More to buy

Debbie Bliss now has her own knitting magazine. I saw it tonight when I ran into JoAnn Fabrics for Xmas decorating supplies. Published by the nice people who publish Vogue Knitting. As if I don't have enough magazines piling up with yet more projects to get to...

Frogging

Yeah, it was one of those experiences. I started a project for myself. I had about 30 rows done, had felt confident and toted it to work, but lost count. Frogged multiple times after deciding I wanted it bigger, and I didn't like my original cast on rows, etc. So after about 4 to 6 ripping sessions, I've now got about 40 rows done. I've started the buttonhole scarf (#37) from the Fall 2008 issue of Vogue Knitting. However, I've made some modifications. I don't really want an extra-wide scarf, and so I've slightly narrowed it. I have 4 rows of garter stitch, and I've got a 4 garter stitch repeat on each edge surrounding the basket weave buttonhole pattern. I'm using the Knit Picks Mainline yarn, which is 75% cotton/25% merino wool. Black, as it's for work. I like the blend, as it will be warm without being itchy wrapped around my frozen neck. It tends to get down to the low 30's/high 20's winter nights out there. Not looking forward to it, but it gives me incentive to knit faster I suppose.

Seeing Tara's dilemma with Xmas knitting, I totally understand. I want to get one more quick project knocked out for gifting, but have determined I'll have to start really early if I want to get more handmade projects done in time for Holiday 2009...

More for the stash

I finally got my Knit Picks box today. The yarn and Guy Knits book arrived to my delight. Pics posted on my Ravelry stash page, here. I started working on a sweater that's been hibernating for close to 2 years now. It will be a good Yule present. Forgot that the back is already done. I've got maybe two inches to go before I can start shaping the front neckline, then all I need are the sleeves and the hood. If I stay this sick, I could probably get it done soon as I can't do much of anything other than sit...

Practice

Nature has forced me to slow down - I'm sick again. However, sitting in one position is quite good for knitting, so I've remembered how to make nice, even cables and got to practice a lace pattern that I'm wanting to try out on my next KnitPicks shipment.

Also came up with an idea for a knitting needle holder. I'll have to play with my fabric stash and decide if I want it padded or not. It's not exactly revolutionary; I just want one in fabrics I like rather than something ready made that isn't made of very nice materials. Who knows - might be a craft fair item in the future.

Progress?

Finally picked up some needles again after what seems like a long, long time. I frogged the orange scarf from the Sunrise/Sunset KAL at Immy, and have restarted it as a drop stitch scarf. I'm using #15 needles, 7 stitches, two rows of garter stitch and one row of dropped stitch. I've alternated between two wraps and three wraps. It's been working up quickly between trick or treaters - I've got over three feet knit already. I think that this is going to be part of my Xmas present stash.

I ordered the Wine Country colored Lace Sampler, along with a wool/cotton blend for a work scarf from Knit Picks. Fingers crossed rl doesn't interfere with my output again...

Not knitting...

While running errands, I was able to find a couple of yummy fabrics to get the projects started for our Jane Austen evening outfits. I found a beautiful white shirting cotton with a tiny diamond pattern woven in for John's shirt that will be the bottom layer of his dragoon/formal evening ensemble. I found a beautiful pink fabric that has a striped lattice pattern woven in white for my Regency dress. I'm going to flatline it in white muslin. Will post photos when I have a spare moment to actually take them. More than ever, I feel the need to be doing something, and truth be told, I haven't lifted my needles for a couple of weeks, despite having the intent to do so. I want to find a white denim or other white twill for an 1820's corset. I'll be doing some modifications to make it Regency proper, but I just feel the need for the proper underpinnings for this dress. It's the long-sleeved Sense and Sensibility drawstring dress. I'd been planning on a turkey red or indigo; however, considering how r/l demands have been changing, I want a dress in a pale enough color that I could use it as a ball dress in a pinch.

eep...the finished watch cap, in case anyone was interested ;p

Done

The watchcap is complete. I finished it up while doing laundry. Nothing to it, and I think I will use a bulky, rather than a super bulky weight, yarn when I make multiples for Xmas presents. I think I put maybe six hours total into it. This time around I used circular needles; I can't find my #13 straights. Not sure where they are - although I have a feeling they may be with my art supplies. I seem to remember wanting to use one of them to poke a tube of paint or texture or something.

Once I get my checkbook balanced, I'm going to order the wine colors set of KnitPicks lace sampler. I really love the hand. I'm also going to compare prices on bulky yarns - I got a Lion catalog in the mail, but I honestly don't like so much synthetic content. It you're going to go to all the trouble to make something by hand, shouldn't it be good stuff?

Which is why I feel somewhat guilty about the squares I'm making for the RMBR project, but I had the yarn in my stash, so I didn't want it to go to waste.