Last FO of 2007

Horrible picture, which pretty much sums up the project. They look nice in person actually, but don't fit at all. The yarn made a rather thick fabric which has no stretch to it, so they won't go over the foot. Sigh. But, MIL claims she loves them anyways. She is too kind.

Pattern: Uptown Boot Socks from Favorite Socks
Yarn: RYC Cashsoft fingering weight

What I did on my Christmas vacation

Moving into a new home takes so much longer than I ever expected. I was full of ideas and thought I had it all figured out. I had swatches and paint chips and big dreams. Then unpacking while working and getting ready for the holidays hit. And the house came to a standstill.

But, my mother arrived on Christmas day with some huge gifts... first she was there to spend Christmas with us, and then she made me drapes! I had bought some of this gorgeous but rather loud fabric to use as an accent but she picked up 5 more yards and went to work. She convinced me that this large wall in a very plain tan could handle the loud print and she was right. It may be overwhelming in this picture, but the room is large and has a lot of plain items - plain green couch, plain tan walls, plain brown and eggplant accents, and these take all of the colors and just pop. Thanks again, Mom.

So, motivated by the gorgeous curtains being sewn up in the guest room, I painted the dining room yesterday. Luckily the wainscoting is already two colors of beige that go very well with the russet color that I am so in love with right now. She's planning on making some more drapes but I kind of like these brown ones from an old apartment and I may make some patterned roman shades to go behind them. Thoughts?

Of course having the room all done and pretty just reminds me how pitifully small our dining room table is, but a new set will have to wait for a while. Eventually I'll have a set with better scale.

One room down!

8 to go!

Our living room is mostly complete. Complete enough that I will settle down and enjoy it. Mom is coming for Christmas and we will make some brightly colored drapes to add some more color and life to the room.

Not too shabby for a snowy day stuck inside. I cannot even begin to express how much I love this fireplace.


Now to the next item on the huge list. Enlarge photos for those frames and get the dining room painted.

Duke

Duke
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Can you believe someone abandoned this adorable puppy? We received an email from Liz, the owner of Canine to Five, the daycare Annie goes to a few times a month. Apparently someone threw him over the fence and left him.

So, we have a new family member. He's adorable and fits in really well. He thinks the cats are rather interesting and is even housebroken and crate trained! Who would give up a dog that sweet?

Please ignore the mess behind him. The whole house is absolute chaos because the big move is next weekend!

We get our house today!

Foyer & Front door
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

DH picks up the keys at 1! I am pee in my pants excited. This last month of waiting after closing has been horrible. It's quite frustrating to be so excited to be a first time homeowner and have to wait to even see it again.

We will paint this weekend and move in on the 8th! Hooray!

Fireplace
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

My first Socks!

Jim's socks
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Shhhh.... don't tell FIL, but my first socks are his Christmas gift. I've been assured by my husband and MIL that he won't notice all of the mistakes. Let's hope so.

After reading a lot about toe up socks using Silver's Sock Class and Queen Kahuna's Crazy toes and heels, I cast on for these. I should have paid a bit more attention to Queen Kahuna's instructions because these are a bit narrow and long. Hopefully it evens out when on his foot. They are just a smidge too small for my H, with his gargantuan feet, and FIL's feet are a bit smaller.

Pattern: Mostly Queen Kahuna with a 2x2 rib on the top and cuff.

Yarn: Knitpicks Essential in Navy, less than 2 skiens

Needles: 3.00 mm knitpicks options

Modeled on borrowed blockers generously lent by City Knits - the best yarn store in Detroit. The ladies there are incredibly friendly and sweet.

You would think I had children...

...given the large number of baby items I've produced this year. It's just a reminder that all of my friends are happily having children while I sit around wondering why I just don't feel the urge. Maybe once we are settled into the new house and I feel more secure I'll get the urge again. Until then I can satisfy my need for cute, quick FO's with baby gifts for friends.

