Monday, December 22, 2008
Yarn Dilemma
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Need Some Knitting Advice
Because of the size of the color blocks in this pattern, it should be done as intarsia, not fair isle. I really don't want to have to measure out a piece of yarn for just a few stitches in each color block on each row!
This is supposed to be a Christmas gift, but that means finishing it some time this month. I don't now if that's going to be able to happen now. I'd rather be working on my black sock.
I'm hoping some knitter out there who has intarsia, in-the-round, to-be-felted experience will read this and help me know what to do.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Kites Sock
So, the above picture shows my current sock project. It's called Kites because that's what the stitch pattern will look like when it's done. Because of the yarn being black, it's difficult to see the pattern emerging yet. I'm at about 2".
Well, that's all for now because I came to the computer to create a spreadsheet for homework. I better get back to it.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Socks
Now, that I've got those socks finished, and after I do some homework which has been neglected, I will continue on the Pink Ribbon socks, pictured below. I'm anxious to have new pair of hand-knit socks for myself.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Batty
I also recently started a pair of black socks that I will be able to wear to work. Some day (or year) I will have enough knitted socks to wear all the time. My cardigan won't be done for this Fall. Maybe next year.
I probably won't be getting any social knitting this weekend because I'm having company. I will have to do housework instead.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
In Trouble
So, I'm making this hat which will be felted. The diamonds will be in three colors: yellow, red, and blue: three each. I'm not sure how I'm going to do the color-changing part yet.
I'm stuck on the pink ribbon socks and haven't had the willingness to try to figure it out while I should be studying. I'm also working on a yellow-ombre sock, which is an easy pattern.
That's about all for knitting for now. I'm going to go study now . . .
Thursday, August 28, 2008
M&Ms
I got to play with M&Ms for my homework assignment last night. I had so much fun with it that I didn't think about taking a picture of my M&Ms until it was too late. I had to search online for a picture to include.
The class is Statistics and we are studying about probabilities. According to the Mars company, who makes M&Ms, there are certain percentages of each of the six colors in any bag of M&Ms. Blue: 24%, Orange: 20%, Green: 16%, Yellow: 14%, Brown: 13%, Red: 13%.
100 samples of two M&Ms were to be drawn. This is 'with replacement' which means putting the two M&Ms back in the bowl before drawing two again. Based on these percentages provided, the assignment asks to calculate the probability of two browns and two blues, and two greens out of the 100 drawings.
I found this very interesting. I made a chart on Excel to record my findings. After I pulled the 100 samples, I didn't want to stop. So, I counted the whole bag. I discovered that the percentages given in the book were not what was happening in this bag of 465 M&Ms. Here is what I found:
Blue: 31%, Orange: 34%, Green: 10%, Yellow: 8%, Brown: 8%, Red: 9%. My blue and orange counts were higher and the others were lower.
Fortunately, I'm not a chocoholic, which allowed me to have fun with this experiment. I did have to fight the other household chocoholics off, though! (Cooper still doesn't understand that her coloring does not come from chocolate!)
Speaking of Cooper, I appreciate the comments from yesterday's post. (Now I know how to get people to respond to my blog!) :) Yes, we think she's beautiful. She's not really that helpful, though. Her head on my leg is what she usually does if I'm eating something and she's hopeful about licking the plate or bowl. Frequently, while I'm knitting she will rest her paw on my arm because she would rather I pet her than play with yarn. And I usually do. That's probably why it takes me so long to get anything knitted, that and homework and the tv and people talking to me.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Advice
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sunday Chillin'
Yesterday started off with a great new Saturday morning KIP venture at a new location. We may not return there for KIP, but the five of us had a good time. It was chilly and I thought maybe it was September instead of August.
I was working on my restart of the Pink Ribbon Sock yesterday and discovered a dropped stitch a few rows back. This was while we were sitting outside. I chose not to mention it and quietly put it away. After some thought, I decided to start over again. I know, you're not surprised. I had been trying it on and I just didn't like how stretched the ribbing looked when I put it on. So, I'm going with a bigger needle just for the top part of the sock.
Meanwhile, I should be studying. OH, and doing my homework problems and reading two chapters in Statistics. Harumph! I'd rather be Knitting.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Calm Now
I'm making some decent progress on my green cardigan. I will try to post a picture of that soon.
School is going well right now. I began the statistics class this past Thursday. So far, I'm not too concerned about it. There will be a lot of reading and thinking.
