Yarn Gone,

Stitches too! Tassels made and sewn on. Ends woven in. Finished and Done!

It coulda-- it shoulda-- been a bit longer.

 But it's fine all the same (I suspect it will stretch out, as garter stitch does, with wearing.) It could be softer too, but a proper wash will help. I know all my socks get softer with a wear and a wash.  This scarf might get treated to a wash in SOAK, to help soften it up, and be blocked out a bit as it dries to make it a bit bigger.

Secret sock got done, too. But not finished. A few ends to weave in and other details, before they are all done.

And NOTHING else got started, not socks, not a scarf, not a hat, NOTHING. I think today might be the day to finish up my grey leafy vest (it still needs to be blocked!) and to sew. And, all the while, think about what I am going to be knitting next. I might even consult my list! There's an idea.

In addition, I might get some skeins (100g ones)of sock yarn into 2 neat 50g cakes. Starting with the left over Lion Brand Yellow (lemon drop) sock yarn.

It's also laundry day—and I am about to start doing laundry--first!

And its a beautiful day—so I need to get out and take a walk. Good exersize for a beautiful day. I'll take my camera and maybe find special little flower to photograph.

Lastly, its St Patrick day. Happy St Patrick's day.

I Ran Out of Energy

Before I ran out of yarn—but it was close! Skein 1 is about to bite the dust.. and it will be closely followed by the entire scarf being finished. And then what?

(Note: Many of the links in this post are to Ravelry projects—some might not be visible if you aren't on Ravelry yet--(and why the hell aren't you?!)

I don't really want to knit another scarf—I don't need another scarf. I have a list of things to knit—vests and hats and other stuff. But I am thinking about scarf ideas. Some-- of my own design—but more about others—like this scarf-- Goodness knows I have the yarn—I have tons of left over sock yarn! And I love linen stitch, and....

Then again,  this scarf—calls to me. I love every scarf in the book Knitting New Scarves—and this idea for textural double knitting is just wonderful! Wouldn't it be wonderful in a long slow color change yarn? Undulating color and texture!

Then there is Stephen West's spiral scarf—I have made a scarf like this.. and I like his interpretation even better--(but I really don't have the right yarn) but... It still appeals to me. 

Better still, is this Lucy Neatby's scarf –a lattice knit.. or (why can't I find it?) —a spiral knit lattice—more of a cowl than a scarf--A really that is a lovely marriage of Lucy Neatby's scarf and Stephen Wests! Do you know the one I mean? (do you have a link?)

Finally—Instead of speculating about what is too be--a report on what is:  The secret socks are almost done! 6 inches of leg knit, and skeins of yarn that are looking very anemic—I tend to like deep cuffs (inch and half of ribbing!) and I likely have enough for that much ribbing—and not a lot more.

Meanwhile, there is the racket being made by skeins and skeins of sock yarn! Oh dear! Can I ignore them for 2 weeks? Or will I be overwhelmed? I think I need to hide myself in the back room with my sewing machine and sew! To finish up the skirt I am altering, and to get sewing some new stuff!

And saving the best for last—finally another pound has melted away. I hope a bunch more go the same way soon! I was so tired of not losing any weight for weeks and weeks!

Besides, yesterday, as I walked to the subway, I saw a lovely slinky dress –in lovely fuchsia color—which wouldn't be the exact color I want—but I love how it looked. Simple—princess seams, in a lovely silk crepe—almost nothing in terms of style, but a style that really needs a long smooth body (not a fat lumpy one!) I haven't really thought about what to wear for the wedding in October—but seeing this dress gave me ideas!

Later –in the summer, I will make some simple dresses as try outs for style—I don't think I will end up making my dress.. but I am so unsure about what I want.. My daughter has left it open—Jewel/peacock colors are her theme—and I love these shades—but style? I need to start thinking!

Beware the Ides of March

Sound advice, if your name is Caesar-- But it doesn't much matter to me!

Look—inches more added to the yellow scarf. The stitch count per row is shrinking and shrinking—enough so I notice how much faster I can knit a row now. I have a thing to do this afternoon—it will afford me lots of knitting time. By tomorrow another noticeable chunk of the scarf should be done.

The secret socks (pair 3) has been less cooperative. No matter how many rounds I knit, they refuse to move beyond 5 inches of leg. I need at least 6 inches before I start the cuff. Obviously, it will take an eternity of knitting to reach 6 inches.

And while I haven't planted any seeds—Yet--I made a neat pile of sock yarns.   A bunch of 100 g skeins have all divided and caked up—none of it for immediate use—just made ready for when ever.

