Welcome to the family Milo!

Hello folks! Did you miss me?

I got back from vacation about a week ago, but have been too busy to post, partly because I was sick the last few days, but mostly for the best possible reason.

WE GOT A KITTY!!!

Meet Milo! He is a two and a half month old shorthaired tabby and he is my baby. A couple was giving away kittens at the local farmer's market and he was the last one left.  He was very skittish when we first brought him home, but now he loves to play and snuggle and get into all sorts of mischief. We're still in the training phase right now, and are trying to teach him not to scratch furniture and attack our feet under the blankets at night, but he is a ton of fun and very sweet. Right now he is being super adorable and taking a nap across my legs.

Vacation was amazingly fun. We stayed up in Boyne City, MI, and visited Petoskey and Charlevoix while we were up there. Our condo was on Boyne Mountain, and it was very beautiful up there. There was a lot of relaxing and taking hikes in the mountains, visiting the beach, eating TONS of delicious food, shopping, playing with my nephew. It was one of the best vacations I've had in a long time, and I even managed to fit some fibery fun in by forcing my family to come with me to the Stonehedge Fiber Mill, which was only a few miles away from where we were staying. The actual fiber mill location was a little underwhelming, but the yarn was beautiful and the owners of the mill were very friendly. I will get onto the knitting now, but will post lots of vacation pictures at the end of the post.

I did not get a ton of knitting done on vacation because I was too busy having a blast, but I've gotten a few things done the last week. 

Finished Objects

1) I finished my second Boyfriend Sock.

I was not in love with this yarn by the end of the project (too much brown) but I would definitely buy it in a different color in the future. I combined two patterns for this project: Erica Leuder's Hermoine's Everyday Socks and Wendy D. Johnson's Sport Weight Toe-Up Socks with a Gusset, using Leuder's stitch pattern and Johnson's sock pattern. I knit these for my dear boyfriend with 60 stitches on size US 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles with Paton's Kroy Socks FX in Camo Colors.

2) I also finished my Sunshine Socks!

I love these socks so much. I used Wendy D. Johnson's Toe-Up Slip-Stitch Heel pattern, except that I did an eye of partridge heel because apparently it is physically impossible for me to actually follow all of the directions of a pattern. I think the slip-stitch heel would have looked better, but I wanted to try something new. I also tried hard to make the stripes match on these, which meant that I had to cut and tie the yarn on the second sock about four times. I knit these on size US 1 (2.25 mm) needles over 56 stitches with Knit Picks Felici Sport in Southwest. 

3) I also crocheted a hat in about two days.

I bought this yarn on a whim during a trip to Michael's because it is sooo soft and shiny and eye catching.  When I bought the yarn I saw a little free pattern sheet at the store which I thought was PERFECT! This is the Wave Stitch Beret pattern crocheted with Paton's Metallic in Blue Steel on a size H (5.0 mm) and a 4.5 mm hook. It is difficult to photograph because of the shininess* it is actually much darker than the first photo shows. The pattern was fun and very quick. I got a little distracted at one part while doing the increases, so I accidentally made it a whole repeat bigger around than the pattern called for, meaning that it is much floppier than it is supposed to be. I am actually pretty happy with the floppiness though, and I'm glad that I "messed up". 

Works in Progress

1) I am still working on the Dane Shawl.

I decided to make this shawl mine instead of Molly's since it will probably be too scratchy for her delicate skin. I am moving onto the third repeat of the body pattern, which means that I am (supposedly) 2/3 of the way done, but since the rows keep getting longer I'm more like 1/2 of the way done. I am knitting this with my handspun Corriedale on size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles and am using Jane Tanner's Dane Shawl pattern.

2) I started another, softer, shawl for Molly

Molly picked out this skein of very soft, snuggly yarn at Joann's , so hopefully she will like it better. This Liz Corke's Storm Warning shawl and I am knitting it with Joann Sensations Cuddle in Lilac on size US 6 (4 mm) needles. I have modified (of course) the pattern to make it more triangular, and am knitting it without beads. I love this pattern, and it is very easy and fun to knit.

Stash Enhancement

I got a few things while on vacation

Stonehedge Fiber Mill Crazy

Stonehedge Fiber Mill Fine, mill ends, Plum, 515 yards

Stonehedge Fiber Mill Fine, mill ends, Raspberry, 432 yards 

Jojoland Melody Superwash, color MS12

 

I'm going to Stitches Midwest next weekend, so I will have much more to share with you then. Until then, have a great week, and enjoy some of my pictures from vacation. 

-Nicole

 

 

Getting ready for vacation

Only a week until vacation!

The last couple weeks have been really stressful at work, so I am very excited to have some fun next week. My family and I are going to stay in a cabin on a ski resort in upper Michigan. I can't wait. It's going to be fantastic! 

I've been getting some projects done lately and I am planning on bringing a few things to work on on vacation, so hopefully I will have a ton to show you next time I post. 

Here's what I've been up to lately. Sorry that the picture quality isn't that great this time, but I just wanted to get something up to show you while I have time. 

Finished Objects

1) I finished all of the knitting on my tank top finally! 