My biggest news right now is that I got a new car last week. I haven't taken a picture of it yet and won't be able to until the next few days because it's in the shop having some detail work done.
There was a great group of KIPers at Panera yesterday. We filled up the middle table area. It was nice to see everyone: some regulars, some that I haven't seen in awhile, and a new one. Next week will be a different location, which I'm looking forward to.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Scary
And, I've gotten back out the wool green cardigan that I barely had started. It could be nice to have finished for Fall. hahaha
This Tuesday is the last night of my 'extra' class. Yeah!!!!
Anyway, I just wanted to post to reassure you that I really didn't give up knitting.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
That's It!
And I just recently allowed myself to do it again. I don't know what's wrong with me. I used to be able to sew, too. Maybe I should have taken the clues for those two years when I just couldn't knit a sweater that fit. Maybe I should have taken the clues when I first started this silly lacey vee sleeveless pullover. You know, the ink spot and using the wrong needle size . . . I was just discussing that this morning at Panera, which I was so excited to be able to do since it had been a few months.
SSK, I see you posted about how soothing knitting is. I wish I felt that way right now. Actually, I've just thrown that pretty little pink thing across my living room. And left it there.
What happened? You ask. My needle broke. I'm using Denise needles and have had mostly good luck with them. Maybe I'm just too hard on them; I don't know. There had been a little rough spot at the join on the right side and I had been having a little bit of trouble with my yarn splitting at the rough spot. And I've noticed a few bunged up places because of it. I was going to deal with it.
I'm knitting in the round, which means I'm KNITTING. Knit, knit, knit. No purls or cables or anything to break up the monotony. So, when I saw the few bungs it was actually a relief (because of the boredom) even though I tend to be a perfectionist.
So, we had a friend over and were watching a movie. Now, I really should be studying accounting, but I can't very well do that with company and movie-watching. I can, however, knit. Suddenly - SNAP. The needle broke at the connection and several, maybe about 20, stitches came off. Well, I had to wait until the movie ended and the friend left and then I got my Denise needle case and started to try to transfer the stitches onto a different cable. I got the originally-dropped stitches onto a new cable and was knitting along. BTW, the puppy decided that it was a good time to ask me to play fetch, so I was trying to be accommodating at the same time. I was trying to pay attention to the broken end of the original cable to make sure stitches didn't fall off. I thought it was going okay and then I noticed that six or seven stitches had not only fallen off, but came unraveled a bit, also.
I threw the dog off me and told L to shut up, Neither of which I'm proud of. I shall have to apologize later. I sat there, steaming, and trying to bite my finger tip off. That's when I made the decision. I threw the whole thing clear across the living room and announced that I was giving up knitting. Why not?! I give up on almost everything else - eventually. How long can I stay in school . . . hmmmm???
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Update
I'm just past the midway point with my extra class (financial accounting). The second week was rough as the homework took almost every spare minute I had. It's eased up a little bit and I'm feeling more confident about my study habits. Two more sessions and then the final.
June just flew by, didn't it? We had a yard sale and my younger son called and told me I'm going to be a grandma.
Last week I found out that two aunts and two uncles were in a car wreck at 47th and K-15. I visited them in the hospital and have realized I need to reconnect with my mother's side of the family. They really are great people.
As I may have mentioned a time or two, I've been overwhelmed with homework. One day over the weekend I had done a little bit on both classes and wasn't quite sure what I should be doing. I was in the other room, just leaning on a filing cabinet, staring off into space. L came in and asked me what in the world I was doing. I said I was trying to decide what to do next. She kindly suggested that I take a break from homework and do some knitting. So, I did! It was enjoyable. What I'm working on doesn't seem to be growing very quickly.
Well, that's my few minutes. Now I need to get ready to go to work. Have a wonderful day!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Cruelty Free?
When I started reading the instructions, I felt my brain being squeezed. I had to use distilled water, which had been boiled in a glass container, to mix with the green powder which smelled like something. L and H said it smelled like kelp or poop. I thought it smelled like collard greens. I don't even know for sure if I know what collard greens smell like, but that's what came to mind.
L had to use gloves to put it in my hair, which is normal. But the solution was very grainy and thick and it was hard to tell if it was getting through to the gray. We had to be very careful not to get it on any skin because it will stain. While it was being put on, some dripped and before we could stop it, Cooper had licked it up. I hope she's going to be okay. She should because it's all natural, so it says.