I prefer to work with 2 50 skeins of yarn—but they do have the disadvantage of not always being set up to have matching stripes.. and sometimes, its takes yards and yards to find matching stripe patterns.

The advantage of dividing a 100g ball, is: it's easy to make sure each little cake of yarn starts at the same place. This means, sometimes, that one cake weighs 47g, and another 52 g—but since I rarely uses all the yarn anyway—a gram or two, here or there doesn't make any difference.

 

I still have MORE 100 gram skeins in my stash—so dividing up skeins is not done—but clearly—I have made some progress!  The second skein of the Lion Brand Sock Ease in Lemon Drop yellow, for 1, and the skein of the blue (that I call Prussian, and they call sno-cone)for another.  

I also took another 100g skein of white sock yarn and made it into a hank--I haven't decided what color it will be.. maybe some soft pastel shaded of blue and taupe and grey  (some of my fabric is stripes of these colors) or maybe something bright and intense--a hot pink or an electric blue--I don't have any clothes in these colors, but....I also don't have any socks in these colors either!

It's All Down Hill

from here. Past the mid point, made a free hand, short row, medallion to turn the corner and I have started the decreases. The first half is just short of 20 inches.. so the final scarf will be about 38 inches along the straight edge. A nice size.

From here on—every row is shorter, and shorter, and each inch faster to work, and soon it will be a scarf. I will need (if the scale is right) about 10gms of the second skein—but that's well under being a problem. I ALWAYS have left over sock yarn—and will have no trouble completing a pair of socks with 90gm. Especially if I add a round or two of solid green stripes at the cuff and at the toe. Or better yet, a round or two of patterned color work using the green.

I have also decided--the tassels I plan for the tips of the scarf—are going to be made from the solid green—the Lion Brand green apple color way that is a perfect “go with” color for some of the darker green stripes in the yellow color way. Then the scarf will be a natural go with yellow and green matching socks. The green yarn is already divided and packed up in sock kit bag—it's not next (to be socks) but soon. It will be easy to pull off some yarn for 2 small tassels.

The secret socks still aren't done (and haven't had a stitch worked on them)

The pink and black skirt I am altering.. still not finished.

But several 100 g skeins of sock yarn have been divide up into 50 g cakes---with more to come, since I haven't done the 4 newest balls of sock yarn, or the prussian blue (Lion Brand calls it sno cone)with beads --which is on my list of socks for this year.  In spite of the fact that is mid month, and I haven't finished the secret sock yet, I am still sock obsessed. I want to start the next pair as soon as finish the scarf—so what if it is not April!

And with all these projects not finished, I went and bought a small tray to start my seed with. 1 to start—but there might be a second. 36 little peat pellets to soak in warm water, and 36 little opportunities to start—Basil, parsley (2 kinds of each) some new chives, sage, oregeno and cilantro. A nice selection for the kitchen window planter. I think I will need a second little kit to start some summer flowers—Not that there seems to be any progress made on the terrace. I know, I know, they are working on 3 buildings, (and each building has 3 sides with terraces, and each building has 15 floors)—And a ton of work can be going on, and NONE OF IT on my terrace!

But the weather has been so lovely, I want to open the terrace door and let in the fresh air. I want the scaffolding down, and all the sun light to pour in. I want all the terrace chairs and tables and planters back out on the terrace—and out of my living room. I want to sit out side and sip my morning coffee and enjoy the view. I want to watch seeds bud and grow, and to have a riot of flowers. All the simple things! Its not too much to ask, is it?

The Count Down--

Still has a way to go-- 40 more posts before I hit the magic number (100,000) –I've done a calendar count—and 5 post a week isn't going to work out.. but 6 posts a week—is slightly too many.

So some days, 1 post, and once in a while 2 post with in a day, Or 1 post on week days, and every other week or so, a bonus post on the weekend.

I'll announce the details of my blog contest some time in mid April—About 2 weeks (and 10 posts) before the big day. The winners (and I am the real winner in any blog contest!) will be announce in May -on the same day as the 100,000 post. 

Progress is being made on the yellow scarf—Last night (by bed time) the skein of yarn weighed 60 grams—and the length was 16 inches—10 more grams of work, then the medallion. After that, I'll start the decreases for second half. As part of the finishing, two tassels will be made and added to the front points. Not a lot over the basic 100 gms—but a little bit of a bonus.

Since then, a few more rows got added today as I waited for my appointment (and on the subway, too and fro) I reached the half way point... and now it get easier—every row is shorter! (photo tomorrow)

Secret sock caught a few rounds, too. 

