Got Gauge

Finished Objects & Friends

After a couple of rough starts on the Wacky Wallaby and the Andes Wallaby, I have a finished Wallaby. I cast on late Tuesday night. I just wanted to cast on so I didn't have to do it in the airport. Wednesday I knit the ribbing and the pocket. Thursday left me with tons of knitting time. I'll explain more about that later.

Pattern: The Wonderful Wallaby. It's a little difficult to find. I know Yarn Barn usually has it in stock for those online shoppers. When I was a sales rep, I found that most LYS carried this pattern or at least knew about it!

Needles and Notions: US 7 & 8 (2) 24 inch circular, darning needle, markers

Yarn:  2, plus just a little of the 3 skein Dark Horse Fantasy yarn. This yarn is yum, yum, yummy.

Time: 5 days. Only one day with more than 4 hours of knitting. Possible to do in a good weekend of knitting.

Making It My Own: I purled across the stitches where I needed to pick up the pocket. Made it so much easier. I also knit the sleeves flat. Next time I'll knit them on two circular needles. I simply didn't have #7s with me. It was much easier to knit them flat, the seam was only 10 inches.

Fun Factor: This is only my second little person sweater. The first most likely was never worn. It was just weird. I enjoyed the process and will probably make one for my friend's children H and N. I think the little girl will adore one! She can put her Dog in the pocket.

Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: I think I should know children's sizes. I made the 4. This one is for a little girl that's slightly more than a year. I think she'll have to grow into it. Oh well.

Sophia got cold and stole the sweater off the table! Looks like she was ready to head outside with it.

Remember how I said Thursday provided a great deal of knitting time? I was scheduled to leave Syracuse at 4:25. I arrived at the airport at 4 to discover the flight was delayed an hour. Perfect, I'd still be able to make the Caps game. No such luck. That 4:25 departure was quickly moved into a "who the hell knows" departure time.

I was lucky to be seated next to this group. What a fun bunch! They are family and friends but really just a great group of people. I was quickly adopted into the family. They even provided me with a new name and I was all set to join them in the Bahamas. They jokingly said "too bad you don't have your passport or you could really come!" And as you know, I never leave home without it because you never know when you might want or need to leave the country. Unfortunately, no flights were available for me to join them. Next time!

Not only were these people outgoing, fun and obviously enjoy each other and meeting new people, they were knit-friendly. I could knit and talk to them. A couple of them knit or crochet. So it was no big deal. They would answer people asking what I was knitting. One commented that I must do it a lot because I don't have to look at it much. But it wasn't in that watch the freak way, just a matter-of-fact. They are on their way back to NY today from the Bahamas. I hope none of them had a $6,000 ham sandwich. To all the Family ~ Thanks for the fun and laughs! You really made my delay a pleasant one! Hugs, Carol.

I have the day off today. So I'm working on the Curlicue Coverlet for the February baby. Not having the yarn for my wrap or the second Wallaby is really helping me focus.

Happy Knitting!

A New Cap to Wear for the Caps

Pattern: Cabled Newsboy Hat from Stitch N Bitch Nation

Needles, Notions & Accessories: US8 & 10.5 DPNs, cable needle, darning needle, markers

Yarn: 1 skein of Manos del Uruguay Color A 

Time: A hockey game and Bourne Ultimatum

Making It My Own: I substituted the yarn. Worked out well. I was able to follow the pattern exactly

Fun Factor: I have a Caps scarf and fingerless mittens. Figured I needed a rally cap!

Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: Straightforward and fun. I think I might use the other skein for a brim and ribbing, using Kureyon for the cap.

Now I'm going to go knit a bit on the Tilli Tomas Vine Lace scarf.

Merry Christmas! My stocking has gifts in it. I'm hoping The Husband will take a nap. It's a Sunday, it's raining, shouldn't he be doing that?

Happy Knitting!

Starting the Week Off Right

I just love it when I finish a project. And bonus if it's a great fit, feels fabulous and matches a cute pair of shoes.

See how happy I am? And look at those shoulder seams.

The Husband might be many things but he's most definitely not a photographer. I don't know what he does. There were two where I was obviously walking. The this one has me standing but my head looks bizarre. Argh. He doesn't understand the importance of a good FO photo. That's why all of blogdom is filled with self portraits. Anyway, I adore Alexa. And she matches my shoes perfectly.

