Still excited

I got to dye with Tina today! OMG! And woohoo! I'll have to link to another Sock Camper who's got good pics of their lesson with Tina yesterday as I was too busy to think of pulling out my dinky little camera. So I'll show other Camp stuff.


The view from my room. So nautical!


Double eagle! Literally. On the totem pole no less. And then we saw the male later on again, but on a schooner mast.


So. New colors I acquired (all lightweight as is my wont):
Pond Bubbles, Sunkissed Sand, Claw, Beached, and Plankton Ooze


Beached again, this time in LSS and the lightweight.

Oh, and the LSS in Pond Bubbles & Sunkissed Sand at the Camp store were also equally lovely and hopefully other Sock Campers will post theirs sometime soon to share. Seriously lovely stuff.

And that's it for now!

In that over tired over exhausted zone

At Icon in Seattle with my fellow Sock Campers the night before we headed to Sock Camp. Yum!


A Rare Gem bought on the first night of Sock Camp.


Wound up for Cat Bordhi's class tomorrow. (Whoops! Technically it's today!) Such a genius!


And my Rogue Roses sock got started, but not during Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's class 'cause we had so much to learn!


More soon I hope, especially the new colors, but I'm hoping my Sock Camp buddies with their better cameras post them first. Hee! Just think of Crabby McHappypants, Claws, Scum Bubbles, Sunkissed Sand, Beached(!), Plankton Ooze and more!

Sunsets are always a color study

Because, to state the obvious, light is the foundation of color.

I love these particular photos of our Maui vacation cause they're not filled with bright colors, especially in the fall/winter.


Love the muted and grayed out colors.


Apparently I have a thing for taking pics of only the quieter, less colorful sunsets based on this one here, though the intent was to capture the funky cloud formations rather than the sky colors.


So until Sock Camp, all I've been doing while dealing with home and work life is finishing the last limb on Monkey1's Knitted Babe, working on my Hederas and starting another scarf in a semi-mindless pattern. The only fiddly bit about this Gathered Scarf is switching needle sizes between the garter & St st portions.


It's in my favorite color no less. In yummy delicious Handmaiden Casbah. I think the colorway is Ocean.

'Til after camp, happy knitting!

About that Sock Camp homework...

I feel like Monkey1 'cause instead of working on my Camp Knitty HaHa homework, I was doing other stuff for awhile.

Doesn't look like much yet, but Monkey1 has plans for this Knitted Babe. Oh, and the dress. Not for the babe. Monkey2 is actually getting a dress for her Zoe. Which is a good thing 'cause I didn't check gauge for the dress and I can tell it'll be too narrow as well as too short. The length was expected though as there is evidence in KAL blogland that this pattern as written makes for a short dress.


While we were gone on vacation, I didn't realize our 3rd Wollmeise sock club kit was coming in the mail. And rather coincidently, the 2 colors in the kit play into Tina's color study homework assignment for Camp.


So first off, Occident in one of my favorite wavelengths of the rainbow, the blue family. Love it. My love for blue may or may not surpass Monkey2's or Irishgirlie's, but it's up there.


And on the opposite side of the color wheel, Orient in the color wheel segment that not just makes me "uncomfortable" but rather conflicted.


Orange at work stands for safety, especially paired w/fluorescent yellow & white striping on our vests. Because, as we know, you gotta make sure the travelling public sees you on the side of the highway as they buzz past you at 80 mph with nothing between you and them 'cept maybe (if you're lucky) some k-rail (aka temporary concrete barriers).

And for some reason my aunts would always send or bring me orange clothes from our home country. Mom would get the most awesome gorgeous tropical blues, purples & pinks and me? Orange. I could never understand why as I don't remember professing any love for orange whatsoever. Sure, I love a good coral, orange, or peach blush or lipgloss, but in clothing? :/

I will admit that in grade school I did often wear an orange "I heart Hawaii" t-shirt. (Anyone remember those trendy I-heart-inserthomestatehere shirts?) But it was all about professing my love for my state and the super comfy loose fit. It was so not about the color. And I sorta inexplicably paired it w/sky blue cotton gauze pants. At least they weren't purple 'cause the long-standing joke about the "unofficial" national colors of my homeland according to 1 or 2 local comedians are orange paired with purple. So I had been conditioned at an early age that orange & purple was a bit of a stereotypical pairing, not matter how well it could look.

So there you have it - my feelings on why orange is one of my "uncomfortable" colors. Yellow is the other one, but it's easy to see when it's a color that can easily make one look jaundiced.

Oh, and yeah. The crabby homework is done. Wonky as heck. But it's done.