My appointment went well—I got there at 8:00AM for an 8:20 appointment—I was leaving by 9:30—Not bad. Unfortunately—I got to the subway, paid my fare and found the system shut down—In both directions. I spoke with an MTA employee—the expected Queens bound traffic to open up soon—and less than 15 minutes later, we were on our way. Manhattan bound passengers had a longer delay, and re-routing, with some lines and stations closed.   

SInfull

Positively Sinfull. But how could I resist? Look at these lovely skeins—The Opel tiger stripe yarn is missing a label—but I am sure about it --there was one with a label—it was more expensive.  I was perfectly willing to forgo a label for an even better bargain.

This lovely haul--(all that I bought) set me back $20—A wonderful collection of exciting yarns for $5  for a pair of socks.  Cheaper than Kroy, or Red Heart,  even with the best of sales. While the color ways are old—Do fun self striping yarns like tiger ever get old? I don't think so!

I still didn't get the solid color ways of Kroy that I want. I am going to be very frugal for the next few weeks to justify spending even more money on yet MORE sock yarn.

I belong to a Ravelry group called solid socks—Even though, I so rarely do solid socks. Still I end up looking at all the completed projects and pattern ideas, and think—Oh, I like that! or—Wow, why didn't I think of doing a pattern like that?

Self striping sock yarns are definitely fun—And I really enjoy knitting socks with them. But solid socks—which at first seem simpler, and less interesting,  are a wonderful base for fancy stitch work.

I might at some point grow tired of knitting socks. But I doubt it. They serve my need for process knitting—and have the bonus of being production knitting as well.

These yarns were bought Saturday evening—and what an evening it was.

Last week when I went to the Garage Sale—I was in and out (door to door) in under  2 hours—and I stopped off at another store to pick up some hardware for a home repair project in addition to the yarn sale.

Saturday? It was an outing. Nancy hoofed (OK, she took the bus) to my house. We drove a few blocks to pick up Debbie, and the 3 of us went off  together.

All of us are tight budgets—and we all carefully considered our purchases. (We all spent about $20)--Still I found what I wanted in 10 minutes or so.

Nancy—a relatively new knitter stocked up on needles and notions (and a bit of yarn, too) She took a bit longer, but still came to a decision pretty quick.  Debbie was like a kid in a candy store—she wanted EVERYTHING and flitted about, looking at this, looking at that, pondering this, pondering that—until she finally settled on 4 skeins of sock yarn—after an HOUR of looking at everything.

Then—the adventure continued.   Nancy has lived in Queens for years—and drives—but she's never owned a car in NY. So, since we were all ready in the car, I took her on a tour of one of the prettiest parts of Queen's—Shore Drive in Douglaston—It is breathtakingly pretty—anytime—but there is a special magic to it at night –when all the light reflect on the water.

Debbie—still in her childlike glee wanted to indulge—and we stopped in White Castle (the one on Northern Blvd at Bell Blvd.) I never much ate at White Castle—I don't have memories of fun times--(or of belly aches). I had 1 (yes, just 1) double burger--Plus,  Debbie and I shared an order of sweet potato fries, and fried clams. (And a number of belly bombers were sunk--but not by me). We giggled like school girls. And we entertained (and were entertained by) the teens (and the drunk) hanging out there.

What with the side trip to Douglaston, and the stop at White Castle—it was near midnight by the time I got home! I was exhausted! Not a good start to daylight savings time.

Then, yesterday, (Sunday knitting at the Rego Park Panera's) we entertained Jessica with a recount of all the adventures. She had a prior commitment on Saturday and missed out. So to make her feel better (and to make ME feel better) I gave her some of my stash yarn—2 lovely skeins of Tahki/Stacy Charles wool in a mostly brown blend. 

 It's not quite equity (4 skeins of yarn came into my house, and only 2 went out)but it's better than the alternative (4 balls of yarn  came in and NONE went out!)

Jessica is also a new(ish) knitter—but she is a natural. She's knitting a scarf (brown) —one of her own design and has just learned to do a simple lace (and is thrilled with it!) We talked about another outing—and every one but me is excited about Stitch & Pitch—(This year on June 3^rd/Citifield-Mets stadium). I am not much of sport fan, and less of Met's fan (It's the Yankee's for me!) and even the company of lots of other knitters can't make baseball exciting. 

