Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Center Square

Center Square

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash, Black and Dark Navy, 2 skeins each (2 strands held together)
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: 1/16/07 - 1/19/07

I missed Dan's birthday, because of Jeff and Kristen's wedding. So I sent a card, except I didn't send it until AFTER his birthday (couldn't track down an address). I wanted to knit something for him, but obviously didn't get to that before his birthday either, so I promised him something in his card. But then I couldn't think of anything. Dan was kind enough to tell me that he would like a hat in navy blue and black, and to give me measurements. I was then tasked to come up with something that made sense in those colors (which are hard to put together, sometimes). I didn't think this pattern was right at all, until I read a blog post somewhere about how a woman made one for her husband. Then it clicked! I think this came out really well, and hopefully it fits Dan's head.

I also like how the decreases are done at the top of the hat:

Center Square

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Argosy

Argosy

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, #208, 2 skeins
Needles: US 6
Project Timeline: 1/4/07 - 1/7/07

I made this scarf for my grandmother. I have been wanting to make something for my grandmother since I started knitting - she is the only person I knew who knitted when I was growing up, and I have received many things from her through the years (including 2 scarves that are still in my closet now). She also has supplied me with plenty of yarn since I started knitting, and is always asking me about my projects. She has a January birthday, and when I saw this pattern pictured in the Silk garden, I just knew I had to knit it. The pattern was quite easy, once I memorized what was going on, and the whole thing knit up quite quickly. I would definitely be willing to make one of these again.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Gentleman's Fancy Socks

Gentleman's Fancy Socks

Pattern: Knitting Vintage Socks
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Superwash Wool, Hungarian Horntail Dragon, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (US 0 for the cuff)
Project Timeline: 12/23/06 - 1/11/07

I made these socks for Herb for his birthday, and I think they came out really well. My second experience with Sunshine Yarns was as wonderful as the first - no pooling, just beautiful variegation in wonderful colors (in a manly way, of course). This is good, because I have so many more skeins of this yarn (including one in this color, that will be for me). The pattern was great - the whole book has these wonderful patterns that are so well written, down to every last detail. I really liked how it looked in the photo, and was pleasantly surprised to see how deceptively simple it was. And Herb says he likes the socks, and that's the most important part!

Monday, January 08, 2007

Something for Me

I have a lot of yarn. This is not unusual for a knitter, lots of us have huge stashes. I have two underbed containers stuffed (they live under the bed, of course). I have too smallish containers in the living room, filled mainly with sock yarn. I have a basket overflowing, basically taking up a whole corner by the couch. And of course, there are skeins here and there, WIPs thrown on the floor, on the couch, in a bag. I really need to stop buying yarn.

One of the reason's that I have so much yarn is that it's the yarn I buy for ME. There are projects I want to make for myself, but never get around to, because gift knitting has taken up so much of my time. So the yarn sits there, and I keep buying more. And maybe one day, those projects will get done (and will still be somewhat in style).

An example of buying yarn for me came while I was in Illinois visiting my family for Christmas. In order to get the car one day, I had to drive my mom to work, which put me halfway to The Fold, in Marengo, and I thought I'd go, since it was the best opportunity I'd have. I was really interested in picking up some Blue Moon Fiber Arts yarns. Unfortunately, the selection of Socks That Rock was low (no lightweight, mainly tonal colors - I picked up a skein of the Heavyweight in Falcon's Eye), but it was really great to just see all of the different BMFA offerings. In addition to the skein of Socks That Rock, I also got a skein of Seduction in some unidentified color (but it's got light blues and purples) and a skein of Kidmo in Periwinkle, which is absolutely stunning.

I immediately knew what I wanted to do with the Kidmo - a simple, open stockinette scarf with Swarovski crystals! It will be lightweight, airy and dressy - the perfect spoil-me present to myself. :-) Here's the start:

Kidmo Scarf at the Beginning

Unfortunately, the crystals I got a little small for the yarn, and I found they weren't moving along as well as I'd like. So, I decided I would just put them in a row at the very beginning and the very end of the scarf - this way I don't have to carry the beads very far (once I run out of yarn, I can slip beads onto that end). Here's a closeup of the beaded portion:

Kidmo Scarf's Swarovskis

I'm not working on this very often; I have other projects on the go that are more pressing. But once this is done, I think it's going to be a lovely addition to my wardrobe. :-)

Sunday, January 07, 2007

2007 Completed Projects

I will be updating this throughout the year. Please check back whenever you want to see what project I might have recently finished! :-)

Current Tally: 42 Completed Projects in 2007

#59 Sophie Purse with Felted Flower

Sophie Purse with Felted Flower

Pattern: Magknits for the purse, Patons for the flower
Yarn: Cascade 220, #9407, 1 skein, Debbie Bliss Aran Tweed, #281106, 1 skein
Needles: US 11 and US 10
Project Timeline: 12/30/06 - 1/1/07
Recipient: Me!
Notes/Blog Entry: New Year, New Blog

#58 Gentleman's Fancy Socks

Gentleman's Fancy Socks

Pattern: Knitting Vintage Socks
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Superwash Wool, Hungarian Horntail Dragon, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (US 0 for the cuff)
Project Timeline: 12/23/06 - 1/11/07
Recipient: Herb
Notes/Blog Entry: Gentleman's Fancy Socks