Note to self - it's never a wise idea to start sewing multiple appendages at 11 pm at night.

D-land knitting

Yeah, I didn't do very much as I didn't bring any back up wood or bamboo needles. I broke my needles shoving them hastily into my purse before some random ride, maybe Autotopia on the 2nd or 3rd day. Not sure as all that waiting in line for various rides/autographing sessions and night shows (Fantasmic, fireworks) always blend together into one giant hazy memory. But that STR in Pixie Park sure is cute.


Other random thoughts about D-land/California Adventures vacationing:

- California Screamin' is aptly named. I loved it for the primal scream therapy. Monkey1, not so much. Apparently I've reinforced what little dispostion she's inherited from DH in the lack of love for fast roller coaster rides category. I need to wait 'til Monkey2 is much older & taller to see if she's inherited my love of roller coaster rides.

- My feet hurt. My feet hurt just thinking about our vacation.

- The gas pedals (or are they diesel?) on the Autopia cars are still stiff, so didn't help the feet issue. I realize why they design them that way, but sheesh! You would think after all these years, they'd design a better way to keep the acceleration rate low.

- There were more people at the parks than we had expected in this downturned economy, but there also seemed to be an unhappy or frantic vibe from everyone - as if everyone had paid for & planned this vacation awhile back and it's too late to back out.

- DH said he could literally see how the economy has affected Disney as it's not as pristinely clean as he once remembered it. Plus, at least 1 ride a day broke down on us while we waited in line for that particular ride. They were all back up and running within some minutes after, but neither or us remembered that ever happening the few times we've gone before throughout our lives.

- The weather sucked. It was cloudy and as cool as up here in Nor Cal. Blech. On the plus side, my wool beret, fingerless gloves, and occasionally, my scarf came in really, really handy at night.

- In the end, it was worth it 'cause Monkey2 had the best birthday vacation.

On the WIP slow boat

It's going to be a busy month for me with family events and special knitting for others so my WIP's will be progressing rather slowly.


As part of the Makin' Cookie's Ravelry group KAL, I'm finally working on Cookie's Hedera socks in Fleece Artist merino (I have no idea which version but it's the skinnier one) in Lily Pond.

I did goof up the gusset decreases 'cause I thought I wouldn't need to decrease all the way down to 60 stitches so I didn't move the first & last held instep stitches to the gusset/sole. It turned out I was a little too loose at 62 & so added the last set of decreases in. The only drawback to that is that I don't have the pretty gusset decreases like in the pattern. Sometimes I need to learn to trust in the designer, especially Cookie.


My second chart repeat on my Digitessa sock went a lot faster than the first once I got the hang of Yarnissima's notation & logic. It's on hold 'til I have some time to devote to knitting off 3 charts (2 gussets & the instep).


And I finally got around to finishing chart 6 of my Mystery Stole 4. The yarn for the second half is wound and once I mentally prep for that first bead row where you place them practically every other stitch, I should be ready to cast on for the second half.


The only thing that isn't on the slow boat is the beret I cast on at the Stitches West after party at Purlescence. I did have to cast on twice as I was trying another tubular cast on method, this time in the round. Too much laughter is detrimental to doing it correctly the first time round.

Star-Crossed Slouchy Beret (Rav link)
Dream in Color Classy in Black Pearl - only 1/2 skein
size 9 & 11 KP circs
this tubular cast on in the round 'cept corrected by her commentary
other mod: lengthened the ribbed cuff to 2"

A few FO's

While my friends here and there were getting ready for Stitches West, I finished a few things.


Noro striped Scarf
Silk Garden in #244 & 268
size 8 KP nickel-plated circs
Tubular cast on and bind off w/kitchener stitch - these methods rock!


Maine Morning Mitts
Silk Garden in #244 & 268 left over from the striped scarf
KP size 8 nickel-plated circs

The second mitt came out a little shorter due to the thick/thin nature of the yarn, so if they don't even out after a wash & will re-knit an extra row onto the second mitt.


Fetchings
Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Wine leftover from my Twist cardigan
size 6 KP nickel-plated circs
mods:
Added 6 more rnds to hand before thumbhole
Added 4 more rnds after thumbhole
Added 3 more rnds to thumb
No picot bind off, just a normal one


February Lady Sweater - medium
Miss Babs Worsted in Pookie - 2 yowza-sized skeins
mods:
kfb instead of M1's for the raglan increases just for fun
slipped the edge stitches wyib for the garter bump
Nancie Wiseman's modified one row buttonhole from her The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques

Modelled pic later after I finish showing the sweater to Woolgirl Jen & Ms Babs at Stitches West later today.