This was a request for another EZ February baby sweater... my third this year. Jenny's sister is having a little girl and Jenny, who has attempted to knit but wasn't bitten by the bug, wanted to give her something special. So, since I was already knee deep in Christmas gifts, this is Jenny's "gift"... at least until after Christmas.

I changed the sweater up a bit this time. I used the same yarn from my first one, but since I have discovered the magic of blocking I used that and a bit larger needle so it would end up a bit bigger. I'm sure EZ won't mind if I didn't get gauge since babies come in all sizes, right?

Pattern: Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Sweater on Two Needles Practically Seamless
Needles: Size 6 Knitpicks options
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Silk in Dusty Rose

Go Sox!

I love you Papelbon!

Dinah is very loving lately

cats love dogs.JPG
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

I attempted to enjoy the amazing weather we are having and knit outside for a bit, but Dinah, my cat, cried at the door. Apparently having me be a few feet away was just too much for her.

So I went inside and she loved on me and the knitting for a bit, and then moved on to Annie. Please ignore the mess in the background - I had towels out on the table to paint my nails earlier and haven't gotten around to picking it up.

Sigh...

Entrelac Scarf in 4 skiens of Patons SWS. Size 8 needles to make a denser fabric. Now if only fall would really get here so I can enjoy this beauty!

Pattern: Lady Elanor from Scarf Style, but with only 4 base triangles. At this point I have it memorized, with the exception of the last row, which I just made up as I went along since I was on a train without the book. Whoops.

Yarn: Patons SWS in Earth

Needles: Knitpicks options size 8

Awwwwwww

Sharing our Meal
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Hermione loves dog food so much, Annie lets her have some.

One year ago today

Thank you, J, for making my life better. Happy first anniversary.

And just to keep the day huge, we signed the purchase agreement for our first house today. Detroit here we come!!!

Child's Placket in Action

Isn't he the cutest little man ever? I hate being halfway across the country from my honorary nephew, but pictures help. I'm glad you like it Sara! <3

Suck it Yankees fans

Not only will we be kicking your ass in the playoffs, we'll be dancing better after we win.

Horrible pictures, warm sweater

My office is rather cold and now that I live where I can enjoy fall I decided I need a chunky sweater that can be thrown over anything. I had planned to make the hedgerow coat, but I don't have enough time with all the Christmas gifts looming, so I took the Lion Wool-ease meant for Hedgerow and held two strands together for Lion Brand's Autumn Afternoons cardigan.

I didn't like the curling associated with all over stockinette called for in the pattern, so I added 4 rows of seed stitch at the bottom edge, and then made the shawl collar seed stitch as well. I'm also making the back and sides at one time until the armholes, which I have just reached. Now I will go back and forth and leave on the needles to do a 3 needle bind off for the shoulders, I think.

That will work, right?

Woot! Christmas comes early

I present to you Christmas Present #1




and #2...

Both are gifts for my college roommate and dear friend, Sara. The sweater is for her son and I hope it fits... or is a smidge big.

We're infamous ladies...

From Wikipedia...

Since his death Jonathan Brandis has become a cult icon. His fans, eager to spread the word, bombarded online message boards with the news of his death. One such online message board, known to it's members as The Fuge, was overwhelemed with the news of his death so much that going forth any news item posted numerous times became known as "JB" for Jonathan Brandis.


Oh yeah, baby. I'm on "The Fuge". And sorry, you can't join because I probably talk about you there.

Tubing is hard

Tubular cast ons are at least. Holy wah.

I have pictures but they are of gifts. As soon as the package is opened (which will be soon because I am sending them early so they get used all fall) I will be able to show why my ass has been on the couch knitting a lot for the last few weeks.

Go Blue!

Jared in his U of M Scarf
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

I managed to finish J's scarf in time for him to not wear it to the game out in the hot sun, but we snapped some pictures anyway.

And yes, despite the whuppin we took this weekend... GO BLUE!