#61 Argosy

Argosy

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, #208, 2 skeins
Needles: US 6
Project Timeline 1/4/07 - 1/7/07
Recipient:Grandma
Notes/Blog Entry: Argosy

#62 Sophie Purse #2

Sophie Purse #2

Pattern: Magknits
Yarn: Cascade 220 Quattro, #9433, 1 skein
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline 1/8/07 - 1/13/07
Recipient:Mom
Notes/Blog Entry: Purses for My Family

#64 Center Square

Center Square

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash, 2 skeins each of Black and Dark Navy
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline 1/16/07 - 1/19/07
Recipient: Dan
Notes/Blog Entry: Center Square

#65 Booga Bag

Booga Bag - 1 of 2

Pattern: Black Sheep Bags
Yarn: Noro Kureyon, #194, 3 skeins
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline 1/21/07 - 1/24/07
Recipient: Emilee
Notes/Blog Entry: Purses for My Family

#67 Mittens with Fancy Cuff

Mittens with Fancy Cuff

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare - Superwash Worsted Weight, 1 skein, and Knit Picks Twirl, Cream, 1 skein
Needles: US 10.5 (I think), with Bare doubled, Twirl single
Project Timeline: 1/28/07 - 2/10/07
Recipient: Laura at Dove (United Way Silent Auction winner)
Notes/Blog Entry: Charity Knitting?

#63 Hedera Socks

Hedera Socks

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Essential, Burgundy, 2 skeins
Needles: US 1.5 (US 0 for the cuffs)
Project Timeline: 1/11/07 - 2/18/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Hedera Socks

#69 Friday Harbor Socks

Friday Harbor Socks

Pattern: Knitting on the Road
Yarn: Schaefer Anne, 1 skein (The Loopy Ewe called this color Summer Afternoon, but it's potluck, like all Schaefer Anne)
Needles: US 2.5 (yarn held doubled)
Project Timeline: 2/24/07 - 3/8/07
Recipient: Kristen
Notes/Blog Entry: Friday Harbor Socks

#68 RPM Socks

RPM Socks

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, Peacock, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (US 0 for the cuffs)
Project Timeline: 2/18/07 - 3/24/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: RPM Socks

#70 Inside Out Socks

Inside Out Socks

Pattern: Blue Moon Fiber Arts (Rockin' Sock Club February Pattern)
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Mediumweight, Monsoon, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (toe, sole, heel, first repeat of cuff) and US 2 (rest of cuff)
Project Timeline: 3/10/07 - 4/5/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Rockin' Sock Club

#33 Honeymoon Cami #2

Honeymoon Cami #2

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Main Line, Red Velvet Cake, 8 skeins
Needles: US 5
Project Timeline: 6/06 - 4/7/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Finishing Old Projects

#73 Umbilical Cord Hat

Umbilical Cord Hat

Pattern: Stitch n' Bitch
Yarn: Dale of Norway Stork, Light Green, 1 skein
Needles: US 7
Project Timeline: 4/14/07 (1 day!)
Recipient: Cathan, my friend Jaime's newborn son
Notes/Blog Entry: Baby Things!

#74 Fuzzy Feet

Fuzzy Feet

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted, Periwinkle, 2 skeins
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: 4/15/07 - 4/17/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: New Slippers!

#50 Convertible

Convertible - 1 of 2

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Bambu, Lucy in the Sky, 2 skeins
Needles: US 5
Project Timeline: 10/06 - 4/29/07
Recipient: Kim (my sister)
Notes/Blog Entry: Convertible (Finally!)

#71 Waterfall Rib Socks

Waterfall Rib Socks - 1 of 2

Pattern: Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Superwash Wool Soft, Violets, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (US 0 for the cuffs)
Project Timeline: 3/24/07 - 5/17/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Waterfall Rib Socks

#66 Pinwheel Blanket

Pinwheel Blanket

Pattern: KnitList
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport, Grass, 9 skeins, and Cream, 2 skeins
Needles: US 4
Project Timeline: 1/26/07 - 5/21/07
Recipient: Cathan (Jaime's son)
Notes/Blog Entry: Baby Things!

#76 Knee High to a Grasshopper

Knee High to a Grasshopper - 1 of 2

Pattern: Blue Moon Fiber Arts (Rockin' Sock Club April Pattern)
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Silkie Socks That Rock, Walking on the Wild Tide, 1 skein
Needles: US 2.5 (US 1.5 for cuffs)
Project Timeline: 5/18/07 - 5/29/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Knee High to a Grasshopper

#77 Dublin Bay Socks

Dublin Bay Socks - 2 of 3

Pattern: Mossy Cottage Knits
Yarn: Yarn Pirate Merino Sock, Primrose, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (US 0 for the cuffs)
Project Timeline: 5/29/07 - 6/16/07
Recipient: Corinne
Notes/Blog Entry: Getting back on track....