Pattern: Alexa from Debbie Bliss Stella & Pure Cotton

Needles, Notions & Accessories: US 7s & 8s, cable needle, darning needle, stitch holders

Yarn: Sublime Cashmere Merino Silk Aran Color 17. I haven't a clue how many balls. The lovely Gina at Mosaic gifted me the yummy, yummy yarn and I threw away some of the balls bands prior to completing the project. I can tell you this. I had 1 and 1/4 balls leftover. I can also tell you that I will knit with this yarn again. It's wonderfully soft. Great stitch definition. No pilling, no splitting. Gina send more!!!!  

Time: Why in the world do I even try to keep track of time? If I'd knit on this project exclusively it would not have taken several months. Only a few days.

Making It My Own: Take a look at the collar. I got confused by the directions and ended up making a modification I really wanted in the first place. It was me, not the directions. I am sure of it.

Fun Factor: My first crazy stitch patterned sweater. The cables were easy and fun. The pattern was easy to follow, except for the collar.

Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: I should have finished it sooner. It's wonderful, incredible. Might be my favorite sweater so far.

Isn't this beautiful? My Granny crocheted this sixty five years ago. She told her father-in-law that if she'd ever live to finish it she'd never make another because that would kill her. It fits a double bed and is in perfect condition. How does one go about putting a sale price on a piece like this? I know, for me, it's priceless. But seriously, anyone know anything about antique crocheted items?

Happy Knitting!

Hokie Healing Squares

I have to delay the drawing until later in the day. I left the Yarn Barn without the list of people there that knit squares. So far I have a blankets worth on the list! So if you have knit a square or 16 (Linda Martin!) send me an email by 5 today to be entered into the yarn drawing.

I did bring home a blanket's worth of squares from the Yarn Barn. I am going to give them all a good blocking and weave in the ends. On Friday, a group of us are going to get together to put the blanket together and send it off to Mosaic. It's quite exciting.

Yesterday we laid the squares out. I wish I'd had my camera. Apornee took pictures but has not yet to post them at Runty Knits. There were about 6 or 8 people there while we were doing it. It was nice to hear how much emotion people felt when knitting their squares. How the act of doing something, anything to help others makes us feel good. Whether it's preemie hats, squares for a university, a prayer shawl, socks for soldiers or a week's worth of chemo hats for a dear friend or stranger, when it touches your heart, it touches your heart. There are so very many worthy causes and I'm happy we all choose something to support in our own way.

I'm also very happy to have an FO to show!

Pattern: Essence from Rowan Magazine 29

Needles, Notions & Accessories: US 3s & 5s, darning needle, stitch holders, stitch makers and a few beads

Yarn: Rowan Linen Drape, just a bit less than 6 balls. Does anyone have any Rowan Linen Drape in the turquoise color?

Time: Quick. It was a simple, straight forward knit. Could be done this week for a special event this weekend. Especially if you have help.**ahem**

Making It My Own: The pattern had no instruction regarding the beads. This pattern is on the front cover of Rowan 29. When I emailed, they suggested I place beads as shown in the picture. Huh? Sorry about the upside down photo. For some reason, this photo would not save any other way. Strange. But Rowan would say, stand on your head to see the photo.

Fun Factor: Very fun! I loved using beads and am on the search for my first beaded sweater. I don't want to use 50 million beads,  just a few.

Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: Sorry for the blurry photo. Perhaps I need Nikon to make my town their picture town? My sweater is wonderfully steamed. Except for the new crochet edges. I did neither the steaming nor the edging. Kim steamed it for me with her super-duper iron. (THANK YOU!) And Apronee crocheted the edging faster than I could even cast on for my next project. (THANK YOU!) I adore my knitterly friends who come to my rescue! That's the problem with golf, when you get stuck, you are all on your own. No one comes over and hits the ball out of the sand for you.

Anyway, only the beads are the secret here. Rowan isn't about to tell you how to do it!

I missed Dancing With The Stars last night. I don't have a favorite, I like all of those who remain. Does anyone know how many stars have hooked up with their dancers? Willa Ford and Mario did. Anyone else? I believe Dancing With The Stars have a better match rate than the Bachelor. Perhaps those looking for true love are signing up for the wrong reality show?