Pattern: Based on Harry Potter patterns I had read but at the time I cast on I just guessed.

Yarn: Blue: Plymouth Encore Worsted color 828, Yellow: Cascade 220 Superwash
color 820

Needle: Knitpicks options Size 7

Rest in Peace, Tallulah Belle

Tallulah Belle
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

We lost our beloved eldest cat, Tallulah, on Thursday after a very brief and unexplained illness. This weekend we drove to Western Michigan to bury her on the family farm with other pets from my husband's childhood.

Tallulah truly chose to live with my dog Annie and I, at a time when my life was very stressful and I needed a lot of love to get me through. She and Annie met in the lobby of our vet and they touched each other gently through the cage. I adopted her on the spot, and just a few short hours later I met my now husband. She was playful and mischievous and could hold a grudge like nobody's business. She most definitely adopted DH and would shove her way onto his lap the second he sat still.

We miss you dearly, Tallulah. Please know that although your time with us was short you will be loved and remembered forever.

Awww yeah baby

Apparently Joan thinks I rock. I have fooled her into thinking I am spontaneous. If only she knew what anal retentive list maker I really was. My dear, I have already picked out the color for my craft room/office in my not yet purchased new house.

At any rate, I nominate:

1. Missy. I met her through her sister and adored her right away. She kicks serious ass. Not only is she very creative with scrapbooking and knitting, she's recently won a huge award for being a kick ass producer.
   
2. Jackie. She moved and completely uprooted her life to study the coolest major ever. Plus she has made being in Michigan very nice.
3. Alice. Dirty mind. Enough said. Not so much dirty on the blog, but I know the truth.
4. Fickleknitter. Her shawls are stunning and she is one hot babymomma.
5. A friend to knit with seems more like a rocking lady blogger because she is so ladylike and the things she makes are so darn pretty.
   

I would have liked to nominate Michele because she lives in JP and kicks serious ass, but she has already been nominated. I'd also love to have been able to nominate Tiennie because she has FINISHED THE COBBLESTONE PULLOVER ALREADY! You make EZ and Jared proud.

Yes, even more FOs

I feel like I have done absolutely no blogging lately or reading of blogs and it leaves me so disconnected. We have been so busy - first unpacking, then house hunting - that I am left avoiding the computer since I sit on one all day at work. I hope everyone I got so used to checking in on is doing well.

But, I have been knitting, mostly while watching Tigers games with the other half. He's thrilled to have access to Michigan sports again. For his birthday we will be going to the U of M home opener. So his scarf will need to be finished in time.

I've also started absolutely panicking about Christmas gifts. I have 8 to make this year and they are of course a LOT more complicated then the garter scarves and felted items of last year. I won't be blogging about them but for those of you on Ravelry they will be posted. I am so thrilled with the one that is finished already. It will be hard to give away.

So here are too ill-lit photos of recently finished items. I need to take a weekend to build a light box, because these photos are just horrible.

Pattern: Olive You from Itty Bitty hats
Yarn: all from the stash!
Patons aran for the white
Green and Red Elann Peruvian highland wool
Needles: Size 7

Next is the Fetching, finally rescued from the UFO pile. This means I now have only one item on my needles. ONE! A whole bunch planned and yarn on it's way, but only one to work on.
Pattern: Fetching from Knitty
Yarn: Kashmir Aran from Louisa Harding
Needles: Size 6

It's Wicked finished

You might think that now that Wicked is finished (and has even been worn to work - hence the wrinkles) that I might stop using Wicked as a modifier. Um, no. I'm from New Hampshire and a child of the 80s. In other words, wicked lame. Stoppin at the packies before I head to have some beeahs with Sully kinda lame.

So without further ado... my wicked big for me Wicked cardigan.

And a close up of the fabulous buttons I found at my new LYS (which is also fab) City Knits in Detroit.

