Ribbit, Ribbit

So, I pull the partially completed sweater from my knitting basket.  I lovingly look at the patterning, admiring the cables.  I check the sleeve, which was 4 inches from being completed.  I stick my arm through.  ACK!!!  Its way too tight!  So a frogging we will go...the sleeve is dust.  My calculations were obviously waaaay off, so I restarted it yesterday. 

As always, it is all okay.  It is a labor of love for me, so it matters not.  I'm enjoying doing the cabling.  It is so fun to see the ropes taking shape just by crossing a few stitches this way or that.  I think it makes for a lush thick lovely sweater.  Something you just want to cuddle into.

The picture shows the stitch patterns, which are all found in Barbara Walkers stitch treasuries.  I just picked a few that I really liked & put them together.  The sleeve pattern is similar, it just doesn't have the center diamond pattern. 

I prefer a "U" shaped cable needle, but I have a few others from various sources.  I lost my "U" shaped one while doing the body on this sweater.  I had to use a straight cable needle & I must say, I hated it.  I searched all over for the "U" one, but no success...not until I was completely DONE with the whole sweater body did I find the darn thing!  Figures, but I have it again now, so it makes the job much more fun!

Hearing Voices...

From deep within the recesses of my knitting basket, I'm hearing voices.  It sounds like a sweater that I started some time ago.  Now its calling to me to finish it!  I was off to a great start with it at the beginning.  The body of it worked up fairly quickly, even with detailed cable patterns on it.  I even have most of one sleeve completed.  Its the kind of sweater that would be great worn outdoors by itself, or maybe a turtleneck underneath.  Being that spring is coming soon, it would be a perfect time to wear it.  So I'm probably going to stop working on the hats for a little while & return to the sweater.  Only thing, I made up the pattern myself, so I hope I can figure out enough from my notes to know what I was doing with it!  :) 

My hat progress is doing well.  I just completed the 12th hat yesterday.  I'm going to take them to the Cancer Center today, possibly.  I will be sure to take photos & post them soon! 

Due to my inability to catch my daughter at a convenient time, I still don't have pictures of her in the shawl...sigh.  Hopefully tonight! 

 

Reminiscing

Flipping through my scrap basket yesterday, I came across a yarn I had used in a sweater a few years back. 

The local yarn store was going out of business, all the yarn was ridiculously low priced.  I had the idea of making sweaters for my family for Christmas that year.  I bought TONS!  Now, I think this was around August, & I had 5 sweaters to make. They had no idea I was doing this. 

It wasn't a burden, of course, it was a labor of love, as my knitting usually is. I remember having a vacation week in October.  I knit all day long, at least 8 hours a day, like a job.  I remember getting that sweater done in that week!  Knitting at my brother-in-law's birthday party raised a few eyebrows, too!  Needless to say, I accomplished my task.  I joyfully gave the gifts for Christmas, & thought that was the end of the story. 

My mom & I usually share a birthday party, because I was born the day before her birthday.  We were meeting at a restaurant & I was running a little late.  On arrival though, I got the best present ever!  Mom had conspired to have everyone wear their sweater that day.  It was so great to see them in use, making sure I got the fit right for each (I did!!), kicking myself because I forgot my camera! 

It was so special to me, to see that my efforts had paid off.  An even better thing is that I've seen at least 2 of the sweaters still in action recently. What a great feeling! Its simple victories like this that make life so fun! 

Serious Illness...Maybe?

In searching the internet & medical books, I've discovered that I have a serious illness. It is considered to be rather rare, as it is not common in the general public. It seems to affect only a small group of people. There is loads of information regarding the symptoms, but no one has put a name to this particular disorder, so I am now! I have discovered CKD-Compulsive Knitting Disorder. 

Symptoms begin when one first learns to knit. In the quest to perfect the craft, a strange trait occurs. They will begin seeking adventure in new colors, then they start experimenting with new textures. Soon they are spotted lurking in the craft aisle, purchasing numerous gadgets such as stitch markers, row counters & point protectors. They begin to acquire more needles & books & patterns. A supply of yarn will begin to accumulate. 

These individuals are compulsive in their behavior. Some have been known to hide their yarn purchases in seldom used locations thoughout their homes. Others have chosen to keep the growing stash out of sight by luring friends to store the recent purchase for them. Rumors abound that these individuals will actually LIE to their spouse or significant other about the purchases. 

Another symptom is twitching. This occurs when the individual is without a project. Accompanied by hand wringing, nail biting & a terrified, panicked expression. Beware of approaching the person at these times. It could lead to some form of hostility! 

I have been victim to these various manifestations. I've never tried is having my friend hide my stash. I'm afraid she'll use it!

Sadly, there is no cure at this time. I will update with any new information regarding CKD as it becomes available.  So you know, I am certified in this field. I'm just waiting to find my medical license in that Cracker Jack box! 

 

Maybe One More...