#75 Cropped Cardigan with Leaf Ties

Cardigan with leaf ties

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Andean Silk, Cream, about 8 skeins
Needles: US 7 (and a 3.75mm crochet hook)
Project Timeline: 4/27/07 - 6/19/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Cropped Cardigan with Leaf Ties

#80 Tychus #5

Tychus #5 - 2 of 2

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash, Red Pepper, 1 skein, Dark Navy, 2 skeins, Coast Gray, 2 skeins
Needles: US 8
Project Timeline: 6/17/07 - 6/21/07
Recipient: Patrick
Notes/Blog Entry: The LAST Patriots Tychus

#81 Unbiased

Unbiased - 2 of 2

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Recycled Sari Silk from The Hunger Site, about 1 1/2 skeins
Needles: US 7
Project Timeline: 6/27/07 - 7/4/07
Recipient: Christina
Notes/Blog Entry: More 2007 Purses

#83 Saturday Market Bag #3

Saturday Market Bag #3 - 1 of 2

Pattern: Magknits
Yarn: Lily Yarns Sugar and Cream, Black, 2 skeins
Needles: US 15 and US 10
Project Timeline: 7/4/07 - 7/5/07
Recipient: Rebecca
Notes/Blog Entry: Purses for My Family

#79 Pomatomus Socks

Pomatomus - 2 of 3

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Mediumweight, Seal Rock, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5
Project Timeline: 6/16/07 - 7/10/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Pomatomus - It's About Time

#84 The Solstice Slip Socks

The Solstice Slip - 2 of 3

Pattern: Blue Moon Fiber Arts (Rockin' Sock Club June Pattern)
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Lightweight, Firebird, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5
Project Timeline: 7/11/07 - 7/26/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: The Solstice Slip

#85 Gryffindor Stripe Socks

Gryffindor Stripe Socks

Pattern: My own; Mostly 3x1 rib, switching colors, with a short-row garter heel and a garter toe
Yarn: Louet Gems Fingering, Burgundy, 2 skeins, Mustard, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5/US 0 for the top ribbing
Project Timeline: 7/27/07 - 8/29/07
Recipient: Jeff
Notes/Blog Entry: Gryffindor Strip Socks

#86 A Cardigan for Arwen

A Cardigan for Arwen

Pattern: Interweave Knits, Winter 2006, by Kate Gilbert
Yarn: Cascade 220, Pistachio (#8234), 7 skeins
Needles: US 7
Project Timeline: 8/1/07 - 9/12/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Made for my trip to Italy; One last post before I leave...

#90 Diagonal Lace Scarf

Diagonal Lace Scarf - 1 of 2

Pattern: Midnight Purls, found courtesy of Ravelry
Yarn: Handpaintedyarn.com Merino Bulky, Verde Marino, 2 skeins
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: 9/29/07 - 10/4/07
Recipient: Steph
Notes/Blog Entry: Diagonal Lace Scarf

#89 Openwork Rib Socks

Openwork Rib Socks - 1 of 2

Pattern: Sensational Knitted Socks
Yarn: Chewy Spaghetti Spaghettoni, Frivolous, 1 skein (from the Blue Plate Special Sock Club)
Needles: US 2.5
Project Timeline: 9/24/07 - 10/6/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Openwork Rib Socks

#82 Mystery Stole #3 or Swan Lake

Mysery Stole #3 - 2 of 3

Pattern: Pink Lemon Twist
Yarn: Lane Borgosesia Cashwool, White, 1 skein
Needles: US 4
Project Timeline: 6/29/07 - 10/7/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Mystery Stole #3 - The Epilogue

#87 Waving Lace Socks

Waving Lace Socks - 1 of 8

Pattern: Favorite Socks
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, Moody Blues, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5
Project Timeline: 9/9/07 - 10/21/07
Recipient: Kim C.
Notes/Blog Entry:

#78 Large Rectangle with Center Diamond Pattern (pg. 20)

Large Rectangle with Center Diamond Pattern

Pattern: Victorian Lace Today
Yarn: Rowan Kidsilk Haze, Anthracite, 3 skeins
Needles: US 7/US 6 (for the border)
Project Timeline: 6/5/07 - 10/26/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: My Work Shawl

#88 Southwestern Socks

Southwestern Socks - 1 of 3

Pattern: From The Loopy Ewe by Wendy Knits
Yarn: Fiesta Boomerang, Misty Morning, 1 skein
Needles: US 3 (US 2.5 for the cuffs)
Project Timeline: 9/13/07 - 10/27/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Southwestern Socks

#91 Summer of Love Lace Socks

Summer of Love Lace Socks - 4 of 7

Pattern: Blue Moon Fiber Arts (Rockin' Sock Club August pattern)
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Lightweight, Flower Power, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5
Project Timeline: 10/27/07 - 11/6/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Summer of Love Lace in Winter

#72 Colorful Waves Throw

Colorful Waves Throw - 1 of 2

Pattern: Knit Picks
Yarn: Here goes (all from Knit Picks)... Wool of the Andes Bulky Hand-Dyed, Storm, 1 skein; Shamrock, Fitzpatrick, 2 skeins; Shine Worsted, Sea Spray, 2 skeins; Suri Dream Hand-Dyed, Stucco, 2 skeins; Sierra (now Cadenza), Natural, 1 skein; Quarry, Empress Green, 2 skeins; Shine Worsted, Cream, 2 skeins; Suri Dream, Stone, 2 skeins (and that's in order of the stripes)
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: 4/11/07 - 11/14/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Warmth

#38 Irish Hiking Scarf

Irish Hiking Scarf in progress

Pattern: Hello Yarn
Yarn: Cascade Eco+, Black (0050), 1 skein
Needles: US 9
Project Timeline: July 2006 - 11/18/07
Recipient: Dad
Notes/Blog Entry: Ecological Wool Scarves