Football hat

Football hat
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Quick little baby knit for the Squiffer's bambino.
No time to tell you much more since we are going house hunting today!!! WOOT! Suburbia here we come.

Pattern: Football from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn : GGH Samoa in light blue and tope, some acrylic white from the stash
Needles: Knitpicks options size 7

Chevron

Chevron
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Well, I finally gave up on the Chevron and just bound off. I think it was the color combination that was boring me. It looks great - since it was just one color of Artyarns it ended up looking like an impressionist painting, instead of having the variety that other Chevron's have had.

Pattern: Chevron Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Artyarns Ultramerino 4 in 105

Baby K is not impressed

Pumpkin hat
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Look at that face! Simply not impressed with the pumpkin hat. But, her mom and dad were and that's what counts.

Pattern: Pumpkin Hat from Itty Bitty Baby Hats
Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK in Clementine

Holy Shiznit

Look what I did last night...































The photos aren't of the best quality but I was darn excited to get steeking and barely stopped to document it. I was even able to start the garter stitch button bands last night. I have to admit, I read EZ this week for fortitude.

More soon.

Wicked ready for sleeves

Wicked ready for sleeves
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Well, the apartment is mostly unpacked, the new job has been started and I am finally getting around to posting the progress I made on Wicked - the Cardigan on the drive up. I attempted to pick up an extra size 7 circular last night so I could make the sleeves on two needles but didn't make it to the knitting store in time... so I've been working on Christmas gift #1 instead.

I miss blogging and I miss even more reading blogs. I feel quite disconnected. But, internet access at work is highly limited and monitored so it will just be limited time at home to catch up from being gone so long.

Moving day is almost here!

I cannot wait to get all of those boxes emptied and feel as though my world is in order again. The entire house is a messy maze of boxes and random items waiting to be packed. And of course we move to Michigan planning to move again (into a house we will own!) in 6 months or so. I just have to remember all of this chaos is worth it.

Despite the packing, Wicked is still moving along as it is the only item not boxed up. Just an inch or so more and I start the bottom ribbing. Then the sleeves will be started. I'm not too impressed with how the yarn looks over large areas of stockinette - it looks almost uneven in random spots and I know my tension is very even. I hope blocking will help.

Oops, some knitting happened.

Ok, so I am supposed to be packing. But a co-worker is having a baby girl and that is another excuse to make up Elizabeth Zimmermann's February Baby Sweater. It went much faster this time as I have learned to recognize actual stitches apparently. I topped it off with some bunny buttons that look cute but are kind of a bitch to close. Whoops.

Pattern: EZ's Baby sweater on 2 needles from Knitter's Almanac
Yarn: Caron's Simply Soft (practical but not fun)
Needles: Knitpicks options Size 6
Time to complete: about 1 week

Frozen North, here we come!

I got a job! I was offered a long term contract position in Detroit today! I actually still have an interview next week in Detroit, so I haven't excepted but it sounds like a great position that will be a welcome challenge to my skills.

I don't even know what to say except that I will be packing my knitting up for a few weeks and getting boxes packed because I'll be in Michigan by the 4th of July!!!

In the meantime, Wicked has made it down to the armpits. And it languishes on scrap yarn, where it will sit for a while. But, it's looking good and I'll be happy to get back to it soon.

Decisions

I think I have finally admitted to myself that as beautiful as Lady E will be, it is just not my style to wear a large shawl like that. So, she will be made into an oversized scarf instead, probably 2 of them, one will be a Christmas gift.

Sigh.

I must, I must

I must increase my bust. Remember that Punky Brewster episode? Margo convinced Cherry and Punky that cheese puffs help increase bust size because they are full of air. Man I loved that show. I think my sister really wanted to be Punky. It definitely inspired some fashion disasters in my childhood of which I am not proud. (Purple fake converse high tops anyone?)