My daughter just LOVES the shawl!  She is so excited about it, as am I.  She said she loves the stitch pattern (it is very pretty) & now she's planning other shawls for herself.  She wants a red one, a black one, a white one, etc.  LOL!  Guess I may be doing more of these than I thought!  Of course, I'll just HAVE to try new lace patterns! 

Knit2Relax asked about the finished dimensions.  I'd have to say it blocked out to about 4-1/2 to 5 feet in diameter.  It hangs beautifully when folded in half, then draped over the shoulders.  My daughter tried it on various different ways.  She tied it like a scarf around her shoulders, then put it over her head like a babushka (sp?), then around her waist like a wrap.  She was really hamming it up!  Unfortunately, it was late & she was tired & not interested in letting me snap a few photos.  Due to her very busy school & social schedule, it may be a few days before I can get a shot of her modeling it. 

One of the best things about the shawl was it took only ONE skein of the yarn.  Gotta love that!  I was just checking the Patternworks catalog that I ordered it from.  It is a silk merino wool blend...no wonder it was so wonderful to knit with!  Also, one skein was 1250 yards, so it was plenty to make the shawl...no weaving in ends!  Plus the price was reasonable, at the time it was $40 for one skein..not bad for something that will (hopefully!) become an heirloom! 

Shawl Pictures

Wheeeee!  The shawl is washed & blocked & currently stretched out on my living room floor!  The pictures show the shawl before blocking & afterwards.  Trying to get the stitch definition was difficult.  I blocked it on dark towels, so it doesn't show through very well. 

Its going to sit out for another day or so, to be sure its perfectly dry.  Then I'm hoping my sweet girlchild will model it for me!  I'm hoping she'll use this for her special occasions.  It is hard to tell, but the yarn varies in shades of a deep plum, a light teal, a blue & a lighter purple.  I fell in love with the colors, & I'm hoping she'll have lots of uses for it.

Being my first attempt at a shawl, I'm quite pleased with my results.  The yarn was a rather fine wool.  I wanted to use a large needle size, but after some experimentation, I settled on a size 6.  My pattern came from Marianne Kinzel's "Modern Lace Knitting".  It is so lovely, as are many of the designs in her books. 

This was also my first time blocking a project like this.  I used 2 large bath towels, but the shawl stretched out larger than the towels!  It is amazing how large it is now!  Pinning it out was a real treat, too.  It took forever, took tons of pins, & my back was not happy when I was done!  While it was a fun project & I am pleased with it, I'm not sure if I'll do another one.  I just don't have a lot of need for something like this.  It is beautiful, it is fine & delicate & at least I can say "I tried it once"!

What's Going On?

Time for a knitting update!  With well over a dozen hats completed, I thought I should take a batch to the cancer center.  Since I had a doctor appt. in the next building, so I took them in.  It has been really cold here, & it may take a bit to finish the second dozen.  I made sure to take pictures of the completed hats before I dropped them off, so I can share! :)  I want to get pics of the rest that are done also, but my live models are not cooperative..or else just plain not here!  I may have to stuff them with plastic bags again, or maybe I can get the dog to model...hmmm!

I finally made my lazy self get to the store for rustproof pins so I can block the shawl.  I'm hoping block it this weekend, so pictures should be available soon.  It is my first (& only, so far!) effort at a shawl, & I'm pleased with the results.  I can't wait to see the finished product!  I hope it meets with my expectations! 

In my hat adventures, I've been browsing through my leftovers & getting an itch.  There is so much focus on Domino or Patchwork knitting lately.  It seems it would be a great way to use the really small leftovers in the stash.  So, I did some research on the internet.  Duh, it is soooo easy!  Plus it is something I've already done before.  It is simply mitered garter stitch blocks.  I did this with the Psychedelic Squares afghan I've mentioned before.  The sts for the next block are picked up & knitted from the previous block.  I played with it a little yesterday. It would be fun to do, but I don't think I have enough different colors to make an afghan.  I like BIG afghans, & all I have left in any quantity is white & cream colors in various dye lots. 

So...is it really bad of me to be thinking of doing something else while I still have hats & a sweater to finish?  I think not!  Only a knitter can understand!

Patience Is A Virtue...?

I am a great waiter.  I can wait patiently for my daughter or husband to get home from wherever.  I don't mind delays for Dr. appointments so I can knit in the waiting room.  Its even better when I have to take the hubby or daughter to an appointment, cause then I don't have to stop knitting to see the Dr.  Long car trips are not a problem.  I even look forward to rush hour traffic.  Bring it on! 

As long as I have my knitting, I am at peace.  It makes the time fly by.  Its those times without it that make life frustrating!  I admit I've gotten a little paranoid about being stuck without knitting.  So I made a little emergency knitting kit to keep in my car, just in case.  It has 2 different yarns, 2 different size needles, a sewing needle, safety pins (st markers, st holders, whatever!) & a printed pattern just in case.  I asked for some new double point needles for Christmas so I can make a kit for the hubby's car, too! 