#92 Lenore

Lenore - 2 of 2

Pattern: Blue Moon Fiber Arts (Rockin' Sock Club October pattern)
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Lightweight, Lenore, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5
Project Timeline: 11/8/07 - 11/27/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: Rockin' Sock Club 2007 - The End, uhh, Was Near

#97 Odessa

Odessa

Pattern: Magknits
Yarn: Classic Elite Waterlily, Bramble (1927), 2 skeins
Needles: US 4/US 6
Project Timeline: 12/15/07 - 12/16/07
Recipient: Me
Notes/Blog Entry: My ears require a hat! (Also uses 120 translucent peach size 6/0 seed beads from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads

#96 Phyllotaxis Scarf

Phillotaxis Scarf in Progress

Pattern: Knitting Nature, by Norah Gaughan
Yarn: Cascade Ecological Wool, #8049, 2 skeins
Needles: US 7/US 8
Project Timeline: 12/2/07 - 12/19/07
Recipient: Grandpa
Notes/Blog Entry: Ecological Wool Scarves

#98 Brown Bag

Brown "Paper" Bag - 1 of 2

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Brown Sheep Company Lamb's Pride Bulky, Wild Oak (M-08), 2 skeins
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline:12/19/07 - 12/21/07
Recipient: Kim
Notes/Blog Entry: More 2007 Purses

#99 Cable Rib Socks

Cable Rib Socks - 2 of 2

Pattern: Favorite Socks
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Heavyweight, Falcon's Eye, 1 skein
Needles: US 3
Project Timeline: 12/21/08 - 12/28/08
Recipient: Kim C.
Notes/Blog Entry:

#100 Loopy’s Red Sock

Loopy's Red Sock

Pattern: The Loopy Ewe
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, Wild Cherry (I think), way less than 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5
Project Timeline: 12/28/07
Recipient: Kim C.
Notes/Blog Entry:

Labels:

Friday, January 05, 2007

2006 Completed Projects

Looks like I completed 42 (err… 43) projects during 2006. Once again, I wasn’t keep track of project timelines until a little while ago, so most timelines are guestimates.

I noticed while putting this together that at times, particularly with gifts (I guess it’s the rush), I forget to take pictures. Hopefully this year, with this blog, I will be better about that!

#10 Wine Cozy

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Forrest Heather, 1 skein
Needles: US 9
Project Timeline: Last week of December 2005 – first week of January 2006
Notes:I didn’t take a picture of this (accidentally). I wanted to make Herb something for his birthday, but didn’t have enough skill to make something terribly useful. So I made this wine cozy with some leftover yarn and put a bottle of Wyatt wine in it. This way, I had something useful but that wouldn’t be a crappy present because of the wine. I like this pattern, and would consider making more in the future.

#13 Garter Stitch Hat

Hat

Pattern: None; Cast on enough stitches, knit first row, purl second row, repeat until long enough, decrease when the hat is the right size.
Yarn: Bernat Envy, Luscious Red, 2 skeins
Needles: US 15
Project Timeline: One night in early January
Notes: I made this hat to match my red scarf. The first time I tried, it came out WAY too big. But this time, I managed to find the right number of stitches to make myself a nice little beanie. Susan says it makes me look like a raspberry! :-)

#7 Latifa

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Garnstudio Silke-Tweed, 1 skein each of 1, 2, 15, 21, Koigu KPPPM #P157 (also 1 skein)
Needles:US 3
Project Timeline: December 2005 – January 2006, I think
Notes: When I saw this pattern, I loved it, and had to knit it exactly as pictured. It looks like Neapolitan and Spumoni ice cream! It was a gift for my cousin Tricia, and I never got a picture, but I do have the yarn somewhere to knit it again for me!

#11 Marley’s Ghost

Marley's Ghost

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Cascade 220, #8400, way less than 1 skein
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: December 2005 – January 2006
Notes: When I saw this pattern, I just had to try it. I love the construction, and felting seemed all the rage. Unfortunately, while it turned out fine, my links don’t look nearly as big as the ones in the picture, and this has just hung in my closet since then. I might try again someday, this time making giant links that would actually come close to producing a scarf-like garment.

#4 Windy City Scarf

Pattern: Stitch ‘n Bitch
Yarn: Patons Classic Merino Wool, #00230 (Bright Red), 1 skein, and some brown color, also 1 skein
Needles:US 9
Project Timeline: December 2005 – January 2006 (I think)
Notes: I had decided on this scarf for Susan, but when I went to Michael’s to buy wool (I also wanted 100% wool, the snobbery started pretty quickly), the color choices were limited. So I chose these, and made the scarf, in the end abandoning it halfway through, realizing Susan wouldn’t like the colors. I eventually went back to finish it, though my gauge had drastically changed, so I don’t like the look of it and have never done anything with it. I do plan on one day frogging it and reknitting it – I’m sure someone will like the colors.

#12 Rockstar Scarf

Rockstar

Pattern: Stitch n’ Bitch
Yarn: Brunswick Yarn La Laine Superwash Wool #6220 (Rice Paper), 1 skein, Lion Brand Fun Fur Prints, #205 (Sandstone), 4 skeins
Needles: US 15
Project Timeline: January 2006
Notes: My grandmother gave me the wool and 1 skein of the Fun Fur, and I had no idea what to do with them. I thought this scarf would be good – just like my first scarf, only with the addition of the wool a little warmer. I haven’t used it this winter, but I did use it frequently last year (it’s 9 feet long, so very long – the picture shows it wrapped around a column in my living room).