I still have to finish sewing it together and putting buttons on, and then it will be wearable and beautiful! I will post another picture here once it's completely finished, but here is what it looks like being blocked. 

Edit: Here are some finished pictures

This is knit with Queensland Sugar Rush in color 02 and size US 3 (3.25 mm) needles using the Versailles Shell pattern. I am so excited to wear this!!

2) I started and finished one sock. I was feeling kind of sad last week, so I wanted to make something bright and happy.

I am knitting these on size US 1 (2.25 mm) needles with Knit Picks Felici Sport in Southwest. I am using Wendy D. Johnson's Toe-Up Slip-Stitch Heel socks, but I am knitting them with a 3x1 ribbing and an eye of partridge heel, which makes the heel pretty and stretchy.  They are so bright and cute and they fill me with glee. 

Works in Progress

1) I am still working on my handspun shawl for Molly.

I am knitting this with size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles with Corriedale hand spun yarn using Jane Tanner's Dane Shawl pattern. The lace is going to be gorgeous when it is finished but I think the yarn might be a bit to scratchy for Molly. 

2) I am almost done with Brandon's second sock!

I just got past the heel on the second sock, so I'm not to far from finishing now! I am knitting these with Patons Kroy Socks FX in Camo Color with size US 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles and a combo of Hermione's Everyday Socks and Wendy D. Johnson's Toe Up Socks with a Gusset Heel.

Stash Enhancement

Ok, so I may have cheated and bought some yarn last week. But purely for therapy.

This yarn is normally around 9 dollars and I got it for 3 dollars at Tuesday Morning. I love deals!

So that's all that's going on with me right now. Tomorrow (or actually today, since it's late) is Brandon's and my four year anniversary, and I am excited to spend the day with him and do fun date things. I'll give you more updates after vacation!

-Nicole

Slaying the knitting and ...err...vanquishing projects?

I'm finally getting some projects completed!

After weeks of slogging away at projects that seem to have no end, I am finally getting some work done. I've been working a lot lately, but in between I've been knitting, crocheting, and sewing up a storm. 

I have been watching the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series over again, and if you can't tell, I'm obsessed. I love this show so much that it's a little ridiculous. I'm just finishing up season 2, and remembering why I love Xander and Willow so much.

Only three more weeks until we go on vacation, and about two months until school starts. I am loving the summer! Now if only it would stop raining. 

Finished Objects

1) GLORY GLORY HALLELUJAH I finally finished the nursing shawl for Celeste. 

It's HUGE! Final dimensions are 80 inches wide 20 inches deep. This was the Color Affection shawl, which I knit with Knit Picks Comfy Fingering in Peony, Whisker, and Sea Foam and size US 6 (4 mm) needles. I ended up using 926.5 yards of yarn. Like I said, HUGE! 

Half-Finished Objects

1) I finally finished the back half of my lace cami

This is the Versailles Shell knit with Queensland Sugar Rush in color 02 on size US 3 (3.25 mm) needles. 

2) I got one sock done for Brandon

These are modified Hermione's Everyday Socks knit with Patons Kroy Socks FX in "camo colors" knit with size US 1.5 (2.5 mm) needles. I am using Erica Lueder's stitch pattern but Wendy D. Johnson's sock pattern. 

Works in Progress

1) This is a non-knitterly project, but I'm almost done sewing a quilt for the new baby.

The top fabric is from Meijer's and the bottom fabric and binding are from Jo-Ann's. So far I have the basting stitches done and I "stitched in the ditch" around the borders of every square. It is going to be so soft and squishy. I am going to do the actual quilting with the free motion foot on my machine. 

2) I've made some progress on Molly's shawl

This is the Dane Shawl knit with some of my hand-spun on size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles. 

3) I started a new afghan

This is sort of a modified version of the Around the World Quilt, crocheted with a size H (5.0 mm) hook and a ton of my stashed acrylic yarn. 

4) I'm almost done spinning that Polwarth! 

Just about one more ounce to go!! I am so excited to be done.

So that's all that's new with me, folks. No new yarn to speak of at the moment, although I did buy some snuggly Rambouillet fiber that I'm excited to do something fun with. 

Now back to watching Buffy kill vampires and rid the world of evil 

Have a fun and safe Fourth of July if you're in the US!

-Nicole

Long time no see!

I'm back!!!

Hi there my dears. I am feeling refreshed after my little blog vacation, and I am thinking up some fun posts for the next few months.

I have mostly been busy with work and social stuff this last month, and have been working on a lot of baby knits and fun things like that.

I was planning on posting a couple of days ago, but unfortunately we have had a family emergency. My great-grandma suffered a massive stroke on Wednesday night, and has been in the hospital ever since. We are trying to be hopeful, and have been spending a lot of time in the hospital keeping her company. Any kind thoughts and prayers for her health and comfort would be greatly appreciated. 

I was going to skip posting today, but I want to show you all what I have been working on- mainly to keep my mind of positive thoughts.

So, without further ado:

Finished Objects:

1) I made a matching headband to go with the handspun cardigan I showed in the last post

This and the cardigan were knit out of my hand dyed, hand spun faux cashmere yarn. I used size 10 (6 mm) needles and was inspired by the Cozy Posy Ear Warmer, but did not follow the actual pattern. 

