencing some soreness due to the small gauge and inelasticity of her chosen material (Hempathy). She is attempting to work through the pain by taking regular breaks for stretching and by pacing herself through the rest of the Tour's early stages.
The team coach has determined that if she completes one pattern repeat each day, she should be able to save her strength for the arduous journey at the end of the Tour (seaming, including set-in sleeves). Stay tuned!
Photo credit to a06987 via flickr.
Posted by zarah at 6:43 AM | Comments (2)
July 7, 2007
Tour de France KAL starts today!
You can follow all the action at the official Tour KAL blog.
I'm starting strong with a long bike ride this morning, then hopefully some knitting time this afternoon before the ubiquitous 7-7-07 wedding I'm attending tonight.
For this KAL, I'm going for the green jersey (that's the fastest rider knitter) by trying to finish my Hempathy sweater. My goal for this weekend is to complete the ribbing and do at least one pattern repeat.
Photo credit to Maurisico via flickr.
Posted by zarah at 12:26 PM | Comments (5)
January 24, 2007
Sisterhood of the Traveling Stash
The STASH has arrived. (Dachshund for scale.)
For those of you that don't know what I'm talking about, this big room is traveling to knitters all around the country as part of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Stash, organized by Annie from Annie Knits. If you're interested in seeing where the STASH has been, it has its very own blog right here.
The STASH arrived on my doorstep two Fridays ago, just as the first wave of freezing rain was starting to fall across the northern Missouri Ozarks. Little did I know, as I eagerly ripped into the box, spread its contents across my living room floor, sort all its contents into little piles, and start to decide what I wanted to keep, that in only a couple of hours my power would go out from the ice storm and not come on again for over a week.
But enough about the friggin' storm already! Luckily, before the lights went out I managed to snap a photo of the box before I started tearing into it.
Yep, that thing is chock-full of good stuff, for all different types of knitting projects. It's not just yarn, either. There's books, needles, patterns for more.
I really wanted to keep that pink Lopi on top, but I couldn't figure out what to do with 6 skeins - too much for a scarf, not enough for a sweater. I guess it would be good for a child's sweater, but I doubt Lucy (my dachshund) would appreciate it. =)
There was so much of the box that I considered keeping, but...
Here's what you're really wondering. What did I take from the STASH?
I know it's not much compared to the massive STASH box, but I'm really happy with what I got:
-3 skeins of Some Assembly Required sock yarn (the two pink and green skeins will become knee socks someday!)
-pink Opal self-striping sock yarn
- green Arucania Nature Wools worsted weight
- green Cascade 220 (for seaming and edging the Lizard Ridge afghan)
- red & green sportweight skeins (for my very first (successful) colorwork?!)(I hope.)
- a sock pattern, darning needles, and Size 5 DPNs
In consideration for the above-stated chattels, said stashee shall provide and convey the following: (oh wait, I'm not at work. Here's what I put in.)
- Some random novelty yarns
- one skein yellow handpaintedyarn.com bulky
- KnitPicks Woold of the Andes - one green and two orange skeins
- two hand-dyed superwash skeins of sock yarn - multi-toned pink and neon green
- three skeins Cascade Fixation
- gray Opal self-striping sock yarn
- 4 skeins of Rowan baby soft, hand-dyed green by me
- two samples of Euclan woolwash & 4 blank notecards
- handknit scabled scarf from a misguided attempt to sell my knitting (note - people do not want to pay what it's worth!)
- Several skeins of burgandy OnLine Linie Cup (wool/acrylic)
Whew! That's the STASH rundown! Who will get it next???
Posted by zarah at 6:01 AM | Comments (6)
October 23, 2006
Funky Scarf Swap
I sent my scarf to Annie of AnnieKnits - she got it a few days ago and LOVED it! It's a good thing, not everyone could work that green scarf like Annie!
Turns out I got a green scarf, too! It's from Janice all the way up in Canada!
I was starting to get worried about my scarf, because yesterday I got some wadded up mail stuffed in my mailbox, along with a note from the mailman saying it had been found on the street and there were suspected mail thefts in my area. Luckily (although I forgot until I got my scarf) I put my work address into swap-bot instead of my home address (just in case my swap partner was also a stalker? I'm a wierdo sometimes). It showed up today and I'm very excited! It looks like green wool and multicolored recycled silk held together in a nice K1P1 rib. It is perfect for me. I didn't give too much guidance in my questionnaire, but I did mention that I like Gaudi, so I guess she tried to create a scarf that looked a little bit like a mosaic. I think she achieved it!
Posted by zarah at 6:18 AM | Comments (6)
August 28, 2006
FunkyBack
I'm bringin' funky back
Them other knittas don't know how to act
I think it's special... what's on your needles
So turn around and and I'll pick up the (spinning) wheel
Well, kids, what do you think? I don't want to show you the whole design, but I think this is a winner! I hope my pal will like it. (This seems like such a simple combination of yarns, gauge, pattern, etc.... but it took me about 18 tries to get one I liked.)