We didn't know how long to leave it on my hair because we hadn't done a test sample. I don't know how anybody could have the time to do this hair coloring the way the instructions say to do it. When you do a test strand sample, in order to see how it's doing, you have to rinse it off and let it dry. I would not have the patience to boil the water, mix it up, and do this several times for different lengths of time just to see which is right.
Then, there are all sorts of things you can add to the solution for special effects: an egg or yogurt for extra conditioning, chamomile tea for lightening, ceylon or black tea brewed with three bags for golden highlights, three tablespoons vinegar or fresh lemon for rich golden or copper highlights, one teaspoon ginger, allspice, nutmeg or paprika to enrich browns or reds and leave hair smelling fresh and distinctive, day-old, black, hot coffee (not instant) (and not brewed in a metal pot) to enhance brown tones.
GOOD GRIEF!!!
Several times during the process, I thought of how I was saving poor little rabbits from the horrible testings that I had read about. I just don't think it should be so difficult to try to save the poor little creatures.
At this point, my hair is still drying. I'm not supposed to shampoo it for 24 hours. That's not going to happen because I will not go to work with unshampooed hair. So some time tomorrow, probably after I arrive at work, I will see what my hair looks like after this escapade. I hope I don't have to shave my head.
Friday, May 23, 2008
School, Knitting, Beading
I have had a tendency to worry about each class before it starts. Then, at some point, either during the class or when I get my grade, I realize I didn't have much to worry about really. So, I guess I could probably stop worrying. But then I thought maybe I shouldn't stop. Because it seems to be working. I worry about my classes - and I get good grades. :)
Things can't be going too bad because I've been able to get some knitting done and even a small amount of beading. I have managed to get the pink shell to about 4 1/2 inches. At 14 inches, I will get to split for the top part. Maybe I'll get it done in time for Fall. :)
A friend and I decided to do a little bit of beading recently. I made a pink necklace and matching bracelet with the spiral rope stitch. I will try to take a picture of them soon. I still plan to make earrings . . .
I'm glad I could take some time to update this blog this morning, but I really need to be getting ready to go to work. To ALL of my knitting and beading friends, I Miss You!!!!!!
Friday, May 02, 2008
School
I have four chapters in my text to read in the next week. So, this morning, instead of checking my email while I ate breakfast, I started my reading. Cooper was confused. We have a certain breakfast ritual and I changed it. I have to write a five-year-plan for my life, which is due next time and work on a presentation and paper for the last night. Then, I get to study Business Law. oh goody
After having started and restarted the sleeveless pink pullover several times, I think I'm on track with it now. If I can just keep those open pens away from it! I took time off from it this week to work on a gift item. Now that it is done, I can get back to the pink thing. While I'm not reading and writing. I'm SO looking forward to Panera in the morning. I just hope someone shows up this week.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Another Goof
So, I started again and was doing well until I realized that I hadn't switched my Denise needle points back to the smaller size for the ribbing. I was beginning to wonder if I'm supposed to make this. But I've been planning it for so long. And everyone that sees the pattern exclaims how cute it is. So, my perseverance (stubbornness) kicked in and I cast on again 248 stitches. I'm getting quite good at it.
Thank you to all of my knitting supporters.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Textured Tee and Mistake
I always edit with pink or red ink so it can be seen easily. Why in the world didn't I think about putting the lid back on that stupid pen when I set it down. Of course it doesn't help that I have gobs of stuff piled on one little table.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A Finished Project
I cast on for Lacey Vee shell. It took awhile - 248 stitches! I'm on the second row. I wonder how long this is going to take? Size 5 and 7 needles with DK weight yarn.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Good Weekend
Friday, March 21, 2008
Friday
Yesterday evening, I arrived at the split for the neck on the front of the Borscht Tee. It won't be long now and I'll be able to start the sleeves.
Yesterday, at lunch, a co-worker (who is also in my knitting group) and I met with three other co-workers for what ended up being a short knitting class. Two of them already know how to crochet, but all three of them wanted to learn to knit. I wasn't quite prepared for teaching three ladies to knit. A was quite a bit of help. We're going to try it again next week.
I'm also working on a black sock. I don't know if I've mentioned that here yet. I'm thinking about looking for some sock yarn to match the Borscht Tee -- because I like to match my shirts and socks.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Tee Back
Here it is: the finished back of the Borscht Tee. On the front, I only have a few more rows and then I can do the garter band which transitions to the pattern for the top part. I'm pleased with the fabric that the Love It yarn is making.