#14 Clapotis Scarf

Mini

Pattern: Knitty, with scarf modifications found somewhere
Yarn: Ornaghi Filati Bazar #500, 2 skeins
Needles: US 9
Project Timeline: January 2006, probably
Notes: I really liked the Clapotis pattern, but wasn’t ready to knit the whole thing (I also didn’t have the yarn for it). So I made this mini scarf. I’ve never used it – I don’t have much need for an airy cotton scarf – but it’s still pretty.

#15 Edgar #2

Edgar

Pattern: Edgar
Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Blush Heather, 1 skein, and N.Y. Yarns Spike, Lt Pink, 2 skeins
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: Late January 2006 (2 days)
Notes: This was Emilee’s birthday present last year. As I already mentioned (on 2005 projects), I really love this pattern, but was looking for something with a little more oomph to it (9-year-olds don’t wear decorative scarves). I also needed something washable, something pink, and something a little flashy. When I bought the Spike, I thought it was eyelash throughout; turns out, it’s sort of self-striping in eyelash – parts with and parts without. I like the effect.

#9 Large Seed Stitch Scarf

Pattern: None; Cast on a number of stitches divisible by 4; K2P2 for 2 rows, P2K2 for 2 rows; repeat
Yarn: Cascade 220 #8013, 2 skeins
Needles: US 7
Project Timeline:December 2005 – February 2006
Notes:I made this scarf for my uncle, and I never took a picture of it. It felt like it took forever, all those stitches and the switching between knit and purl, but I eventually finished. My aunt said he started wearing the scarf right away, so I guess I succeeded with this one.

#16 Clapotis #1

Clapotis

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden #88, 8 skeins
Needles: US 8
Project Timeline: Late January 2006 – Mid-February 2006
Notes: Ahh, my Clapotis. This is the scarf I wear all the time now, because it’s so big and warm. I found a nice neutral color of Silk Garden, and does it ever become soft after washing. Love it. And I had someone recognize it for the first time in Woolcott the other day (or at least, tell me they recognized it)!

#17 My So-Called Scarf #1

Pattern: Sheep in the City
Yarn: Noro Transitions #1, 2 skeins
Needles: US 11
Project Timeline: January 28, 2006 – Mid-February 2006
Notes: Christina’s birthday present last year. I had really been wanting to try the Transitions, so I bought two skeins in two colors to make this scarf. It’s a cool scarf, but hard on the hands. I wish I’d gotten a picture of this one.

#18 Velvet Oblivion

Velvet Oblivion

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Muench Yarns Touch Me Due, #5409 (Rosso), 1 skein, and Bernat Boa, #81040 (Raven), 1 skein
Needles: US 6
Project Timeline: February 20-21, 2006
Notes: I have no idea why I HAD to make this, but I had just found out my grandmother had died and I was flying back to Chicago for the funeral... my whole day was shot, so I went out in search of the yarn. It’s a pretty quick knit, and once I get the strap sewn on, I might actually use it – it’s nice and cuddly. No straps as of yet because it took forever to find the right elastic (finally purchased in December).

#19 Cleaves

Cleaves

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Brown Sheep Company Lamb’s Pride Bulky, M175 Bronze Patina, 4 skeins (or 1 cone, which is what I had)
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: Week of February 20, 2006 – Sometime in March, 2006
Notes: Love this one in theory, but not so much in practice. It is nice and cuddly, and the yarn is wonderful, plus it was my first garment object. I just often forget I have it, and wear so many sweaters in the winter it doesn’t help. I’ll try for more use this spring.

#20 My So-Called Scarf #2

My So-Called Scarf

Pattern: Sheep in the City
Yarn: Noro Transitions #5, 2 skeins
Needles: US 11
Project Timeline: February 2006 – March 2006? No idea, really
Notes: And here’s MY so-called scarf. Again, Noro Transitions. I do love this yarn, but I can’t think of anything to do with it, and I always feel that two skeins of Noro isn’t enough, because you can’t necessarily match up the colors repeats perfectly (yes, perfectionist here).

#23 Wavy

Wavy

Pattern: Wavy
Yarn: Cascade 220, #8422, 2 skeins
Needles: US 7
Project Timeline: Finished the end of March 2006
Notes: This scarf was fun and easy, and I like the way it came out. I might wear it more if I had a matching hat or something.

#29 Tychus #1

Tychus #1

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, Evergreen, 2 skeins, and Snickerdoodle, 2 skeins
Needles: US 8
Project Timeline: April 2006 (whenever it was, it only took a weekend)
Notes: I don’t remember why I made this. I remember thinking the colors looked good together, and then changing my mind when I made the hat. Also, the hat came out HUGE. So it sits in my yarn basket. Maybe one day it’ll find a home.

#26 Honeymoon Cami

Honeymoon Cami

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Newport Light, #3379, 6 skeins
Needles: US 5
Project Timeline: April 2006 (with some adjustments in May)
Notes:Ahh, my first knitted garment. :-) I thought this was pretty, but didn’t have the yarn. But when I was in Illinois in February, my grandmother gave me a bunch of yarn from her staff, and it included this wonderful mercerized cotton! I love the top; I want to make more of them!