I finally mailed off my final Project Spectrum yarn... whew! Running a swap is a lot of work. I loved learning how to dye yarn, with all different types of dyes, Now I'm looking forward to making some skeins just for me. Just like Annie, I've been feeling the knee sock bug. But then there's that nagging feeling....
Won't they take forever?
What about Christmas knitting projects?
What about all those sweaters' worth of yarn sitting unused in the closet?
What about that half-knit sweater sitting in my living room?
Blech. I hate knitting guilt. It's always self-imposed, too! If I want to knit myself knee socks, then I should darn well just do it! It's not like I save money knitting Christmas gifts - and does anyone in my family really need more knitted stuff? (Yes, everyone needs more knitted stuff - they just don't alway appreciate it! But that's another story...)
I do have a few "knitting obligations" - I joined the Funky Scarf Swap, so that's a commitment to finish that project on time. And I am knitting a sweater that needs to be done by my husband's b-day in November. But other than that.... what the heck. Knee socks sound fun.
Posted by zarah at 9:54 PM | Comments (8)
August 23, 2006
That Not-So-Funky Feeling
So I joined this Funky Scarf Swap. I'm really excited about the person I'm knitting for, although I feel some extra pressure to do something really cool. That's a secret, though, so I'll stop talking about it!
There's a yarn shop in my town that's going out of business. (60% off!) I dragged my husband there last weekend and I found some great yarns for my pal's scarf, in colors I think she will love. Then I started thinking about a design. I decided that I wanted to make up something original.... but what? I have started and restarted this dang scarf about 17 times in the last two days. Erg. Very annoying.
Posted by zarah at 7:21 AM | Comments (5)
August 15, 2006
It's Time to Get Funky
I'm back from Vegas, recuperating nicely from very little sleep and too much of everything else... I had some problems with flickr but I should have pictures in a couple days.
In the meantime.... here's my Funky Scarf Swap info!
Are you allergic to any fibers? No.
Do you prefer any fibers over others? Not really, just so long as it isn't scratchy it's good for me!
Thinking back to Scout’s post about what funky means to you, post an image of something that you think is funky! I'll have to come back and add that later - watch this post!
Would you prefer funky yarn or a funky pattern? Either one - but go easy on the fluffy yarn
What are your favorite colors? Red, purple, green, orange (but not neon orange)
What is your favorite piece of art? Parque Guell by Gaudi
What colors would you never have up close to your pretty face? Pastel/baby colors, white
Would you prefer an actual scarf or a cowl? Scarf
When you wear a scarf do you prefer a wider/shorter scarf or a thin/long scarf? How about medium width, medium length?
What is the climate like where you live? H.O.T. in the summer, cold in winter
Would you prefer a functional scarf (to keep you warm) or one just to funk-up your wardrobe? Functional
What else would you like your partner to know about you? I normally wear basic/classic clothes, but I like to use colorful and interesting accessories to jazz things up a bit - have fun! Email me if you have any questions.
Posted by zarah at 6:48 AM | Comments (2)
April 14, 2006
OSW Swap - complete!
I got a package in the mail yesterday from Jeannine! It is the long-awaited conclusion to our two-woman international One-Skein Wonder swap. We started them as Olympic Knitting projects, but sometimes things don't turn out the way you planned. Plus, shipping from the Netherlands takes a while. But didn't it turn out beautifully?
It's made from a Lana Grossa yarn that I haven't seen before - in case you can't tell from the picture, there is a shiny strand running through the yarn. This will be great for wearing with summer tank tops.
Jeannine totally spoiled me with goodies on top of the OSW: gobs of dark chocolate (YUM) and more yarn! The cool thing about doing an international exchange is that you get yarns that aren't available in your area. We've got 2 skeins of Lana Grossa merino big and two skeins on DGB Confetti sock yarn in various shades of blue. Absolutely beautiful - just what I would have chosen if I were on a yarn spree in Amsterdam. (I was tempted to say a "yarn high" - is that tacky? Cause drugs and yarn... practically the same, right? They're both addictive!)
Anyhoo.... I participated in SP7 this year and was totally spoiled as well, but there's something really neat about arranging your own swap with a blog-friend and getting to know them throughouot the process. Jeannine actually called me from Amsterdam a couple of times to talk knitting! Anyway, I would definitely encourage you to reach out to those bloggers that you always comment on and see if they's like to do a swap with you! (international shipping rates are a b**ch, but you do get some cool stuff out of the deal.)
Posted by zarah at 7:18 AM | Comments (6)
April 4, 2006
SP7... revealed!
