Bangle House

Back on Track

Okay, I took a little vacation from knitting and blogging because I just wasn't feeling it, but now I'm back.  To try to get myself a little more enthusiastic about my knitting, I cast on a number of projects, hoping that one of them would grab me. Here's what I've got going.

Plain ol' 3x1 ribbed socks using Zitron Life Style.

Meh.

A Debbie Bliss baby dress using DB Rialto, which I fear I'll have to frog because the bottom garter-stitch hem is curling up, and I don't think that can be blocked out. 

Yarn substitutions--not always all they're cracked up to be.

Simple stole, the Heartland Shawl, from Folk Shawls, using a bunch of Koigu I bought on sale years ago. 

This will be quite a long-term project and is inspired by all the baby blankets I've made of Koigu for other people which, upon feeling the slinkiness after blocking, I always wish I could keep for myself.  It's kind of a big baby blanket for the big baby of this house--me.

And, finally, another long-term project:  a girly log-cabin blanket made of Rowan Summer Tweed.  I've loved the colors and texture of this yarn for years but could never figure out what I wanted to do with it.  Then the idea of a log cabin blanket hit me, and I think it's going to turn out great.

My only concern is that the two shades of medium-dark purple are so similar.  The problem is that the three shades tht I've used are the only shades of purple in the ST palette, so I think I'm stuck.  I could ditch one of them and go for a neutral on the outer purple edge, but I'm not too crazy about that idea.  There's also a red berry shade that I might be able use in the middle, bumping the middle winey square to the purple side and going from there, but I think that would upset the pink/purple balance.  I'll probably just stick with the similar purples, which look more distinct up close than they do from a distance.

Opinions, anyone?

One More Down!

Four to go!  WIPs, that is.  A week-long cold forced me to sit down and finally finish the embroidery on the ruched blanket.  Here's how it turned out.

All right, so it's not quite as photogenic as it is a tactile pleasure.  Try to imagine how soft and snuggly it is.

Gotta admit that precision-queen me knocked myself out when it came to getting the X's exactly right.  Each of the 19 rows took about 35-40 minutes, but it was worth it in the end.

I love it.  I even wrapped it around myself the other night -- a chilly one -- when I took the dogs out one final time before going to bed.  I'm telling you, if you can get hold of some Rowanspun and make yourself something cuddly with it, do it!  I wish Rowan hadn't discontinued this yarn.

On other fronts, I've made some progress on the Welsh Stocking.

I was a little worried about how the decreases would work out, but I tried it on and was astonished by how well it fit.  Knitting the slightly heavy fingering on 0's isn't a picnic, but the resulting fabric is worth it.  The problem is that I can't go too long on these needles without suffering, so I've also cast on some Cashmerino Aran for a watch cap for my husband. 

It's really something to see, isn't it?  Here, maybe it looks a little better if I fold up the cuff.

Then again. . .

The size 8 needles are quite a relief after the 0's, so I alternate the two every hour or so, or every other time I pick up my knitting, if I'm not spending extended periods knitting in front of the TV. 

The classic ribbed hat pattern is a freebie from the Frugal Knitting Haus website.  I'll finish it up in a day or two, at which time I'll have to figure out what else I can do to give my hands a break.  Perhaps it's time to finally learn how to stitch those granny squares together.

One down, one soon to follow

Yes, I do work on lingering WIPs every now and then.  I finally blocked the Shoalwater Shawl.  It feels great and is knit well, but it's not exactly inspiring me to come up with great photos.  Draping it over a chair is pretty much all I could come up with.

Another angle.

That stripe just screams at you , doesn't it?  I wish I'd at least thought to use it at the edge.  What I really wish is that the whole shawl were that vibrant.  That skein definitely had the best color.

The next longstanding WIP I'm plugging away at is the Ruched Throw.  All I have left is embroidering little "X"'s across alternating rows.  It's tedious and each row takes about 40 minutes, but the result is definitely worth it.  I'm making myself do one row a day in hopes of having it done in a month or so.

It gives the blanket a more finished, cozy, and well-crafted look.  If it looks crazy soft, it's because it is.  After taking it on a couple of test runs, I'm pleased to report that it naps well.  Soft against the skin and just enough weight for summer.  I love Rowanspun and really wish Rowan hadn't discontinued it.  If anyone finds similar yarn elsewhere, please let me know.

And now for a quick public service reminder:  Please make sure that your computer is heavily protected against viruses, spyware, and other malware.  I've spent the better part of the week dealing with getting rid of a Google Hijacking bug, and it hasn't been fun.  In the meantime, I've learned lots about computer security, including the fact that despite thinking I was protected, I was terribly exposed.  Make sure you have antivirus protection (one good program is what you need, although it probably won't catch everything), spyware protection (different programs protect differently -- choose several that complement each other), a good firewall (an external router alone is NOT enough!), and that you regularly download Microsoft updates and service packs if you're using MS products.