Debbie (all of us, really) had great fun dividing some of 100 g skeins of sock yarn into 2 cakes (using my ball winder) for knitting 2 socks at time. There is something mesmerizing about winding up yarn, isn't there? It's no wonder I turn to making hanks or skeins of yarn into cakes when ever I lose my knitting mojo.

A bit of progress was made on both the scarf (a inch more perhaps) and the secret socks (another 2 inches of leg)—but that just brings the leg up to 4 inches (of 7) so there still is a ways to go. It's a good design—especially for a beginner, but a bit ho hum for my taste.

The yarn is pretty—but subtle, the pattern mostly stocking knit. Easy to knit—nothing challenging--but slightly boring at the same time. I like a challenge—It's actually hard for me to keep it simple.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow (and may or may not get a post made)--If thing run slow I'll get a lot of knitting done—if they run on schedule, I'll have time to  post (but won't have made too much progress. The appointment is nothing much—just a base line mammogram. And I don't expect anything but a normal report. I regularly do self exams—and there isn't much history of breast problems in the family.  

Took a Break--

Edit—This post is from Saturday—and never got posted.

To enjoy the glorious spring weather. I wonder how real spring will be—what with having such a mild winter? We've had some really cold springs in recent years—some days in May that were 47°--(8°c.)--more like winter!

I got a few round done on secret sock, and I got this scarf started. This was what I was going for when the blue-violet yarn jumped into my hand.

It's a basic, simple garter stitch scarf—with a bit of an edging. The edging isn't exactly what I envisioned, but it a free hand design—and it works. I like the ridged stripe effect. When I get to the midway point, there will be a small medallion to transition to the decrease. The medallion will make it just that much fancier.

It will use slightly over 1 skein—because, I KNOW, I always have left over yarn yarn when I knit socks, and I can 'steal' some from the skein destined to be socks. I'll knit till I have used up half the skein, (by weight) and then add a few more rows.

I also have Lion Brand Sock Ease in the apple green--all ready divided into 2 half skeins, to make a pair of lace (leaf motif) socks. If I run short when making the yellow socks, I can always cheat and finish them with socks with a solid green toe—I might even plan ahead, and add a narrow stripe or two of the solid green in the cuff of the yellow socks as I knit them. It will make an interesting detail, and make a solid green toe look planned. If I end up not needed the green, I can always just add a stripe or two of green just before starting the toe—just—well, because!

The green skeins are already in the line up of my own sock club--(divided, packed into a project bag, a lace pattern picked out)--the yellow socks won't be knit till much later in the year—or maybe even next year.

This little scarf (I wouldn't every call it a shawl) will match several  things I own. I already have some yellow tops, and some skirts with yellow trim—and a yellow sun visor for the summer. And I am thinking about buying a piece of bright yellow cloth—Right now, I am hemming and hawing. Do I want it for clothing? I love yellow, but I find it soils even faster than white!

Still—It's a 60 inch wide twill at $2 a yard, and I think I MUST. For just a few bucks, enough for a skirt. For a few more bucks, enough for a skirt and a jumper. A whopping $10 would buy enough fabric for a set—a jumper, a skirt, and a  jacket... a wardrobe of clothing! Well, maybeI'll buy  just enough for a skirt.

Of course, I shouldn't buy any more fabric till I sew up what I have. And maybe, I shouldn't be thinking about making skirts. They require too much effort to alter--but I am thinking about wrap around skirts!

Something super simple, made with just 1 main pattern piece—doubled. With a center front seam, and pockets that are set in (similar to bound button holes.) At first, the  pockets would bit forward of the “side seam position”,  as I loose more weight, they will move back-towards a side seam position. I might eventually need to alter a wrap around skirt, but with a simply designed skirt, that has just 1 center seam (and the waist band) there would only be 1 seam to undo to alter.

Then again, I think I should stick to jumpers. I took one in last week... and have added darts (long front and back ones) to another jumper so it's not so baggy and shapeless. Another jumper is just about ready to be taken in, too. And I have altered some other skirts--(straight ones) so I have some smaller clothing—including a lovely olive green silk skirt –the yellow scarf will look great with the olive skirt and matching tank top. A bit dressy—but not too fancy for every day. A black and pink print skirts will be done(completely altered) later today. 

I need another jumper pattern—one that is more like a shirt dress.. with buttons or snaps, or maybe even a zipper closure down the front—to add some variety.

And more than anything, I just need to get cutting and sewing! 

Vaginas, (and other body parts) and Politics.

I don't much do politics on this blog.

I don't much do sex on the inter net either.