Anyways, I must, I must, I mush finish up some WIPs! I've been stressing about next Christmas for months now. I am a ridiculous planner and if I need time to chill I will make lists about the future. Basically I've had Jenny's Christmas gift planned since February, but of course no yarn purchased or knitting done. And then my H has no knitted items so he deserves one. Renae, Sara, MIL,& FIL are all the types to appreciate knitted gifts. I think SIL likes them, so I'll try to work in something for the kids. Aaack! How am I supposed to knit all that?

So to do this I am going to work on one item exclusively on my WIP list until it is done. Then I will work on one secret item and one bloggable item. H doesn't read this and he sits next to me while I knit, so I can show off his. MIL reads, but she can be trusted not to tell anyone else in the family so I only have to keep hers a secret. And of course, I have more mommies to be to knit for, so it is a good thing that I recently acquired Itty-Bitty Hats. What an adorable book!

As far as knitting progress goes, before my one item only resolution I managed to get Wicked down to the underarms and put it all on waste yarn. I tried it on and it is fabulous, and a bit sexy even. Small, not puffy cables are fantastic on the chest, ladies. But, Chevron is the closest to being finished and thus it gets worked on first.

Pictures soon.

The ugliest baked item in the world

The ugliest baked item in the world
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Ta da!!!

This is the crapola created for me by the Publix bakery. Hey stupid girl in the bakery - you suck!!!!!!!

This is not the lovely baby shower pull-a-part that I ordered.

Rrrrrrrrip!

Wicked progress
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

I think I will name several posts this. I tend to rip a lot. Last night I pulled out the Lady E for some long deserved attention. I could have sworn I was making it with size 9s. But the first rectangle looked too tight compared to the prior work. So I switched to 10s. Closer but, well, I'm just a better darn knitter than I was several months ago apparently.

So while on the phone with Sara in one of our marathon phone sessions, I ripped that entire puppy out. The whole thing. And I'm starting over with Size 9s for a denser neater fabric. I got a whopping 3 triangles done before I fell asleep!

In other news, my modified/copied Wicked (based on this lovely mod by Flint Knits) is moving along. I have added the same panels of cables down the front that she made, but because I am a glutton for punishment and I knit so much better in the round I have added 5 stitches and made a panel of 7 ready for steeking. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I said steeking. I, a mere novice knitter, will send up a prayer to EZ, gaze at the instructions of Eunny, and fortify myself with a shot of whiskey and of Brooklyntweed and cut my knitting.

Oh la la!

Oh la la!
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

I did it! I made a sweater and it is wearable! Despite it totally not looking great with black pants, I wore it in to work today after creating a complete mess looking for the perfect bottom to wear with it. I was just that excited to wear it. But seriously it looks like my closet threw up all over my room and I still had nothing to show for it. But then I put on some jeans and forced the DH to take dorky pictures of me outside. So, here is me with my knitting bag that is full on old lady sized, and our vain attempt to recreate the Knit and Tonic picture. Yes, the dog is on the wrong size but you try getting my Annie May to sit. I love her, but she is not the brightest dog ever, let me tell you.

Pattern: Flair by Knit & Tonic
Yarn: Blue Sky Organic Dyed Cotton in Toffee
Needles: Knit Picks options Size 8 US
Mods: Added 2 inches to length, still a bit short

Flair is so freaking close

I almost have my first sweater!!! You would not believe the difference that putting that collar on (last step) makes for the whole sweater. It looks so much better.

I am going to block it to try to give it just a smidge more length. I am convinced the pattern is wrong... it says that I should knit 7 inches from the underarm to the seed stitch border (1.5 inches). But then the garment from neck to bottom should be 18.5 inches. My ass. Mine is barely that and I added 2 inches on (so I did 9 inches from underarm to border). I still have plenty of yarn left over (a whole skein plus some!) so if anyone makes this go ahead and make it as long as you need without fear.

Photos soon. I have informed DH of the importance of doing a complete photo shoot for the purpose of my knitting blog. He is not convinced.