#24 Spike

Spike

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Rowan Rowanspun DK, #749 (Mouse), 2 skeins, and Rowan Rowanspun 4pl, #707 (Blood), 1 skein
Needles: US 7
Project Timeline: April 2006 – May 2006
Notes: I made this for my sister Rebecca for her birthday present. I like to call it the dead mouse scarf, due to the blood and mouse colors. It looked GREAT after blocking, but had shrunk up by this December (when I brought it to Chicago after failing to mail it). If I had known, I would have reblocked before gifting.

#31 Lacy Tank

Lacy

Pattern: Tahki Cotton Classic Spring 2006 Collection
Yarn: Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic, #3931, 4 skeins
Needles: US 5
Project Timeline: May 4, 2006 – Week of May 8, 2006
Notes: Susan was working at Spark, and she told me that none of their knitters were interested in making samples; would I be interested? Next thing I know, I’m making a tank top in exchange for store credit. This went super fast, even though the pattern got a little tiring; I think I was excited. I also accidentally made the extra small size, but blocked it to a small/medium. At first, I thought it was something I would never wear, but once I tried it on, I realized that if it was the right size, it would be a great top. I was very proud of this one.

#30 Clapotis #2

Clapotis for Mom

Pattern: Knitty,
Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted, Gold Hill, 3 skeins
Needles: US 7
Project Timeline: April 2006 – May 14, 2006
Notes: I decided my mom needed a clapotis, like mine, and I decided the Shepherd Worsted was perfect, because it’s superwash, and comes in so many colors (and so soft!). Except... I had no idea what colors! I asked my sisters, they said Mom likes lots of colors (which is true). I finally settled on the Gold Hill. It didn’t come out as nice as I thought (a pattern I think that might continue with my mom), and one skein was way more green than the others. But Mom didn’t seem to notice, and she said it matches her coat, so I guess a job well done.

#27 Simple Socks

Simple

Pattern: None; used some calculator that was wrong and eventual figured out how many stitches to cast on; found some heel/gusset/toe instructions somewhere
Yarn: Knit Picks Simple Stripes, Vineyard, 2 skeins
Needles: US 1 (US 0 for the cuffs)
Project Timeline: May 2006 – June 2006
Notes: My first socks! Okay, to be fair, I found a sock tutorial somewhere that recommended worsted weight yarn. I had some leftover black wool-ease, and used that – and made 1 1/2 before running out! But I understood the construction and was ready to move on. I ordered yarn and needles from Knit Picks, and I was off and running! The first time I cast on, they were huge, and I started again (after having a pretty decent cuff). But these fit fine – so the cuff is a little tight on my calves, and the toe feels funny – I don’t wear them much, but they’ll always be my first (and notice how well I lined up the stripes!).

#28 Ribbon X-back

Ribbon X-Back

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Katia Ola, no idea what color, 5 skeins
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: April 2006 – June 2006 (I think)
Notes: Another thing I HAD to make. Only problem – Katia Ola is discontinued. I found this on eBay, a wonderful, garish orange. The straps are a little big – I might fix this summer – and I really don’t like ribbon yarn or seed stitch. At least I got a top out of learning those lessons!

#36 Saturday Market Bag #1

Saturday Market Bag

Pattern: Magknits
Yarn: Lily Yarns Sugar and Cream, Sage Green, 2 skeins
Needles: US 15 and US 10.5
Project Timeline: June 2006 (one weekend)
Notes: This was so easy, I knit it in a weekend (though the handles took several rounds of modifications). I think that I just stumbled upon the pattern, and started to knit it right then and there with some Sugar and Cream I had. It’s a great beach bag (and perhaps you can see that I ended up using 2 different dye lots).

#34 Jaywalker Socks

Jaywalkers

Pattern: Magknits
Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Tuscany, 2 skeins
Needles: US 1 (US 0 for cuffs)
Project Timeline: June 2006
Notes: My second pair of knitted socks, and these are the ones I love (and wear the most often, since I still only have the two pairs). They are perfect Liz socks, since the color is Tuscany (my dream vacation spot and home to my favorite wine), and Grumperina’s pattern notes say that they are named because they remind her of jaywalking in Boston (my adopted city). Love this pattern (though I may never knit it again), love this yarn, love this color.

#41 Saturday Market Bag #2

Saturday

Pattern: Magknits
Yarn: Lily Yarns Sugar and Cream, Beach Ball Blue, 2 skeins
Needles: US 15 and US 10.5
Project Timeline: July 2006 (again, only a couple days)
Notes: Part of Corinne’s birthday present. Since I also ended up making her a scarf, I’m glad I made this, because scarves are not useful in the middle of summer. I used the fun colors, because that’s what I think of when I think of Corinne! Again, fast project, and I may have to make everyone under the sun one of these.

#43 Not Quite Strait Scarf #1

Not

Pattern: All Buttoned Up
Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted, Little Lovely, 2 skeins
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: July 22, 2006 – July 26, 2006
Notes: Originally I was going to make the market bag and a set of hot pink dishcloths for Corinne in yummy cotton chenille. Turns out, while cotton chenille is soft and makes a lush fabric, it’s quite a pain getting there! After weeks of little progress, I abandoned the dishcloths, but needed a new present quick! I was originally going to go with Manos, but Spark didn’t have the colors I wanted, so I wound up with the Malabrigo (causing me to fall in love immediately) – I held it double and made this awesome scarf in just a few days. Corinne couldn’t wait to wear it, but ended up having to, since it didn’t get cold until this month!

