Oh, Oh, Oh It's Magic

You know.

I had really hoped to have this second snowflake sweater to the armholes by last night but as you can clearly see, I didn't make it. In my defense, I have managed to get 2,697,318 loads of laundry done. I've done several more loads today and am now about ready to go pick the sweater back up. With any luck I'll get it to the armholes and compete the back today. Small goals. That's what I need.

Q: Knitterman asked if I would pick up and knit the sleeves downward or if I would knit them cuff-up and then set them in.

A: I would love to be able to pick up and knit downward but the stitches would then be upside down from those in the body of the sweater. Right? I'm thinking that since there are those damn little white stitches here and there that the direction of the knitting would make a difference. If I'm wrong PLEASE tell me now because I would love nothing more than to not have to set the sleeves in.

Q: Leslie says she's surprised to hear me talk about 2 short circs since I was the one who gave her her first 40" needle.

A: Would everyone please hum the tune to "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" as I respond?

I'd like to buy the world a needle, a 40" circular needle.

I'd like to buy the world a needle and teach it Magic Loop.

That's the song I sing.

Let the world knit today.

He he. ;-)

Leslie dear, I am still crazy, head over heels in love with Magic Loop. The needles I ordered are a US 3 and 7. One for the ribbing and one for the body of the sleeve. I went with the shorter needles instead of one long circ for ML because I'm knitting with acrylic and I just can't stand the way the acrylic grinds across metal needles like nails across a chalkboard. Since I've not found any wooden circulars with a cable that I feel are flexible enough for ML or with a smooth enough join, I resorted to 8" and 9" circs. Not my first choice by any means but it will beat having to knit them flat and seaming them after.

And speaking of flexible cables and smooth joins, be sure to tune in tomorrow when I review the new Kollage square circs.

Could It Be

a vest?

I decided to try my hand at working this sweater in the round instead of in pieces. I've always been somewhat afraid of this because I've heard so many people say that you can be in big trouble when it comes to splitting for the front and back and you have to start working back and forth rather than in the round. So far, so good. Now I'm so excited about working in the round that I've ordered a couple really short circulars so I can knit the sleeves the same way. If they don't arrive in time do you think I could convince the lady who I'm knitting them for that she'd rather have ski vests instead of the ski sweaters she asked for? I didn't think so either.

Happy Thanksgiving

GOBBLE. GOBBLE.

Happy, Happy

Bran and I were married 8 years ago today. Most days it feels like yesterday. Very seldom does it feel like more. I guess that what makes it work so well. That and the fact that I only occassionally want to kill him while he sleeps. ;-)

Happy anniversary honey! You still rock my world!

Road Trip

The boys won the game again this weekend so we're off to Kingston!!!

If they win there we go all the way to the Carrier Dome in Syracuse for the state championship. Keep your fingers crossed!

Tra La La

Trellis. Done and delivered. The color is accurate in the close up. I hope they like it as much as I do.

Twenty (four) Questions

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I love natural fibers. Acrylic makes my teeth hurt but I've been known to use it for some of my kids knits when I know the item will be going to someone who might not be inclined to hand wash. I think anyone who willingly knits with fun fur or any other overdone novelty yarn should be forced to wear a patchwork poncho knit from them for the rest of their life. Sock yarns tend to be my favorites (Socks That Rock kicks ass!) but I also love wools (the newer superwash wools are awesome) in varying weights with the exception of bulky and worsted weight tends to be the heaviest I normally knit with. I also adore laceweight in solid and heathered shades.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

I have a binder with all of my older and cheaper circulars. My Addi Turbo needles are in their own separate quilted case as are my straights. My crochet hooks are in a leather zippered case.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I've been knitting for close to 20 years now. I taught myself by watching the "Keeping You In Stitches" video I bought at a department store. I'd say I'm probably close to advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

I have a list at The Loopy Ewe.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Cinnamon.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

I love Green & Black milk chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I crochet and cross stitch but not nearly as much as I knit. I don't spin yet. I wanted to learn but my desire isn't as strong as I thought as I've not been able to stick with it.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I love country and 80's rock.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

My favorite color is blue. I like most other colors with the exception of some browns.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

I live with my 3 amazing kids, ages 17, 13, and 5. My wonderful hubby and I will celebrate our 8th anniversary on November 25th. We have a Shih Tzu and cat who are both almost 4 and a 15 month old black lab.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I would wear mittens if I had them. I don't wear scarves or hats. I'm only 4' 11" so ponchos just look absolutely ridiculous on me but I also think they look absolutely ridiculous on most everybody.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

Socks.

13. What are you knitting right now?

Socks. Sweaters. Hats. Mittens. Afghans.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Absolutely.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I love circulars. My favorites used to be Addi Turbos but I've really taken a shine to the metal HiYa HiYa needles. When I knit with acrylic I much prefer wood.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

Both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

It's so old that I can't remember how old it is.

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?

My favorite holiday is Halloween. We celebrate Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Yarn. Patterns. Needles.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

I'm dying to get my hands on some Wollmeise. I have a subscription to Interweave Knits.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Mobius.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

Yes. My foot measures 9.25" long.

23. When is your birthday?

April 16th.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?

I am and kerryknits is my ID.

Bran & I Did It

Right in our town hall.