2) I knit a newborn baby dress, that can be easily adapted into a tunic for when Devlin gets a little older

For this, I used Little Gunn's Super Simple Baby Tunic with Knit Outta the Box's discontinued self-striping acrylic yarn in pink. I knit with the yarn held doubled on size US 8 (5 mm) needles. I got the adorable rose buttons from Jo-Ann. I really love this dress, and the pattern was very easy.

3)  I knit a fluffy little monster for Devlin

This is Fluf-Bob. I used Anna Hrachovec's Bob pattern with Bernat Pipsqueak yarn and size US 6 (4 mm) needles. This is probably one of the cutest things I have ever made. 

I actually replaced the shiny eyes with sewn on eyes after this photo was taken, but I don't have good enough lighting to take a picture of the new eyes. 

4) I also knit a fluffy monster for Phoenix, so he wouldn't get jealous

Finn got to meet this guy today and immediately named him Big Butt. 

This is definitely the cutest thing I've ever knitted (sorry, Bob). I used Kimberly Kwon's Gotta Love Me Monster with Bernat Pipsqueak and Red Heart Super Saver yarn in yellow and teal. I used size US 6 (4 mm) needles for this as well. This was really fun to knit, and had a very clever and simple design. I will most likely be making another one of these in the future, for future babies (or maybe for Brandon, since he seemed to get quite attached). 

5) I FINALLY (!!) finished my socks!

These poor socks have been neglected since March, so I worked my butt off to get them finished this week. I love them!
I used Wendy D. Johnson's Toe-Up Socks with a Difference pattern for the socks, and Emily Locke's Vanilla Bean stitch formula for the cool spiky stripes. I knit these on size US 0 (2 mm) needles (and I wonder why it took me so long to finish). I really liked the pattern, and they fit way better than any other socks I've knit myself. I am pretty damn proud of these. 

Works in Progress:

I am trying not to start any more projects until I get these first two done, because they I have been avoiding them too much.

1) I am making a squishy nursing cowl for Celeste

It is currently way to smooshed up on the needles to be able to see the shape, but the colors are striping wonderfully.

I am using Veera Välimäki's Color Affection shawl pattern again. If you will remember, I used this same pattern to knit this shawl. I wondered last time why my shawl ended up so much smaller than the pattern called for, and I finally figured it out. For the first shawl, I was knitting back 5 stitches in every short row, when you are only supposed to go 3 stitches back. Those stitches add up in length. 

Anywho, I am knitting this is Knit Picks Comfy Fingering in Peony, Whisker, and Sea Foam and US 6 (4 mm) needles. This yarn is very soft and snuggly, but a little slippery and splitty, which is why it is taking so much longer to knit this time around. I hope Celeste will like it.

2) I have been working on a tank top for myself FOREVER

This is Connie Chang Chinchio's Versailles Shell knit with Queensland Sugar Rush (a yarn made of 100% sugar cane viscose) in color 02 and size US 3 (3.25 mm) needles. I am almost done with the back panel, which makes me almost half of the way done if I can just get my butt in gear and finish the darn thing before the weather gets cold.

I ended up ripping out the cotton tank top that I started knitting a couple months ago because the yarn was yucky. This yarn is really soft and smooth, but splits like a MF. Also, knitting a garment on size 3 needles takes FOREVER!!!

3) I started a shawl with some of my hand spun, but it doesn't look like much yet

This will be Jane Tanner's Dane Shawl  knit with my hand dyed, handspun Corriedale yarn with size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles. I am making this for Molly, as long as the yarn is not too scratchy for her sensitive skin. If it is too rough for her I will keep it for myself (muah ha ha ha ha).

4) I am halfway done spinning some singles for my first ever navajo plied (or chain plied, to be a little more PC) yarn.

This is some Gale's Art Polwarth fiber that I purchased from Emily Locke's Ravely destash a while back. I am spinning it suuuuper thin (like, thread width), and am trying to spin it slowly so I get a very even thickness. I am planning on making a video of me plying it once I finally get to that point.

For all of you Muggles, navajo or chain plying is when you use one single strand of yarn to make a three ply yarn by chaining it back on itself. Here is an Interweave Craft video on how it works.

Stash Enhancement

As some of you will remember, I am supposed to be on a yarn diet until August, and shouldn't be buying any more yarn until them. In spite of this, I do have quite a few new goodies to show off. Some of it is gifts from Brandon, some is yarn that I bought to make baby stuff (so it doesn't count!), some of it is fiber (also doesn't count!) and some of it I totally bought before my yarn diet started (to which you say, suuuure, Nicole). 

Baby yarn 

Gift from Brandon to knit a sweater

Another gift from Brandon- guess his favorite color

BFL cupcakes from HERE

Fiber from Knit Picks

Nothing to see here

Move along, people

*whistles innocently*

Another gift from Brandon

These are to make socks for Brandon to thank him for all the yarn

Fiber doesn't count, remember!?

*Covers face in shame*

That's all for now, folks. Thanks for stopping by, and please remember to keep my great-grandma in your thoughts.

-Nicole