Giving sock knitting a little rest

The sock knitting mojo is on a wee mental break. That and I simply cannot motivate myself to work on my Digitessa sock for more than 1 row at a time. Even after I color-coded all the travelling stitches on the chart.


I've joined the lemming masses and am now a proud owner of the infamously popular Noro Striped Scarf (colorways 244 & 268).

The FO photo will have to wait 'til the scarf finishes drying after its soak (w/Soak!) & hair-conditionered rinse (a little Noro trick I learned on the old yahoo Clapotis group).


My other lemming knit, the Lady February Sweater, is cruising along. I'm using Miss Babs superwash worsted (yowza skein size) in Pookie, but they way it's knitting up, I'm mentally referring it to my tropical camo cardie. It's much more variegated and green than I expected it to be when I ordered it. I'm sure the gull lace section will look better than its current scrambled state once blocked. However, if I do this easy pattern again (provided I just didn't jinx myself right there), I would go for a bit more semi-solid colorway.


And just to keep myself from buying/ordering more yarn 'til Stitches West (Eeek, next week already!) and Sock Camp, I went "shopping" in my stash and decided to use the UEU (Use Everything Up) concept from my makeup group. I pulled the remaining 1 + maybe 1/2 skein of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran leftover from my Twist cardigan and cast on for another pair of Fetchings for myself.

I had considered making fingerless mitts w/a cable pattern matching the Twist, but I wasn't sure I would have enough and decided to play it safe. Besides Fetchings are a fast knit.

Excused from dusting

Nothing like having a cold as an excuse to forego household chores and lay in bed & knit. At least I got the laundry done this weekend.


Yarn4Socks kit from coughfall2007cough
Merlot Vine Sock by Anne Hanson
Twisted Fiber Art Arial ombre self-striping yarn
size 2.50 mm KP circs
mod: Judy's Magic Cast on for the toe

I actually finished this after the weekend 'cause I left the second sock at work. I love this relatively easy pattern, speaking as a lover of lace knitting (or knitting lace). I have half the skein (50 g)of yarn leftover. Plenty for a pair of fingerless mitts later. I won't do the matching lace pattern though as it biases.


Brioche Hat from Weekend Knitting
Crystal Palace Merino 5 Solid in Deep Forest & Chamois - 1 skein each
size 8 & 10 Boyes interchangeable needle set

Thankfully finished before the Superbowl game since it was actually a rather exciting one to watch, especially from a neutral party perspective. My DH is happy and appreciative of this hat, especially with the little hunting I had to do to find the right combination of "forest green & tan" that he specifically wanted and all the grumbling he overheard as I worked on it. I had a doozy of a time trying to keep the 2-color Italian tubular cast on from twisting around when I joined in the round for this hat.

The only quibble I have is that because I chose a yarn based on color rather than matching the weight that was spec'd in the pattern, my stitches, especially in the crown decreases look awfully wonky. I hope that a good wash & block will smooth them out.


Bella's mittens (apologies for the craptastic shady lighting)
Knit Picks Swish Bulky in Onyx Heather (65 g from each of 2 100 g balls)
size 10 KP circs

Since I left my second Merlot sock at work, I wanted something to alternate w/DH's hat and cast on for these adorable mittens. (I can hear my sister laughing at the geekiness of this.) A very clever knitter reverse-engineered the pattern from analyzing various movie promo pics and who knows how many viewings of the movie. The pattern is super quick and easy. Love it!


Bella's hat to match!
Knit Picks Swish Bulky in Onyx Heather remainders from the mittens
size 10 KP circs

The mittens were such a quick knit I decided to knit the hat designed to match the horseshoe cable pattern in the mittens. Also quick & easy! I cast on during the Superbowl game 'cause I could barely get 2 rows of my Digitessa sock done correctly while watching.

Who said knitters never make matching knitwear?

Singing the Blues

Rockin' Sock Club 2009 kit in da house! As usual, don't scroll past the second pic of my project below:


Moebius for Peace


yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Luscious Single Silk in Moody Blues
pattern: Cat Bordhi's moebius scarf from knitty gritty
needles: US size 10.5 KP nickel-plated circs

I love how Moody Blues knit up, even in its unblocked state. I have 129 g of the LSS skein leftover. Plenty for a second moebius (moebii to spare?) or a pair of Toasts/Toastys. I haven't decided yet.


A nice way to end an interesting month.


I love the colorway (so me!) and am definitely in my Blue Heaven. Queen of Beads, however, I am not. As for my ballband bluesy singer, I got Lucinda Williams. Off to hear a sampling of her music online.