Goodbye, my friends

Yes, I cried like a baby. Yes, I snotted all over the place. Huge blubbering tears and tons of tissue. And although I will miss them, that was quite possibly the best series finale ever.

On the edge

Flair with collar started
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

Well, the collar edge that is. I can see the finish line. I've picked up the stitches for the collar and made it in 3 rows. Now we just hope that blocking makes me like the way this looks on me.

Baby Bunny Hats

Bunny hats
Originally uploaded by kbelle.

So many friends are having babies this year that as much as I would like to make up cute 3 piece sets, I just can't. So instead they get hats. Here are 2 bunny hats for two different mommies.

Pattern: Baby Bunny Beanie
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Needles: Knitpicks Size 9

Oh woe is me

I am grumpy. Take a huge heaping helping of work stress, add in a bitchy coworker, and then sprinkle in some lovely smokesmog and you have one grumpy Kate. I have been working quite hard at work, getting lovely reviews and then one person has to go and ruin my week. To counteract this I attempted to blog about the cuteness I created last weekend, but no. The batteries on the camera have died and I am photo-less. You will have to take my word that bunny baby hats are adorable.

Shameless Plugging

I have to give a well-deserved plug to Sarah's Yarns. I am a new customer and bought some yarn on sale a few weeks ago for the Chevron. Well, I realized I am dumb and needed 4 skeins. She has stopped selling Artyarns but to help me out sent, free of charge, a good 3/4 of a skein that she had used to make color cards. It is more than enough for me to make the scarf. Free shipping as well. Plus, she is incredibly prompt with her service and shipping. It was so nice to have personalized service during online shopping.

She also offers try before you buy services - allowing a knitter to make a swatch before purchasing! My LYS won't do that!

I will definitely shop with Sarah again. Thanks a lot!

Sleeves are slow

Sooooo slow. When will the cotton work be done?!?! My fingers hurt.

Flair and Chevron progress

I traveled to Detroit and other parts of Michigan this weekend, so I managed to get in some airplane knitting time. Brought along the Chevron scarf, which I ripped out completely and started again at the gate alternating two skeins of the same color to help avoid pooling. As you can see, pooling is still happening, but I like it quite a bit anyways.

Flair sat at home, but I haven't posted an updated photo, so here is one. Now that I am home, I'm going to finish up the sleeves and the collar, then block and pray the length is long enough.

Too short? Just right?

So I am working away on Flair. I have bound off the bottom and started the sleeves. I tried it on... and it's too short. Or is it? I added an extra 2 inches onto it before starting the moss stitch border, and the husband still claims it looks dumb. But, the work-friends, who had me try it on today, all claim that it is just right. I will finish it up, block it a bit, and then post pictures here for my 2 whole readers to decide.

And, I'm a bandwagon jumper, so I've started on the chevron scarf. Mine is a very muted colorway and I am not switching between 2 yarns, so it is quite different than the ones posted on Flickr. I might buy one more skien and switch yarns to help it out, but I can't decide. Ehh.

Porn

http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/

Sigh.

Oops

So I was early morning browsing on Craftster, and someone mentioned that Sarah's Yarns is having a sale on Artyarns Supermerino and whoops! 3 skiens fell into my cart. But I can't help it. I need a scarf for me for the move to the frozen north and I really want to do either a chevron, or a so called scarf, or a shifting sands. I'll probably swatch all 3. Plus, look at this colorway... gorgeous.

I'm also making a bunch of progress on Flair. Yesterday morning I was able to put it all on waste yarn (hence the white yarn all over the place in the picture) and try it on. It fits! Yippee! I knit a bunch during the day and I'm now a good 2 inches below the armpits. I think the button holes are too close but I am just going with it. Hopefully I will have this finished in time to take it to Detroit with me in 2 weeks. Yes, DH has convinced me to go with him on his trip to Detroit, so I am going to spend another weekend in the cold.