But I have a checkered past—I have, in days past, actively supported an on line porn site--(a long story for some other day)—it was more about 1^st amendment rights than an interest in porn.

But lately it's hard to avoid both subjects—especially when it seems so much of what passes for political discourse is all about vaginas and uteruses. I used to have a local representative that was interested in both—in a totally different way –he lost his job because of it (My local congress person was Weiner). My current congress person has, like too many of his republican brethren, a totally different interest.

It is distressing when feminism—or the idea that women should be accorded equal rights is equated with fascism. Really! feminazi's? Real fascism is equating responsible behavior (ie, using birth control) with degradation. Defining a responsible, articulate woman as a girl, a co-ed, a slut and whore? That is fascist.

But that been hashed out in the new in all so many negative ways. Nothing more to be said.

But what has become clear, is to many senators and members of congress are suffering a sever case of vagina envy and/or vagina fear One solution? Make sure they have one of their own to play with—and encourage them to keep their hands (and legislation) off yours.

This story is about how you can help do that. —It's such a great story.. It needs more exposure.. Join in and share this link- and join the Ravelry group, too.

Naturally—this answers the rhetorical question I asked in the previous post: What should I knit next? Obviously a cervix or two, along with my secret socks.

And please note—I have a vested interest here—Aside from the most obvious one (ie, I have  a vagina!) Sonya Philip's— is my DIL.

Visit her blog (s) , too, to learn more about this talented fiber artist..

Of course, she's on Ravelry!--as Sonya Philip--where there is a group dedicated to this project—(naturally--there is a group for everything on Ravelry!) —and don't forget to check out her face book page

Speaking of body parts—mine are working better (or so most of the test say)—a good part of yesterdays business involved doctors appointments. Not perfectly, but better. I still have a good half dozen more appointments for more detailed examination of a whole bunch of my parts, (inside (colonoscopy) and outside (a small spot on my skin) but so far, good. 

The scale is working better, too, and it's learned, once again, to display new and different numbers. Finally, I am losing weight again! The doctors scale claimed I lost 2 pound, my home scale, just 1, but any number that is smaller is better than one that remains the same. 

Socks and Such

Busy day yesterday... Violet Blue Multi socks—Done (knit and finished!)

 They are slightly longer than my average sock--which when folded at the heel, has a foot about the same length as leg (these are about 1 inch taller)
The toe is pointed, and the heel turning is also a pointed "handkerchief" one, too.


The ridged ribs make it a nice snug sock--that looks good on LEGS and on my legs, too.

 Secret socks took up most of Monday—they now have heels (a pair of heels) and then some.

Knitting (but totally non blogging!) friends got to see them tonight at Tuesday knitting at Maducatis—All 3 secret socks—and one friend said—Oh I want to make these.. I love this pattern, and another said the same about another pair--(a good pattern for first time sock knitters) and everyone loved (but no one claimed) the third pair. I guess I am on to something—some of my ideas are right on target!

Kimberly loved the Violet Blue socks—she (long, long ago, in pre-Ravelry days) knit a pair of gloves with the same yarn.. Very unsuccessful gloves. Not quite a pair (that is, not quite matching)--but 2 gloves that bore some strange relationship to each other.

I reminder her about my first pair of socks (many, many years ago!) They were argyles. Beautiful argyles. Mostly white, with blue and dark maroon red diamonds. They perfectly match a plaid skirt and my (oh, so popular then) “tennis sweater”. The workmanship was perfect. The socks? Stiff and with out a trace of ease or stretch. The legs were so tight, they wouldn't have fit Olive Oyl's match-stick legs –and she would have never gotten even her big toe into the opening! No human could wear these socks.

The Best part? I knit them on DPN's, one sock at a time. The first one I knit was a fit failure, and the second sock, IDENTICAL. NEITHER sock was wearable. A perfect pair—NOT. They looked lovely, but they weren't functioning socks.

It's easy to look at my socks today, and marvel at my knitting skill—but what you don't see are the failures. And there have been failures! Socks that were siblings (not fraternal twins, no where near being identical twins. Sock knit from the same yarn, but almost nothing matched. Not the cast on, nor the cuffs, or body, or toe or size! I have in my time knit socks with different gauge (that resulted in different sized socks)--and made other monumentally obvious mistakes.

I am a good sock knitter (now) , because I have been such a terrible sock knitter—in the past. I know how to do it right, but only because I've had so much experience doing it wrong, over many years.

So for the next day or two, I will be working on secret socks. And thinking about what to knit next.

I need to look at my list—Everywhere yarn is clamoring to be knit--I have to find some plan!