Here's the final package from my wonderful Secret Pal! I got three skeins of Cotton Fleece, a couple skeins of Cascade Fixation (plus pattern), plus some dark chocolate Kisses and Easter candy. I would like to take her suggestion and make a summer tank out of the Cotton Fleece. Any pattern recommendations?
My Secret Pal is JULIE from jujuknits.com. Go over and say hello!
The basket is posed next to my new flower arrangement that will be the background for many of my knitting photo shoots. I'm so excited that the weather is starting to get nice. I think I'm going to have a veggis garden this year, too.
Posted by zarah at 6:41 AM | Comments (4)
February 27, 2006
Secret Pal 7 is cookin' up something good!
My SP7 is totally spoiling me. She's sent me all the best ingredients for a knitting jambalya! I've got a cookbook (Interweave Knits Spring 06), sizzling sausage (two BIG skeins of Malabrigo... yum!), and some spicy red & green peppers (KnitPicks Essential sock yarn and Heirloom 8-ply superwash).
I really love the Malabrigo -- I've never had any merino of my very own before!
Thanks, Secret Pal. You rock!
Posted by zarah at 9:45 AM | Comments (3)
February 7, 2006
Two surprises
I went home to visit my parents this weekend. It was the weekend before my mom's birthday (Hi Mom!) and so my sister and I decided to surprise her. We set it up with my dad to make sure she would be home on Friday night. We both drove home that day and met up a few blocks from my parents' house. We drove over together and rang the doorbell... she was very surprised! (My sister and I both live over 2 hours' drive away, so we don't get home too often.)
This is a picture from Seasons restaurant in Gallatin, MO. It is only open on Friday and Saturday, but if you're ever in northwest Missouri and looking for a good meal, this is your place!
I got Surprise #2 when I came back home to Springfield on Sunday afternoon. I was talking to my husband on the phone while I was driving back and he told me I had gotten a package in the mail. I figured it was from my Secret Pal, so I told him to open it. He found these little packages inside. He said, "it feels like yarn" and left them for me to open when I got home.
So, what was inside the packages, you ask?
Well, I got quite a haul for my first SP gift. Dark chocolate Hershey kisses, a darning needle, a cute little notebook, some blank card with a knitting theme, the self-patterning sock yarn of course, AND a gift card to Barnes & Noble to buy myself a knitting book!
Thanks Secret Pal! You totally spoiled me. And I love it.
Posted by zarah at 10:01 AM | Comments (2)
January 8, 2006
The Official SP7 Questionnaire
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
I admit it, I am a totally yarn snob. Although, I'm currently knitting Picovoli in a cotton/synethic blend, and I really like it (and hopefully it won't stretch too much.)
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
Nope, just knittin' for this chica.
3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
An ugly paisley needle rool my mom bought for me. (At least she tried!)
4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
Intermediate. I'm mostly a self-taught knitter and so I progressed really fast at first, now I'm learning hard stuff and it's taking more time.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yep -- here you go: Wish List
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Ginger, rosemary, citrus. Natural but not flowery.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Dark chocolate. Peppermint. Or both!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I don't really do any other crafty stuff except knitting, unless you count decorating my house.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
MP3's - yes! I pretty much like all kinds of music except country (except I like Dixie Chicks. Random.)
10. 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 all colors, but right now I am trying to get away with everything in red or pink and branch out to more muted colors, like dark greens and blues.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married, no kids, one mini dachshund! (Lucy)
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I wear scarves, that's about it.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
Anything in nice subtle variegated colorway. I always buy superwash sock yarn.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Acrylic
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Nancy Bush socks (Knitting on the Road) and trying to learn how to make a decent looking sweater!
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Scarves and hats
17. What are you knitting right now?
All stuff for me! (Post holiday entitlement, you know!) Picovoli from magknits, Cutaway sweater from Bonne Marie Burns, and Conwy socks from KOTR. Maybe a baby hat for my new friend's baby.
18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Sure, why not!
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I like both.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the project, but I actually like metal most of the time.
21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Nope -- I wish!
22. How did you learn to knit?
My mom taught me to knit and purl about 3 years ago, I taught myself the rest from books.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
About 6 months.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Buttercup from Power Puff Girls.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
(Does my birthday count?) I'd say Easter.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Nope.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None, but I'm hoping for Interweave Knits for my b-day.
28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Plenty of books -- see Amazon wishlist.
29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Yes -- cabling without a cable needle and short rows.
30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, I wear size 8 1/2. What other measurements do you need? (Clearly, I have not knit too many socks!)
31. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
March 20.
Posted by zarah at 8:47 AM | Comments (2)
January 6, 2006
Secret Pal Seven
I joined my first Secret Pal swap... I think we get our secret pals tomorrow! I'm super excited.
Posted by zarah at 3:29 PM | Comments (3)