Don't forget tonight is the SERIES finale of the Gilmore Girls. I am sad. They jumped the shark when Lorelai slept with Christopher. That is not one of the moments to use when thinking WWLGD. I knew it was coming. The end of the show, not her sleeping with him. I find myself thinking they will change their mind. There will be a bit of witty banter like only a Gilmore girl can do. They will talk, they will decide it's best for them to stay in Star's Hollow, host another knit-out. Ling needs help with those twins! Taylor needs to annoy someone. Who will Luke serve coffee and pastries? Not that Lorelai ever eats those pastries because she's about as big as my thumb and you can't look like that and eat that way. What will become of the Dragonfly Inn? What in the world will Emily Gilmore do with her time? Maybe she'll come over and help me with my decorating and wardrobe and party planning. Richard wasn't looking so good on the last episode. He's eating comfort food, I am sure. I'll come and write for the show! There is still so much to say. But please, for the love of Lucy, do not let them come back for a reunion show or make a movie. That would just be wrong.

Wish me luck today. I have to go speak at a hearing of the Zoning Board in Fairfax today. Why do these people tend to make things so difficult? And I'm waiting on a very important letter. One that might make my ability to have Tuesday Adventures with Kim, lunches with the ladies and general flexibility in my work schedule to change. This is a good thing because it will also include loads of marketing that I adore, BENEFITS! and the need to get out of my pajamas on a daily basis.

Happy Knitting!

Clapping Right Along

Pattern: Clapotis from Knitty.

Needles, Notions & Accessories: US 8s, darning needle, lots of stitch markers

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb Glenwood Colorway, 4 skeins that have been marinating for almost 3 years in my stash.

Time: Not sure. I put it down for quite some time and just picked it back up to finish something so I can start something new!

Making It My Own: I did a couple of additional straight sections. I only used a bit of the 4th skein so it's not very different than the pattern.

Fun Factor: Yippee! I can start something else!

Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: I should not have so many projects on the needles. Too hard to focus and complete anything. Must try to focus.

I haven't been knitting much this week. I am re-doing one of the bathrooms. So far, so good. I'm in a lull while I wait for the paint to dry so I can put stuff on the walls, clean and put everything back in it's place.

I missed Dancing With The Stars last night and I hate sitting through the results show. Must go check out the website along with the Gilmore Girls. I hope there is a new episode tonight.

Happy Knitting!

A Couple of FO's

What do you call a Finished Object that you've finished three times? Sursa is now complete and I adore it.

Here is the first version where I used the same color of Silk Garden for the Ruffle. It was boring. I don't have a picture of the second ruffle. Be thankful it's really too early in the morning for such craziness. It was a bit too much. So far away from boring that it was over the top. The third ruffle is just right.

The second of seven pairs of socks for the Husband is complete. And I finished them just in time for him to wear on St. Patrick's Day.

Pattern: Wendy's Generic Toe Up with a Broken Rib pattern courtesy of Carol.

Needles, Notions & Accessories: US 2s, darning needle, waste yarn

Yarn: Spirit Trail Fiberworks Superwash Merino Sock Yarn that I purchased as MDS&W last year. Not a clue as to the color. 2 1/2 skeins (approx 500 yards.)

Time: Not sure but it hasn't been a year because of when I purchased the year.

Making It My Own: Again an  unusually long cuff. The Husband always wants Damn-Near-Knee socks Socks.

Fun Factor: Yippee! They are complete. Two done, five to go to complete 7 by our 7th anniversary. I am going to try to complete 1 pair a month.

Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: I will keep the foot of his socks un-patterened for comfort.

What must I do to get something hand knit?

I need to get my WIPs organized and listed. There are quite a few things that need to be focused on and completed and I need to get a handle on my startitis. Especially before I head to Mosaic again in a little over a week. But have you seen this one? Isn't it cute. It's Sunshine from the Rowan Kasbah Collection.

I could learn a new skill by knitting this one. I can only crochet edgings. What do you think solid or using the many colors shown?

Off to get stuff off the kitchen counters, put away stuff in the office and clear stuff out of the bedroom. How in the world does the stuff just pile up?

Happy Knitting!

Friday FO

Let's end it with the most FO's ever posted here at Got Gauge in one week. Here's my Transitions Cavendish. Bosco shows off his modeling skills. Watch out America's Top Model, the next great model is right here!

Pattern: Cavendish from Jane Ellison's Simply Noro

Needles, Notions & Accessories: US 11s, darning needle and a Kacha-Kacha.

Yarn: a bag of Noro Transitions in Color #2, a discontinued color that's been marinating in stash for 2 years.