Also, you used to be able to get a feeling of security using Firefox as a web browser instead of Explorer.  Well, those days are over.  The hackers have moved on and hit Firefox now too.  Right now I'm using Apple's browser, Safari, since the other two browsers have been more or less disabled by the bug.  In all my research on the Google Hijacking virus, it seems that Safari has pretty much been untouched -- for now. 

I'm working with someone to get rid of this virus, and I'm confident that we'll do it.  However, as I've been installing deeper and deeper of levels of protection and scanning more and more, I've been surprised at all the stuff that was detected and killed that I never knew was sitting there.  As I've learned, software alone cannot take care of things all by itself -- you need to be vigilant too. 

Finished objects

Progress has been made the past week and a half!

First, the Ostrich Plume baby blanket using Smooshy is completed, and it looks and feels great.

A close-up of the stitch pattern:

Kiki likes it!

Folded up and ready to go.

I also wrapped up the first pair of this month's orange socks.  It's a hybrid of the Gentleman's Fancy Sock (stitch pattern) and Mim's Simple Trekking socks (heels and toes).

They're ever-so-slightly loose, so I'll give them a good machine wash so that they'll felt slightly and get a bit snugger.  Trekking's good for that.

One more thing -- if our current economic crisis worries and confuses you, I recommend reading this entry from the Freakonomics blog on the New York Times website.  It's a little dense in places, but by the time you're done reading, you'll have a pretty good idea of what's going.  It will also guide you to supplemental reading, should you need a little knowledge boost when it comes to certain topics.

Tomorrow, an update on a few longstanding WIPs.

Plodding Along

As summer is wrapping up, not much is happening over here.  I've made progress on the baby blanket and am about two-thirds done.

And I've managed to complete one of the Gentleman's Fancy socks, which more or less morphed into the Simple Trekking socks when it came time to make the heel and the toe.

Other than that, I'm reading The Millionaire Next Door, which was published about 12 years ago.  Even so, there's plenty to be gained as far as wealth building (investing, budgeting, and decreasing consumption) is concerned; and I could always use help in those areas.  It's a quick read and can be picked up in libraries or very cheaply as a used copy online; so if you think you this book might benefit you, go for it.  I wish I'd had some of this advice about 15 years ago.

Hey, just got back from looking at the new Knitty, and it might be the best issue ever.  All four pairs of socks are fantastic; I can't wait to make the baby blanket, although I might make a large one for myself first; and there are even a couple of sweaters I'd think about making.  Go take a look now!

Not much but knittin'

That's about all I've been doing.

First up is the second of the two baby blankets I'd assigned myself for the summer.  It's the Ostrich Plume Lace Throw from Vogue Knitting on the Go:  Baby Blankets, knit using Dream in Color Smooshy "Some Summer Sky."  I'm almost halfway done.

I love this pattern.  I've made it once before using Dale's Baby Ull, and it looks so beautiful and so impressive when it's done.  What you might not guess is that it's the easiest baby blanket I've made.  By the second lace repeat, I've memorized the 4-row pattern, probably because the lace pattern itself is so intuitive.  It's so nice that I don't need a row counter and can pick it up and put it down without even thinking about where I am.  I love knitting this blanket, and I'm sure it will be done in no time.  One day I'll have to make a larger version in a slightly heavier yarn for myself.

Look at this!

It shouldn't surprise you that I'm also knitting socks.  I've joined two sock-along groups on Ravelry, Sock Knitters Anonymous and Solid Socks, and both are knitting orange socks this month.  This is my first sock of the month, the Gentleman's Fancy Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks. 

I've modified it in that I cast on 72 stitches and will not be making the sock as long as the pattern suggests.  Because of this, I'll be foregoing the decreases.  I'll probably make the sock again someday using sock yarn with more yardage, knitting it as directed by the pattern so that I can check out the decreases.  In the meantime, these socks will be just fine as they're quite similar to the pattern I usually use with Trekking ombre.

Catchin' up

It's been a while since I've been able to stop by here to post, and now I've got lots to show you.

First of all, I've finished up the Estonian Lullaby Baby Blanket.

The Dream in Color worked perfectly.  There was no pooling, and the blanket blocked out very well, even on the points.

Now she's all folded up and ready to be shipped out with the sweater later today.

Speaking of pooling, check out these socks I quickly cranked out.

Why so fast?  Well, this yarn was a complete impulse buy, inspired by the fact that in skein form, it looked just like a bag of foil-wrapped Hershey's Easter Eggs.  I just couldn't resist.  I decided that if I knit it up right away, I'd feel a little less guilty about buying yarn I clearly didn't need.  I knew it would pool (and you all know how I feel about pooling), but I was ready to accept that and I still don't mind. 

The yarn is Colinette's Jitterbug in "Sweet Dreams," and I really like it.  It's a little thicker than the fingering weights I'm used to using, or perhaps it just seems that way since it's spun very tightly, almost like a cord.  My only complaint echoes that of most others who have used the yarn:  At 320 yards, the yardage is a little short for most patterns. 