#42 Calla Lilies

Calla

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: DMC 3, 2 skeins each of B5200, 436, 498, 699, 700, 742
Needles: US 1
Project Timeline: July 2006 – August 4, 2006
Notes: When I saw this pattern, my first thought was, Kristen! – they are her favorite flower. I got rather ambitious, thinking I could knit a whole dozen for her bridal shower. Turns out embroidery floss is expensive, and the thin inelastic cotton was really tough on my hands! So she got 4, in the colors of her wedding – red to match the bridesmaids dresses, gold to match her dress, mango to match the calla lilies she would be carrying in her bouquet, and white because that’s what color calla lilies normally are. I do hope she loved them, because I wanted it to be a very special gift.

#44 Not Quite Strait Scarf #2

Pattern: All Buttoned Up
Yarn: Handpainted Yarn Pure Merino Wool Bulky 6 Ply, Wonderful, 2 skeins
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: August 2006 (finished on the 25th)
Notes: I thought, since the pattern was so much fun for Corinne’s scarf, I’d repeat for my roommate Jamie! I ordered this color especially for her, and proceeded to knit in secret. This one didn’t go as fast – for one, I didn’t hold the yarn doubled. Two, I could immediately tell that there were slight variations in the two skeins, so I had to alternate skeins, and that adds time. I also did a crappy job of blocking it, due to being in a hurry the weekend before her birthday, so she received it still damp. She said she loves, she has told me other people love it, and I see her wearing it pretty frequently, even when we weren’t really talking, so I guess it was a hit!

#46 Short Row Rib Scarf

Short Row Rib Scarf

Pattern: Magknits
Yarn: Handpainted Yarn Pure Merino Wool Bulky 6 Ply, Alpine Pearl, 2 skeins
Needles: US 10.5
Project Timeline: September 9, 2006 – September 14, 2006 (I think)
Notes: Normally when I knit a gift for someone, I pick out the yarn with that person in mind – since I buy so much yarn online, gift knitting can sometimes be a very long process. But I forgot my friend Kim’s birthday. The day after, I thought, gee, I should knit her something, but I don’t have any yarn. Wait, here’s some bulky merino from handpaintedyarn.com (ohh, how I love this stuff) in this blue-purple-green color – I can make a scarf out of that! The pattern went super quick, I applied fringe for the very first time, and when I gave it to Kim one week later she said, my favorite color! How did you know! Job well done, I think.

#39 Kiri Shawl

Kiri

Pattern: All Tangled Up
Yarn: Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud, Tide Pool, 2 skeins
Needles: US 5
Project Timeline: Early July 2006 – September 24, 2006
Notes: At some point, I decided that for Jeff and Kristen’s wedding, I was wearing a brown dress with a turquoise shawl that I would make myself. So I got Kiri. This would be the knitted item I am currently most proud of – it was a lot of work, but the end result was well-worth it. The picture shows it a little out of whack – after the wedding I shoved it in my suitcase – but when properly blocked, it is a work of art. I was also able to find the PERFECT shoes to match it (and a great brown dress), and Kristen and Susan found beads for matching earrings, making it one of my most successfully planned outfits to date. I hope I have this forever and ever.

#49 Tychus #2

Tychus

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash, Red Pepper, 2 skeins, Dark Navy, 2 skeins, Coast Grey, 2 skeins
Needles: US 8
Project Timeline: September 24, 2006 – October 8, 2006
Notes: I got it into my head that I should knit hats in Patriots colors for my four guy friends who love the Patriots. The first one went to Jeff, and despite everyone telling me I would have trouble knitting a hat for his big head, this one is more than big enough. Plus, it let me have all the other guys try it on so I could make modifications to fit their heads.

#45 Mata Hari Socks

Pattern: Craftoholic
Yarn: Fearless Fibers Superwash Merino Sock Yarn, Midnight Passion, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (and US 0 for cuffs)
Project Timeline: August 2006 – October 8, 2006
Notes: Pair #1 of 6. I decided to knit my entire immediate family socks for Christmas, and this was the first pair, given to Kim. I think this pattern is really pretty, and the rainbow-dyed yarn is perfect for it – the pattern shows off the yarn, and the yarn shows off the pattern. I wish I’d gotten a picture! I loved the service from Fearless Fibers, too, and look forward to buying more. These socks fit Kim, except the cuffs were a little too tight, and so I took out the cast-on edge and used a sewn bind-off, which I think fixed them just enough.

#51 Tychus #3

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash, Red Pepper, 2 skeins, Dark Navy, 2 skeins, Coast Grey, 2 skeins
Needles: US 8
Project Timeline: October 30, 2006 – October 31, 2006
Notes: Patriots hat #2 went to Ron. I wanted to get his done in time for the Pats game he was going to. I made this one pretty much the same, though slightly different, than the first one, though I took it down in size.

#32 Cozy

Cozy

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Andean Silk, Sangria, 9 skeins
Needles: US 7
Project Timeline: May 2006 – November 5, 2006
Notes: This was part of Marilyn’s Christmas present. I wasn’t sure if she’d like it, but she says she did. I started it in May, when I thought I would have plenty of time to knit Christmas presents – turns out you should start in January! It was a pretty pattern, and I love the yarn, but I did have my fill after awhile. Maybe one day I’ll make one for myself!