Circles Never End

I didn't think much about Cat's nifty moebius concept since I bought her book & the skein of LSS at Sock Camp last April 'til tapmouse suggested I join in Tina's KAL. After the sucky start of my new year, I figured I too needed a little peace and decided to join in. The only thing I won't be doing though is dragging this WIP out for 4 years. Maybe I'll do one a year. And instead of for 4 years, hopefully 8 like Carole suggested in the comments.


yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts Luscious Single Silk in Moody Blues
pattern: Cat Bordhi's moebius scarf from knitty gritty
needles: US size 10.5 KP nickel-plated circs

While I started working the main pattern yesterday during the inaugural ceremonies, I cast on earlier last week. It took me a few tries. While Cat's tutorial is awesome in how easy the cast on is, I had issues in 1) casting on the correct number of stitches for the pattern, and 2) prevent myself from adding in extras crossings/twists while knitting the first round, all at the same time. It probably didn't help that I tried to learn another new cast on during the same week.


Yup, I started DH's forest green & tan vertically striped hat. It took several aborted attempts on dpns & KP circs magic loop style before I remembered I still had my old Boyes Interchangeable set that would allow me to have a 16" circular. A total doh moment! So much easier to keep the cast on stitches aligned straight while joining the 2-color tubular cast on in the round. It was an absolute PITA on dpns or a much longer circular needle.

It was so frustrating that I cast on what I thought would be a suitable alternate hat for DH in the meantime.


The Other Hat that Rocks
Knit Picks Swish Bulky in Squirrel Heather
size 9 & 10.5 Knit Picks Harmony circs
pattern size large

After checking to make sure that he also didn't think cables are "girly" (guess who Monkey1 got that idea from), I cast on & finished in 2 days! Even in between boring chores & tasks. Then DH tells me "It's not green. Or tan." So. Now it looks like that co-worker that half-jokingly asks for a hand-knit item now has one. Or at least he will have one next holiday season.

2008 Rockin Sock Club Wrap Up and more

I didn't expect to knit all my kits last year, but somehow I did.


(missing is Monkey1's Sweet Tart's 'cause I can't find it...yet)

The last kit was fun and fast once I focused on it.


yarn: Socks that Rock medium weight in Muddy Autumn Rainbow - how fascinating what you get when you swish in extra red dye to Fire on the Mountain
pattern: Holidazed by Anne Hanson
needles: size 2 (2.75 mm) Knit Picks Harmony dpns
patten size: medium
mod: only decreased the toe down to 16 sts rather than 8


Also completed in Socks that Rock are my Leyburn socks as part of the Socks that Rawk Raverly group's KAL.


yarn: Socks that Rock lightweight in The Cookie Next Door
pattern: Leyburn socks
needles: 2.50 mm Knit Picks nickel plated dpns
mods:
converted pattern to cuff down w/slip stitch heel flap
cast on 66 sts and maintain stitch count in the foot as well

And in between all that, I finished a hat.


yarn: Knit Picks Swish worsted in Lemongrass Heather
pattern: Meret (Mystery Beret)
needles: Knit Picks size 7 & 8 nickel-plated circs
pattern size: medium w/the 1 extra repeat of the lace pattern for slouch

Well, at least the knitting goes well

First, our vehicle gets rear-ended on our way to the cabin in holiday commute traffic. While waiting for our state highway patrol to take our incident report, I was too anxious to work on any of my socks in progress and proceeded to cast on for the Meret (Mystery Beret - Ravelry link) in Knit Picks Swish Worsted in Lemongrass Heather.


But once up at the relative peaceful quiet of our cabin, I managed to make some progress on my Holidazed sock, my Merlot Vine sock, and even started the cuff of my Leyburn sock.


the last Rockin' Sock Club kit of 2008
Holidazed by Anne Hanson (knitspot)
Socks that Rock mediumweight in Muddy Autumn Rainbow
size 2.75 mm KP Harmony dpns
pattern size medium - no mods


Left Merlot Vine Sock by Anne Hanson (again)
Twisted Fiber Art Arial ombre self-striping yarn
size 2.50 mm KP circs
mod: Judy's Magic Cast on for the toe


Then, the text at 3:30 am one morning and the subsequent call from my sister later in the day came the news that our paternal matriarch, my dad's mom, had passed away. In the Philippines. A day's drive from Metro Manila. Younger sis is going to represent the family as both my brother & I have young kids and mom just used up her vacation time.

If I had one of those mood indicators up on my blog, it would definitely be set at sucky.