I made the ballband socks because I didn't want to put a lot of effort into socks that would pool.  It worked out well since I enjoyed watching the colors change.  I bought another skein -- this one a semisolid -- and have more ambitious plans for that.

Oh,  yes, one final thing.  I finished up the Simple Trekking Socks, and as always, they turned out perfectly. 

They look good and fit well.  You just can't miss with this pattern.

The finish line is in sight

Blocking,

blocking,

and more blocking.

Baby blanket as far as the eye can see.

Bee-on-bee violence

Anyone got any idea of what's going on here?

In the mini insect wilderness that is my front yard, I was startled to see a large, slightly hirsute bee taking out one of the yard's treasured honey bees. 

Tempted as I was to put a stop to this murder, I didn't interfere because, one, the honey bee appears to have already cashed in his chips; two, I prefer to leave the natural world alone whenever possible in the hopes that the natural world will return the favor to me; and, three, when I know absolutely nothing about the nature of a predatory animal, even an insect, I prefer not to antagonize it.

I've been all over the Internet and can't find anything about what covert wars may be going on in my yard when bees kill bees.  I have to go to the garden center this weekend to see if there's anything to be done about a stink bug infestation (manifesting itself in the form of a stink bug orgy) going on elsewhere in the yard; so I'll ask them about this too.

I hope this has nothing to do with the fact that a swarm of honey bees is set on building a hive in one of my small trees.  I've been trying to discourage this by cutting the branches they've starting making combs on, and so far it's worked.  I'm more than happy to have the bees visit the yard during the day, taking whatever pollen they need, but I can't have them nesting in this tree as it's right next to two pathways that are frequented by parents pushing strollers and people walking dogs.  Sorry, bees, but I'd advise you to nest a few block away by the river and just stop by my place for a snack.

In other news, I finally finished the baby sweater. 

 
I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and -- guess what? -- I even enjoyed seaming the sides.  Stockinette to stockinette seaming = fun.  Seaming the undersides of the sleeves -- not so much. 

At least it's all done now.  I've also completed knitting the baby blanket.  Here's the crumpled mess that it is today.

Look!  No pooling, streaking or flashing.  Thank you, Dream in Color!

I'll start the blocking as soon as I'm done with this post. 

All of this baby knitting has made me crazy for some relaxing, quick sock knitting; so I started these a few days ago.

Mim's Simple Trekking Socks using a nice, dark denimy shade of ombre Trekking.  Love the pattern, LOVE the yarn -- these will be worn often.

Will return to the WIP-down once these guys are done.

Procrastinatrix

Ugh, what is it with my mental block about seaming?  Why do I have such a bad attitude towards it? 

Here's where I am:

I've joined the shoulders and attached the sleeves.  All I need to do is sew the sleeves together and then do the sides.  The plan is to complete the sleeves on Saturday and the sides on Sunday.  There really is no excuse not to have this done.  I've already bought the buttons and everything.

It's not even that seaming is that hard.  Once I've plotted my course, easily done thanks to Nancie Wiseman in The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques, I just cruise along, keeping on eye on tension more than anything else.  I need to start working on a major attitude adjustment.

In the meantime, I always have a good attitude towards actual knitting and have done quite a bit on the baby blanket.

I've only 16 rows left; so I'll definitely be done knitting this weekend.  After that, it's blocking, packing, and shipping.

Overall, I'm really happy with the way this has turned out.  The Dream in Color is nicely variegated and the yarn looks good with this pattern although I have to hope that the parents are on the same page as I am colorwise.  It's their second child; so I'm hoping they're over the whole "baby = pastels" thing.  The mom has never struck me as being afraid of color; and she's a knitter, as is her mother, so I'm sure they're making plenty of pastel items, if that's what they want.

The only thing that concerns me a little is the weight of the yarn and the effect this might have on the lace points on each end.  The first time I made this blanket I used Dale of Norway Baby Ull, which is a bit lighter weight than the Smooshy.  Here's what the points look like now:

I'm thinking I'm going to have to block this thing pretty hard in order to get the points to stick.  Even if they don't stick as well as they did with the Baby Ull, I just hope that they don't end up curling instead.  Grrr, I guess that's what swatching is for.

On the container gardening front, I'm finally getting to pick my ananas noire (black pineapple) and noire charbonneuse tomatoes.  Wow -- talk about worth the wait!  They are delicious, especially the black pineapple.  Here's the first one I picked:

I'd always thought that the regular pineapple tomatoes I'd buy at the farmers' market were good, but these are even better.  I was expecting something so large to be a little flavorless, like the Pruden's Purple were.  Not at all -- slightly winey, wonderfully fruity, and delicious overall.  I will definitely be growing these again.  Fortunately, I haven't had problems with their being too heavy for the vine because I never got around to staking them (Procrastinatrix, remember?).  I've let them crawl along the container and trail over some other empty pots I've put around it, and that seems to be working just fine. 

They're so good that I don't even bother with the olive oil, herbs, and feta.  I just slice them up and grab a fork -- you know, I think I'll go do that right now.