#48 Thuja

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Superwash Wool, Stones Throw, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (and US 0 for cuffs)
Project Timeline: October 9, 2006 – November 6, 2006
Notes:Pair #2 of 6. These socks went to my dad, and I loved them. This was my first experience with Sunshine Yarns, and I have now bought a ton of skeins, including another in this color, and joined her sock club. The socks came out so soft and pretty, but still manly enough for my dad.

#53 Tychus #4

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Superwash, Red Pepper, 2 skeins, Dark Navy, 2 skeins, Coast Grey, 2 skeins
Needles: US 7 and US 8
Project Timeline: November 11, 2006
Notes: This Patriots hat went to Herb. I knit his up in one evening, a week after he asked when he would be receiving it. This time I took down the number of cast on stitches, as well as reducing the number of stripes, and that seemed to make the perfect hat. Again, I modified the stripes ever so slightly, this time making blue the predominant color.

#54 Whitewater Wristwarmers

Whitewater Wristwarmers

Pattern: Magknits
Yarn: Knit Picks Andean Silk, Hyacynth, 3 skeins
Needles: US 4
Project Timeline: November 12, 2006 – November 18, 2006 (had to be that week)
Notes: These came about because Susan’s sister Sarah asked her to make a pair of wristwarmers. Susan’s solution was to ask me! The yarn and pattern were chosen by Susan and Sarah, and I was left to do what I would. I made adjustments to account for different yarn and to make them a little longer (I still wish I’d done one more repeat before the thumb gusset and had made the top ribbed). Apparently Sarah loves them, so mission accomplished.

#52 RPM

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Mediumweight, Garnet Dreams, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (and US 0 for cuffs)
Project Timeline: November 6, 2006 – November 22, 2006
Notes:Pair #3 of 6 for Christmas – these ones went to my mom. The pattern was a lot of fun, and the yarn was really squishy – as a yarn, I really love Socks That Rock. And the color in the skein was gorgeous (as are a lot of their colors) – it was chosen because my mom is obsessed with garnets – but I didn’t like it knit up. It did this weird striping thing, and it just made the yarn look kinda ugly. My mom liked them, though, so I guess it doesn’t matter what I thought. I hope future experiences with Socks That Rock are different, because the colors are so pretty, and I’ve seen some fun patterning online.

#40 Klein Bottle Hat

Klein Bottle Hat

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden, #88, 3 skeins
Needles: US 7
Project Timeline: July 2006 – November 25, 2006
Notes: This is my incredibly dorky hat. When I saw the pattern, I just had to make it, and I figured I would use the leftover Silk Garden to make something that matches my Clapotis. Of course, I had forgotten how much I HATE 1x1 rib, and I set it aside for quite some time. But finally, I finished it (partly in an effort to once and for all, get projects off of the bamboo needles and onto my Options set). Definitely incredibly dorky, but I love it anyway, and I love explaining it to people!

#55 Dancing Lady Socks

Pattern: Knitty
Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Flames, 2 skeins, and Fearless Fibers Superwash Merino Sock Yarn, 1 skein (leftovers)
Needles: US 1.5 (and US 0 for cuffs)
Project Timeline: November 22, 2006 – December 1, 2006
Notes:

#56 Jack Sparrow Socks

Jack Sparrow's Favorite Socks

Pattern: Katydid Knits
Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Black Purl, 1 skein, Knit Picks Essential, Black, 1 skein, Knit Picks Palette, White, 1 skein
Needles: US 1.5 (and US 0 for cuffs)
Project Timeline: December 2, 2006 – December 17, 2006
Notes: Pair #5 of 6, which I did have to put down for a short period because I was so sick of plain stockinette. These are for Christina, and are my first toe-up socks! The pattern is cute, and so far used only one skein of Shepherd Sock, which is great, but there’s just one problem: they don’t fit. So I’m in the process of re-knitting the cuffs to make them a little bigger. I hope that works out well!

#57 Fancy Silk Socks

Fancy Silk Socks

Pattern: Knitting Vintage Socks
Yarn: Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock, Pale Pink, 2 skeins
Needles: US 1.5
Project Timeline: December 11, 2006 – December 23, 2006
Notes: Pair #6 of 6 for my family, and maybe my favorites. These went to Emilee, who loves pink. I love the subtleness of the nearly solid color, and the pattern is just beautiful. I hope to make a pair for myself one day, again in Shepherd Sock.

Boris’s Cape

Boris's

Pattern: None; it’s stockinette with a garter stitch border and two yarnover button holes (I don’t think it ever got buttons)
Yarn: Lion Brand Thick & Quick, #145, 1 skein, and Flutter, #69, 1 skein
Needles: Uhh... maybe US 11? US 15? No idea anymore
Project Timeline: July 15, 2006 – July 16, 2006
Notes: This silly little project didn’t even get a project number. Here’s the story: Kathy was going to Chicago to visit Scott. I had things that needed to go to Seth. Kathy had a brilliant idea. SO... I made this cape, gave it to Kathy, who brought it to Chicago and gave it to Scott, who brought it to New Jersey to give it to Julie, who gave it to Seth, who brought it to Ithaca. I had to make a silly item in silly yarn (hence the garish gold eyelash yarn) for the stuffed boar that lives in the fraternity house. Hence Boris’s cape.

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