I also have to admit, I don't knit while I drive.  BUT, I do have it handy for when I'm stopped at traffic lights & such.  I'm amazed at how much I can get done at a stop light.  Of course, its nothing complicated, or else I couldn't function! 

Life is good when there is knitting!

Personal Relaxation

Some folks might think this is a little weird, but hey, whatever works!  Knitting is my therapy.  It relaxes me when I'm feeling stressed.  It gives me something to do when I'm feeling bored.  It gives me something to do instead of eating!  I used to smoke & had a lot of difficulty finding something to do with my hands after I quit, so this keeps my hands occupied. It gives me something to do while watching TV. 

Sometimes, when I'm having trouble falling asleep, I'll mentally pick out colors.  Other times, I'll mentally design something, maybe a new pattern or color sequence.  Or I'll mentally work stitches, one by one, almost like counting sheep! This may sound strange to the non-knitter, but my knitting relaxes me so much & brings me such peace & joy.  Much cheaper than a professional therapist!  Probably more effective, too!

Personal Knitting History

Today's babble will be about Spunknit's personal knitting history! Intriguing for some, boring for others. Sounds like school! I've always been a crafty person. I've done cross stitch, needlepoint,embroidery,painting,drawing,clay sculpting,beading,macrame, etc! 

I learned how to crochet when I was about 8 or 9. My mother bought a "teach yourself how to knit & crochet" book, some yarn & some hooks. She never did get the grasp of it, but I picked it up & learned. She didn't get the right sized hooks, they were too small. I did it anyway, not realizing till years later they were the wrong size. I did keep at it, but also did other crafts, too. In Campfire Girls, the troop leader started to teach us to knit, but the group folded shortly afterwards. I knew the knit st, & would knit on pixie sticks! (Showing my age on that one!) I forgot what I knew as the years went by.

At 19, I started crochet again with fervor. My girlfriend & I would get together with the mom of another friend & we would all crochet together. It was loads of fun! My girlfriend joined a class with her mom, & there were mostly knitters in the group. She was determined to learn to knit & did. When she told me she had learned, I thought "If Sue can learn to knit, so can I"! 

Out came the learn to knit books. I don't recall the first needles, I must have purchased some. I couldn't get the hang of knitting with the yarn in my right hand, so I taught myself to do the stitches with the yarn in my left, which I now know is Continental-style. I thought I was clever to do the knitting "my way"! 

Anyway, it was all downhill from there. I kept at it & got better & made more things & enjoyed it more & bought more yarn & books & needles & more yarn & gadgets & more stuff & more yarn & ...! I rarely do other crafts now.  I'm am thoroughly addicted & hopeless!

Colors Of The Rainbow

I have to admit, my first batches of chemo hats weren't the most colorful.  I used more subdued colors, & the combinations were subtle.  Although I personally love bright colors, that doesn't mean I want to wear them.  So the hats were done with that reasoning. 

However, after making the children's hats, & having SO MUCH fun with the color combinations & trim additions, I've decided to be a little more adventurous with color for the adult hats this time.  Some of the donation websites suggest making them brighter & more colorful as well, because it makes the wearer feel happier.  I'm all for that! 

I'm also enjoying the pre-knitting phase more.  Choosing all these fun colors makes the whole process more exciting!  I've babbled before about how much white & off white leftovers I have.  I've been trying to incorporate these more in some of my latest creations.  This is making some of the hats very bright & cheerful.  I'm hoping they will be as well received as the previous batches.  If not, I'm sure the local children's hospital would love to have them as well. 

I've done a few more of the sport weight hats, also.  I don't as much of that as I do the worsted wts, but they make a nice hat.  So nice, I may have to make one or two for me & the family! :) 

She's Baaaack!

Whew!  Yesterday, I was able to knit for awhile.  I am so glad!  My fingers are still achy, but whenever they started to cause me pain, I would stop knitting for a bit.  I was able to almost finish a hat! 

Jewelsladymax suggested a pair of fingerless gloves might help the pain.  That is what the Hand-Eze gloves are..sort of.  They are made of lycra, with no fingers & thick wrist bands.  They are meant to help with carpal tunnel syndrome (fortunately, I don't have problems with that!!) & arthritis.  They do keep my hands warmer, but since they don't cover my fingers, they don't help with the pain there.  Then again, not like I could knit with finger-type gloves anyway! 

I need to lube up my hands with some Flex-All & let them rest.  I hate doing that because the stuff really stinks!  It does clear out my sinuses, though! :)  Plus, who would want a hat that stinks like Flex-All?!  Ick! 

As for the hat count, I've passed my usual dozen lot.  I've gotten 14-1/2 completed, so I'll just keep going till I get 2 dozen before I take them to the cancer center.  But if I keep getting the pain in my fingers, I may just take the first dozen & work on the second batch when I can.  It is so bitter cold here, I'm sure there are folks who need hats NOW!