Time: About a week. Very quick knit!

Making It My Own: The pattern calls for Silk Garden. I saw a Cavendish in process in Silk Garden and thought it was pretty. And than someone else came in and had one in Iro. Even more lovely! So I had to make one.

Fun Factor: Cavendish is an easy knit, nothing complicated at all! Use your Kacha Kacha to help keep the project an easy, social knit.

Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: I might cast on slightly fewer stitches when using a bulkier yarn in the future. It's a great pattern for subbing in yarns and I'm thinking it might be a great leftover yarn project!

This Cavendish is off to Utah as a wedding gift to our friends. I was wanting to knit them a blanket and simply couldn't decide. I think this one is very much gift-worthy.

Tune in next week for some yarn store antics, new projects, new friends, new shoes and a puppy-napping plan! Happy Knitting!

Another FO

My second FO of the week, can you believe it? When it snows, I finish! Bosco wanted to model the sweater. Take a look at the buttons. This cardigan was made for these buttons. I wanted something to show off the buttons and the black yarn does just that. I will pair the cardi with a soft t-shirt that picks up the color in the buttons. The Husband thinks I should use the buttons on a different sweater. And he's right. I plan to make a Maggi's Linen cardigan for the spring/summer and I'll use the buttons there too! Or maybe not, I'm not the best at sewing.

Pattern: Courtney was kind enough to enter the specs I sent in Sweater Wizard. I have my own copy and would have done it myself if it weren't for a dead PC. (BIG thanks Courtney!)
Yarn: Recycled from a Zippered Cardigan that didn't fit me and I didn't wear.
Needles, Notions & Accessories: US 10.5, 3 buttons and a darning needle.
Time: About a week
Making It My Own: The buttons, it was all about the buttons on this one.
Fun Factor: I had a good time taking a useless sweater and turning it into something I will actually wear.
Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: Nothing secret, nothing I wish I'd altered. At this point but I haven't worn the sweater a good deal.

Happy Knitting!

Snow & FO

On Sunday we had a bit of winter weather. Take a look at the back yard.

And here's Sophia just prior to her jail break.

Her battery died in her collar. She enjoyed her run through the woods. Thankfully she stayed in the woods and headed to the dog park where the kids were sledding. Bosco just wanted to come in where it was warm and dry.

In an effort to keep the Husband warm, I finished his damn-near-knee socks-socks.

Pattern: Wendy's Generic Toe Up

Needles, Notions & Accessories: US 1s, darning needle, waste yarn

Yarn: OnLine sock yarn, not sure the color number. I lost the label. It's been quite some time that I've been knitting on these damn-near-knee socks-socks.

Time: Over a year, I think. Obviously I was sidetracked quite a bit.

Making It My Own: Unusually long cuff. The Husband wanted Damn-Near-Knee socks Socks

Fun Factor: Yippee! They are complete.

Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: I should have finished them a long, long time ago.

I'm a happy camper. Chicken Salad, iced tea and the Gilmore Girls.

Happy Knitting!

 

Silk Lotorp Bag

More pictures in the 2007 Finished Items photo album.

Pattern: Lotorp Bag from Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton's Noro Revisited

Needles, Notions & Accessories: US 9s, darning needle, a frog, fabric for lining and a good tailor for sewing.

Time: I believe I started this project in August. The bag is a quick knit. It just took me this long to actually finish it.

Making It My Own: I used the remaining recycled silk from a wrap I made Granny quite some time ago. I think it was almost 2 skeins that I used. I added the frog and the lining.

Fun Factor: The bag turned out to be quite funky and cool! It's a quick knit if want it to be.

Project Secret/What I Should Have Done: I knit the strap much shorter than called for in the directions. This is my second Lortorp. The first is in Iro. I've seen this bag knit in a multitude of yarns. Perhaps it might be a fun one to knit with the Lizard Ridge leftovers?

This week I'm going to try very hard to concentrate on my Aunt's Panel Jacket. I really need to get that one finished. It's almost time for my spring Rip or Re-commit Ceremony. I'm already thinking of my spring and summer knits.

This Gladys from Elsebeth Lavold #11, The Sunny Side Collection. I want to knit the version with the regular, not the deep, v-neck.

And this one from Louisa Harding's new summer design collections. I have the yarn for this one from the sweater I ripped at the last Rip or Recommit Ceremony. It's Flotsam #5, orange.

Happy Knitting!