I typically have more than one knitting project that I'm working on. At KIP this morning, I was asked what else I'm working on and I had to say that this Tee is it right now. SO, I decided to cast on for something else. I got out the Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in blue that was given to me and this pattern .
Most of the time on Saturday I go to Panera in the morning and then head over to Twist for a couple of hours. Today I thought I would do something different. Instead of going to Twist this morning, I'm going this evening for SNB. I'm hoping to see some knitters I don't usually get to see.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Borscht Tee Back
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Rasta Hat
I used James C. Brett 100% acryclic Marble yarn purchased from Twist Yarn Shop. It's better than the white hat I made, but the fit is still a little dubious.
I've had the flu this week, and I'm still not well. I haven't been able to go to work and I'm missing school this evening. It's not good to miss class when you're in a concentrated program. I found out from the teacher that I need to answer the discussion questions for three chapters in order to make up for only half of the points I would have gotten for being in class. This is going to take me longer than the time I would have spent in class. Grumble!
I'm into the sleeve shaping for the back of the Borscht Tee and it's still looking good.
I hear it's cold outside. I've been in bed . . .
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Wish I Could Knit
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Cherry Tee
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Sunday
I scanned a picture of my current knitting project but it saved in a format that I can't upload to my blog. I guess I'll have to scan it again and see if I can save it differently. I'm making good progress, a little over four inches. That may not sound like much, but I rarely get long blocks of knitting time.
I'm looking for a cardigan pattern for my next sweater project. Why is it I can never find a pattern I like just the way it is? I just want a simple cardigan pattern with a textured stitch pattern, button band, pockets, and collar. Is it so hard?! If you see one you think I might like, PLEASE let me know.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Too Big Already
Sunday, January 20, 2008
White Beret
Now, I'm ready to work with the Borscht Love It yarn again. I have decided not to re-knit Wright. After trying on the too-big one, I realized that I'm just not that crazy about the style of the sweater, afterall. Knitter friends helped me decide on a different pattern for the yarn Saturday morning at Panera.
It is the Quick Cherry Tee on page 116 of Quick Knits by Jeanne Stauffer. I'm going to do a gauge swatch this time - and I'm going to do it carefully.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tweed Beret
I really like the idea of hats. I don't wear them very often, though. The Kansas wind likes to rip hats off heads. I'm uncomfortable with an under-the-chin tie. It could be a good idea, but I feel like I'm a little too old for that look. I have a black felted hat that I made last year, but I haven't worn it at all yet this year. I don't like how it makes my hair look after I take it off. So, here I am making another hat that I might not wear. What's the deal?
Could it be that hats are smaller and faster than sweaters and easier to make fit? Could I be frustrated with the sweater-making process? I wonder . . . I had just gotten started on re-knitting Wright when I decided I just HAD to knit a hat. Go figure.
Friday, January 11, 2008
What do I need a hat for, anyway?
So, the other night I had some friends over. I was looking through my books and magazines, trying to find another hat pattern to try. I found one that looked simple enough and the friends agreed. I didn't have a circular needle that was short enough, so I was using a set of double points. The problem was that it was an old set of double points and there are only four of them. I'm used to using sets of five. And they're a little too long and unwieldy. Again, I didn't get much past the brim. It's a lace pattern, and I dropped several stitches. ARGH! I wanted to bawl. I just ripped the needles out and threw the yarn in it's bag.
I still wanted to knit, even though I'm sick. So, I picked up the Wright II sweater, which I haven't gotten very far on. It's just stockinette stitch, which is easy, but it lets my mind wander. I remember that this is my second attempt at this sweater and start feeling like I'm a bad knitter. Poor me.
I went to bed, contemplating the hat issue. Will I really even wear a hat? Why do I want to make one so much? Will a tam make me as cute as the girl in the movie? I like the look of a tam, but I want a hat that's going to cover my ears. What to do . . .
Friday, January 04, 2008
Finished Gloves
Thursday, January 03, 2008
New Wright?
Therefore, I began considering actually re-knitting the Wright pattern, making it smaller. So, I sat down and re-wrote the pattern last night. I haven't unknit it yet, though.
I'm still working on finishing F's gloves. I had a little glitch the other day when I picked up non-adjacent stitches to work the middle finger. It wasn't pretty.